Gas flow computer

Abstract: The mass flow controller of the present invention includes a sensor. This sensor is used to detect a mass flow within a gas line. Additionally, this sensor provides an output to an electronic control system coupled to the sensor. The electronic control system will determine an expected mass flow based on the output of the sensor. The electronic control system will adjust a control valve with a control signal to regulate a first gas flow through the control valve.

Abstract: An automatically actuated regulation system for a natural gas pipeline having flow control unit, a vibration sensor, a gas flow meter, a trigger unit, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor actuates the flow control unit when two conditions are met. First, there must be a vibration which surpasses a predetermined threshold. Second, flow in the natural gas pipeline must have increased over the flow rate before the vibration. The system can be configured to store gas usage data and, in one embodiment, transmit the data to another location through the use of a modem or other communication means.

Abstract: An electronic compact gas meter includes a solid state flow sensor for sensing gas flow rate, data acquisition circuits including an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the sensor for controlling same and providing an output indicative of gas flow, and a digital data processor for receiving the gas flow information from the analog-to-digital converter, processing the information and registering the volumetric gas flow reading at the meter and/or transmitting the volume flow information via RF or telephone communication lines to a remote location.

Abstract: A variable flow hydraulic system including a fixed displacement pump and a variable displacement pump for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid in a machine is disclosed herein. Along with the dual pumps, the system includes a reservoir, a flow sensitive unloading valve, and a conduit system for distributing fluid flow between the system components. The reservoir stores fluid for use in a work circuit with an actuator for performing work in response to applied fluid flow. The fixed and variable displacement pumps are driven by a power source (e.g., an engine) to provide a fixed and a variable fluid flow, respectively. The variable flow is applied to the work circuit. As for the fixed flow, the unloading valve switches the fixed flow to either bypass or be applied to the work circuit in response to a flow signal, which depends upon the fluid flow being applied to the work circuit. The flow signal can be a differential pressure signal generated as the flow applied to the work circuit passes through a restriction in the conduit which supplies fluid flow to the work circuit. As the fixed flow is switched to and bypassed from the work circuit, the inherent flow compensation characteristics of the variable displacement pump provide for smooth, accurate, responsive and efficient machine operation.