Metre

Abstract: An automated multi-purpose utility water meter readout system. The disclosed system obtains water usage information from an existing water meter without any modifications or attachments to the meter. The device needs only to be located in proximity to the water meter and obtains water flow information by sensing the magnetic flux lines generated by the internal rotating coupling magnets of the water meter. The varying magnetic flux is converted to a periodic electrical signal whose frequency is proportional to the flow rate. The instantaneous flow is continually totalized and stored in a solid-state counter, from which the totalized flow information is periodically transmitted to a remote receiver by a standard, well-proven radio frequency telemetry link. The remote receiver stores data from multiple meters (up to 10,000) and periodically sends the data to the data processing office by means of telephone lines, CATV cable, or RF link. As an option, the system offers a feature that can provide direct benefits to the water user, i.e. an interface unit located in the user's residence receives water use data from the meter and displays this data to aid in water conservation and provide warnings of water leaks. The disclosed system is optionally powered by a novel solid-state thermoelectric generator which converts ambient thermal energy to electrical energy and provides an operational life that far exceeds the economic life of the device.

Abstract: The problem of how to meter oil - water - gas mixtures has been a significant one in the oil industry since the early 1980s. Since then, considerable research has been conducted into the development of a three-phase flowmeter suitable for use in an offshore environment. This work discusses why three-phase flow measurement is important, the principal strategies and technologies which may be used to meter three-phase flows, and reviews the status of some currently available solutions.

Abstract: A data processor type utility meter for electricity, and/or water, gas and therms, is provided with a display which successively displays any or all of the following: (1) the meter serial number, (2) cumulative kilowatt hours, (3) present kilowatts being used, (4) current cost or remaining credit in dollars for utility servies used, (5) "Time of Use" hours and rates, (6) power phase angle, (7) maximum power drawn (or "Demand") during predetermined intervals, (8) clock and calendar, (9) water usage/cost, (10) gas usage/cost, (11) load profiles, (12) a power diversion detection indication, and (13) power co-generation data. The system includes a basic meter unit having a 16 digit alphanumeric display, a CPU, and associated solid state circuitry, which may be mounted on the outside of a house or building in the conventional meter location. Alternatively, the meter unit may be pole mounted or buried. Power line carrier is provided to communicate with external equipment, including a remote display unit inside the user's home or other building to permit convenient viewing of the displayed information. A meter reader/programmer can access and retrieve or modify information in the basic meter unit using power line carrier or optical (infrared) coupling; and credit card payment arrangements are included in the card reader of the remote inside display unit. The voltage and current is sampled 1024 times per second or about 16.67 times during each power cycle to provide an accurate indication of power drawn. Inputs from other utilities are supplied from suitable sensors or computed from sample rate data. Special analog-to-digital circuit control and sensing arrangements provide full utilization of the digital circuitry and lead to an economical complete system.

Abstract: The sensing of gravity has emerged as a tool in geophysics applications such as engineering and climate research1-3, including the monitoring of temporal variations in aquifers4 and geodesy5. However, it is impractical to use gravity cartography to resolve metre-scale underground features because of the long measurement times needed for the removal of vibrational noise6. Here we overcome this limitation by realizing a practical quantum gravity gradient sensor. Our design suppresses the effects of micro-seismic and laser noise, thermal and magnetic field variations, and instrument tilt. The instrument achieves a statistical uncertainty of 20 E (1 E = 10-9 s-2) and is used to perform a 0.5-metre-spatial-resolution survey across an 8.5-metre-long line, detecting a 2-metre tunnel with a signal-to-noise ratio of 8. Using a Bayesian inference method, we determine the centre to ±0.19 metres horizontally and the centre depth as (1.89 -0.59/+2.3) metres. The removal of vibrational noise enables improvements in instrument performance to directly translate into reduced measurement time in mapping. The sensor parameters are compatible with applications in mapping aquifers and evaluating impacts on the water table7, archaeology8-11, determination of soil properties12 and water content13, and reducing the risk of unforeseen ground conditions in the construction of critical energy, transport and utilities infrastructure14, providing a new window into the underground.