Abstrict A flow meter strut assembly includes a strut portion having a first
end plate, a second end plate, a longitudinally adjustable flow
meter support structure between the first and second end plates,
and curved mounting surfaces formed on outer surfaces of each of
the first and second end plates of the strut portion. At least one
flow meter is adjustably mounted on the flow meter support structure.
The flow meter support structure is adjustable longitudinally by
a turnbuckle assembly connected between the flow meter support structure
and the second end plate.
Claims What is claimed is:
1. A flow meter strut assembly for mounting a flow meter comprising:
a first end plate having a mounting surface formed on an outer surface
thereof; a second end plate having a mounting surface formed on
an outer surface thereof; a flow meter support structure joined
between said first end plate and said second end plate, said flow
meter support structure being longitudinally adjustable; and a flow
meter support bracket slidably positioned on said flow meter support
structure, said flow meter support bracket being positionable at
varying positions on said flow meter support structure and providing
a location for mounting a flow meter thereon.
2. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein said flow meter support
structure comprises: at least two flow meter shafts, each flow meter
shaft having a first end connected to the first end plate and a
second end; and at least one longitudinal adjustment assembly joined
to said flow meter shaft second ends and to said second end plate,
said longitudinal adjustment assembly being adjustable to various
lengths for mounting said flow meter strut in a structure.
3. The assembly according to claim 2 wherein said longitudinal
adjustment assembly comprises: a shaft nut fixed on said flow meter
shaft second end; a turnbuckle bolt having a right hand threaded
section, a tightening section, and a left hand threaded section
with one of said right and left hand threaded sections being threadably
joined in said shaft nut; and a threaded shaft base joined to said
second end plate, said threaded shaft base being threaded for receiving
the other of said right and left hand threaded sections of said
turnbuckle bolt.
4. The assembly according to claim 3 wherein said flow meter support
bracket comprises: a flow guide having a flow meter port and a flow
entry port, said flow meter port being joinable to said flow meter
and said flow entry port being positionable to receive a fluid flow;
and a mount joined to said flow guide and slidably positioned between
said at least two flow meter shafts.
5. The assembly according to claim 4 wherein said mount comprises:
a first half bracket having flat end portions at either end and
an arcuate center portion conforming with the flow guide, said flat
end portions each having a shaft aperture extending therethrough;
a second half bracket having flat end portions at either end and
an arcuate center portion conforming with the flow guide, said flat
end portions each having a shaft aperture extending therethrough;
and a bracket fastener joining said first half bracket to said second
half bracket and to each said shaft extending through said shaft
apertures, said flow guide being held between said first half bracket
and said second half bracket at said arcuate center portions.
6. The assembly according to claim 5 wherein: said flow guide has
a pin extending therefrom; and said first half bracket has a pin
aperture formed in said arcuate center portion, said flow guide
pin extending through said pin aperture and preventing said flow
guide from sliding through said first half bracket and said second
half bracket.
7. A flow meter strut assembly for mounting a flow meter comprising:
a first end plate having a mounting surface formed on an outer surface
thereof; a second end plate having a mounting surface formed on
an outer surface thereof; at least two flow meter shafts, each flow
meter shaft having a firs t end connected to the first end plate
and a second end; a shaft nut fixed on each said flow meter shaft
second end; a turnbuckle bolt for each flow meter shaft having a
right hand threaded section, a tightening section, and a left hand
threaded section with one of said right and left hand threaded sections
being threadably joined in said shaft nut; a threaded shaft base
for each flow meter shaft joined to said second end plate, said
threaded shaft base being threaded for receiving the other of said
right and left hand threaded sections of said turnbuckle bolt; and
a flow meter support bracket slidably positioned on said flow meter
shafts, said flow meter support bracket being positionable at varying
positions on said flow meter shafts and providing a location for
mounting a flow meter thereon.
8. The assembly according to claim 7 wherein said flow meter support
bracket comprises: a flow guide having a flow meter port and a flow
entry port, said flow meter port being joinable to said flow meter
and said flow entry port being positionable to receive a fluid flow,
said flow guide transferring said received fluid flow to said flow
meter port; a first half bracket having flat end portions at either
end and an arcuate center portion conforming with the flow guide,
said flat end portions each having a shaft aperture extending therethrough;
a second half bracket having flat end portions at either end and
an arcuate center portion conforming with the flow guide, said flat
end portions each having a shaft aperture extending therethrough;
and a bracket fastener joining said first half bracket to said second
half bracket and to each said shaft extending through said shaft
apertures, said flow guide being held between said first half bracket
and said second half bracket at said arcuate center portions.
Description BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] (1) Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention generally relates to a flow meter strut.
[0004] More particularly, the invention relates to a flow meter
strut having multiple flow meters mounted at different vertical
locations on the strut.
[0005] (2) Description of the Prior Art
[0006] Currently with large piping systems, such as submarine launcher
systems, it is difficult to measure velocity profiles and the corresponding
volumetric flow rates during water slug firings due to the difficulty
in modifying the ship board hardware to fix existing flow meter
designs. Mounting a series of existing flow/velocity meters within
the existing piping systems without modifying high pressure boundaries
will greatly simplify the work required to get actual shipboard
measurements. To date, only velocity and flow measurements made
in controlled shore based facilities have been attainable using
instruments that mount on the external surface of the pipes. This
instrument will allow for shipboard measurement of the transient
velocity and flow distributions within the torpedo tube launching
system. Thus, a problem exists in the art whereby it is necessary
to mount plural flow meters within a piping system without altering
the piping system and enabling the use of known flow meters, particularly
in a shipboard environment.
[0007] The following patents, for example, disclose various types
of flow meters and their insertion into pipes, but do not disclose
a flow meter strut assembly as described by the present invention.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 2714819 to Clark;
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3748901 to DeBaun;
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 3751982 to Lambert;
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 3981193 to Goulet;
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4154100 to Harbaugh et al.;
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4562745 to Parra;
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4696194 to Taylor;
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5817950 to Wiklund et al.;
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6012340 to Pounder et al.; and
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 6109116 to Pelczynski.
[0018] Specifically, Clark discloses a fluid velocity measuring
instrument having a plurality of means positioned in the path of
fluid flow each adapted to transmit pressure as a function of the
velocity of fluid flow thereat; means for averaging the velocity
of the flow comprising a plurality of containers having liquid therein
at a common liquid level, with each of the containers being connected
to a different one of the pressures and thereby to displace liquid
from the containers, with each container being shaped to cause the
displacement of liquid therefrom in volumes which are a power of
the pressures transmitted thereto; a receptacle in liquid communication
with each of the containers to receive liquid in a volume equal
to the total amount of liquid so displaced; means for vertically
adjusting the receptacle; and indexing means associated with the
receptacle and the containers to provide a reference for adjusting
the receptacle to equalize the level of the liquid in the containers
and the receptacle before and in the receptacle after liquid is
displaced from the containers by the pressure.
[0019] The patent to DeBaun discloses an air balancing hood for
collecting air discharged to the atmosphere from air diffusers,
grilles, etc., such as those used in typical heating, ventilation
and air-conditioning systems, in a convergent collection chamber
which terminates in an air-straightening neck of known cross-section
to eliminate turbulence and thereby achieve substantially laminar
air flow for delivery to flow measuring instrumentation. The volume
of air passing through the diffuser is directly measured by total
pressure measuring means assembled to the hood and calibrated in
flow rate units.
[0020] Lambert discloses a fluid flow meter head for installation
in a duct to measure the fluid flow therein and thereafter to control
the fluid flow rate therein, and includes an elongated hollow tubular
member mounted in the flow of fluid in the duct, the member having
spaced walls extending rearwardly therefrom to create a low pressure
space therebetween, a central wall therein dividing the hollow member
into two separate chambers, a series of axially spaced openings
in the member facing the flow of fluid and opening into one of the
chambers to provide a total pressure sensing chamber, a series of
spaced openings in the member facing across the flow of fluid and
opening to the second chamber to provide a static pressure sensing
chamber, and fluid connecting means from each chamber to a means
for measuring differential pressure to provide an indication for
the air flow and to control the air flow rate.
[0021] Goulet discloses an apparatus for permanent installation
in a heating or air conditioning duct to sense total and static
pressure of air flowing therethrough. Plural manifolds are arranged
within the duct to sense total pressure at a number of selected
locations in a transverse plane of the duct. The plurality of manifolds
communicates with a connecting manifold either directly or through
sensing tubes arranged axially within the manifold tubes. Static
pressure is also sensed at a plurality of preselected locations
in the duct and communicated to at least one additional manifold
tube arranged within the duct. Total and static pressure are communicated
through single openings in the duct wall for attachment exteriorly
thereof to an appropriate measuring instrument.
[0022] The patent to Harbaugh et al. discloses a method for stabilizing
the pressure sensed by the downstream-facing port of a pitot tube
type flow meter over a broad flow range, thereby providing a stable
and repeatable flow coefficient. The invention comprises localizing
the areas of boundary layer separation across deflecting surfaces
located upstream of the port by sharply contouring the edges thereof
and directing the flowing stream there across, and preventing reattachment
of the boundary layer by positioning and contouring the surfaces
containing the port downstream of the sharply contoured edges so
as to continuously lie within the wake of the fluid flowing around
the latter over a broad range of flow rates. The invention also
encompasses the improved averaging pitot-type flow meter characterized
by flow deflecting means having sharply contoured edges on both
sides thereof effective to fix the location at which boundary layer
separation occurs over a broad range of laminar and turbulent flow
conditions, an upstream-facing impact surface shaped to direct the
flowing fluid across the sharply contoured edges, and a downstream
pressure so contoured and positioned relative to the sharply contoured
edges as to cooperate there within preventing reattachment of the
boundary layer under varying flow conditions.
[0023] Parra discloses a flow meter for insertion in a fluid conduit,
the flow meter comprising a tubular member for the passage there
through of a fluid which flows through the conduit and whose flow
rate is to be measured; a bluff body which is mounted in the tubular
member so as to produce in the fluid oscillations whose frequency
varies with the flow rate; sensor means responsive to the fluid
oscillations for indicating the flow rate, and vortex reducing means
for reducing the separation of vortices from the tubular external
surface of the tubular member.
[0024] The patent to Taylor discloses a sensing probe for use in
determining fluid flow rates along a duct and comprises a probe
pipe mounted within a wall of the duct to extend there across. Plural
total pressure orifices are provided through the probe wall, to
face fluid flow, and a single static pressure opening is provided
on the downstream side of the probe. An averaging tube is mounted
within the pipe and has two openings suitably disposed with respect
to the duct axis so that the pressure within the averaging tube
closely approximates to the average total pressure of the flow rate
determination. The static pressure orifice communicates with a further
tube within the pipe, to allow sensing of a pressure directly related
to the actual static pressure.
[0025] Wiklund et al. discloses a transmitter in a process control
system for measuring flow rate. The transmitter measures total pressure
and differential pressure of process fluid flowing through a process
pipe. The static pressure is determined based upon the total pressure.
The calculated static pressure is used to determine the fluid density
and the gas expansion factor of the process fluid flowing in the
pipe. This information is used to calculate flow rate of the process
fluid.
[0026] Pounder discloses an insertion-type fluid flow meter for
measuring the flow rate of a fluid flowing through a conduit, wherein
the flow meter incorporates a strut-mounted rotor having just one
or two blades such that it can rotate through a circular area of
diameter substantially larger than the maximum dimension of an opening
in the conduit wall through which the strut extends. This minimizes
the size of the opening, which simplifies its sealing. In addition,
the support and the strut are configured such that the strut is
releasably secured to the support by a snap fit, to facilitate a
convenient replacement of the strut and attached rotor as the need
might arise. The flow meter further incorporates a special set of
ring-shaped spacers, to facilitate a convenient adjustment of the
distance by which the strut projects into the conduit.
[0027] Pelczynski discloses a method and apparatus for use in installing
a through-the-wall sensing device in a laboratory fume hood. The
apparatus includes a sample tube with an outlet and a plurality
of apertures and the tube is interconnected to an anemometer. The
method includes placing the outlet in a number of positions inside
of the fume hood to simulate a sidewall adapter for a through-the-wall
sensing device in order to locate an optimum position for a through-the-wall
sensing device. The method also includes fixing the sample tube
in a number of positions within the fume hood while variably covering
some of the apertures to simulate numerous locations and configurations
for an averaging tube used with a through-the-wall sensing device.
Therefore, an optimum location and configuration for an averaging
tube can be readily determined.
[0028] It should be understood that the present invention would
in fact enhance the functionality of the above patents by providing
a flow meter strut assembly which is entirely housed within a piping
system, is adjustable to fit an inner diameter of any piping system,
and incorporates known flow meter instruments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Therefore it is an object of this invention to provide a
longitudinally adjustable flow meter strut assembly.
[0030] Another object of this invention is to provide a longitudinally
adjustable flow meter strut assembly and utilize known flow meter
instruments therewith.
[0031] Still another object of this invention is to provide a longitudinally
adjustable flow meter strut assembly in which flow meter instruments
are removably mounted on the strut portion of the flow meter strut
assembly.
[0032] A still further object of the invention is to provide a
flow meter strut assembly universally applicable to a variety of
flow situations.
[0033] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a flow
meter strut assembly having a fully internal mountable flow meter
instrument.
[0034] In accordance with one aspect of this invention, there is
provided a flow meter strut assembly including a strut portion having
a first end plate, a second end plate, a longitudinally adjustable
flow meter support structure between the first and second end plates,
and curved mounting surfaces formed on outer surfaces of each of
the first and second end plates of the strut portion. At least one
flow meter is adjustably mounted on the flow meter support structure.
The flow meter support structure is adjustable longitudinally by
a turnbuckle assembly connected between the flow meter support structure
and the second end plate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] The appended claims particularly point out and distinctly
claim the subject matter of this invention. The various objects,
advantages and novel features of this invention will be more fully
apparent from a reading of the following detailed description in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference
numerals refer to like parts, and in which:
[0036] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a flow meter assembly
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 2 is a top view of the flow meter assembly of the present
invention; and
[0038] FIG. 3 is a side view of the flow meter assembly of the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0039] In general, the present invention is directed to a flow
meter assembly 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-3 with FIG. 1 being an exploded
perspective view, FIG. 2 being a top view, and FIG. 3 being a side
view. The explanation following of the invention will collectively
refer to all of the drawings as necessary.
[0040] The flow meter assembly 10 builds upon a strut assembly
12 having a pair of parallel flow meter shafts 14 fit between a
fixed end plate 16 and an adjustable end plate 18. The flow meter
shafts 14 are threaded over at least a central portion thereof and
each have a first end 20 secured by welding or the like to the fixed
end plate 16. A second end 22 of each flow meter shaft 14 is connected
to the adjustable base plate 18 with a turnbuckle assembly 24.
[0041] The turnbuckle assembly 24 includes at least one shaft base
nut 26 welded or otherwise securely fixed to the adjustable end
plate 18 and aligned with corresponding ones of the flow meter shafts
14. A shaft nut 28 is threadably secured to the second end 22 of
the flow meter shaft 14. A turnbuckle bolt 30 is threaded on both
ends with a nut in the center. One threaded end of turnbuckle bolt
30 has a left hand thread and the other has a right hand thread.
Bolt 30 is threaded into the shaft base 26 and shaft nut 28. Left
hand threaded end is threaded into a correspondingly threaded one
of shaft nut 28 and shaft base 26. The turnbuckle bolt 30 is selected
from bolts of varying lengths, and is used to adjust the overall
length of the flow meter shaft 14. Thus, in order to allow for adjustability
in the length of the flow meter shafts 14 to accommodate different
pipe inner diameters, the turnbuckle assembly 24 is used on one
end of the strut assembly 12.
[0042] Once the flow meter shafts 14 are assembled with the respective
end plates 16 18 the end plates are in turn each secured to a
curved end plate 34. Curved end plates 34 have apertures 36 formed
on an inner surface thereof and is connected to either of the fixed
end plate 16 or the adjustable end plate 18 in the same manner,
that is with connectors 38 such as screws, caps, socket hex heads
or the like. Although four connectors 38 are shown for connecting
each end plate 16 18 to a curved end plate 34 any suitable number
of connectors 38 may be used according to a particular circumstance.
By adjusting a length of the flow meter shafts 14 and securing the
shafts 14 to curved end pieces 34 via the fixed 16 and adjustable
18 end plates, the strut assembly 12 will be easily fit to an inner
diameter of a flow pipe (not shown). The curved end pieces 34 would
be machined to match whatever mounting locations are available within
the piping system.
[0043] Turning now to an explanation of the flow meter assembly
40 any known type of flow meter instrument 42 can be used, including
that shown at 42a and 42b, by way of example. The particular flow
meter instrument 42 wall be selected according to the end use thereof,
and virtually any type of flow meter instrument 42 may be mounted
to the strut assembly 12 described. A flow guide 44 here shown
to be of a substantially cylindrical shape, includes a flow meter
port 46 at a first end thereof, a flow entry port 48 at an opposing
end thereof, and a body portion 50 between the opposing port ends.
The flow meter port 46 is used to support the flow meter instrument
42 in the flow guide 44. The flow of fluid will enter the flow guide
44 at flow entry port 48 and exit the flow guide 44 through the
flow meter instrument 42 at the flow meter port 46 end thereof.
In order to secure the flow guide 44 in the assembly (described
below), a straight headless dowel pin 52 is fixed to an outer surface
54 of the body portion 50 of the flow guide 44.
[0044] The flow guides 44 containing the flow meter instrument
42 therein are mounted as follows. A pair of clamp members 58 support
each flow guide 44. Each clamp member 58 conforms in shape to the
outer surface of the body portion 50 of the flow guide 44. Here,
each clamp 58 is formed such that an arcuate portion 60 surrounds
the body portion 50 of the flow guide 44 and end flanges 62 each
have an aperture 64 therein for sliding over the flow meter shafts
14. Additionally, the arcuate portion 60 of at least one of the
clamps 58 includes a dowel aperture 66 therethrough for receiving
the dowel pin 52 of the flow guide 44. This prevents the flow guide
44 from sliding out of the assembled clamps 58. The clamps 58 are
slid onto the flow meter shafts 44 so as to have a convex portion
of the clamp 58 facing the flow guide 44. With the flow guide 44
positioned between a pair of clamps 58 the clamps 58 are secured
to each other and the threaded flow meter shafts 14 with washers
68 and nuts 70 as shown.
[0045] In this manner, as many individual flow meter instruments
42 as required can be mounted on the flow meter shaft 14.
[0046] As should now be understood from the above, the flow meter
assembly 10 of the present invention is not a new flow meter design.
Instead, the preferred invention utilizes existing off the shelf
flow meter instruments 42 seated in a novel flow guide 44 and mounted
on a novel strut assembly 12 that allows for adjustment along the
flow meter shafts 14 to measure the flow/velocity at the centers
of equal areas (common method of measuring flow/velocity rates)
within a launch system. These flow meter assemblies 40 are mounted
fully in series within a piping system, so all of the flow in the
system passes through the flow meter instruments 42. By mounting
the flow meter assembly 40 on a strut assembly 12 and adjusting
the vertical location of each flow meter instrument 42 it is possible
to attain multiple readings across the diameter of a pipe. These
readings will be a flow rate through each individual flow meter
instrument 42. The flow rate through each meter can then be converted
to a velocity at that point in the large pipe. By integrating the
velocity at each of the individual flow meter instruments 42 over
the cross section of the pipe internal diameter, an overall flow
rate can be calculated. As flow passes down a pipe, it accelerates
around any obstruction. To avoid measuring the artificially high
flow velocity, the flow guide 44 extends off the upstream side of
the individual flow meter instruments 42 (.about.3 diameters of
the individual flow meter outer diameter) and defined by entry port
48 to allow sampling upstream of the disturbance caused by the strut
assembly 12.
[0047] This configuration will provide the capability to measure
the velocity distribution and corresponding flow rates within a
piping system without having to modify the exterior of the pipe.
To date, there are no commercial designs for performing this function.
This configuration allows for a fully internally mountable flow
meter, without having to cross high-pressure boundaries. With the
strut assembly 12 mounted within the piping system (not shown) wiring
(not shown) can be run along the length of the pipe, and can be
brought out of the system at any convenient point. By using the
correct type of flow meter instruments, both transient changes in
flow conditions, as well as steady state readings can be taken.
This assembly is designed to be easily adjustable to fit varying
applications. A strut assembly could be built over a range of pipe
sizes, using the inherent adjustability in the turnbuckle assembly.
If needed, a flow meter instrument designed to determine flow in
both directions could be used.
[0048] The concept is not sized for any specific pipe inner diameter.
This assembly can be made any size, with as many individual flow
meter assemblies as required to determine the velocity distribution
within the pipe. The shaft sizes could be changed in order to stiffen
or shrink the assembly if needed. If the blockage of the assembly
disturbs the flow in the pipe beyond an acceptable level, the assembly
could be placed within a wing shaped fairing to lessen flow losses.
Various sizes of flow meter instruments may be incorporated into
the assembly by changing the size of the flow guide and the top
and bottom sliding clamps.
[0049] In view of the above detailed description, it is anticipated
that the invention herein will have far reaching applications other
than those described.
[0050] This invention has been disclosed in terms of certain embodiments.
It will be apparent that many modifications can be made to the disclosed
apparatus without departing from the invention. Therefore, it is
the intent of the appended claims to cover all such variations and
modifications as come within the true spirit and scope of this invention.
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