A mass airflow sensor according to the present disclosure includes a housing, a sensor element, and a flow deflector. The housing defines an airflow passage configured to receive air flowing in a first direction. The sensor element is disposed in the airflow passage and generates a signal indicating a mass flow rate of air flowing through the airflow passage. The flow deflector is disposed in the airflow passage downstream of the sensor element, extends from an inner wall surface of the airflow passage, and is configured to inhibit air flow through the airflow passage in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction.

A mass airflow sensor according to the present disclosure includes a housing, a sensor element, and a flow deflector. The housing defines an airflow passage configured to receive air flowing in a first direction. The sensor element is disposed in the airflow passage and generates a signal indicating a mass flow rate of air flowing through the airflow passage. The flow deflector is disposed in the airflow passage downstream of the sensor element, extends from an inner wall surface of the airflow passage, and is configured to inhibit air flow through the airflow passage in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction.

Provided are systems and methods for accurate sensing of particle concentrations in fluids by employing a particle impactor system that allows for collection, growth and analysis of biological particles. The disclosed systems and methods make use of a pressure based flow sensor which permits the particle impactor system systems to accurately and reliably provide measurements of biological particle concentrations in the ambient environment. By incorporation of pressure sensors and pressure measurements into the flow measurement techniques, embodiments provide for the ability to use a particle impactor system to accurately measure environmental biological particle concentrations at a variety of atmospheric pressure conditions, such as at high altitude or with minimal perturbation from atmospheric weather conditions, without requiring recalibration or other adjustment of the sensors and control systems.

Provided are systems and methods for accurate sensing of particle concentrations in fluids by employing a particle impactor system that allows for collection, growth and analysis of biological particles. The disclosed systems and methods make use of a pressure based flow sensor which permits the particle impactor system systems to accurately and reliably provide measurements of biological particle concentrations in the ambient environment. By incorporation of pressure sensors and pressure measurements into the flow measurement techniques, embodiments provide for the ability to use a particle impactor system to accurately measure environmental biological particle concentrations at a variety of atmospheric pressure conditions, such as at high altitude or with minimal perturbation from atmospheric weather conditions, without requiring recalibration or other adjustment of the sensors and control systems.

A conveyor mechanism conveys a powder along a path. A first camera device arranged above the conveyor mechanism detects movement of a recognizable feature on an upper surface of the powder over a period of time. A velocity of the powder can be determined based on the movement of the recognizable feature over the period of time. A device can be used to generate the recognizable feature. A first light-emitting device can illuminate the upper surface to aid detection of the recognizable feature. A second light-emitting device can project a contour line on the upper surface, and a second camera device can be used to detect a position of the contour line. A cross sectional area of the powder can be correlated based on the position of the contour line.

A conveyor mechanism conveys a powder along a path. A first camera device arranged above the conveyor mechanism detects movement of a recognizable feature on an upper surface of the powder over a period of time. A velocity of the powder can be determined based on the movement of the recognizable feature over the period of time. A device can be used to generate the recognizable feature. A first light-emitting device can illuminate the upper surface to aid detection of the recognizable feature. A second light-emitting device can project a contour line on the upper surface, and a second camera device can be used to detect a position of the contour line. A cross sectional area of the powder can be correlated based on the position of the contour line.

A method for operating a flowmeter is provided. The method includes the steps of measuring a fluid flow in the flowmeter, determining at least one fluid characteristic, determining a preferred algorithm of a plurality of algorithms based upon the fluid flow and the at least one fluid characteristic, and applying the preferred algorithm to an operating routine.

A method for operating a mixing apparatus of a manufacturing plant comprises supplying multiple powdered products to the mixing apparatus. An inlet mass flow rate of the multiple powdered products into the mixing apparatus and a weight of the multiple powdered products in the mixing apparatus are measured. The multiple powdered products in the mixing apparatus are mixed to form a mixed product. The weight of the multiple powdered products in the mixing apparatus and an outlet mass flow rate of the mixed product from the mixing apparatus are predicted based on the measured inlet mass flow of the multiple powdered products. The predicted outlet mass flow rate of the mixed product from the mixing apparatus is corrected based on the measured weight of the multiple powdered products in the mixing apparatus. The mixed product is processed into final products

Heat resistant sensors equipped with any of a variety of transducers for measuring any of a variety of properties of fluids are constructed with components comprising materials that can withstand very high temperatures. Some embodiments of the sensors include a first pressure sensitive element and a second pressure sensitive element with respective first and second membranes positioned in juxtaposed relation to each other to form a capacitor. Some embodiments include a pusher that extends from the membrane toward a first electrode. Some embodiments have a housing comprising a ceramic substrate with a sensor element mounted on an inside surface of the substrate. Other embodiments have direction sensing capabilities including a heater positioned in a core material and at least three temperature sensors located at or near the peripheral surface of the core material and spaced apart angularly in relation to each other.

Heat resistant sensors equipped with any of a variety of transducers for measuring any of a variety of properties of fluids are constructed with components comprising materials that can withstand very high temperatures. Some embodiments of the sensors include a first pressure sensitive element and a second pressure sensitive element with respective first and second membranes positioned in juxtaposed relation to each other to form a capacitor. Some embodiments include a pusher that extends from the membrane toward a first electrode. Some embodiments have a housing comprising a ceramic substrate with a sensor element mounted on an inside surface of the substrate. Other embodiments have direction sensing capabilities including a heater positioned in a core material and at least three temperature sensors located at or near the peripheral surface of the core material and spaced apart angularly in relation to each other.