A device which: optically detects the presence of, measures the flow rate of, and identifies the characteristics of venting fugitive gas emissions. Specifically the device provides a spectral analysis of emission gas constituents; selective detection of the presence of venting hydrocarbons; measurement of venting emissions flow rates, the measurement of shut-in and flowing venting system pressures and the venting system temperatures. The flow rates are corrected, relative to the detection of the gas constituents and standard temperature and pressure (STP). These devices are configured to collect such data electronically and transmit via various telemetry systems, to a secure remote data network for reporting, access, evaluation, real-time monitoring and archiving as required.

A non-invasive thermal dispersion flow meter with chronometric monitor for fluid leak detection includes a heater, an ambient temperature sensor and a flow rate sensor which are configured to sense the temperature of a fluid in a conduit, and then monitor the flow of that fluid through the conduit. Based upon the ambient temperature sensor readings, the flow rate sensor and heater may be adjusted to optimize the operation of the system to detect leaks. Based on the sensor readings, the flow may be adjusted to prevent damage and leaks by relieving the system of excess pressure. Geographic location, occupancy sensors and occupant identifiers are used to control the system to facilitate operation and minimize leak damage when occupants are away.

A non-invasive thermal dispersion flow meter with chronometric monitor for fluid leak detection includes a heater, an ambient temperature sensor and a flow rate sensor which are configured to sense the temperature of a fluid in a conduit, and then monitor the flow of that fluid through the conduit. Based upon the ambient temperature sensor readings, the flow rate sensor and heater may be adjusted to optimize the operation of the system to detect leaks. Based on the sensor readings, the flow may be adjusted to prevent damage and leaks by relieving the system of excess pressure. Geographic location, occupancy sensors and occupant identifiers are used to control the system to facilitate operation and minimize leak damage when occupants are away.

A method for producing a composite molded component that includes an internal component, a primary molded portion covering the internal component, and a secondary molded portion covering the primary molded portion, wherein a rib portion that protrudes toward the secondary molded portion, the method including the steps of: (a) placing an intermediate component including the internal component and the primary molded portion in a mold; (b) pouring a resin for forming the secondary molded portion into the mold; (c) detecting a resin temperature of the resin in the mold; (d) determining, based on the resin temperature, a melting time during which the resin in the mold can be molten and fused to the rib portion of the primary molded portion; (e) determining, based on the melting time, whether a molten state of the rib portion is good or poor; and (f) releasing the composite molded component from the mold.

A microfluidic flow sensor may include a substrate having a microfluidic channel, an inert particle source to supply a fluid carrying an inert particle to the microfluidic channel and a sensor element along the microfluidic channel and spaced from the inert particle source. The sensor element outputs a signal based upon a sensed passage of the inert particle with respect to the sensor element. Portions of the microfluidic channel proximate the sensor element have a first size and wherein the inert particle provided by the inert particle source is to have a second size greater than one half the first size.

A thermal sensor comprises an active element (41), e.g., a heater or cooler, at least one temperature sensor (31), and processing circuitry (50). The processing circuitry causes a change of power supplied to the active element (41). It then determines, at a plurality of times, a thermal parameter based on an output signal of the temperature sensors and analyzes the transient behavior of the thermal parameter. Based on this analysis, the processing circuitry determines a contamination signal that is indicative of a contamination on a sensing surface of the thermal sensor. If the thermal sensor comprises a plurality of temperature sensors arranged in different sectors of the sensing surface, a multi-sector thermal signal can be derived from the outputs of the sensors, and determination of the contamination signal can be based on the multi-sector thermal signal.

A thermal sensor comprises an active element (41), e.g., a heater or cooler, at least one temperature sensor (31), and processing circuitry (50). The processing circuitry causes a change of power supplied to the active element (41). It then determines, at a plurality of times, a thermal parameter based on an output signal of the temperature sensors and analyzes the transient behavior of the thermal parameter. Based on this analysis, the processing circuitry determines a contamination signal that is indicative of a contamination on a sensing surface of the thermal sensor. If the thermal sensor comprises a plurality of temperature sensors arranged in different sectors of the sensing surface, a multi-sector thermal signal can be derived from the outputs of the sensors, and determination of the contamination signal can be based on the multi-sector thermal signal.

A fluid sensor for sensing a concentration or composition of a fluid, the sensor comprising: a semiconductor substrate comprising a first etched portion; a dielectric region located on the semiconductor substrate, wherein the dielectric region comprises a first dielectric membrane located over the first etched portion of the semiconductor substrate; a first heating element located within the first dielectric membrane; and a second heating element; wherein the first heating element is arranged to thermally shield the second heating element from ambient temperature changes; wherein the first heating element or the second heating element is configured to operate as a temperature sensing element; wherein the first heating element is configured to operate in a constant temperature or constant resistance mode; wherein the second heating element is configured to operate in a constant current or constant voltage mode or constant power mode; and wherein the sensor is configured to determine a thermal conductivity of the fluid using the temperature sensing element to determine said concentration or composition of the fluid.

An apparatus for determining properties of fluid flowing into a well includes an inflow channel providing a path for fluid to a pipe, a heater arranged to heat at least part of the fluid in the inflow channel, and a temperature sensor arranged to measure the temperature of the fluid in the inflow channel.

An apparatus for determining properties of fluid flowing into a well includes an inflow channel providing a path for fluid to a pipe, a heater arranged to heat at least part of the fluid in the inflow channel, and a temperature sensor arranged to measure the temperature of the fluid in the inflow channel.