A vortex flowmeter configured for ease of installation in a pipe, having a shedder bar which enters the pipe through a hole and has its distal end constrained by direct or indirect frictional contact with the opposite wall of the pipe.

A method includes simultaneously controlling and sensing aerodynamic loading of a membrane wing using a capacitance of the membrane, the membrane wing stretching under aerodynamic load, leading to thinning of a membrane thickness and increased capacitance, and using knowledge of the membrane's elastic and dielectric material properties to determine an amount of steady aerodynamic lift being generated

Vibration-based flowmeters are useable in inaccessible nuclear reactor spaces. Flowmeters include an extension that blocks fluid flow in a path and a detector that detects vibrations caused by vortex shedding in the fluid flow around the extension. The detected frequency of the vibrations determines the flow rate. A Strouhal number may be used to calculate the flow speed using extension surface diameter and detected vortex shedding frequency. Several extensions may cover a range of frequencies and flow speeds. Pipe-organ-type flowmeters include a passage with an opening constricted, and subsequent widening section. An extension and outlet that create turbulence in the flow at the outlet create a standing wave and vibration in the extension and/or entire flowmeter. A flow rate of the fluid through the flowmeter can be calculated using length of the passage and/or known properties of the fluid. Multiple, flowmeters of customized physical properties and types are useable together.

A device for distributing bulk material, such as seed material, includes a flow path having at least one conduit for conveying the bulk material from a bulk material source towards an agricultural area, and a blockage detection device in the flow path. The blockage detection device includes at least one sensor, which is mounted to the outside of the line and is configured to register mechanical vibrations of the line, as well as an evaluation unit in signal communication with the sensor, which is configured to detect a blockage as a function of the registered mechanical vibration. A method for detecting a blockage as a function of the detected mechanical vibration is also disclosed.

A modular sensor system using electro acoustic technology to measure downhole properties, such as flow rate, density and fluid fraction of oil in a production string, is described. Modular sensor assemblies inside a wellbore collect various local fluid parameters at each location. The local fluid parameters are combined to determine the downhole properties.

A method for operating a measuring apparatus, comprising the steps as follows: ascertaining a flow velocity; comparing the ascertained flow velocity with a threshold value, which corresponds to a critical loading, especially to a resonant frequency, of a measuring apparatus immersion body protruding into the flow; and outputting a report, which signals reaching of a critical flow and/or frequency.

A vortex flowmeter includes a flow tube configured to receive a flow of process fluid in a first direction. A bluff body is disposed within the flow tube between a first end and a second end. The bluff body is configured to generate vortices in the flow of process fluid. A plurality of sensors are disposed within the bluff body configured to detect deformations within the bluff body resulting from the vortices acting on the bluff body.

A device for measuring at least one flow parameter of a fluid through a duct, in particular the flow rate thereof, including a portion forming an obstacle, intended to be brought into contact with the flow, the shape of which being chosen so as to generate turbulence in the flow; a vibration sensor sensitive to vibrations caused on the portion forming an obstacle by the turbulence; a processing unit configured to calculate the flow parameter of the fluid based on at least one vibration signal delivered by the vibration sensor.

A vortex flow meter comprises a measuring tube; a bluff body arranged in the measuring tube; a sensor device, having a paddle, a sensor main body and a piezo element, and an electronic operating circuit. The electronic operating circuit has a measuring circuit comprising an operational amplifier and a capacitor. The first capacitor forms a feedback between the output and the measurement input, wherein the reference input can be supplied with a first reference voltage. The measurement circuit has a first switch, wherein the electronic operating circuit is designed to connect the piezo element via the first switch to the measurement input of the operational amplifier and to charge it with a first charging voltage by means of a second switch position. The electronic operating circuit derives an information relating to a state of the piezo element from a discharge process of the piezo element.

A vortex shedding flowmeter has a vortex sensor with a cantilever mounted transducer vane comprising a piezoelectric polymer film laminated together with an elastic substrate and that is encapsulated in an elastomeric integument to enable the transducer vane to withstand vortex pressure fields that span more than three orders of magnitude with sensitivities that provide high turn down ratios.