Debris reducing test cell for three phase meters

U.S. Patent Number: 5386719

Abstract: In a three phase fluid stream microwave monitor, an improved test cell having a fluid stream flowing through it with spaced, aligned first and second antenna located within the test cell to receive microwave energy, irradiate the fluid stream, and receive the microwave energy which has passed through the fluid stream. The test cell has a rotatable cage mounted to form a cylinder enclosing the antennas for reducing an amount of debris in a portion of the petroleum stream flowing therebetween. The cage includes vanes which cause it to rotate, under the influence of the flowing stream to thereby be self-cleaning. The cage also carries a block which lies between the antenna and perpendicular to the axis thereof. Rotation of the cage causes rotation of this block to modulate the microwave transmission in a manner indicative of the fluid velocity.

Inventors: Marrelli; John D. (Houston, TX), Stafford; Joseph D. (Bellaire, TX)

Assignee: Texaco Inc. (White Plains, NY)

Application Number: 08/226,195

Issued: 1995-02-07

Expired: 2007-02-07

Classes: 73/61.44 ; 324/640

Field of search: 73/61.43,61.44,861.04 324/640,639

Click the image above to view patent images at uspto.gov within a frame.

Click here for the fulltext page on uspto.gov within a frame.