Dangerous environment flowmeter based on optical fiber

By using a fiber optic flow meter system to measure gas flow using a paddle wheel interrupted beam, the problem of high cost and easy damage of existing differential pressure sensors is solved, and high-precision, low-cost flow measurement is achieved in hazardous environments.

CN120970745APending Publication Date: 2025-11-18FANUC ROBOTICS NORTH AMERICA INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510635476.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-05-17
Filing Date
2025-05-16
Publication Date
2025-11-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing differential pressure sensors used to measure the flow rate of hazardous gases require electrical certification, are costly and easily damaged, and are susceptible to turbulence, leading to shortened lifespan and poor electrical connections.

Method used

The fiber optic flow meter system uses a paddle wheel to interrupt the light beam as it rotates to measure gas flow, avoiding dependence on electricity. It includes an airflow regulator, check valve, and paddle wheel, combined with optical input and output cables and signal processing electronics to convert optical pulses into electrical signals to measure flow.

Benefits of technology

It enables flow measurement without power certification in hazardous environments, improves equipment durability and measurement accuracy, reduces costs and minimizes the impact of turbulence on measurements.

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Abstract

A flow meter system includes a flow meter having a body defining a flow channel and a recess. The paddle wheel is positioned in the recess and is rotatable in response to gas flow through the channel. The light source provides a light beam to the input cable, which light beam passes through the recess and is received by the output cable. The light detector receives the light beam from the output cable. The light beam is intermittently interrupted by the paddle wheel as the paddle wheel rotates such that the light beam appears as a pulsed light beam on the output cable. Processing electronics convert the pulsed light beam into a rotational speed of the paddle wheel, which is then converted into a gas flow through the flow channel. The flow meter is positioned in a hazardous environment of the spray robot, while the processing electronics are positioned outside of the hazardous environment.
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