Flowmeter Primary Containment Failure Detection

Abstract

A flow meter is provided that includes a sensor assembly and meter electronics configured to detect a containment failure within a flow meter case. One or more flow tubes and a drive mechanism are coupled to the one or more flow tubes and oriented to induce a drive mode in the flow tubes. A pair of pick-off sensors are coupled to the flow tubes and configured to measure a vibration response induced by the drive mechanism. At least one strain gauge is inside the case and configured to detect strain. Meter electronics are connected to and in series with the drive mechanism and the at least one strain gauge. The meter electronics are configured to measure a resistance of the strain gauge and compare the resistance to a baseline resistance. A primary containment failure is indicated when the resistance of the strain gauge differs from the baseline resistance by a predetermined amount.

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