Flow rate measuring and metering device for fluid granular solids

Abstract

A volumetric flow rate measuring and metering device for fluid solids has an upright channel through which a flow of bulk material can pass. A velocity sensor measures the velocity of the flow. An actuator controls an operable occlusion device relative to the lower end of the channel. A controller, receiving velocity data from the velocity sensor, operates the actuator at least partially based on the information contained in the velocity data to cause the bulk material to flow through the channel in a consolidated cylindrical flow at the location of the velocity sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the measurement of the flow rate of bulk materials, and more particularly to a flow rate measurement and metering device for free-flowing granular solids.

Background Art

[0002] There are flow rate measurement and metering devices for bulk materials. Among existing volumetric metering devices, there are those based on the principle of a rotary metering roll that rotates and has longitudinal grooves or screw grooves, or cups for metering bulk solids. Other types of devices use a screw conveyor or auger to move the material and determine the volume of the material discharged from the conveyor by using the speed of the screw conveyor or auger.

[0003] The drawbacks of these existing devices are that they require energy to operate the metering device. A large amount of energy may be required to rotate the metering device. In addition to this, to change the volume, it is required to rotate the metering device faster or slower, and the metering device must have longitudinal grooves or cups of various sizes, or the pitch of the auger flights must be changed. Therefore, in most situations, speed changes cannot be easily made and require a complex variable speed drive. Changing the volume of the metering roll is also difficult. Another drawback of existing metering systems is that it is not confirmed whether they are functioning correctly. The above systems may be clogged or operated empty without any indication to the outside, and it is necessary to rely on a completely different system for problem detection.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for, and it is desired to have, a bulk material flow rate measurement and metering device that overcomes the above-described and other drawbacks of existing measurement and metering devices.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The advantages of the features described herein may include, but are not limited to, those described below and elsewhere in this specification. The systems, apparatus, methods and other features described herein may improve the ability to measure the flow of bulk material and to measure the flow rate of bulk material.

[0006] In some implementations, energy-efficient, low-moving-parts, easy-to-clean, and long-lasting volumetric flow rate measuring and metering devices for fluid solids are provided.

[0007] In some implementations, volumetric flow meters and metering devices for fluid solids are provided that can be used in farms and industries to measure and control the flow of materials such as grains, seeds, fertilizers, and plastic pellets. Often, these granular materials are moved or transported from containers, bins, silos, and trucks using augers, ducts, conveyors, and tubes.

[0008] In several implementations, volumetric flow rate measuring and metering devices for fluid solids are provided that can be used in a variety of applications. The simplest standalone metering device can be fixed to a container, such as a bin, silo, or the bottom of a truck bed (there must be an opening or flow path from the container into the measuring container), and a simple toggle switch can control the flow of the discharged product. Instantaneous flow rate and total volume will be generated and displayed on a reading device.

[0009] In some implementations, volumetric flow measurement and metering devices for fluid solids are provided that can be integrated with other machines and systems to improve accuracy, efficiency, and safety.

[0010] In various embodiments, a fluid granular solid moves primarily vertically downward through a measuring chamber (channel) under gravity. This measuring chamber (channel) has smooth, parallel, linear sides of known cross-sectional area. A conical occlusion structure is inserted so as to be located within the bottom of the measuring chamber (channel), and the bottom discharge edge of the measuring chamber acts like a valve seat for the conical occlusion device. The distance between the bottom discharge edge and the occlusion structure can be manipulated to control or restrict the volume of granular bulk solid moving through the measuring chamber (channel). This limitation of the granular bulk fluid solid ensures that the measuring chamber (channel) is always filled to its full capacity.

[0011] Furthermore, due to the shape of the conical occlusion device and the smooth, straight, parallel sides of the measurement chamber (flow channel), the cylinder of bulk granular solid at the top of the measurement chamber always appears to be filled to a consistent density and moving together as a cohesive unit in a uniform flow. As a result, the bulk granular solid in the measurement chamber (flow channel) is visually perceived as a single large object moving through the measurement chamber (flow channel) because its density does not change.

[0012] An optical flow sensor or other sensor is used to measure the velocity of a moving cylinder seen through a transparent material when embedded in the smooth, straight wall of the measurement chamber. The sensor must be positioned at least 1.5 times the diameter of the occluding cone-shaped occluding device. Cumulative distance measurements are also produced as an image of what appears to be a solid and are measured by the optical flow sensor as it passes through a transparent window located in the measurement chamber. These measurements are calibrated to known time and distance units. By multiplying these velocity and length measurements by the area of ​​the measurement chamber, the instantaneous flow rate and / or total volume of solid flowing through the measurement chamber (flow path) in a given time is calculated. The flow rate and / or total volume can be manipulated by mechanically raising or lowering the cone-shaped occluding device to various distances at various time lengths.

[0013] In one embodiment, a volumetric flow rate measuring and metering device for a fluid solid is provided. The device is generally vertically oriented and has a flow channel having opposing open upper and lower ends through which a flow of bulk material can pass. A velocity sensor is installed to measure the velocity of the bulk material flowing through the flow channel and to output a data signal having information about the velocity of the flow of the bulk material. A occlusion device is positioned at the lower end of the flow channel and is movable linearly toward and away from the lower end. An actuator is operably connected to the occlusion device and is operable to selectively position the occlusion device relative to the lower end of the flow channel. A controller is operably connected to the velocity sensor and the actuator, and the controller receives velocity data from the velocity sensor and operates to operate the actuator at least in part on the information contained in the velocity data regarding the velocity of the bulk material flowing through the flow channel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the channel may have a side wall having a section of the transparent material, and the velocity sensor may be installed outside the channel and aligned with the transparent material, so that the optical sensor can be operated to measure the velocity of the bulk material flowing through the channel through the transparent material.

[0015] In one embodiment, the flow path has a circular cross-sectional area. In another embodiment, the occlusion device is conical or frustoconical in shape, with its apex positioned along the central axis of the flow path. In yet another embodiment, the volumetric flow measurement and metering device may further include an oscillator operably connected to the flow path and operable to impart a vibrating force to the bulk material flowing through the flow path.

[0016] In some embodiments, the flow path is provided by a cylindrical tube. In other embodiments, the velocity sensor is an optical sensor, which may be an optical linear displacement sensor that operates to measure the velocity of a surface moving relative to the sensor. In further embodiments, the volumetric flow measurement and metering device may have a user interface operably connected to the controller.

[0017] In one embodiment, the controller operates the actuator to maintain the velocity of the bulk material within a predetermined threshold range, and the predetermined threshold range is determined to cause the bulk material to flow through the channel in a consolidated cylindrical flow.

[0018] In one embodiment, the blocking device is movable in a linear direction toward and away from the lower end of the flow path.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path is constant in and directly above the velocity sensor along a portion of the length of the flow path.

[0020] In one embodiment, the flow path is defined within a tube, and the tube is installed inside a bulk material storage container. When the bulk material storage container has a bottom outlet for releasing the contents of the bulk material storage container, the occlusion device may be operable to open and close the bottom outlet of the bulk material storage container.

[0021] In one embodiment, the baffle device is supported in a manner movable with respect to the open upper end of the channel through which the bulk material must flow in order to enter the channel.

[0022] In this embodiment, the occlusion device is operable with respect to the discharge opening in the lower boundary structure, and the lower end of the channel is spaced above the lower boundary structure such that bulk material deposited on the lower boundary structure in the closed position of the occlusion device closes the lower end of the channel.

[0023] In one aspect, the height of the speed sensor relative to the occlusion device is greater than or equal to the diameter of the flow path.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, a volumetric flow measurement and metering device for free-flowing solids is provided, the device comprising: a flow path generally arranged in a vertical orientation and having opposing open upper and lower ends through which a bulk material flow can pass; a speed sensor installed to measure the speed of the bulk material flowing through the flow path and to output a data signal having information about the speed of the bulk material flow; an occlusion device operably positioned relative to the lower end of the flow path; an actuator operably connected to the occlusion device and operable to selectively position the occlusion device relative to the lower end of the flow path so as to controllably vary the discharge from the lower end of the flow path; a controller operably connected to the speed sensor and the actuator, the controller being configured to (i) receive speed data from the speed sensor about the speed of the bulk material flowing through the flow path and (ii) operate the actuator based at least in part on the information contained in the speed data so as to cause the bulk material to flow in the flow path in a coherent cylindrical-like flow at the location of the speed sensor.

[0025] The controller is preferably configured to operate the actuator to maintain the speed of the bulk material within a predetermined threshold range, the predetermined threshold range being determined to cause the bulk material to flow in the flow path in a coherent cylindrical-like flow.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a volumetric flow measurement and metering device for free-flowing solids is provided, the device comprising: A tube that is generally arranged in an upright orientation and defines a flow path having opposing open upper and lower ends through which a bulk material flow can pass, An external structure that houses the tube internally, One or more electrical load cells connecting the tube to the external structure such that the tube is suspended within the external structure, the one or more electrical load cells being operable to measure the weight of the tube, An occlusion device operably positioned relative to the lower end of the flow path, An actuator operably connected to the occlusion device and operable to selectively position the occlusion device relative to the lower end of the flow path so as to controllably vary the discharge from the lower end of the flow path, A velocity sensor installed to measure the velocity of the bulk material flowing through the flow path and to output a data signal having information about the velocity of the bulk material flow, A controller operably connected to the velocity sensor, the one or more electrical load cells, and the actuator, The controller is configured to (i) receive velocity data from the velocity sensor about the velocity of the bulk material flowing through the flow path, (ii) receive weight data from the one or more electrical load cells about the weight of the tube, and (iii) operate the actuator based at least in part on information included in either or both of the weight data and the velocity data so as to cause the bulk material to flow through the flow path in a coherent cylindrical-like flow.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, an agricultural implement for delivering a flowable solid to the ground is provided, the implement comprising: A delivery system for delivering the solid to the ground when the implement is towed across the ground, A metering device for metering the solid into the delivery system at a predetermined flow rate, the metering device comprising: A flow channel is generally oriented upright and has opposing open upper and lower ends through which a flow of bulk material can pass, A velocity sensor is installed to measure the velocity of the bulk material flowing through the above-mentioned channel and to output a data signal containing information about the velocity of the flow of the bulk material. A blocking device operably positioned relative to the lower end of the above-mentioned flow path, An actuator operably connected to the above-mentioned blocking device and operable to selectively position the blocking device relative to the lower end of the flow path so as to controlly change the discharge from the lower end of the flow path, A controller operably connected to the actuator, comprising: (i) receiving velocity data from a velocity sensor regarding the velocity of the bulk material flowing through the flow path; and (ii) operating the actuator based at least in part on the information contained in the velocity data to cause the bulk material to flow through the flow path at a predetermined flow rate, The size of the above-mentioned flow path is determined so that the bulk material flows through the flow path at the location of the velocity sensor in a cylindrical flow that is concentrated at the predetermined flow rate.

[0028] In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to compare the velocity data with at least one alarm criterion indicating a solid obstruction or absence in the flow path, and to determine an alarm condition if the velocity data satisfies the at least one alarm criterion.

[0029] In one embodiment, the device further comprises at least one auxiliary sensor installed in the solid supply path for measuring the flow characteristics of a solid flowing in the solid supply path that supplies the bulk material to the flow path, and the controller is further configured to (i) receive flow data from the at least one auxiliary sensor about the flow characteristics of the bulk material flowing through the flow path, and (ii) operate the actuator at least in part on the information contained in the flow data.

[0030] Numerous additional objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred, but still illustrative, embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The present invention can be implemented and performed in other embodiments and in various ways. It should also be understood that the terminology and language used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0031] Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the ideas on which this disclosure is based may be readily utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out some of the objectives of the present invention. It is therefore important that the claims are considered to include such equivalent configurations, insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0032] For a better understanding of the present invention, its operational advantages, and the specific purposes achieved by its use, refer to the accompanying drawings and the descriptions in which the exemplary embodiments of the present invention exist. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] Several embodiments of the present invention are described herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0034] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a bulk material flow rate measuring and metering device. [Figure 2]This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bulk material flow rate measuring and metering device. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a bulk material flow rate measuring and metering device. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an assembly including a bulk material flow measurement and metering device. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an assembly that includes a bulk material flow measurement and metering device used in conjunction with a single instrument. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an assembly that includes a bulk material flow measurement and metering device used in conjunction with a single instrument. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram illustrating embodiments of a bulk material flow rate measuring and weighing device and a density measuring device. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an assembly that includes a bulk material flow measurement and metering device used in conjunction with a single instrument. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a bulk material flow rate measuring and metering device used inside a bulk material storage container. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a closure device to be used with the bulk material storage container.

[0035] In drawings, similar reference symbols indicate corresponding parts in different drawings. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a bulk material flow measurement and metering device 10. In one embodiment, the device 10 is configured and operated to measure the flow of bulk material as it is discharged from a container or moved into a process flow. In another embodiment, the device 10 is further configured to control or meter the flow of bulk material. As will be further discussed herein, the device 10 is configured and operated to cause the bulk material flowing through it to flow in a cohesive and consolidated state, such that the material is loose enough to still flow under gravity, but is generally consolidated enough that it flows as a continuous, cohesive cylinder of material.

[0037] As a non-limiting example, the device 10 is useful for measuring and metering the flow of bulk materials such as grains, seeds, fertilizers, and pellets. The device 10 can be used for various agricultural and / or industrial equipment that needs to know the volumetric flow rate and / or mass flow rate of bulk materials and, in specific applications, control or meter the flow of bulk materials.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the device 10 is attached to a container, such as a hopper 12, configured to hold a fluid bulk material. Conventionally, the hopper 12 is configured to have an opening at the bottom through which the bulk material contained in the hopper can flow. As shown, the device 10 is connected to the bottom of the hopper 12 to receive the bulk material as it flows out of the hopper opening. As will be described in more detail later, the device 10 may be configured to measure and operate to measure the flow of bulk material from the hopper and to control or meter the discharge of bulk material from the hopper.

[0039] The apparatus 10 has a structure 14, shown here typically as a cylindrical tube, which is attached to the bottom of the hopper 12 at one end 16 to receive bulk material from the hopper into the tube. A metering device 19 is located at the opposite end 18 of the tube 14. The metering device 19 has a closure 20 and an actuator 22 which is operably connected to the closure 20 and is operated to move the closure 20 toward and toward the end 18 of the tube 14 in order to control the flow of bulk material through the tube. The apparatus 10 further has a sensor 24 configured to measure the velocity of the bulk material as it flows through the tube 14. The sensor 24 and the actuator 22 are each operably connected to a controller 26. The controller 26 is configured or otherwise programmed to receive flow rate data from the sensor 24. The flow rate data received from the sensor 24 is used by the controller 26 to control the actuator 22 to position the closure 20 to regulate or meter the flow of bulk material through the tube 14. The user interface 28 may be provided and operably connected to the controller 26. The user interface 28 may have a display unit for displaying various operating parameters and may have inputs that allow the user to adjust various operating parameters.

[0040] Referring again to Figures 2 and 3, the structure 14, again representatively shown as a cylindrical tube, has a linear channel 30 extending through the tube. Although the structure 14 is shown as a cylindrical tube with a circular cross-section, this structure is not so limiting. Rather, any structure having a channel for the flow of bulk material 40 is possible, where the channel is generally linear with parallel and smooth sides. However, for reasons addressed herein, the channel 30 is preferably circular in cross-section, as representatively shown, in order to promote the coupling and consolidated cylindrical flow of the bulk material in the channel. Regardless of the specific cross-sectional shape, it is desirable that the cross-sectional shape be constant in shape and size along a portion of the length of the channel at the velocity sensor or overlapping with and extending just above the velocity sensor, in order to ensure the coupling and consolidated cylindrical flow of the bulk material at the velocity sensor's measurement position. The material used to fabricate the device should give a low coefficient of friction to the inner walls of the channel in order to further promote the coupling and consolidated cylindrical flow of the bulk material in the channel.

[0041] In the context of this disclosure, a bound and cohesive cylindrical flow of bulk material is understood to include a flow of material in which adjacent particles of solid material are closely embedded in one another such that the spaces between particles are minimized and the particles move together along the flow path as a single, uniform solid mass of particles that are substantially stationary relative to each other as they move along the flow path. Ideally, the particles of solid bulk material are sufficiently compressed relative to each other, as defined by the Canadian Grains Board, such that the overall density of the bound cylindrical particle mass is no more than 10 percent of the test weight density of the grain sample.

[0042] The closure 20 is positioned relative to the end 18 of the tube and is supported for linear movement toward and toward the end. As shown, the closure 20 is conical or frustoconical in shape, with its apex facing the end 18 and positioned along the central axis 32 of the flow path 30. The position of the closure 20 relative to the end 18 controls the flow of bulk material 40 through the flow path 30. The closure 20 may be positioned in sealing contact with the end 18 to stop the flow through the flow path 30. The closure 20 may be selectively positioned away from the end 18 to control the flow characteristics of the bulk material through the flow path 30. Flow characteristics may include, for example, the velocity at which the bulk material flows through the flow path to promote a cohesive flow of the bulk material.

[0043] A conical or frustoconical closure 20 has several advantages. Only a very short range of movement relative to the end 18 is required to stop or control the flow of bulk material through the channel 30. Furthermore, such a closure is not prone to clogging or obstruction like other closures such as slide gates. And it has less friction compared to other closures such as slide gates. In addition, if a bridge or obstruction forms, the closure can be moved toward or toward the end 18 to remove the obstruction.

[0044] In addition, in this embodiment, the conical closure is also located at the center of the bulk material flow, as its apex is located on the central axis of the flow path, and when partially opened (for example, moved away from the end 18), the closure slows down the flow at the center of the bulk material cylinder. The angle, length, and surface of the conical closure affect how much the bulk material is slowed when partially opened. The conical shape is also important, because the pointed top of the cone is at the center of the flowing bulk material cylinder and acts to uniformly slow down and separate the material and allow the material to move through the gap between the closure and the end 18.

[0045] The actuator 22 is operably connected to the closure 20 and is operated to move the closure 20 relative to the end 18 to control the desired flow characteristics of the bulk material. The actuator 22 may be any device configured to cause the linear motion of the closure 20. For example, the actuator 22 may be a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, or an electrically linear actuator. Furthermore, the actuator 22 may communicate position feedback data used to control its operation and positioning.

[0046] Sensor 24 is positioned and configured to measure the velocity of bulk material flowing through the channel 30 without contact with the material. Preferably, sensor 24 is an optical linear displacement sensor that operates to measure the velocity of a surface moving relative to the sensor. In one embodiment and in an indefinite example, sensor 24 may be an ADNS-3080 optical flow sensor module. However, other non-contact linear displacement sensors that operate to measure the velocity of a passing surface may also be used. In addition, machine vision using one or more cameras may be used to measure the velocity of bulk material flowing through the channel 30.

[0047] The aggregated cylindrical mass of bulk material 40 flowing through the channel 30 will appear to the sensor 24 as a continuous surface moving linearly within the channel. For this purpose, the sensor 24 can measure the velocity of the bulk material cylinders as the bulk material passes beyond the measurement points along the channel.

[0048] As typically shown, the tube 14 has a transparent window or section 34 in its side wall. The sensor 24 is positioned outside the tube 14 and is aligned with the window 34 so that the sensor has a clear optical view of the bulk material in the flow path 30. Preferably, the sensor 24 is positioned above the closure by 1.5 times the inner diameter of the flow path 30 to ensure that the sensor can accurately measure the velocity of a solid cylinder of bulk material as it flows or moves through the flow path. If the sensor 24 is positioned too close to the end 18, the sensor is unlikely to provide accurate velocity measurements because the solid flow of bulk material will be disturbed in the flow path 30 near where the material exits the end 18.

[0049] A dust cover 38 or housing may be provided to cover the sensor 24 and prevent contamination from the operating environment of the device, otherwise such flow may interfere with the operation and accuracy of the sensor.

[0050] The controller 26 may be a programmable logic controller and is operablely connected to the actuator 22 and the sensor 24. The controller 26 can be programmed to operate in various operating configurations or functions. In a primary embodiment, the controller 26 is programmed to receive data from the sensor 24 and determine the volumetric flow rate of the bulk material through the channel 30 from this data. For example, the data received from the sensor 24 may include information about the velocity at which a solid cylinder of bulk material flows through the channel 30. Using this velocity information, the controller 26 can calculate the volumetric flow rate of the bulk material based on the known cross-sectional area of ​​the channel at the location where the sensor measures the velocity. Then, if the density of the bulk material is known, the mass flow rate of the bulk material can be calculated from the calculated volumetric flow rate of the bulk material.

[0051] The calculated volumetric or mass flow rate of the bulk material 40 may be displayed on a display unit, such as the display unit of the user interface 28. In some embodiments, instantaneous flow rates (volume and / or mass) may be displayed, and / or average flow rates over time may be displayed.

[0052] In one embodiment, the controller 26 may be programmed to operate the actuator 22 to position the closure 20 to achieve a desired volumetric or mass flow rate of the bulk material 40. For example, the controller 26 may be programmed to operate the actuator 22 to position the closure 20 to achieve a desired cohesive cylindrical flow of the bulk material in the tube 14 for measuring the flow rate. This can be achieved by operating the actuator to maintain the velocity of the bulk material within a predetermined velocity threshold range determined to cause the bulk material to flow in the flow path in the described cohesive cylindrical flow. In another embodiment, the controller 26 may be programmed to operate the actuator 22 to position the closure 20 to achieve a desired total volume or mass of bulk material dispensed from a hopper 12 or the like. For example, the controller 26 may be programmed to automatically operate the actuator 22 to position the closure 20 to achieve a desired periodic or time-dependent flow rate that reaches a desired total discharge amount or mass of the bulk material.

[0053] In this embodiment, the user interface 28 is capable of communicating with the controller 26. The user interface 28 can be provided in numerous forms. For example, in a non-limiting example, the user interface may be provided by a software application running on a computing device such as a desktop or laptop computer, or by a software application running on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0054] The user interface 28 may provide a place for the user to input data or commands to the controller 26, and the controller 26 may be able to provide indicators to the user. In a non-limiting example, the user interface 28 may have a touchscreen. The touchscreen may have a number of user-selectable inputs displayed on the touchscreen, allowing the user to communicate their input preferences to the controller 26. In other embodiments, the user interface 28 may be buttons and switches among other things located on the dashboard and selectable by the user. The user interface 28 may provide indicators to the user regarding the actions and observations of the actuator 22, sensor 24, and / or controller 26. The user interface 28 may be configured to allow the user to manually operate the actuator 22 to position the closure 20 to achieve a desired flow rate of bulk material.

[0055] In an embodiment, the apparatus 10 may further include a vibrating device 36 operably connected to the structure 14 to induce oscillating motion in the bulk material 40 in the flow channel 30. The vibrating device 36 may be operably connected to a controller 26, which may operate to control the operation of the vibrating device to match desired flow characteristics of the bulk material in the flow channel 30. For example, the vibrating device 36 may operate to induce or promote a desired cohesive flow in the bulk material 40 in the flow channel 30 by generating an oscillating force on the bulk material in the flow channel. In another example, the vibrating device may operate to break up obstacles or bridges in the bulk material in the flow channel 30.

[0056] Although controller 26 is used throughout, the teachings of this disclosure can be carried out by any one or more controllers. Specifically, controller 26 may be any controller or combination of controllers capable of communicating with one or more of the actuator 22, sensor 24, vibrator 36, and user interface 28, or other sensors and / or controllers of the equipment in which the device 10 is used. Furthermore, controller 26 may include, or otherwise be accessible from, a processor for executing commands and a memory device for storing algorithms, charts, measurements, sensor readings, thresholds, or other data. Thus, although a single controller 26 is illustrated, this disclosure assumes the use of any known control device or combination of control devices for carrying out the logic and teachings discussed herein.

[0057] The device 10 may be contained within an easily deployable assembly for mounting one or more devices in various types of equipment. An assembly 42 is illustrated in Figure 4. In one embodiment, the assembly is configured to operably house various components of the device 10 in a single deployable package that can be easily connected to various equipment for measuring and / or controlling the flow of bulk material within the equipment. In one embodiment, the assembly 42 may include mounting flanges or surfaces 44 at both ends providing connection points to the equipment. It is important to note that the assembly may exhibit various shape factors as required by the equipment configuration in which it will be used. Therefore, the assembly illustrated as shown in Figure 4 should not be considered limiting.

[0058] Figure 5 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a plurality of devices 10, each provided in a separate assembly 42, used in connection with the apparatus 50 for measuring and metering the flow of bulk material within the apparatus. In a non-limiting example, the apparatus 50 could be, for example, an agricultural apparatus such as an air seeder or other type of seeder and / or fertilizer spreader that is driven or towed across the ground for spreading seeds and / or fertilizer. These types of apparatus are well known, and a complete illustration and description of such apparatus is not necessary for understanding.

[0059] As illustrated, the apparatus 50 has a container 52 for holding a certain amount of bulk material (i.e., seeds and / or fertilizer), which is metered from the container into one or more (typically two) spray lines 54 of a pneumatic delivery system for discharging the material from the apparatus. When the apparatus 50 has a frame on which a furrower 51 is supported, the furrower 51 is positioned to form a groove in the ground as the frame is pulled across the ground in a forward working direction, the pneumatic delivery lines 54 place the material in the groove in the ground by delivering the fluid solid material to the furrower 51. Each of the multiple apparatuses 10 is provided with an assembly 42, each assembly measuring and / or metering the flow rate of bulk material into the spray line by connecting the container 52 to one of the spray lines 54. As further illustrated, each assembly 42 (including device 10) is operablely connected to communicate with a controller 56. In such an implementation, the controller 56 may replace the controller 26 of each device 10, or the controller 26 of each device may be configured to connect to the master controller 56 when multiple devices are implemented together. The master controller 56 may have the same configuration and function programming as described above. The user interface 58 is able to communicate with the controller 56 and can be configured in the same way as the interface 28 described above.

[0060] For this purpose, each device 10 may be operated individually to measure the flow of bulk material from the container into its respective spray line 54, and may, if desired, to measure the amount of bulk material released from the container into the spray line. Each device 10 is controllable to meet the demand or desire for bulk material spraying by the equipment 50. For example, variable rate and section control, which are control methodologies known in the art, can be readily implemented in the control of each device if desired.

[0061] In this case, the flow path is sized such that the material flows through the flow path in a cohesive cylindrical shape at the location of the velocity sensor, throughout the entire range of desired metering rates for dispensing a fluid solid by the device 50. Thus, once the user sets a predetermined metering or flow rate to be achieved within the range of desired metering rates, the controller 26 functions to operate the actuator to achieve the predetermined flow rate, ensuring that the material flows cohesively, in turn using velocity sensor data as input to effectively measure the volumetric flow rate.

[0062] In the case of device 50, the device 10 may be further configured to compare velocity data with at least one alarm criterion stored on the controller. The alarm criterion may be a minimum velocity threshold or velocity threshold range that indicates flow in the channel moving considerably slower than expected, or that indicates the absence of material in the channel, for example, due to an obstacle of fluid solid in or upstream of the channel, or due to the container 52 supplying fluid solid to the channel being empty. The controller compares the velocity data with the criterion in real time and instantaneously determines an alarm condition if / when the criterion is met. The controller may be further configured to generate an alarm notification to the user in response to the determination of the alarm condition, for example, by sending a notification to the user interface 28, or by communicating a notification via a communication network to the computer device of the operator of device 50.

[0063] The deployment or use of apparatus 10 is not limited to the exemplary examples given above, and one or more apparatuses can be used in numerous different applications with numerous different types of equipment where it is desired to know the flow rate of bulk material, and in specific applications where it is desired to weigh bulk material.

[0064] Figure 6 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a plurality of devices 10, each provided in a separate assembly 42, used in connection with a device 50' for measuring and metering the flow of bulk material within the device. The device 50' is similar to the device 50 described above, but instead of a single container, the device 50' may have a plurality of material containers, typically containers 60 and 62. Each of the containers 60 and 62 is capable of holding different types of material that can be metered into the flow paths 54 (typically two) for dispensing by the device. The object of this example or embodiment is to highlight the scalability and versatility of the device in use with various types of devices.

[0065] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the bulk material flow rate and density measuring device 100. The device 100 includes the bulk material flow rate measuring and metering device 10 described above, and is configured to measure the density of the bulk material in addition to the functional aspects of the device 10.

[0066] As shown, the apparatus 100 comprises an external structure or chute 102 that houses the tube 14. The chute 102 has a flow path 104 extending between its opening ends. The apparatus 10, shown as assembly 42, is positioned within the chute 102, forming an annulus 105 between the apparatus 10 and the inner surface of the chute. The assembly 42 typically includes the upper end of the tube 14, one or more load cells 106 suspended at their position within the chute 12, connected to the chute and tube, and spaced radially around the upper end of the assembly. The lower end of the assembly 42 can be centrally positioned within the chute 102 by a plurality of shoes 108 fixedly attached to the assembly and movable relative to the inner surface of the chute. Alternatively, the shoes 108 may be fixedly attached to the inner surface of the chute and movable relative to the outer surface of the assembly. The upper end of the chute 102 may have a plurality of lifting or suspension points 110 that allow the chute to be suspended and / or lifted from above.

[0067] The load cell 106 is an electromechanical sensor used to measure weight. Load cells are well known, and a description of their structure and function is not necessary for understanding here. One or more load cells 106 are operably connected to a controller 26 that receives data from the load cells. The data contains information about the weight measured by the load cells. The controller 26 is programmed to receive this data from the load cells 106 and determine the weight measured by the load cells.

[0068] In this embodiment, data from the load cell 106 will be received by the controller 26. Using this data, the controller 26 operates the actuator 22 to open and close the closure 20, thereby maintaining a predetermined range of measured weights corresponding to the fluid solids that are within a threshold height range based on the density of the material being handled. This range is between 100% full and overflowing from the flow path 104, and the weight at which the height or elevation of the fluid granular solids is higher than the velocity sensor 24. By using the information from the load cell 106 to control the positioning of the closure 20 via the actuator 22, the height or elevation of the top of the cylinder of fluid granular solids moving together will always be above the velocity sensor 24 and below the top of the tube 14. Thus, all fluid solids passing through 100 will be measured volumetrically.

[0069] The load cell 106 outputs a data signal containing information that allows for the estimation of weight, and this data signal is communicated to the controller 26. The controller 26 may rely on the data input from the load cell 106 as a basis for controlling the actuator 22 to maintain the fluid solid within a height threshold range, independently of the velocity data from the velocity sensor. In this case, the velocity data from the velocity sensor may be used only in the calculation of volumetric flow rate or for comparison with alarm criteria to indicate, for example, an obstacle.

[0070] In addition to the functional aspects provided by the apparatus 10 described above, the apparatus 100 can be used to measure the density of bulk material. For example, the controller 26 may be programmed to perform a density measurement function. In such a function, the controller 26 operates the actuator 22 to move the closure 20 to a closed position where the bulk material cannot flow through the tube 14. The tube 14 is filled with bulk material to its full capacity, and the weight of the tube filled with bulk material is measured. Using this weight measurement of a known amount of tube when the closure is in the closed position, the density of the bulk material may be determined by the controller. The calculated density may be displayed on the user interface 28 and / or stored for use in additional calculations or to provide information to the user.

[0071] While the tube 14 is being filled with bulk material, any overflow of material falls through the chute 102 into the annular ring 105 and is discharged through the lower end of the chute. For this purpose, the chute 102 captures and guides any bulk material overflowing from the tube 14, guiding the overflow material to the same location as if the material were flowing through the apparatus 10.

[0072] The device 100 has numerous applications. For example, the device 100 can be used to discharge a grain auger when filling a truck or silo, and the measured information (e.g., flow rate and / or material density) can be cross-referenced with the truck size and inventory system to provide an overall inventory system for farm or commercial operation. In another example, whenever a grain auger is used to transport granular bulk flowable solids, the device 100 can measure the volume and / or density of the material being transported and transmit this information to an inventory control system. This system can be used to fill bins of known size. The bin capacity is inputtable. When a bin is nearly full, the operator will be warned or a visual or audible alarm will be issued to stop the filling.

[0073] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an example of the use of the apparatus 100. As illustrated, the apparatus 100 is suspended from the discharge end of a bulk material elevator 112 (i.e., a grain elevator) and positioned within the filling opening of a silo or bin 114 that will be filled with material from the elevator. The bulk material 116 discharged from the elevator 112 passes through the apparatus 100 and is guided from the apparatus into the interior of the silo 114. The apparatus 100 is operable to measure the flow rate of material into the silo 114. The apparatus 100 is also operable to measure the density of the material in the manner described above.

[0074] As further shown, the apparatus 100 may have an overflow hole 118 that is formed through the chute 102 at a location above the closure. The overflow hole 118 allows material to continue flowing into the silo 114 in situations where material is backed up into the apparatus, such as when the silo is nearly full or when a malfunction occurs.

[0075] As shown in Figure 8, when the supply of fluid solids into the flow path can vary significantly, for example, when the supply of material depends on the operation of a conveyor or other material handling equipment such as an elevator 112, an auxiliary sensor 117 may be installed upstream of the flow path 14 to measure the flow rate of the material being transported to the flow path 14. When the auxiliary sensor 117 is installed in a solid supply path that supplies bulk material to the flow path 14, as shown, the auxiliary sensor 117 can measure the volume or mass flow rate of the equipment, or a value representing the flow rate, such as the rotational speed of the auger in the case of an auger conveyor. The data signal from the auxiliary sensor 117 representing the flow rate into the flow path 14 is communicated to the controller 26 to assist the controller 26 in controlling the operation of the actuator 22, which maintains the flow within the flow path within a threshold range of height determined by a load cell or a threshold range of speed determined by a speed sensor, in order to maintain a cohesive flow in the flow path. Therefore, the controller 26 is further configured to receive flow data from the auxiliary sensor 117 regarding the flow characteristics of the bulk material flowing through the channel, and to operate the actuator 22 based at least in part on the information contained in the flow data. For example, if the flow in the conveyor 112 suddenly increases or decreases, the controller can proactively generate a correction signal to the actuator 22 to begin decreasing or increasing the limit on the flow passing through the blocking device 20, thereby ensuring that the flow through the channel remains within a desired threshold.

[0076] In further embodiments, for example, as schematically shown in Figures 9 and 10, the device 10 can operate inside a bulk storage container or container rather than under a container, thereby eliminating the need for any device under the container. When adapted to operate with conventional hopper-bottom grain storage bins having a slide gate that operates covering the hopper-bottom discharge opening, the plant's slide gate will be able to continue operating as intended or in conjunction with other valve systems.

[0077] The cohesive flow as defined herein is based on the principle that bulk flows of solids such as grains, seeds, and fertilizers flow through a measuring chamber of known size with smooth, parallel sides, where all smaller solids move as a cohesive block, appearing as an image of one larger solid moving through a window, and is measured by a camera or by several other methods that measure the velocity of the combined cohesive mass. This principle takes advantage of how the most common, mostly homogeneous bulk solids move naturally under general circumstances. This principle is sometimes called the funnel effect or rat-hall effect. This can be explained as the solid flowing directly downwards toward the discharge port. If the bottom of the container is flat or not at a steep angle to the bottom of the hopper, the material on the sides of the container will remain stagnant, and the cylinder will move downwards through the bulk material, emptying the container from the top first.

[0078] The principle of this solid flow can also be created by the movement of granular product from an outlet that has an opening or some kind of outlet, or which may typically be located below or beneath the parallel side tube 14 of a smooth wall. This outlet or outlet may be directly below the measuring chamber or at a certain distance to one side, i.e., spaced away from the center of the measuring chamber. This maximum offset distance will vary depending on the various products and their physical properties, but all these variations will be due to the presence of slightly more stagnant or immobile granular product in the area opposite or below the measuring chamber. To accommodate this large amount of stagnant, immobile product, the measuring chamber must be slightly longer than it would be if the product were directly below the center of the measuring chamber.

[0079] Under ideal conditions, the height of the measurement chamber and the location of the motion sensor may be as low as 1 to 1.5 times the diameter of the measurement chamber from the closure 20. However, if the discharge location is off-center to the side, this height of the chamber from the closure 20 and the height of the velocity sensor may need to be 1.5 to 2.5 times the diameter of the measurement chamber.

[0080] The flow path 14 or measuring chamber may be located inside a bulk material storage container, provided that it is largely directly above the outlet. In many cases, the outlet does not require any particular type of valve. It is preferable that a restrictor plate with an orifice of maximum size smaller than the size of the measuring chamber be installed in addition to the gate or valve structure, although the conventional slide gate of the container in which the device is installed can still be used. However, a multi-closure slide gate or valve that closes from two or more sides and opens from the center directly below the center of the measuring chamber would be ideal, minimizing the required distance of the sensor from the closure 2 and reducing the likelihood of inaccurate measurements that would cause the controller to malfunction.

[0081] The function of the apparatus 10 generally takes advantage of the natural principles of how grain or many bulk solids flow, the characteristics of how they friction and interact with other particles, and how they flow due to gravity. The measuring chamber or flow path 14 is preferably located inside the container with sufficient clearance between the lower end of the flow path and the corresponding lower boundary structure of the container or discharge gate, so that even if the bottom restrictor plate and / or slide gate are removed, the material can pass over the outside of the flow path and fall.

[0082] The measuring system will only function accurately when the container or hopper bin is at least partially or almost full. The remaining portion of the container surrounding the flow path 14 is unmeasurable, but will be a similar amount each time and will be very small under most circumstances. Many large grain storage bins can hold 2000–6000 bushels of solid. The amount of unmeasurable product will probably be only about 20–50 bushels. To completely clean the bottom of the hopper, the main slide gate can be closed, which will remove the second slide gate and / or restrictor plate, and then the main slide gate can be opened to allow any remaining material to empty the outside and bottom of the measuring chamber.

[0083] When modifying an existing hopper storage container, the limited space below the hopper bin is occupied solely by the slide gate, which can weigh 20–40 pounds and is therefore easily removable by hand. The container's main original slide gate remains usable as intended. This provides safety and peace of mind, and allows most of the product to be volumetrically measured. In one example, the container's original slide gate or valve system is directly operated by the controller 26 according to the present invention, enabling the release of the required amount of product at a precise rate. When additional flow restrictors and / or slide gates are used to control the release from the flow path, a single modified slide gate and restrictor plate unit can be used for multiple containers or bins by transferring the unit between various containers while maintaining the use of the original slide gate on the container when the modified unit is not installed.

[0084] When the flow path is located within a storage container, an additional baffling member, such as a conical stopper according to the illustrated embodiment, can be used to partially block the opening to the measuring chamber in order to maintain a consistent downward force on the product regardless of how full the bin or container is. This baffling member can be of any shape, but a conical shape would make it self-cleaning. This addition would eliminate any potential changes in product density caused by changing pressure or force as the amount of product in the bin changes.

[0085] Embodiments of the apparatus 10 shown in Figures 9 and 10 will now be described in more detail. In this case, the apparatus 10 is supported from within a surrounding structure such as a bulk storage container 200. The bulk storage container 200 defines a lower boundary structure 202 which forms the lower boundary of the container 200 for receiving and storing fluid bulk material inside. According to the embodiment illustrated, the container 200 is a conventional grain storage bin having cylindrical sidewalls 204 extending vertically upward from a hopper bottom defining the lower boundary structure 202. More specifically, the hopper bottom is an inverted cone shape having conical walls tapering downward and inward from the cylindrical sidewalls 204 toward a central bottom discharge opening 206 at the bottom of the container through which the contents of the container can be discharged. In conventional grain storage bins, a sliding gate is mounted horizontally across the bottom discharge opening to close the discharge opening to hold the storage material in the container and, optionally, to open the discharge opening to discharge the contents of the container through. This slide gate may be replaced with another suitable valve structure that, while remaining operational, allows the discharge opening to open by an amount that varies with a range of opening sizes.

[0086] When installed inside the container, the device 10 also includes, as in the previous embodiment, a tube 14 extending between an open upper end 16 and an open lower end 18. The lower end is positioned slightly above the lower boundary structure 202, which is formed by a valve structure straddling the hopper bottom and the discharge opening at the bottom of the hopper. The diameter of the tube is slightly smaller than the diameter of the existing bottom discharge opening 206 to provide a small annular gap between the boundary of the tube 14 and the discharge opening, so that some of the material in the container can bypass the tube 14 for direct discharge when the weighing device 10 is not operating, and as a result the storage container 200 can be used in the usual way for storing and discharging material as desired. The lower end 18 of the tube also remains slightly above the lower boundary structure 202 to provide an additional gap for material to bypass the tube structure 14 as desired when the weighing device 10 is not operating.

[0087] The apparatus 10 shown in Figures 9 and 10 differs from the previous embodiment in that there is no closure 20 or other occlusion device directly engaged with the lower end of the tube 14. Instead, it uses a gate at the bottom discharge opening 206 or an additional modified valve structure at the discharge opening to control the flow through the tube 14 and create a cohesive cylindrical flow according to the previous embodiment. The actuator 22 in this example operates the discharge valve structure in response to velocity data provided by the velocity sensor 24 and under instructions from the controller 26, as in the previous embodiment.

[0088] According to the illustrated embodiment, an additional restrictor plate 208 is fitted across the bottom discharge opening 206, having an internally formed restricting opening 210 whose diameter is smaller than that of the bottom discharge opening 206 and may be less than or equal to the diameter of the flow path, so that even when the valve structure of the vessel is fully open, the flow through the restricting opening of the restrictor plate 208 concentrates the flow discharged from the vessel 200 through the flow path which is aligned above the restricting opening 210. The restricting opening 210 is preferably located within the lateral boundary of the upper flow path, but may be off-center to one side and still operates effectively as described above.

[0089] Operated with the restrictor plate 208 is a modified slide gate 212 consisting of one or more panels that are horizontally slidable relative to the discharge opening 206 in order to open and close the discharge opening 206. As shown in the exploded view of Figure 10, the modified slide gate 212 operating directly beneath the restrictor plate 208 comprises two slide panels 214, each positioning its own gate opening 216 internally. The slide panels 214 are intended to be displaced laterally across the bottom discharge opening from diametrically opposed sides so that the discharge opening is defined by the overlap of the two gate openings 216. When the gate openings 216 are perfectly aligned, the discharge opening 206 is fully open for maximum discharge. When the gate openings 216 do not overlap, the gate is fully closed, with each gate opening being closed by the opposing panel to prevent the discharge of material through it. When the gate openings partially overlap by varying amounts, the effective discharge opening changes in size accordingly to vary the discharge rate. The actuator 22 operates to simultaneously displace the two panels 214 in the direction of moving toward and away from each other.

[0090] The lower boundary structure has a much larger diameter than the lower end of the channel, and the lower end is located sufficiently close to the lower boundary. Therefore, it deposits the fluid solid released from the lower end of the channel, and by forming a deposit on the lower boundary structure at the natural angle of repose of the fluid solid, a deposit is obtained that effectively closes the lower end of the channel through tube 14. In other words, the lower end of tube 14 is located within or below the upper boundary of the deposited material that accumulates on the lower end of the container at the natural angle of repose.

[0091] When the device 10 is installed in the bulk storage container 200, an additional baffle device 218 may be installed spaced above the upper end 16 of the tube 14 to support part of the weight of the bulk material stored in the container above the tube 14. In the embodiment shown, the baffle device is a conical structure that slopes downward and outward from its central apex to prevent material from being trapped on the top side of the baffle device during cleaning. The diameter of the baffle device is shown to be approximately the diameter of the flow path, but may be slightly larger or slightly smaller than the diameter of the flow path.

[0092] In each example, when the discharge opening 206 of the container 200 is open, the material flow is discharged below the lower end of the tube 14, causing the material in the tube to flow downward toward the discharge opening. The controller 26 adjusts the discharge rate by controlling the actuator 22 to ensure that the material flows through the channel of the tube 14 as a cohesive flow as described above. Similar to the discharge of conventional hopper bottom containers, the material stored in the container 200 tends to be discharged in a central cylindrical flow directly above the discharge opening. In the presence of the baffle device 218, the central cylindrical flow discharged from the container 200 simply flows around the baffle device 218, and as a result, the baffle device supports some of the weight of the material above without completely restricting the flow into the channel. The velocity sensor 24 operates in a conventional manner to collect data used by the controller 26 to determine the volumetric flow rate when the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel is known, and / or the mass flow rate when the material density is also known.

[0093] The installation or use of the apparatus 100 is not limited to the exemplary examples given above, and one or more apparatuses can be used in numerous different applications with numerous different types of equipment where it is desirable to know the flow rate and density of bulk material. In non-limiting examples, the apparatus 100 can be used in numerous different locations where it is desirable to measure the volumetric flow rate of a fluid bulk material and / or to measure its density periodically, such as under an auger, in a flow path of a fluid solid, and in harvesting and processing machinery.

[0094] Because the invention as described herein can be modified in various ways and many obviously and significantly different embodiments can be made, all matters contained in the accompanying specification are intended to be interpreted illustratively only and not to be interpreted restrictively.

Claims

1. A volumetric flow rate measuring and metering device for fluid solids, A flow channel is generally oriented upright and has opposing open upper and lower ends through which a flow of bulk material can pass, A velocity sensor is installed to measure the velocity of the bulk material flowing through the aforementioned channel and to output a data signal containing information about the velocity of the flow of the bulk material. A blocking device movably positioned with respect to the lower end of the flow path, An actuator operably connected to the blocking device and operable to selectively position the blocking device relative to the lower end of the flow path so as to controlly change the discharge from the lower end of the flow path, A controller operably connected to the speed sensor and the actuator. Equipped with, A volumetric flow rate measuring and metering device, wherein the controller is configured to (i) receive velocity data from a velocity sensor for the velocity of the bulk material flowing through the flow path, and (ii) operate an actuator at least in part on the information contained in the velocity data to cause the bulk material to flow in the flow path in a consolidated cylindrical flow at the location of the velocity sensor.

2. The volumetric flow rate measuring and metering device according to claim 1, wherein the controller operates the actuator to maintain the velocity of the bulk material within a predetermined threshold range, and the predetermined threshold range is determined to cause the bulk material to flow in the flow path in a consolidated cylindrical flow.

3. The volume flow rate measuring and metering device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the blocking device is movable in a linear direction toward and away from the lower end of the flow path.

4. The volume flow rate measuring and metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow path has a circular cross-sectional area.

5. The volumetric flow rate measuring and metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the blocking device is cone-shaped or frustoconical in shape, and its apex is positioned along the central axis of the flow path.

6. A vibrator operably connected to the aforementioned flow path and operable to impart a vibrating force to the bulk material flowing through the flow path. A volumetric flow rate measuring and metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising the above.

7. The volume flow rate measuring and metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the speed sensor is an optical sensor.

8. The aforementioned flow path is defined within the tube, and the device is A chute having a chute channel with open ends at both ends, One or more electric load cells, Furthermore, One or more electric load cells are operable to connect the tube to the chute so that the tube is suspended within the chute, and the load cells are operable to measure the weight of the tube, The volumetric flow rate measuring and metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein one or more of the electric load cells are operably connected to the controller.

9. The volume flow rate measuring and metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the flow path is constant in the velocity sensor and directly above it along a portion of the length of the flow path.

10. The aforementioned flow path is defined within the tube, and the device is An external structure that houses the aforementioned tube inside, One or more electric load cells connecting the tube to the external structure such that the tube is suspended within the external structure, the one or more electric load cells being operable to measure the weight of the tube, Furthermore, The volumetric flow measuring and metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the controller is further configured to (i) receive weight data from one or more electric load cells for the weight of the tube, and (ii) operate the actuator on at least in part the basis of the information contained in the weight data to cause the bulk material to flow through the flow path in a consolidated cylindrical flow.

11. The volumetric flow rate measuring and metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the flow path is defined within a tube, and the tube is installed inside a bulk material storage container.

12. The volume flow rate measuring and measuring device according to claim 11, wherein the bulk material storage container is provided with a bottom outlet for releasing the contents of the bulk material storage container, and the blocking device is operable to open and close the bottom outlet of the bulk material storage container.

13. The volumetric flow measuring and metering device according to claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising a baffle device supported in a manner movably with respect to the open upper end of the flow path through which bulk material must flow in order to enter the flow path.

14. The volumetric flow rate measuring and metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the blocking device is operable with respect to a discharge opening in the lower boundary structure, and the lower end of the flow path is spaced above the lower boundary structure such that bulk material deposited on the lower boundary structure in the closed position of the blocking device closes the lower end of the flow path.

15. The volumetric flow rate measuring and metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the height of the velocity sensor relative to the blocking device is greater than or equal to the diameter of the flow path.

16. Used in conjunction with agricultural tools, and comprising a delivery system for delivering the solid to the ground when the tools are towed across the ground, The measuring device is positioned to measure the solid into the delivery system at a predetermined volumetric flow rate. The controller is configured to operate the actuator at least partially based on the information contained in the velocity data so that the bulk material flows through the flow path at the predetermined volumetric flow rate, and The volume flow rate measuring and metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the size of the flow path is determined so that the bulk material flows through the flow path in a consolidated cylindrical flow at a predetermined volume flow rate.

17. A volumetric flow rate measuring and metering device for fluid solids, A tube that is generally oriented upright and defines a flow path having opposing open upper and lower ends through which a flow of bulk material can pass, An external structure that houses the aforementioned tube inside, One or more electric load cells connecting the tube to the external structure such that the tube is suspended within the external structure, the one or more electric load cells being operable to measure the weight of the tube, A blocking device movably positioned with respect to the lower end of the flow path, An actuator operably connected to the blocking device and operable to selectively position the blocking device relative to the lower end of the flow path so as to controlly change the discharge from the lower end of the flow path, A velocity sensor is installed to measure the velocity of the bulk material flowing through the aforementioned channel and to output a data signal containing information about the velocity of the flow of the bulk material. The speed sensor, the one or more electric load cells, and the controller operably connected to the actuator. Equipped with, A volumetric flow measuring and metering device, wherein the controller is configured to (i) receive velocity data from the velocity sensor for the velocity of the bulk material flowing through the flow path, (ii) receive weight data from one or more electric load cells for the weight of the tube, and (iii) operate the actuator on at least partially based on the information contained in either or both of the weight data and the velocity data to cause the bulk material to flow through the flow path in a consolidated cylindrical flow.

18. An agricultural tool for delivering a fluid solid to the ground, A delivery system for delivering the solid to the ground when the aforementioned tool is towed across the ground, A weighing device for weighing the solid into the delivery system at a predetermined flow rate, The weighing device is equipped with, A flow channel is generally oriented upright and has opposing open upper and lower ends through which a flow of bulk material can pass, A velocity sensor is installed to measure the velocity of the bulk material flowing through the aforementioned channel and to output a data signal containing information about the velocity of the flow of the bulk material. A blocking device movably positioned with respect to the lower end of the flow path, An actuator operably connected to the blocking device and operable to selectively position the blocking device relative to the lower end of the flow path so as to controlly change the discharge from the lower end of the flow path, A controller operably connected to the actuator, wherein the controller is configured to (i) receive velocity data from a velocity sensor regarding the velocity of the bulk material flowing through the flow path, and (ii) operate the actuator based at least in part on the information contained in the velocity data to cause the bulk material to flow through the flow path at a predetermined flow rate. Equipped with, A device in which the flow path is sized such that the bulk material flows through the flow path at the location of the velocity sensor in a cylindrical flow that is concentrated at a predetermined flow rate.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein the controller is further configured to compare the velocity data with at least one alarm criterion indicating a solid obstruction or absence in the flow path, and (ii) determine an alarm condition if the velocity data satisfies the at least one alarm criterion.

20. The apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising at least one auxiliary sensor installed in the solid supply path for measuring the flow characteristics of a solid flowing in the solid supply path that supplies the bulk material to the flow path, wherein the controller is further configured to (i) receive flow data from the at least one auxiliary sensor regarding the flow characteristics of the bulk material flowing through the flow path, and (ii) operate the actuator based at least in part on the information contained in the flow data.

Images