A flowmeter for a conduit

Abstract

A flowmeter 100 for a conduit 112 is disclosed. The flowmeter 100 includes a casing 110 engaged with the conduit 112. The casing 110 includes a heater 102 abutting a portion of an outer surface 112a of the conduit 112. A first sensor 104 is positioned below the heater 102, where the first sensor 104 abuts the outer surface 112a of the conduit 112 and detects a first temperature of a fluid in the conduit 112. A second sensor 108 is positioned on the outer surface 112a of the conduit 112, where the second sensor 108 is positioned diametrically opposite to the first sensor 104 and is positioned laterally away from the first sensor 104, and the second sensor 108 detects a second temperature of the fluid in the conduit 112.

Description

[0001] “A FLOWMETER FOR A CONDUIT”

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Present disclosure in general relates to flowmeter assemblies. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a clamp on type flowmeter assembly that can be selectively coupled and decoupled from a conduit.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] Flowmeters are configured to measure rate of flow of a fluid through a conduit or a pipe. Generally, various types of flowmeters such as ultrasonic flowmeter, magnetic flowmeter, magnetic flowmeter, and thermal flowmeters are employed for measuring the rate of flow of the fluid in the conduit.

[0006] Conventionally, flowmeters were of an invasive configuration i.e., they include components that are configured to be directly exposed to the fluid within the conduit for measuring the rate of flow of the fluid therein. Conventional flowmeters are often accommodated within the conduit and these flow meters are directly exposed to the flow of fluid within the conduit for measuring the flow rate of the fluid in the conduit. However, an invasive flowmeter is not feasible for fluids that flow at high pressures within the conduit. The invasive type flowmeters are prone to damages and often result in inaccurate flow rate outputs. Further, the configuration and positioning of the invasive type flowmeters results in leakage of fluid from the conduit which may have severe hazardous repercussions. Further, any damage to the flowmeters requires the flow of fluid to be stopped for disassembling and accessing the conduit for repair / maintenance of the flowmeters within the conduit.

[0007] Further, non-invasive types of flowmeters are adapted to overcome the problems posed by the invasive type of flowmeters. However, the existing or conventional non-invasive type of flowmeters offer low accuracy on the flow rate of the fluid within the conduit. The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above. The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] One or more shortcomings of the conventional device and system are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the device, and the system as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

[0009] In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a flowmeter for a conduit is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a casing engaged with the conduit, where the casing includes a heater abutting a portion of an outer surface of the conduit. A first sensor is positioned below the heater, where the first sensor abuts the outer surface of the conduit and detects a first temperature of a fluid in the conduit. A second sensor is positioned on the outer surface of the conduit, where the second sensor is positioned diametrically opposite to the first sensor and is positioned laterally away from the first sensor, and the second sensor 108 detects a second temperature of the fluid in the conduit.

[0010] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the heater is defined with one of a semicircular or circular shape and is positioned on the first section of the casing.

[0011] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the casing is defined by a first section and a second section, and the through hole is defined between the first section and the second section.

[0012] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first section is movably coupled with the second section for selectively engaging and disengaging the casing with an outer surface of the conduit.

[0013] In an embodiment of the disclosure, an insulation member encompassing the heater and abutting the conduit for reducing the heat dissipation from the heater and into one of first section and the second section.

[0014] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first sensor and the second sensor are thermal sensors configured to determine the temperature of a fluid flowing in the conduit.

[0015] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the outer surface of the conduit is defined with at least one cavity for receiving the first sensor and the second sensor. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the dividend of the difference in temperature between the first sensor and the second sensor and the predefined distance between the first sensor and the second sensor is maximum.

[0016] In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a casing. The flowmeter also includes a heater positioned on at least a portion of a first section of the casing. A first sensor is positioned below the heater and, a second sensor is positioned on a second section of the casing opposite to the first section, where the second sensor is positioned diametrically opposite to the first sensor and is positioned laterally away from the first sensor, and the second sensor detects a second temperature of a fluid flowing near the second region.

[0017] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

[0019] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a flowmeter, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0021] Figure 2 illustrates a side sectional view of the flowmeter, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a flowmeter with a conduit, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 4 illustrates a side sectional view of the flowmeter with the conduit, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the flowmeter with the conduit, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] Figure 6 illustrates a top perspective view of the flowmeter with the conduit, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025] Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment with the heater from the flowmeter being positioned on the conduit, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0026] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the thermal conductivity detector device illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to its organization, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

[0029] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0030] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that device and system comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such device or system. In other words, one or more elements in device and system proceeded by “comprises” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

[0031] The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. For the purpose of promoting and understanding the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated methods, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains.

[0032] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and uses. Further, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices or components illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described referring to the accompanying drawings. While some specific terms directed to a specific direction will be used, the purpose of usage of these terms or words is merely to facilitate understanding of the present invention referring to the drawings.

[0033] Accordingly, it should be noted that meaning of these terms or words should not improperly limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and / or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0034] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a flowmeter 100. Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrate a side sectional view, and a front view of the flowmeter 100, respectively. Further, the Figure 4 illustrates the perspective view of the flowmeter 100 with a conduit 112. The conduit 112 may be of a hollow cylindrical shape having a center and a height. The conduit 112 may have a first axis (Z-Z’) and the first axis (Z-Z’) may be defined as an imaginary line that extends longitudinally from the center of the conduit 112 along the height of the conduit 112. The flowmeter 100 may also include a casing 110. In an embodiment, the casing 110 may be of a hollow cylindrical shape where the hollow section of the cylinder defines a through hole 122 having a second axis (A-A’). The second axis (A-A’) may be defined as an imaginary line that extends longitudinally from the center of the casing 110 along the height of the casing 110. The shape and structure of the casing 110 must not be considered as a limitation and the casing 110 may be of other shapes including but not limited to rectangular, square shaped, spherical shaped etc. Further, the casing 110 is configured to circumferentially abut / clamp / grip the conduit 112. The casing 110 may be coaxially positioned on a portion of the conduit 112 such that the first axis (Z-Z’) of the conduit 112 is co-axially aligned / o verlaps with the second axis (A-A’) of the casing 110. The dimensions of the through hole 122 defined to the casing 110 must not be considered a limitation and the dimensions or the diameter of the through hole 122 may be configured to complement the diameter of the conduit 112. Furthermore, the shape of the through hole must not be considered a limitation and the through hole 122 may be configured to shapes including but not limited to rectangular shape, square shape etc. Further, an inner wall 126 may be defined by the through hole 122 in the casing 110. The inner wall 126 may be further defined into a first section 114 and a second section 116. In an embodiment, the first section 114 and the second section 116 may be divided along a first plane (B-B) that extends along the second axis (A- A) of the casing 110. The first plane (B-B) may divide the casing 110 into two equal halves along the second axis (A-A). In an embodiment, the first section 114 may be defined as the wall that lies on one side of the first plane (B-B) and the second section 116 may be defined as the wall that lies on the opposite side of the first section 114. In an embodiment, the surface area of the first section 114 and the second section 116 may be equal and the first section 114 may be defined diametrically opposite to the second section 116.

[0035] In an embodiment, the casing 110 may be defined with one of a semi cylindrical shape or a cylindrical shape. In an embodiment, the casing 110 with the semicircular shape may be configured to abut / encompass half of the overall circumferential region of the conduit 112 at a portion of the conduit 112. In an embodiment, the casing 110 with the circular shape may be configured to abut / encompass the circumferential region of the conduit 112 at a given region of the conduit 112. In an embodiment, the casing 110 may also be defined by a first region 110a and a second region 110b where the second region 110b may be defined as being laterally opposite to the first region 110a along the axis A-A’. In an embodiment, the casing 110 may be single unitary structure that body of the casing 110 may be defined with insulating materials. In an embodiment, the casing 110 may be of semi-cylindrical shape and the body of the casing 110 may be adapted to selectively engage and disengage with the conduit 112. In an embodiment, the casing 110 may be defined by a first section 118 and a second section 120. Further, the first section 118 and the second section 120 may define the through hole 122 when the first section 118 and the second section 120 are joined together. In an embodiment, the first section 118 and the second section 120 may be defined as two equal halves of the casing 110. The first section 118 and the second section 120 may be removably coupled to each other by any means including but not limited to hinges, snap fit mechanisms, fasteners etc.

[0036] Referring to Figures 1-4, the flowmeter 100 may also include a heater 102. The heater 102 may be defined with a shape that complements the inner wall 126 of the casing 110. In an embodiment, the heater 102 may be defined with a semi cylindrical shape. Further, the heater 102 may be positioned in the casing 110 such that an outer surface of the heater 102 abuts or lies adjacent to the inner wall 126 of the casing 110. The heater 102 may be connected to an electrical source and the heater 102 may be configured to transmit heat to a given surface through conduction or convention. The heater 102 may be positioned on the inner wall 126 of the casing 110. In an embodiment, the heater 102 may be positioned proximal to the first region 110a and away from the second region 110b of the casing 110. In an embodiment, the heater 102 may be defined with a profile that complements only one of the first section 114 or the second section 116 of the casing 110. In an embodiment, the heater 102 may be defined with a semi-circular shape when the through hole 122 is of a cylindrical profile. In an embodiment, the inner wall 126 of the casing 110 may be defined with a cavity that extends into the casing 110. This cavity may be configured to receive or accommodate the heater 102 such that the heater 102 itself defines the inner wall 126 of the casing 110. In embodiment, the heater 102 may be provided with an insulation on all surfaces except the heating surface of the heater 102 that abuts the conduit 112. The insulation to the heater 102 may reduce the heat dissipation from the heater 102 into one casing 110.

[0037] The flowmeter 100 may also include a first sensor 104 that is configured to determine a first temperature T1 of a fluid flowing through the conduit 112. The first sensor T1 may be positioned beneath the heater 102 and may protrude from the inner wall 126 of the casing 110. In an embodiment, the heater 102 may be configured to abut the first section 114 of the casing 110 and the first sensor 104 may also be positioned below the heater 102. In an embodiment, the first sensor 104 may also lie proximal to the first region 110a of the casing 110. In an embodiment, the heater 102 may be defined with an internal cavity for receiving the first sensor 104 such that the first sensor 104 lies in flush with the heater 102 and defined by the inner wall 126 of the casing 110. In an embodiment, the heater 102 may be configured to heat the fluid within the conduit 112. The heating of the fluid in the conduit 112 due to the heater 102, also heats the surface of the conduit 112 that abuts the heater 102. Further, the first sensor T1 positioned below the heater 102, measures the temperature of the fluid in the conduit 112 through the surface of the conduit 112.

[0038] The flowmeter 100 may also include a second sensor 108 that is configured to determine a second temperature T2 of a fluid flowing inside the conduit 112. The second temperature T2 may be positioned on the second section 116 of the casing 110. The second sensor 108 may be positioned along the second region 110b that lies opposite to the first region 110a of casing 110. The second sensor 108 may be positioned diametrically opposite to the first sensor 104 i.e., the first sensor 104 may be positioned on the first section 114 of the casing 110 and the second sensor 108 may be positioned diametrically opposite to the first sensor 104 on the second section 116 of the casing 110. In an embodiment, the second sensor 108 may be positioned laterally away from the first sensor 104 along the second region 110b away from the first region 110a. The second sensor 108 may be positioned diametrically opposite to the first sensor 104 of the casing 110. In an embodiment, the second section 116 may be defined with an internal cavity for receiving the second sensor 108 such that the second sensor 108 lies in flush with the second section 116 and defines the inner wall 126 of the casing 110. The second sensor 108 may be configured to measure the temperature of the fluid in the conduit 112 where the fluid is not influenced by the heater 102 and is not heated by the heater 102.

[0039] In an embodiment, the first sensor 104 and the second sensor 108 may be separated by a predefined distance dH. In an embodiment, the data of the first temperature T1 from the first sensor 104 and the data of the second temperature T2 from the second sensor 108 may be used to measure the temperature difference dT. The temperature difference dT of the fluid heated by the heater 102 in the conduit 112 and the fluid that is not heated by the heater 102 in the conduit 112 is represented below in the equation number 1. dT = Tl-T2. (1).

[0040] The temperature difference dT is the difference between the first temperature T1 measured by the first sensor 104 and the second temperature T2 measured by the second sensor 108. The flowmeter may be designed such that difference in temperature dT between the first temperature T1 and the second temperature is maximum for a given predefined distance dH between the first sensor 104 and the second sensor 108. In an embodiment, the heater 102, the first sensor 104, and the second sensor 108 are oriented such that the temperature difference dT between the first sensor 104 and the second sensor 108 divided by their horizontal distance of separation dH between the first sensor 104 and the second sensor 108 is maximum i.e., dT / dH is maximum for the given flowmeter 100. In an embodiment, the first sensor 104, and the second sensor 108 are oriented such that the distance between the first sensor 104 and the second sensor 108 is configured to be maximum for a given orientation / dimension of the flowmeter 100.

[0041] Furthermore, the parameter of (dT / dH) is a function of the pipe thermal conductivity (kp), the pipe inner radius (ri), the pipe outer radius (ro), the fluid thermal conductivity (kf), the fluid velocity (vf), the heater arc length (he), the heater thickness (ht), the heater power (hp). The same is represented in the below equation number 2.

[0042] (dT / dH) = f(kp, ri, ro, kf, vf, he, ht, hp) . (2).

[0043] The function (dT / dH) can be mathematically related to the mentioned independent parameters, by obtaining data from extensive experiments or scientific modelling. For a given flowmeter setting, using the relation mentioned above, the maximum value of (dT / dH) can be determined.

[0044] Referring to Figures 4-6, the flowmeter 100 is configured for the conduit 112. The conduit 112 may be defined by an outer surface 112a. The casing 110 may be defined with the configuration as described above. The conduit 112 is configured to be accommodated in the through hole 122 of the casing 110. The casing 110 is further positioned on the conduit 112 such that the heater 102 is configured to abut a portion of the circumferential region of the conduit 112. In an embodiment, the conduit 112 may be divided into an third section 112u and a fourth section 1121. In an embodiment, the third section 112u and the fourth section 1121 may be divided along a first plane (B-B) that extends along the second axis (A- A) of the casing 110 or the conduit 112. The first plane (B-B) may divide the conduit 112 into two equal halves along the second axis (A- A). In an embodiment, the third section 112u may be defined as wall that lies at one side of the first plane (B-B) and the fourth section 1121 may be defined as the wall that lies opposite to the third section 112u. In an embodiment, the surface area of the third section 112u and the fourth section 1121 may be equal and the third section 112u may be defined diametrically opposite to the fourth section 1121.

[0045] In an embodiment, the heater 102 may be configured to abut one of the outer surfaces 112a of the third section 112u or the fourth section 1121. In an embodiment, the heater 102 may be configured to abut the third section 112u of the conduit 112. Further, the first sensor 104 positioned below the heater 102 may also abut the outer surface 112a of the third section 112u of the conduit 112. The casing 110 may be oriented around the conduit 112 such that the second sensor 108 may be positioned diametrically opposite to the first sensor 104 and may be positioned laterally away from the first sensor 104. In an embodiment, the casing 110 may be positioned around the conduit 112 such that the first sensor 104 and the heater 102 abut the third section 112u of the conduit 112. Furthermore, the second sensor 108 is configured to abut the outer surface 112a of the fourth section 1121 of the conduit 112. As described above, the function (dT / dH) can be mathematically related to the mentioned independent parameters, by obtaining data from extensive experiments or scientific modelling.

[0046] The above configuration with the heater 102, the first sensor 104 at one end of the casing 110 and the second sensor 108 at the diametrically opposite end, where the second sensor 108 is positioned laterally away from the first sensor 104, ensures that the transmissions of temperature from the heater 102 to the second sensor 108 is minimized. Consequently, the second sensor 108 measures the temperature of the fluid in the conduit 112 that is completely uninfluenced heat transmitted from the heater 102. Furthermore, the first sensor 104 accurately measures the temperature of the fluid that is heated by the heater 102 since, the first sensor 104 is positioned below the heater 102. Thus, accurate and un-interfered measurement of temperature for determining the flow rate of the fluid in the conduit 112 is enabled from the configuration of the above such flowmeters 100. In an embodiment, the above configuration of the casing 110 with the body of the casing 110 being defined of a flexible member or the casing 110 being defined with first region 110a and the second region 110b, ensures that casing 110 can be easily clamped onto the conduit 112 and can be removed from the conduit 112.

[0047] Referring to the Figure 7, in an embodiment, of the flowmeter 100 being connected with the conduit 112 is depicted. As seen from the Figure 5, the outer surface 112a of the third section 112u is defined by at least one cavity 124 [hereinafter referred to as the cavity]. The cavity 124 may also be defined on the fourth section 1121 of the conduit 112. The cavity 124 may be defined parallel to the second axis (A- A) and on the fourth section 1121 of the conduit 112. In an embodiment, the cavity 124 may be defined as an internal abutment that extends outwardly from the conduit 112. The cavity 124 may be configured to receive the first sensor 104 and the second sensor 108 of the flowmeter 100. The provision of the cavity 124 on the conduit 112 may enable the first sensor 104 and the second sensor 108 to be received into the conduit 112 below the outer surface 112a of the conduit 112. In an embodiment, the cavity 124 may be defined in the conduit 112 such that the first sensor 104 and the second sensor 108 placed in the cavity 124 lies proximal to the fluid flowing in the conduit 112. The cavity 124 may be defined such that the first sensor 104 and the second sensor 108 may be separated from the fluid in the conduit 112 by a thin wall of the conduit 112. Consequently, the proximity / expo sure of the first sensor 104 and the second sensor 108 to the fluid in the conduit 112 is increased and the accuracy of the temperature sensed by the first sensor 104 and the second sensor 108 is also improved. Equivalents:

[0048] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0049] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims e.g., bodies of the appended claims are generally intended as “open” terms e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.. It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” e.g., “a” and / or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”; the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations. Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.. In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.. It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

[0050] Referral Numerals:

Claims

We Claim:

1. A flowmeter 100 for a conduit 112, the flowmeter 100 comprising: a casing 110 engaged with the conduit 112, wherein the casing 110 comprises: a heater 102 abutting a portion of an outer surface 112a of the conduit 112; a first sensor 104 positioned below the heater 102, wherein the first sensor 104 abuts the outer surface 112a of the conduit 112 and detects a first temperature T1 of a fluid in the conduit 112; and, a second sensor 108 positioned on the outer surface 112a of the conduit 112, wherein the second sensor 108 is positioned diametrically opposite to the first sensor 104 and is positioned laterally away from the first sensor 104, and the second sensor 108 detects a second temperature T2 of the fluid in the conduit 112.

2. The flowmeter 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heater 102 is defined with one of a semicircular or circular profile and is positioned on the first section 114 of the casing 110.

3. The flowmeter 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing 110 is defined by a first section 118 and a second section 120, and the through hole 122 is defined between the first section 118 and the second section 120.

4. The flowmeter 100 as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first section 118 is movably coupled with the second section 120 for selectively engaging and disengaging the casing 110 with an outer surface 112a of the conduit 112.

5. The flowmeter 100 as claimed in claim 1, comprising an insulation member encompassing the heater 102 and abutting the conduit 112 for reducing the heat dissipation from the heater 102 and into one of first section 118 and the second section 120.

6. The flowmeter 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first sensor 104 and the second sensor 108 are thermal sensors configured to determine the temperature of a fluid flowing in the conduit 112.

7. The flowmeter 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer surface 112a of the conduit 112 is defined with at least one cavity 124 for receiving the first sensor 104 and the second sensor 108.

8. The flowmeter 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dividend of the difference in temperature (dT) between the first sensor 104 and the second sensor 108 and the predefined distance (dH) between the first sensor 104 and the second sensor 108 is maximum.

9. A flowmeter 100 comprising: a casing 110 comprising: a heater 102 positioned on at least a portion of a first section 114 of the casing 110; a first sensor 104 positioned below the heater 102; and, a second sensor 108 positioned on a second section 116 of the casing opposite to a first section 114, wherein the second sensor 108 is positioned diametrically opposite to the first sensor 104 and is positioned laterally away from the first sensor 104.

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