Drainable flowmeter and related method

Abstract

According to an embodiment, a flowmeter (5) has an upper flow conduit (103 A) and a lower flow conduit (103B). First and second modified manifolds (301, 301') are in fluidic communication with each of the upper and lower flow conduits (103A, 103B), wherein each of the first and second modified manifolds (301, 301') comprise a body (302). A process coupler (314) is coupled to the body (302) comprising a coupler channel (332) further comprising a low tangent (331). A horizontal plane passing through the low tangent (331) is perpendicular to a vertical plane which passes through the midpoint of each of the upper flow conduit (103A) and the lower flow conduit (103B), wherein the flowmeter (5) is oriented in a tabletop position when the vertical plane is normal to the earth's surface.

Description

[0001] 35O1O / 1O85WG

[0002] DRAINABLE FLOWMETER AND RELATED METHOD

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The embodiments described below relate to vibratory sensors and, more particularly, to a flowmeter and related methods for improving drainability.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Vibrating sensors, such as for example, vibrating densitometers and Coriolis flowmeters are generally known, and are used to measure mass flow and other information related to materials flowing through a conduit in the flowmeter. Exemplary Coriolis flowmeters are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,109,524, U.S. Patent 4,491,025, and Re. 31,450. These flowmeters have meter assemblies with one or more conduits of a straight or curved configuration. Each conduit configuration in a Coriolis mass flowmeter, for example, has a set of natural vibration modes, which may be of simple bending, torsional, or coupled type. Each conduit can be driven to oscillate at a preferred mode. When there is no flow through the flowmeter, a driving force applied to the conduit(s) causes all points along the conduit(s) to oscillate with identical phase or with a small “zero offset”, which is a time delay measured at zero flow.

[0007] As material begins to flow through the conduit(s), Coriolis forces cause each point along the conduit(s) to have a different phase. For example, the phase at the inlet end of the flowmeter lags the phase at the centralized driver position, while the phase at the outlet leads the phase at the centralized driver position. Pickoffs on the conduit(s) produce sinusoidal signals representative of the motion of the conduit(s). Signals output from the pickoffs are processed to determine the time delay between the pickoffs, which is known as the AT. The time delay between the two or more pickoffs is proportional to the mass flow rate of material flowing through the conduit(s).

[0008] A meter electronics connected to the driver generates a drive signal to operate the driver and also to determine a mass flow rate and / or other properties of a process material from signals received from the pickoffs. The driver may comprise one of many well- known arrangements; however, a magnet and an opposing drive coil have received great success in the flowmeter industry. An alternating current is passed to the drive coil for vibrating the conduit(s) at a desired conduit amplitude and frequency. It is also known in the art to provide the pickoffs as a magnet and coil arrangement very similar to the driver arrangement.

[0009] Coriolis meters are used to measure mass flow rates of a wide variety of fluids in pipeline systems. Many applications of fluid transfer require hygienic piping, which is a class of piping designed for optimal cleanliness and sanitation. Examples of industries that require adherence to sanitary standards are the food and beverage, dairy, and pharmaceutical industries. The purpose of hygienic piping is to ensure that the fluids transferred though pipelines are free from contamination, which may include microorganisms and / or impurities remaining from prior fluid transfers. Hygienic piping is typically made from easy-to-clean materials, such as stainless steel, and constructed with smooth surfaces that do not allow for the buildup of residue or bacteria. The piping system must be free of dead zones, which are areas where fluid may collect or pool.

[0010] Industries that deal with biopharmaccuticals require hygienic piping components that comply with American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Bioprocessing Equipment Standards (BPE). One important aspect of the BPE is that fluid processing equipment must be drainable. For dual-tube Coriolis meters, drainable requirements can be quite restrictive of how customers must orient and install Coriolis meters.

[0011] A drainable meter should ideally empty itself of all fluid under the force of gravity. This means that any pockets, undercuts, or hold-up volumes that could collect fluid render a meter undrainable. Standaid dual tube meters collect fluid unless oriented substantially vertically. This orientation, however, is not always desired, or even possible given the constraints of the piping system. Having a meter that is drainable in a substantially horizontal orientation is often desirable for many piping applications. A newly designed meter having eccentric process connection fittings is provided, which allows the meter to drain in a substantially horizontal orientation, solving the draining issues of prior art dual tube flowmeters, and thus advancing the art.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] A flowmeter is provided according to an embodiment. The flowmeter comprises an upper flow conduit, a lower flow conduit, and first and second modified manifolds in fluidic communication with each of the upper and lower flow conduits, wherein each of the first and second modified manifolds comprise a body. A process coupler is coupled to the body comprising a coupler channel further comprising a low tangent. A horizontal plane passing through the low tangent is perpendicular to a vertical plane which passes through the midpoint of each of the upper flow conduit and the lower flow conduit, wherein the flowmeter is oriented in a tabletop position when the vertical plane is normal to the earth’s surface.

[0014] A method of manufacturing a flowmeter is provided according to an embodiment. Tire method comprises providing first and second modified manifolds being substantially the same, each comprising a body. For each of the first and second modified manifolds, the method further comprises fluidically coupling an upper flow conduit and a lower flow conduit to the body of the modified manifold and fluidically coupling a process coupler to the body of the modified manifold. A coupler channel of the process coupler is defined with a first coupler aperture and a second coupler aperture of the process coupler that are in fluidic communication. The method further comprises fluidically coupling a first end of an upper flow conduit and a first end of a lower flow conduit to the body of the first modified manifold and fluidically coupling a second end of the upper flow conduit and a second end of the lower flow conduit to the body of the second modified manifold. The flowmeter, when oriented in a tabletop position, is aligned such that a plane passing through a low tangent of the coupler channel is normal to a vertical plane which passes through a midpoint of each of the upper flow conduit and the lower flow conduit, wherein the vertical plane is normal to the earth’s surface.

[0015] ASPECTS

[0016] According to an aspect, a flowmeter is provided comprising an upper flow conduit, a lower flow conduit, and first and second modified manifolds in fluidic communication with each of the upper and lower flow conduits, wherein each of the first and second modified manifolds comprise a body. A process coupler is coupled to the body comprising a coupler channel further comprising a low tangent. A horizontal plane passing through the low tangent is perpendicular to a vertical plane which passes through the midpoint of each of the upper flow conduit and the lower flow conduit, wherein the flowmeter is oriented in a tabletop position when the vertical plane is normal to the earth’s surface. Preferably, the coupler channel comprises a first coupler aperture in fluidic communication with a second coupler aperture, wherein a diameter of the first coupler aperture is smaller than a diameter of the second coupler aperture.

[0017] Preferably, the modified manifolds each comprise: a first face of the manifold and an opposing second face, a first aperture defined by the body, on the first face, a second aperture defined by the body, on the first face, a third aperture defined by the body, on the second face, and a fourth aperture defined by the body, on the second face. The first and third apertures connect to define a first fluid passage traversing through the body, wherein the second and fourth apertures connect to define a second fluid passage traversing through the body, and wherein the lower flow conduit is in fluidic communication with the first fluid passage, and the upper flow conduit is in fluidic communication with the second fluid passage. A plenum chamber is defined by the body in fluidic communication with the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage.

[0018] Preferably, the coupler channel comprises a volume shaped as a frustum of an oblique cone defined by a wall of a transition portion of the process coupler.

[0019] Preferably, the coupler channel comprises a first coupler aperture, and a second coupler aperture being a different size than the first coupler aperture, wherein the first and second coupler apertures are axially aligned, and further aligned along a tangent defining the low tangent, wherein the low tangent is defined by a conical slant being perpendicular to an axial cross-section of each of a base and an upper base of the oblique conical frustum volume, wherein the base comprises a substantially circular cross-sectional area of the first coupler aperture, and the upper base comprises a substantially circular cross-sectional area of the second coupler aperture.

[0020] Preferably, an alignment feature is operable to indicate the flowmeter is in an orientation wherein the vertical plane that passes through the midpoint of each of the upper flow conduit and the lower flow conduit is normal to the earth.

[0021] Preferably, the alignment feature comprises a reference surface oriented one of 0° and 90° with reference to the vertical plane that passes through the midpoint of each of the flow conduits.

[0022] According to an aspect, a method of manufacturing a flowmeter comprises providing first and second modified manifolds being substantially the same, each comprising a body. For each of the first and second modified manifolds, the method further comprises fluidically coupling an upper flow conduit and a lower flow conduit to the body of the modified manifold and fluidically coupling a process coupler to the body of the modified manifold. A coupler channel of the process coupler is defined with a first coupler aperture and a second coupler aperture of the process coupler that are in fluidic communication. The method further comprises fluidically coupling a first end of an upper flow conduit and a first end of a lower flow conduit to the body of the first modified manifold and fluidically coupling a second end of the upper flow conduit and a second end of the lower flow conduit to the body of the second modified manifold. The flowmeter, when oriented in a tabletop position, is aligned such that a plane passing through a low tangent of the coupler channel is normal to a vertical plane which passes thr ough a midpoint of each of the upper flow conduit and the lower flow conduit, wherein the vertical plane is normal to the earth’s surface.

[0023] Preferably, for each process coupler coupled to each of the first and second modified manifolds, a diameter of the first coupler aperture is formed to be smaller than a diameter of the second aperture.

[0024] Preferably, for each of the first and second modified manifolds, the method further comprises forming a first face and an opposing second face on the body of the modified manifold, defining a first aperture and a third aperture on the first face, and defining a second aperture and a fourth aperture on the second face. The first and third apertures are connected to define a first fluid passage that traverses through the body. The second and fourth apertures are connected to define a second fluid passage that traverses through the body. The lower flow conduit is fluidically coupled with the first fluid, and the upper flow conduit is fluidically coupled with the second fluid passage. A plenum chamber is defined in the body being in fluidic communication with the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage.

[0025] Preferably, the coupler channel comprises a volume shaped as a frustum of an oblique cone defined by a wall of the process coupler.

[0026] Preferably, the method comprises forming a first coupler aperture and a second coupler aperture having a different size from the first coupler aperture in the process coupler and axially aligning the first coupler aperture and the second coupler aperture. The first coupler aperture and the second coupler aperture are aligned along a tangent that defines the low tangent, wherein the low tangent is defined by a conical slant being 35O1O / 1O85WG perpendicular to an axial cross-section of each of a base and an upper base of the oblique conical frustum volume, wherein the base comprises a substantially circular cross- sectional area of the first coupler aperture, and the upper base comprises a substantially circular cross-sectional area of the second coupler aperture.

[0027] Preferably, the method comprises forming an alignment feature on at least one of the manifold and the process coupler operable to indicate the flowmeter is in an orientation wherein the vertical plane that passes through the midpoint of each of the upper flow conduit and the lower flow conduit is normal to the earth.

[0028] Preferably, the alignment feature comprises a reference surface oriented one of 0° and 90° with reference to the vertical plane that passes through the midpoint of each of the flow conduits.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The same reference number represents the same element on all drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a prior art vibratory meter according to an embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 2 shows a meter electronics according to an embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a prior art flowmeter in a vertical “tubes up” installation orientation;

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a prior art flowmeter in a vertical “tubes down” installation orientation;

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a prior art flowmeter in a vertical “horizontally biased” installation orientation;

[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates a prior art flowmeter in a horizontal “tabletop” installation orientation;

[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowmeter in a vertical “tabletop” installation orientation according to an embodiment;

[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section of the flowmeter of FIG. 7; and

[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the flowmeter of FIGS. 7 and 8. 35O1O / 1O85WQ

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] FIGS. 1 - 9 and the following description depict specific examples to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of embodiments of a flowmeter sensor assembly. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations from these examples that fall within the scope of the present description. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of embodiments. As a result, the embodiments described below are not limited to the specific examples described below, but only by the claims and their equivalents.

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a flowmeter 5 according to an embodiment. The flowmeter 5 comprises a sensor assembly 10 and meter electronics 20. The meter electronics 20 is connected to the sensor assembly 10 via leads 100 and is configured to provide measurements of one or more of a density, mass flow rate, volume flow rate, totalized mass flow, temperature, or other measurements or information over a communication path 26. The flowmeter 5 can comprise a Coriolis mass flowmeter or other vibratory flowmeter. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the flowmeter 5 can comprise any manner of flowmeter 5, regardless of the number of drivers, pick-off sensors, flow conduits, or the operating mode of vibration.

[0043] The sensor assembly 10 includes a pair of flanges 101 and 101', manifolds 102 and 102', a driver 104, pick-off sensors 105 and 105', and flow conduits 103A and 103B. The driver 104 and the pick-off sensors 105 and 105' are connected to the flow conduits 103A and 103B. A case 107 surrounds at least some of the components of the sensor assembly 10. More than one driver 104 may be present. More or less than two pick-off sensors may be present.

[0044] The flanges 101 and 101' are affixed to the manifolds 102 and 102’. The manifolds 102 and 102' can be affixed to opposite ends of a spacer 106 in some embodiments. The spacer 106 maintains the spacing between the manifolds 102 and 102'. When the sensor assembly 10 is inserted into a pipeline (not shown) which carries the process fluid being measured, the process fluid enters the sensor assembly 10 through the flange 101, passes through the inlet manifold 102 where the total amount of process fluid is directed to enter the flow conduits 103A and 103B, flows through the flow conduits 103A and 103B and 35O1O / 1O85WG back into the outlet manifold 102', where it exits the sensor assembly 10 through the flange 101'. In embodiments, the flanges 101 and 101 ' comprise a metal, such as stainless steel or titanium, for example.

[0045] The process fluid can comprise a liquid. The process fluid can comprise a gas. The process fluid can comprise a multi-phase fluid, such as a liquid including entrained gases and / or entrained solids, for example without limitation. The flow conduits 103A and 103B are selected and appropriately mounted to the inlet manifold 102 and to the outlet manifold 102' so as to have substantially the same mass distribution, moments of inertia, and elastic moduli about the bending axes W-W and W'-W', respectively. The flow conduits 103A and 103B extend outwardly from the manifolds 102 and 102' in an essentially parallel fashion. Brace bars 120 and 120’ help to determine the location of bending axes W and W’ .

[0046] The flow conduits 103A and 103B arc driven by the driver 104 in opposite directions about the respective bending axes W and W' and at what is termed the first out of phase bending mode of the flowmeter 5. The driver 104 may comprise one of many well-known arrangements, such as a magnet mounted to the flow conduit 103 A and an opposing coil mounted to the flow conduit 103B. An alternating current is passed through the opposing coil to cause both conduits to oscillate. A suitable drive signal is applied by the meter electronics 20 to the driver 104 via lead 110. Other driver devices are considered and are within the scope of the description and claims.

[0047] The meter electronics 20 receives sensor signals on leads 111 and 111', respectively. The meter electronics 20 produces a drive signal on lead 110 which causes the driver 104 to oscillate the flow conduits 103A and 103B. Other sensor devices are considered and are within the scope of the description and claims.

[0048] The meter electronics 20 processes the left and right velocity signals from the pickoff sensors 105 and 105' in order to compute a flow rate, among other things. The communication path 26 provides an input and an output means that allows the meter electronics 20 to interface with an operator or with other electronic systems. The description of FIG. 1 is provided merely as an example of the operation of a flowmeter and is not intended to limit the teaching of the present invention. In embodiments, single tube and multi-tube flowmeters having one or more drivers and pickoffs are considered. 35O1O / 1O85WQ

[0049] The meter electronics 20 in one embodiment is configured to vibrate the flow conduit 103A and 103B. The vibration is performed by the driver 104. The meter electronics 20 further receives resulting vibrational signals from the pickoff sensors 105 and 105'. The vibrational signals comprise a vibrational response of the flow conduits 103A and 103B. The meter electronics 20 processes the vibrational response and determines a response frequency and / or phase difference. The meter electronics 20 processes the vibrational response and determines one or more flow measurements, including a mass flow rate and / or density of the process fluid. Other vibrational response characteristics and / or flow measurements are considered and are within the scope of the description and claims.

[0050] In one embodiment, the flow conduits 103 A and 103B comprise substantially omega-shaped flow conduits, as shown. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the flowmeter can comprise substantially straight flow conduits, U-shapcd conduits, deltashaped conduits, etc. Additional flowmeter shapes and / or configurations can be used and are within the scope of the description and claims. Embodiments where only a single flow conduit or more than two flow conduits are also considered.

[0051] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the meter electronics 20 of a flowmeter 5 according to an embodiment. In operation, the flowmeter 5 provides various measurement values that may be outputted including one or more of a measured or averaged value of mass flow rate, volume flow rate, individual flow component mass and volume flow rates, and total flow rate, including, for example, both volume and mass flow.

[0052] The flowmeter 5 generates a vibrational response. The vibrational response is received and processed by the meter electronics 20 to generate one or more fluid measurement values. The values can be monitored, recorded, saved, totaled, and / or output.

[0053] The meter electronics 20 includes an interface 201, a processing system 203 in communication with the interface 201, and a storage system 204 in communication with the processing system 203. Although these components are shown as distinct blocks, it should be understood that the meter electronics 20 can be comprised of various combinations of integrated and / or discrete components.

[0054] The interface 201 is configured to communicate with the sensor assembly 10 of the flowmeter 5. The interface 201 may be configured to couple to the leads 100 (see 35O1O / 1O85WG

[0055] FIG. 1) and exchange signals with the driver 104, pickoff sensors 105 and 105', and temperature sensors (not shown), for example. The interface 201 may be further configured to communicate over the communication path 26, such as to external devices.

[0056] The processing system 203 can comprise any manner of processing system. The processing system 203 is configured to retrieve and execute stored routines in order to operate the flowmeter 5. The storage system 204 can store routines including a flowmeter routine 205. By way of example, other routines such as magnetic field detection routines 209, and / or alternate bending mode routines 211, among other measurement / processing routines are considered and are within the scope of the description and claims. The storage system 204 can store measurements, received values, working values, and other information. In some embodiments, the storage system stores a mass flow (m) 221, a density (p) 225, a viscosity (p) 223, a temperature (T) 224, a drive gain 228, a transducer voltage 230, and any other variables known in the art.

[0057] The flowmeter routine 205 can produce and store fluid quantifications and flow measurements. These values can comprise substantially instantaneous measurement values or can comprise totalized or accumulated values. For example, the flowmeter routine 205 can generate mass flow measurements and store them in the mass flow 221 storage of the storage system 204, for example. The flowmeter routine 205 can generate density 225 measurements and store them in the density 225 storage, for example. The mass flow 221 and density 225 values are determined from the vibrational response, as previously discussed and as known in the art. The mass flow and other measurements can comprise a substantially instantaneous value, can comprise a sample, can comprise an averaged value over a time interval, or can comprise an accumulated value over a time interval. The time interval may be chosen to correspond to a block of time during which certain fluid conditions are detected, for example a liquid-only fluid state, or alternatively, a fluid state including liquids and entrained gas. In addition, other mass flow and related quantifications are considered and are within the scope of the description and claims.

[0058] Turning to FIGS. 3-6, an example of a prior art flowmeter 5 is illustrated in several non-drainable installation orientations. The example flowmeter 5 is shown with internal cross sections of the fluid flow path. The fluid flows through the flowmeter 5 as shown by the arrows. When flow is halted, gravity acts upon the fluid, and some areas of the flowmeter 5 will collect the fluid, as illustrated by hatched portions. 35O1O / 1O85WG

[0059] FIG. 3 illustrates a “flow conduits up” flowmeter 5 orientation. Gravity causes the fluid to drain down (as illustrated) from the flow conduits 103 A, 103B and into dead zones 300 of the modified manifolds (301, 301’).

[0060] FIG. 4 illustrates a “flow conduits down” flowmeter 5 orientation. Gravity causes the fluid to remain in the flow conduits 103 A, 103B and also in the dead zones 300 of the modified manifolds (301, 301’).

[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a “horizontally biased” flowmeter 5 orientation. Gravity causes the fluid to remain in the flow conduits 103 A, 103B and in the upper dead zone 300 of the upstream manifold 102.

[0062] FIGS. 3-5 are all variations of vertical flowmeter 5 orientations.

[0063] FIG. 6 illustrates a “tabletop” flowmeter 5 orientation. In this orientation, the flowmeter 5 is positioned horizontally, and gravity causes the fluid to remain in the “lower” flow conduit 103B as well as in the in the dead zones 300 of the modified manifolds (301, 301’). Note that even if the “tabletop” orientation is slightly tilted away from perfectly horizontal, such pooling will still occur.

[0064] The installation orientations of the flowmeters illustrated in FIGS. 3-6 are not drainable, as fluid collects after fluid flow is halted.

[0065] Embodiments are provided that allow a flowmeter 5 to be drainable in the “tabletop” installation orientation. Note that the “tabletop” orientation may be biased away from perfectly horizontal (i.e. parallel to the Earth's surface), by 1-2°, for example without limitation, in order to promote draining and conditions that comply with relevant hygienic standards.

[0066] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowmeter 5 according to an embodiment that is installed in the “tabletop” position. Modified manifolds 301, 301’ are provided that permit the flowmeter 5 to fully drain in this position (when biased). In this position flow conduit 103 A is the upper flow conduit, and flow conduit 103B is the lower flow conduit.

[0067] Additionally, turning to FIG. 8, the modified manifolds 301, 301’, are predominantly defined by a body 302 having a first face 304 that is opposed by a second face 308. The first face 304 defines a first aperture 306. The first aperture 306 defines a first opening of a passage 307 that passes through the body 302. Similarly, a second aperture 309 is defined by the second face 308, and this second aperture 309 defines a second opening. The passage 307 travels through the body 302, joining the first aperture 35O1O / 1O85WG

[0068] 306 to the second aperture 309, thus defining a flow path for process materials to pass through the modified manifold 301, 301’. The flow conduits 103A, 103B may be installed in this passage 307. This entails fluidically coupling a first end of the “upper” flow conduit 103A and a first end of the “lower” flow conduit 103B to the first modified manifold, and fluidically coupling a second end of the upper flow conduit 103 A and a second end of the lower flow conduit 103B to the second modified manifold. A plenum chamber 312 is provided to allow space in the modified manifold 301, 301’ for the dual flow conduits 103A, 103B to be oriented next to each other, which is easy to see using FIG. 6 as an example. The plenum chamber 312 also provides space to allow the welding of the flow conduits 103 A, 103B to the body 302.

[0069] In an embodiment, the modified manifolds 301, 301’ are substantially the same.

[0070] In an embodiment, the modified manifolds 301, 301’ are constructed from at least two portions: The body 302 and a process coupler 314. The process coupler 314 is coupled to the body at a coupler junction 316. The process coupler 314 is generally welded or brazed to the body 302. The process coupler 314 is attachable to process lines (not shown), and fluidically couples each modified manifold 301, 301’ to the process lines. However, the modified manifold 301, 301’ may be constructed from a single portion, such as by additive manufacturing processes, for example, and the process coupler 314 is integral to the body 302, and may be referred to as process coupler region 314’. Reference below to the process coupler 314 is applicable to a process coupler region 314’ for embodiments where the process coupler 314 is integral to the body 302.

[0071] In embodiments, the process coupler 314 is eccentric. The process coupler 314 has a first end 320 and a second end 322. The first and second ends 320, 322 are substantially parallel to each other. A first coupler aperture 324 is defined by the process coupler 314, and is proximate the first end 320. A second coupler aperture 326 is defined by the process coupler 314, and is proximate the second end 322. The coupler apertures 324, 326 each comprise a circular cross-section in some embodiments, but other cross- sectional shapes are considered. The coupler apertures 324, 326 are in fluidic communication with each other to define a coupler channel 332. In an embodiment, the first coupler aperture 324 is smaller in diameter than the second coupler aperture 326. In an embodiment, the first coupler aperture 324 is disposed coaxially, yet non- concentrically, in relation to the second coupler aperture 326. The coupler channel 332 comprises a volume comprising a frustum of an oblique cone defined by a wall 327 of the process coupler 314. At least a transition portion 328 disposed between the first and second ends 320, 322 of the coupler channel 332 comprises the frustum- shaped portion. Circular cross-sections of the coupler channel 332 may also be present. The circular cross-sections of the coupler apertures 324, 326 are axially aligned along a tangent to define a low tangent 331 on one side of the coupler channel 332. The low tangent 331 of the coupler channel is in reference to the conical slant perpendicular to the axial crosssections of both the base and upper base of the oblique conical frustum volume, the base comprising a substantially circular cross-sectional area of the second coupler aperture 326, and the upper base comprising a substantially circular cross-sectional area of the first coupler aperture 324. A horizontal plane passing through the low tangent appears to be a horizontal line when viewed in cross-section, as illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0072] Even with the modified manifolds 301, 301’, if the meter is not oriented very precisely in the prescribed “tabletop” orientation, there is potential for fluid to collect in the flow conduit bends, the manifolds 301, 301’ and process couplers 314. The correct relative orientation of the flowmeter components is found when a plane passing horizontally through low tangent 331 of the coupler channel 332 is perpendicular to a vertical plane that passes through the midpoint of each of the flow conduits 103A, 103B. Uris orientation is illustrated by FIG. 8. For illustration purposes, the relative orientation of the coupler channel 332 and flow conduits 103A, 103B is described, and the geometry of the flowmeter is illustrated as if the flowmeter tabletop position comprises the flow conduits being at a 0° angle (parallel to the earth’ s surface). In an installation that prevents liquid accumulation, the flowmeter is installed with a small horizontal bias such that liquid flows downstream and does not accumulate in any dead zones. As discussed above, the horizontal bias is a very slight “downhill” tilt in the flowmeter 5 that promotes fully draining the flowmeter 5 in the downhill direction after fluid flow is halted. This allows process operators to drain all liquid out of the lines to maximize yield. This also prevents residue buildup of any sort, and especially residues that can foster bacterial growth on the wall of the pipeline and flowmeter. Once bacteria grow on the wall of a pipeline, it is extremely difficult to remove with a clean-in-place process, such as by flushing the piping system with chemicals to kill all the bacteria and clean the pipe. 35O1O / 1O85WG

[0073] In an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 and FIG. 9, the modified manifolds 301, 301’ comprise an alignment feature 340. Any portion of the modified manifolds 301, 301’, including the process coupler 314, may comprise the alignment feature 340. Other portions of the flowmeter, such as the case for example, may comprise the alignment feature 340. The alignment feature comprises a reference surface 342 that may be measured to ensure that the flowmeter 5 is “clocked” correctly — that is to say that the flowmeter 5 is installed so that the low tangent 331 of the coupler channel 332 is in the gravitationally lowest position, and the vertical plane that passes through the midpoint of each of the flow conduits 103A, 103B is at a 90° angle to the horizontal (i.e. normal to the Earth's surface).

[0074] The alignment feature 340 may be a flat reference surface 342 that is situated relative to the desired installation orientation (i.e. clocked correctly). In the example shown, the alignment feature 340 is a reference surface 342 oriented such that when a spirit level or comparable device placed thereupon will show a level reading — depending on the device used, this could read 0°, 45°, or 90° in relation to the earth’s surface, for example. In the example shown, the alignment feature 340 is oriented at 90° (i.e. normal to the earth’s surface) with reference to a plane passing through the low tangent 331 of the coupler channel 332 when in the gravitationally lowest position. In this case, the plane of the reference surface is parallel to the vertical plane that passes through the midpoint of each of the flow conduits 103A, 103B. The alignment feature 340 may be oriented at other relative angles, besides 90° and 0°. In an embodiment, the reference surface 342 may compensate for a biased installation, such that the reference surface indicates a particular value, such as 0°, which is compensated for the bias angle.

[0075] In an embodiment, the alignment feature 340 comprises a built-in levelling device, such as a spirit level or electronic level, or any other levelling device known in the art.. In an embodiment, the alignment feature 340 comprises a levelling device in addition to a reference surface 342. In some embodiments, the reference surface 342 is formed by a subtractive process, such as by machining. In some embodiments, the reference surface 342 is formed from an additive process, such as casting or 3D printing. Combinations of these processes are also considered.

[0076] The detailed descriptions of the above embodiments are not exhaustive descriptions of all embodiments considered by the inventors to be within the scope of the present description. Indeed, persons skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the above-described embodiments may variously be combined or eliminated to create further embodiments, and such further embodiments fall within the scope and teachings of the present description. It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the above-described embodiments may be combined in whole or in part to create additional embodiments within the scope and teachings of the present description.

[0077] Thus, although specific embodiments are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the present description, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The teachings provided herein can be applied to other sensors, sensor brackets, and conduits and not just to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying figures. Accordingly, the scope of the embodiments described above should be determined from the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A flowmeter (5), comprising: an upper flow conduit (103A); a lower flow conduit (103B); first and second modified manifolds (301, 301’) in fluidic communication with each of the upper and lower flow conduits (103 A, 103B), wherein each of the first and second modified manifolds (301, 301’) comprise a body (302); a process coupler (314) coupled to the body (302) comprising a coupler channel (332) further comprising a low tangent (331), wherein a horizontal plane passes through the low tangent (331) that is perpendicular to a vertical plane which passes through the midpoint of each of the upper flow conduit (103A) and the lower flow conduit (103B), wherein the flowmeter (5) is oriented in a tabletop position when the vertical plane is normal to the earth’s surface.

2. The flowmeter (5) of claim 1, wherein the coupler channel (332) comprises a first coupler aperture (324) in fluidic communication with a second coupler aperture (326), wherein a diameter of the first coupler aperture (324) is smaller than a diameter of the second coupler aperture (326).

3. The flowmeter (5) of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the modified manifolds (301, 301’) each comprise: a first face (304) of the manifold (301, 301’) and an opposing second face (308); a first aperture (306) defined by the body (302), on the first face (304); a second aperture (309) defined by the body (302), on the first face (304); a third aperture (310) defined by the body (302), on the second face (308); a fourth aperture (311) defined by the body (302), on the second face (308); wherein the first and third apertures (306, 310) connect to define a first fluid passage (307) traversing through the body (302), wherein the second and fourth apertures (309, 311) connect to define a second fluid passage (313) traversing through the body (302), and wherein the lower flow conduit (103B) is in fluidic communication with the first fluid passage (307), and the upper flow conduit (103 A) is in fluidic communication with the second fluid passage (313);a plenum chamber (312) defined by the body (302) in fluidic communication with the first fluid passage (307) and the second fluid passage (313).

4. The flowmeter (5) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the coupler channel (332) comprises a volume shaped as a frustum of an oblique cone defined by a wall (327) of a transition portion (328) of the process coupler (314).

5. The flowmeter (5) of claim 4, wherein the coupler channel (332) comprises: a first coupler aperture (324); a second coupler aperture (326) being a different size than the first coupler aperture (324), wherein the first and second coupler apertures (324, 326) are axially aligned, and further aligned along a tangent defining the low tangent (331), wherein the low tangent (331) is defined by a conical slant being perpendicular to an axial cross-section of each of a base and an upper base of the oblique conical frustum volume, wherein the base comprises a substantially circular cross-sectional area of the first coupler aperture (324), and the upper base comprises a substantially circular cross-sectional area of the second coupler aperture (326).

6. The flowmeter (5) of any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising an alignment feature (340) operable to indicate the flowmeter (5) is in an orientation wherein the vertical plane that passes through the midpoint of each of the upper flow conduit (103A) and the lower flow conduit (103B) is normal to the earth.

7. The flowmeter (5) of claim 6, wherein the alignment feature (340) comprises a reference surface (342) oriented one of 0° and 90° with reference to the vertical plane that passes through the midpoint of each of the flow conduits (103A, 103B).

8. A method of manufacturing a flowmeter, comprising providing first and second modified manifolds being substantially the same, each comprising a body, and for each of the first and second modified manifolds: fluidically coupling an upper flow conduit and a lower flow conduit to the body of the modified manifold;fluidically coupling a process coupler to the body of the modified manifold; defining a coupler channel of the process coupler with a first coupler aperture and a second coupler aperture of the process coupler that are in fluidic communication; and fluidically coupling a first end of an upper flow conduit and a first end of a lower flow conduit to the body of the first modified manifold; fluidically coupling a second end of the upper flow conduit and a second end of the lower flow conduit to the body of the second modified manifold; and aligning, when the flowmeter is oriented in a tabletop position, a plane passing through a low tangent of the coupler channel is normal to a vertical plane which passes through a midpoint of each of the upper flow conduit and the lower flow conduit, wherein the vertical plane is normal to the earth’s surface.

9. The method of manufacturing the flowmeter of claim 8, comprising, for each process coupler coupled to each of the first and second modified manifolds: forming a diameter of the first coupler aperture to be smaller than a diameter of the second aperture.

10. The method of manufacturing the flowmeter of any one of claims 8 and 9, comprising, for each of the first and second modified manifolds: forming a first face and an opposing second face on the body of the modified manifold; defining a first aperture and a third aperture on the first face; defining a second aperture and a fourth aperture on the second face; connecting the first and third apertures to define a first fluid passage that traverses through the body; connecting the second and fourth apertures to define a second fluid passage that traverses through the body; fluidically coupling the lower flow conduit with the first fluid; fluidically coupling the upper flow conduit with the second fluid passage;defining a plenum chamber in the body being in fluidic communication with the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage.

11. The method of manufacturing the flowmeter of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the coupler channel comprises a volume shaped as a frustum of an oblique cone defined by a wall of the process coupler.

12. The method of manufacturing the flowmeter of claim 11 forming a first coupler aperture and a second coupler aperture having a different size from the first coupler aperture in the process coupler; axially aligning the first coupler aperture and the second coupler aperture; aligning the first coupler aperture and the second coupler aperture along a tangent that defines the low tangent, wherein the low tangent is defined by a conical slant being perpendicular to an axial cross-section of each of a base and an upper base of the oblique conical frustum volume, wherein the base comprises a substantially circular cross- sectional area of the first coupler aperture, and the upper base comprises a substantially circular cross-sectional area of the second coupler aperture.

13. The method of manufacturing the flowmeter of any one of claims 8 to 11, comprising forming an alignment feature on at least one of the manifold and the process coupler operable to indicate the flowmeter is in an orientation wherein the vertical plane that passes through the midpoint of each of the upper flow conduit and the lower flow conduit is normal to the earth.

14. The method of manufacturing the flowmeter of claim 11, wherein the alignment feature comprises a reference surface oriented one of 0° and 90° with reference to the vertical plane that passes through the midpoint of each of the flow conduits.

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