초록 ▼

A method and solid-state electronic flowmeter with no moving parts is provided for monitoring instantaneous and/or accumulated fluid flow. A preferred application for the method and flowmeter is the measurement of the total volume of filtered fluid in a fluid treatment system as an indication of end

A method and solid-state electronic flowmeter with no moving parts is provided for monitoring instantaneous and/or accumulated fluid flow. A preferred application for the method and flowmeter is the measurement of the total volume of filtered fluid in a fluid treatment system as an indication of end of life for a filter therein. The flowmeter employs a solid-state transducer which senses differential pressure generated by a flow restriction such as a venturi which varies depending on a rate of flow. The transducer output in integrated over time to provide a representation of total fluid flow through the filter. The meter is preferably compact and battery-powered to facilitate ease of installation and use. Battery power is conserved by periodically energizing the transducer during idle periods and by periodically energizing the end of life indicator during and end of life condition.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for indicating the operating condition of an impurity filter receiving a variable fluid flow, comprising the steps of: generating a pressure differential proportional to the instantaneous rate of fluid flow; generating an electrical signal which is a function of said pressure differential;

A method for indicating the operating condition of an impurity filter receiving a variable fluid flow, comprising the steps of: generating a pressure differential proportional to the instantaneous rate of fluid flow; generating an electrical signal which is a function of said pressure differential; integrating said signal to provide a representation of the total volume of fluid having passed through said filter; and activating an indicator when the magnitude of said representation has advanced to a value corresponding to a predetermined volume of fluid to be filtered; wherein said signal generating step is conducted only at spaced intervals during periods when said pressure differential is below a predetermined threshold value and is conducted continuously when said pressure differential is above said predetermined threshold value.