A networked delivery system and method for controlling operation of a spraying system includes nozzles for emitting an agrochemical according to a predetermined spray pattern and flow rate; vibration sensors located adjacent an agricultural spray system component to sense vibrations of the agricultural spray system component, such as spray nozzles. The networked delivery system also includes a control area network with a computer processor in communication with the vibration sensors. The processor conveys information to an operator regarding the agricultural spray system component based on the sensed vibrations. The processor also actuates each of the agricultural spray system components such as the spray nozzles to selectively control each of the nozzles or a designated group of the nozzles.

Networked diagnostic and control system for dispensing apparatus

An apparatus and process for monitoring fluid flow through a nozzle is disclosed. A vibration sensor, such as an accelerometer, is mounted to a nozzle. The vibration output received from the sensor is then analyzed to determine whether or not the nozzle is operating properly. Through the present invention, information can be obtained regarding variations in flow rate, and/or variations in spray pattern and droplet size spectra. If the nozzle flow pulsates, the vibration sensor may also provide information regarding whether the nozzle is pulsating according to a desired frequency duty cycle or waveform.

Flow control and operation monitoring system for individual spray nozzles

An electrically-actuated variable pressure control system for use with flow-controlled liquid application systems. Direct acting solenoid valves are pulsed at varying frequencies and duty cycles0000change the resistance to flow encountered by the flow-controlled liquid application system. This pulsing solenoid valve technique preserves a high degree of accuracy and uniformity through a wide range of pressure control. This wide range of pressure control indirectly allows the flow-controlled liquid application system to operate over a wider range of flow control, yielding indirect benefits to performance and productivity. When the solenoid valves are attached to pressure-atomization spray nozzles, control over spray pattern and droplet size is further achieved.

Electrically actuated variable pressure control system

A system and method for determining the atomization characteristics of fluids being emitted by a nozzle is disclosed. In one embodiment, a fluid is emitted through a nozzle while simultaneously sensing vibrations occurring within the nozzle. The vibrations provide information about the atomization characteristics of the fluid. By comparing the sensed vibrations to vibration patterns produced by known fluids through the same or a similar nozzle, the atomization characteristics of the fluid being tested can be predicted. In one embodiment, for instance, the atomization characteristics of a fluid may be determined as a function of velocity or flow rate through the nozzle.

System and Method for Determining Atomization Characteristics of Spray Liquids

A insertion vortex flow meter (10) for measuring a flow rate of a process fluid in a pipe (14) has a mounting assembly, a shedding bar and a sensor assembly. The mounting assembly (22) is attached to a surface of the pipe (14) adjacent an opening (44) in a side wall of the pipe (14) . The shedding bar (26) is inserted through the opening (44) and extends an entire diameter of the pipe (14). The shedding bar (26) is held in place by a compression force exerted by the sensor assembly (46) on a proximal end of the shedding bar (26), such that the shedding bar (26) is held by the compressive force between the sensor assembly (46) and an opposing side wall of the pipe (14). The sensor assembly (46) is adapted to measure motion of a pivoting element (28) corresponding to vortices in the process fluid caused by the shedding bar (26). The sensor assembly (46) is adapted to produce an output indicative of the volumetric flow rate based on the frequency of the measured motion.

Scalable averaging insertion vortex flow meter

A multiple flow metering system includes first and second vortex flowmeters for measuring a flow of a fluid. The first vortex flowmeter includes a first bluff body having a leading edge and a shape for inducing a first stream of vortices in the fluid as a function of the flow at a wavelength λ. The first vortex flowmeter also includes a first vortex sensor which generates a first output based on a frequency of the first stream of vortices. The second vortex flowmeter includes a second bluff body having a leading edge and a shape for inducing a second stream of vortices in the fluid as a function of the flow at the wavelength λ. The second vortex flowmeter also includes a second vortex sensor which generates a second output based on the frequency of the second stream of vortices. The leading edge of the second body is spaced from the leading edge of the first body by 1.15λ to 2.0λ.

Multiple vortex flowmeter system

A flowmeter alignment device comprises an alignment ring (18, 20) affixed to an end of a flowmeter flowtube (10) and having spring fingers (26) to engage the circumference of a pipe flange raised face (22, 24). In another embodiment a flowmeter alignment device comprises a semicircular or other arcuate body affixed to the flowtube end, the arcuate body (50) adapted to mate with the circumference of a pipe flange raised face (22, 24). The arcuate body (50) is shaped to permit lateral installation and removal of the flowtube from a mating pipe flange. In still another embodiment an alignment ring (66) is adapted also for use as an electrical grounding ring for electromagnetic flowmeters, or as an orifice plate for differential pressure-based flowmeters.

Wendell G. Huotari

Papers

Multiple vortex flowmeter system

Flowmeter alignment device