PECC Receives Second Patent for XVG Onboard Flow Measurement and Control Methods
PECC was recently granted patent 7,069,137 by the U.S. Patent Office covering our unique methods for measuring and controlling mass flow of a gas. This is the second patent received in this area by PECC.
The patented approach utilizes a highly characterized orifice, sensors to determine the pressure across the orifice, a sensor to measure the temperature of the gas, and a carefully crafted set of calculations to accurately determine mass flow in real time over a wide range of pressure, temperature and flow rates. PECC is currently offering our patented flow technology in the XVG fuel metering valve.
Precise characterization of the flow in each XVG is performed at the PECC facility using an onsite flow calibration bench, and the data is then stored digitally in the valve. This step provides each XVG with the equivalent of an extremely tight tolerance orifice without the costs typically associated with high accuracy machining. In operation, the XVG employs a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) to perform real time mass flow calculations, drawing on the stored characterization information plus continuous measurement of two built-in gas pressure sensors and a gas temperature sensor. An analog output signal provides live mass flow feedback to the user.
The patented technology allows PECC to go beyond flow measurement in the XVG and offer direct, mass flow control capability. In this mode the onboard DSP translates a user- supplied control input signal into a linear mass flow demand value, then executes closed loop flow control using the real time mass flow measurement as feedback.
The result is a complete, very compact, closed loop flow control system capable of operation over a broad range of operating conditions.
For additional information, contact the PECC sales department at sales@PrecisionEng.com or call 858-792-3217.
