Output details

Measurement of mass flow

This patent was an outcome of a Proof of Concept Project (Scottish Enterprise, £200,000, P.I.: D. McGlinchey) which, in turn, was based on some of the PhD work of Yingna Zheng (Director of Studies: J.R. Pugh) incorporating an original technique proposed by Pugh. The patent was originally filed as a UK patent (GB 2470941 A) and was extended to an international patent (WO 2010/142999 A2). Evidence of the originality is that the outcome of the International Search Report failed to identify any descriptions that were the same as the method proposed. A market analysis conducted into the device, undertaken as part of the Proof of Concept Project, indicated that there was a clear need for such a device, especially in conditions of dense phase conveying - where the particulate material is not entrained and evenly distributed in the airflow. Interest in the subject of the patent has been shown by: Schlumberger Gould Research, [Principal Research Scientist]; Scottish and Southern Energy plc, [Technology Engineer]; Strata Technology Ltd [Project Engineer]; and, Doosan Power Systems [member of Corporate R&D team].

Pugh has undertaken research and consultancy in instrumentation for particulate handling systems for over 20 years and leading up to the invention was aware of the shortcomings of many of the techniques in use – most of which were based on inferring mass flow from volumetric techniques. The background to the invention and a comparison with other solids mass flow systems forms the first two pages of the patent. The device has been the subject of continuing experimental research, including the development of numerical models – resulting in publications in: Flow Measurement and Instrumentation; Particle Science and Technology.