Gas Flow Meter

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Gas Flow Meter

• Client John Webster
• Advisor Naomi Chesler
• Project Leader Anna Moeller
• Communications Kailey Feyereisen
• BSAC Ryan Drake
• BWIG Gina Stuessy

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Outline

• Problem Statement
• Background
• Motivation
• Design Requirements
• Designs
• Design Matrix
• Future Work

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Problem Statement

• Design a gas flow meter with continuous or single
  readout that can be manufactured for less than 2
  when produced in quantities of 500.

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Design Requirements

• Continuous readout
• 4x4x1 dimensions
• Accurate within 10
• Attached to an O2, CO2, or medical air source

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Background

• Medical gas flow rates up to 15 L/min
• Methods of measuring flow rate vary
• Changing area
• Exerting force
• Many disciplines use flow meters
• Current Products
• Rotameter
• Electronic
• Venturi

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Motivation

• Current products are expensive or compromise
  accuracy
• Developing countries need them
• Important in monitoring air flow
• Health care system would improve
• Durability, reliability, and simplicity

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Drag Force Flow Meter
2
4

• Acrylic, clear tube
• Thin brass metal disk
• Air flow proportional to deflection of disk

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Drag Force Flow Meter Pros Cons

• Pros
• Simple to use
• Inexpensive
• Uncomplicated
• Easy to manufacture

• Cons
• Difficult calibration
• Reliability of parts
• Inaccurate

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Rotameter

• Gas flows through narrow end
• Float rises as rate increases
• Marks on the side of the tube indicate flow rate

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Rotameter Pros Cons

• Pros
• Parts minimal
• Reliability
• Maintenance Requirements low.

• Cons
• Gravity dependence
• Accuracy
• Manufacturing

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Venturi Tube

• Flow rate causes change in pressure
• Pressure difference of air on two sides of
  orifice measured by water
• Manometer
• Detachable
• Calibrated to give an instant reading

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Venturi Pros Cons

• Pros
• Parts do not move
• Materials inexpensive
• Operation is simple

• Cons
• Accuracy and reliability
• Difficulty in manufacturing
• Cost
• Size
• Water replacement
• Meter must be level

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Design Matrix
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Future Work

• Determine final design
• Order materials
• Construct prototype
• Test and Calibrate prototype

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References

• www.wikipedia.org
• www.engineersedge.com
• www.globalspec.com
• www.sloanmeterdirectory.com
• www.omega.com
• www.hyperphysics.com

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Any Questions?