Abstract A new type of household gas meter known as a fluidic meter is introduced. The meter utilizes an array of specially designed disks of different thicknesses and shapes to create a bistable flow passage where self-induced, sustained oscillations occur, converting the task of flow-rate measurement to the electronic monitoring of oscillation frequency. The meter meets the measurement standards for the range of flow rate from 0.04 to 1.6 m3/h. Compared with the traditional diaphragm gas meter, this meter features no moving parts, good repeatability, and electronic signal output. The analysis of experimental data shows that the fluidic-type gas meter can satisfy the class 1.5 accuracy requirements. There also appears to be a potential to extend the measurable flow-rate range through further design optimization.
2014, Vol. 35 
