Methods and apparati for measuring entrained gas content. One of the
disclosed apparatus embodiments includes a chamber and piping for process
fluid, the piping including two different sectors each comprising a
density and temperature gauge having a pressure gauge located upstream
and a second pressure gauge located downstream, the two sectors being
operatively joined together by a pressure-changing device. The pressure
measurement feature may be incorporated into the combination density and
temperature gauge, eliminating the need for separate pressure gauges.
Data generated by this invention reduces measurement error caused by the
dissolving or exsolving of gases with changes in pressure of a fluid,
while providing instantaneous measurement, through apparatuses that
measure system conditions at each of two pressure states within a very
short period of time. For instance, in the context of continuously
coating a substrate, the method of this invention comprises: a.) setting
a quantitative target for weight-% of one or more solids, e.g. kaolin
clay, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, or alumina trihydrate, to be
coated onto a substrate such as a paper web; b.) continuously applying
the solids to the substrate via a carrier fluid; c.) measuring the
apparent density of the slurry; d.) determining the true density of the
slurry; e.) calculating the weight-% of solids in the slurry as disclosed
above; f.) comparing the calculated weight-% solids to the target
weight-% solids; and, g.) if the calculated weight-% is greater or less
than the target weight-%, lowering or raising the amount of solids
applied in step b.). Many other method and apparatus embodiments are also
disclosed.