This paper describes a novel in-line sensor that measures the magnitude and
direction of gas flow in a tribe. The sensor possesses a unique set of per
formance characteristics: low detection limit, little resistance to flow: a
nd directional sensitivity. The sensor consists of two hot wire anemometers
mounted in a U-shaped tube. Differences in the signals between the two hot
wires under low velocity conditions are used to determine the direction of
the pow. Calibration curves of flow rate versus measured velocity are used
to determine the magnitude of the flow. The sensor has applications in sys
tems that are characterized by naturally driven oscillating flows . [S0098-
2202(00)02701-2].