Valve device for guided wave radar level meter

Abstract

A valve device (10) for a guided wave radar level meter (1), comprising: a valve housing (202), the valve housing retaining a movable valve element (204) having a through opening (206), the movable valve element being configured to be movable between an open position and a closed position; a probe portion (208), the probe portion being arranged in the through opening of the movable valve element; an upper probe portion and a lower probe portion (210, 212), the upper probe portion and the lower probe portion being respectively located on respective sides of the movable valve element; and a spring-loaded connection assembly (214), the spring-loaded connection assembly being configured to form an electrical connection between the upper probe portion and the lower probe portion via the probe portion in the movable valve element when the movable valve element is in the open position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a guided wave radar level meter, and in particular to a ball valve for sealing the guided wave radar level meter. Background Art

[0002] Radar level gauge (RLG) systems are widely used to determine the fill level of a product contained in a tank. Radar level measurement is usually performed by non-contact measurement means, whereby an electromagnetic signal is radiated towards the product contained in the tank, or by contact measurement means, often referred to as guided wave radar (GWR), whereby an electromagnetic signal is guided towards and into the product by a probe acting as a waveguide or transmission line. The probe is usually arranged to extend vertically from the top of the tank to the bottom of the tank.

[0003] The emitted electromagnetic signal is reflected at the surface of the product, and the reflected signal is received by a receiver or transceiver included in the radar level meter. Based on the emitted signal and the reflected signal, the distance to the surface of the product can be determined. More specifically, the distance to the surface of the product is usually determined based on the time between the emission of the electromagnetic signal and the receipt of the reflection of the signal in the interface between the gas in the tank and the product contained in the tank. In order to determine the actual filling level of the product, the distance from the reference position to the surface is determined based on the above-mentioned time (the so-called flight time) and the propagation speed of the electromagnetic signal.

[0004] The growing natural gas market is leading to a large supply of natural gas, which is being used as a low-emission feedstock alternative in power plants, refining / petrochemical plants and the chemical industry. In addition, the growing market is driving the need for reliable level measurement of liquefied natural gas.

[0005] Level measurement with guided wave radar provides reliable and stable measurement of liquefied gases, as the seal between the level gauge and the tank can be designed with a cryogenic rating and the probe tip transmission function can be used as a redundant level measurer even in extremely low dielectric liquids. However, a disadvantage that makes GWR difficult to use for some liquefied gas applications is the general safety requirement for a valve that can isolate the process from the measuring instrument. Therefore, in applications where a ball valve is required, a viable option is to use non-contacting radar (NCR), in which the measurement signal can be transmitted through the open valve.

[0006] However, it would be desirable to find a solution that would enable guided wave radar to also be used for LNG applications and meet the requirements mentioned above. Summary of the invention

[0007] In view of the above and other drawbacks of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a valve device for a guided wave radar level meter, which allows measurement through the valve when the valve is in an open position.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a valve device for a guided wave radar level meter, the valve device comprising: a valve housing, the valve housing retaining a movable valve element having a through opening, the movable valve element being configured to be movable between an open position and a closed position; a probe portion arranged in the through opening of the movable valve element; an upper probe portion and a lower probe portion located on both sides of the movable valve element; and a spring-loaded connecting assembly, the connecting assembly being configured to form an electrical connection between the upper probe portion and the lower probe portion via the probe portion in the movable valve element when the movable valve element is in the open position.

[0009] The described valve arrangement is configured for use in guided wave radar (GWR) level gauge applications, wherein the probe extends into a container, tank or vessel containing a material such as liquid natural gas. A transceiver and its associated control circuitry are connected to an upper probe portion, and a lower probe portion is connected to the portion of the probe extending into the tank. By means of the described valve arrangement, an uninterrupted conductive path can be formed for the measurement signal when the valve is in an open position. Furthermore, when the valve is closed, the tank is sealed relative to the external environment, which may be necessary to meet certain safety requirements, and this also simplifies the repair and replacement of the radar level gauge.

[0010] The present invention thus enables the use of guided wave radar level gauges in applications where valves for sealing tanks are required.

[0011] The movable valve element may be manually controlled by a lever or the like, or may be an automatically controlled valve controlled by a motor. The probe portion in the through opening of the movable valve element is configured to form an uninterrupted propagation path for microwave signals from the upper probe portion through the valve and further to the lower probe portion and into the tank.

[0012] The spring-loaded connection assembly ensures that reliable electrical contact is formed between the probe part located in the through opening of the valve and the corresponding upper and lower probe parts. In the following description, examples of spring-loaded connection assemblies will be given. However, it should be noted that many different variations of the described embodiments are possible.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the spring-loaded connection assembly comprises a first spring-loaded probe element and a second spring-loaded probe element, which are arranged in the valve housing on respective sides of the movable valve element, so that when the movable valve element is in the open position, the first spring-loaded probe element and the second spring-loaded probe element are pressed against and contact the probe portion in the movable valve element, thereby forming a probe that serves as a continuous transmission line through the valve device. Each spring-loaded probe element is thus configured so that a force is applied in an axial direction between the respective first spring-loaded probe element and the second spring-loaded probe element and the probe portion located therebetween. Due to the force exerted by the spring in the spring-loaded element, the probe element is pressed against the probe portion in the valve, thereby forming a reliable contact, which can be ensured even in the case of frequent opening and closing of the valve.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the movable valve element also includes a spacer, which is arranged to keep the probe part in the through opening, wherein the spacer is partially hollow to allow fluid to flow through the movable valve element. The spacer is made of a non-conductive material and is configured to keep the probe part in a central position in the opening and also prevent the spacer from moving in the axial direction. Therefore, the diameter of the through opening is greater than the diameter of the probe part. In addition, since the spacer includes an opening that allows fluid communication through the valve when the valve is in an open position, there is no need for fluid flow in the probe. Even if there may be no flow through the valve as part of any process, it may still be necessary to provide fluid communication through the valve, such as when the pressure sensor is located above the valve in the valve device. Therefore, the fluid flow can be a gas flow through the spacer, thereby allowing the pressure in the tank to be measured at a position above the valve. Thus, another advantage of the valve device is that the pressure sensor can be accessed without interrupting the process in the tank.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the probe portion in the through-opening may include a first probe portion and a second probe portion configured to be threaded together in the through-opening of the movable probe element. The described configuration of the threaded probe portion may simplify the manufacture and assembly of the movable valve element, and the probe may also be configured to be attached to the movable valve element by means of a suitable seat in the spacer holding the probe portion.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first spring-loaded probe element and the second spring-loaded probe element may include an inner probe part and an outer probe part, wherein the inner probe part is partially arranged inside the outer probe part, and wherein the inner probe part and the outer probe part are movable relative to each other in an axial direction. Thereby, an axial force for forming a connection between the spring-loaded probe element and the probe part of the movable valve element may be applied by the relative movement of the inner probe part and the outer probe part.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first spring-loaded probe element and the second spring-loaded probe element comprises: an inner probe portion; a hollow outer probe portion; a coil spring at least partially arranged to apply a force in an axial direction between the inner probe portion and the outer probe portion; and a contact element attached to an end portion of the inner probe portion and configured to form contact with the probe portion of the movable valve element. The described spring-loaded probe element provides a reliable mechanical and electrical connection when the coil spring is used to apply an axial force to the contact element, which in turn presses against the probe portion.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the valve device further comprises a contact element configured to form a sliding contact between the inner probe part and the outer probe part. The contact element may, for example, comprise a flexible conductive member attached to the hollow outer probe part and configured to exert a force on the inner probe part to form a sliding contact between the inner probe part and the outer probe part. Thus, a reliable electrical contact may be formed between the inner probe part and the outer probe part.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hollow outer probe part may include at least one opening in the side wall, wherein the flexible conductive member is arranged to make contact with the inner probe part through the opening. The opening ensures that the flexible conductive member makes contact at a desired position between the outer probe part and the inner probe part and does not slip out of the position.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the valve device may further include a spacer element arranged in the valve housing and configured to hold the spring-loaded probe element. The spacer is advantageously configured to ensure that the spring-loaded probe element is fixed and centered in the valve housing while allowing fluid to flow through the spacer.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first spring-loaded probe element and the second spring-loaded probe element may include a curved or hemispherical end portion configured to form mechanical and electrical contact with a probe portion arranged in the through opening of the movable valve element. For a probe in the shape of a hollow tube, a reliable contact can be achieved by using an end portion having a curved shape, for example in the form of a hemispherical shape, so that even if there is some initial misalignment between the end portion and the probe portion in the movable valve element, the end portion is automatically guided to the correct position by the axial force applied by the spring.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the spring-loaded connection assembly comprises a spring-loaded probe element, which is arranged in the through opening of the movable valve element, so that the spring-loaded probe element is pressed against and contacts the upper probe part and the lower probe part when the movable valve element is in the open position to form a probe that serves as a transmission line through the valve device. Therefore, the above-mentioned spring-loaded probe element can also be arranged in the movable valve element. Depending on the type of spring-loaded probe element used and the size of the valve, different implementations may be advantageous for different applications. The advantage of arranging the spring-loaded probe element in the through opening of the movable valve element is that only a minor modification of the part of the probe outside the movable valve element is required, which can, for example, simplify manufacturing and installation.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the movable valve element is a ball of a ball valve. Although ball valves are most commonly used for the tanks described, the movable valve element can in principle also be a cylinder, a slidable element or the like.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the valve device may further comprise: a transceiver configured to provide a transmission signal, Tx signal, to be propagated along the probe, and to receive a reflection signal, Rx signal, generated due to reflection of the transmission signal on the surface of the product; and a control circuit configured to determine the filling level based on the received reflection signal. Thus, a complete radar level gauge system may be provided, which may be connected to a tank and a probe arranged in the tank.

[0025] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description.The skilled person realizes that different features of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings showing exemplary embodiments of the invention, in which:

[0027] Figure 1A to Figure 1B schematically illustrates an exemplary tank arrangement including a guided wave radar level gauge system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of a valve device in an open and closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a detail of a valve arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0031] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a detail of a valve arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In this detailed description, various embodiments of the valve device according to the present invention are described primarily with reference to a guided wave radar level gauge installed in a tank located on the ground. However, the described system and method are applicable to other fields such as marine applications. In addition, various embodiments of the present invention are described primarily with reference to a pulse radar level gauge system with a signal propagation device in the form of a single-lead probe and wireless communication capabilities.

[0033] It should be noted that this in no way limits the scope of the present invention, which also covers a pulse radar level gauge system having another type of signal directing device, and a pulse radar level gauge system configured for wired communication, for example using a 4-20mA current loop and / or other wired means for communication.

[0034] Figure 1A Schematically illustrated is an exemplary radar level gauge system 1 of the GWR (Guided Wave Radar) type installed at a tank 3 having a tubular mounting structure 5 (commonly referred to as a "nozzle") extending substantially vertically from the top of the tank 3. A valve device 10 is connected to the nozzle 5 of the tank 3.

[0035] A guided wave radar level gauge system 1 is installed to measure the fill level of a product 7 in a tank 3. The radar level gauge system 1 comprises a measuring unit 9 and a propagation device, here in the form of a single conductor probe 11 extending from the measuring unit 9 through a valve device 10 and a tubular mounting structure 5 towards and into the product 7 in the tank 3. Figure 1A In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the single conductor probe 11 is a wire probe with a weight 13 attached to the end of the wire to keep the wire straight and vertical. The probe 11 can also be attached to the bottom of the tank. However, the probe can also be any other type of probe suitable for guided wave radar applications.

[0036] By analyzing the transmission signal S directed from the probe 11 to the surface 15 of the product 7 T and the reflected signal S returned from the surface 15 R , the measuring unit 9 can determine the filling level L of the product 7 in the tank 3. It should be noted that, although a tank 3 containing a single product 7 is discussed herein, the distance along the probe to any material interface can be measured in a similar manner.

[0037] Now refer to Figure 1B The schematic block diagram in the Figure 1A Radar level gauge system in. Figure 1B The schematic block diagram in Figure 1A The measuring unit 9 of the exemplary radar level gauge system 1 in comprises a transceiver (Tx / Rx) 17 , a measurement control circuit, here denoted as a measurement control unit (MCU) 19 , a wireless communication control unit (WCU) 21 , a communication antenna 23 and an energy storage device such as a battery 25 .

[0038] like Figure 1B Schematically illustrated, the MCU 19 controls the transceiver 17 to generate, transmit and receive electromagnetic signals. The transmitted signal reaches the probe 11 through the feedthrough, and the received signal reaches the transceiver 17 from the probe 11 through the feedthrough.

[0039] MCU 19 determines the filling level L of product 7 in tank 3 and provides a value indicating the filling level from MCU 19 via WCU 21 through communication antenna 23 to an external device such as a control center. Radar level gauge system 1 may advantageously be configured according to the so-called WirelessHART communication protocol (IEC62591).

[0040] Although the measuring unit 9 is shown as including an energy storage (battery 25) and including devices for allowing wireless communication (such as WCU21 and communication antenna 23), it should be understood that power and communication can be provided in different ways - such as via a communication line (such as a 4-20mA line).

[0041] The local energy storage 25 does not have to comprise (only) batteries but may alternatively or in combination comprise capacitors or supercapacitors.

[0042] In addition, the measurement control unit (MCU) 19 may be more generally referred to as a control circuit 19, and the control circuit 19 may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable digital signal processor, or another programmable device. The control circuit may also or alternatively include a dedicated integrated circuit, a programmable gate array or programmable array logic, a programmable logic device, or a digital signal processor. In the case where the control circuit includes a programmable device such as the above-mentioned microprocessor, microcontroller, or programmable digital signal processor, the processor may further include a computer executable code that controls the operation of the programmable device.

[0043] Figure 2 The schematic diagram shows a valve device 10 for a guided wave radar level gauge 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the valve 200 is illustrated as a ball valve 200 and the movable valve element 204 is therefore a ball 204 of the ball valve 200 .

[0044] The valve device 10 comprises a valve housing 202 which holds a movable valve element 204 having a through opening 206. The movable valve element 204 is configured to be movable by means of a lever 207 in a manner such as Figure 3A and Figure 3B The valve device 10 further comprises a probe portion 208 arranged in the through opening 206 of the movable valve element 204 and an upper probe portion 210 and a lower probe portion 212 located on respective sides of the movable valve element 204 .

[0045] In addition, the valve device 10 includes a spring-loaded connection assembly 214, which is configured to be spring-loaded when the movable valve element 204 is in a position such as Figure 3A In the open position shown, an electrical connection is established between the upper probe portion 210 and the lower probe portion 212 via the probe portion 208 in the movable valve element 204. Figure 3B In the closed position shown, the canister is sealed and there is no fluid communication between the canister and the upper portion of the valve device 10 .

[0046] An exemplary embodiment of the spring-loaded connection assembly 214 will be described in more detail below. The probe portion 208 disposed in the through-opening 206 may be composed of two parts (not shown) that are inserted into the through-opening 206 from opposite sides and threaded together. In addition, the spacer 242 of the movable valve element 204 may include a seat or groove, and the probe portion 208 may include a corresponding flange or protrusion to prevent the probe portion 208 from moving in the through-opening after being assembled.

[0047] The illustrated valve device 10 comprises an upper flange 216 for connecting the measuring cell 9 to the valve device 10 and a lower flange 218 for connecting the valve device 10 to the tank 3 .

[0048] Will further refer to Figure 4 Describing a spring loaded connection assembly 214, Figure 4 The figure shows a spring loaded probe element 220 on one side of the assembly 214 and Figure 2 As can be seen in the figure, the exemplary spring-loaded connection assembly 214 includes two spring-loaded probe elements 220, 222, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the movable valve element 204, so that when the movable valve element 204 is in the open position, the first spring-loaded probe element 220 and the second spring-loaded probe element 222 are pressed against and contact the probe portion 208 in the movable valve element 204, thereby forming a conductive path that electrically connects the upper probe portion 210 to the lower probe portion 212.

[0049] Thus, a probe is formed that acts as a continuous transmission line through the valve device 10. Preferably, the probe has substantially the same diameter throughout the entire valve device 10. When the valve is closed, the spring-loaded probe elements 220, 222 are in contact only with the outer surface of the movable valve element 204, and there is no electrical connection path through the movable valve element 204. The illustrated embodiment includes a single lead probe 11. However, the described valve device can be used equally well with other types of probes such as coaxial probes, wire probes, flexible probes, dual conductor probes, etc.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the spring-loaded probe element 220 includes an inner probe portion 224 and a hollow outer probe portion 226, wherein the inner probe portion 224 is partially arranged within the outer probe portion 226, and wherein the inner probe portion 224 and the outer probe portion 226 are movable relative to each other in an axial direction, wherein the axial direction is along the length direction of the probe 11. The spring-loaded probe element 220 also includes a coil spring 228, which is arranged to apply a force in the axial direction between the inner probe portion 224 and the outer probe portion 226, that is, along the length direction of the probe. In the present example, the coil spring 228 is arranged around a rod 230 connected to the inner probe portion 224. However, the skilled person will readily appreciate that many different configurations of the coil spring 228 are possible. By Figure 4 24. As illustrated in FIG. 24, the top portion 246 of the rod 230 is made to have a larger diameter than the internal opening of the inner probe portion 224 formed by the flange 248 or protrusion, thereby preventing the rod 230 and therefore the inner probe portion 224 from extending too far.

[0051] Furthermore, the inner probe portion 224 includes a contact element 232 attached to or forming an end portion of the inner probe portion 224 , and the contact element 232 is configured to form electrical and mechanical contact between the inner probe portion 224 and the probe portion 208 of the movable valve element 204 .

[0052] The illustrated contact element 232 includes a curved end portion 238 that enables the contact element to automatically align with the hollow probe portion 206 of the valve ball 204. The curved end portion 238 in the described embodiment is substantially hemispherical, but it may have other shapes while still achieving the same effect. With the described arrangement having the curved end portion 238, when the movable valve element 204 is rotated to a position such as Figure 3B In the illustrated closed position, the inner probe portion 224 can be easily pressed upward (thereby compressing the coil spring 228).

[0053] The spring loaded connection assembly 214 also includes one or more contact elements 234 configured to form a sliding contact between the inner probe portion 224 and the outer probe portion 226. The contact element 234 includes a flexible conductive member 234 attached to the hollow outer probe portion 226 and configured to exert a force on the inner probe portion 224 in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the inner probe portion 224 to form a sliding contact between the inner probe portion 224 and the outer probe portion 226. Thus, an electrical contact is formed so that the emitted microwave signal can propagate unimpeded between the inner probe portion 224 and the outer probe portion 226. In addition, the described sliding contact 234 allows the inner probe portion 224 to move relative to the outer probe portion 226 in an axial direction without breaking the electrical contact between the inner probe portion 224 and the outer probe portion 226, which increases the reliability of the electrical connection in applications where the valve device 10 may move or vibrate. The depicted contact element 234 may be, for example, a resilient finger-like structure that is preloaded such that it presses against the inner probe portion 224 when the inner probe portion 224 is located within the outer probe portion 226 .

[0054] Furthermore, the illustrated outer probe portion 226 includes at least one opening 236 in a sidewall thereof, wherein the flexible conductive member 234 is arranged to make electrical and mechanical contact with the inner probe portion 224 through the opening 236 .

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown in the figure, and Figure 5 As further explained in FIG. 2 , the spring loaded probe elements 220, 222 are held in place by a spacer 240 attached to the side wall of the valve housing 202. The spacer includes a plurality of openings 244 that provide fluid communication therethrough.

[0056] Figure 5 Further shown is a spacer 242 of the movable valve element, which is arranged to hold the probe portion in the through opening. The spacer 242 of the movable valve element 204 is also partially hollow to allow fluid to flow through the movable valve element 204. The spacers 240, 242 are non-conductive and can be made of, for example, ceramic or plastic material.

[0057] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof, many different changes, modifications, etc. will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Also, it should be noted that parts of the systems and methods may be omitted, interchanged or arranged in various ways, and the systems and methods are still capable of performing the functions of the invention.

[0058] Moreover, variations to the disclosed embodiments may be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and nouns not specifying singular or plural do not exclude plural. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A valve device (10) for a guided wave radar level meter (1), comprising: a valve housing (202) holding a movable valve element (204) having a through opening (206), the movable valve element being configured to be movable between an open position and a closed position; a probe portion (208) arranged in the through opening of the movable valve element; upper and lower probe portions (210, 212) located on respective sides of the movable valve element; and A spring loaded connection assembly (214) is configured to form an electrical connection between the upper probe portion and the lower probe portion via the probe portion in the movable valve element when the movable valve element is in an open position.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein: The spring loaded connection assembly comprises a first spring loaded probe element and a second spring loaded probe element (220, 222) which are arranged in the valve housing on respective sides of the movable valve element so that the first spring loaded probe element and the second spring loaded probe element are pressed against and contact the probe portion in the movable valve element when the movable valve element is in an open position to form a probe that serves as a transmission line through the valve device.

3. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein: The movable valve element further comprises a spacer arranged to retain the probe portion in the through-opening, wherein the spacer is partially hollow to allow a fluid to flow through the movable valve element.

4. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein: The probe portion in the through-opening includes a first probe portion and a second probe portion, and the first probe portion and the second probe portion are configured to be threadedly connected together in the through-opening of the movable valve element.

5. The valve device according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the first spring-loaded probe element and the second spring-loaded probe element comprises: An inner probe portion (224) and an outer probe portion (226), wherein the inner probe portion is partially disposed within the outer probe portion, and wherein the inner probe portion and the outer probe portion are movable relative to each other in an axial direction.

6. The valve device according to claim 5, wherein: Each of the first spring-loaded probe element and the second spring-loaded probe element comprises: an inner probe portion (224); a hollow outer probe portion (226); a coil spring (228) arranged to apply a force in an axial direction between the inner probe portion and the hollow outer probe portion; A contact element (232) is attached to an end portion of the inner probe portion and is configured to form contact between the inner probe portion and the probe portion of the movable valve element.

7. The valve device according to claim 6, further comprising another contact element (234), the other contact element (234) being configured to form a sliding contact between the inner probe portion and the hollow outer probe portion.

8. The valve device according to claim 7, wherein: The further contact element includes a flexible conductive member attached to the hollow outer probe portion and configured to exert a force on the inner probe portion to form a sliding contact between the inner and outer probe portions.

9. The valve device according to claim 8, wherein: The hollow outer probe portion includes at least one opening (236) in a side wall, wherein the flexible conductive member is arranged to make contact with the inner probe portion through the opening.

10. The valve device of claim 1, further comprising at least one spacer element (240) disposed in the valve housing and configured to retain the spring-loaded probe element.

11. The valve device according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the first spring-loaded probe element and the second spring-loaded probe element includes a bent end portion (238) configured to form mechanical and electrical contact with the probe portion arranged in the through opening of the movable valve element.

12. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein: The spring loaded connection assembly comprises a spring loaded probe element arranged in the through opening of the movable valve element such that the spring loaded probe element is pressed against and contacts the upper probe portion and the lower probe portion when the movable valve element is in an open position to form a probe that serves as a transmission line through the valve device.

13. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein: The movable valve element is a ball of a ball valve.

14. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein: The movable valve element is cylindrical.

15. The valve device according to claim 1, further comprising a transceiver (17), the transceiver (17) being configured to provide a transmission signal S to be propagated along the probe. T , and receiving a reflection signal S generated by the reflection of the transmission signal at the surface of the product R ;as well as A control circuit (19) is configured to determine a filling level based on the received reflection signal.

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