A probe and device for real-time segmented measurement of liquid level in narrow channels under high temperature and pressure

Abstract

This invention discloses a probe and device for real-time segmented liquid level measurement in narrow, high-temperature, and high-pressure channels. A single liquid level measuring probe is mounted inside the narrow channel without contacting the channel's inner wall. The probe includes a slotted cylindrical metal shell, a shielded electrode, and a metal electrode block. The slotted cylindrical metal shell is cut from a metal tube with a slot cut at one-third of its arc. The shielded electrode is made of 3D-printed epoxy resin and embedded in the slotted cylindrical metal shell. The metal electrode block is placed in the slot reserved by the shielded electrode and is embedded in the slotted cylindrical metal shell along with the shielded electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of multiphase flow parameter measurement technology, and in particular to a probe and device for real-time segmented measurement of liquid level in narrow channels under high temperature and high pressure. Background Technology

[0002] In current industrial applications and scientific research involving multiphase flow, the measurement of liquid level in narrow, high-temperature, high-pressure channels is frequently required. However, within these narrow channels, the liquid level changes instantaneously and significantly, demanding high measurement accuracy. Furthermore, the narrowness of the channel itself limits the application of most measuring devices or probes.

[0003] Current methods for measuring liquid level mainly include manual measurement, non-contact measurement, and contact measurement. Manual measurement primarily utilizes the principle of communicating vessels, but its measurement accuracy is relatively low. Non-contact measurement methods mainly utilize principles such as light reflection and sound wave reflection, but the measuring equipment is complex, signal processing is complicated, and it is easily affected by the environment. Contact measurement methods mainly include float-type and probe-type measurements. These methods are simple in principle, highly accurate, and easy to install, but they are limited by the structure of narrow channels, and in high-temperature, high-pressure two-phase flow environments, the accuracy of gas content measurement varies at different depths. Currently, there is still no effective probe for accurately measuring liquid level in narrow channels.

[0004] In summary, there is an urgent need to develop a real-time measurement probe capable of measuring the liquid level in narrow, high-temperature, and high-pressure channels, in order to achieve segmented, high-resolution measurement of the liquid level within these narrow channels. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a probe and device for real-time segmented measurement of liquid level in narrow channels under high temperature and high pressure, solving the problem that there is no effective probe in the prior art to accurately measure the liquid level height in narrow channels.

[0006] To achieve the aforementioned objectives of the invention, the technical solution adopted to solve its technical problems is as follows:

[0007] This invention discloses a segmented real-time liquid level measurement probe for use in narrow, high-temperature, and high-pressure channels. A single liquid level measurement probe is assembled inside the narrow channel without contacting the channel's inner wall. The liquid level measurement probe includes a slotted cylindrical metal shell, a shielded electrode, and a metal electrode block, wherein:

[0008] The slotted cylindrical metal outer shell is cut from a metal tube by slotting it at one-third of the arc.

[0009] The filling shielding electrode is made of 3D printed epoxy resin and embedded in the slotted cylindrical metal shell;

[0010] The metal electrode block is placed in the groove reserved for the filling shield electrode and is embedded together with the filling shield electrode into the slotted cylindrical metal shell.

[0011] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the filling shielding electrode is the same as the inner cross-section of the slotted cylindrical metal shell, and a groove and wire hole are reserved for placing the metal electrode block during manufacturing.

[0012] Furthermore, the metal electrode block is placed into the groove reserved in the filling shield electrode, and the filling shield electrode is embedded in the slotted cylindrical metal shell. The outer side of the metal electrode block, the outer side of the shield electrode, and the cut surface of the slotted metal cylinder are in the same plane.

[0013] Furthermore, the metal electrode block is fixed inside the filled shielding electrode by sealant.

[0014] Preferably, both the slotted cylindrical metal outer shell and the metal electrode block are made of the same 304 stainless steel.

[0015] Furthermore, the slotted cylindrical metal shell does not bend or deform during the slotting and cutting process, and the cutting line does not tilt.

[0016] This invention also discloses a device for real-time segmented measurement of liquid level in a high-temperature, high-pressure, narrow channel, comprising the aforementioned probe for real-time segmented measurement of liquid level in a high-temperature, high-pressure, narrow channel, a signal transmission wire, and a signal receiver, wherein:

[0017] The metal electrode block, the shielding electrode, and the slotted cylindrical metal shell are coaxially connected from bottom to top and nested from the inside to the outside.

[0018] The slotted cylindrical metal shell and the exposed metal electrode block together form the two poles for probe signal transmission.

[0019] Each of the metal electrode blocks is connected to the signal transmission wire and then connected to the signal receiver through a pre-set wire hole on the filled shield electrode.

[0020] By employing the above technical solutions, this invention has the following advantages and positive effects compared with the prior art:

[0021] The real-time accurate liquid level measurement probe for narrow channels provided in this application is suitable for various narrow channels, realizing real-time accurate measurement of instantaneously changing liquid levels. This reduces the difficulty of signal conversion and processing, and features multiple measurement points, high sensor sensitivity, small error, small size, easy installation, maintenance-free operation, rapid system startup to normal working condition, and strong anti-static and anti-interference capabilities. Furthermore, its simple structure eliminates the need for complicated operations; simply connecting the circuit is sufficient to acquire liquid level signals within narrow channels, making it easy to operate and highly applicable. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a probe for real-time segmented measurement of liquid level in a narrow channel under high temperature and high pressure according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a probe for real-time segmented measurement of liquid level in a narrow channel under high temperature and high pressure according to the present invention.

[0025] [Explanation of Key Symbols]

[0026] 1-Slotted cylindrical metal outer shell;

[0027] 2-Metal electrode block;

[0028] 3- Fill shielding electrode;

[0029] 4-Signal transmission wire;

[0030] 5-Signal receiver. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] like Figure 1 and 2As shown, this invention discloses a segmented real-time liquid level measurement probe for use in narrow, high-temperature, and high-pressure channels. A single liquid level measurement probe is assembled inside the narrow channel to be measured without contacting the channel's inner wall. The liquid level measurement probe includes a slotted cylindrical metal shell 1, a shielded electrode 3, and a metal electrode block 2, wherein:

[0034] The slotted cylindrical metal outer shell 1 is formed by cutting a metal tube with a slot at one-third of the arc. In this embodiment, the slotted cylindrical metal outer shell 1 does not bend or deform during the slotting and cutting process, and the cutting line does not tilt.

[0035] The filling shielding electrode 3 is made of 3D printed epoxy resin and is embedded in the slotted cylindrical metal shell 1;

[0036] The metal electrode block 2 is placed in the groove reserved in the filling shield electrode 3, and is embedded in the slotted cylindrical metal shell 1 together with the filling shield electrode 3.

[0037] refer to Figure 2 The cross-sectional shape of the filling shielding electrode 3 is the same as the inner cross-section of the slotted cylindrical metal shell 1. During manufacturing, a groove and wire hole are reserved for placing the metal electrode block 2.

[0038] Furthermore, the metal electrode block 2 is placed into the groove reserved in the filling shield electrode 3, and the filling shield electrode 3 is embedded in the slotted cylindrical metal shell 1. The outer side of the metal electrode block 2, the outer side of the shield electrode, and the cut surface of the slotted metal cylinder are in the same plane.

[0039] Furthermore, the metal electrode block 2 is fixed inside the filled shielding electrode 3 with sealant to achieve structural stability. In this embodiment, the number and size of the metal electrode blocks 2 can be changed according to actual measurement requirements and accuracy.

[0040] Preferably, both the slotted cylindrical metal shell 1 and the metal electrode block 2 are made of the same 304 stainless steel.

[0041] In this embodiment, to obtain optimal measurement data, the slotted cylindrical metal outer shell 1 has an outer diameter of 4mm and a length of 1m. The metal electrode block 2 is 2mm long, 1mm wide, and 200mm high.

[0042] Example 2

[0043] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the present invention also discloses a device for real-time segmented liquid level measurement in a high-temperature, high-pressure, narrow channel, comprising the aforementioned probe for real-time segmented liquid level measurement in a high-temperature, high-pressure, narrow channel, a signal transmission wire 4, and a signal receiver 5, wherein:

[0044] The metal electrode block 2, the filled shielding electrode 3, and the slotted cylindrical metal shell 1 are coaxially connected from bottom to top, and are nested from the inside to the outside during the installation process to form the main body of the measuring probe.

[0045] The slotted cylindrical metal shell 1 and the metal electrode block 2, exposed on the outside, together form the two poles for probe signal transmission.

[0046] Each of the metal electrode blocks 2 is connected to the signal transmission wire 4, and is connected to the signal receiver 5 through a pre-set wire hole on the shielded electrode 3, thereby realizing signal transmission and reception.

[0047] The following section elaborates on this application in detail, based on the operating principle of the liquid level measurement probe:

[0048] (1) Circuit working principle:

[0049] The slotted cylindrical metal shell 1 and the metal electrode block 2 serve as the two poles of the circuit, forming a continuous circuit with the liquid in the channel. When two or more metal electrode blocks 2 come into contact with water, the loops formed by these metal electrode blocks 2 are connected in parallel. The slotted cylindrical metal shell 1, the metal electrode blocks 2, and the water in the channel they are in contact with together form a single loop. When the liquid level in the channel changes, the contact length between the metal electrode block 2 corresponding to the liquid level and the water changes. The resistance value of the loop containing that metal electrode block 2 changes due to the change in the volume of the contacting liquid. The change in the output current signal value is linearly related to the change in resistance value, realizing a linear correlation between the output current signal value and the liquid level. Each loop corresponding to each metal electrode block 2 operates independently, and each loop outputs an electrical signal value during the actual measurement process. The final liquid level height is the sum of the height values ​​after conversion of the electrical signals of all the loops corresponding to the metal electrode blocks 2. In this example, the correspondence between the current output signal value and the height value is obtained through calibration experiments. Each metal electrode block 2 needs to be calibrated individually. Therefore, the probe measurement process involves the power supply outputting an electrical signal, which passes through the liquid being measured. The current signal value of each metal electrode block 2 is then stored in the computer and input into the calibrated conversion formula to obtain the actual liquid level height. Depending on the specific example, the number of frames for data acquisition can be specified.

[0050] (2) Calibration of the base value:

[0051] Before measuring the liquid level in the channel, place the liquid level measuring probe on a calibration model with a known liquid level, and then maintain the acquisition process for a specified number of frames. The average value of the acquired signals is calculated as follows:

[0052]

[0053] In the formula: I is the initial signal current (in A); I0 is the average value of the initial signal current; k is the number of acquisition frames; and n is the total number of frames.

[0054] When the liquid level does not contact the metal electrode block 2, the corresponding circuit electrical signal value of the metal electrode block 2 is zero. When the liquid level submerges the metal electrode block 2, the corresponding circuit output electrical signal value is full. The zero signal and full signal correspond to the height values ​​of the bottom and top of the metal electrode block 2, respectively. From this, the calibration formula for the metal electrode block 2 can be obtained. By repeating the calibration experiment on all metal electrode blocks 2, the overall formula can be obtained.

[0055] (3) In the actual measurement process, the electrical signal values ​​of all metal electrode blocks 2 that are stored and recorded are converted into actual height values ​​one by one, and the final liquid level height is the sum of these actual height values.

[0056] The real-time segmented liquid level measurement probe in narrow channels provided in this embodiment is suitable for various narrow channel high-temperature and high-pressure environments, realizing real-time and accurate measurement of instantaneously changing liquid levels; it reduces the difficulty of signal conversion and processing; it features multiple measurement points, high sensor sensitivity, small error, small size, easy installation, maintenance-free operation, rapid system entry into normal working state, and strong anti-static and anti-interference capabilities. Its simple structure requires no complicated operation; only circuit connection is needed to acquire liquid level signals in narrow channels, making it simple to operate and highly applicable.

[0057] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A probe for segmented real-time liquid level measurement in a narrow, high-temperature, high-pressure channel, wherein a single liquid level measuring probe is mounted inside the narrow channel to be measured without contacting the inner wall of the channel, characterized in that, The liquid level measuring probe includes a slotted cylindrical metal shell, a filled shielding electrode, and a metal electrode block, wherein: The slotted cylindrical metal outer shell is cut from a metal tube by slotting it at one-third of the arc. The filling shielding electrode is made of 3D printed epoxy resin and embedded in the slotted cylindrical metal shell; The metal electrode block is placed in the groove reserved for the filling shield electrode, and is embedded together with the filling shield electrode into the slotted cylindrical metal shell; The metal electrode block, the filling shield electrode, and the slotted cylindrical metal shell are coaxially connected from bottom to top and nested from the inside to the outside. The outer surfaces of the metal electrode block, the outer surfaces of the filling shield electrode, and the cut surfaces of the slotted cylindrical metal shell are in the same plane.

2. The probe for segmented real-time measurement of liquid level in a narrow channel under high temperature and high pressure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the filling shield electrode is the same as the inner cross-section of the slotted cylindrical metal shell, and a groove and wire hole are reserved for placing the metal electrode block during manufacturing.

3. The probe for segmented real-time measurement of liquid level in a narrow channel under high temperature and high pressure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal electrode block is fixed inside the filling shield electrode by sealant.

4. The probe for segmented real-time measurement of liquid level in a narrow channel under high temperature and high pressure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the slotted cylindrical metal outer shell and the metal electrode block are made of the same 304 stainless steel.

5. A probe for segmented real-time measurement of liquid level in a narrow, high-temperature, high-pressure channel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slotted cylindrical metal shell does not bend or deform during the slotting and cutting process, and the cutting line does not tilt.

6. A device for real-time segmented measurement of liquid level in narrow, high-temperature, high-pressure channels, characterized in that, Includes the probe, signal transmission wire, and signal receiver for segmented real-time liquid level measurement in a narrow channel under high temperature and high pressure as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The metal electrode block, the shielding electrode, and the slotted cylindrical metal shell are coaxially connected from bottom to top and nested from the inside to the outside. The slotted cylindrical metal shell and the exposed metal electrode block together form the two poles for probe signal transmission. Each of the metal electrode blocks is connected to the signal transmission wire and then connected to the signal receiver through a pre-set wire hole on the filled shield electrode.

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