Device for increasing measuring range of radiation type level meter through series connection and measuring method

Abstract

The invention provides a device for increasing the measuring distance of a radiation type level meter through series connection and a measuring method. The device comprises an electrical box, a level meter in a host mode and a plurality of level meters in slave modes. The electrical box is connected with all the level meters through a communication bus; the level meter comprises a single chip microcomputer, a communication bus interface, a flicker counter, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, an analog signal input converter and an analog signal output converter. The level meters in the slave machine mode are sequentially connected in series, and the analog signal output conversion of each level meter is electrically connected with the analog signal input conversion of the next level meter and is finally electrically connected with the analog signal input conversion of the level meter in the host machine mode. The multiple level meters are sequentially connected in series, so that the measuring range of the level meters is effectively expanded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of level meters, and in particular to a device and a measuring method for increasing the measuring range of a radiation level meter by connecting them in series. Background Art

[0002] Hydrometallurgy refers to the process of separating and extracting metals by placing metal ores in an acidic solution through a series of processes such as leaching, extraction, and reduction. In the process of hydrometallurgy, the material level in the reactor is an important process parameter. The reactor often has special working conditions such as high temperature, high pressure, and strong acidity, and may have equipment such as stirring devices in the reactor that interfere with the measurement. Conventional measuring instruments are difficult to achieve accurate material level measurement. Non-contact radioactive nuclear radiation level meters are not affected by the measured medium, are easy to install and maintain, and are therefore often selected in actual production. When using a nuclear radiation level meter, the maximum measurement range of the level meter will be exceeded due to different material levels in the reactor or excessive radiation.

[0003] Typical nuclear radiation level meters in the prior art usually increase the measuring range by increasing the length of the crystal due to various practical conditions, so as to measure the material level in a reactor with a larger width and height. However, due to the limitations of crystal manufacturing materials and processes, the measuring range of a single level meter will ultimately be limited by the length of the crystal that can be manufactured. When a larger measuring range is required than the longest crystal that can be manufactured by the prior art, the existing level meter cannot meet the maximum measuring range requirements required by the actual project. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application is made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a device and a measuring method for increasing the measuring range of a radiation level meter by connecting in series. By connecting a plurality of level meters in series in sequence, the counting rates of all level meters are integrated by the level meter in the host mode, and the liquid level height obtained after the mapping of the scale parameters is output, thereby effectively extending the measuring range of the level meter.

[0005] Specifically as follows, a first aspect of the present application provides a device for increasing the measuring range of a radiation level meter by connecting in series, comprising an electrical box, a master mode level meter and a plurality of slave mode level meters;

[0006] The electrical box is connected to all level meters via a communication bus;

[0007] The level meter includes a single chip microcomputer, a communication bus interface, a scintillation counter, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, an analog signal input conversion, and an analog signal output conversion;

[0008] A circuit that can convert an analog signal into a digital signal is called an analog to digital converter (ADC or A / D converter for short); conversely, a circuit that can convert a digital signal into an analog signal is called a digital to analog converter.

[0009] The slave mode level meters are connected in series in sequence, and the analog signal output conversion of the level meter is electrically connected to the analog signal input conversion of the next level meter, and finally electrically connected to the analog signal input conversion of the master mode level meter.

[0010] Furthermore, the communication bus interface is an RS485 communication bus interface.

[0011] RS485 bus is a standard that defines the electrical characteristics of drivers and receivers in a balanced digital multi-point system. It uses differential signal transmission and has strong anti-interference capabilities and long-distance transmission characteristics. RS-485 bus usually uses a terminal matching bus structure, that is, a bus is used to connect each node in series, and does not support ring or star networks.

[0012] Furthermore, the single chip microcomputer is used to control the signal conversion and parameter setting of the level meter.

[0013] Furthermore, the scintillation counter is a device that uses radiation or particles to cause a scintillator to emit light and records the intensity and energy of the radiation through a photoelectric device.

[0014] Furthermore, the analog-to-digital converter is an electronic component used to convert an analog signal into a digital signal.

[0015] Furthermore, the digital-to-analog converter is an electronic component used to convert a digital signal into an analog signal.

[0016] A second aspect of the present application provides a measurement method of a device for increasing the measuring range of a radiation level meter by connecting them in series, comprising the following steps:

[0017] Step 1: The electrical box sets the series-connected parameters of each level meter through the communication bus;

[0018] Step 2: The level meter obtains the count rate through the scintillation counter, and sends it to the level meter of the previous level in sequence based on the series structure for merging, until it is sent to the level meter in the host mode;

[0019] Step 3: The host mode level meter combines the counting rate and then maps the scale parameters to output the voltage corresponding to the total material level. The formula is as follows:

[0020] N = Na + Nb;

[0021] Nb = Vi * 0.1 * (NH-NL) + NL;

[0022] Vo=H / RL*1O.

[0023] Where: N is the total counting rate of all level meters;

[0024] Na is the count rate of the scintillation counter of the level meter in the host mode;

[0025] Nb is the count rate transmitted by the level meter in slave mode;

[0026] V1 is the standard voltage value of the analog input signal conversion of the next-level slave level meter connected;

[0027] NH is the maximum count rate output by the next slave level meter in series with this level meter when there is no material level;

[0028] NL is the minimum count rate output by the next slave level meter in series with the level meter when the material level is full;

[0029] Vo is the standard voltage value converted from the analog signal output by the level meter;

[0030] H is the liquid level height obtained after the total count rate is mapped by the scale parameters;

[0031] RL is the total range of all level meters connected in series.

[0032] Furthermore, the series connection related parameters specifically include:

[0033] The maximum count rate of the scintillation counter when there is no material level, the minimum count rate of the scintillation counter when there is a full material level, the maximum count rate output by the next-level slave in series when there is no material level, and the minimum count rate output by the next-level slave in series when there is a full material level.

[0034] Furthermore, the standard voltage value of the analog signal conversion has a range of 0 to 10V.

[0035] The conversion of analog signals into standard voltage values ​​is accomplished by an analog-to-digital converter.

[0036] Furthermore, the scale parameter mapping specifically includes:

[0037] The total range of the device is divided into several scales, corresponding to different liquid level heights, and the count rate values ​​when the liquid level reaches different scale values ​​are recorded. The liquid level height is calculated according to the scale interval of the currently measured count rate value. The formula is as follows:

[0038]

[0039] Where: H is the liquid level height obtained after the total count rate is mapped by the scale parameters;

[0040] Nqj is the scale interval where the current counting rate is located;

[0041] NH0 is the total number of scale segments;

[0042] N is the total counting rate of all level meters;

[0043] RL is the total range of the device;

[0044] NK[Nqj] is the smaller value of the count rate recorded in the scale segment corresponding to the current count rate;

[0045] The larger value of the count rate recorded in the scale segment corresponding to the current count rate.

[0046] In the second aspect, the present application also provides a computing device, which has the function of implementing the method described in the first aspect above. The beneficial effects can be found in the description of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here. The function can be implemented by hardware, or by executing the corresponding software implementation through hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. In one possible design, the structure of the device includes an acquisition module, a training module, and optionally, a construction module. These modules can implement the function of the training node in the method example of the first aspect above. Please refer to the detailed description in the method example for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0047] In the third aspect, the present application also provides a computing device, which is used to implement the functions of the method described in the first aspect above. The beneficial effects can be found in the description of the first aspect and will not be repeated here. The structure of the computing device includes a processor and a memory, and the memory is used to store instructions and / or data. The memory is coupled to the processor, and when the processor executes the program instructions stored in the memory, the function of the training node in the example of the first aspect above can be implemented. The structure of the computing device also includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices.

[0048] In a fourth aspect, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which instructions are stored, and when the computer-readable storage medium is run on a computer, the computer executes the method in the above-mentioned first aspect and various possible designs of the first aspect.

[0049] In a fifth aspect, the present application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method in the above-mentioned first aspect and various possible designs of the first aspect.

[0050] In a sixth aspect, the present application also provides a computing chip, which is connected to a memory, and the chip is used to read and execute a software program stored in the memory, and to execute the methods in the above-mentioned first aspect and various possible implementation methods of the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present drawings or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present drawings. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0052] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the connection structure of a device for increasing the measuring range of a radiation type level meter by connecting in series;

[0053] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a single level meter;

[0054] Figure 3 The invention is a flow chart of the steps of a measuring method of a device for increasing the measuring range of a radiation level meter by connecting them in series.

[0055] The purpose, features and advantages of this figure will be further described in conjunction with the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application is described and illustrated below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Based on the embodiments provided in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in the field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0057] Obviously, the drawings described below are only some examples or embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, the present application can also be applied to other similar scenarios based on these drawings without creative work. In addition, it can also be understood that although the efforts made in this development process may be complicated and lengthy, for ordinary technicians in this field related to the content disclosed in this application, some changes in design, manufacturing or production based on the technical content disclosed in this application are just conventional technical means, and should not be understood as insufficient content disclosed in this application.

[0058] Unless otherwise specified, all embodiments and optional embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other to form a new technical solution.

[0059] Unless otherwise specified, all technical features and optional technical features of this application can be combined with each other to form a new technical solution.

[0060] If there is no special explanation, all steps of the present application can be performed sequentially or randomly, preferably sequentially. For example, the method includes steps (a) and (b), which means that the method may include steps (a) and (b) performed sequentially, or may include steps (b) and (a) performed sequentially. For example, the method may further include step (c), which means that step (c) may be added to the method in any order. For example, the method may include steps (a), (b) and (c), or may include steps (a), (c) and (b), or may include steps (c), (a) and (b), etc.

[0061] If there is no special explanation, the "include" and "comprising" mentioned in this application are open-ended or closed-ended. For example, the "include" and "comprising" may mean that other components not listed may also be included or only the listed components may be included or only the listed components may be included.

[0062] If not specifically stated, in this application, the term "or" is inclusive. For example, the phrase "A or B" means "A, B, or both A and B". More specifically, any of the following conditions satisfies the condition "A or B": A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist); A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists); or both A and B are true (or exist).

[0063] In order to better understand the solutions of the embodiments of the present application, some relevant terms and concepts that may be involved in the embodiments of the present application are first introduced below.

[0064] (1) RS485 bus is a standard that defines the electrical characteristics of drivers and receivers in a balanced digital multipoint system. It uses differential signal transmission and has strong anti-interference capabilities and long-distance transmission characteristics. The RS-485 bus usually uses a terminal-matched bus structure, that is, a bus is used to connect each node in series, and does not support ring or star networks.

[0065] (2) Single-Chip Microcomputer is an integrated circuit chip that uses ultra-large-scale integrated circuit technology to integrate a central processing unit (CPU) with data processing capabilities, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), multiple I / O ports and interrupt systems, timer / counter and other functions (may also include display driver circuits, pulse width modulation circuits, analog multiplexers, A / D converters and other circuits) on a silicon chip to form a small and complete microcomputer system. It is widely used in the field of industrial control. Since the 1980s, the 4-bit and 8-bit single-chip microcomputers at that time have developed into the current 300M high-speed single-chip microcomputers.

[0066] (3) Digital-to-analog converter, also known as D / A converter, or DAC for short, is a device that converts digital quantities into analog quantities. D / A converters are basically composed of four parts, namely, weighted resistor network, operational amplifier, reference power supply, and analog switch. Digital-to-analog converters are generally used in analog-to-digital converters. Analog-to-digital converters are A / D converters, or ADC for short, which are devices that convert continuous analog signals into discrete digital signals.

[0067] (4) Analog-to-digital converter, also known as A / D converter, or ADC for short, usually refers to an electronic component that converts analog signals into digital signals. A common analog-to-digital converter converts an input voltage signal into an output digital signal. Since the digital signal itself has no practical meaning and only represents a relative size, any analog-to-digital converter requires a reference analog quantity as a conversion standard. The more common reference standard is the maximum convertible signal size. The output digital quantity represents the size of the input signal relative to the reference signal.

[0068] In this embodiment, Figure 1-2 As shown, a device for increasing the measuring range of a radiation type level meter by connecting in series comprises an electrical box, a master mode level meter and a plurality of slave mode level meters;

[0069] The electrical box is connected to all level meters via a communication bus;

[0070] The level meter includes a single chip microcomputer, a communication bus interface, a scintillation counter, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, an analog signal input conversion, and an analog signal output conversion;

[0071] A circuit that can convert an analog signal into a digital signal is called an analog to digital converter (ADC or A / D converter for short); conversely, a circuit that can convert a digital signal into an analog signal is called a digital to analog converter.

[0072] The level meters in slave mode are connected in series in sequence, and the analog signal output conversion of the level meter is electrically connected to the analog signal input conversion of the next level meter, and finally electrically connected to the analog signal input conversion of the master mode level meter.

[0073] Furthermore, the communication bus interface is an RS485 communication bus interface.

[0074] RS485 bus is a standard that defines the electrical characteristics of drivers and receivers in a balanced digital multi-point system. It uses differential signal transmission and has strong anti-interference capabilities and long-distance transmission characteristics. RS-485 bus usually uses a terminal matching bus structure, that is, a bus is used to connect each node in series, and does not support ring or star networks.

[0075] Furthermore, the single chip microcomputer is used to control the signal conversion and parameter setting of the level meter.

[0076] Furthermore, a scintillation counter is a device that uses radiation or particles to cause a scintillator to emit light and records the intensity and energy of the radiation through a photoelectric device.

[0077] Furthermore, an analog-to-digital converter is an electronic component used to convert an analog signal into a digital signal.

[0078] Furthermore, a digital-to-analog converter is an electronic component used to convert a digital signal into an analog signal.

[0079] In this embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, a measurement method of a device for increasing the measuring range of a radiation level meter by connecting them in series comprises the following steps:

[0080] Step 1: The electrical box sets the series-connected parameters of each level meter through the communication bus;

[0081] Step 2: The level meter obtains the count rate through the scintillation counter, and sends it to the level meter of the previous level in sequence based on the series structure for merging, until it is sent to the level meter in the host mode;

[0082] Step 3: The host mode level meter combines the counting rate and then outputs the voltage corresponding to the total material level after the scale parameter mapping. The formula is as follows:

[0083] N=Na+Nb.

[0084] Nb = Vi*O.1*(NH-NL)+NL;

[0085] Vo=H / RL*1 O.

[0086] Furthermore, related parameters are connected in series, including:

[0087] The maximum count rate of the scintillation counter when there is no material level, the minimum count rate of the scintillation counter when there is a full material level, the maximum count rate output by the next-level slave in series when there is no material level, and the minimum count rate output by the next-level slave in series when there is a full material level.

[0088] Furthermore, the standard voltage value of the analog signal conversion has a range of 0 to 10V.

[0089] The conversion of analog signals into standard voltage values ​​is accomplished by an analog-to-digital converter.

[0090] Furthermore, the scale parameter mapping specifically includes:

[0091] The total range of the device is divided into 12 scales, corresponding to different liquid level heights. The count rate values ​​when the liquid level reaches different scale values ​​are recorded. The liquid level height is calculated according to the scale interval of the currently measured count rate value. The formula is as follows:

[0092]

[0093] In this embodiment, the total range of the device is 1200 mm, which is divided into 12 scales with 100 mm as the boundary. The initial scale point is recorded as NK[0], and then to NK

[12] . The count rate values ​​corresponding to the scale points of each liquid level height are recorded, from NK[0] to NK

[12] , respectively: 9642, 9270, 8832, 8270, 7700, 7060, 6392, 5695, 4960, 4146, 3281, 2379, and 266.

[0094] In this embodiment, the total count rate value obtained from one measurement is 7541, which is between the count rates corresponding to NK[4] and NK[5]. The liquid level height calculated according to the formula is 424.844, and the standard output voltage value obtained after conversion is 3.54V.

[0095] It should be noted that the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. The above-mentioned embodiments are only examples, and the embodiments having the same structure as the technical idea and exerting the same effect within the scope of the technical solution of the present application are all included in the technical scope of the present application. In addition, without departing from the scope of the main purpose of the present application, various modifications that can be thought of by those skilled in the art to the embodiments and other methods of combining some of the constituent elements in the embodiments are also included in the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A device for increasing the measuring range of a radiation level meter by connecting in series, characterized in that: It includes an electrical box, a master mode level meter and several slave mode level meters; The electrical box is connected to all level meters via a communication bus; The level meter includes a single chip microcomputer, a communication bus interface, a scintillation counter, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, an analog signal input conversion, and an analog signal output conversion; The slave mode level meters are connected in series in sequence, and the analog signal output conversion of the level meter is electrically connected to the analog signal input conversion of the next level meter, and finally electrically connected to the analog signal input conversion of the master mode level meter.

2. The device and method for increasing the measuring range of radiation level meters by series connection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The communication bus interface is an RS485 communication bus interface.

3. The device and method for increasing the measuring range of radiation level meters by series connection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The single chip microcomputer is used to control the signal conversion and parameter setting of the level meter.

4. The device and method for increasing the measuring range of radiation level meters by series connection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The scintillation counter is a device that uses radiation or particles to cause a scintillator to emit light and records the intensity and energy of the radiation through a photoelectric device.

5. The device and method for increasing the measuring range of radiation level meters by series connection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The analog-to-digital converter is an electronic component used to convert an analog signal into a digital signal.

6. The device and method for increasing the measuring range of radiation level meters by series connection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The digital-to-analog converter is an electronic component used to convert a digital signal into an analog signal.

7. A method for measuring a radiation level meter by increasing the measuring range by connecting in series according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Step 1: The electrical box sets the series-connected parameters of each level meter through the communication bus; Step 2: The level meter obtains the count rate through the scintillation counter, and sends it to the level meter of the previous level in sequence based on the series structure for merging, until it is sent to the level meter in the host mode; Step 3: The host mode level meter combines the counting rate and then outputs the voltage corresponding to the total material level after the scale parameter mapping. The formula is as follows: N=Na+Nb; Nb = Vi * 0.1 * (NH-NL) + NL; Vo = H / RL*10; Where: N is the total counting rate of all level meters; Na is the count rate of the scintillation counter of the level meter in the host mode; Nb is the count rate transmitted by the level meter in slave mode; V1 is the standard voltage value of the analog input signal conversion of the next-level slave level meter connected; NH is the maximum count rate output by the next slave level meter in series with this level meter when there is no material level; NL is the minimum count rate output by the next slave level meter in series with the level meter when the material level is full; Vo is the standard voltage value converted from the analog signal output by the level meter; H is the liquid level height obtained after the total count rate is mapped by the scale parameters; RL is the total range of all level meters connected in series.

8. The device and method for increasing the measuring range of radiation level meters by series connection according to claim 7, characterized in that: The series connection related parameters specifically include: The maximum count rate of the scintillation counter when there is no material level, the minimum count rate of the scintillation counter when there is a full material level, the maximum count rate output by the next-level slave in series when there is no material level, and the minimum count rate output by the next-level slave in series when there is a full material level.

9. The device and method for increasing the measuring range of radiation level meters by series connection according to claim 7, characterized in that: The standard voltage value converted by the analog signal has a range of 0 to 10V.

10. The device and method for increasing the measuring range of radiation level meters by series connection according to claim 7, characterized in that: The scale parameter mapping specifically includes: The total range of the device is divided into several scales, corresponding to different liquid level heights, and the count rate values ​​when the liquid level reaches different scale values ​​are recorded. The liquid level height is calculated according to the scale interval of the currently measured count rate value. The formula is as follows: Where: H is the liquid level height obtained after the total count rate is mapped by the scale parameters; Nqj is the scale interval where the current counting rate is located; NH0 is the total number of scale segments; N is the total counting rate of all level meters; RL is the total range of the device; NK[Nqj] is the smaller value of the count rate recorded in the scale segment corresponding to the current count rate; NK[Nqj-1] is the larger value of the count rate recorded in the scale segment corresponding to the current count rate.

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