Precise radar material level instrument and use method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a precise radar material level instrument and a using method thereof, and relates to the technical field of radar material level instruments, the precise radar material level instrument comprises a universal ball seat and further comprises a universal ball, the top of the universal ball is rotatably connected with the inner wall of the universal ball seat, the bottom of the universal ball is fixedly connected with a connecting rod, and the bottom of the connecting rod is fixedly connected with a hollow cover; the two sides of the hollow cover are fixedly connected with connecting pipes, the universal ball freely rotates in the universal ball seat to adjust the angle and achieve the vertical state through self weight, the inner wall of the fixing shell is fixedly connected with an air inlet fan, the bottom of the fixing shell is in a funnel shape, and the two sides of the fixing shell are fixedly connected with hoses. The problems that due to the fact that a certain inclination angle possibly exists at the top of a stock bin, a material level instrument cannot guarantee the vertically-downward state of an antenna, a certain error exists in the measurement process, dust or water vapor in the stock bin can adhere to the exterior of a radome in the using process, signal emission and recovery are interfered to a certain degree, and the measurement precision is reduced are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of radar level gauge technology, specifically to a precision radar level gauge and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] As a non-contact measuring tool, radar level gauges are widely used in modern industrial level measurement. They are often used in situations with large variations in dust, temperature, and pressure, and in the presence of inert gases and vapors. When in use, electromagnetic waves are emitted by the radar level gauge antenna, reach the surface of the object being measured, and are reflected by the surface and then received by the antenna. By using the time difference between the emission and reception of the electromagnetic waves, the distance between the emission position and the surface of the object being measured can be calculated, thereby achieving level measurement.

[0003] Chinese Patent Publication No.: CN 221123537 U, a mechanical scanning radar level gauge, in which a driving element, an actuating element, and a radar measuring unit are all installed in a mounting cavity. The output end of the driving element is connected to the input end of the actuating element and drives the actuating element to move. The output end of the actuating element is connected to the radar measuring unit and drives the radar measuring unit to rotate along an arc, thereby enabling the radar measuring unit to perform a line scanning measurement to meet the usage requirements. However, when it is installed and fixed on the top of the silo, the top of the silo may have a certain tilt angle, which makes it impossible for the level gauge itself to ensure that the antenna is vertically downward, resulting in a certain error during measurement. In addition, the outside of the radar dome may be covered by dust or water vapor from inside the silo during use, which will cause certain interference to signal transmission and reception, reducing the measurement accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a precision radar level gauge and its usage method to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a precision radar level gauge, including a universal ball mount, and further comprising, The top of the omnidirectional ball is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the omnidirectional ball seat, the bottom of the omnidirectional ball is fixedly connected to a connecting rod, the bottom of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to a hollow cover, and both sides of the hollow cover are fixedly connected to connecting pipes. The omnidirectional ball can rotate freely inside the omnidirectional ball seat to adjust the angle and achieve a vertical state by its own weight. A fixed shell is provided, with an air intake fan fixedly connected to its inner wall. The bottom of the fixed shell is funnel-shaped and has flexible hoses fixedly connected to both sides. The bottom of the flexible hoses is fixedly connected to the upper opening of the connecting pipe, which is used to transmit air without affecting the movement of the hollow cover. The airflow chamber has an opening at its top, and the bottom of a hollow cover is fixedly connected to the opening. A fixing rod is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the airflow chamber. A protective chamber is fixedly connected to the side of the fixing rod away from the inner wall of the airflow chamber. The top of the protective chamber is frustum-shaped. A radar dome is fixedly connected to the bottom of the protective chamber. An annular airflow guide plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of the airflow chamber. The annular airflow guide plate is located at the upper edge of the radar dome and guides the airflow evenly to the bottom surface of the radar dome.

[0006] Preferably, a protective plate is fixedly connected to the top of the fixed shell, and the surface of the protective plate is provided with air filter holes.

[0007] Preferably, a support column is fixedly connected to the bottom of the fixed shell, a top plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of the support column, and bolts are threaded through both sides of the top surface of the top plate.

[0008] Preferably, a support rod is fixedly connected to one side of the bottom of the top plate, a motor is fixedly connected to the bottom of the support rod, a screw is fixedly connected to the output shaft end of the motor, the threads on both sides of the screw surface are in opposite directions, a drive plate is threaded through the thread of the screw, a slide rod is fixedly connected to the side of the drive plate away from the screw, an anti-slip pad is fixedly connected to the end of the slide rod away from the drive plate, and through grooves are opened on both sides of the universal ball seat. The slide rod and the anti-slip pad are slidably connected to the inner wall of the through groove, and the end of the anti-slip pad away from the slide rod is in contact with the surface of the universal ball.

[0009] Preferably, a protective cover is fixedly connected to the bottom of the top plate, and the motor and screw are both located inside the protective cover. A circular opening is provided at the center of the bottom of the protective cover, and the inner wall of the circular opening is fixedly connected to the bottom side of the outer wall of the universal ball seat.

[0010] Preferably, the protective compartment is equipped with a support plate and a radar. The inner walls of the protective compartment are fixedly connected to both sides of the support plate, and vertical plates are fixedly connected to both sides of the bottom of the support plate. A second motor is fixedly connected to one side of the bottom of the support plate, and a drive shaft is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the second motor. The drive shaft passes through and is rotatably connected to the middle of the vertical plate, and the drive shaft passes through and is fixedly connected to the buckle plate at the top of the radar.

[0011] Preferably, an electronic level is fixedly connected to the end of the drive shaft away from the second motor.

[0012] Preferably, extension plates are fixedly connected to both sides of the top plate, and a power supply module and a controller are fixedly connected to the top of the extension plates respectively. The power supply module and the controller are electrically connected through a power supply line, and the controller is electrically connected to the air intake fan, motor one, motor two, radar and electronic level through a data line.

[0013] A method for using a precision radar level gauge includes the following steps. Step 1: Place the protective chamber and the flow guide chamber into the silo through the measuring port on the top of the silo. Fix the top plate to the measuring port on the top of the silo using bolts on both sides of the top plate. Operate the controller to turn on the air intake fan, which draws in air from above the protective plate and discharges it into the flow guide chamber. After being guided by the annular flow guide plate, the air forms an air curtain at the bottom of the radar dome, which isolates the radar dome from the internal environment of the silo. The annular air outlet will not generate lateral thrust on the flow guide chamber. After standing still for a period of time, the radar will be in a vertical position by the self-weight of the structure below the connecting rod. Step 2: Turn on the motor to drive the screw to rotate. The anti-slip pads on both sides clamp the universal ball to improve stability. Turn on the radar to send signals into the hopper for measurement. Step 3: Turn on motor 2 to drive the radar to rotate via the drive shaft, making the measurement trajectory a straight line for multi-point measurement. The electronic level is used to confirm the tilt angle. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: This invention utilizes a universal ball joint, a fixed shell, a flexible hose, a flow guide chamber, and an annular flow guide plate. The universal ball joint rotates freely within its base to adjust the angle and achieves a vertical position using its own weight. The flexible hose transmits air without affecting the movement of the hollow cover. The annular flow guide plate, located at the upper edge of the radome, guides the airflow evenly towards the bottom surface of the radome, forming a stable air curtain that isolates the radome from the internal environment of the silo. This prevents dust or condensation from adhering to the radome surface, avoiding interference with the radar signal and ensuring that signal transmission and reception are not obstructed. Furthermore, the air is evenly blown from all sides, converging and flowing downwards in the center, preventing lateral thrust that could cause the radar to tilt. This invention solves the problems encountered when installing the radome on top of the silo, where the silo top may have a certain tilt angle, making it impossible for the level gauge to maintain a vertically downward antenna position, leading to measurement errors. Additionally, the radome's exterior can become contaminated with dust or water vapor from inside the silo during use, interfering with signal transmission and reception and reducing measurement accuracy.

[0014] This invention, by setting up a motor and an anti-slip pad, allows the flow guide chamber to be suspended vertically by its own weight. Then, the motor is turned on to drive the screw to rotate, causing the two drive plates to gradually approach each other. The anti-slip pad clamps the omnidirectional ball, preventing it from deflecting when there is slight vibration in the external environment. This invention can adapt to working environments with more vibration.

[0015] This invention incorporates an electronic level, which is used to confirm the vertical position in the initial state. When the radar rotates, the electronic level rotates synchronously with the radar to confirm the tilt angle, facilitating calculation and operation. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a structural disassembly diagram of the flow guide compartment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembly of the omnidirectional ball structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembly of the structure at the fixed shell of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembly of the protective compartment structure of the present invention.

[0017] In the diagram: 1. Universal ball seat; 2. Universal ball; 3. Connecting rod; 4. Hollow cover; 5. Flow guide chamber; 6. Annular flow guide plate; 7. Protective chamber; 8. Fixing rod; 9. Radar cover; 10. Connecting pipe; 11. Fixing shell; 12. Support column; 13. Intake fan; 14. Protective plate; 15. Hose; 16. Top plate; 17. Extension plate; 18. Power supply module; 19. Controller; 20. Protective cover; 21. Motor 1; 22. Support rod; 23. Screw; 24. Drive plate; 25. Slide rod; 26. Anti-slip pad; 27. Through groove; 28. Support plate; 29. ​​Vertical plate; 30. Motor 2; 31. Drive shaft; 32. Radar; 33. Electronic level. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. 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.

[0019] Please see Figures 1-5 The present invention provides a technical solution: a precision radar level gauge, including a universal ball mount 1, and further comprising, The top of the universal ball 2 is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the universal ball seat 1. The bottom of the universal ball 2 is fixedly connected to the connecting rod 3. The bottom of the connecting rod 3 is fixedly connected to the hollow cover 4. Both sides of the hollow cover 4 are fixedly connected to the connecting pipe 10. The universal ball 2 can rotate freely inside the universal ball seat 1 to adjust the angle and achieve a vertical state by its own weight. The fixed shell 11 has an air intake fan 13 fixedly connected to its inner wall. The bottom of the fixed shell 11 is funnel-shaped and both sides are fixedly connected to hoses 15. The bottom of the hoses 15 is fixedly connected to the upper opening of the connecting pipe 10, which is used to transmit air and does not affect the movement of the hollow cover 4. The flow guide chamber 5 has an opening at its top, and the bottom of the hollow cover 4 is fixedly connected to the opening. A fixing rod 8 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the flow guide chamber 5. A protective chamber 7 is fixedly connected to the side of the fixing rod 8 away from the inner wall of the flow guide chamber 5. The top of the protective chamber 7 is frustum-shaped. A radar cover 9 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the protective chamber 7. An annular guide plate 6 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the flow guide chamber 5. The annular guide plate 6 is located at the upper edge of the radar cover 9 and guides the airflow evenly to the bottom surface of the radar cover 9, forming an air curtain to isolate the radar cover 9 from the internal environment of the silo, so as to avoid the radar cover 9 from being contaminated by dust or condensation, which would have a negative impact on the radar signal. A protective plate 14 is fixedly connected to the top of the fixed housing 11. The surface of the protective plate 14 is provided with air filter holes for filtering air and protecting the intake fan 13. The bottom of the fixed shell 11 is fixedly connected to a support column 12, and the bottom of the support column 12 is fixedly connected to a top plate 16. Bolts are threaded through both sides of the top surface of the top plate 16. The top plate 16 is installed and fixed to the top of the silo with bolts, so that the guide chamber 5 is placed in the upper area inside the silo. A support rod 22 is fixedly connected to one side of the bottom of the top plate 16. A motor 21 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the support rod 22. A screw 23 is fixedly connected to the output shaft end of the motor 21. The threads on both sides of the screw 23 are in opposite directions. A drive plate 24 is threaded through the thread of the screw 23. A slide rod 25 is fixedly connected to the side of the drive plate 24 away from the screw 23. An anti-slip pad 26 is fixedly connected to the end of the slide rod 25 away from the drive plate 24. A through groove 27 is opened on both sides of the universal ball seat 1. The slide rod 25 and the anti-slip pad 26 are slidably connected to the inner wall of the through groove 27. The end of the anti-slip pad 26 away from the slide rod 25 is attached to the surface of the universal ball 2. After the flow guide chamber 5 is suspended in a vertical state due to its own weight, the motor 21 is controlled to start the drive screw 23 to rotate, so that the two drive plates 24 gradually approach each other. The anti-slip pad 26 clamps the universal ball 2 to prevent the universal ball 2 from deflecting when there is slight vibration in the external environment. A protective cover 20 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the top plate 16. The motor 21 and the screw 23 are both located inside the protective cover 20. A circular opening is provided at the center of the bottom of the protective cover 20, and the inner wall of the circular opening is fixedly connected to the bottom side of the outer wall of the universal ball seat 1, which protects the motor 21 and the screw 23 from being contaminated by the internal environment of the silo. The protective chamber 7 is equipped with a support plate 28 and a radar 32. The two sides of the support plate 28 are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the protective chamber 7. The two bottom sides of the support plate 28 are fixedly connected to vertical plates 29. The bottom side of the support plate 28 is fixedly connected to a second motor 30. The output shaft of the second motor 30 is fixedly connected to a drive shaft 31. The drive shaft 31 passes through and is rotatably connected to the middle of the vertical plate 29. The drive shaft 31 passes through and is fixedly connected to the buckle plate at the top of the radar 32. The second motor 30 is turned on, and the drive shaft 31 is driven to rotate, which drives the radar 32 to rotate, so that the measurement trajectory is a line, which is used for multi-position measurement. An electronic level 33 is fixedly connected to the end of the drive shaft 31 away from the motor 30, which is used to confirm the verticality and measure the tilt angle. Both sides of the top plate 16 are fixedly connected to extension plates 17. The top of the extension plates 17 are fixedly connected to a power supply module 18 and a controller 19, respectively. The power supply module 18 and the controller 19 are electrically connected through a power supply line. The controller 19 is electrically connected to the intake fan 13, motor 1 21, motor 2 30, radar 32 and electronic level 33 through a data line for transmitting control signals and power supply.

[0020] A method for using a precision radar level gauge includes the following steps. Step 1: Place the protective chamber 7 and the flow guide chamber 5 into the silo through the measuring port on the top of the silo. Fix the top plate 16 to the measuring port on the top of the silo using bolts on both sides of the top plate 16. Operate the controller 19 to control the air intake fan 13 to turn on, draw in air from above the protective plate 14 and discharge it into the flow guide chamber 5. After being guided by the annular flow guide plate 6, the air forms an air curtain at the bottom of the radar cover 9, which isolates the radar cover 9 from the internal environment of the silo. The annular air outlet will not generate lateral thrust on the flow guide chamber 5. After standing still for a period of time, the radar 32 is kept in a vertical position by the self-weight of the structure below the connecting rod 3. Step 2: Turn on motor 21 to drive screw 23 to rotate, and use anti-slip pads 26 on both sides to clamp the universal ball 2 to improve stability. Turn on radar 32 to send signals into the hopper for measurement. Step 3: Turn on motor 2 30 to drive radar 32 to rotate through drive shaft 31, so that the measurement trajectory is a straight line, and perform multi-point measurement. Electronic level 33 is used to confirm the tilt angle.

[0021] Working principle: The guide chamber 5 is inserted into the measuring opening inside the hopper. The top plate 16 is fixed to the measuring opening at the top of the hopper using bolts on both sides. The guide chamber 5 is located in the upper part of the hopper's internal space. The air intake fan 13 is turned on by the controller 19. External air enters the fixed shell 11 through the protective plate 14, and is discharged into the hollow cover 4 through the hose 15 and connecting pipe 10. Then, it flows over the protective chamber 7 and is dispersed to the surrounding area of ​​the protective chamber 7. Finally, it is guided by the annular guide plate 6 and blown towards the bottom surface of the radar dome 9. A deflector plate 6 surrounds the upper edge of the radar dome 9, allowing the air to form a stable air curtain on the bottom surface of the radar dome 9 after being blown out. This isolates the radar dome 9 from the internal environment of the hopper, preventing dust or condensation from adhering to the surface of the radar dome 9 and thus avoiding interference with the radar signal. It does not obstruct signal transmission or reception. Furthermore, the air is blown out evenly from all sides and converges in the center, flowing downwards, preventing lateral thrust that could cause the radar 32 to tilt. The air hose 15 does not affect the rotation of the universal ball 2 when transmitting air. After the top plate 16 is installed, it remains stationary. For a period of time, the omnidirectional ball 2 rotates freely within the omnidirectional ball seat 1. The weight of the structure below the connecting rod 3 keeps the radar 32 in a vertical position, allowing initial positioning to ignore the tilt of the hopper top and preventing the tilt from affecting measurement accuracy. Then, the controller 19 controls the motor 21 to start, driving the screw 23 to rotate and bringing the two drive plates 24 closer together. Anti-slip pads 26 clamp the omnidirectional ball 2, improving its stability. Slight vibrations in the external environment will not affect the stability of the radar 32, allowing it to adapt to working environments with significant vibrations. The electronic level 33 measures the horizontal state and transmits a signal to the operator to confirm the horizontal status. Finally, the radar 32 emits a signal downwards to measure the material in the hopper. When multiple measurements are needed, the control motor 30 starts, driving the drive shaft 31 to rotate, causing the radar 32 to rotate and emit signals in different directions. The measurement trajectory forms a line. At this time, the electronic level 33 rotates synchronously with the radar 32 to confirm the tilt angle for convenient calculation and operation.

[0022] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0023] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A precision radar level gauge comprising a gimbal seat (1), characterized in that: It also includes, The top of the universal ball (2) is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the universal ball seat (1), and the bottom of the universal ball (2) is fixedly connected to a connecting rod (3). The bottom of the connecting rod (3) is fixedly connected to a hollow cover (4), and both sides of the hollow cover (4) are fixedly connected to connecting pipes (10). The universal ball (2) can rotate freely inside the universal ball seat (1) to adjust the angle and achieve a vertical state by its own weight. A fixed shell (11) is fixedly connected to an air intake fan (13) on its inner wall. The bottom of the fixed shell (11) is funnel-shaped and both sides are fixedly connected to hoses (15). The bottom of the hoses (15) is fixedly connected to the upper opening of the connecting pipe (10) for transmitting air without affecting the movement of the hollow cover (4). The flow guide chamber (5) has an opening at the top and the bottom of the hollow cover (4) is fixedly connected at the opening. The inner wall of the flow guide chamber (5) is fixedly connected to a fixing rod (8). A protective chamber (7) is fixedly connected to the side of the fixing rod (8) away from the inner wall of the flow guide chamber (5). The top of the protective chamber (7) is frustum-shaped. A radar dome (9) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the protective chamber (7). An annular flow guide plate (6) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the flow guide chamber (5). The annular flow guide plate (6) is located at the upper edge of the radar dome (9) and guides the air flow evenly to the bottom surface of the radar dome (9).

2. The precision radar level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that A protective plate (14) is fixedly connected to the top of the fixed shell (11), and air filter holes are provided on the surface of the protective plate (14).

3. The precision radar level gauge according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the fixed shell (11) is fixedly connected to a support column (12), the bottom of the support column (12) is fixedly connected to a top plate (16), and bolts are threaded through the top surface of the top plate (16).

4. The precision radar level gauge according to claim 3, characterized in that: A support rod (22) is fixedly connected to one side of the bottom of the top plate (16). A motor (21) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the support rod (22). A screw (23) is fixedly connected to the output shaft end of the motor (21). The threads on both sides of the surface of the screw (23) are opposite. A drive plate (24) is threaded through the thread of the screw (23). A slide rod (25) is fixedly connected to the side of the drive plate (24) away from the screw (23). An anti-slip pad (26) is fixedly connected to the end of the slide rod (25) away from the drive plate (24). A through groove (27) is provided on both sides of the universal ball seat (1). The slide rod (25) and the anti-slip pad (26) are slidably connected to the inner wall of the through groove (27). The end of the anti-slip pad (26) away from the slide rod (25) is attached to the surface of the universal ball (2).

5. The precision radar level gauge according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom of the top plate (16) is fixedly connected to a protective cover (20). The motor (21) and the screw (23) are both located inside the protective cover (20). A circular opening is provided at the center of the bottom of the protective cover (20), and the inner wall of the circular opening is fixedly connected to the bottom side of the outer wall of the universal ball seat (1).

6. A precision radar level gauge according to claim 5, characterized in that: The protective compartment (7) is equipped with a support plate (28) and a radar (32). The two sides of the support plate (28) are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the protective compartment (7). The two bottom sides of the support plate (28) are fixedly connected to vertical plates (29). The bottom side of the support plate (28) is fixedly connected to a second motor (30). The output shaft end of the second motor (30) is fixedly connected to a drive shaft (31). The drive shaft (31) passes through and rotates through the middle of the vertical plate (29). The drive shaft (31) passes through and is fixedly connected to the buckle plate at the top of the radar (32).

7. A precision radar level gauge according to claim 6, characterized in that: An electronic level (33) is fixedly connected to the end of the drive shaft (31) away from the motor (30).

8. A precision radar level gauge according to claim 7, characterized in that: Both sides of the top plate (16) are fixedly connected to extension plates (17). The top of the extension plates (17) are fixedly connected to a power supply module (18) and a controller (19). The power supply module (18) and the controller (19) are electrically connected through a power supply line. The controller (19) is electrically connected to the air intake fan (13), motor one (21), motor two (30), radar (32) and electronic level (33) through a data line.

9. A method of using a precision radar level gauge, based on the precision radar level gauge according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that: Includes the following steps, Step 1: Place the protective chamber (7) and the flow guide chamber (5) into the silo through the measuring port at the top of the silo. Fix the top plate (16) to the measuring port at the top of the silo by bolts on both sides of the top plate (16). Operate the controller (19) to control the air intake fan (13) to turn on, draw air from the top of the protective plate (14) and discharge it into the flow guide chamber (5). After being guided by the annular flow guide plate (6), the airflow forms an air curtain at the bottom of the radar cover (9) to isolate the radar cover (9) from the internal environment of the silo. The annular airflow will not generate lateral thrust on the flow guide chamber (5). After standing still for a period of time, the radar (32) is kept in a vertical position by the self-weight of the structure below the connecting rod (3). Step 2: Turn on motor 1 (21) to drive screw (23) to rotate, and use anti-slip pads (26) on both sides to clamp the universal ball (2) to improve stability. Turn on radar (32) to send signals into the hopper for measurement. Step 3: Turn on motor 2 (30) to drive radar (32) to rotate through drive shaft (31) so that the measurement trajectory is a straight line and multi-point measurement is performed. Electronic level (33) is used to confirm the tilt angle.

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