Radar liquid level device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a radar liquid level device, which belongs to the technical field of measurement and comprises a radar sensor module, a power supply module and a processing module. The radar sensor module comprises a two-wire system interface and a four-wire system interface; the two-wire system interface comprises a first end and a second end, the first end is connected with the anode of the power supply module, and the second end is connected with the cathode of the power supply module through a resistor; the processing module is provided with two power supply ends and two first connecting ends, the four-wire system interface comprises two power supply ends and two signal ends, and the two power supply ends are correspondingly connected with the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the power supply module; in the two-wire system mode, the two first connecting ends are correspondingly connected with the two ends of the resistor, the processing module receives data transmitted by the two-wire system interface, and in the four-wire system mode, the two first connecting ends are correspondingly connected with the two signal ends, and the processing module receives data transmitted by the four-wire system interface. The liquid level measuring device can flexibly work in different industrial settings, and an accurate, reliable and efficient liquid level measuring solution is provided for a user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of measurement technology, and more specifically, to a radar liquid level device. Background Art

[0002] In modern industry, liquid level measurement is a critical component of many production processes, particularly in sectors such as water, chemicals, petroleum, food, and pharmaceuticals. With the rapid development of these industries, higher requirements are being placed on the accuracy, real-time nature, and compatibility of liquid level measurement. Traditional level measuring devices, such as floats and static pressure sensors, while widely used in certain applications, are susceptible to interference in complex environments, resulting in limited accuracy and reliability.

[0003] Radar level meters measure the surface position of liquids by emitting electromagnetic waves. They are unaffected by factors such as temperature, pressure, and liquid density, and offer high measurement accuracy and fast response times. However, most radar level meters on the market use a single communication method, such as a two-wire or four-wire system, which cannot meet diverse industrial needs. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present application proposes a radar liquid level device to improve the above-mentioned defects.

[0005] In the first aspect, the present application provides a radar liquid level device, comprising: a radar sensor module, a power supply module and a processing module; the radar sensor module includes a two-wire interface and a four-wire interface for collecting liquid level data; the two-wire interface includes a first end and a second end, the first end is connected to the positive pole of the power supply module, and the second end is connected to the negative pole of the power supply module through a resistor; the processing module has two power supply ends and two first connection ends, the four-wire interface includes two power supply ends and two signal ends, and the two power supply ends are correspondingly connected to the positive and negative poles of the power supply module; in the two-wire mode, the two first connection ends are correspondingly connected to the two ends of the resistor, and the processing module receives data transmitted by the two-wire interface. In the four-wire mode, the two first connection ends are correspondingly connected to the two signal ends, and the processing module receives data transmitted by the four-wire interface.

[0006] Optionally, a possible implementation includes: a control module, the processing module further includes a second connection end, and the second connection end is connected to the control module.

[0007] Optionally, a possible implementation manner further includes: an interaction module connected to the control module.

[0008] Optionally, in a possible implementation manner, the interaction module is a button or a touch screen.

[0009] Optionally, a possible implementation manner further includes: a display module, and the processing module further includes a third connection end, and the third connection end is connected to the display module.

[0010] Optionally, in a possible implementation manner, the display module is an LCD display screen.

[0011] Optionally, in a possible implementation manner, the display module is an LED indicator light.

[0012] Optionally, in a possible implementation manner, the four-wire interface is an RS485 communication interface.

[0013] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the power supply module provides a 24V DC voltage.

[0014] Optionally, a possible implementation further includes: an alarm module, and the processing module further includes a fourth connection end, and the fourth connection end is connected to the alarm module.

[0015] The solution provided in the present application includes: a radar sensor module, a power supply module and a processing module; the radar sensor module includes a two-wire interface and a four-wire interface for collecting liquid level data; the two-wire interface includes a first end and a second end, the first end is connected to the positive pole of the power supply module, and the second end is connected to the negative pole of the power supply module through a resistor; the processing module has two power supply ends and two first connection ends, the four-wire interface includes two power supply ends and two signal ends, and the two power supply ends are correspondingly connected to the positive and negative poles of the power supply module; in the two-wire mode, the two first connection ends are correspondingly connected to the two ends of the resistor, and the processing module receives data transmitted by the two-wire interface. In the four-wire mode, the two first connection ends are correspondingly connected to the two signal ends, and the processing module receives data transmitted by the four-wire interface.

[0016] The radar sensor module of the present application has a two-wire interface and a four-wire interface. It can transmit liquid level data through the two-wire interface and the four-wire interface. It can work flexibly in different industrial settings and provide users with accurate, reliable and efficient liquid level measurement solutions.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the present application will be described in the following description, and in part will become apparent from the description, or will be understood by practicing the present application. The purposes and other advantages of the present application can be realized and obtained by the structures particularly pointed out in the written description, claims, and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0019] Figure 1 The following is a structural block diagram of a radar liquid level device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 2 A structural block diagram of a radar liquid level device provided in another embodiment of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present application generally described and shown in the drawings here can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present application provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the application for which protection is claimed, but merely represents the selected embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative work fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0022] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters represent similar items in the following drawings. Therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined or explained in subsequent drawings. At the same time, in the description of this application, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used to distinguish the description and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] In modern industry, liquid level measurement is a critical component of many production processes, particularly in sectors such as water, chemicals, petroleum, food, and pharmaceuticals. With the rapid development of these industries, higher requirements are being placed on the accuracy, real-time nature, and compatibility of liquid level measurement. Traditional level measuring devices, such as floats and static pressure sensors, while widely used in certain applications, are susceptible to interference in complex environments, resulting in limited accuracy and reliability.

[0024] Radar level meters measure the surface position of liquids by emitting electromagnetic waves. They are unaffected by factors such as temperature, pressure, and liquid density, and offer high measurement accuracy and fast response times. However, most radar level meters on the market use a single communication method, such as a two-wire or four-wire system, which cannot meet diverse industrial needs.

[0025] It should be noted that two-wire level gauges typically use two wires for power and signal transmission, offering advantages such as simple wiring and low cost. However, in some applications, their measurement accuracy and functionality are relatively limited. Four-wire level gauges, on the other hand, offer more stable power and signal transmission, making them suitable for more complex measurement scenarios. However, their installation and maintenance costs are relatively high. Certain industrial needs, such as equipment upgrades and compatibility, necessitate the design of a radar level gauge that combines both two-wire and four-wire communication.

[0026] Therefore, in an embodiment of the present application, a radar liquid level device is provided to solve or partially solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0027] See also Figure 1 , which shows a structural block diagram of a radar liquid level device 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The connection relationship between modules is simplified to connecting lines. The specific connection relationship shall be subject to actual conditions. The device includes:

[0028] The radar sensor module 110 , the power supply module 130 and the processing module 120 .

[0029] The radar sensor module 110 includes a two-wire interface and a four-wire interface for collecting liquid level data.

[0030] The two-wire interface includes a first end and a second end, the first end is connected to the positive electrode of the power supply module 130, and the second end is connected to the negative electrode of the power supply module 130 via a resistor.

[0031] The processing module 120 has two power supply terminals and two first connection terminals. The four-wire interface includes two power supply terminals and two signal terminals. The two power supply terminals are connected to the positive and negative poles of the power supply module 130 correspondingly.

[0032] In the two-wire mode, the two first connection ends are correspondingly connected to the two ends of the resistor, and the processing module 120 receives data transmitted by the two-wire interface. In the four-wire mode, the two first connection ends are correspondingly connected to the two signal ends, and the processing module 120 receives data transmitted by the four-wire interface.

[0033] It should be noted that the radar liquid level device of the present application also includes a transmitter and a receiver connected to each other inside the radar sensor module. The power supply module provides power to the transmitter and receiver through a two-wire interface or a four-wire interface. The transmitter is used to transmit radar signals, and the receiver is used to receive radar signals reflected back from the liquid surface, and convert the radar signals received by the receiver into liquid level data. The liquid level data can specifically be a voltage signal or a current signal.

[0034] The processing module includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a data processor. The ADC converts data received by the processing module into digital signals, and the data processor converts the digital signals into actual liquid level information. Specifically, the data processor encodes, decodes, filters, and calculates the digital signals to obtain the measured liquid level information.

[0035] In an optional embodiment, in a two-wire mode, the power supply module provides power to the radar sensor module through a two-wire interface. The two first connection ends are correspondingly connected to the two ends of the resistor. The processing module can detect the voltage across the resistor and measure the target current flowing through the resistor in combination with the resistance value of the resistor. The processing module processes the target current based on pre-set rules to obtain actual liquid level information, which is suitable for simple monitoring needs and long-distance transmission.

[0036] Specifically, it can be understood that when the radar sensor module does not detect the liquid level information, the current value flowing through the resistor is basically constant. When the radar sensor module does not detect the liquid level information, the current value flowing through the resistor will change. For this reason, the processor can process based on the target current to obtain the actual liquid level information.

[0037] In an optional embodiment, in a four-wire mode, the power supply module provides power to the radar sensor module through the two power supply ends of the four-wire interface. The radar sensor module transmits the liquid level data to the processing module through the two signal ends. The processing module processes the received liquid level data to obtain the actual liquid level information, and provides power supply and signal transmission respectively, thereby enhancing the stability and anti-interference ability of the signal and being suitable for applications in complex environments.

[0038] The radar sensor module of the present application has a two-wire interface and a four-wire interface. It can transmit liquid level data through the two-wire interface and the four-wire interface. It can work flexibly in different industrial settings and provide users with accurate, reliable and efficient liquid level measurement solutions.

[0039] It should be noted that the radar sensor module can be a high-frequency radar level gauge or a guided wave radar level gauge, wherein the high-frequency radar level gauge or guided wave radar level gauge is provided with a two-wire interface and a four-wire interface. The processing module can be a microcontroller, a single-chip microcomputer, a digital signal processor, or a field programmable logic gate array. The power supply module can be a battery, a power adapter, or an AC / DC converter.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the radar sensor module is a high-frequency radar level gauge, the power supply module is an AC / DC conversion power supply, the processing module is a single-chip microcomputer, and the high-frequency radar level gauge includes a two-wire interface and a four-wire interface for collecting liquid level data. The two-wire interface includes a first end and a second end, the first end is connected to the positive pole of the AC / DC conversion power supply, and the second end is connected to the negative pole of the AC / DC conversion power supply through a resistor. The single-chip microcomputer has two power supply terminals and two first connection terminals, and the four-wire interface includes two power supply terminals and two signal terminals, and the two power supply terminals are connected to the positive and negative poles of the AC / DC conversion power supply respectively. In the two-wire mode, the two first connection terminals are connected to the two ends of the resistor respectively, and the single-chip microcomputer receives data transmitted by the two-wire interface. In the four-wire mode, the two first connection terminals are connected to the two signal terminals respectively, and the single-chip microcomputer receives data transmitted by the four-wire interface.

[0041] For further information, see Figure 2 , which shows a structural block diagram of the radar liquid level device provided in this application. The radar liquid level device 100 also includes: a control module 140, and the processing module 120 also includes a second connection end, and the second connection end is connected to the control module 140.

[0042] It should be noted that the power supply module in this application can provide power for devices that require power in the solution, including radar liquid level sensor module, processing module, control module, interaction module, display module and alarm module, etc. The corresponding connection relationship will not be repeated here.

[0043] To this end, the control module 140 is connected to the power supply module 130, and the power supply module 130 is used to provide power for the control module 140. The control module 140 can control different power supply strategies of the power supply module 130. The control module 140 is connected to the processing module 120 and can control the processing module 120 to execute different control strategies.

[0044] For example, in the two-wire mode, the control module controls the power supply module to provide power to the radar sensor module through the two-wire interface, instead of providing power to the four-wire interface, and the processing module processes the voltage signal across the resistor to obtain actual liquid level information.

[0045] For example, in the four-wire mode, the control module controls the power supply module to provide power to the radar sensor module through the four-wire interface, but does not provide power to the two-wire interface. The processing module processes the liquid level data transmitted by the four-wire interface to obtain actual liquid level information.

[0046] Furthermore, the control module is connected to the processing module via a target communication protocol, so that the user can monitor and set parameters in real time. The target communication protocol can be MODBUS or RS485.

[0047] Furthermore, the control module may be a single chip microcomputer or a CPU.

[0048] Furthermore, it also includes: an interaction module connected to the control module.

[0049] The interactive module is connected to the control module and is used to obtain user instructions, including two-wire, four-wire, and other instructions. When the user enters an instruction through the interactive module, the interactive module transmits the user's instruction to the control module to guide the control module to make further control instructions.

[0050] Specifically, the power supply module has a power switching unit that receives different instructions to provide power to different interfaces. That is, the power switching unit can switch between two-wire mode and four-wire mode. The power switching unit can be a relay, an analog multiplexer, or a field-effect transistor switch.

[0051] In one exemplary embodiment, the power supply module includes an analog multiplexer. When a user inputs a two-wire command through the interactive module, the interactive module transmits the user's two-wire command to the control module. The control module then controls the analog multiplexer to select the two-wire interface and connect the positive and negative terminals of the power supply module to the first and second terminals of the two-wire interface, respectively. In other words, the control module controls the power supply module to provide power to the radar sensor module via the two-wire interface, and the processing module processes the voltage signal across the resistor to obtain actual liquid level information.

[0052] When a user inputs a four-wire command through the interactive module, it transmits it to the control module. The control module then controls the analog multiplexer to select the four-wire interface and connects the positive and negative terminals of the power supply module to the two power terminals of the four-wire interface. This means the control module instructs the power supply module to provide power to the radar sensor module via the four-wire interface. The processing module then processes the data transmitted from the two signal terminals to obtain the actual liquid level information.

[0053] Furthermore, the interaction module is a button or a touch screen.

[0054] In other words, the user can input instructions by clicking buttons or by touching the touch screen with a finger to achieve the purpose of setting and adjusting parameters.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the control module is a CPU, the interaction module is a touch screen, the power supply module provides power for the CPU and the touch screen, the CPU is connected to the processing module, and the touch screen is connected to the CPU. When the user inputs an instruction through the touch screen, the CPU receives the instruction and controls the power supply module and the processing module to perform corresponding operations.

[0056] Furthermore, it also includes: a display module, and the processing module also includes a third connection end, and the third connection end is connected to the display module.

[0057] It is understood that the display module is used to display data. The display module is connected to the processing module and can display the actual liquid level information output by the processing module to inform the user. The display module can also display the user's current instructions, as well as data such as the current operating status and operating mode of the radar sensor module.

[0058] Furthermore, the display module is an LCD display screen, which can display the liquid level information and the status of the radar liquid level device in real time.

[0059] Furthermore, the display module is an LED indicator light.

[0060] Furthermore, the four-wire interface includes but is not limited to an RS485 communication interface and an RS422 communication interface.

[0061] Furthermore, the power supply module provides a voltage including but not limited to 24 V DC. It is understood that when the required power supply is not 24 V DC, it can be converted through a transformer.

[0062] Furthermore, it includes: an alarm module, and the processing module also includes a fourth connection end, and the fourth connection end is connected to the alarm module.

[0063] It should be noted that when the actual liquid level information collected meets the preset conditions, the alarm module can issue an alarm prompt.

[0064] Furthermore, the alarm module may be a buzzer, an audible and visual alarm, or a water immersion alarm.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, the display module is an LCD display, the alarm module is an audible and visual alarm, the power supply module is an AC / DC conversion power supply, the AC / DC conversion power supply is connected to the LCD display and the audible and visual alarm, and is used to provide power for the LCD display and the audible and visual alarm, the LCD display is connected to the processing module, and is used to display actual liquid level information and system information, the audible and visual alarm is connected to the processing module, and when the actual liquid level information is within a preset range, an alarm signal is issued to alert the staff.

[0066] It should be noted that the radar sensor module is installed at the preset location of the liquid level to be measured, while the interaction module, display module, and alarm module can be installed in the monitoring room for easy viewing by staff. The processing module can be installed at the location of the radar sensor module or in the monitoring room, depending on the actual situation.

[0067] In one implementation scenario, a radar sensor module is mounted on top of a liquid storage tank. A power supply module provides 24V DC power. The radar sensor module is powered via a two-wire interface, transmitting a 4-20mA analog signal over the same pair of wires. The radar sensor module incorporates internal current regulation circuitry to share both signal and power. When the liquid level is at its lowest point, the radar sensor module outputs a 4mA signal; when the liquid level is at its highest point, it outputs a 20mA signal. The control module monitors liquid level changes in real time for precise control and management. Since the dimensions of the liquid storage tank and the mounting location of the radar level sensor module are known, liquid level information can be measured by measuring the distance from the radar sensor module to the liquid surface.

[0068] In one implementation scenario, a radar sensor module is mounted on top of a liquid storage tank. A power supply module provides 24V DC power, which is then powered via a four-wire interface. The control module monitors liquid level changes in real time for precise control and management. Since the tank dimensions and the installation location of the radar level sensor module are known, the liquid level can be measured by measuring the distance between the radar sensor module and the liquid surface. The radar sensor module's four-wire interface provides both power and signal transmission channels, enhancing the stability and anti-interference capabilities of the liquid level signal, making it suitable for applications in complex environments.

[0069] It should be noted that the radar liquid level device of the present application can be used in the water industry: liquid level monitoring in scenes such as pumping stations, water plants, and rivers.

[0070] It's important to note that in some older factories or facilities, existing infrastructure may only support two-wire communication, but future upgrades may require new equipment compatible with four-wire communication. Designing a radar level device that supports both two-wire and four-wire communication can help factories achieve a smooth transition and gradually upgrade their systems without having to replace all equipment at once.

[0071] Furthermore, some companies may need to integrate field data into more advanced Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to achieve remote monitoring and data integration: basic measurement and control functions need to be implemented through a two-wire interface. A four-wire interface is also needed to provide higher data throughput and more data parameters for more accurate monitoring and analysis. The radar level device provided in this application can simultaneously have both two-wire communication and four-wire communication, which is conducive to industrial upgrading.

[0072] In addition, when a communication line or system fails, the present application can quickly switch to another communication mode to keep the system running and data collection uninterrupted.

[0073] Furthermore, the present application also proposes a monitoring system, which includes a host module and the above-mentioned radar liquid level device, the host module is connected to the radar liquid level device, and the monitoring system is used to monitor parameters such as humidity, temperature, pressure and liquid level, wherein the radar liquid level device is used to monitor liquid level information and transmit the liquid level information to the host module to facilitate the host module to make comprehensive decisions.

[0074] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A radar liquid level device, characterized in that: include: Radar sensor module, power supply module and processing module; The radar sensor module includes a two-wire interface and a four-wire interface for collecting liquid level data; The two-wire interface includes a first end and a second end, the first end is connected to the positive electrode of the power supply module, and the second end is connected to the negative electrode of the power supply module through a resistor; The processing module has two power supply terminals and two first connection terminals, the four-wire interface includes two power supply terminals and two signal terminals, and the two power supply terminals are connected to the positive and negative poles of the power supply module respectively; In the two-wire mode, the two first connection ends are correspondingly connected to the two ends of the resistor, and the processing module receives data transmitted by the two-wire interface. In the four-wire mode, the two first connection ends are correspondingly connected to the two signal ends, and the processing module receives data transmitted by the four-wire interface.

2. The radar liquid level device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: The control module, the processing module also includes a second connection end, and the second connection end is connected to the control module.

3. The radar liquid level device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes: The interaction module is connected to the control module.

4. The radar liquid level device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The interaction module is a button or a touch screen.

5. The radar liquid level device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: The display module, the processing module further includes a third connection end, and the third connection end is connected to the display module.

6. The radar liquid level device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The display module is an LCD display screen.

7. The radar liquid level device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The display module is an LED indicator light.

8. The radar liquid level device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The four-wire interface is an RS485 communication interface.

9. The radar liquid level device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power supply module provides a 24V DC voltage.

10. The radar liquid level device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: The alarm module, the processing module further includes a fourth connection end, and the fourth connection end is connected to the alarm module.

Images