Liquid level measuring device

By integrating multiple level probes and ceramic seals into the level measurement device, combined with a heat dissipation base design, the problems of short lifespan, low accuracy, and easy aging of seals in liquid metal level measurement devices are solved, achieving high-precision, dynamic responsiveness, and reliable level measurement, suitable for high-temperature and corrosive environments.

CN223538379UActive Publication Date: 2025-11-11HUNAN HANHUAJINGDIAN CLEAN ENERGY TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202522119751.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-30
Publication Date
2025-11-11
Estimated Expiration
2035-09-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing liquid level measurement devices have short lifespans, low accuracy, complex structures, easy aging of seals, and high risk of leakage in high-temperature and corrosive liquid metal environments, making it difficult to achieve multi-point liquid level measurement and dynamic monitoring.

Method used

Design a liquid level measuring device that integrates multiple liquid level probes, uses ceramic sealing and high-temperature and corrosion-resistant materials, utilizes liquid level changes to control circuit conduction, and combines a heat dissipation base to reduce heat, thereby achieving multi-point measurement and reliable sealing.

Benefits of technology

It achieves high precision, dynamic responsiveness and simple structure in liquid level measurement, reduces the risk of seal aging and leakage, adapts to a wide range of high temperature and corrosive environments, and reduces space occupation and manufacturing costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a liquid level measuring device which comprises a flange cover, a flange, a heat dissipation base and a liquid level probe, the heat dissipation base is of a cylindrical structure, the flange, the heat dissipation base and a container wall are sequentially connected and communicated from top to bottom, the container wall is the side wall of a container containing measured liquid, the flange cover is connected to the upper end of the flange, and the liquid level probe is arranged on the flange cover. The upper ends of the liquid level probes are fixedly connected to the flange cover, the lower ends of the liquid level probes penetrate through the flange and the heat dissipation base in sequence and then stretch into the container, the joints of the liquid level probes and the flange cover are sealed and insulated through ceramics, the liquid level probes and measured liquid are connected to the same control circuit, and the number of the liquid level probes is at least two. And the end parts of the ends, extending into the container, of the liquid level probes are not flush with each other. A plurality of measuring points are integrated on a single measuring device, the dynamic change of the liquid level can be measured in real time, the sealing position of the liquid level probe and the flange cover is resistant to corrosion and high temperature, not prone to aging, simple in structure, convenient to install, low in machining and manufacturing cost and wide in application range.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of liquid level measurement technology, specifically a liquid level measuring device. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid metals (such as sodium, potassium, lithium, and lead-bismuth alloys) have wide applications in nuclear reactors, metallurgical industries, and high-temperature batteries. Accurate measurement of liquid metal levels is crucial for safety control, process optimization, and equipment protection. Due to the high temperatures, strong corrosiveness, high conductivity, and easy oxidation of liquid metals, traditional level measurement methods cannot be directly applied. Traditional contact-type level measuring devices are susceptible to the high temperatures and corrosion of liquid metals, leading to short sensor lifespans and decreased accuracy. Floats may become stuck due to metal solidification or impurities, making maintenance difficult. Non-contact measurements suffer from severe signal attenuation at high temperatures and significant interference from metal surface reflections. Electrical measurements struggle to cover a wide range of liquid levels, requiring multiple sensors and complex structures. High temperatures degrade electrode materials, necessitating frequent calibration. For radioactive or corrosive liquids, they must be placed in sealed containers, limiting the available space for level measuring devices. Furthermore, existing rubber sealing rings used in level measuring devices are prone to aging, lack radiation protection, and pose a leakage risk. Furthermore, liquid metals are generally at high temperatures, which further accelerates the failure rate of the seal. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a liquid level measuring device that integrates multiple measuring points on a single measuring device, enabling real-time measurement of dynamic changes in liquid level. The liquid level probe and flange cover sealing are corrosion-resistant, high-temperature resistant, and not prone to aging. The device has a simple structure, is easy to install, has low processing and manufacturing costs, and is widely applicable.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0005] A liquid level measuring device includes a flange cover, a flange, a heat dissipation base, and a liquid level probe. The heat dissipation base has a cylindrical structure. The flange, the heat dissipation base, and the container wall are connected and communicate with each other from top to bottom. The container wall is the side wall of the container holding the liquid to be measured. The flange cover is connected to the upper end of the flange. The upper end of the liquid level probe is fixedly connected to the flange cover, and the lower end passes through the flange and the heat dissipation base in sequence before extending into the container. The connection between the liquid level probe and the flange cover is sealed and insulated by ceramic. The liquid level probe and the liquid to be measured are connected to the same control circuit. There are at least two liquid level probes, and the ends of each liquid level probe extending into the container are not flush with each other.

[0006] As a further improvement to the above technical solution:

[0007] The liquid level probe does not contact the flange and the heat sink base. The liquid being measured, the liquid level probe, the flange cover, the flange, the heat sink base, and the container wall are all conductors. The flange cover is connected to the control circuit. The liquid being measured, the container wall, the heat sink base, the flange, and the flange cover contact each other in sequence to connect the liquid being measured to the control circuit.

[0008] The level probe is a corrosion-resistant conductor that can withstand temperatures up to 500°C.

[0009] The liquid level probes are rod-shaped structures. In the longitudinal direction, the ends of each liquid level probe that extend into the container are evenly or non-uniformly spaced. The longitudinal direction is the length direction of the liquid level probes.

[0010] The lower end of the liquid level probe is the measuring end, which is used to contact the liquid being measured to enable the control circuit to conduct. The upper end of the liquid level probe extends out of the flange cover and is connected to the control circuit through the first connecting piece. Except for the measuring end and the part connected to the first connecting piece, the outer surface of the other parts of the liquid level probe is covered with ceramic.

[0011] The thickness of the ceramic at the connection between the level probe and the flange cover is greater than the thickness of the ceramic in other parts.

[0012] The ceramic at the connection between the level probe and the flange cover is fixedly connected to the level probe by welding, and also fixedly connected to the flange cover by welding.

[0013] A sealing gasket is provided between the flange cover and the flange.

[0014] The flange cover and the flange are connected by at least two connecting components, which include bolts, nuts and washers. The bolts pass through the flange cover and the flange and are locked by nuts. Washers are provided between the bolt head and the flange cover, and between the nut and the flange.

[0015] The outer surface of the heat sink base is smooth.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0017] (1) It has multiple measuring points, which can measure the dynamic changes of liquid level in real time. It is sensitive to changes in liquid level and has high measurement accuracy, thus solving the problem of poor continuity of existing liquid level gauges.

[0018] (2) The sealing of the level probe and flange cover is corrosion resistant, high temperature resistant and not easy to age, so it can maintain the sealing reliability for a long time, thereby achieving radiation protection and not causing leakage risk. In addition, the fact that it is not easy to age means that there is no need to frequently repair and replace the sealing components, which greatly reduces the harm to personnel in radiation and corrosion scenarios. It is very suitable for level measurement of liquids with high temperature, corrosion and radiation.

[0019] (3) The liquid level probe is a metal rod with a simple structure and wide applicability. It uses the various components of the measuring device, the liquid being measured, and the metal container as part of the control circuit. The liquid level measurement is achieved by turning the control circuit on and off due to changes in the liquid level. The design is ingenious and makes full use of the various devices and components.

[0020] (4) The heat dissipation base is located in the external environment of the container. It serves as a conductor of the control circuit and also plays a role in heat dissipation, which greatly reduces the heat transferred to the liquid level probe and the flange cover seal, further improving the sealing reliability. The heat dissipation effect can be improved by increasing the length of the heat dissipation base. There is no need to set heat dissipation fins, and the processing is simpler.

[0021] (5) The liquid level probe achieves liquid level measurement by direct contact with the liquid and will not be affected by the reflection from the metal surface.

[0022] (6) Dynamic temperature compensation: eliminates baseline drift caused by high temperature and improves long-term stability.

[0023] (7) As an integrated design, multiple measuring points are integrated on a single measuring device, reducing space occupation, suitable for occasions with limited space, simple structure, easy installation, low processing and manufacturing costs, and wide range of applications. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a measuring device installed on the container wall according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Reference numerals: 1. Flange cover, 2. Flange, 3. Heat sink base, 4. Liquid level probe, 5. Ceramic, 6. Sealing gasket, 7. First connecting piece, 8. Container wall, 9. Second connecting piece, 10. Measuring device. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0029] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0030] A liquid level measuring device, such as Figure 1 and 2 As shown, it includes a flange cover 1, a flange 2, a heat dissipation base 3, a liquid level probe 4, a ceramic element 5, a sealing gasket 6, a first connecting piece 7, a second connecting piece 9, and a connecting assembly.

[0031] The heat dissipation base 3 has a cylindrical structure with a through hole in the middle.

[0032] In this embodiment, the heat dissipation base 3 is a cylindrical structure with a smooth outer surface and no heat dissipation fins, making the structure and processing simpler.

[0033] The lower end of the heat dissipation base 3 is fixedly installed on the container wall 8 containing the conductive liquid being tested, using methods such as welding. The container wall 8 is made of metal. Figure 3 The diagram shows the measuring device 10 mounted on the container wall 8. The upper end of the heat dissipation base 3 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the flange 2. The flange 2 also has a central through hole, which communicates with the central through hole of the heat dissipation base 3 and the central through hole of the flange 2.

[0034] In this embodiment, the conductive liquid being tested is liquid metal.

[0035] In this embodiment, the container wall 8 can be the side wall of equipment such as a storage tank, pump, or pipeline.

[0036] The upper end of flange 2 is detachably connected to flange cover 1. Specifically, flange cover 1 and flange 2 are connected by at least two connecting components, including bolts, nuts and washers. After the bolt passes through flange cover 1 and flange 2, it is locked by nuts. Washers are provided between the bolt head and flange cover 1, and between the nut and flange 2.

[0037] In this embodiment, the flange cover 1 is disc-shaped. Both the flange cover 1 and the flange 2 are provided with multiple connecting through holes for installing connecting components. The connecting through holes on the flange cover 1 are arranged on the same ring. Similarly, the connecting through holes on the flange 2 are arranged on the same ring.

[0038] A sealing gasket 6 is provided between flange cover 1 and flange 2.

[0039] In this embodiment, the sealing gasket 6 is a metal spiral wound gasket.

[0040] The level probe 4 is a slender metal rod. The level probe 4 must meet the following requirements: it must be a conductor, weldable to ceramics, resistant to temperatures above 500℃, and corrosion-resistant. The lower end of the level probe 4 is the measuring end that contacts the liquid. The upper end of the level probe 4 passes sequentially through the heat sink 3, flange 2, and flange cover 1 before connecting to the electrical control system. The level probe 4 does not contact the heat sink 3 or flange 2. Specifically, a first connecting piece 7 is connected to the end of the level probe 4 extending out of the flange cover 1. The first connecting piece 7 is connected to the electrical control system via a wire. The first connecting piece 7 can be a terminal block or a metal piece, and can use existing terminal blocks.

[0041] In this embodiment, the liquid level probe 4 is made of stainless steel.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first connecting piece 7 is a metal piece, the upper end of the liquid level probe 4 is threaded, one end of the first connecting piece 7 is sleeved on the upper end of the liquid level probe 4, and is clamped between two nuts screwed onto the liquid level probe 4.

[0043] Except for the measuring end and the part connecting to the first terminal 7, the outer surface of the liquid level probe 4 is covered with ceramic 5. Ceramic 5 has insulating properties, but the lower part of the liquid level probe 4 that contacts the liquid and the upper part that connects to the first terminal 7 need to maintain conductivity; therefore, ceramic 5 cannot be used for these parts. Covering the outer surface of the liquid level probe 4 with ceramic 5 prevents liquid adhering to the probe wall or metal aerosols from causing short circuits between different liquid level probes 4.

[0044] The level probe 4 is fixedly mounted on the flange cover 1, and the connection between the level probe 4 and the flange cover 1 is sealed by ceramic 5. In other words, let the section of the level probe 4 that passes through and connects to the flange cover 1 be called the connecting section. The thickness of the ceramic 5 covering this connecting section is greater than the thickness of the ceramic 5 covering other parts of the level probe 4. The ceramic 5 of the connecting section and the flange cover 1 are fixedly connected together by brazing, and the ceramic 5 of the connecting section and the level probe 4 are also fixedly connected together by brazing. In this way, the level probe 4 and the flange cover 1 are fixedly connected, and the connection between the level probe 4 and the flange cover 1 is sealed and insulated. The ceramic 5 is resistant to high temperature, does not age, and can maintain the reliability of the seal for a long time. Therefore, the ceramic 5 of the connecting section is equivalent to a sleeve, with the level probe 4 inside and the flange cover 1 outside.

[0045] Except for the ceramic 5 of the connecting section, the ceramic 5 of the other parts of the liquid level probe 4 is covered on the outer surface of the liquid level probe 4 by spraying.

[0046] The same measuring device 10 is equipped with at least two liquid level probes 4, which are arranged in parallel at intervals. The measuring ends of the probes 4 are not flush with each other to measure different liquid level values. In the longitudinal direction, the measuring ends of the probes 4 are evenly or non-uniformly spaced. The longitudinal direction is the length direction of the probes 4. In this way, the measuring device 10 can measure multiple liquid level values, that is, measure the dynamic changes of liquid level in real time, and has high measurement accuracy and is sensitive to changes in liquid level.

[0047] It should be noted that the measuring ends of each liquid level probe 4 are not strictly set to be non-aligned. They can be set to be partially aligned as needed. For example, for a certain liquid level, two or more liquid level probes 4 can be set with their measuring ends aligned to test the same liquid level value.

[0048] The length, number, distance between the ends of each liquid level probe 4, and setting within a cross section perpendicular to the length of the liquid level probe 4 can be set according to specific requirements.

[0049] In this embodiment, seven liquid level probes 4 are provided. In a cross-section perpendicular to the length of each probe 4, the centers of six probes 4 are arranged on the same circle, which has a diameter of 30 mm. The remaining probe is arranged at the center of this circle. Figure 2 As shown.

[0050] Clearly, the sealing gasket 6 is annular and surrounds all the liquid level probes 4.

[0051] Flange cover 1, flange 2, sealing gasket 6, and heat dissipation base 3 are all made of metal.

[0052] The flange cover 1 is provided with a second connecting piece 9, which is used to connect the flange cover 1 to the circuit of the electrical control system, i.e. the control circuit. The first connecting piece 7 connects the liquid level probe 4 to the same control circuit.

[0053] Based on the above structure, the working principle of this utility model is as follows: Flange 2 and heat dissipation base 3 are pre-connected together. When installing the measuring device 10, the lower end of the heat dissipation base 3 (the end away from flange 2) is fixedly installed on the container wall 8 by welding or other means. Then, the liquid level probe 4 on the flange cover 1 passes through the flange 2 and heat dissipation base 3, so that the lower end of the liquid level probe 4 is inserted into the container. Finally, a sealing gasket 6 is placed between the flange cover 1 and flange 2, and the flange cover 1 and flange 2 are connected together by a connecting assembly.

[0054] The measuring device 10 is installed behind the container wall 8. There is an insulating ceramic 5 between the upper end of the liquid level probe 4 and the flange cover 1, so that the upper end of the liquid level probe 4 and the flange cover 1 are insulated. The second connecting piece 9, flange cover 1, sealing gasket 6, flange 2, heat dissipation base 3, container wall 8 and the conductive liquid in the container come into contact in sequence. They are all made of metal and form a conductive composite conductor. The first connecting piece 7 and the second connecting piece 9 are connected to the same control circuit, which acts as a switch for the control circuit, consisting of the measuring end of the liquid level probe 4 and the liquid inside the container. When one measuring end of the liquid level probe 4 is not in contact with the liquid inside the container, the liquid level probe 4 is not conductive with the liquid, which is equivalent to the switch being open and the control circuit not being conductive. When the liquid level rises to the point where it contacts the liquid level probe 4, the liquid level probe 4 and the liquid become conductive, which is equivalent to the switch being closed and the control circuit being conductive. That is, the control circuit containing the first connecting piece 7, the liquid level probe 4, the liquid inside the container, the container wall 8, the heat sink base 3, the flange 2, the sealing gasket 6, the flange cover 1, and the second connecting piece 9 is conductive. This signal is transmitted to the control system, which issues a liquid level indication signal. As the liquid level continues to rise, it will sequentially contact other liquid level probes 4 at different heights, transmitting liquid level signals.

[0055] In this embodiment, the liquid inside the container is liquid metal.

[0056] The heat from the container wall 8 and the liquid inside the container will be partially transferred to the heat dissipation base 3. The heat dissipation base 3 will release the heat to the external environment of the container. In this way, the heat reaching the flange cover 1 will be greatly reduced, and the temperature of the flange cover 1 can be reduced to below 200°C. This will prevent the sealing material (ceramic 5) at the connection between the liquid level probe 4 and the flange cover 1 from being damaged by high temperature for a long time, ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the seal and the safe use of the measuring device 10.

[0057] Finally, it is necessary to state that the above embodiments are only used to further illustrate the technical solution of this utility model in detail, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. Any non-essential improvements and adjustments made by those skilled in the art based on the above content of this utility model shall fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A liquid level measuring device, characterized in that, The system includes a flange cover (1), a flange (2), a heat dissipation base (3), and a liquid level probe (4). The heat dissipation base (3) is a cylindrical structure. The flange (2), the heat dissipation base (3), and the container wall (8) are connected and communicated sequentially from top to bottom. The container wall (8) is the side wall of the container holding the liquid being tested. The flange cover (1) is connected to the upper end of the flange (2). The upper end of the liquid level probe (4) is fixedly connected to the upper and lower ends of the flange cover (1), which pass through the flange (2) and the heat dissipation base (3) in sequence and then extend into the container. The connection between the liquid level probe (4) and the flange cover (1) is sealed and insulated by ceramic (5). The liquid level probe (4) and the liquid being measured are connected to the same control circuit. There are at least two liquid level probes (4). The ends of each liquid level probe (4) that extend into the container are not flush with each other. The liquid level probe (4) is a rod-shaped structure. In the longitudinal direction, the ends of each liquid level probe (4) that extend into the container are evenly spaced or non-uniformly spaced. The longitudinal direction is the length direction of the liquid level probe (4).

2. The liquid level measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid level probe (4) does not contact the flange (2) and the heat sink (3). The liquid to be measured, the liquid level probe (4), the flange cover (1), the flange (2), the heat sink (3), and the container wall (8) are all conductors. The flange cover (1) is connected to the control circuit. The liquid to be measured, the container wall (8), the heat sink (3), the flange (2), and the flange cover (1) contact each other in sequence to connect the liquid to be measured to the control circuit.

3. The liquid level measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The level probe (4) is a corrosion-resistant conductor that can withstand temperatures up to 500°C.

4. The liquid level measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The lower end of the liquid level probe (4) is the measuring end, which is used to contact the liquid being measured to enable the control circuit to conduct. The upper end of the liquid level probe (4) extends out of the flange cover (1) and is connected to the control circuit through the first connecting piece (7). Except for the measuring end and the part connected to the first connecting piece (7), the outer surface of the other parts of the liquid level probe (4) is covered with ceramic (5).

5. The liquid level measuring device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The thickness of the ceramic (5) at the connection between the level probe (4) and the flange cover (1) is greater than the thickness of the ceramic (5) in other parts.

6. The liquid level measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The ceramic (5) at the connection between the level probe (4) and the flange cover (1) is fixedly connected to the level probe (4) by welding, and also fixedly connected to the flange cover (1) by welding.

7. The liquid level measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A sealing gasket (6) is provided between the flange cover (1) and the flange (2).

8. The liquid level measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The flange cover (1) and the flange (2) are connected by at least two connecting components, the connecting components including bolts, nuts and washers. The bolts pass through the flange cover (1) and the flange (2) and are locked by nuts. Washers are provided between the bolt head and the flange cover (1) and between the nut and the flange (2).

9. The liquid level measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The outer surface of the heat sink base (3) is a smooth outer surface.