Rapid liquid level measuring device based on temperature control element
By using a liquid level measurement device based on temperature control elements, liquid level measurement is performed at extreme temperatures using thermocouples and temperature control elements. This solves the problem of inaccurate measurement by traditional devices in ultra-low or high temperature environments, and achieves highly sensitive and accurate liquid level measurement.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANGHAI METROLOGY & TESTING TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-17
AI Technical Summary
Traditional liquid level measuring devices cannot accurately measure in ultra-low or high temperature environments, and cannot be used in high-temperature liquids or volatile liquids, resulting in inaccurate or no measurement.
A liquid level measurement device based on temperature control elements is adopted. The liquid level is measured under different temperature conditions using thermocouples and temperature control elements. The liquid level height is read by the micro pressure difference formed by the thermocouple, and the data is recorded by combining a sensitive micro voltmeter and a timing reset button.
Accurate liquid level measurement was achieved in extreme temperature environments, solving the problem of frost or evaporation in traditional devices at ultra-low or high temperatures, and ensuring the accuracy and sensitivity of the measurement.
Smart Images
Figure CN224136682U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of liquid level measurement devices based on temperature sensors, and relates to a rapid liquid level measurement device based on a temperature control element. Background Technology
[0002] Liquid level measurement plays a crucial role in many technological fields, and its function and importance are reflected in the following aspects:
[0003] 1. Safety Monitoring: In many industrial and application scenarios, abnormal increases or decreases in liquid levels can pose safety hazards. For example, in chemical storage tanks, excessively high liquid levels may cause spills, leading to environmental pollution or fire risks; while excessively low liquid levels may affect the stability of the production process. Therefore, liquid level measurement allows for real-time monitoring of liquid level changes, enabling the timely detection and handling of potential safety hazards.
[0004] 2. Process Control: Liquid level is one of the important indicators for measuring whether the production process is operating normally. In automated production lines, liquid level measurement systems can provide real-time data to help operators accurately control the amount of raw materials added, the amount of products output, etc., thereby ensuring the continuity and stability of the production process.
[0005] 3. Resource Optimization: Through precise liquid level measurement, businesses can manage their storage and transportation resources more effectively. For example, in the logistics industry, understanding the liquid level of goods helps optimize loading and unloading processes, reducing space waste and transportation costs.
[0006] 4. Environmental Protection: Liquid level measurement also plays an important role in environmental protection. For example, in wastewater treatment facilities, monitoring the liquid level in wastewater tanks can ensure that wastewater is treated in a timely and effective manner, preventing wastewater overflow and pollution of the natural environment.
[0007] 5. Decision Support: Liquid level data can also provide strong support for enterprises' strategic decision-making. By analyzing historical liquid level data, enterprises can predict future demand trends and formulate more reasonable production plans and inventory strategies.
[0008] In conclusion, liquid level measurement plays an indispensable role in ensuring production safety, optimizing process control, conserving resources, protecting the environment, and supporting corporate decision-making. Therefore, the accuracy and reliability of liquid level measurement should be highly valued in all sectors.
[0009] In liquid nitrogen bioreactors, liquid level measurement plays a crucial role. Accurate monitoring of the liquid nitrogen level ensures that biological samples are properly preserved in a stable, low-temperature environment, preventing temperature fluctuations caused by excessively low liquid levels, which could affect sample quality and viability. Simultaneously, liquid level measurement provides operators with timely reminders to replenish the liquid, guaranteeing the normal operation of the liquid nitrogen bioreactor and the long-term preservation of samples. Traditional liquid level measurement methods, using level gauges, rapidly frost over upon removal from liquid nitrogen in ultra-low temperatures, making it impossible to observe specific measurement data.
[0010] Furthermore, traditional electronic level gauges cannot be used in high-temperature liquid environments, nor can data be read directly with the naked eye. In some liquids that leave no trace (such as alcohol), traditional level gauges cannot provide effective and accurate measurements due to the evaporation of the liquid at high temperatures.
[0011] Therefore, it is particularly important to design a highly sensitive liquid level measuring device. Utility Model Content
[0012] To address the shortcomings of the aforementioned technologies, this invention proposes a rapid liquid level measurement device based on a temperature control element, comprising at least one liquid level measuring gauge and a data recording and processing device; wherein the liquid level measuring gauge and the data recording and processing device are connected via a connector. This type of liquid level gauge is suitable for liquid level measurement and calibration in cryogenic liquid nitrogen biological containers or high-temperature liquid containers, effectively solving the problem of liquid level measurement under extreme temperature environments and addressing the calibration traceability issue for such equipment, thus possessing broad application prospects.
[0013] The present invention proposes a rapid liquid level measurement device based on a temperature control element, comprising: a data recording and processing device and at least one liquid level measuring scale; wherein,
[0014] The liquid level measuring gauge includes: a base, at least one thermocouple anode, a thermocouple cathode, a data transmission port, and a leveling device; the thermocouple anode and the thermocouple cathode are disposed on the surface of the base; the thermocouple anode and the thermocouple cathode are connected to the data transmission port; the leveling device is used to ensure that the liquid level measuring gauge remains perpendicular to the liquid surface being measured; the data recording and processing device is used to record the measured liquid level data and simultaneously transmit the data externally.
[0015] The data recording and processing device includes: a data transmission female port, a sensitive micro voltmeter, a timing reset button, and a heat-insulating shell; the data transmission female port and the data transmission male port are detachably connected; a temperature control element is installed at each connection point of the thermocouple anode and the thermocouple cathode; the temperature control element is electrically connected to the data recording and processing device.
[0016] Preferably, the thermocouple cathode is of a shared type, which saves materials.
[0017] In this invention, the base has a groove on its side, and the leveling device is installed on the groove; the leveling device includes a leveling plate and a pulley; the leveling plate is slidably connected to the groove via the pulley; the leveling plate can float on the surface of the liquid being measured and maintain balance, so that the liquid level measuring gauge can remain perpendicular to the surface of the liquid being measured.
[0018] In this invention, the thermocouple anode and the thermocouple cathode are prepared on the substrate surface by magnetron sputtering, screen printing, or pre-embedded thermocouple wire; the thermocouple anode and the thermocouple cathode are connected by spot welding; the substrate is marked with graduations; the base is made of low-temperature resistant rigid insulating material; the connection points of the thermocouple anode and the thermocouple cathode are evenly distributed; the thermocouple anode, the thermocouple cathode, and the data transmission port are connected by spot welding.
[0019] There are three main categories of methods for preparing cathodes and anodes: magnetron sputtering (for materials such as copper-nickel alloys, co-sputtering is used for direct preparation), screen printing, and wire bonding. Magnetron sputtering can be performed using the co-sputtering method. The connection point (temperature measurement point) between the cathode and anode is prepared using multi-stage magnetron sputtering (first sputtering a layer of material A, then sputtering material B once), multi-stage sputtering, or spot welding.
[0020] In this invention, the base is a nested, retractable structure. Specifically, the nested structure resembles a folding umbrella, while the connecting structure allows for direct assembly of segments, similar to Lego building blocks. In this invention, each base layer has a connecting structure at its top and bottom, achieving a rigid connection between the two layers. Data transmission wires are located inside the base, simultaneously transmitting thermocouple data to the next higher-level base through the connecting structures.
[0021] The data recording and processing device includes: a data transmission female port, a sensitive micro voltmeter, a timing reset button, and a heat-insulating shell; wherein, the data transmission female port and the data transmission male port are connected by a plug; the data transmission female port, the sensitive micro voltmeter, and the timing reset button are connected by a circuit; the sensitive micro voltmeter and the timing reset button are located inside the heat-insulating shell.
[0022] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0023] 1. Structure of a Rapid Liquid Level Measurement Device Based on Temperature Control Element: Utilizing a temperature sensor for liquid level measurement effectively addresses the shortcomings of traditional liquid level gauges in ultra-low temperature, high temperature environments, and conditions where liquids do not leave traces. Traditional liquid level gauges, after testing at ultra-low temperatures, frost forms immediately upon removal, making it impossible to accurately measure the true liquid nitrogen level inside the liquid nitrogen tank. In high-temperature evaporation environments, traditional liquid level gauges cannot accurately leave traces. By utilizing the temperature difference between liquid nitrogen and the upper vapor space, a rapid liquid level measurement device based on a temperature control element is designed to effectively solve these problems. It can also be used for liquid level measurement of liquids with temperature differences but where some traces are difficult to leave.
[0024] 2. The liquid level gauge adopts a common cathode structure, effectively saving on the size of the gauge. The use of a sliding groove and horizontal adjustment device ensures that the gauge remains perpendicular to the liquid surface. This solves the problem of difficulty in installing the liquid level gauge in low and high temperature environments.
[0025] 3. Sensitive micro voltmeter, no power supply required. It can operate in ultra-low temperature environments. Using the timer reset button, measurement can begin after the thermocouple reaches thermal equilibrium and the data is retained, making measurements more scientific and efficient. Utilizing the thermocouple temperature measurement principle, a micro-pressure difference is formed between the thermocouple electrodes. Different temperatures result in different voltage differences, which can be directly read by the micro voltmeter. Based on the voltage difference, the location of the voltage change can be determined, and thus the location of the temperature change, thereby obtaining the liquid level height.
[0026] 4. Utilizing the fact that liquids have higher thermal conductivity than gases, when a temperature sensor is immersed in a liquid, its heat dissipation rate is faster than in a gas, resulting in different rates of temperature change. By using a temperature control element to heat and cool the sensor to above / below the ambient temperature before immersing it in the liquid, the different heating and cooling rates of the temperature sensor in the liquid and gas phases can be used to quickly measure liquid levels. Attached Figure Description
[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a rapid liquid level measurement device based on a temperature control element.
[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid level measuring gauge.
[0030] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the liquid level measuring gauge.
[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the horizontal adjustment device.
[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the data recording and processing device.
[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the test circuit for a data recording and processing device.
[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of a rapid liquid level measurement device based on a temperature control element. Detailed Implementation
[0035] The utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Except for the contents specifically mentioned below, the processes, conditions, and experimental methods for implementing this utility model are all common knowledge and general knowledge in the field, and this utility model has no particular limitations.
[0036] Figures 1-7 In the diagram, 1-Liquid level measuring gauge; 2-Data recording and processing device; 4-Base; 5-Thermocouple anode; 6-Thermocouple cathode; 7-Data transmission male port; 9-Connection structure; 10-Slide groove; 11-Level adjustment device; 12-Level balance plate; 13-Pulley; 16-Scale; 41-Data transmission female port; 42-Sensitive micro voltmeter; 43-Timer reset button; 44-Heat insulation shell; 100-Measured container; 101-Measured liquid; 102-Sample outlet; 201-Temperature control element.
[0037] Example 1: Rapid Liquid Level Measurement Device
[0038] The rapid liquid level measuring device based on temperature control element in this embodiment includes at least one liquid level measuring ruler 1 and a data recording and processing device 2.
[0039] The liquid level measuring ruler 1 and the data recording and processing device 2 are connected by a plug-in interface.
[0040] The liquid level measuring gauge 1 includes at least one base 4, each base consisting of at least three thermocouple anodes 5 and one thermocouple cathode 6, and a data transmission port 7. The thermocouple anodes 5 and thermocouple cathodes 6 are fabricated on the surface of the base 4 using magnetron sputtering or screen printing, and are connected to the data transmission port 7 by spot welding. Thermocouple anodes 5 and thermocouple cathodes 6 are connected by co-sputtering or spot welding, and the connection point 8 is the temperature measuring point. Scale 16 is marked on the base 4, using laser or printing methods for easy calibration of the liquid level measuring device. The base 4 is made of a low-temperature resistant rigid insulating material (such as plastic or silicon wafer) to ensure it does not affect the temperature measurement of the thermocouples; the thermocouple anodes and cathodes are made of common thermocouple metal materials (such as copper for the anode and constantan for the cathode). On the base, the connection points of the thermocouple anodes and cathodes are evenly distributed to form a temperature measuring array, with a 5mm spacing between adjacent temperature measuring points.
[0041] The substrate adopts a nested structure, which allows for extension and shortening of the substrate, further expanding the measurement range of the liquid level measuring device. Each substrate layer has a connecting structure 9 at its top and bottom, using threads or snap-fit mechanisms to achieve a rigid connection between the two substrate layers. This connection also allows for the transmission of thermocouple data to the next higher-level substrate. Data transmission wires (pre-embedded within the substrate) are located inside the substrate 4. Data transmission from each substrate level can be achieved through the connecting structure 9, and then connected to the data recording device via a data insertion machine.
[0042] The base 4 has a groove 10 on its side, and a leveling device 11 is installed on the groove 10. The leveling device 11 consists of a low-density horizontal balance plate 12 and a pulley 13. The horizontal balance plate 12 can float on the surface of the liquid being measured and maintain balance, so that the liquid level measuring ruler can remain perpendicular to the liquid surface and automatically reach the bottom of the container. The density of the measuring ruler in this invention is greater than that of the liquid, so it will sink in the solution. The connecting structure 9 contacts the bottom of the container, and the leveling device 11 ensures that the ruler is perpendicular to the horizontal plane, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the measurement.
[0043] The liquid level measuring gauge includes a data transmission port 7, which is spot-welded to the thermocouple anode 5 and thermocouple cathode 6 to ensure that no other substances are introduced during the measurement process, thus guaranteeing the accuracy of the measurement.
[0044] The data recording and processing device comprises a data transmission female port 41, a sensitive micro voltmeter 42, a timing reset button 43, and a heat-insulating housing 44. The data transmission female port 41 is connected to the data transmission male port 7 of the liquid level measuring scale via a plug-in connection. The data transmission female port 41, the sensitive micro voltmeter 42, and the timing reset button 43 are connected by a circuit. The sensitive micro voltmeter 42 and the timing reset button 43 are housed inside the heat-insulating housing to ensure their operation at extremely low temperatures. The sensitive micro voltmeter has a data retention function, capable of storing the maximum test value during the test. The timing reset button 43 resets the measurement before measurement, achieving delayed measurement and data retention. This ensures that the measurement is performed after the liquid level measuring scale has stabilized in the liquid being measured. The mechanical structure eliminates the need for a power supply.
[0045] This embodiment uses a liquid nitrogen biocontainer as an example, resetting the liquid level measuring device at room temperature. The liquid nitrogen measuring device is placed at the center of the container through the sample outlet 102. After stabilization, the liquid level measuring device begins measuring and recording data; stabilization refers to the device's horizontal and vertical stability, as well as the stable response of the temperature sensor. After a certain period, the data recording and processing device begins recording whether there is a pressure difference on each sensitive micro-voltmeter. The micro-voltmeter retains the pressure difference data and records the liquid level display data H1 on the container at this time. After the test, the liquid level measuring device is removed, and the position of the pressure difference data change value on the micro-voltmeter is read to obtain the liquid level height H0. The liquid level height data calibration result is obtained: ΔH = H1 - H0. Different liquid nitrogen level heights are set on the control panel of the liquid nitrogen biocontainer. After setting, liquid nitrogen is automatically introduced through the pipeline, and the above steps are repeated. After the test, the liquid level measuring device is removed, and a calibration report is generated.
[0046] The calibration report contains liquid level data, including the liquid level height set on the liquid nitrogen biological container, the actual value H1 displayed on the liquid nitrogen biological container, the actual liquid level value H0 measured by the device (standard) of this utility model, and the liquid level deviation value △H calculated.
[0047] Example 1 avoids the need for a power supply, facilitates measurement in extreme temperature environments, has a simple structure, and a longer service life.
[0048] Example 2, Rapid Liquid Level Measurement Device
[0049] Example 2, based on Example 1, includes a temperature control element 201 installed at each connection point of the thermocouple anode 5 and thermocouple cathode 6 on the liquid level measuring gauge, electrically connected to the data recording and processing device 2. The temperature of the temperature control element is preset by the data recording and processing device. If the liquid being measured is at a high temperature, the temperature control element provides a temperature lower than room temperature; conversely, it provides a temperature higher than room temperature.
[0050] Example 2 uses an auxiliary temperature control element 201, which utilizes the large difference in specific heat between air and liquid to make the temperature difference data more sensitive and rapid.
[0051] This embodiment uses a liquid nitrogen biological container as an example, resetting the liquid level measuring device to zero at room temperature. If the measured liquid 101 is below room temperature, the temperature control element is set to room temperature +50℃; if the measured liquid is above room temperature, the temperature control element is set to room temperature -50℃. This temperature setting can be changed; the larger the value, the faster the measurement speed and the more obvious the effect, and vice versa. The liquid nitrogen measuring device is placed in the center of the container through the liquid nitrogen biological container's sample outlet 102. After the liquid level measuring device is placed in, the data recording and processing device begins recording whether there is a pressure difference (e.g., ...) on each sensitive microvoltmeter. Figure 6 (As shown in the circuit diagram), the micro voltmeter retains the differential pressure data and records the liquid level display data H1 on the container at this time. After the test, the liquid level measuring device is removed, and the position of the change value of the differential pressure data from the micro voltmeter is read to obtain the liquid level height H0. The liquid level height data calibration result is obtained as: ΔH = H1 - H0. Different liquid nitrogen level heights are set on the control panel of the liquid nitrogen biological container. After setting, liquid nitrogen is automatically introduced through the pipeline. The above steps are repeated. After the test is completed, the liquid level measuring device is removed, and a calibration report is generated.
[0052] The calibration report contains liquid level data, including the liquid level height set on the liquid nitrogen biological container, the actual value H1 displayed on the liquid nitrogen biological container, the actual liquid level value H0 measured by the device (standard) of this utility model, and the liquid level deviation value △H calculated.
[0053] Example 2 utilizes the different temperature response rates of the sensor to different media types to obtain the liquid level height, resulting in higher relative sensitivity.
[0054] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.
[0055] As used in this invention, the term "comprising" is an open-ended expression, meaning it includes the contents specified in this invention, but does not exclude other aspects.
[0056] As used in this invention, the term "and / or" includes any one and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.
[0057] The scope of protection of this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Any variations and advantages that can be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the utility model are included in this utility model and are protected by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A fast liquid level measuring device based on a temperature control element, characterized in that, include: A data recording and processing device (2) and at least one liquid level measuring gauge (1); wherein, The liquid level measuring gauge (1) includes: a base (4), at least one thermocouple anode (5), a thermocouple cathode (6), a data transmission port (7), and a level adjustment device (11); the thermocouple anode (5) and the thermocouple cathode (6) are disposed on the surface of the base (4); the thermocouple anode (5) and the thermocouple cathode (6) are connected to the data transmission port (7); the level adjustment device (11) is used to ensure that the liquid level measuring gauge can remain perpendicular to the liquid surface being measured; The data recording and processing device (2) is used to record the data obtained from the liquid level measurement and send the data outwards at the same time; the data recording and processing device includes: a data transmission female port (41), a sensitive micro voltmeter (42), a timing reset button (43), and a heat insulation shell (44); the data transmission female port (41) is detachably connected to the data transmission male port (7); A temperature control element (201) is installed at each connection point of the thermocouple anode and the thermocouple cathode; the temperature control element (201) is electrically connected to the data recording and processing device (2).
2. The fast liquid level measurement device based on a temperature control element of claim 1, wherein, The thermocouple cathode (6) is of a shared type.
3. The fast liquid level measurement device based on a temperature control element of claim 1, wherein, The base (4) has a groove (10) on its side, and the horizontal adjustment device (11) is mounted on the groove (10); The level adjustment device (11) includes: a level balance plate (12) and a pulley (13); the level balance plate (12) is slidably connected to the chute (10) through the pulley (13); the level balance plate (12) can float on the surface of the liquid being measured and maintain balance, so that the liquid level measuring gauge can be kept perpendicular to the surface of the liquid being measured.
4. The fast liquid level measurement device based on a temperature control element of claim 1, wherein, The thermocouple anode (5) and the thermocouple cathode (6) are prepared on the surface of the substrate (4) by magnetron sputtering, screen printing or pre-embedded thermocouple wire.
5. The fast liquid level measurement device based on a temperature control element of claim 1, wherein, The thermocouple anode (5) and the thermocouple cathode (6) are connected by spot welding.
6. The fast liquid level measurement device based on a temperature dependent element of claim 1, wherein, The base (4) is marked with graduations (16); And / or, The substrate (4) is made of a low-temperature resistant rigid insulating material.
7. The fast liquid level measurement device based on a temperature dependent element of claim 1, wherein, The connection points between the thermocouple anode (5) and the thermocouple cathode (6) are evenly distributed; And / or, The thermocouple anode (5), the thermocouple cathode (6), and the data transmission port (7) are connected by spot welding.
8. The fast liquid level measurement device based on a temperature dependent element of claim 1, wherein, The base (4) is a nested and / or connected scalable structure.
9. The fast liquid level measurement device based on a temperature dependent element of claim 1, wherein, A connecting structure (9) is provided at the top and bottom of each substrate (4), and the connecting structure (9) realizes the rigid connection between the two substrates; a data transmission wire is provided inside the substrate (4), and the corresponding thermocouple data is transmitted to the upper substrate (4) through the connecting structure (9).
10. The fast liquid level measurement device based on a temperature dependent element of claim 1, wherein, The data transmission female port (41) and the data transmission male port (7) are connected by a plug; the data transmission female port (41), the sensitive micro voltmeter (42), and the timing reset button (43) are connected by a circuit; the sensitive micro voltmeter (42) and the timing reset button (43) are placed inside the heat insulation shell (44).