Self-cleaning anti-fog anti-freezing liquid level meter

Abstract

The utility model relates to liquid level meter technical field, specifically disclose a kind of self-cleaning antifogging antifreezing liquid level meter, including liquid level meter head and the probe located in the lower part of liquid level meter head, rotating scraping head is equipped in the lower part of liquid level meter head, rotating scraping head is equipped in the outer periphery of probe, and contact with the outer surface of probe;Annular pipeline is equipped in the below of probe, annular pipeline is located in the periphery of probe;Annular pipeline includes two layers, upper layer is spray pipeline, lower layer is drying pipeline;Multiple spray devices are equipped at intervals on spray pipeline, and spray device is towards probe bottom;Multiple blow-off nozzles are equipped on drying pipeline, and blow-off nozzle is towards probe bottom.The application is through integration miniature spray device, electric heat tracing antifreezing, rotating scraping head and compressed air blow-off nozzle, prevent liquid level meter hang water, icing or fogging phenomenon, guarantee measurement accuracy, improve the stability of liquid level meter, and reduce maintenance workload, prolong the service life of liquid level meter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of liquid level gauge technology, specifically to a self-cleaning anti-fog and antifreeze liquid level gauge. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of industrial process control, liquid level measurement, as a key detection parameter, directly affects production safety and operational efficiency. Currently, non-contact liquid level gauges (such as radar and ultrasonic gauges) are widely used due to their ease of installation and strong adaptability; however, their technical characteristics reveal significant limitations under complex operating conditions. Particularly in environments with significant seasonal temperature differences, when a substantial temperature difference exists between the high-temperature medium inside the tank and the low-temperature environment outside, the sensor probe surface continuously experiences condensation, fogging, or even ice formation. These phase-change deposits severely interfere with the propagation and reflection of electromagnetic or sound waves, leading to attenuation or distortion of the measurement signal.

[0003] This phenomenon not only results in a daily maintenance frequency, significantly increasing maintenance manpower costs, but more importantly, intermittent measurement inaccuracies lead to inaccurate measurement data, which can affect operators' operational decisions and potentially disrupt process balance. On the other hand, the failure of the liquid level overflow warning function can also directly threaten the safe operation of the unit. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a self-cleaning anti-fogging and anti-freezing level gauge to solve the problems of existing level gauges that are prone to water accumulation, fogging, and icing, resulting in high maintenance frequency and inaccurate measurement, which in turn increases costs and affects production quality and safety.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: This utility model provides a self-cleaning anti-fog and anti-freeze level gauge. By integrating a micro-spray device, adding heating, and incorporating a rotating scraper for water removal and compressed air purging nozzles, it effectively solves the problems of icing, fogging, and water residue that are common in non-contact level gauges under large temperature differences. This ensures measurement accuracy, improves measurement reliability, and effectively reduces maintenance frequency. Specifically, the self-cleaning anti-fog and anti-freeze level gauge includes a level gauge head and a probe located below the level gauge head. A rotating scraper head is provided below the level gauge head, positioned on the outer periphery of the probe and in contact with its outer surface. An annular pipe is located below the probe, surrounding it. The annular pipe comprises two layers: an upper spray pipe and a lower drying pipe. Multiple spray devices are spaced apart on the spray pipe, facing the bottom of the probe. Multiple purging nozzles are provided on the drying pipe, also facing the bottom of the probe.

[0006] The principles and advantages of this scheme are: This solution continuously and automatically removes contaminants, ice, and water droplets that affect measurements, minimizing misreadings, jumps, and signal attenuation, ensuring long-term reliability of level data, and significantly improving measurement stability and accuracy. Secondly, the automated process replaces heavy, dangerous, and frequent manual cleaning and maintenance, making it particularly suitable for high-altitude, toxic, high-pressure, or extreme environments, significantly reducing the burden on maintenance departments and lowering labor costs and downtime. Simultaneously, it reduces contaminant corrosion, ice expansion damage, and mechanical wear (compared to rough manual cleaning), maintaining equipment in good condition and extending the lifespan of core sensors and instruments. Furthermore, the included heat tracing function addresses the biggest pain point in winter applications. Rotary scraping and powerful purging effectively handle complex conditions such as high humidity, condensation-prone, and viscous media, enabling all-weather, all-condition use with greater adaptability, meeting the stringent requirements of various industries such as petroleum and petrochemical (explosion-proof), power plants (high temperature and high pressure), food and beverage (hygienic grade), and pharmaceuticals (clean and pollution-free).

[0007] Furthermore, a flange is provided between the meter head and the probe, and the rotating scraper head is located at the lower part of the flange and can rotate around the connection; when the rotating scraper head is not in operation, it is placed parallel to the bottom of the flange to avoid affecting the measurement.

[0008] Furthermore, the spraying device is configured with six units, which are inclined at a 30° angle to the central axis of the level gauge probe. This even distribution ensures accurate spraying, reduces losses and waste, and achieves defogging and de-icing effects.

[0009] Furthermore, a heating ring is also provided on the outside of the spray device. This heating ring facilitates the melting of ice buildup at the bottom of the level gauge during winter spraying, achieving a de-icing effect. This solution, by attaching a heating ring to the outside of a miniature spray device and combining it with embedded heat tracing, achieves effective operation in confined spaces, ensures operability at low temperatures, and solves the problems of sedimentation and icing at the bottom of the level gauge.

[0010] Furthermore, six purging nozzles are provided, spaced apart from the spraying device; each purging nozzle is inclined at a 30° angle to the central axis of the level gauge probe. Ordinary purging may result in dispersed airflow and incomplete drying. This solution employs an optimized nozzle design (such as a vortex nozzle) to generate a concentrated, high-speed drying airflow that can cover dead corners, ensuring rapid and thorough drying and preventing secondary contamination or condensation.

[0011] Furthermore, both the spraying device and the purging nozzle are PVFD nozzles with a fan-shaped nozzle structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the heating ring is made of aluminum-based material.

[0013] Furthermore, the rotating scraping head is a silicone scraping head or a fiber brush.

[0014] Furthermore, a drive motor is provided on the level gauge head, and the rotating scraper head is mounted on the motor shaft. The rotation of the motor shaft drives the rotating scraper head to rotate around the probe.

[0015] Furthermore, the rotating scraping head includes a brush handle and a brush head, with the brush handle being snapped onto the motor shaft. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating scraping head in this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the crank structure in this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the annular pipe structure in this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fan-shaped spray nozzle in this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fan-shaped spray nozzle in this utility model.

[0017] The markings in the accompanying drawings of the instruction manual include: meter head 1, probe 2, flange 3, rotating scraper head 4, brush handle 5, brush head 6, drive motor 7, worm gear 8, crank handle structure 9, annular pipe 10, spray pipe 11, drying pipe 12, spray device 13, purging nozzle 14, start valve 15, main body shell 16, valve core assembly 17, and nozzle 18. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method: Example 1 This embodiment is basically as shown in the appendix. Figure 1 The diagram shows a self-cleaning, anti-fogging, and anti-freezing level gauge. It utilizes a miniature spray system to clean the bottom of the gauge, while simultaneously adding heat tracing to melt ice in winter. A rotating scraper head is added to remove water droplets adhering to the gauge. Compressed air nozzles are incorporated to blow dry the bottom. This improves the gauge's stability, reduces maintenance workload, and the added automatic cleaning, blowing, and wiping functions extend equipment life and lower production costs.

[0019] Specifically, non-contact level gauges are shown in the attached document. Figure 1 As shown, the system includes a level gauge head 1 and a probe 2 located below the level gauge head. In this embodiment, the probe 2 can be a radar probe or an ultrasonic probe. A flange 3 is installed between the level gauge head 1 and the probe 2, and the level gauge is installed on the tank body through the flange 3 for monitoring the internal temperature of the tank.

[0020] As attached Figure 1 As shown, a rotating scraper head 4 is installed at the lower part of the level gauge head 1. The rotating scraper head 4 is located on the outer periphery of the probe 2 and contacts the outer surface of the probe 2. In this embodiment, the rotating scraper head 4 includes a brush handle 5 and a brush head 6. When working, the brush head 6 contacts the outer periphery of the probe 2 and rotates around the probe 2 to scrape away water droplets on the probe 2. The brush head 6 has an L-shaped structure, with its free end attached to the periphery of the probe 2 and located below the flange 3.

[0021] A drive motor 7 is installed on the level gauge head 1. In this embodiment, the drive motor 7 can be a waterproof stepper motor with dimensions of Φ50×80mm, and it is bolted to the flange 3. A worm gear 8 is installed on the motor shaft of the drive motor 7, and the brush handle 5 of the rotating scraper head 4 is installed on the worm gear 8, so that the rotating scraper head 4 is located on the motor shaft. The rotation of the motor shaft drives the rotating scraper head to rotate around the probe 2.

[0022] In this embodiment, the brush handle 5 is attached to the motor shaft by a snap-fit. For ease of viewing, the diagram is simplified and combined with the attached diagram. Figure 2 As shown, one end of the brush handle 5 is mounted on the worm gear 8 via a snap-fit. The brush head 6 is vertically connected to the brush handle 5, so that the rotating scraping head 4 is mounted entirely on the lower part of the flange 3 and can swing and rotate around the connection point. The brush head 6 can be positioned below the probe 2 and scrape the outer surface of the probe 2. In this embodiment, as shown in the attached... Figure 3 As shown, a crank structure 9 is also provided at the upper end of the brush handle 5. One end of the crank structure 9 is installed on the turbine by a snap-fit. When the motor rotates, it drives the worm gear to rotate, which in turn drives the turbine to rotate, thereby driving the crank structure 9 to rotate up and down. This causes the brush handle 5 to swing left and right in an arc shape. The swinging of the brush handle 5 causes the brush head 6 at the bottom to scrape back and forth around the probe 2. When the rotating scraping head 4 is not working, the worm gear 8 rotates to lift and retract the brush handle 5 and brush head 6, that is, the brush handle 5 is placed horizontally, so that the entire rotating scraping head 4 is placed parallel to and attached to the bottom of the flange 3, so as not to affect the measurement of the probe 2. In this embodiment, the rotating scraping head is selected according to the type of level gauge. If the bottom of the level gauge is relatively flat, the brush head 6 can be a silicone scraping head. If the bottom has an uneven structure, the brush head 6 can be a scraping head made of fiber brush material, and the scraping pressure is adjusted according to the actual situation.

[0023] In this embodiment, combined with the appendix Figure 4As shown, a retractable annular pipe 10 is provided below the probe 2. The annular pipe 10 is located around the probe 2 and within the inner ring of the rotating scraping head 4, preventing obstruction of the rotating scraping head 4's rotation and scraping motion, while simultaneously spraying and drying the probe 2. In this embodiment, when needed, the annular pipe 10 is extended downwards to below the probe 2. After use, the annular pipe 10 is retracted a certain distance to fit against the probe's outer ring, avoiding interference with the rotating scraping head 4. In this embodiment, the annular pipe 10 comprises two layers, i.e., a double-layer pipe. The upper layer is a spray pipe 11, and the lower layer is a drying pipe 12. The annular pipe 10 is made of annular copper or stainless steel tubing, fixed below the flange and around the probe 2, with the inner ring diameter slightly larger than the probe 2's outer diameter. In this embodiment, a retractable electric rod is provided at the upper end of the annular pipe 10, which is driven by a motor to extend and retract the annular pipe 10.

[0024] In this embodiment, multiple spray devices 13 are installed at intervals on the spray pipe 11, with the spray devices 13 facing the bottom of the probe 2 to facilitate spraying onto the probe 2. In this embodiment, the spray devices 13 are fan-shaped spray nozzles, with 6 nozzles evenly distributed around the perimeter of the annular pipe, and inclined at a 30° angle to the central axis of the level gauge probe 2, so that the spray direction is concentrated at the probe detection end. In this embodiment, holes are drilled and tapped in the annular pipe 10, the spray nozzles are installed on the annular pipe 10, and the holes are sealed with thread sealant.

[0025] An aluminum-based heating ring is attached to the outside of the spray device 13 to heat the sprayed water during spraying, thus thawing the ice at the bottom of the level gauge in winter. In this embodiment, the heating ring is semi-circular or segmented, wrapped around the outside of the spray device, and fixed to the annular pipe by clips and thermally conductive adhesive, with a pre-installed wiring terminal for connecting to the temperature control system.

[0026] Multiple purge nozzles 14 are also evenly distributed on the drying pipe 12. The purge nozzles 14 are fan-shaped spray nozzles and face the bottom of the probe 2. In this embodiment, there are 6 purge nozzles, which are spaced apart from the spray device 13. The purge nozzles 14 are inclined at a 30° angle to the central axis of the level gauge probe 2. In this embodiment, both the spray device 13 and the purge nozzles 14 are PVFD nozzles with a fan-shaped nozzle structure.

[0027] In this embodiment, as shown in the appendix Figure 5As shown, the fan-shaped spray nozzle includes a main housing 16 for housing internal components and connecting to an external annular pipe 10 to facilitate fluid transport. Inside the main housing 16, a valve core assembly 17 is provided, which, through cooperation with the cavity, controls the flow rate and other parameters of the fluid. A nozzle 18 is also located on the valve core assembly 17. The nozzle 18 controls the liquid or gas to be sprayed out in a fan shape, ensuring coverage of the probe surface for spraying or drying. Specifically, a slotted or slit-type nozzle can be used as the fan-shaped spray nozzle; there are no limitations, as long as it can achieve spraying or aerosol output.

[0028] In this embodiment, the structure of the nozzle 18 is as shown in the attached figure. Figure 6 As shown in the figure, two types of nozzle structures (a and b) are illustrated, each presented as a top and bottom view, designed to create a fan-shaped spray effect. In type a, the opening angle at the contraction section is set to 2α to precisely control the angle of fluid contraction and spraying. In type b, the slot width on both sides of the opening is adjusted to change the spray flow rate and spray range. This ensures that the spray range and curvature can cover the probe for spraying and drying, ensuring cleaning effectiveness while conserving resources and avoiding waste.

[0029] A start valve 15 is also installed on one side of the annular pipe 10, i.e., the air / liquid inlet pipe. By sending a start signal, the start valve 15 is controlled to start the cleaning operation of the probe 2. The bottom of the level gauge is cleaned by a micro spray device. After cleaning, compressed air is added to the blow nozzle 14 to blow and dry the bottom of the probe, ensuring that the probe is not affected by water, fogging, ice formation and other phenomena, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of monitoring.

[0030] The specific implementation process is as follows: Upon activation, first, the annular pipe is moved downwards to the lower end of probe 2, and the spray device 13 is activated to spray and clean probe 2, removing mist, water droplets, or dust from its surface. After completion, the annular pipe is retracted, exposing probe 2. Next, the rotating scraper head 4 is controlled to scrape probe 2, removing water droplets or impurities adhering to its surface. Once scraping is complete, the rotating scraper head 4 is retracted and placed horizontally under flange 3 to avoid interfering with measurements. Finally, the purging nozzle 14 is controlled to dry probe 2. Simultaneously, in winter, the heating ring is activated during spraying to heat the sprayed cleaning fluid, melting any ice and ensuring effective cleaning.

[0031] In this embodiment, a precisely designed micro-nozzle is used to perform targeted and quantitative spray cleaning on the level gauge's measuring window, effectively removing surface deposits, ice, or water residue. Simultaneously, the integrated heating function actively provides controllable heat in low-temperature environments, effectively melting ice and further preventing secondary icing during cleaning, ensuring cleaning effectiveness and usability in winter.

[0032] After spraying or within a specific cycle, the built-in micro-rotating scraper is activated. Its scraper blades are made of special flexible and wear-resistant material, which scrape across the sensitive surface in a low-torque and gentle manner, physically removing residual water droplets, oil films or adhering substances that are "stuck" due to surface tension, significantly reducing residue and creating conditions for subsequent drying.

[0033] Finally, a high-speed, clean, dry airflow is sprayed onto the cleaned and scraped area using an optimized compressed air nozzle (such as a vortex nozzle). The airflow forms an effective vortex, thoroughly blowing away residual liquid and moisture, ensuring rapid and complete drying of the measurement window or sensing area, and preventing secondary condensation or contamination.

[0034] This solution integrates a micro-spray system (including piping and nozzles), a rotary drive mechanism (motor / gear), a scraping assembly, air nozzles and their piping within a limited space, and embeds a heat tracing element. It precisely controls the spray volume, scraping timing (avoiding dry scraping), purging intensity, and heat tracing temperature to ensure a smooth and efficient process. The entire operation process does not interfere with the measurement signal of the level gauge itself, achieving fully automatic, efficient, and deep cleaning and protection of the critical areas of the level gauge. This ensures the stability of the unit's operation, reduces misoperation, and improves safety.

[0035] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of this utility model. Commonly known technical solutions and / or characteristics are not described in detail here. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the technical solution of this utility model. These modifications and improvements should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model, and will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of this utility model or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning anti-fogging and anti-freezing level gauge, comprising a level gauge head and a probe located at the lower part of the level gauge head, characterized in that: A rotating scraper head is provided at the lower part of the level gauge head. The rotating scraper head is located on the outer periphery of the probe and contacts the outer surface of the probe. An annular pipe is provided below the probe and is located around the probe. The annular pipe includes two layers: an upper spray pipe and a lower drying pipe. Multiple spray devices are provided at intervals on the spray pipe, and the spray devices face the bottom of the probe. Multiple purging nozzles are provided on the drying pipe, and the purging nozzles face the bottom of the probe.

2. The self-cleaning anti-fogging and antifreeze level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: A flange is provided between the meter head and the probe, and the rotating scraper head is located at the lower part of the flange and can rotate around the connection; when the rotating scraper head is not in operation, it is placed parallel to the bottom of the flange.

3. The self-cleaning anti-fogging and antifreeze level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spray device is configured with 6 units, and is tilted at a 30° angle to the central axis of the level gauge probe.

4. The self-cleaning anti-fogging and antifreeze level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heating ring is also provided on the outside of the spray device.

5. A self-cleaning anti-fogging and antifreeze level gauge according to claim 3, characterized in that: The purge nozzles are configured in six parts and are spaced apart from the spraying device; the purge nozzles are inclined at a 30° angle to the central axis of the level gauge probe.

6. The self-cleaning anti-fogging and antifreeze level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the spraying device and the purging nozzle are PVFD nozzles with a fan-shaped nozzle structure.

7. A self-cleaning anti-fogging and antifreeze level gauge according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heating ring is made of aluminum.

8. A self-cleaning anti-fogging and antifreeze level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating scraping head is a silicone scraping head or a fiber brush.

9. A self-cleaning anti-fogging and antifreeze level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: A drive motor is provided on the level gauge head, and the rotating scraper head is mounted on the motor shaft. The rotation of the motor shaft drives the rotating scraper head to rotate around the probe.

10. A self-cleaning anti-fogging and antifreeze level gauge according to claim 9, characterized in that: The rotating scraping head includes a brush handle and a brush head, with the brush handle being snapped onto the motor shaft.

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