Level measuring arrangement

Abstract

Level measuring arrangement (1) with a level measuring device (3) and a mounting arrangement (5) for mounting the level measuring device (3) to a measuring container (11), wherein the mounting arrangement (5) has at least one storage position (I) and a neutral position (II), wherein the level measuring device (3) projects further into the measuring container (11) in the storage position (I) compared to the neutral position (II), characterized in that the mounting arrangement (5) makes it possible to place the level measuring device (3) in a space-saving storage position (as seen from outside the measuring container (11) for storage and transport of the measuring container (11), in which the level measuring device (3) is located closer to the container (11) or projects further into the measuring container (11) and thus occupies only a reduced installation space outside the measuring container (11).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a level measuring arrangement comprising a level measuring device and a fastening arrangement for fastening the level measuring device to a measuring container according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Various level measurement arrangements are known from the prior art. These typically comprise a level measuring device and a mounting device for attaching the level measuring device to a container. Flanges, such as clamping flanges, weld flanges, or screw-in flanges, are frequently used as mounting devices. The level measuring device is mechanically positioned at an opening of the measuring container by means of the flange and aligned appropriately for measuring the fill level.

[0003] Particularly in mobile applications, e.g., so-called Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), which are used for the transport and storage of liquid and free-flowing substances, permanently mounted level measurement systems are often a disadvantage when stacking and transporting the containers.

[0004] Conventional level measurement systems, such as those using radar level gauges, have a certain height, which in modern level gauges is largely located outside the measuring container. If such containers are equipped with a level gauge, they can no longer be stacked, or a greater minimum distance to the upper container must be maintained, which is considered a disadvantage. Even integrating the level gauge into the container, i.e., placing it within the outer shell of the container, is not a satisfactory solution, as measurement accuracy in the near range, particularly at distances of less than 25 cm, is lower than in the rest of the measuring range. Consequently, level measurement is no longer possible until the container is completely full.

[0005] DE 10 2016 106 182 A1 shows a field device comprising a sensor and a transmitter, wherein the transmitter can be spaced away from the sensor in at least two different positions.

[0006] DE 10 2004 041 857 A1 describes the mounting of a measuring device on a container and the emission of signals that are reflected from the surface of the substance contained therein. An echo curve is determined from the reflected measurement signal, indicating the signal amplitude as a function of the propagation time or the distance traveled. The echo curves are stored for different installation positions of the measuring device.

[0007] DE 35 06 931 A1 shows a sensor for detecting the fill level of free-flowing materials in a container, with a sensor head that can be moved in a pendulum-like and / or circular manner.

[0008] From CN 200 979 439 Y a radar test rod for measuring the filling level in a blast furnace is known, consisting of a radar sensor and an angle adjuster.

[0009] DE 10 2005 010 577 A1 shows a container arrangement with a level measuring device, wherein the measuring device is lowered into the measuring position through a pipe.

[0010] From US patent 5,065,139 A, a portable level gauge is known which includes a scale and a threaded coupling with which the capacitive proximity switch can be quickly and easily adjusted to the correct height in the tank.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to further develop a level measuring arrangement according to the prior art in such a way that it is space-saving during storage or transport of the measuring containers, in particular allowing stacking of the measuring containers, and with which a precise measurement of the fill level of the container is possible at the same time.

[0012] This problem is solved by a level measuring arrangement with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are the subject of dependent claims.

[0013] A level measuring arrangement according to the invention, comprising a level measuring device and a fastening arrangement for fastening the level measuring device to a measuring container, is characterized in that the fastening arrangement has at least one bearing position and a neutral position, wherein the level measuring device in the bearing position is located closer to the container or projects into the container compared to the neutral position.

[0014] The mounting arrangement according to the present invention makes it possible to position the level gauge in a space-saving storage position (as seen from outside the measuring container) for storage and transport of the measuring container. In this position, the level gauge is located closer to the container or projects further into it, thus requiring less installation space outside the measuring container. In the neutral position, the level gauge is positioned as it would be if it were conventionally mounted to the measuring container, for example, by means of a suitable flange. This enables level measurement with the same precision as is possible in the prior art.

[0015] The level measuring device is preferably designed as a radar level measuring device.

[0016] Increased measuring accuracy, especially when the fill level is in the range of a maximum permissible fill level of the measuring container, can be achieved if the mounting arrangement has at least one first measuring position, with the neutral position being located between the storage position and the measuring position.

[0017] In the first measuring position, the level gauge is therefore outside the neutral position; it is essentially pulled out of the measuring container and preferably further away from the surface of the contents in the main direction of radiation of the level gauge, so that, for example, in radar level gauges, antenna ringing, which occurs for measurements in the short range, is significantly reduced even at the maximum permissible fill level of the measuring container.

[0018] For the purposes of this application, "near range of the antenna" shall be understood to mean a distance of less than 25 cm between the surface of the filling material and the antenna.

[0019] The distance between the storage position and the neutral position is preferably 25 cm. The distance between the neutral position and the first measuring position is preferably 25 cm.

[0020] A maximum distance of 50 cm can thus be achieved between the storage position and the measuring position. This makes it possible, on the one hand, to reduce the installation space required for the level gauge outside the measuring container to a height of 50 cm for storage and transport, and on the other hand, to increase the distance to the surface of the contents by 25 cm compared to the neutral position for level measurement, e.g., when filling and / or emptying the measuring container, thus achieving an improved measurement result.

[0021] In a further development, the fastening arrangement has at least one second measuring position, wherein the second measuring position is located between the first measuring position and the storage position.

[0022] The second measuring position can therefore be an intermediate position between the first measuring position and the storage position, and in particular, it can be the neutral position. In the second measuring position, the level gauge can also be inclined relative to the first measuring position. This allows, for example, the tilting of the measuring container to be compensated for in the second measuring position, and the level gauge, or rather one of its main emission directions, to be aligned perpendicular to the surface of the contents. By detecting such an inclination of the level gauge relative to the measuring container, a modified parameter set can be automatically called up, so that, for example, modified parameters can be used to calculate a fill volume.

[0023] The mounting arrangement is preferably designed to be adjustable between positions. For the purposes of this application, this means that a change from one position to another, e.g., from the storage position to the first measuring position, can be made without disassembling the level gauge. Preferably, this change can also be made without tools.

[0024] The mounting device can, for example, be made of silicone rubber. In this embodiment, the silicone rubber part of the mounting assembly can preferably be formed in one piece, allowing for a particularly simple connection of the level gauge to the measuring container. In such a design, essentially only the connection of the level gauge to the mounting assembly and the connection of the mounting assembly to the measuring container need to be sealed, so that only two sealing points are required.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the fastening device can be made of metal or plastic parts, preferably hard plastic parts, arranged in a way that allows them to slide into one another. It is possible to design such a configuration to be more stable than a variant in which the fastening arrangement consists solely of silicone rubber. However, this requires sealing the joints between the individual components of the metal or plastic parts.

[0026] The mounting arrangement can be fixed in the first measuring position and / or the storage position and / or the neutral position and / or the second measuring position. Fixing, as defined in this application, means mechanically securing the mounting arrangement in the respective position. Fixing can be achieved, for example, by mechanically locking the arrangement in the respective position.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the arrangement can include a fixing device for securing the mounting assembly in the first and / or second measuring position and / or the storage position and / or the neutral position. The fixing device can, for example, be designed as a hinged bracket.

[0028] For example, a folding bracket can be used to hold the mounting assembly in the first measuring position, allowing even a version made of silicone rubber to be mechanically anchored in this position. Additionally or alternatively, the folding bracket can also serve as a stop to ensure correct alignment of the level gauge.

[0029] To detect the current position, the mounting assembly can incorporate a position indicator. For example, a measurement signal can be used to determine whether the level measuring assembly is in its storage position or its first measuring position. The position indicator can be designed, for instance, as a safety reflector projecting from outside the storage position into a measuring section of the level measuring device. If the safety reflector is visible in the measurement signal, the assembly is outside its storage position; if the safety reflector is not visible, a message can be issued indicating a possible misalignment or incorrect positioning of the level measuring device.

[0030] The present invention is explained in detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a level measuring arrangement according to the present application in measuring position, Fig. 2 a longitudinal section of the level measuring arrangement Fig. 1 in the measuring position, Fig. 3 a longitudinal section of the level measuring arrangement Fig. 1 in the neutral position and Fig. 4 a longitudinal section of the level measuring arrangement Fig. 1 in storage position.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a level measurement arrangement 1 according to the present application.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the level measurement arrangement 1 essentially consists of a level sensor 3, which in this case is a radar level sensor and is mounted on a measuring container 11 by means of a mounting arrangement 5. According to the present embodiment, the mounting arrangement 5 is formed by a flange 9 and a flexible mounting section 7, the flexible mounting section 7 being arranged between the flange 9 and the level sensor 3 and connecting them. The mounting arrangement 5 is connected to the measuring container 11 by means of the flange 9. The flange can be designed, for example, as a screw flange, clamping flange, weld flange, or as a flexible silicone slip-on cover.

[0033] The flexible mounting section 7 allows the level gauge 3 to be arranged in a storage position I, a neutral position II, and a measuring position III. An arrangement of the level gauge 3 in the various positions I, II, III is shown in the Fig. Shown 2-4. In the present embodiment, the flexible mounting section 7 is designed as a foldable silicone rubber nozzle, in which individual sections can be folded segment by segment into one another. The flexible mounting section 7 can be attached to the flange 9 and the level gauge 3, for example, by means of a circumferential clamp.

[0034] Alternatively, the individual segments could also be designed as interlocking ring segments.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section through the level measurement arrangements 1 according to Fig. 1, wherein the level gauge 3 of the present illustration - as also in Fig. 1 - shown in measuring position III. Starting from a plane defined by the flange 9, the level gauge 3 is in the Fig. 2. Measuring position III shown is shifted upwards along a longitudinal axis L of the level gauge 3, such that the distance of the level gauge 3 from the measuring container 11 is greater than that shown in 2. Fig. The neutral position II shown in Figure 3 is increased by a distance d. This increase in the distance d between the level gauge 3 and the measuring container 11 allows for increased measurement accuracy within the range of maximum permissible fill levels of the measuring container 11.

[0036] In Fig. 3 is the level measuring arrangement 1 from the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows the neutral position II. In neutral position II, the flexible mounting section 7 is pushed into itself such that the level gauge 3, with its front end attached to the flexible mounting section 7, lies essentially in the plane of the flange 9. Neutral position II corresponds approximately to an arrangement that can be achieved when the level gauge 3 is attached directly to the measuring vessel 11 by a flange, as is known from the prior art.

[0037] In Fig. 4 is the level measuring arrangement 1 of the Fig. Figures 1-3 are shown in storage position I. In storage position I, the flexible mounting section 7 is pushed into the interior of the measuring container 11, so that the level gauge 3 is partially, or as shown in the present embodiment, completely, arranged within the flexible mounting section 7. Because the level gauge 3 is thus arranged within an outer contour of the measuring container 11 in storage position I, mechanical protection for the level gauge 3 is achieved, and at the same time, improved transportability and stackability of the measuring container 11 are realized. Level measurement is not provided in storage position I, since measurement is only possible down to significantly below a maximum fill level, and therefore—at least in the region of the maximum fill level—no or only insufficiently accurate measured values ​​can be obtained.

[0038] For example, if the measuring container is designed as an IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container), a level measuring arrangement according to the present application offers significant advantages in the transport and storage of these measuring containers.

[0039] In the Fig. Figures 2-4 further show a position signaling device 20, which enables automated detection of the measuring position III. In the present embodiments, the position signaling device 20 is designed as a safety reflector that projects into a measuring section of the level gauge 3 in measuring position III and can thus be detected in the measured signal. If the safety reflector is visible in the measured signal, it can be concluded that the level gauge is in measuring position III, since the safety reflector is also visible in the neutral position II (compare Figure 2-4). Fig. 3) as well as in storage position II (compare Fig. 4) is folded away by the flexible fastening section 7 and thus brought into a position outside the measuring range of the level measuring device 3.

[0040] As an alternative to position detection using a safety reflector, it is also possible to determine a known distance to the bottom of the measuring container 11 and to deduce the position of the level measuring device 3 from this distance.

[0041] Due to the flexible mounting section 7, it is also possible to position the level gauge 3 at an angle relative to the plane of the flange. For this purpose, the flexible mounting section is compressed more on one side than on the radially opposite side, thus aligning the level gauge at an angle. In this way, the level gauge can perform a measurement perpendicular to the surface of the contents even when the measuring container 11 is tilted.

[0042] Such an inclined position of the level measuring device 3 can be detected by a position or inclination sensor in the level measuring device 3 and the parameterization can be adjusted accordingly.

[0043] Fig. Figure 5 shows a further embodiment in which a magnetic ring 30 is incorporated into the flexible mounting section 7. Due to its design, this ring is located close to the level gauge 3 in the neutral and storage positions, and below it in measuring position III. This magnetic ring 30 allows the level gauge 3 to be held in standby or off states in positions I and II via a reed relay or a magnetic field sensor located in the level gauge 3, and switched on when moved to measuring position III. This enables automatic switching on in measuring position III. This is particularly advantageous for battery-operated level gauges 3. Reference symbol list 1 Level measuring arrangement 3 Level gauge 5 Mounting arrangement 7 flexible mounting section 9 flange 11 measuring containers 20 Position signaling 30 magnetic rings I Storage position II Neutral position III Measuring position

Claims

[1] Level measuring arrangement (1) with a level measuring device (3) and a fastening arrangement (5) for fastening the level measuring device (3) to a measuring container (11), wherein the fastening arrangement (5) has at least one bearing position (I) and a neutral position (II), wherein the level measuring device (3) projects further into the measuring container (11) in the bearing position (I) compared to the neutral position (II). characterized by , that the fastening arrangement (5) makes it possible to place the level measuring device (3) in a space-saving storage position for the storage and transport of the measuring container (11) as seen from outside the measuring container (11), in which the level measuring device (3) is located closer to the container (11) or protrudes further into the measuring container (11) and thus only occupies a reduced installation space outside the measuring container (11). [2] Level measuring arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the fastening arrangement (5) has at least one first measuring position (III), wherein the neutral position (II) lies between the bearing position (I) and the measuring position (III). [3] Level measuring arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fastening arrangement (5) has at least one second measuring position (III), wherein the second measuring position (III) is located between the first measuring position (III) and the storage position (I). [4] Level measuring arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fastening arrangement (5) is adjustable between the positions (I, II; I, II, III). [5] Level measuring arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fastening arrangement (5) is made of silicone rubber. [6] Level measuring arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the fastening arrangement (5) is formed from metal or plastic parts arranged in such a way as to be slidable into one another. [7] Level measuring arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fastening arrangement (5) can be fixed in the measuring position (III) and / or the storage position (I) and / or the neutral position (II). [8] Level measuring arrangement (1) according to claim 7, characterized by a fixing device for fixing the fastening arrangement (5) in the measuring position (III) and / or the storage position (I) and / or the neutral position (II). [9] Level measuring arrangement (1) according to claim 8, characterized by that the fixing device is designed as a folding bracket or by twisting flexible sections against each other. [10] Level measuring arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fastening arrangement (5) has a position signaling (20). [11] Level measuring arrangement (1) according to claim 10, characterized by , that the position signaling (20) is designed as a safety reflector projecting outside the storage position (I) into a measuring section of the level measuring device (3).

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