Detachable antenna system

Abstract

Level measuring system (100) for determining a level and / or a limit level, comprising: comprising a housing (102) comprising main electronics (104); an antenna system (106) with a large number of antennas (108) I , 108 II , ..., 108 n ) for sending and / or receiving a measurement signal; and a waveguide arrangement (110) with a plurality of two-part waveguides (118) I , 118 II , ..., 118 n ); wherein the housing (102) and / or the antenna system (106) has a process connection (112) via which the level measuring system (100) can be attached to a container (200); where each antenna (108 I , 108 II , ..., 108 n ) of the antenna system (106) with its own waveguide (118) I , 118 II , ..., 118 n) is connected to the waveguide arrangement (110), the two parts of which are separably connected to each other via a connecting device (114).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to level measurement and / or limit level measurement. In particular, the invention relates to a level measurement system and a method for attaching such a level measurement system to a container. background

[0002] Various measuring systems are used in the field of level measurement, each adapted or configured for use on a specific container or silo. The container is typically equipped with a process connection, allowing the measuring system to be attached to the container and its fill level or limit level to be measured.

[0003] Level measuring devices, especially three-dimensional level measuring devices, typically require a large antenna system for high resolution or to cover a larger surface area. Appropriate process connections to tanks or silos must also be provided for such systems.

[0004] German patent application DE 10 2012 104 090 A1 relates to a horn antenna element for an antenna arrangement, wherein the horn antenna element has a waveguide connection for supplying or conveying electromagnetic power and an electromagnetic waveguide extending from the waveguide connection to a beam aperture for transmitting or receiving radar radiation. The horn antenna element is designed as a stackable horn antenna element.

[0005] The publication EP 3 473 988 A1 concerns the measurement of fill levels in containers and a radar level measurement arrangement with an antenna extension for the spatially separated arrangement of antennas.

[0006] The publication DE 10 2006 030 965 A1 relates to a device for determining and / or monitoring the fill level of a medium in a container with an antenna that transmits and receives the high-frequency signals in a predetermined vibration mode in a limited space in a predetermined radiation direction. Summary of the invention

[0007] With embodiments of the invention, an improved level measurement system can advantageously be provided.

[0008] This is made possible in particular by the features of the independent patent claims. Further developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0009] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a level measuring system for determining a fill level and / or a limit level, in particular a fill level and / or a limit level of a product in a container or silo. The level measuring system comprises a housing, an antenna system with a plurality of antennas for transmitting and / or receiving a measurement signal, and a waveguide assembly with a plurality of two-part waveguides. The housing, in turn, includes main electronics. The housing and / or the antenna system has a process connection via which the level measuring system can be attached to a container. Each antenna of the antenna system is connected to its own waveguide of the waveguide assembly, the two parts of which are separably connected to each other via a connecting device.

[0010] The level measurement system can generally be a level sensor, a limit level sensor, or a radar level measurement system. The level measurement system can be configured, for example, to determine or monitor the fill level of a product in a container or silo. The main electronics of the housing can generally be the electronics of the level measurement system, which are used to operate the system. This can include, for example, a control unit and / or an evaluation unit and / or a control circuit.

[0011] The antenna system can include any number of antennas, such as radar antennas. The antennas can be configured as receiving elements to receive a measurement signal reflected from the surface of a product and / or a receiving signal. Alternatively or additionally, the antennas of the antenna system can be considered transmitting elements, as they can be configured to send a measurement signal or a radar signal towards the surface of a product or product.

[0012] The waveguide arrangement can include one waveguide per antenna of the antenna system. Each antenna can be connected to its own or associated waveguide within the arrangement, which may be configured to transmit or guide the measurement signal. Each waveguide can be detached from the housing, allowing the antenna system with its multiple antennas to be separated from the housing itself. For this purpose, each waveguide can, for example, be made in two sections. The two sections of the waveguide can then be connected, for instance, via the connecting device. One section of the respective waveguide can be located within the housing, and the other section within the antenna system.

[0013] The connecting device can be configured to connect both the respective waveguides to the housing of the level measurement system and the antenna system itself to the housing of the level measurement system. The connecting device can therefore be any device that enables the connection, coupling, or fastening of the waveguides of the waveguide assembly and the associated antenna to the housing and / or the antenna system to the housing. The connecting device can, for example, have internal and external threads, with the internal threads being located on the housing and the external threads being located on the antenna system, or vice versa. Furthermore, the connecting device can include a pipe socket, which may have internal threads. In this case, the housing and / or the antenna system may, for example, have external threads.

[0014] The level gauge can be attached to the container via the process connection of the housing and / or the antenna system. It is conceivable that both the housing and the antenna system have a process connection. Alternatively, only the antenna system can have a process connection. This can be advantageous, for example, if the antenna system is relatively heavy. In this case, the antenna system itself can be connected to the container, while the housing is simply attached to the antenna system. The process connection can generally be any standard process connection used in the bulk materials handling industry. This could be, for example, a threaded fitting with a 1½" connection, a flanged connection with DN80 or DN100, or process connections with other dimensions.The process connection of the housing or antenna system can be configured to be adapted for the container in which the level measurement system is to be used. In other words, the process connection of the housing or antenna system can be suitable for the process connection of the corresponding container.

[0015] Changing the process connection of a container can be a complex and costly process, as it typically requires emptying the container. Furthermore, the mechanical installation can present additional challenges. The detachable level measurement system proposed here allows the use of existing and / or standard process connections, even when the level measurement system itself needs to be changed or a very large antenna system is used.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the antenna system or the housing further comprises a high-frequency unit which is detachably connected to the waveguides of the antenna system. The high-frequency unit is configured to inject the measurement signal into each of the waveguides. Alternatively or additionally, the high-frequency unit of the housing can be connected to each of the waveguides of the antenna system via the connecting device. In other words, the high-frequency unit, which is configured to inject the measurement signal, such as a radar signal, into each of the waveguides, can be located in the housing or in the antenna system.

[0017] If the high-frequency unit is located in the housing of the level measurement system, the waveguide arrangement can be oriented such that each waveguide can be precisely connected to the high-frequency unit via the connection device. The term "precisely" is to be understood broadly in the context of this disclosure. It can mean that the connection between the high-frequency unit and the waveguides allows little play between the different components. Alternatively or additionally, the term "precisely" can mean a tight connection between the high-frequency unit and the waveguides and / or between the housing and the antenna system. Therefore, if the high-frequency unit is located in the housing of the level measurement system, all the electronics, i.e., the main electronics as well as the high-frequency unit, of the level measurement system can be located outside the container.This can, for example, prevent the electronics or part of the electronics of the level gauge from being exposed to the process temperature. This can be advantageous, for instance, for temperature-sensitive sensors. Alternatively or additionally, the housing can be made in two parts, for example using temperature-resistant intermediate sections, so that part of the electronics can be relocated or separated from the housing.

[0018] If the radio frequency unit is located within the antenna system, connecting the antenna system to the housing can be simpler than if the radio frequency unit is located inside the housing. For example, in this case, the connection device can be a cable with a connector system. Because part of the level measurement system's electronics, namely the radio frequency unit, is located inside the tank, the radio frequency unit can be exposed to the process temperature. However, some applications may require higher process temperatures.

[0019] According to one embodiment, an internal volume of the waveguide arrangement is at least partially filled with a dielectric. The dielectric can, for example, have a relative permittivity of at least 1.5, and in particular at least 1.9. Alternatively or additionally, the dielectric comprises Teflon, a plastic, and / or polyetheretherketone.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the connecting device is a mechanical connection device. The connecting device can comprise a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection. The connecting device can, for example, have hook and / or snap elements. The antenna system, and thus the waveguides of the waveguide assembly, can be connected to the housing by pushing, snapping, inserting, and / or clamping. If the antenna system has a high-frequency unit, the connection between the antenna system and the housing can be made, for example, via one or more cables, such as with a connector system. The connecting device can also have a pipe socket or be designed as a pipe socket, which, for example, includes internal threads. Accordingly, the housing and / or the antenna system can have external threads.The pipe sleeve can surround or enclose part of the housing as well as part of the antenna system, so that the housing can be connected to the antenna system, or vice versa, via the pipe sleeve. The housing and / or the antenna system can be a tube or partially designed as a tube.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the connecting device includes a seal. This seal can be, for example, a sealing ring, a profile seal, or a flat gasket. The seal can serve to make the connection between the housing and the antenna system airtight and / or watertight via the connecting device. Furthermore, the seal can ensure a tight connection between the housing and the individual waveguides. The seal can also prevent the two components, i.e., the housing and the antenna system, from being tightly connected. In other words, the seal can prevent relative movement of the housing to the antenna system or vice versa.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the main electronics of the housing further comprise a communication module and / or a power supply. The communication module could, for example, be an interface or a wireless interface. The communication module could also have multiple interfaces. It is conceivable that the communication module is configured to communicate with another measuring system or with multiple sensors via cable or wirelessly. Alternatively or additionally, the communication module could be configured to communicate with a user of the level measurement system. The power supply can be configured to provide the level measurement system with electrical energy. It is conceivable, for example, that the level measurement system could be energy-autonomous with its own power supply.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the antenna system further comprises a support plate, for example, a metallic support plate. Additionally, the antennas of the antenna system are arranged on the support plate. In principle, the antennas can be arranged on the support plate in any configuration, in particular a two-dimensional or three-dimensional configuration, for example, in one or more rows and / or columns.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the antennas are arranged in a T-shaped geometry. In other words, some of the antennas can be arranged one behind the other in a first row, and another part of the antennas can be arranged one behind the other in a second row, transversely, in particular orthogonally, to the first row.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the level measurement system is designed as a 3D level measurement system, for example, a high-resolution 3D level measurement system. The term "high-resolution" is to be understood broadly in the context of this disclosure. In particular, resolutions of approximately 1.5° to 2.5° or less than 1.5° can be achieved. For example, the antennas of the antenna system can be arranged on a three-dimensional support plate or arranged differently in all three spatial directions.

[0026] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for attaching a level measurement system, as described above and below, to a container. The method comprises the following steps: • Attach the housing of the level measurement system to the container via a process connection of the housing; • Connect the antenna system to the housing from inside the container via the connection device.

[0027] In other words, the housing containing the main electronics can be attached to the container via a process connection, and the large antenna system can be connected from inside the container to the rest of the level measurement system, i.e., to the housing. Thanks to the detachable level measurement system, existing and application-specific process connections already attached to the respective container can be used without any modifications to the container and with high resolution, for example, that of a 3D level measurement system.

[0028] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for attaching a level measurement system, as described above and below, to a container. The method comprises the following steps: • Attach the antenna system of the level measurement system to the container from inside the container via a process connection of the antenna system; • Connect, from outside the container, the housing to the antenna system via the connection device.

[0029] The following describes embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the figures. Where the same reference numerals are used in the following figure descriptions, they denote identical or similar elements. The representations in the figures are schematic and not to scale. Brief description of the characters Fig. 1a and Fig. Figure 1b shows a level measurement system according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 shows a level measurement system according to a further embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 shows a level measurement system according to a further embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 shows an antenna system of a level measurement system according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a process according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a process according to one embodiment. Detailed description of embodiments

[0030] Fig. Figure 1a shows a level measurement system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The level measurement system 100 comprises a housing 102, an antenna system 106 with a plurality of antennas 108l, 108ll, ..., 108n, and a waveguide arrangement 110. The housing 102 and the antenna system 106 are separably connected via a connecting device 114. Furthermore, each antenna 108l, 108ll, ..., 108n of the antenna system 106 is connected to its own waveguide 118l, 118ll, ..., 118n of the waveguide arrangement 110. Each waveguide 118l, 118ll, ..., 118n is in turn separably connected to the housing 102 of the level measurement system 100 via the connecting device 114. In particular, the waveguides 118l, 118ll, ..., 118n can be separable along axis B. Thus, the level measuring system 100 of the embodiment of Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b basically consists of two main components: The housing 102, comprising main electronics 104 and a high-frequency unit 116, and the antenna system 106, comprising several antennas 1081, 10811, ..., 108n, each connected to a separable waveguide 1181, 11811, ..., 118n, a carrier plate 120, a connecting device 114, and a process connection 112. These two main components can thus be separate from each other. They can be connected, as in Fig. 1a shown, are located, or are in a separated state. The waveguides 118l, 118ll, ..., 118n of the waveguide arrangement 110 can be connected at the height of axis B by means of two screwed tubes. It is conceivable that the high-frequency unit 116 also has several waveguides 118l, 118ll, ..., 118n, or parts of waveguides 118l, 118ll, ..., 118n, such that the waveguides 118l, 118ll, ..., 118n of the waveguide arrangement 110 of each of the antennas 118l, 118ll, ..., 118n can connect with the waveguides of the high-frequency unit 116 at axis B. In a separable level measurement system where the separation between the housing and the antenna system takes place after the high-frequency unit 116, i.e., when the high-frequency unit 116 is arranged in the housing 102, it may be necessary for the waveguide arrangement 110 and its waveguides 118l, 118ll, ..., 118n to be precisely fitted and sealed against external influences.Additional sealing measures may be required for this purpose (see below). Fig. 2 and Fig. 3).

[0031] The level measuring system 100 can be coupled, attached, or connected to a container 200. The antenna system 106 can have a process connection 112, which is oriented for attaching the level measuring system 100 to the container. The level measuring system 100 can thus be configured to determine a fill level and / or a limit level. For this purpose, the multiple antennas 108l, 108ll, ..., 108n can transmit a measurement signal or a radar signal towards the surface of the contents of the container 200. The antennas 108l, 108ll, ..., 108n can also receive a reflected measurement signal. The measurement signal can be fed in or routed by the high-frequency unit 116. The antennas 108l, 108ll, ..., 108n can be arranged on a carrier plate 120, which, for example, is not aligned parallel to the surface of the contents of the container.The main electronics 104 of the housing 102 can basically be used for the operation of the level measuring system 100 and includes all electronic components that may be necessary for this purpose.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1b shows a cross-section of the level measuring system 100 according to the embodiment of the Fig. 1a, along axis A. The waveguides 118l, 118ll, ..., 118n can, for example, be arranged in two parallel rows. An internal volume of the waveguide arrangement 110 can be partially filled with a dielectric.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 shows a level measuring system 100 according to a further embodiment. Unless otherwise described, the level measuring system 100 has the Fig. 2 the same features and elements as the level measurement system of the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b.

[0034] In contrast to the level measurement system of the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b The housing 102 of the level measuring system 100 has a process connection 112. This means that the housing 102 can be attached to the container 200 and the antenna system 106 is not attached to the container 200 itself, but is connected to the housing 102 via the connecting device 114. The actual attachment of the level measuring system 100 to the container 200 is thus effected via the process connection 112 of the housing 102. Furthermore, also in contrast to the level measuring system 100 of the Fig. 1a and Fig. In 1b, the high-frequency unit 116 of the level measuring system 100 is arranged in the antenna system 106. Thus, the respective waveguides 110 of the waveguide arrangement 110 can remain connected to both the control unit 116 and its respective antennas 108l, ..., 108n even when the housing 102 is separated from the antenna system 106. In this embodiment, the connection via the connecting device 114 can be made using a simple cable 202 with a plug system. Furthermore, a simple sealing system 204, or seals 204, can be used. Fig. Figure 2 shows, for example, a sealing ring 204.

[0035] In the embodiment of the Fig. 2 the carrier plate 120 of the antenna system 106 is basically arranged parallel to the surface of the filling material.

[0036] Fig. Figure 3 shows a level measuring system 100 according to a further embodiment. Unless otherwise described, the level measuring system 100 has the Fig. 2 the same features and elements as the level measurement system of the Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b and Fig. 2. The main electronics 104 of the level measurement system 100 of the Fig. The device also includes a communication module 306 and a power supply 308. The communication module 306 can be configured, for example, to send or transmit measurement data to a server, another level measurement system 100, or another sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the communication module 306 can be configured to communicate with a user of the level measurement system 100, either via cable and / or wirelessly. The power supply 308 can, for example, convert the voltage for the level measurement system 100 from a power grid. The power supply 308 can also provide power to the level measurement system 100.

[0037] In the embodiment of the Fig. In this embodiment, both the housing 102 and the antenna system 106 are partially designed as tubes. The connecting device 304 can be designed as a pipe socket. The housing 102 and the antenna system 106 have external threads which can be configured to receive a pipe socket 304. The pipe socket 304 has an internal thread suitable for the external threads of the housing 102 and the antenna system 106. The pipe socket 304 can clamp around the housing 102 and the antenna system 106, or their respective tubes, so that they can be connected to each other. Flat gaskets 3021 and 30212 can also be used to seal the connecting device. Furthermore, the waveguides 118l, 118ll, ..., 118n can be separably connected when connecting the respective tubes of the housing 102 and the antenna system 106, i.e. along axis B.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 shows an antenna system 106 of a level measurement system 100 of the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b or the Fig. 2 or the Fig. 3 according to one embodiment. A portion of the antennas 108n are arranged in a first row and / or along a first direction, one behind the other and / or side by side, on the carrier plate 120. Another portion of the antennas 108n are arranged in a second row and / or along a second direction, one behind the other and / or side by side, on the carrier plate 120. The first row runs transversely, in particular orthogonally, to the second row. In the embodiment of the Fig. 4 are the antennas 1081, ..., 108n, arranged in a T-shaped geometry.

[0039] Fig. Figure 5 shows a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method for attaching a level measurement system 100, as described above or below, to a container 200 according to one embodiment.

[0040] In a first step S1, the housing 102 of the level measuring system 100 is attached to the container 200 via a process connection 112 of the housing 102. The process connection 112 of the housing 102 can correspond to a process connection of the container 200. In other words, the process connection 112 of the housing can be suitable for the process connection of the container 200, in particular for a common, existing process connection of the container 200. Common process connections in the bulk materials industry can be threaded fittings with a 1½" connection or flanged connections with DN80 or DN100.

[0041] In a second step S2, the antenna system 106 is connected to the housing 102, which may already be attached to the container 200, via the connecting device 114 from inside the container 200. If the high-frequency unit 116 is located in the housing 102, the waveguides 110 of the waveguide arrangement 110 of the respective antennas 108l, ..., 108n can also be connected during the step of connecting S2 to the housing 102.

[0042] Fig. Figure 6 shows a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method for attaching a level measurement system 100, as described above or below, to a container 200 according to an embodiment.

[0043] In a first step S10, the antenna system 106 of the level measurement system 100 is attached to the inside of the container 200 via a process connection 112 of the antenna system 100. It may not necessarily be required to empty the container to perform step S1.202

[0044] In a further step S20, the housing 102 is connected from outside the container 200 to the antenna system 106, which may already be attached to the container 200, via the connecting device 114.

[0045] It should be further noted that "comprehensive" and "comprising" do not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. It should also be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be considered limitations.

Claims

[1] Level measuring system (100) for determining a level and / or a limit level, comprising: comprising a housing (102) comprising main electronics (104); an antenna system (106) with a large number of antennas (108) I , 108 II , ..., 108 n ) for sending and / or receiving a measurement signal; and a waveguide arrangement (110) with a plurality of two-part waveguides (118) I , 118 II , ..., 118 n ); wherein the housing (102) and / or the antenna system (106) has a process connection (112) via which the level measuring system (100) can be attached to a container (200); where each antenna (108 I , 108 II , ..., 108 n ) of the antenna system (106) with its own waveguide (118) I , 118 II , ..., 118 n) is connected to the waveguide arrangement (110), the two parts of which are separably connected to each other via a connecting device (114). [2] Level measuring system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the antenna system (106) or the housing (102) further comprises a high-frequency unit (116) which is separably connected to the waveguides (118) of the antenna system (110); wherein the high-frequency unit (116) is used to feed the measurement signal into each of the waveguides (118) I , 118 II , ..., 118 n ) is set up; and / or wherein the high-frequency unit (116) of the housing is connected via the connecting device (114) to each of the waveguides (118) I , 118 II , ..., 118 n ) of the antenna system (110) can be connected. [3] Level measuring system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an internal volume of the waveguide arrangement (110) is at least partially filled with a dielectric. [4] Level measuring system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting device (114) is a mechanical connecting device. [5] Level measuring system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting device (114) is a seal (204, 302) I ,302 II ) exhibits. [6] Level measuring system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main electronics (104) of the housing (102) further comprises a communication module (306) and / or a power supply (308). [7] Level measuring system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna system (106) further comprises a support plate (120); and where the antennas (108 I , ...,108 n ) of the antenna system (106) are arranged on the carrier plate (120). [8] Level measuring system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the antennas (108) I ,...,108n ) are arranged in a T-shaped geometry. [9] Level measuring system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the level measuring system (100) is designed as a 3D level measuring system. [10] Method for attaching a level measurement system (100) according to one of the preceding claims to a container (200), comprising the following steps: Attaching the housing (102) of the level measuring system (100) to the container (200) via a process connection (112) of the housing (102); Connect, from the inside of the container (200), the antenna system (106) to the housing (102) via the connecting device (114). [11] Method for attaching a level measurement system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following steps: Attach, from inside the container (200), the antenna system (106) of the level measurement system (100) to the container (200) via a process connection (112) of the antenna system (100); Connect, from outside the container (200), the housing (102) to the antenna system (106) via the connecting device (114).

Images