METHOD FOR MEASURING FILL LEVELS AT A CONTAINER OUTLET AND SWIVEL SENSOR FOR EXECUTING THE METHOD

Abstract

A method for measuring the liquid level at a container outlet connection located on the outlet side of a container comprises directing an incident jet through a container connection located on the upper head of the container opposite the outlet side of the container, such that the incident jet line forms an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the container outlet connection. An apparatus for carrying out the method is configured to allow the incident jet line to be pivoted by ±30 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the container connection and to allow the incident jet line to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the container connection.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES AND PRIORITIES

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63 / 634,351, filed May 9, 2022, and 63 / 497,828, filed April 24, 2023, both of which teachings are incorporated in their entirety into this application. BACKGROUND

[0002] Many manufacturing processes—such as the production of beverages, pharmaceuticals, and other liquid products—take place within a container that has a container connection attached to the top head of the container and a container outlet connection located at the bottom point in the bottom head of the container. Often, the container outlet connection is located at or near the bottom of a container, with the container having a conical, concave, or otherwise angled bottom wall that directs liquid products within the container toward the container outlet, allowing for complete emptying of the container.

[0003] When monitoring the manufacturing process, it is often important to determine the liquid level inside the container. This is often achieved using a radar level gauge. The radar level gauge bounces an electromagnetic microwave signal off the liquid surface and measures the time it takes for the signal to travel to the liquid surface and return to the radar level gauge. If the container geometry is known, it is then possible to accurately calculate the liquid level in the container.

[0004] Typically, the radar level gauge is mounted at or near the top of the vessel at a vessel connection. In many cases, when it is necessary to measure the minimum level of the accumulated liquid above the vessel outlet connection, it is not possible to mount the radar level gauge directly above the vessel outlet connection. This can result in inaccurate measurements of the liquid level at the vessel outlet—especially if the vessel has a conical, concave, or otherwise angled bottom wall.

[0005] Further complications arise from the need to maintain the vessel's seal—including an aseptic seal—the vessel, the need to maintain pressure and temperature during the manufacturing process, and the need to isolate and protect the radar sensor from the process material. These factors can be addressed by using a suitable process flow sight glass. Accordingly, the vessel connection intended to support the radar level gauge can be covered with a process flow sight glass during operation. An example of such a process flow sight glass—which forms an aseptic seal with the vessel connection—is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,914,910 B2—the teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.In such installations, it may be necessary to connect the radar level gauge to the process downstream sight glass to maintain a seal, such as an aseptic seal, between the vessel connection and the process downstream sight glass and to maintain pressure and temperature during the manufacturing process while enabling liquid level measurement and protecting the sensor.

[0006] There is therefore a need for an improved apparatus and method for measuring the liquid level above a container low point outlet that maintains the seal at the container connection at the top of the container and more accurately measures the liquid level above the container low point outlet connection. SUMMARY

[0007] Described herein is a method for measuring a liquid level above a container outlet connection located on an outlet side of a container having a container outlet connection longitudinal axis, with a sensor emitting an incident beam forming an incident beam line. The method may include directing the incident beam through a container connection located on a side of the container opposite the outlet side and having a container connection longitudinal axis such that the incident beam line and the container outlet connection longitudinal axis form an acute angle with a degree value in the range of 1 degree to the degree value when the incident beam line crosses the container outlet connection longitudinal axis at the container outlet connection.

[0008] A device for carrying out the method is also described herein. The device can be configured to allow the incident beam line to pivot by + / - 30 degrees from the container connection's longitudinal axis to form a first angle relative to the container connection's longitudinal axis. The device can also be configured so that the incident beam line can be rotated about the container connection's longitudinal axis.

[0009] In a first embodiment of the device, the device may comprise a device base, a rotating element, and a pivoting element. The device base may be configured to be connected to the container connection. The rotating element may comprise a recess for the incident beam, at least one mounting recess for the rotating element, and at least one curved slot of the rotating element. The pivoting element may comprise a pivoting element housing and a sensor housing. The pivoting element housing may comprise a first hemispherical outer profile, a through-recess of the pivoting element housing about a longitudinal axis of the pivoting element housing, at least one longitudinal mounting recess of the pivoting element housing, at least one radial mounting recess of the pivoting element housing, and at least one curved slot of the pivoting element housing.The sensor housing may have a second hemispherical outer profile, a sensor housing through-hole extending around a longitudinal axis of the sensor housing, and at least a first sensor housing mounting recess and a second sensor housing mounting recess.

[0010] In the first embodiment, the rotating element can be configured to be connected to the device base by passing a first fastening element through at least one mounting recess of the rotating element and into at least one mounting recess of the device base. The pivoting element housing can be configured to be connected to the rotating element by passing a second fastening element through the at least one longitudinal mounting recess of the pivoting element housing and the at least one curved slot of the rotating element.The pivot element housing may be configured to be connected to the sensor housing by passing a third fastening element through the radial mounting recess of the pivot element housing and into the first mounting recess of the sensor housing, and by passing a fourth fastening element through the curved slot of the pivot element housing and into the second mounting recess of the sensor housing. A hemispherical inner profile of the pivot element housing may be configured to engage with the second hemispherical outer profile. The sensor may be configured to be located at least partially within a longitudinal recess of the pivot element formed by the through-recess of the pivot element housing and the through-recess of the sensor housing.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first embodiment, the device base may be configured to be connected to the container connection by a clamp. In certain embodiments, a first seal may be configured to be disposed at an interface between the device base and the container connection. In some embodiments, the device base may be a process flow sight glass.

[0012] In certain embodiments of the first embodiment, the device may further comprise a second seal configured to be disposed at an interface between the rotating member and the device base. In some embodiments, the device may further comprise a third seal disposed at an interface between the pivoting member and the rotating member.

[0013] In a second embodiment of the device, the device may comprise a device base and a pivot member. The device base may be configured to be connected to the container connection. The pivot member may comprise a pivot member housing and a sensor housing. The pivot member housing may comprise a bottom wall, a first side wall extending upwardly from a first edge of the bottom wall and having a first concave inner surface, a second side wall extending upwardly from a second edge of the bottom wall opposite the first edge of the bottom wall and having a second concave inner surface, a pivot member housing mounting recess parallel to the first edge of the bottom wall and the second edge of the bottom wall, and a pivot member housing through-recess about a longitudinal axis of the pivot member housing.The sensor housing may include a planar sensor housing member having at least a first edge and a second edge, a sensor housing extension, a sensor housing mounting recess extending through a tip of the sensor housing extension, and a sensor housing through-hole around a longitudinal axis of the sensor housing.

[0014] In the second embodiment, the device base may comprise a clamp having at least one bolt extending from a top surface of the clamp. The pivot housing may be configured to be connected to the device base by passing a third fastener through the bolt and the mounting recess of the sensor housing. The sensor housing may be configured to be connected to the pivot housing by passing the third fastener through the mounting recess of the pivot housing and the mounting recess of the sensor housing. The first concave inner surface may be configured to cooperate with the first edge. The second concave inner surface may be configured to cooperate with the second edge.The sensor can be configured to be located at least partially within a longitudinal recess of the pivoting element, which is formed by the through-recess of the pivoting element housing and the through-recess of the sensor housing.

[0015] In some embodiments of the second embodiment, the device base may be configured to be connected to the container connection by a clamp. In certain embodiments, a first seal may be configured to be disposed at an interface between the device base and the container connection. In some embodiments, the device base may be a process flow sight glass.

[0016] In certain embodiments of the second embodiment, the device may further comprise a fourth seal configured to be disposed at an interface between the pivot member housing and the base of the device base. In some embodiments, the extension of the sensor housing may have a substantially triangular shape.

[0017] In a third embodiment of the device, the device may comprise a device base and an axis adjustment element. The device base may be configured to be connected to the container connection. The axis adjustment element may comprise a ball and a fastening clamp. The ball may have an axial through-hole. The fastening clamp may comprise a first section of the fastening clamp and a second section of the fastening clamp. The first section of the fastening clamp may have a first concave surface, a fastening surface of the first section of the fastening clamp, and a through-hole of the first section of the fastening clamp about a longitudinal axis of the first section of the fastening clamp.The second section of the fastening clamp may have a second concave surface and a through-hole of the second section of the fastening clamp about a longitudinal axis of the second section of the fastening clamp.

[0018] In the third embodiment, the axis adjustment element can be configured to be connected to the device base, with the mounting surface of the first section of the mounting clamp abutting against a flat surface of the device base. The ball can be configured to be located inside the mounting clamp formed by the first concave surface and the second concave surface. The sensor can be configured to be at least partially located in the axial through-hole.

[0019] In some embodiments of the third embodiment, the device base may be configured to be connected to the container connection by a clamp. In certain embodiments, a first seal may be configured to be disposed at an interface between the device base and the container connection. In some embodiments, the device base may be a process flow sight glass.

[0020] In certain embodiments of the third embodiment, the device may further comprise a fourth seal configured to be disposed at an interface between the mounting surface of the first mounting section and the device base. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the prior art principles for the operation of a method for measuring the liquid level in a container. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates the principles of operation of the invented devices and method for measuring the liquid level above a container outlet connection located at the lower point in the lower head of the container. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device for measuring the liquid level above a container outlet connection located at the lower point in the lower head of the container. Fig. Figure 4 is an exploded side view of the embodiment of a device for measuring the liquid level above a container outlet connection of Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 5 is an axial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a device for measuring the liquid level above a container outlet connection of Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a device for measuring the liquid level above a container outlet connection located at the lower point in the lower head of the container. Fig. Figure 7 is a partially transparent perspective view of the embodiment of a device for measuring the liquid level above a container outlet connection of Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 8 is an axial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a device for measuring the liquid level above a container outlet connection of Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 9 is an exploded side view of another embodiment of a device for measuring the liquid level above a container outlet connection located at the lower point in the lower head of the container. Fig. 10 is an axial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a device for measuring the liquid level above a container outlet connection of Fig. 9. Fig. Figure 11 is a diagram of the measured level and the actual level at different acute angles of the incident beam line. Fig. Figure 12 is an enlarged diagram of the measured level and the actual level at different acute angles of the incident beam line. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Disclosed herein are devices and a method for measuring the liquid level above a container outlet connection. The devices and method are described below with reference to the figures. As described herein and in the claims, the following numerals refer to the following structures as mentioned in the figures.

[0022] 100 refers to one container.

[0023] 110 refers to a container connection.

[0024] 112 refers to a first flange.

[0025] 114 refers to a swivel axis.

[0026] 116 refers to a longitudinal axis of the container connection.

[0027] 120 refers to a container outlet connection.

[0028] 125 refers to a longitudinal axis of the container outlet connection.

[0029] 200 refers to a fixture base.

[0030] 210 refers to a first fastening element.

[0031] 220 refers to a mounting recess of the device base.

[0032] 230 refers to a terminal.

[0033] 240 refers to a first seal.

[0034] 250 refers to one bolt.

[0035] 300 refers to a rotation element.

[0036] 310 refers to a recess for the incident beam.

[0037] 320 refers to a mounting recess of the rotary element.

[0038] 330 refers to a curved slot of the rotary member.

[0039] 340 refers to a second fastening element.

[0040] 350 refers to a second seal.

[0041] 400 refers to a swivel element.

[0042] 410 refers to a swivel element housing.

[0043] 411 refers to a first hemispherical outer profile.

[0044] 412 refers to a through-hole in the swivel element housing.

[0045] 413 refers to a longitudinal axis of the swivel element housing.

[0046] 414 refers to a longitudinal mounting recess of the swivel element housing.

[0047] 415 refers to a radial mounting recess of the swivel element housing.

[0048] 416 refers to a curved slot of the pivot element housing.

[0049] 420 refers to a sensor housing.

[0050] 421 refers to a second hemispherical outer profile.

[0051] 422 refers to a through hole in the sensor housing.

[0052] 423 refers to a longitudinal axis of the sensor housing.

[0053] 424 refers to a first mounting recess of the sensor housing.

[0054] 425 refers to a second mounting recess of the sensor housing.

[0055] 430 refers to a third fastening element.

[0056] 440 refers to a fourth fastening element.

[0057] 450 refers to a longitudinal recess of the pivot element.

[0058] 460 refers to a third seal.

[0059] 470 refers to a swivel element housing.

[0060] 471 refers to a floor wall.

[0061] 472 refers to a first side wall.

[0062] 473 refers to a first edge of the floor wall.

[0063] 474A refers to a first concave inner surface.

[0064] 474B refers to a second concave inner surface.

[0065] 475 refers to a second side wall.

[0066] 476 refers to a second edge of the floor wall.

[0067] 477 refers to a mounting recess of the swivel element housing.

[0068] 478 refers to a through-hole in the swivel element housing.

[0069] 479 refers to a longitudinal axis of the swivel element housing.

[0070] 480 refers to a sensor housing.

[0071] 481 refers to a flat element of the sensor housing.

[0072] 482 refers to a first edge (of the planar element of the sensor housing).

[0073] 483 refers to a second edge (of the planar element of the sensor housing).

[0074] 484 refers to an extension of the sensor housing.

[0075] 485 refers to a mounting recess of the sensor housing.

[0076] 486 refers to a tip (the extension of the sensor housing).

[0077] 487 refers to a through hole in the sensor housing.

[0078] 488 refers to a longitudinal axis of the sensor housing.

[0079] 500 refers to one sensor.

[0080] 510 refers to an incident beam.

[0081] 520 refers to an incident beam line.

[0082] 600 refers to an axle adjustment element.

[0083] 610 refers to a sphere.

[0084] 615 refers to an axial through-hole.

[0085] 620 refers to a mounting clamp.

[0086] 621 refers to a first section of the fastening clamp.

[0087] 622 refers to a second section of the mounting clamp.

[0088] 623 refers to a first concave surface.

[0089] 624 refers to a mounting surface of the first section of the mounting clamp.

[0090] 625 refers to a through hole in the first section of the mounting clamp.

[0091] 626 refers to a longitudinal axis of the first section of the fastening clamp.

[0092] 627 refers to a second concave surface.

[0093] 628 refers to a through-hole in the second section of the fastening clamp.

[0094] 629 refers to a longitudinal axis of the second section of the fastening clamp.

[0095] θ refers to an acute angle formed by the incident beam line and the longitudinal axis of the vessel joint.

[0096] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the operating principles of a prior art method and device for measuring the liquid level in a container (100). As shown in Fig. 1, in the prior art, a sensor (500)—sometimes referred to as a radar level gauge—is attached to the vessel connection (110) at the top of the vessel. The sensor emits an electromagnetic microwave signal—referred to here as an incident beam (510)—into the vessel interior. When the incident beam reaches the liquid surface, it is reflected by the liquid surface and returns to the sensor. The sensor can then determine the liquid level by measuring the time it took for the incident beam to travel from the sensor to the liquid surface and back to the sensor. An example of such a sensor is a VEGAPULS® 64 radar level sensor available from VEGA Americas, Inc. in Cincinnati, OH, USA.

[0097] As in Fig. 1, the incident beam (510) moves along an incident beam line (520). In many cases - such as in Fig. 1, the incident jet line does not cross the longitudinal axis (125) of the vessel outlet connection. If the vessel has a conical, concave, or otherwise angled bottom wall, with the vessel outlet connection located at or near the bottom of the vessel, this may result in an inaccurate measurement of the liquid level at the vessel outlet connection because the incident jet only strikes the liquid surface at a point within the vessel that is not aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vessel outlet connection.

[0098] The wavelength of the electromagnetic microwave signal is preferably in the range of 0.03 cm to 30 cm, with the range of 0.8 cm to 10.0 cm corresponding to the range of the electromagnetic radar signal being more preferred.

[0099] Fig. Figure 2 shows the operating principles of a method and a device according to the invention for measuring the liquid level in a container (100). As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the sensor (500) is adjustably mounted on the container joint (110), which is located in the top head of the container. The sensor can then be rotated about the longitudinal axis (116) of the container joint and / or pivoted about a pivot axis (114) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container joint to direct the incident beam (510) through the container joint such that the incident beam line (520) crosses both the longitudinal axis of the container joint and the longitudinal axis (125) of the container outlet joint at the container outlet joint (120).

[0100] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the incident ray line and the longitudinal axis of the container outlet connection form an acute angle (θ). This acute angle has a degree value in the range of 1 degree to the degree value when the incident ray line crosses the longitudinal axis of the container outlet connection at the container outlet connection. This is described this way because the maximum angle varies with the container dimensions.

[0101] Aligning the incident beam (510) through the container connection (110) as described herein and in Fig. 2, can be achieved by connecting a device to the container connection that allows the incident beam line (520) to rotate + / - 30 degrees about the longitudinal axis (116) of the container connection, as shown in Fig. 2. This creates a first angle of the incident beam line relative to the longitudinal axis of the container connection.

[0102] As in Fig. 2, the device may further be configured to allow the incident beam line (520) to be pivoted about a pivot axis (114) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (116) of the container connection. This allows the incident beam (510) to be more accurately aligned to intersect the longitudinal axis (125) of the container outlet connection once the incident beam line has been pivoted.

[0103] The device can be provided in many different embodiments and configurations. One embodiment is shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. 5 and described herein. Fig. Figure 3 shows this embodiment in perspective view, wherein the device comprises a device base (200, as in Fig. 4), a rotation element (300) and a pivoting element (400).

[0104] Generally, the device base (200) is configured to be connected to the container connection (110). The connection between the container connection and the device base can be configured in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the connection between the container connection and the device base can comprise a threaded connection into which the device base is screwed onto or into the container connection. In other embodiments, the connection between the container connection and the device base can comprise the use of at least one fastener, such as a clamp, a screw, a bolt, and combinations thereof. Often, a first seal (240) is disposed at an interface between the device base and the container connection to enhance the seal between the container connection and the device base.

[0105] In some embodiments, the device base (200) may be a process flow sight glass. An example of such a process flow sight glass—which forms an aseptic seal with the vessel connection—is disclosed in US Patent No. 10,914,910 B2—the teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. As discussed in US Patent No. 10,914,910 B2, the process flow sight glass may be connected to the vessel connection with a clamp (230) of the type disclosed in US Patent No. 10,914,910 B2. The optically transparent portion of the sight glass is also transparent to radar waves. Fused glass is preferred, particularly borosilicate as opposed to soda-lime.

[0106] The process flow sight glass was also designed to allow the use of a plastic, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), instead of glass. The key operational challenge is that the plastic must be selected to be at least 50% transparent to the microwave electromagnetic wavelength in the range of 0.03 cm to 30 cm, or preferably 0.8 cm to 10 cm.

[0107] Fig. 3 shows the rotating element (300) of the first embodiment of a device. As in Fig. 3, the rotary element has a recess (310, as shown in Fig. 4) for the incident beam, which allows the incident beam (510, as shown in Fig. 5) through the rotating element and into the container (100, as shown in Fig. 2) when the device is connected to the container connection (110). The rotary element also has at least one mounting recess (320, as shown in Fig. 4) of the rotary element and at least one curved slot (330, as shown in Fig. 3) of the rotating element. In practice, the number of mounting recess(es) of the rotating element and the curved slot(s) of the rotating element is not considered important. In general, the number of mounting recess(es) of the rotating element can be an integer in the range between 1 and 10. Likewise, the number of curved slot(s) of the rotating element can be an integer in the range between 1 and 10.

[0108] Fig. 3 further shows the pivoting element (400) of the first embodiment of a device. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the pivoting element comprises a pivoting element housing (410) and a sensor housing (420). Generally, the pivoting element housing is configured to encompass the sensor housing, with the sensor housing being housed within a hollow interior of the pivoting element housing.

[0109] The pivot element housing (410) may have an outer profile that is generally hemispherical (herein referred to as the first hemispherical outer profile (411)). A through-hole (412, as in Fig. 4) of the swivel element housing can be defined by a longitudinal axis (413, as shown in Fig. 4) of the pivoting element housing, whereby at least a portion of the sensor (500) can be accommodated within the pivoting element housing. This through-recess (412) of the pivoting element housing can have an inner profile that is substantially round.

[0110] The pivoting element housing (410) may also have at least one longitudinal mounting recess (414, as in Fig. 4) of the pivot element housing, at least one radial mounting recess (415, as shown in Fig. 4) of the pivot housing and at least one curved slot (416) of the pivot housing, as shown in Fig. 3. The longitudinal mounting recess(es) of the pivot element housing may be substantially aligned with or aligned with a longitudinal axis of the pivot element, whereby the pivot element housing may be connected to the rotation element (300) as described herein. The radial mounting recess(es) of the pivot element housing may be substantially aligned with or aligned with a radial axis of the pivot element, whereby the pivot element housing may be connected to the sensor housing as described herein. When the pivot element housing is connected to the sensor housing, the radial mounting recess(es) of the pivot element housing, together with the first mounting recess(es) of the sensor housing (424, as shown in Fig. 4), as described here - as a pivot point that allows the incident beam (510, as shown in Fig. 5) allows the longitudinal axis (116, as shown in Fig. 4) of the container connection. The curved slot(s) of the pivot housing may also be substantially aligned or aligned with the radial axis of the pivot and serve to further connect the pivot housing to the sensor housing, as described herein.

[0111] In practice, the number of longitudinal mounting recess(es) (414) of the pivot element housing, the radial mounting recess(es) (415) of the pivot element housing, and the curved slot(s) (416) of the pivot element housing are not considered important. In general, the number of longitudinal mounting recess(es) of the pivot element can be an integer ranging between 1 and 10. Likewise, the number of radial mounting recess(es) of the pivot element housing can be an integer ranging between 1 and 2. When the number of radial mounting recesses of the pivot element housing is 2, the longitudinal axis of each of the radial mounting recesses of the pivot element is preferably aligned with each other. The number of curved slot(s) of the pivot element housing can also be an integer ranging between 1 and 2.When the number of curved slots of the pivot member housing is 2, the longitudinal axis of each of the curved slots of the pivot member is preferably aligned with each other.

[0112] Fig. 3 also shows the sensor housing (420). As in Fig. 3, the sensor housing may have an outer profile that is substantially hemispherical (referred to herein as a second hemispherical outer profile (421)). This second hemispherical outer profile (421) may be constructed to interface with the hemispherical inner profile of the pivoting element housing (410). In some embodiments, an O-ring, gasket, or other sealing element may be disposed at or around at least a portion of the interface between the sensor housing and the pivoting element housing. A through-hole (422, as in Fig. 4) of the sensor housing can be rotated about a longitudinal axis (423, as shown in Fig. 4) of the sensor housing so that a portion of the sensor (500) can be accommodated within the sensor housing.

[0113] The sensor housing (420) may also have at least one first sensor housing mounting recess (424) and one second sensor housing mounting recess (425), as shown in Fig. 4. Each of the first mounting recess(es) of the sensor housing and each of the second mounting recess(es) of the sensor housing may be substantially aligned with or aligned with a radial axis of the sensor housing, thereby enabling the pivot member housing to be connected to the sensor housing as described herein.

[0114] In practice, the number of first mounting recess(es) (424) of the sensor housing and the second mounting recess(es) (425) of the sensor housing is not considered important. In general, the number of first mounting recess(es) of the sensor housing can be an integer in the range between 1 and 2. Likewise, the number of second mounting recess(es) of the sensor housing can be an integer in the range between 1 and 2. Preferably, the number of first mounting recess(es) of the sensor housing corresponds to the number of radial mounting recess(es) (415) of the pivot element housing. When the number of first mounting recesses of the sensor housing is 2, the longitudinal axis of each of the first mounting recess(es) of the sensor housing is preferably aligned with each other. Preferably, the number of second mounting recess(es) of the sensor housing corresponds to the number of curved slots (e) (416) of the pivot element housing.When the number of second mounting recesses of the sensor housing is 2, the longitudinal axis of each of the second mounting recess(es) of the sensor housing is preferably aligned with each other.

[0115] As in Fig. 3 to Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the rotating element (300) can be configured to be connected to the device base (200) by guiding a first fastening element (210) through at least one longitudinal mounting recess (320) of the rotating element and into at least one mounting recess (220) of the device base. In embodiments having more than one longitudinal mounting recess of the rotating element and more than one mounting recess of the device base, a plurality of first fastening elements can be present, wherein each individual first fastening element is guided through one of the longitudinal mounting recesses of the rotating element and into a corresponding mounting recess of the device base. Each first fastening element can be individually selected from the group of fastening elements consisting of a bolt, a screw, a rivet, and the like.In some embodiments, each first attachment member may include an O-ring, a gasket, or other sealing member. Preferably, a second seal (350) is disposed at an interface between the rotating member and the device base when the rotating member is connected to the device base.

[0116] Fig. 3 to Fig. 5 also show the pivot element housing (410), which can be configured to be connected to the rotation element by guiding a second fastening element (340) through the at least one longitudinal mounting recess (414) of the pivot element housing and the at least one curved slot (330) of the rotation element. In embodiments having more than one longitudinal mounting recess of the pivot element housing and more than one curved slot of the rotation element, a plurality of second fastening elements can be present, wherein each individual second fastening element is guided through one of the longitudinal mounting recesses of the pivot element housing and into a corresponding curved slot of the rotation element. Each second fastening element can be individually selected from the group of fastening elements consisting of a bolt, a screw, a rivet, and the like.In some embodiments, each second attachment element may include an O-ring, a gasket, or other sealing element. Preferably, a third seal (460) is disposed at an interface between the pivoting element and the rotating element when the pivoting element is connected to the rotating element.

[0117] Furthermore, Fig. 3 to Fig. 5 shows the pivot element housing (410), which can be configured to be connected to the sensor housing (420) by guiding a third fastening element (430) through the at least one radial mounting recess (415) of the pivot element housing (415) and into the at least one first mounting recess (424) of the sensor housing, and guiding a fourth fastening element (440) through the at least one curved slot (416) of the pivot element housing and into the at least one second mounting recess (425) of the sensor housing.In embodiments that have more than one radial mounting recess of the pivot element housing and more than one first mounting recess of the sensor housing, a plurality of third fastening elements may be provided, each individual third fastening element being guided through one of the radial mounting recesses of the pivot element housing and into a corresponding first mounting recess of the sensor housing. Similarly, in embodiments that have more than one curved slot of the pivot element housing and more than one second mounting recess of the sensor housing, a plurality of fourth fastening elements may be provided, each individual fourth fastening element being guided through one of the curved slots of the pivot element housing and into a corresponding second mounting recess of the sensor housing.Each third fastener may be individually selected from the group of fasteners consisting of a bolt, a screw, a rivet, and the like. In some embodiments, each third fastener may include an O-ring, a gasket, or other sealing element. Likewise, each fourth fastener may be individually selected from the group of fasteners consisting of a bolt, a screw, a rivet, and the like. In some embodiments, each fourth fastener may include an O-ring, a gasket, or other sealing element.

[0118] After the arrangement, the sensor (500) can be connected to the device as shown in Fig. 5. The sensor can be connected to the device by inserting a portion of the sensor through a longitudinal recess (450, as shown in Fig. 4) of the pivoting element, wherein the longitudinal recess of the pivoting element passes through the through-recess (412, as shown in Fig. 4) of the swivel element housing and the through-hole (422, as shown in Fig. 4) of the sensor housing.

[0119] A further embodiment of the device is shown in Fig. 6 to Fig. 8. This second embodiment of the illustrated device comprises a device base (200, as shown in Fig. 7) and a pivoting element (400).

[0120] As with the Fig. 3 to Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 5 is also shown in Fig. 6 to Fig. 8, the device base (200, as shown in Fig. 7) is adapted to be connected to the container connection (110). The connection between the container connection and the device base can be configured in various ways. In some embodiments, the connection between the container connection and the device base can include the use of at least one fastener, such as a clamp, a screw, a bolt, and combinations thereof. Often, a first seal is disposed at an interface between the device base and the container connection to enhance the seal between the container connection and the device base.

[0121] In some embodiments, the device base (200) may be a process flow sight glass. An example of such a process flow sight glass—which forms an aseptic seal with the vessel connection—is disclosed in US Patent No. 10,914,910 B2—the teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. As discussed in US Patent No. 10,914,910 B2, the process flow sight glass may be connected to the vessel connection with a clamp (230) of the type disclosed in US Patent No. 10,914,910 B2.

[0122] In particular, the Fig. 6 to Fig. 8 does not have a separate rotation element, as for example in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. 5. The sensor (500) in the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 to Fig. However, the embodiment shown in Figure 8 can still be rotated by various means. In some embodiments, the sensor can be rotated within the sensor housing (480) to orient the incident beam line (520, as shown in Fig. 8). In other embodiments, the entire device can be rotated - thereby rotating the sensor - by changing the connection between the device base (200, as shown in Fig. 7) and the container connection (110) is released and the entire device - including the sensor - is rotated to adjust the incident beam line.

[0123] Fig. 6 also shows the swivel element (400). As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the pivot member includes a pivot member housing (470) and a sensor housing (480). Generally, the pivot member housing is configured to encompass the sensor housing, with the sensor housing housed within a hollow interior of the pivot member housing.

[0124] As in Fig. 6 to Fig. 8, the pivot element housing (470) may have a bottom wall (471) with a first bottom wall edge (473) and a second bottom wall edge (476). A first side wall (472) may extend upwardly from the first edge of the bottom wall. Preferably, the first side wall has a first concave inner surface (474A) which, when assembled with the housing (480), cooperates with a first edge (482) of the planar element (481) of the sensor housing, as described herein. Similarly, a second side wall (475) may extend upwardly from the second edge of the bottom wall. Preferably, the second side wall has a second concave inner surface (474B) which, when assembled with the housing, cooperates with a second edge (483) of the planar element (481) of the sensor housing, as described herein. A through-hole (478, as shown in Fig. 7) of the swivel element housing can be defined by a longitudinal axis (479, as shown in Fig. 7) of the pivoting element housing, so that at least a portion of the sensor (500) is accommodated within the pivoting element housing.

[0125] The pivot element housing (470) also has a mounting recess (477, as in Fig. 7) of the pivot housing. Preferably, the pivot housing mounting recess is disposed within the hollow interior of the pivot housing along the bottom wall. The pivot housing is substantially parallel to the first edge (473) of the bottom wall and the second edge (476) of the bottom wall. In the arrangement described here, the pivot housing mounting recess serves as a connection point between the pivot housing and the sensor housing (480) and also forms - in conjunction with a third fastening element (430) and the sensor housing mounting recess (485, as shown in Fig. 7) - a pivot point that allows the sensor housing to pivot within the pivot element housing.

[0126] Fig. 6 also shows the sensor housing (480). As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the sensor housing may include a planar sensor housing element (481) having at least a first edge (482) and a second edge (483) opposite the first edge. When disposed in a pivot element (400), the first edge cooperates with the first concave inner surface (474A) of the pivot element housing (470), while the second edge cooperates with the second concave inner surface (474B) of the pivot element housing.

[0127] The sensor housing (480) may also include a sensor housing extension (484) that generally extends from a lower surface of the sensor housing planar member (481). While the sensor housing extension may take many forms, the preferred shape for the sensor housing extension is a triangular shape, such as shown in Fig. 6. A through hole (487, as in Fig. 7) of the sensor housing can be defined by a longitudinal axis (488, as shown in Fig. 7) of the sensor housing, whereby at least a portion of the sensor (500) can be accommodated within the sensor housing.

[0128] The extension (484) of the sensor housing has a tip (486). As shown in Fig. 6, a mounting recess (485, as shown in Fig. 7) of the sensor housing pass through the tip of the sensor housing extension. In the arrangement described here, the mounting recess of the sensor housing serves as a connection point between the pivot element housing (470) and the sensor housing and also forms - in conjunction with a third fastening element (430) and the mounting recess (477, as shown in Fig. 7) of the pivot housing - a pivot point that allows the sensor housing to pivot within the pivot housing.

[0129] Every third fastening element (430) can also be replaced by a bolt (250, as in Fig. 6) extending from a top surface of the clamp (230). Preferably, the bolt is integrally connected to the clamp, such as by welding the bolt to the top surface of the clamp or by fabricating the bolt and clamp from a single integral piece of material. In some embodiments, there are two bolts - preferably located on opposite sides of the clamp. The pivot housing (470) may be configured to fit between the bolts, with the third fastener(s) connecting the pivot housing to the clamp, as shown in Fig. 6 shown.

[0130] Fig. 6 to Fig. 8 also show the sensor housing (480), which may be configured to be connected to the pivot housing (470) by passing a third fastener (430) through the pivot housing mounting recess (477) and the sensor housing mounting recess (485). Each third fastener may be individually selected from the group of fasteners consisting of a bolt, a screw, a rivet, and the like. In some embodiments, each third fastener may include an O-ring, a gasket, or other sealing element. The connection between the sensor housing and the pivot housing creates a pivot point that allows the sensor housing to pivot within the pivot housing.

[0131] After the arrangement, the sensor (500) can be connected to the device as shown in Fig. 8. The sensor can be connected to the device by inserting a portion of the sensor through a longitudinal recess (450, as shown in Fig. 7) of the pivoting element, wherein the longitudinal recess of the pivoting element passes through the through-recess (478, as shown in Fig. 7) of the swivel element housing and the through-hole (487, as shown in Fig. 7) of the sensor housing.

[0132] A further embodiment of the device is shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. This third embodiment of the device shown comprises a device base (200, as shown in Fig. 9) and an axis adjustment element (600).

[0133] As with the Fig. 3 to Fig. 5 and the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 to Fig. 8, the device base (200, as shown in Fig. 9 shown) in the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 is adapted to be connected to the container connection (110). The connection between the container connection and the device base can take many different forms. In some embodiments, the connection between the container connection and the device base can include the use of at least one fastener, such as a clamp, a screw, a bolt, and combinations thereof. Often, a first seal is disposed at an interface between the device base and the container connection to enhance the seal between the container connection and the device base.

[0134] In some embodiments, the device base (200) may be a process flow sight glass. An example of such a process flow sight glass—which forms an aseptic seal with the vessel connection—is disclosed in US Patent No. 10,914,910 B2—the teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. As discussed in US Patent No. 10,914,910 B2, the process flow sight glass may be connected to the vessel connection with a clamp (230) of the type disclosed in US Patent No. 10,914,910 B2.

[0135] In particular, the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 shown embodiment - like the one in Fig. 6 to Fig. 8 - do not have a separate rotation element, as for example in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. 5. The sensor (500) in the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, however, can still be rotated by various means. In some embodiments, the sensor can be rotated within the sphere (610) of the axis adjustment element (610) to adjust the incident beam line (520, as shown in Fig. 10). In other embodiments, the ball itself can be rotated within the mounting clamp (620) to adjust the incident beam line.

[0136] Fig. 9 also shows the axis adjustment element (600). As in Fig. 9, the axis adjustment element may comprise a ball (610) and a fastening clamp (620). The ball may have an axial through-hole (615, as in Fig. 10) in which at least a portion of the sensor (500) is housed when the device is as shown in Fig. 10 is arranged.

[0137] The fastening clamp (620) may include a first fastening clamp section (621) and a second fastening clamp section (622). Each fastening clamp section may include a concave surface on its interior surrounding a through-hole of the fastening clamp section around the respective longitudinal axis of the fastening clamp section. That is, the first fastening clamp section includes a first concave surface (623) and a through-hole (625) of the first fastening clamp section around a longitudinal axis (626) of the first fastening clamp section. Similarly, the second fastening clamp section includes a second concave surface (627) and a through-hole (628) of the second fastening clamp section around a longitudinal axis (629) of the second fastening clamp section.

[0138] In operation, the ball (610) is housed within an interior of the mounting clamp (620) formed by the first concave surface (623) and the second concave surface (627). This configuration allows the sensor, at least a portion of which is housed within the axial through-hole (615) of the ball (610), to be pivotable from the longitudinal axis (116, as shown in Fig. 9) of the container connection and to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the container connection.

[0139] The first fastening clamp section (621) may also have a fastening surface (624) of the first fastening clamp section, as in Fig. 9, wherein the attachment surface of the first attachment clamp section is arranged on a side of the first attachment clamp section opposite the first concave surface (623). In the arrangement, the axis adjustment element (600) is adapted to be connected to the device base (200), wherein the attachment surface of the first attachment clamp section abuts against a flat surface of the device base, as shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. In some embodiments, a fastener, such as a bolt, screw, rivet, clamp, or the like, may assist in connecting the axle adjustment member to the fixture base. Preferably, a fourth seal is disposed at an interface between the mounting surface of the first mounting clamp section and the fixture base when connecting the axle adjustment member to the fixture base.

[0140] By allowing the incident beam line to pivot from the longitudinal axis of the vessel connection and further rotate about the longitudinal axis of the vessel connection, the incident beam line—and hence the incident beam itself—can be adjusted to coincide with the longitudinal axis of the vessel outlet connection, as shown in Fig. 2. Such adjustments allow an operator to more accurately measure and monitor the liquid level in the vessel at the vessel outlet connection—particularly when the vessel has a conical, concave, or otherwise angled / inclined bottom wall. By mounting the sensor—or radar level gauge—on the fixture base—which may be a process flow sight glass—the incident beamline can be swung and rotated while maintaining the seal between the various components, which includes an aseptic seal between the fixture base and the vessel connection.

[0141] The use of markings on the side of the swivel joint to indicate the angle of inclination away from the vertical was also developed.

[0142] Precision adjustment can be achieved by inserting a laser in the visible light range (380-720 nm) into the through-hole of the sensor housing, so that the laser light aligns with the longitudinal axis of the sensor housing. This allows the laser light to point precisely at the point where the incident beam hits the container or container outlet.

[0143] Unless the laser is designed exactly like the radar, it will require a housing adapter to mount it in the housing aligned with the sensor housing's longitudinal axis. Once the laser is mounted in the housing, the laser light can be adjusted to tilt away from vertical and rotated around the container joint until the laser light hits the desired point on the container wall, which includes the bottom dome. The fixture is then secured, the laser and adapter are removed, and the radar is placed in the housing.

[0144] This allows the radar to be installed precisely, rather than through multiple “guess and check” modes.

[0145] Experiments also showed that the effectiveness of the non-contact radar system depends largely on the type of material used between the radar and the interior of the container. EXPERIMENTAL

[0146] The advantage of bending the incident beam was determined by measuring the different liquid levels at different angles to the vertical longitudinal axis of the container.

[0147] In this case, the vessel had a diameter of 61 cm (24 inches), with the circular section having a height of 66 cm (26 inches). The vessel had an upper and a lower dome, each of which was 12.7 cm (5 inches) high, giving the vessel a total height of 91.4 cm (36 inches). The vessel's outlet opening was located along the longitudinal axis. The center of the circular vessel connection was 10.2 cm (4 inches) from the wall and, accordingly, 10.3 cm (8 inches) from the center of the outlet opening.

[0148] Mathematically, the angle formed by the line crossing the longitudinal axis of the vessel outlet connection and the vessel connection and the longitudinal axis of the vessel connection is 12 degrees [Ø = Sin -1 (8 / 38) = 12].

[0149] The container was filled with liquids at different heights, which were measured by a pressure transducer located behind the container outlet.

[0150] Each level was measured with the same radar tilted at an angle of 0, 3, 6 and 8 degrees.

[0151] The difference between the raw data and the exact control level is shown in Table 1 below. GRAD VON DER VERTIKALEN Höhe vom Boden Zoll Wasser 8 6 3 0 0,00 0,05 -0,06 1,27 1,45 0,05 -0,13 -0,15 -0,30 -0,08 0,10 -0,22 -0,06 -0,38 1,68 0,15 -0,02 0,01 0,10 0,11 0,20 -0,34 -0,41 -0,45 -0,37 0,25 -0,47 -0,44 -0,25 -0,43 0,30 -0,06 -0,05 0,02 0,08 0,35 -0,15 -0,08 -0,12 0,06 0,40 -0,17 -0,18 -0,19 -0,05 0,45 -0,10 -0,59 -0,01 0,11 0,50 -0,13 -0,12 -0,21 1,10 0,55 -0,08 -0,07 0,07 0,24 0, 60 -0,01 0,11 0,31 0,60 0, 65 0,13 0,16 0,24 0,39 0,70 0,08 0,07 0,16 0,15 0,75 -0,04 -0,04 0,02 0,00 0,80 -0,13 -0,11 -0,09 -0,07 0, 85 0,04 0,05 0,10 0,13 0, 90 0,02 0,02 0,05 0,07 0, 95 -0,06 -0,08 -0,07 -0,09 1,00 -0,03 -0,03 -0,03 -0,04 1,05 -0,02 -0,02 0,00 0,01 1, 10 -0,02 -0,04 -0,04 0,02 1,15 -0,03 -0,02 0,01 0,02 1,20 0, 01 0,00 0,01 0,02 1,25 -0,02 -0,04 -0,02 -0,01 1,30 0,00 -0,01 0,00 -0,01 1,50 0,00 -0,02 0,00 0,03 1,75 -0,03 -0,04 -0,04 -0,04 2, 00 -0,02 -0,02 0,02 0,05 2,25 -0,03 -0,03 0,00 -0,03 2,50 -0, 03 -0, 03 -0, 03 -0, 05 2,75 -0, 01 -0, 03 -0, 03 -0,04 3, 00 -0,02 0, 02 -0, 05 -0,07

[0152] This data is in the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 applied. Fig. Figure 11 shows the data for liquid levels up to 3.0 inches. As can be seen, the relative differences for the acute angles converge to 0 as the liquid levels become higher. This can be illustrated by the fact that as the liquid level rises in the dome, it spreads closer to the walls of the vessel and becomes more readable for radar with little or no acute angle.

[0153] Fig. 12 is an exploded view showing a significant amount of deviation from the actual measured value. As shown in the table and in Fig. However, as can be seen in Figure 12, the larger the acute angle, the better the accuracy.

[0154] The experiment didn't specify 12 degrees at the intersection point because it wasn't as accurate as the acute angle of 8 degrees. However, 12 degrees was more accurate than vertical or 0 degrees. It was later discovered that some radar beams may not be strongest at the center point, but can be stronger anywhere between 0 degrees and the intersection angle. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 634,351

[0001] US 63 / 497,828

[0001] US 10,914,910 B2 [0005, 0105, 0121, 0134]

Claims

[1] A method for measuring a liquid level above a container outlet connection (120) arranged on an outlet side of a container (100) having a longitudinal axis (125) of the container outlet connection, with a sensor (500) emitting an incident electromagnetic beam (510) forming an incident beam line (520), the method comprising: Directing the incident beam through a container connection (110) located on a side of the container opposite the outlet side and having a longitudinal axis (116) of the container connection such that the incident beam line and the longitudinal axis of the container outlet connection form an acute angle (θ) with a degree value in the range of 1 degree to the degree value when the incident beam line crosses the longitudinal axis of the container outlet connection at the container outlet connection. [2] Apparatus for carrying out the method according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is arranged to enable the incident beam line to pivot by + / - 30 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the container joint, forming a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the container joint, and wherein the apparatus is arranged to enable the incident beam line to be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the container joint. [3] Device according to claim 2, comprising: a device base (200) adapted to be connected to the container connection; a rotating element (300) having a recess (310) for the incident beam, at least one mounting recess (320) of the rotating element, and at least one curved slot (330) of the rotating element; and a pivoting element (400) comprising: a pivot element housing (410) having a first hemispherical outer profile (411), a pivot element housing through-hole (412) around a pivot element housing longitudinal axis (413), at least one pivot element housing longitudinal mounting hole (414), at least one pivot element housing radial mounting hole (415), and at least one pivot element housing curved slot (416); and a sensor housing (420) having a second hemispherical outer profile (421), a through-hole (422) of the sensor housing around a longitudinal axis (423) of the sensor housing, and at least one first mounting hole (424) of the sensor housing and a second mounting hole (425) of the sensor housing; wherein the rotation element is configured to be connected to the device base by guiding a first fastening element (210) through the at least one mounting hole of the rotation element and into at least one mounting hole (220) of the device base; wherein the pivoting element housing is adapted to be connected to the rotating element by passing a second fastening element (340) through the at least one longitudinal mounting recess of the pivoting element housing and the at least one curved slot of the rotating element; wherein the pivot element housing is adapted to be connected to the sensor housing by passing a third fastening element (430) through the radial mounting recess of the pivot element housing and into the first mounting recess of the sensor housing, and passing a fourth fastening element (440) through the curved slot of the pivot element housing and into the second mounting recess of the sensor housing; wherein a hemispherical inner profile of the pivot element housing is arranged as an interface with the second hemispherical outer profile; and wherein the sensor is designed to be at least partially accommodated in a longitudinal recess (450) of the pivoting element, which is formed by the through-recess of the pivoting element housing and the through-recess of the sensor housing. [4] The device of claim 3, wherein the device base is adapted to be connected to the container connection (110) by a clamp (230). [5] The device of any one of claims 3 to 4, further comprising a first seal (240) adapted to be disposed at an interface between the device base and the container connection. [6] Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the apparatus base is a process flow sight glass. [7] The device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, further comprising a second seal (350) adapted to be disposed at an interface between the rotary member and the device base. [8] The device of any one of claims 3 to 7, further comprising a third seal (460) disposed at an interface between the pivoting member and the rotating member. [9] Device according to claim 2, comprising: a device base (200) adapted to be connected to the container connection; and a pivoting element (400) comprising: a pivot element housing (470) having a bottom wall (471), a first side wall (472) extending upwardly from a first edge (473) of the bottom wall and having a first concave inner surface (474A), a second side wall (475) extending upwardly from a second edge (476) of the bottom wall opposite the first edge of the bottom wall and having a second concave inner surface (474B), a pivot element housing mounting recess (477) parallel to the first edge of the bottom wall and the second edge of the bottom wall, and a pivot element housing through recess (478) about a longitudinal axis (479) of the pivot element housing; and a sensor housing (480) comprising a planar sensor housing element (481) having at least a first edge (482) and a second edge (483), a sensor housing extension (484), a sensor housing mounting recess (485) extending through a tip (486) of the sensor housing extension, and a sensor housing through-recess (487) about a sensor housing longitudinal axis (488); and wherein the device base comprises a clamp (230) having at least one bolt (250) extending from a top surface of the clamp; wherein the pivoting element housing is adapted to be connected to the device base by a third fastening element (430) being guided through the bolt and the mounting recess of the sensor housing; wherein the sensor housing is adapted to be connected to the pivoting element housing by passing the third fastening element through the mounting recess of the pivoting element housing and the mounting recess of the sensor housing; wherein the first concave inner surface is adapted to cooperate with the first edge; wherein the second concave inner surface is adapted to cooperate with the second edge; and wherein the sensor is designed to be at least partially accommodated in a longitudinal recess (450) of the pivoting element, which is formed by the through-recess of the pivoting element housing and the through-recess of the sensor housing. [10] The device of claim 9, wherein the device base is adapted to be connected to the container connection (110) by a clamp (230). [11] The device of any one of claims 9 to 10, further comprising a first seal (240) adapted to be disposed at an interface between the device base and the container connection. [12] Apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the apparatus base is a process flow sight glass. [13] The device of any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising a fourth seal adapted to be disposed at an interface between the pivot member housing and the device base. [14] Device according to one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the extension of the sensor housing has a substantially triangular shape. [15] Device according to claim 2, comprising: a device base (200) adapted to be connected to the container connection; and an axis adjustment element (600) comprising: a ball (610) having an axial through-hole (615); and a fastening clamp (620) comprising: a first fastening clamp section (621) having a first concave surface (623), a fastening surface (624) of the first fastening clamp section, and a through-hole (625) of the first fastening clamp section about a longitudinal axis (626) of the first fastening clamp section; and a second fastening clamp section (622) having a second concave surface (627) and a second fastening clamp section through-hole (628) about a longitudinal axis (629) of the second fastening clamp section; and wherein the axis adjustment element is adapted to be connected to the device base, the fastening surface of the first fastening clamp section abutting against a flat surface of the device base; wherein the ball is adapted to be housed in an interior of the fastening clamp formed by the first concave surface and the second concave surface; and wherein the sensor is adapted to be at least partially accommodated within the axial through-recess. [16] The device of claim 15, wherein the device base is adapted to be connected to the container connection by a clamp (230). [17] The device of any one of claims 15 to 16, further comprising a first seal adapted to be disposed at an interface between the device base and the container connection. [18] Apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the apparatus base is a process flow sight glass. [19] The device of any one of claims 15 to 18, further comprising a fourth seal adapted to be disposed at an interface between the mounting surface of the first mounting clamp section and the device base.

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