Control of a float level sensor

Abstract

This presentation concerns an assembly comprising: a first reservoir (2); a second reservoir (3); and a float level sensor (1). Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Control of a float level sensor technical field

[0001] The present exposition relates to the control of a float level sensor, particularly in industrial systems. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The fluid level in a container can be monitored using a float level sensor. However, checking the float level sensor may require draining and / or completely refilling the container in order to verify the float level sensor's tipping thresholds. This operation can be tedious, costly, or even dangerous, especially when the container's capacity is large.

[0003] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENTATION

[0004] One aim of the present exposition is to improve the control of a float level sensor.

[0005] In this regard, according to one aspect of the present exposition, a set comprising is proposed: a first reservoir comprising a first wall, the first wall delimiting a first enclosure and comprising a first edge, the first edge delimiting a first orifice and defining a first support plane, the first orifice opening into the first enclosure; a second reservoir comprising a second wall, the second wall delimiting a second enclosure and comprising a second edge, the second enclosure not being in fluidic communication with the first enclosure, the second edge delimiting a second orifice and defining a second support plane, the second orifice opening into the second enclosure, the second support plane being aligned with the first support plane; and a float level sensor having a bearing surface, the float level sensor being configured, on the one hand, to detect a first fluid level within the first enclosure by being introduced into the first enclosure through the first orifice so that the bearing surface is in contact with the first bearing plane of the first edge and, on the other hand, to detect a second fluid level within the second enclosure by being introduced into the second enclosure through the second orifice so that the bearing surface is in contact with the second bearing plane of the second edge.

[0006] The assembly may further include a fastening device configured to removably attach the second tank to the first tank. The fastening device may be configured to close the first opening when the second tank is attached to the first tank.

[0007] The second tank can be configured to allow manual filling and / or manual emptying of the second chamber.

[0008] The assembly may further include a funnel in fluidic communication with the second chamber to allow manual filling of the second chamber.

[0009] The assembly may further include a valve in fluidic communication with the second enclosure to allow manual draining of the second enclosure.

[0010] The assembly may further include a filling and emptying system configured to be in fluidic communication with the second chamber of the second tank.

[0011] The second reservoir can be configured to indicate the second fluid level independently of the float level sensor.

[0012] According to another aspect of this exposition, a method for controlling a float level sensor is proposed, the method comprising: the removal of the float level sensor from a first enclosure of a first tank through a first opening into the first enclosure and delimited by a first edge of a first wall of the first tank, the first wall delimiting the first enclosure, the first opening defining a first support plane; the introduction of the float level sensor into a second enclosure of a second tank through a second orifice opening into the second enclosure and delimited by a second edge of a second wall of the second tank, the second enclosure not being in fluidic communication with the first enclosure, the second wall delimiting the second enclosure, the second orifice defining a second support plane aligned with the first support plane, the introduction being implemented so that a support surface of the sensor is in contact with the second support plane; the measurement of a fluid level within the second chamber; and the control of fluid level detection by the float level sensor from the measured fluid level.

[0013] The method may further include plugging the first orifice. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a float level sensor, a reservoir and a test reservoir according to the present exposition.

[0015] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a method for controlling a test sensor according to the present presentation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] A float level sensor 1 includes a float 10 and a switching device 12.

[0017] The float 10 is movable relative to the switching device 12. The float 10 is configured to float on the surface of a fluid.

[0018] The switching device 12 is configured to switch from a first state to a second state in response to the float 10 moving from a first position to a second position. In this way, the switching device 12 detects a change in the fluid level. Indeed, such a change causes the float 10 to move relative to the switching device 12, typically between the first and second positions. Of course, the switching device 12 can have more than two switching states to detect a plurality of distinct changes in the fluid level that cause the float 10 to move between a plurality of positions. The switching device 12 can also be configured to generate a signal representing the switching from the first state to the second state or, more generally, the switching between two distinct states of the switching device 12.

[0019] The float level sensor 1 may further include a communication device 12 configured to transmit the signal to an external processing system configured to process the signal. The communication device may be wired or wireless. When the communication device is wired, at least one of its wires may be removably connected to the switching device 12.

[0020] The float level sensor 1 can be used to monitor a fluid level within a tank 2. To do this, the float level sensor 1 has a bearing surface 100 for the attachment, removable or not, of the sensor to the tank 2. Once the float level sensor 1 is attached to the tank 2, the switching device 12 is fixed relative to the bearing surface 100 so that a change in the level of a fluid contained in the tank 2 can cause a movement of the float 10 relative to the switching device 12.

[0021] The tank 2 includes a wall 20 that delimits a chamber 200 adapted to contain a fluid. The wall 20 further includes an edge 201 delimiting an orifice 2000 that opens into the chamber 200. The edge 201 defines a support surface. The float level sensor 1 is configured to detect a fluid level within the chamber 200. To do this, the float level sensor 1 is inserted into the chamber 200 through the orifice 2000 so that its support surface 100 is in contact with wall 20 at the support plane. Tank 2 can belong to all types of fluid-containing systems, such as industrial systems, for example in the nuclear sector. Thus, tank 2 can contain all or part of the fluid(s) necessary for the operation of primary pump motors, oil tanks for turbo-alternator units, feed turbopumps, and / or hydraulic steam inlet control units within a nuclear power plant. Tank 2 also has a vent to ensure pressure equalization within containment 200.

[0022] In one variant, the reservoir 2 comprises only one enclosure 200. This variant is found in particular in systems where the bulk induced by the presence of the float level sensor 1 is tolerable.

[0023] In another embodiment, the wall 20 delimits a plurality of chambers 200 in fluidic communication with each other, the orifice 2000 opening into one of the chambers 200, the fluid level being the same in all the chambers 200 by virtue of communicating vessels. In this other embodiment, the chamber 200 into which the float level sensor 1 is inserted can thus be dedicated to monitoring the fluid level, while the other chambers 200 can be used for other functions. This other embodiment is found in particular in systems where it is necessary, for example for reasons of space, to separate the function performed by the fluid from the function of monitoring the fluid level.Typically, the wall 20 can delimit a first enclosure 200 in which the components of a pumping system requiring cooling are arranged, and a second enclosure 200 into which the float level sensor 1 is inserted. The second enclosure 200 may be smaller than the first enclosure 200 for space reasons. In this case, it is the fluid level within the first enclosure 200 that must be monitored to ensure that the components to be cooled are sufficiently immersed. This level is the same in the second enclosure 200 due to the principle of communicating vessels. Of course, each enclosure 200 can be delimited by a dedicated wall 20 and connected to each other by suitable pipes.

[0024] To verify the proper functioning of the float level sensor 1, a test can be carried out in which the fluid level in the enclosure 200 is modulated in a predetermined manner, to ensure that the behavior of the float 10 and the switching device 12 appropriately reflects these fluid level changes. This test can, for example, be implemented during the initial installation of the float level sensor 1, in order to calibrate it, and / or during its service life, in order to plan its maintenance. This modulation of the fluid level within the enclosure 200 is solely for the purpose of verifying the The float level sensor 1, however, can prove lengthy, costly, tedious, and even dangerous, both for the operator in charge of the test and for tank 2 and / or its contents, especially given the large volume of chamber 200. Furthermore, this fluid level modulation may involve completely emptying and / or refilling tank 2, which requires significant resources for both pumping and containing the fluid, and can lead to environmental and / or human risks when the fluid is polluting and / or flammable.

[0025] A test tank 3 is therefore provided to test the float level sensor 1 independently of the environment in which it normally operates, i.e., outside the enclosure 200. The test tank 3 includes a test wall 30 that delimits a test enclosure 300. The test enclosure 300 is independent of the enclosure 200, i.e., it is not in fluidic communication with the enclosure 200. The test wall 30 further includes a test edge 301 delimiting a test orifice 3000 that opens into the test enclosure 300. The test edge 301 defines a test support plane. The test support plane is aligned with the support plane to ensure that the test of the float level sensor 1 is carried out under the same operating conditions as in the tank 2.In other words, the test support plane of test edge 301 and the support plane of edge 201 are positioned at the same altitude relative to the ground and have the same inclination, usually parallel, relative to the ground. The float level sensor 1 is configured to detect a test fluid level within the test chamber 300. To do this, the float level sensor 1 is inserted into the test chamber 300 through the test port 3000 so that its bearing surface 100 is in contact with the test wall 30, at the test bearing surface of the test edge 301. The test tank 3 also has a vent to ensure pressure equalization within the test chamber 300. Advantageously, the test tank 3 is configured to indicate a fluid level within the test tank 3 independently of the float level sensor 1. This allows verification that the float level sensor 1 is functioning correctly.In one variant, the test tank 3 thus has a graduation and an indexing element configured to move along the graduation according to the fluid level within the test tank 3.

[0026] The float level sensor 1 is configured both to detect the fluid level within the chamber 200 and to detect the test fluid level within the test chamber 300. In other words, the float level sensor 1 can be removed from the chamber 200 and inserted into the test chamber 300, and vice versa, without its operation being altered, in particular, for example, without having to modify its structure, typically without having to suspend the operation of the communication device. In this way, the float level sensor 1 can be controlled simply, inexpensively, and compactly. Indeed, in the variant where the reservoir 2 defines only a single chamber 200, the test chamber 300 can advantageously have smaller dimensions than the chamber 200, thus reducing the amount of fluid whose level needs to be modulated during the test. Alternatively, in the variant where the reservoir 2 defines multiple chambers 200, one of which is dedicated to the float level sensor 1, the test chamber 300 can have exactly the same dimensions as the chamber 200 dedicated to the float level sensor 1, to ensure that the float level sensor 1 is controlled under the same operating conditions.In any case, not having to drain and / or fill tank 2, regardless of the number of its chambers (200), drastically limits the generation of potentially harmful effluents during the test. Furthermore, the test duration is significantly reduced. Of course, since test tank 3 is not in fluidic communication with tank 2, the test should be carried out with the same fluid that normally contains tank 2, or at least with a fluid having sufficiently similar characteristics, particularly regarding its density, taking into account the margin of error of the float level sensor 1. Moreover, not having to interrupt the operation of the communication device—for example, not having to disconnect the wired device, if applicable—allows the test to be carried out as close as possible to tank 2 using the same external treatment system.Furthermore, the test tank 3 can be used for any float level sensor 1 and / or any tank 2. Moreover, the use and handling of the test tank 3 are simple to implement, and require less material resources and human skill than modulating the fluid level within tank 2.

[0027] To further simplify the use of the test tank 3, and also to reduce its size, a fastening device 4 can be provided, which is configured to removably attach the test tank 3 to the tank 2. Furthermore, to ensure that the seal of the enclosure 200 is maintained during the test, typically to prevent evaporation of the fluid contained in the enclosure 200, the fastening device 4 can also be configured to close the orifice 2000 when the test tank 3 is attached to the tank 2. In one embodiment, the fastening device 4 is in the form of a flange extending beyond the test wall 30 and terminating at its end with a plate having dimensions adapted to close the orifice 2000, the plate being further configured to attach the test tank 3 to the wall 20.

[0028] Similarly, to simplify the use of the test tank 3, the test tank 3 can be configured to allow manual filling and / or manual emptying of the test chamber 300. This also allows the operator in charge of the test to The fluid level in the test tank 3 can be manually controlled. In one variant, a funnel 5 is provided in fluidic communication with the test chamber 300 to allow manual filling. In this variant, the funnel 5 can act as a vent for the test chamber 300. In another variant, a valve 6 is provided in fluidic communication with the test chamber 300 to allow manual draining. Advantageously, the funnel 5 and the valve 6 are positioned at opposite ends of the test tank 3.

[0029] Another way to simplify the use of the test tank 3, which can be provided as an alternative to or in addition to manual filling and / or emptying, is to equip the test chamber 300 with a filling and emptying system configured to be in fluidic communication with the test chamber 300. In other words, it can be provided for the automation of the modulation of the fluid level within the test tank 3. In one embodiment, the filling and emptying system comprises a reversible pump and a storage tank containing the fluid for the test, the reversible pump being in fluidic communication with the storage tank and the test chamber 300. The modulation of the fluid within the test chamber 300 is, in this embodiment, implemented by actuation of the reversible pump to circulate fluid between the test chamber 300 and the storage tank.In this variant, valve 6 can also be provided at the junction between the test chamber 300 and the filling and emptying system, to prevent any exchange of fluid with the storage tank between different test stages.

[0030] A method E for checking the float level sensor 1, which can be implemented using the test tank 3, comprises removing the float level sensor 1 from the chamber 200 and introducing it E2 into the test chamber 300 so that its bearing surface 100 is in contact with the test wall 30 at the level of the test support plane. Advantageously, the orifice 2000 is further sealed. Then, the fluid level within the test chamber 300 is recorded E3 and the float level sensor 1 is checked E4 based on the recorded fluid level. Advantageously, the fluid level within the test chamber 300 is varied, by draining and / or filling the test chamber 300, to adjust the control E4 of the float level sensor 1. In this way, it is possible to request the different switching states of the switching device 12 and to confirm that they correspond to the different intended positions of the float 10.In particular, it is possible to trigger the switches associated with the minimum and maximum fluid levels, which are generally critical in monitoring tank 2. If necessary, a setting of the float level sensor 1 can be implemented.

Claims

Demands

1. Assembly comprising: a first reservoir (2) comprising a first wall (20), the first wall (20) delimiting a first enclosure (200) and comprising a first edge (201), the first edge (201) delimiting a first orifice (2000) and defining a first support plane, the first orifice (2000) opening into the first enclosure (200); a second reservoir (3) comprising a second wall (30), the second wall (30) delimiting a second enclosure (300) and comprising a second edge (301), the second enclosure (300) not being in fluidic communication with the first enclosure (200), the second edge (301) delimiting a second orifice (3000) and defining a second support plane, the second orifice (3000) opening into the second enclosure (300), the second support plane being aligned with the first support plane;and a float level sensor (1) having a bearing surface (100), the float level sensor (1) being configured, on the one hand, to detect a first fluid level within the first enclosure (200) by being introduced into the first enclosure (200) through the first orifice (2000) so that the bearing surface (100) is in contact with the first bearing plane of the first edge (201) and, on the other hand, to detect a second fluid level within the second enclosure (300) by being introduced into the second enclosure (300) through the second orifice (3000) so that the bearing surface (100) is in contact with the second bearing plane of the second edge (301).

2. Assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a fastening device (4) configured to fix the second tank (3) to the first tank (2) in a removable manner.

3. Assembly according to claim 2, wherein the fastening device (4) is configured to close the first orifice (2000) when the second tank (3) is attached to the first tank (2).

4. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second tank (3) is configured to permit manual filling and / or manual emptying of the second enclosure (300).

5. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a funnel (5) in fluidic communication with the second enclosure (300) to allow manual filling of the second enclosure (300).

6. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a valve (6) in fluidic communication with the second enclosure (300) to allow manual draining of the second enclosure (300).

7. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a filling and emptying system configured to be in fluidic communication with the second enclosure (300) of the second tank (3).

8. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second reservoir (3) is configured to indicate the second fluid level independently of the float level sensor (1).

9. Method (E) of controlling a float level sensor (1), the method comprising: the removal (E1) of the float level sensor (1) from a first enclosure (200) of a first tank (2) through a first orifice (2000) opening into the first enclosure (200) and delimited by a first edge (201) of a first wall (20) of the first tank (2), the first wall (20) delimiting the first enclosure (200), the first orifice (2000) defining a first support plane;the introduction (E2) of the float level sensor (1) into a second enclosure (300) of a second tank (3) through a second orifice (3000) opening into the second enclosure (300) and delimited by a second edge (301) of a second wall (30) of the second tank (3), the second enclosure (300) not being in fluidic communication with the first enclosure (200), the second wall (30) delimiting the second enclosure (300), the second orifice (3000) defining a second support plane aligned with the first support plane, the introduction being implemented so that a support surface (100) of the sensor is in contact with the second support plane; the measurement (E3) of a fluid level within the second enclosure (300); and; 10 the control (E4) of a detection of the fluid level by the float level sensor (1) from the measured fluid level.

10. A method (E) of control according to claim 9, further comprising the sealing of the first orifice (2000).

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