Annular Isolator Seal for High-Pressure Radar Level Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Radar-based level measurement techniques face difficulties in forming a proper seal to contain pressure while allowing signal passage, especially in high-pressure vessels, which is costly and challenging.
Innovation Solution
A process fluid level measurement system with a cage containing an annular isolator and a differential pressure transmitter, utilizing annular diaphragms for increased surface area and precision, and a dual remote seal oil-filled system for accurate pressure measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a seal is formed to contain pressure in high-pressure vessels, then pressure containment is improved, but signal passage is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (process fluid) that allows the seal to contain pressure while permitting radar signals to pass through. The seal is designed to contain the process fluid rather than create a complete barrier, allowing electromagnetic signals to penetrate while maintaining pressure containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is designed with differentiated properties: it is impermeable to process fluid for pressure containment but transparent to radar signals for measurement. This local quality differentiation allows the same seal structure to fulfill both contradictory functions simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If radar-based level measurement is implemented, then level measurement capability is improved, but seal formation difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The process fluid acts as an intermediary medium that enables both pressure containment and radar signal transmission. This eliminates the need for complex specialized seals, reducing manufacturing difficulty and cost while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical seal systems with a simpler fluid-based containment approach that is transparent to electromagnetic signals, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If guided wave radar or capacitance-based measurement devices are used, then level measurement is improved, but sealing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The process fluid serves as an intermediary that simplifies the sealing requirement. Instead of needing complex seals to accommodate measurement devices, the system uses the process fluid itself as the containment medium that is transparent to radar and capacitance signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal design achieves multiple functions simultaneously: pressure containment, signal transmission, and measurement facilitation. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity compared to separate specialized components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides accurate and stable level measurements, withstands high pressures, and reduces wiring costs through two-wire communication, while allowing for direct retrofitting and economies of scale with standard pressure transmitters.
Implementation Method 1
form a proper seal that, while containing the pressure of the vessel, can still pass the radar signals effectively
Implementation Method 2
The fluid level, and/or interface levels within the cage or bridle are directly representative of such conditions within the larger vessel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A process fluid level measurement system is configured to measure a level of at least one process fluid (12) in a vessel (10). The vessel (10) has a cage (14) with at least one annular isolator located inside the cage. The at least one annular isolator has a band-shaped isolator diaphragm (214, 216). A differential pressure transmitter (22) is operably coupled to the annular isolator(s) and is configured to generate a level output based, at least in part, upon pressure measured relative to the annular isolator(s).