Bubbler Liquid Level Sensor Interference Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water level determination systems in wet wells face inaccuracies due to mechanical wear, corrosion, and deposit formation in float sensors and pressure-based systems, which can lead to improper pump operation and contamination, while bubbler systems introduce vibrations that affect transducer accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A liquid level determination system with a pressure sensing pipe and a bubbler pipe, featuring a transducer plug with a dampening hole and a computer control program that compensates for oscillations caused by the bubbler air compressor, enhancing accuracy and stability of pressure sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bubbler system is used to prevent deposit formation on the sensing pipe, then deposit accumulation is reduced, but vibrations are introduced that interfere with transducer accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into two separate pipes: a bubbler pipe that prevents deposit formation and a sensing pipe that measures pressure accurately. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between deposit prevention and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
A T-connector serves as an intermediary component that connects the bubbler pipe and sensing pipe. The T-connector allows air to be introduced through the bubbler pipe to prevent deposits while the sensing pipe remains separate and unaffected by the bubbling action, maintaining measurement accuracy
2Device complexity
If float sensors are used for water level determination, then the system is simple in design, but mechanical wear and corrosion affect accuracy and may contaminate the liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical float sensor system is replaced with a pressure-based sensing system using a transducer. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and corrosion issues while maintaining measurement capability, as the transducer measures pressure which correlates to water level without direct mechanical contact with the liquid surface
3Reliability
If pressure-based water level sensing systems are used, then reliability is improved compared to floats, but deposits still accumulate on the sensing pipe leading to inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the deposit prevention function (bubbler pipe) from the measurement function (sensing pipe). This allows the sensing pipe to remain clean and accurate while the bubbler pipe handles the deposit prevention through air injection
Solution Approach 2:
The T-connector acts as an intermediary that enables the bubbler system to prevent deposits on the sensing pipe without the bubbler air stream directly interfering with the pressure measurement, thus maintaining both reliability and precision
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 real-time monitoring and reduces interference, ensuring proper pump operation and minimizing contamination risks, while being simple to install and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
The transducer senses the pressure level within the pressure pipe, and the water level may be determined by the processor based on the pressure level
Implementation Method 2
A bubbler air compressor may be operatively connected to the pressure pipe to introduce air into the pressure pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid level determination system to determine the level of a liquid in a wet we is disclosed. The system may include pressure determination components and a pressure pipe with a pressure sensing pipe end located adjacent to the pressure determination components and a bubbler pipe end locatable at least partially in the wet well. A transducer is used to determine a pressure level within the pressure pipe maintained by a bubbler air compressor. A level detection processor may analyze the pressure level to determine a liquid level in the wet well. An interference dampener is included to mitigate interference originating from the bubbler air compressor. The interference dampener may be provided by transducer plug to restrict air flow. Alternatively, the interference dampener may be provided by a computer operated program to monitor and mitigate the interference.