Capacitive Level Gauge Electrode Holder for Pressurized Gas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitive level gauges for pressurized or liquefied gas containers are cumbersome due to complex electrode attachment systems requiring careful assembly and leak testing, limiting flexibility and increasing logistics complexity.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive level gauge assembly featuring a sealed and electrically connected module with electrode holder means that allows for easy attachment of electrodes, simplifying assembly and testing, and enabling flexible packaging and logistics by separating the electrode attachment from the critical tightness area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrode attachment system is integrated into the valve body with sealed connections, then the reliability of the gauge is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge is divided into two independent parts: a sealed valve body module containing the electrical circuit and electrode holder means, and separate electrodes that can be attached later. This segmentation allows the critical sealed connections to be established once during manufacturing, while the electrodes can be easily replaced or adjusted by the end user without compromising the seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode holder means and sealed connections are prepared in advance during valve body manufacturing, creating a ready-to-use module. The electrical circuit is pre-wired and tested within the sealed body before the electrodes are attached, ensuring that the critical sealing and electrical connections are established under controlled factory conditions.
2Measurement precision
If the electrodes are long and require careful assembly with leak testing, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time and logistics complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the time-consuming sealed assembly operations from the electrode attachment operation. The valve body module is fully assembled, tested, and certified in advance, while the electrodes can be attached quickly by the end user using simple mechanical connection means that do not require leak testing or complex assembly procedures.
3Reliability
If the electrodes are fixed at the factory with sealed connections, then the reliability is improved, but the adaptability and packaging flexibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge system is segmented into a permanent sealed valve body module and interchangeable electrodes. This allows the critical sealed connections to be established once during manufacturing with high reliability, while the electrodes can be easily swapped or selected in different sizes and configurations to match various container types and measurement requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body module with its standardized electrode holder means serves as a universal base that can accommodate different types and sizes of electrodes. This universal interface allows the same sealed module to be used with multiple electrode configurations, enhancing versatility without compromising the integrity of the sealed connections.
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 solution provides a robust and flexible level gauge design that simplifies assembly, reduces logistics complexity, and allows customers to easily attach electrodes of various sizes, enhancing operational efficiency and packaging flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the measurement principle of such a gauge is based on the variation in capacitance measured between the electrodes as a function of the level of fluid in the inter-electrode space and therefore in the container
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A capacitive level gauge assembly for a container of pressurised or liquefied gas comprises a body (12) with a base (14) able to be fitted into an aperture of said container, and an electrical circuit (24) placed in the body; electrode-carrying means are sealingly fitted into said body and connected to said electrical circuit (24), said electrode-carrying means being configured to fixedly support two electrodes (18, 20) with a measurement space (22) between them. The electrode-carrying means comprise a metal holder (26) sealingly fitted into the tap body (12) and electrically isolated from the latter, the first electrode (18) being fixed to said metal holder (26), and the metal holder (26) being connected to the electrical circuit (24). The metal holder (26) comprises, at its free end, a coupling means (66) for the first electrode (18).