Device for measuring the liquid level of a medium with a high temperature, container, refrigerant machine or refrigeration cycle with such a device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring liquid levels in hot, high-pressure environments, such as refrigeration machines, often fail due to temperature limitations and susceptibility to wave movements, making reliable level determination impossible.
Innovation Solution
A device with a measuring unit connected via a system of thermally conductive lines that cool the medium, featuring a collecting chamber to dampen wave movements and ensure accurate level measurement, and an optional oil lance for refilling, utilizing float-based or optical sensors for level detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a measuring device is placed directly in the hot medium container, then level measurement can be performed, but the device cannot withstand the high temperature and pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate parts: a measuring unit that can withstand high temperatures and a measuring device that operates in a controlled environment. The measuring unit is connected to the container via connection lines, allowing the measuring device to operate remotely without being exposed to extreme conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and temperature exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring unit acts as an intermediary between the hot medium container and the measuring device. It transfers the liquid level information from the high-temperature environment to the measuring device through connection lines, enabling accurate measurement while protecting the sensitive measuring device from thermal damage.
2Measurement precision
If a measuring device is placed in the container, then level measurement is possible, but wave movements of the medium cause measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is extracted from the container environment and placed in a separate, stable location. By removing the measuring device from the source of wave movements, the system eliminates the harmful effects of medium oscillations on measurement accuracy, allowing precise level detection without interference from container waves.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection lines serve as an intermediary transmission medium that conveys liquid level information from the measuring unit in the container to the measuring device outside. This indirect measurement approach isolates the sensitive measuring device from wave movements while maintaining measurement capability.
3Device complexity
If the measuring unit is connected via short connection lines, then the device complexity is reduced, but the medium cannot be cooled sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the physical parameter of heat dissipation over distance. By dimensioning the connection lines with sufficient length and appropriate surface area, the medium is cooled passively as it travels through the lines to the measuring unit. This approach manages temperature without adding active cooling components, maintaining device simplicity while achieving thermal control.
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
Enables reliable liquid level measurement at high temperatures and pressures while preventing wave-induced errors, ensuring continuous operation and efficient medium management in refrigeration systems.
Implementation Method 1
A cooling or temperature reduction of the medium takes place over a length of the connecting lines... the at least two connecting lines can be cooled by convection
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for measuring the liquid level of a medium at a high temperature in a container (5), comprising a measuring unit (10) with a measuring chamber (15) and a measuring instrument (20) for determining the liquid level in the measuring chamber, and a connecting device (30) for connecting the measuring unit (10) to the container (5) at a distance and for transferring the medium from the container (5) to the measuring chamber (15), wherein the connecting device (30) has a connection adapter (35) for attaching it to the container (5) and a connection adapter (45) for connecting it to the measuring unit (10), wherein the connection adapter (35) and the connection adapter (45) are spaced apart by at least two connecting lines (40) along an axis (X). The present invention further relates to a refrigeration machine with such a device.