Dielectric Permittivity Probe for Fuel Tank Overflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overflow prevention devices for liquid petroleum fuel tanks, such as those based on thermistors and optical principles, are prone to fragility, frequent replacement, susceptibility to bubbles and parasitic reflections, degradation over time, and energy constraints in explosive environments, making them ineffective for reliable overflow detection.
Innovation Solution
A probe with multiple sets of metal electrodes for three-dimensional dielectric permittivity measurement, incorporating redundant level detection and automatic testing mechanisms to ensure reliable operation, which compares dielectric permittivity measurements to prevent overflows by controlling filling processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thermistor-based probes are used for level detection, then temperature differential detection is enabled, but the probes become too fragile and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fragile thermistor-based mechanical/thermal sensing system with a dielectric permittivity measurement system using electrodes and electronic measuring means. This substitution eliminates the mechanical fragility of thermistors while maintaining measurement capability through electrical field-based detection of liquid presence.
2Measurement precision
If optical probes with transparent cones are used for level detection, then light beam refraction detection is enabled, but the measurement is susceptible to bubbles and parasitic reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical measurement system with a dielectric permittivity-based electrical measurement system. This substitution eliminates susceptibility to optical interference from bubbles and reflections, as the electrical field measurement is not affected by optical properties of the medium or surrounding surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from optical properties (light refraction) to electrical properties (dielectric permittivity). This parameter change fundamentally alters the interaction mechanism with the liquid, making the measurement immune to optical disturbances caused by bubbles, reflections, and cone degradation.
3Illumination intensity
If optical probes with light-emitting diodes are used for level detection, then light beam emission is enabled, but the energy consumption is too high for explosive atmosphere safety constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the high-energy light-emitting diode system with a low-energy electrical measurement system using electrodes and measuring means. This substitution dramatically reduces energy consumption while maintaining detection functionality, making the system compatible with intrinsic safety requirements for explosive atmospheres.
4Measurement precision
If optical probes with transparent cones are used for level detection, then light reflection detection is enabled, but the optical characteristics degrade over time due to opacification and micro-slits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the transparent cone optical component with an electrode-based electrical measurement system. This substitution eliminates the cone entirely, removing the source of degradation from opacification and micro-slits, and enables long-term stable operation without optical component failure.
5Measurement precision
If optical probes are used for level detection, then light beam detection is enabled, but correct operation cannot be guaranteed when temperature exceeds 60°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement principle from optical detection to dielectric permittivity measurement. This parameter change removes the temperature sensitivity of light-emitting diodes and optical components, enabling reliable operation at temperatures exceeding 60°C where optical systems fail.
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 highly reliable and durable overflow prevention system that ensures accurate three-dimensional level measurement, reduces maintenance needs, and operates safely within explosive environments by using dielectric permittivity measurements to prevent overflows effectively.
Implementation Method 1
at least two means for measuring the permittivity dielectric of a fluid present between the electrodes
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
This probe for a filling limiter device for a liquid petroleum fuel transport tank includes a level detector mounted on a bracket (10, 11) that is attached to the tank so that the detector is positioned in the compartment at the maximum permissible filling height. The level detector includes a measuring sensor (2a) comprising a set of several electrodes (5, 6, 4, 7, 8) and means (9a, 9b) for measuring the dielectric permittivity of a fluid present between the electrodes. The probe further includes means (18) for testing the proper functioning of the entire chain for acquiring the dielectric permittivity measurement of the fluid present at the electrodes.