Elongated Scintillator Density Profile Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiometric density profile measuring arrangements require multiple devices to determine density profiles in containers, especially in complex multi-layer arrangements, which complicates the process and increases equipment needs.
Innovation Solution
A radiometric density profile measuring arrangement with at least two radiation sources and a scintillator, where the scintillator is elongated and arranged to detect density changes, using amplitude measuring devices to determine the relationship between pulse amplitudes and the number of pulses, allowing for a single device to determine a density profile by evaluating electrical signals for accurate point-of-origin analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple radiation sources and measuring devices are arranged in a tank to determine density profiles in multi-layer arrangements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scintillator is divided into multiple detection regions along its elongated length, with each region corresponding to a specific spatial position in the filling material. The evaluation unit segments the electrical signals based on their origin location within the scintillator, enabling density profile determination at different heights without requiring multiple physical measuring devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple radiation sources are combined with a single elongated scintillator and one evaluation unit to create an integrated measuring device. The scintillator simultaneously detects radiation from multiple sources at different positions, and the evaluation unit processes all signals to generate a complete density profile, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate measuring devices.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measuring devices are arranged at different filling levels to monitor density at various heights, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device transitions from a point-like detector to an elongated one-dimensional detector. The scintillator's extended structure along the vertical dimension enables it to detect radiation originating from different heights within the tank simultaneously, providing multi-level density monitoring through a single device rather than requiring multiple discrete sensors at different elevations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated scintillator is pre-positioned to span the entire height range of interest in the tank. Its geometry is designed in advance to correspond to the vertical distribution of filling material, enabling it to capture density information from all relevant levels without requiring dynamic repositioning or multiple devices.
3Device complexity
If radiation sources and measuring devices are moved vertically along the filling material to determine density profiles, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a dynamic measurement approach (moving single detector vertically) to a static approach (fixed elongated detector). The elongated scintillator remains stationary while simultaneously capturing radiation information from all vertical positions, eliminating the time-consuming vertical movement required in traditional methods while providing continuous multi-level density data.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated scintillator enables continuous density profile measurement across the entire height of the filling material simultaneously. Rather than moving a detector through discrete positions sequentially, the extended detector maintains continuous contact with radiation from all levels at once, providing uninterrupted and comprehensive density information throughout the tank.
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 the determination of a density profile within a container using a single measuring device, improving efficiency and adaptability by accounting for expected density changes, such as those in oil production tanks, with flexible scintillator lengths and arrangements suitable for various container shapes.
Implementation Method 1
a scintillator for generating radiation-induced flashes of light
Implementation Method 2
a downstream photomultiplier for generating electrical impulses from the light pulses
Implementation Method 3
the density-dependent absorption of gamma quanta in different media
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Radiometric density profile measuring arrangement (1) for determining a density profile of a fill material (99) located in a container (100) with a plurality of radiation sources (3) and a detection unit (5) for detecting radioactive radiation with a scintillator (7) for generating radiation-induced light flashes, a photosensitive element (9) for generating an electrical signal based on the light flashes and measuring electronics (11) for processing the electrical signal, wherein the scintillator (7) is elongated.