Fill Level Gauge Moisture Determination via Echo Curve Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fill level and moisture measurement devices face challenges in achieving accurate moisture content determination with low energy consumption, particularly in two-wire devices, due to the short transit time of measurement signals through the medium, which leads to measurement inaccuracies and high energy requirements.
Innovation Solution
A fill level measuring device that uses a high-frequency unit to generate measurement signals, incorporates a temperature sensor for improved accuracy, and processes echo curves to determine both fill level and moisture content from amplitude and distance information, allowing for simultaneous measurement with minimal energy expenditure via a two-wire interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct time measurement methods are used to determine moisture content, then measurement speed is fast, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to short transit times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing multiple measurements and averaging the results before final evaluation. The control unit accumulates a plurality of measurements and evaluates their average, which improves moisture content measurement accuracy despite the inherently short transit time of the measurement signal through the medium.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are averaged to improve accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by performing a limited number of measurements (e.g., 10-50 measurements) rather than continuous measurement, and evaluating the average of these partial measurements. This provides sufficient accuracy improvement while keeping energy consumption within acceptable limits for portable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by efficiently processing the accumulated measurements through averaging and evaluation algorithms, ensuring that the measurement process remains productive and energy-efficient while achieving the desired accuracy level.
3Measurement precision
If a dedicated moisture measuring device is used, then moisture content measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fill level measurement function and moisture content measurement function into a single integrated measuring device. The same measurement signal and echo curve evaluation are used for both purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated moisture measurement equipment and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a measuring device that can simultaneously determine both fill level and moisture content using the same radar measurement signal and echo curve analysis. The control unit performs both measurement tasks with a single device, making it universal and eliminating the need for multiple specialized instruments.
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 enables accurate determination of fill level and moisture content with reduced energy consumption, as both measurements are derived from a single echo curve, supporting two-wire operation and minimizing energy requirements compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a high-frequency unit (101) for generating a measurement signal (102), which is then radiated freely or guided in the direction of the surface of the filling medium (108). This measurement signal (102) is then reflected in whole or in part on the surface of the filling medium (108)
Implementation Method 2
A temperature sensor is provided on or in a tension weight or in a measuring device housing of the fill level measuring device for detecting a temperature measurement value for determining a temperature
Implementation Method 3
The reflected measurement signal is then fed to the signal processing unit of the fill level measuring device, which obtains an echo curve from it and then determines the fill level from this echo curve
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fill level measurement. An echo curve is analyzed, and the fill state as well as the moisture of the fill medium are determined from the echo curve. The fill level gauge operates in an energy-saving manner to such a degree that it is sufficient to be supplied with energy by means of a 4...20 mA two-core loop which is additionally used to transmit at least some of the measured values.