Fill Level Measurement Signal Separation Using Ideal Echo Curve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fill-level measuring devices using the travel time method struggle to accurately determine fill levels due to interference from disturbance echo signals, which are influenced by changes in process conditions and measuring device performance, leading to inaccurate evaluations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves converting high-frequency total measurement signals into low-frequency intermediate signals, allowing for the separation of wanted and disturbance echo signals using sequential sampling and signal processing techniques, and adapting the ideal echo curve to changing conditions through algorithms and comparison with an ideal reflector, enabling more accurate fill-level determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If disturbance echo signals are present in the total measurement signal, then the measurement signal contains complete information including unwanted reflections, but the evaluation and determination of fill level becomes complicated and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total measurement signal into distinct components: wanted echo signals and disturbance echo signals. By analyzing the signal structure and using the ideal echo curve as a reference template, the method separates and identifies the wanted echo signals from the disturbance signals, enabling accurate fill level determination despite the presence of multiple signal components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful disturbance echo signals into a beneficial evaluation process. By comparing the total measurement signal with the ideal echo curve, the method uses the disturbance signals as reference points to identify and isolate the wanted echo signals, transforming the problem of signal contamination into a systematic signal separation and identification process
2Measurement precision
If reference signal data is used to determine fill level in the presence of disturbance signals, then disturbance signals can be filtered, but the method cannot react to changes of process conditions or changes in measuring device performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic evaluation process where the ideal echo curve is continuously adapted to changing process conditions and measuring device performance. The method monitors the relationship between wanted echo signals and disturbance echo signals over time, automatically adjusting the evaluation criteria to maintain accuracy despite variations in temperature, medium properties, or device characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the measurement signal characteristics and adjust the evaluation process accordingly. By comparing actual echo signals with the ideal echo curve and analyzing the temporal relationships between wanted and disturbance signals, the system provides real-time feedback to maintain accurate fill level determination under varying conditions
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
This approach enhances the accuracy and adaptability of fill-level measurements by effectively filtering out disturbance signals and adjusting to changes in process conditions, improving the reliability of fill-level assessments in containers.
Implementation Method 1
The travel-time method applied in fill-level measuring devices utilizes the physical law, according to which the travel distance equals the product of travel time and propagation velocity. In such case, the fill level measurement corresponds to the travel distance of twice the separation between a reference point of the transmitter and the surface of the fill substance. The wanted echo signal, thus the signal reflected on the surface of the fill substance, and its travel time are determined
Implementation Method 2
The transmitted measurement signals form with the received, wanted-echo signals a total measurement signal, which, in given cases, under actual measuring conditions, includes additional disturbance-echo signals. These disturbance echo signals have different causes, such as e.g.: reflections on installed objects in the container and on the container itself
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining and/or monitoring fill level of a medium in a container with a measuring device, which works according to the travel time measuring method, wherein measurement signals are transmitted toward the medium and are received, wherein from the high-frequency total measurement signal, composed by superimposing the transmitted measurement signals, the reflected wanted echo signals and the disturbance echo signals, a raw echo curve or digitized envelope curve is ascertained. The wanted echo signals and/or the disturbance echo signals in the raw echo curve or the digitized envelope curve are ascertained based on an ideal echo curve, which shows the amplitude of the echo signals of an ideal reflector as a function of the distance from the ideal reflector, and based on the ascertained wanted echo signal the fill level is determined.