Foldable Guided Wave Radar Probe for Tank Level Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rigid probes for guided wave radar level gauges in large tanks are difficult to transport and install due to their size and rigidity requirements, and existing solutions do not adequately address space constraints and mechanical stability during transport and installation.
Innovation Solution
A guided wave radar level gauge with a probe comprising multiple elongate sections connected by pivotable joints, allowing the probe to be folded for compact transport and easily extended during installation, with a locking sleeve to maintain rigidity and reduce spurious echoes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid probe is used for guided wave radar level gauge in large tanks, then the probe is more robust and resistant against mechanical wear and tear as well as chemical exposure, but the probe is difficult to transport and install
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid probe is divided into multiple rigid sections that can be connected together. Each section maintains the robustness and chemical resistance of a rigid structure, but the segmented design allows the probe to be transported in smaller, more manageable pieces that can be assembled on-site, thereby resolving the contradiction between mechanical resistance and ease of transport.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid probe is used for guided wave radar level gauge, then the probe provides structural stability, but the probe requires large amount of space during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into multiple rigid sections that can be disconnected for transport and reconnected for operation. During transport, the sections can be stored separately, significantly reducing the volume required. When installed, the sections are connected to form the complete rigid probe, restoring the structural stability needed for operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional rigid probe is used, then the probe maintains required rigidity for operation, but the probe cannot be easily adjusted in length during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The probe consists of multiple rigid sections that can be selectively connected or disconnected. This segmentation allows the probe length to be adjusted during installation by connecting different numbers of sections, while each individual section maintains the rigidity required for proper operation. The rigid connections between sections ensure that the assembled probe retains sufficient overall rigidity.
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 efficient transport and installation of the probe, reduces the risk of damage and misplacement, and allows for adjustable length without specialized tools, while maintaining probe rigidity and minimizing noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
a probe, mechanically connected to said tank feed through structure, arranged to extend vertically into said tank and configured to guide said electromagnetic transmission signals towards said surface and to guide said reflected electromagnetic signals back to said transceiver
Implementation Method 2
said joint comprises a link member, which link member is pivotally connected to a first revolute joint member provided at an end of a first probe section and to a second revolute joint member provided at an end of a second probe section adjacent to the first probe section
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a guided wave radar level gauge for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank, said guided wave radar level gauge i.a. comprising a probe comprising a plurality of elongate probe sections each being pivotably connected to an adjacent probe section by means of a joint, said joint allowing probe sections to pivot between an operating state where said probe sections are substantially aligned along a straight line, and a transporting state. The present invention also relates to a probe, and to a method for arranging a guided wave radar level gauge in a tank.