Gas Storage Membrane Positioning for Accurate Volume Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining gas volume in storage tanks, particularly for lighter gases like natural gas or hydrogen, face challenges due to buoyant forces causing non-homogeneous gas distributions, making precise volume measurement difficult.
Innovation Solution
A method involving filling a gas storage tank with two gases of differing specific gravities, where a movable membrane separates the spaces, allowing the membrane to be maintained in a horizontal plane for precise volume calculation by determining its position relative to known reference points using optical, mechanical, or electrical methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single gas space is used for storage, then the storage capacity is maximized, but the volume measurement becomes inaccurate due to buoyant forces causing non-homogeneous gas distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The gas storage tank is divided into multiple gas spaces separated by movable membranes. Each gas space can be filled with different gases of specific gravities, creating stable horizontal interfaces that enable accurate volume measurement while maintaining total storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
Movable membranes are introduced as intermediary elements between gas spaces. These membranes separate gases of different specific gravities while allowing their positions to be measured, serving as mediators that enable volume determination without disrupting the gas storage function
2Measurement precision
If optical or mechanical techniques are used to determine membrane position, then volume can be inferred, but the method fails with non-homogeneous gas distributions where bubbles form
Solution Approach 1:
The specific gravity parameter of gases is changed and used strategically. By filling gas spaces with gases of different specific gravities in a controlled sequence, stable horizontal interfaces are created that remain measurable even under buoyant forces, transforming the harmful bubble formation into a useful measurement feature
3Adaptability or versatility
If the membrane is allowed to move freely under buoyant forces, then the gas spaces can adapt to pressure changes, but the membrane position becomes difficult to measure and volume calculation becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The density parameter of gases is changed to create stable configurations. By selecting gases with specific gravities that create stable horizontal interfaces, the membrane positions become predictable and measurable while still allowing pressure adaptation through membrane movement
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 accurate determination of gas volumes by ensuring the membrane remains flat and measurable, overcoming the limitations of buoyant forces and non-homogeneous gas distributions.
Implementation Method 1
Gases that are lighter than air, in particular, exert a buoyant force within the storage tank, causing a bubble to form.
Implementation Method 2
The position of the membrane separating the first and second gas spaces is determined... using optical, mechanical, or electrical methods
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for measuring the volume of a first gas space and/or a second gas space in a gas storage tank (10) with an outer shell (30). In this method, the first gas space (G1), which is delimited by at least one movable membrane (20), is filled with a first gas. The second gas space (G2), also delimited by the at least one movable membrane (20), is filled with a second gas. Once the gas spaces are filled, the position of the membrane (20) separating the first gas space (G1) and the second gas space (G2) is determined. Based on the determined position values, the volume of the first gas space (G1) and/or the second gas space (G2) is calculated. For the position determination, the movable membrane (20) forms a surface that defines a plane (E), wherein the plane (E) is or forms the boundary between the first gas space (G1) and the second gas space (G2).The position of the membrane within the gas storage (10) is also determined with respect to at least one measuring point (M1/M2), preferably using an optical, mechanical, acoustic and/or electrical measuring method.