Gas Level Measurement in Double Membrane Gasometers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for measuring the filling level in double membrane gasometers are inaccurate due to asymmetrical membrane geometry and external environmental factors affecting internal pressure measurements, leading to unreliable gas quantity detection.
Innovation Solution
A system with a receptacle containing incompressible measuring liquid, connected to a pressure sensor via an elastic element and flexible tube, maintains the inner membrane's symmetrical shape and detects height variations, using a pressure sensor installed below the inner dome's summit to accurately measure gas levels, while avoiding evaporation and temperature distortions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the inner membrane geometry is allowed to vary freely with gas quantity, then the membrane can adapt to different filling levels, but the asymmetrical geometry results in incorrect measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-shaping the inner membrane into a spherical geometry and using positioning elements (such as rollers or guides) to maintain this shape during operation. The membrane is constrained to move vertically while preserving its spherical form, ensuring that the geometric relationship between membrane displacement and gas volume remains predictable and measurable throughout the filling range.
2Ease of operation
If pressure sensors are exposed to atmospheric pressure variations and temperature changes, then the system can operate in open environments, but external environmental factors distort the internal pressure measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary mechanism (such as a sealed bellows or flexible diaphragm connected to the gas chamber) that transmits internal pressure changes to the sensor while isolating the sensor from direct exposure to atmospheric pressure and temperature variations. This intermediary element allows the sensor to remain in a protected environment while still accurately detecting internal pressure changes.
3Reliability
If multiple measuring units are installed to detect height at several points, then measurement reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal measuring mechanism that can determine gas volume from a single height measurement point. By maintaining the inner membrane in a fixed spherical geometry and using the known relationship between sphere volume and height, the system achieves reliable measurements with minimal sensors, eliminating the need for multiple measuring units while preserving accuracy.
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 solution provides accurate and reliable gas level measurements by maintaining the inner membrane's symmetry and compensating for environmental effects, ensuring precise detection of gas quantity within the gasometer.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means, which comprise at least one elastic element, having an elastic force which is almost constant as its own deformation varies
Implementation Method 2
hydrostatic pressure resting on the pressure sensor increases as the height reached by the receptacle containing the measuring liquid increases
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A system for measuring the gas level in a membrane gasometer (1), comprising a fixed outer dome or membrane (2) and a movable inner dome or membrane (3), overlapping each other, between which there is air kept at a constant pressure, provides means (4) for keeping the inner membrane (3) for containing the gas with a symmetrical geometry as the quantity of gas therein varies, and also means (5) for detecting the variation in height of the summit of said inner membrane (3) containing the gas.