Inductive Conductivity Measurement in Liquid Storage Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage containers for liquids in SCR systems face issues with leaks and mechanical malfunctions due to vibrations and repeated cable connections, leading to loose contacts and cable breaks when measuring electrical conductivity.
Innovation Solution
A storage container design with an integrated conductor loop system that eliminates the need for external connections, using inductive coupling between conductor loops to measure conductivity without cables, ensuring robustness and ease of service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrodes are passed through housing wall with O-ring seals, then conductivity measurement is enabled, but leaks occur at leadthroughs due to mechanical stress and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact system (electrodes passing through housing wall with O-ring seals) with an inductive coupling system. The first conductor loop is embedded in the housing wall and couples inductively to a second conductor loop, eliminating mechanical penetration and seals while maintaining electrical connection capability for conductivity measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a first conductor loop embedded in the housing wall as an intermediary element. This loop serves as a mediator between the housing structure and the measurement system, enabling inductive coupling to the second conductor loop without requiring direct electrical penetration through the housing wall.
2Measurement precision
If cable connections are used for measuring electronics, then conductivity measurement is achieved, but cable breaks and loose contacts occur due to vibrations and repeated loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an inductive coupling system. Instead of using cables and plugs that are susceptible to mechanical stress, the measurement electronics communicate with the container through electromagnetic induction between the first conductor loop (embedded in housing) and the second conductor loop (connected to measurement electronics).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the vulnerable cable connection components from the system. By removing cables, plugs, and mechanical connectors, the design eliminates the sources of mechanical failure while maintaining the essential function of electrical connection for measurement purposes through non-contact inductive coupling.
3Reliability
If O-rings are used to seal electrode leadthroughs, then liquid leakage is prevented initially, but material fatigue from vibrations leads to seal failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sealing system (O-rings at leadthroughs) with an inductive coupling system that requires no penetration of the housing wall. The first conductor loop is embedded in the housing wall without creating openings, eliminating the need for seals and their associated fatigue issues from vibrations and thermal cycling.
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 design prevents mechanical malfunctions and simplifies maintenance by eliminating cable connections, allowing for reliable conductivity measurements without the risk of leaks or loose contacts, enhancing the durability and serviceability of the container.
Implementation Method 1
If the contacts are wetted and connected by an electrically conductive liquid, a current flows between the contacts when an electrical voltage is applied. The current strength between the contacts depends on the conductivity of the liquid.
Implementation Method 2
The second conductor loop is coupled to measurement electronics to determine the conductivity of the liquid
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Storage vessel for a liquid having an arrangement for measuring the electric conductivity of the liquid which is situated in the vessel, wherein the arrangement has a first contact and a second contact which are wetted by the liquid and between which the conductivity is measured, wherein the storage vessel has a first conductor loop with a first open end which is coupled electrically to the first contact and with a second open end which is coupled electrically to the second contact.