Magnetostrictive Probe Fuel Density Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel storage tank systems lack the capability to accurately measure fuel density, which is essential for detecting adulteration and ensuring inventory accuracy, particularly in environments prone to fraud like India and Russia, and for quality control in fuel distribution.
Innovation Solution
A magnetostrictive probe system that measures fuel density by using a probe shaft with a reference magnet, water level float, and fuel level float, generating torsional waves and detecting reflections to calculate fuel density, which can be integrated with existing tank monitors for real-time data reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional level measurement probes are used, then fuel level measurement is achieved, but fuel density measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines level measurement functionality with density measurement functionality into a single integrated probe system. The probe shaft incorporates both level-sensing components and density-sensing components, allowing simultaneous measurement of fuel level and fuel density without requiring separate devices, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving density measurement and maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe system is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring fuel level, measuring fuel density, and potentially detecting water presence. This multi-functional design allows a single device to address both level measurement needs and density measurement needs, eliminating the trade-off between having simple level measurement and adding density measurement capability.
2Reliability
If density measurement is added to existing probes, then fraud detection capability is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (such as a liquid metal or dense material) within the probe shaft that responds to density changes. This intermediary material interacts with the fuel based on density differences, providing a measurable signal that indicates fuel density and potential adulteration. This approach enables reliable fraud detection while keeping the measurement mechanism relatively simple through the use of this intermediary substance.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurement functions are integrated, then inventory accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe shaft is segmented into distinct functional zones: an upper section for level measurement, a lower section for density measurement, and potentially intermediate sections for other measurements. Each segment contains specific sensing components optimized for its particular measurement function, allowing accurate inventory measurement through multiple parameters while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular segmentation.
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 precise fuel density measurement, helping to detect adulteration and ensure inventory accuracy, and can be used in various fluid storage containers beyond fuel tanks, enhancing leak detection and quality control.
Implementation Method 1
The probe shaft includes a magnetostrictive wire positioned within the probe shaft. The magnetostrictive wire may be used to generate and detect torsional waves in the magnetostrictive wire.
Implementation Method 2
The probe includes a reference magnet positioned proximate to a terminal end of the probe shaft. A water level float, typically an annular float, is positioned on the probe shaft and floats at the level of the water-fuel interface. A water level magnet is associated with the water level float
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid level probe for use in a tank containing a first fluid, including a probe shaft, a first float with a first magnet that is slidably disposed for movement along the probe shaft and adapted to float at the top surface of the first fluid, a second float with a first magnet that is slidably disposed for movement along the probe shaft beneath the first float and adapted to float within the first fluid, and electronics adapted to determine a first distance between the first magnet of the first float and the first magnet of the second float which is used to determine a first density of the first fluid.