Optical Liquid Level Gauge for Cryogenic Tanks Without In-Tank Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current level gauging methods for liquid tanks, particularly in cryogenic liquids, require direct contact with the liquid, leading to inefficiencies such as fuel vaporization, leakage, and complex maintenance due to the need for electrical energy and multiple ports.
Innovation Solution
An optical level gauge apparatus using a light source, sensor device, and light conducting device that conducts light rays within the tank volume to determine liquid level without direct contact, allowing for non-contact measurement and external electronics, reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct contact sensing elements are used for level measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but fuel vaporization and leakage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light) that transmits measurement information from the liquid interface to external sensors without requiring physical contact between sensing elements and the liquid. This mediator enables level detection while preventing direct harmful interactions between sensing components and cryogenic fuel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/electrical sensing elements with an optical system. Instead of using physical sensors that contact the liquid, the system uses light transmission and reflection principles to detect liquid level, substituting a mechanical contact-based system with a non-contact optical system that eliminates fuel vaporization and leakage issues.
2Measurement precision
If electrical energy is used inside the tank for sensing, then level detection is enabled, but safety risks and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical sensing systems with an optical system. The light source and optical components are positioned outside the tank, eliminating the need for electrical energy inside the tank. This substitution removes safety hazards associated with electrical equipment in cryogenic environments and simplifies maintenance by allowing external access to all active components.
3Measurement precision
If multiple discrete sensing ports are installed for high resolution measurement, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical system that provides high-resolution level measurement across the entire tank cross-section through a single access point. The optical components can detect multiple measurement points simultaneously using light reflection and refraction principles, eliminating the need for multiple discrete ports and associated cabling infrastructure.
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 liquid level measurement in cryogenic tanks without electrical energy inside, minimizing leakage risks and simplifying maintenance by using external electronics and optical methods.
Implementation Method 1
a light conducting device configured to be optically coupled to the light source, the sensor device, and the tank volume, wherein, when optically coupled to the light source, the sensor device, and the tank volume, the light conducting device is capable of conducting outgoing light rays from the light source to the tank volume and incoming light rays, that were reflected or scattered at least once within the tank volume, from the tank volume to the sensor device
Implementation Method 2
the input member is capable of receiving the incoming light rays after them being reflected or scattered by the tank wall circumferential portion and then subsequently being refracted by a liquid surface in the tank volume
Data Source
AI summary
To improve liquid level gauging inside liquid tanks, especially cryogenic liquid tanks, an apparatus and method for determining the liquid level are provided. A light source emits outgoing light rays that are back reflected or scattered by the tank wall of the liquid tank. The back reflected or scattered incoming light rays are received by a light conducting device, which conducts the incoming light rays towards a sensor device. The sensor device has optical sensors coupled to the light conducting device such that there is a one-two-one relationship between each optical sensor and a specific tank wall portion. Due to the change in the amount of light that is received by the optical sensor after the outgoing light rays were refracted by the liquid surface, the liquid level determining device is capable of determining the liquid level.