Optical Pressure Transmitter Immunity to Electromagnetic Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure transmitters face challenges in achieving high detection precision and accuracy in difficult environments due to electromagnetic disturbances, temperature variations, and potentially explosive conditions, which affect measurement accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A pressure transmitter design featuring two pressure-sensitive membranes interfacing with the process fluid, a pressure sensor with a third membrane, an analysis and conditioning unit coupled with a light source, and optical fibers to transmit and analyze light signals for precise pressure measurement, providing immunity to electromagnetic interference and temperature variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic disturbances and temperature variations are present in the environment, then the reliability of conventional pressure transmitters deteriorates, but the invention uses optical measurement to maintain high measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electrical/electronic pressure sensing mechanisms with an optical measurement system. Light sources emit light that interacts with the process fluid, and optical detectors measure the light properties to determine pressure. This substitution eliminates susceptibility to electromagnetic disturbances while maintaining measurement precision through optical physics principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optically inert measurement environment where light propagation is used instead of electrical signals. The optical system operates independently of electromagnetic fields, effectively creating an 'inert' measurement environment that is immune to electromagnetic interference and temperature variations affecting conventional electrical sensors.
2Reliability
If conventional electrical sensors are used in explosive environments, then the reliability deteriorates due to potential ignition, but the optical system provides intrinsic safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical sensing components that could generate sparks or heat with optical components. Light sources and optical detectors do not produce electrical sparks or significant heat, providing intrinsic safety in explosive atmospheres. The measurement is achieved through light interaction with the process fluid rather than electrical field interaction.
3Measurement precision
If high temperature and corrosive conditions are present, then conventional sensor materials deteriorate, but the optical system maintains measurement capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces temperature-sensitive electrical sensors with optical measurement components that are inherently more resistant to thermal effects. The optical system measures pressure through light properties that are less affected by temperature variations, and the optical components can be selected from materials with high thermal stability and corrosion resistance.
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
The solution achieves high accuracy and resolution, intrinsic safety in explosive environments, and immunity to radiofrequency and electromagnetic disturbances, while allowing measurement of pressure in challenging conditions, including high temperatures and corrosive fluids.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fibre having a first end operationally connected to said power source and a second end positioned at a pre-set distance from said first face; a second optical fibre having a third end operationally connected to said power source and a fourth end positioned at a pre-set distance from said second face; said first and second optical fibres transmitting the light signals emitted by said source to said third membrane and the signals reflected by the third membrane to said analysis and conditioning unit
Implementation Method 2
said first and second optical fibres transmitting the light signals emitted by said source to said third membrane and the signals reflected by the third membrane to said analysis and conditioning unit, said analysis and conditioning unit generating, on the basis of the reflected signals received, signals directly or indirectly indicating said physical variable
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure transmitter for detection of a physical variable relative to a process fluid, comprising: a first and a second pressure-sensitive membrane suitable for interfacing with said process fluid; a pressure sensor having a supporting body provided with a cavity inside which a third pressure-sensitive membrane is positioned; an analysis and conditioning unit operationally coupled to at least one light source; a first and a second optical fiber having a first end operationally coupled to said power source; said first and second optical fibers transmitting the light signals emitted by said source to said third membrane and the signals reflected by the third membrane to said analysis and conditioning unit which generates signals indicating said physical variable.