Photoelectric Sensor for CO2 Snow Fill Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for determining the fill level of carbon dioxide snow in containers are unreliable due to turbulent flows and attractive interactions between snow particles, which can cause clumping and falsify measurement results, especially when using temperature probes.
Innovation Solution
A photoelectric sensor unit with a light-emitting transmitter and a light-sensitive receiver is used, arranged vertically within the container, which emits light that is reflected by dry ice particles, allowing for precise determination of the fill level without the need for additional heating, and can be configured with multiple units for enhanced precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a temperature probe is used to detect the fill level of carbon dioxide snow, then the measurement is simple and cost-effective, but the measurement result is unreliable due to snow clumping on the probe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the temperature probe (thermal field measurement) with a photoelectric sensor unit (optical field measurement). The transmitter emits light through the container wall and the receiver detects the light intensity. When carbon dioxide snow accumulates to a certain level, it blocks the light path, causing a significant change in received light intensity that indicates the fill level. This substitution eliminates the problem of snow clumping on the probe while maintaining measurement simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to detect the fill level. Instead of direct contact between the sensor and snow particles, the measurement is performed indirectly through light transmission and reflection. The photoelectric sensor unit uses light intensity changes caused by snow accumulation to determine fill level, avoiding direct interaction between the sensor and snow that causes clumping.
2Reliability
If heating is applied to the measurement point to prevent snow accumulation, then snow sticking is reduced, but gas-filled caverns form and falsify the measurement result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal field measurement with optical field measurement, eliminating the need for heating the measurement point. The photoelectric sensor unit detects fill level through light intensity changes without thermal interaction with the carbon dioxide snow, thus preventing the formation of gas-filled caverns that would occur with heating while still avoiding snow accumulation issues.
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 photoelectric sensor unit provides a reliable and precise measurement of the carbon dioxide snow fill level, preventing snow accumulation and ensuring accurate detection, even at low temperatures, and can be integrated with a control unit to automate the supply and removal of carbon dioxide snow.
Implementation Method 1
emits light that is reflected by dry ice particles, allowing for precise determination of the fill level
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for generating and storing carbon dioxid snow, comprising a container into which an expansion nozzle connected to a supply line for liquid carbon dioxide and a gas extraction line open, a removal device for removing carbon dioxide snow out of the container, and a measuring device for detecting the fill level of the carbon dioxide snow in the container. According to the invention, the measuring device comprises a photoelectric sensor unit which is arranged at a vertical distance to the base of the container and which comprises a light-emitting transmitter and a light-sensitive receiver.