Method for Ascertaining the Fill Level of a Pipe, Analysis Unit, Flow Measuring System, and Computer Program Product
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow measuring systems face challenges in accurately determining fill levels in pipes while being compact, reliable, and cost-efficient, particularly due to limitations in measuring accuracy and sensitivity to fluid conductivity changes.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing contradirectional and equidirectional measuring currents applied to drivable electrodes within a pipe, allowing for the determination of fill levels independently of fluid conductivity, with enhanced accuracy and robustness against disruptive influences, and capable of identifying fouling or skewed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional electromagnetic flowmeters with multiple electrodes are used to measure fill level, then measuring accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fill level measurement into two distinct measurement modes: push-pull excitation mode for determining fluid conductivity and common-mode excitation mode for determining fill level. This segmentation allows each mode to be optimized independently, with the common-mode mode using simplified electrode arrangements since the push-pull mode has already characterized the fluid's electrical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by first performing push-pull excitation measurements to characterize the fluid's electrical conductivity and properties before performing the fill level measurement using common-mode excitation. This preliminary characterization eliminates the need for complex multi-electrode arrangements in the subsequent fill level measurement, as the fluid's electrical properties are already known from the preliminary push-pull measurements.
2Device complexity
If flow measuring systems are designed to be compact and cost-efficient, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement reliability and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the excitation parameters by using common-mode excitation with simplified electrode arrangements instead of complex multi-electrode push-pull arrangements for fill level measurement. The system dynamically switches between push-pull and common-mode excitation modes, adjusting the measurement parameters based on the measurement objective. This parameter change enables compact, cost-efficient hardware while maintaining high measurement reliability through the optimized two-mode measurement approach.
3Measurement precision
If measuring systems are sensitive to fluid conductivity changes, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability decreases due to disruptive influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the electrical characteristics during common-mode excitation and comparing them against reference values or patterns. The system can detect changes in the measurement signals that indicate fouling, skewed electrode positions, or abnormal fluid conductivity. This feedback mechanism allows the system to compensate for or alert operators to problematic conditions, maintaining reliable fill level measurements despite variations in fluid conductivity or environmental factors.
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 continuous and accurate fill level measurement with reduced components, providing increased measuring accuracy and diagnostic capabilities, including identification of multiphase flows and fouling, while being adaptable to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The measuring electrodes are drivable in that at least one electrical variable such as voltage or current intensity is specifiable there... the first and second measuring electrodes are excited by applying contradirectional measuring currents... the measuring electrodes extend in the lumen of the pipe and are wettable by the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An analysis unit, a flow measuring system that includes the analysis unit and a method for ascertaining the fill level of a pipe upon which actuatable first and second measuring electrodes are arranged and that is provided with at least one grounding electrode, where the pipe at least partly filled with a fluid, the first and second measuring electrode are excited using opposite measuring currents, at least one respective first measurement value is detected on the first and/or second measuring electrode, the first and second measuring electrode are excited using measuring currents in the same direction and a respective second measurement value is detected on the first and/or second measuring electrode, and the fill level of the pipe is ascertained using at least the first and second measurement value in accordance with the excitations.