Pressure Transducer Segmented Hydraulic Path for Vacuum Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure transfer means with hydraulic paths filled with oil, such as silicone oil, face issues in high-temperature, low-pressure applications like vacuum environments, where the pressure transfer liquid can outgas, decompose, or cause measurement errors due to volatile decomposition products.
Innovation Solution
A pressure transducer design utilizing two hydraulic paths filled with pressure transfer liquids of different densities, where a high-density gallium-based alloy is used in the isolation path and a lower-density silicone oil in the measurement path, preventing outgassing and maintaining measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silicone oil is used as pressure transfer liquid in high-temperature vacuum applications, then the pressure transfer function is maintained, but the liquid outgasses, evaporates, or decomposes causing measurement errors and potential diaphragm failure
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic path is divided into two separate segments, each filled with a different pressure transfer liquid. The first hydraulic path (isolation path) contains high-density gallium-based alloy that remains stable at high temperatures and low pressures, while the second hydraulic path (measurement path) contains lower-density silicone oil that provides accurate pressure transfer to the measuring cell. This segmentation allows each liquid to perform its specialized function without the harmful effects of outgassing or decomposition affecting the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-density gallium-based alloy in the first hydraulic path acts as an intermediary substance between the process medium and the silicone oil in the second hydraulic path. This intermediary layer prevents the silicone oil from being exposed to high-temperature vacuum conditions that would cause outgassing and decomposition, while still allowing pressure to be transmitted through both liquids to the measuring cell.
2Device complexity
If a single pressure transfer liquid is used in the hydraulic path, then the device structure is simple, but the liquid can burst the metal diaphragm due to high pressure from decomposition products
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic path is segmented into two separate paths with different pressure transfer liquids. The first path uses high-density gallium-based alloy that maintains stability under vacuum conditions, preventing decomposition and the formation of high-pressure volatile products that could burst the diaphragm. The second path uses silicone oil for accurate pressure transfer, protected from the harsh vacuum environment by the first liquid barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the density parameter of the pressure transfer liquid in the isolation path by using high-density gallium-based alloy (density > 10 g/cm³) compared to the lower-density silicone oil. This parameter change allows the first liquid to provide a protective barrier that prevents the second liquid from being exposed to conditions that would cause decomposition and excessive pressure buildup.
3Reliability
If high-density pressure transfer liquid is used in the isolation path, then outgassing and decomposition are prevented, but the device requires two different pressure transfer liquids with different densities
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into two distinct paths: the first hydraulic path (isolation path) filled with high-density gallium-based alloy for stability under vacuum conditions, and the second hydraulic path (measurement path) filled with lower-density silicone oil for accurate pressure transfer. This segmentation enables each liquid to be optimized for its specific function while working together in a coordinated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dimensional aspect to the hydraulic path configuration by creating a two-layer density stratification system. The high-density gallium-based alloy forms the lower isolation layer, while the lower-density silicone oil forms the upper measurement layer. This dimensional arrangement (first hydraulic path isolating, second hydraulic path measuring) allows the system to simultaneously achieve both stability and measurement accuracy.
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
This configuration effectively prevents outgassing and decomposition of the pressure transfer liquid, maintaining measurement accuracy and durability in high-temperature, low-pressure environments by counteracting process pressure with hydrostatic pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrostatic pressure of the first pressure transfer liquid acts on the transfer diaphragm and, thus, also on the second pressure transfer liquid located in the first hydraulic path, so that the hydrostatic pressure of the first pressure transfer liquid acts counter to a process pressure
Implementation Method 2
the pressure measuring cell is contactable with a pressure via a first hydraulic path filled with a second pressure transfer liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure transducer having a sensor module comprises a sensor body including a measuring cell chamber, in which a pressure measuring cell is contactable with a pressure via a first hydraulic path filled with a second pressure transfer liquid, and a transfer module for transferring a pressure to the first hydraulic path. The transfer module has, filled with a first pressure transfer liquid, a second hydraulic path, which extends from a process diaphragm through a transfer body to a transfer diaphragm. The transfer diaphragm is secured pressure-tightly on the transfer body. The sensor body is connected pressure-tightly with the transfer body in such a manner that the first hydraulic path is in communication with the transfer diaphragm such that the pressure of the second hydraulic path is transferable through the transfer diaphragm to the first hydraulic path.