Transmission Line Probe Coupling for Tank Bottom Radar Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in reliably estimating the signal propagation property of a substance composition within a predefined level range in a tank, particularly near the bottom, without requiring additional openings or feed-throughs in the tank.
Innovation Solution
A radar gauging system comprising a transceiver and a vertically extending transmission line probe with multiple probe portions, each providing a specific coupling between the electromagnetic signal and the substance composition, allowing for estimation of signal propagation properties based on timing relations and known probe lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a transmission line probe is used to estimate signal propagation property near the bottom of a tank, then measurement capability in predefined level range is improved, but signal loss increases making reflection detection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission line probe is divided into multiple probe portions (first probe portion, second probe portion, third probe portion) with different coupling characteristics to the substance composition. The first probe portion near the bottom provides strong coupling for measuring signal propagation properties in the predefined level range, while the second and third probe portions provide weaker coupling to maintain signal strength for reflection detection, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and signal loss.
2Measurement precision
If additional tank openings or feed-throughs are added for measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission line probe serves multiple functions: it acts as both a measurement device for estimating signal propagation properties and material composition in the predefined level range near the tank bottom, and as an integral part of the tank's existing structure. This eliminates the need for additional tank openings or feed-throughs, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If strong coupling between probe and substance composition is used, then signal propagation property measurement is improved, but signal reflection detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the transmission line probe have different coupling qualities to the substance composition. The first probe portion has strong coupling for accurate signal propagation property measurement in the predefined level range, while the second and third probe portions have weaker coupling to ensure sufficient signal reflection returns to the transceiver. This local differentiation of coupling strength resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and reflection detection reliability.
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 estimation of material composition in predefined level ranges within tanks without the need for additional tank openings, thereby simplifying and cost-effectively improving the estimation process.
Implementation Method 1
a transceiver for generating, transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals; a vertically extending transmission line probe coupled to the transceiver and configured to guide an electromagnetic transmit signal from the transceiver
Implementation Method 2
to return to the transceiver an electromagnetic reflection signal resulting from reflection of the transmit signal at one or more impedance discontinuities encountered thereby
Implementation Method 3
processing circuitry coupled to the transceiver and configured to estimate, based on a timing relation between the transmit signal and the reflection signal and on a known length of the first probe portion, a signal propagation property
Data Source
AI summary
A radar gauging system comprising a transceiver; a vertically extending transmission line probe coupled to the transceiver and configured to guide a transmit signal from the transceiver through the substance composition and to return a reflection signal resulting from reflection of the transmit signal, the transmission line probe having: a first probe portion configured to provide a first coupling between the transmit signal and the substance composition surrounding the first probe portion; and a second probe portion configured to provide a second coupling, weaker than the first coupling, between the transmit signal and the substance composition surrounding the second probe portion; and processing circuitry configured to estimate, based on a timing relation between the transmit signal and the reflection signal and on a known length of the first probe portion, a signal propagation property of the first level range of the substance composition surrounding the first probe portion.