Radar Fill Level Measurement Agitator Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar fill level measurement in chemical reaction tanks is unreliable due to interference from agitator blades and inflowing materials, leading to incorrect measurements and difficulties in distinguishing the fill level echo from other reflections.
Innovation Solution
A method using a radar fill level measuring device that sends transmission signals with multiple frequency ramps, performs spectral analysis to identify significant reflectors, and determines the fill level echo by analyzing the speed distribution of these reflectors, allowing for accurate classification and measurement even in challenging conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar measurement signals are used to measure fill level in chemical reaction tanks, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to interference from agitator blades and supply pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by performing multiple spectral analyses at different stages. First, spectral analysis is performed on reception signals to obtain initial distance information. Then, spectral analysis is performed again on the output signals of the first spectral analysis to determine speed values. This segmentation allows the system to separate the fill level echo from interference echoes through speed-based classification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a speed dimension to the traditional distance-based radar measurement. By performing spectral analysis on the output signals of the first spectral analysis, the system determines speed values of reflectors in addition to their distances. This dimensional extension enables classification of echoes based on speed characteristics, allowing reliable distinction between stationary/dynamic interference and the fill level surface.
2Ease of operation
If the radar measuring device is positioned according to standard assembly openings, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to proximity to agitator blades and supply pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful interference from agitator blades and supply pipes into useful information. By analyzing the speed values of reflectors, the system identifies that interference sources have characteristic speed patterns (rotation for agitator, flow for supply pipe) that differ from the fill level surface. This allows the previously harmful reflections to be distinguished and excluded from the fill level determination.
3Measurement precision
If spectral analysis is performed on reception signals to determine distances, then measurement precision is improved, but the ability to distinguish fill level echo from interference deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the results of the first spectral analysis (distance information) are used as input for a second spectral analysis. The second spectral analysis operates on the output signals of the first spectral analysis, using the distance-resolved signals to determine speed values. This feedback loop enables progressive refinement of echo classification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary spectral analysis on reception signals to obtain distance information before performing the second spectral analysis for speed determination. This preliminary action organizes the signal data by distance first, which then facilitates the speed-based classification in the second spectral analysis, making echo identification more reliable.
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 approach enables reliable fill level measurement by distinguishing the fill level echo from interference and agitator reflections, improving measurement accuracy and stability even during agitation and inflow processes.
Implementation Method 1
The measuring of fill levels using radar is today a standard prior art process
Implementation Method 2
the measurement signals emitted by the radar measuring device are reflected in the measuring vessel both by the surface of the medium and also by other reflectors
Implementation Method 3
performing a second spectral analysis of several output signals of the first spectral analysis at least at the point of one significant reflector in the reception signal, and determination of the fill level echo based on previously determined information
Data Source
AI summary
Method for fill level measurement with a radar fill level measuring device using the following steps: sending a transmission design with a plurality of frequency ramps, receiving a reception signal per frequency ramp of the transmission signal, saving the reception signals in a memory, performing a first spectral analysis of the reception signals or performing a second spectral analysis of the reception signals, carrying out a second spectral analysis of several output signals of the first spectral analysis at the location of at least one significant reflector in the reception signal or performing a first spectral analysis of several output signals of the second spectral analysis, determining the distances of significant reflectors from the results of the first spectral analysis, determining the fill level echo based on the previously determined information.