Radar Level Gauge Reference Reflector Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing radar level gauges, especially those with overfill prevention functionality, require changing the filling level and involve significant personnel intervention and risk, making them time-consuming and potentially dangerous.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a reference reflector arranged above the product surface to perform a two-point verification check without altering the filling level, allowing for accurate verification of the radar level gauge's ability to measure the surface and reducing operator involvement by determining verification levels based on multiple echo reflections and external filling level measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional two-point verification checks are performed by changing filling levels, then measurement accuracy can be verified, but the process becomes time-consuming and involves significant personnel intervention and risk
Solution Approach 1:
The reference reflector is installed at a predetermined position during system setup, preparing the testing infrastructure in advance. This allows the verification check to be performed without needing to physically change filling levels during the actual test, thereby reducing testing time while maintaining measurement accuracy verification.
Solution Approach 2:
A reference reflector is introduced as an intermediary element at a known position to serve as a reference point for measurement verification. Instead of directly measuring at different filling levels, the system uses the reference reflector's known position to verify measurement accuracy, eliminating the need for manual filling level changes and reducing both time and risk.
2Measurement precision
If traditional two-point verification checks are performed by changing filling levels, then measurement accuracy can be verified, but personnel intervention and risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification by using the reference reflector's known position to automatically check measurement accuracy. The radar level gauge compares its measurement of the reference reflector position against the predetermined value, enabling the system to verify its own accuracy without requiring manual intervention or risking overfill conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference reflector acts as an intermediary that enables automated verification. By placing the reflector at a known position, the system can automatically check measurement accuracy through electronic comparison rather than requiring personnel to manually monitor and adjust filling levels, thereby reducing operator involvement and associated risks.
3Measurement precision
If deliberately high filling levels are reached for verification, then measurement capability is tested, but overfill risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference reflector is positioned at a predetermined safe location during installation, establishing a reference point that does not require reaching dangerous filling levels. This preliminary setup allows the system to verify measurement capability at safe, controlled positions, eliminating the need to deliberately create overfill conditions while still validating the radar level gauge's performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference reflector serves as an intermediary that enables measurement verification without requiring the tank to reach dangerous filling levels. By using the reflector's known position as a reference, the system can test measurement capability electronically at safe positions, thereby avoiding the harmful effect of overfill while still validating the radar level gauge's 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
Enables a reliable and rapid two-point verification check with minimal operator intervention, ensuring the radar level gauge's accuracy and safety integrity without risking overfill conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitted electromagnetic signals are reflected at the surface of the product, and the reflected signals are received by a receiver or transceiver comprised in the radar level gauge
Implementation Method 2
the distance to the surface of the product is determined based on the time between transmission of an electromagnetic signal and receipt of the reflection thereof
Implementation Method 3
determining a verification level of the radar level gauge based on a reflection of one of the electromagnetic transmit signals at the reference reflector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a radar level gauge comprising a reference reflector arranged at a known reference reflector level in a tank. The radar level gauge is controllable between a filling level measuring state and a proof test state. In the proof test state, the radar level gauge is configured to determine a first verification level based on a reference reflector echo resulting from reflection of an electromagnetic transmit signal at the reference reflector; determine a second verification level based on a surface echo resulting from reflection of an electromagnetic transmit signal at the surface of the product; and provide the first verification level and the second verification level to allow determination of a proof test result based on at least the first verification level, the known reference reflector level and the second verification level.