Radar Gauging Probe Segmentation for Tank Bottom Composition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for reliable and accurate estimation of a material composition in a predefined portion of a tank, particularly near the bottom, to enhance separation efficiency and control in industrial applications such as phase separators.
Innovation Solution
A tank arrangement incorporating a first radar gauging system with a transmission line probe having a probe end and an impedance discontinuity, where the probe portion is exclusively located in a predefined tank portion near the bottom, allowing for estimation of signal propagation properties based on timing relations between transmitted and reflected electromagnetic signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a radar gauging system uses a transmission line probe extending through multiple tank portions to measure signal propagation properties, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the measurement precision for a specific predefined tank portion deteriorates due to signal averaging effects
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission line probe is segmented into distinct portions, with each portion exclusively located in a specific tank portion (first tank portion or second tank portion). This segmentation allows independent measurement of signal propagation properties in each predefined volume, eliminating signal averaging effects and enabling precise material composition estimation for each tank portion separately.
2Measurement precision
If the transmission line probe is positioned exclusively in the first tank portion near the bottom, then the measurement precision for material composition in that portion is improved, but the measurement coverage of other tank portions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tank arrangement employs multiple radar gauging systems, each with transmission line probes configured for specific tank portions. This multi-functional setup enables simultaneous measurement of material composition in different tank portions (first and second tank portions), providing comprehensive coverage while maintaining high precision for each specific region through dedicated probe portions.
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 solution enables reliable and accurate estimation of material composition, improving separation control and preventing the output of unwanted emulsions, thereby optimizing industrial processes such as phase separation.
Implementation Method 1
the first transmission line probe being configured to guide an electromagnetic transmit signal from the first transceiver from the first probe end to the impedance discontinuity, and to return to the first transceiver an electromagnetic reflection signal resulting from reflection of the transmit signal at the impedance discontinuity
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic reflection signal resulting from reflection of the transmit signal at the impedance discontinuity
Data Source
AI summary
A tank arrangement, comprising a tank having a first tank portion and a second tank portion above the first tank portion; an inlet for receiving a substance composition; at least a first radar gauging system arranged at the tank, the first radar gauging system comprising: a first transceiver; a first transmission line probe having an impedance discontinuity spaced apart along the first transmission line probe from the first probe end by a known first distance, the first transmission line probe being arranged with a portion of the first transmission line probe extending from the first probe end to the impedance discontinuity exclusively located in the first tank portion; and first processing circuitry coupled to the first transceiver and configured to estimate a signal propagation property of the substance composition within a first volume surrounding the portion of the first transmission line probe.