Radar Level Gauge Leakage Detection via Phase Rate Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting oil leakage from large storage tanks are not fast or reliable enough, leading to potential environmental damage and product loss.
Innovation Solution
A radar level gauge system using a transceiver, propagation device, and processing circuitry that generates a time-varying electromagnetic signal, determines the phase of intermediate frequency signals, and calculates the rate of change to detect leakage by comparing it with a predefined threshold, providing early and accurate detection of small changes in the tank's filling level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an oil-sensing cable is installed below or around the storage tank to detect leakage, then leakage detection can be performed, but the detection speed is slow and reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical oil-sensing cable system with an electromagnetic radar level gauge system. The radar system uses electromagnetic waves to measure the product level in the tank, and by monitoring rapid changes in level, it can detect leakage much faster and more reliably than the mechanical cable system. The processing circuitry analyzes the radar signal data to identify leakage conditions based on predefined criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct oil contact (mechanical sensing) to electromagnetic wave reflection and level measurement. By monitoring the rate of change of product level rather than waiting for oil to reach a sensing cable, the system achieves faster detection. The processing circuitry calculates the derivative of level changes to identify rapid depletion indicative of leakage.
2Speed
If radar level gauge system monitors product level to detect leakage, then detection speed improves, but the system becomes sensitive to temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the processing circuitry continuously monitors radar signal data and compares level changes against predefined thresholds and patterns. The system uses feedback from multiple measurements to distinguish between normal level variations (including those caused by temperature) and actual leakage conditions, adjusting detection criteria based on observed patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial monitoring by focusing specifically on the rate of change of level rather than absolute level values. By monitoring only the derivative of level changes and comparing against threshold values, the system can detect leakage without being overly sensitive to temperature-induced absolute level variations. This selective monitoring approach reduces false alarms while maintaining fast detection capability.
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 fast, accurate, and reliable detection of leakage, reducing the impact of temperature fluctuations and allowing for early intervention before significant product loss, with the system being relatively insensitive to temperature variations and capable of high-frequency monitoring for quick confidence in detection.
Implementation Method 1
generating, by the transceiver, an electromagnetic transmit signal exhibiting a time-varying frequency; propagating, by the propagation device, the transmit signal towards a surface of the product in the tank; returning, by the propagation device, an electromagnetic reflection signal resulting from reflection of the transmit signal at the surface back towards the transceiver
Implementation Method 2
forming, by the transceiver, an intermediate frequency signal for the present monitoring operation based on the transmit signal and the reflection signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting leakage, comprising the steps of: performing a sequence of monitoring operations; and providing, when it is determined that leakage is present, a signal indicative of detected leakage. Each monitoring operation includes the steps of: generating a transmit signal exhibiting a time-varying frequency; receiving a reflection signal resulting from reflection of the transmit signal at the surface; forming an intermediate frequency signal for the present monitoring operation based on the transmit signal and the reflection signal; determining a phase of the intermediate frequency signal for the present monitoring operation; determining, based on the phase for the present monitoring operation and the phase associated with at least one previous monitoring operation, a measure indicative of a present rate of change of the phase; comparing the measure with a predefined threshold value; and determining a presence of leakage based on the comparison.