Guided Wave Radar Level Gauge for Long Narrow Nozzles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gauging systems for underground storage tanks face interference and reliability issues due to long, narrow nozzles and temperature gradients, which cause condensation and ice formation, affecting the accuracy of level measurements and increasing the risk of overfill conditions.
Innovation Solution
A gauging system with a guided wave radar level gauge and a microwave transmission line connected to a probe mounted on a rigid extension member within the tank, sealed to prevent exposure to temperature gradients and condensation, combined with a redundant level switch for enhanced safety and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a guided wave radar level gauge is installed through a long narrow nozzle, then level measurement capability is provided, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to interference from the nozzle and temperature gradients causing condensation
Solution Approach 1:
A coaxial extension tube is introduced as an intermediary structure to guide and protect the electromagnetic probe. The probe is mounted inside this coaxial extension that extends through the nozzle, isolating the electromagnetic field from direct interaction with the nozzle structure and temperature gradients, thereby maintaining measurement reliability while providing level measurement capability through the long narrow nozzle
2Measurement precision
If the probe is extended through the long narrow nozzle, then level measurement is enabled, but the probe is exposed to temperature gradients causing condensation and ice formation
Solution Approach 1:
The coaxial extension tube creates a protected environment for the probe, isolating it from the harsh temperature gradients and moisture in the nozzle. This inert-like protective structure prevents condensation and ice formation on the probe by maintaining a stable thermal environment, allowing the probe to function reliably in the long narrow nozzle without direct exposure to harmful temperature effects
3Loss of information
If conventional level switches are used in the long narrow nozzle, then some filling level information is obtained, but reliable filling level information is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical level switches with a guided wave radar system that uses electromagnetic waves to measure filling level. This substitution eliminates the mechanical components that are susceptible to interference from the long narrow nozzle and temperature gradients, providing reliable filling level information through non-contact electromagnetic measurement while maintaining the ability to detect critical levels
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
The system provides accurate and reliable level measurements by minimizing interference from the nozzle and temperature effects, and includes a redundant level switch to prevent overfill conditions, ensuring increased safety and robustness.
Implementation Method 1
a guided wave radar level gauge for measurement of a distance to a surface of a product in the tank. The guided wave radar level gauge includes a transceiver configured to transmit an electromagnetic transmit signal and to receive an electromagnetic echo signal
Implementation Method 2
a processing circuitry connected to the transceiver and configured to determine the distance based on a relationship between the electromagnetic transmit signal and the electromagnetic echo signal
Implementation Method 3
a probe mounted in the probe mounting position and extending into the tank, the probe configured to guide the electromagnetic transmit signal from the transceiver towards the product inside the tank, and to return the electromagnetic echo signal resulting from a reflection of the electromagnetic transmit signal by a surface of the product
Data Source
AI summary
A gauging installation for a tank with a long narrow nozzle providing access to an interior of the tank. The gauging system includes a GWR level gauge with a probe, and a first rigid extension member providing an interior probe mounting position at the end of the nozzle. The probe is configured to guide an electromagnetic transmit signal from a transceiver towards the product inside the tank, and to return the electromagnetic echo signal resulting from a reflection of the electromagnetic transmit signal by a surface of the product. A microwave transmission line connects the transceiver and the probe.With this design the beginning of the probe of the GWR level gauge will be located at the lower end of the nozzle, i.e. at the upper interior of the tank.