Two-mode Radar Level Gauge Using Pipe Diameter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar level gauging systems face challenges in achieving high accuracy for liquid level measurement in containers without prior knowledge of the gas composition and pressure above the surface, particularly due to the unknown dielectric constant affecting microwave signal velocity, leading to complex and costly solutions that require multiple propagation modes.
Innovation Solution
A radar level gauge system utilizing a waveguide with a transition element that allows microwave signals to leak into a second mode of propagation, enabling accurate measurement of the pipe diameter and environment properties, thereby simplifying the system and reducing costs while maintaining high accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the dielectric constant of the gas is used to calculate microwave velocity for high accuracy level measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the system becomes complex and costly due to requiring multiple propagation modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct dielectric constant measurement to pipe diameter measurement. By measuring the pipe diameter (a physical dimension that is stable and easy to measure) and using it to calculate the propagation constant, the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring complex dielectric constant measurements or multiple propagation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the pipe diameter as a separate measurable parameter and uses it independently to determine the propagation constant. This separates the measurement of the waveguide property (diameter) from the measurement of the gas property (dielectric constant), simplifying the overall system while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the dielectric constant of the gas is not known, then the velocity of microwave signals cannot be accurately determined, but measuring the dielectric constant requires complex equipment and prior knowledge of gas composition and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the pipe diameter as an intermediary parameter that mediates between the microwave signal characteristics and the propagation constant. Instead of directly measuring the dielectric constant (which requires knowledge of gas composition and pressure), the system measures the pipe diameter and uses it to calculate the propagation constant, simplifying the operation while maintaining velocity determination accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex gas analysis system (requiring dielectric constant measurement equipment and gas composition knowledge) with a simpler mechanical measurement system (pipe diameter measurement). This substitution maintains the ability to accurately determine microwave velocity while greatly simplifying the operational requirements.
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 a cost-effective and reliable method for high accuracy liquid level gauging, independent of dielectric constant variations, by using two modes of propagation to calculate an accurate average pipe diameter and account for environmental conditions, ensuring custody transfer accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide extending towards the surface of the filling material; a transmitter for transmitting a microwave signal of a first mode of propagation in the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
a transition element connecting the waveguide and the transmitter, wherein the transition element is configured to allow a part of the transmitted microwave signal to leak into a second mode of propagation
Implementation Method 3
a receiver for receiving the microwave signal reflected against the surface of the filling material and propagating back through the waveguide; processing circuitry for determining the filling level of the container based on the reflected microwave signal
Data Source
AI summary
A radar level gauge system for gauging the level of a filling material in a container is disclosed. The system comprises a waveguide extending towards the surface of said filling material; a transmitter for transmitting a microwave signal of a first mode of propagation in the waveguide; and a receiver for receiving the microwave signal reflected against the surface of the filling material and propagating back through the waveguide. Further, it comprises a processing circuitry for determining the filling level of the container based on the reflected microwave signal; and a transition element connecting the waveguide and the transmitter, wherein the transition element is configured to allow a part of the transmitted microwave signal to leak into a second mode of propagation. The first and second modes of propagation are within a frequency band which admits propagation of said microwave signal in the two different modes of propagation in the waveguide, wherein the receiver is arranged to receive the microwave signal in the at least two different modes of propagation.