Radar Level Gauge Verification Arrangement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for verifying the measurement accuracy of radar level gauge systems are time-consuming and cumbersome, often requiring manual interventions like hand dipping, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a verification arrangement with known electromagnetic signal propagation properties is used to determine the accuracy of radar level gauge systems by measuring time-of-flight before and after disconnecting and reconnecting the measurement unit, ensuring proper operation and reducing manual verification needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual verification methods (hand dipping) are used to verify measurement accuracy, then measurement precision can be confirmed, but the verification process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
A verification arrangement with known electromagnetic signal propagation properties is introduced as an intermediary device between the measurement unit and the tank. This verification arrangement includes a verification waveguide with known delay characteristics, allowing the measurement unit to be tested without manual intervention. The verification arrangement acts as a mediator that provides known reference values for automated verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical verification method (hand dipping) is replaced with an electromagnetic-based automated verification system. The measurement unit communicates with the verification arrangement through electromagnetic signals, eliminating the need for manual physical measurement and reducing verification time while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If manual verification with tank trucks and multiple operators is performed, then measurement accuracy can be verified, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The verification arrangement serves as a self-contained intermediary system that includes all necessary verification components (verification waveguide, known delay characteristics). This consolidates the verification functionality into a single integrated device, eliminating the need for multiple operators and tank trucks, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining verification capability.
3Reliability
If the measurement unit is disconnected from the propagation device for verification, then the measurement unit can be independently tested, but the verification process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The verification arrangement is designed with universal functionality that can verify the measurement unit independently when disconnected from the propagation device. The verification waveguide with known delay characteristics provides a standardized interface that works regardless of the measurement unit's connection state, allowing flexible verification scenarios (both connected and disconnected modes) without increasing operational complexity.
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 approach simplifies and accelerates the verification process, increasing trust in measurement accuracy without the need for extensive manual interventions, allowing for more efficient and reliable verification of radar level gauge systems.
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 system. Based on the transmitted and reflected signals, the distance to the surface of the product can be determined.
Implementation Method 2
determining a first measurement value indicative of a time-of-flight of the first electromagnetic reflection signal from the measurement unit to the reference reflector and back to the measurement unit
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of verifying a measurement accuracy of a level gauge system. The method comprises determining a first measurement value indicative of a time-of-flight of a first electromagnetic reflection signal to a reference reflector and back; determining a measurement unit verification measurement value based on a response signal from a verification arrangement; determining a second measurement value indicative of a time-of-flight of a second electromagnetic reflection signal to the reference reflector and back; and determining a verification result based on the first measurement value, the second measurement value and the measurement unit verification measurement value. Through embodiments of the present invention, it will be verified that the measurement unit is functioning correctly and that level gauge system works as it should also after being reconnected to the propagation device.