Radar Sensor Array for Mobile Tank Liquid Level Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radar sensor systems are unreliable and impractical for accurately measuring liquid levels in mobile, low-profile storage tanks due to non-uniform wall thickness and issues with sediment, solids, and liquid buildup, which affect radar signal accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a radar sensor system with multiple independently operable radar sensors mounted on the exterior of the storage tank, processing multiple radar return measurements to mitigate errors caused by wall thickness variations and internal buildup, and using algorithms to combine outputs and reduce measurement errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single radar sensor is used to measure liquid level in mobile storage tanks, then the system is simple and low cost, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to non-uniform wall thickness and internal buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement task into multiple independent radar sensors positioned at different locations on the tank. Each sensor provides a localized measurement, and the combination of multiple measurements compensates for the non-uniform wall thickness and internal buildup at any single location, thereby improving overall measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the outputs of multiple radar sensors through signal processing algorithms. By merging the measurements from multiple sensors, the system achieves more accurate liquid level detection that is not dependent on the conditions at any single sensor location, resolving the accuracy issue caused by tank wall variations.
2Reliability
If multiple radar sensors are deployed to compensate for wall thickness variations, then measurement reliability improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is segmented across multiple radar sensors positioned at different tank locations. This segmentation ensures that if one sensor is affected by localized issues such as wall thickness variation or internal buildup, other sensors can provide reliable measurements, thereby improving overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback through signal processing algorithms that analyze and combine measurements from multiple sensors. This feedback mechanism allows the system to identify and compensate for measurement errors caused by wall thickness variations and internal buildup, enhancing detection reliability.
3Strength
If radar sensors are mounted on the exterior of the tank, then the tank structure is not compromised, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to wall interference
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning multiple radar sensors at different locations on the tank exterior, the system segments the measurement function so that not all measurements are affected by the same wall interference. This allows the tank structure to remain intact while still achieving accurate measurements through the combined data from multiple sensor positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges measurements from multiple exterior-mounted radar sensors to compensate for the interference caused by the tank wall. The combination of multiple measurements through signal processing algorithms cancels out the localized wall interference effects, maintaining both structural integrity and measurement precision.
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 provides a more accurate and reliable liquid level measurement by reducing the impact of localized errors, resulting in a robust and reliable liquid level detection system for mobile, low-profile storage tanks.
Implementation Method 1
radar sensor systems exist which beneficially monitor liquid levels in industrial applications
Implementation Method 2
transmitting and receiving radar signals through a top wall of the storage tank
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring system for a mobile liquid storage tank includes a plurality of independently operable sensor elements each configured to measure a liquid level inside the mobile liquid storage tank and a processor which iteratively receives a liquid level measurement from the sensor elements, determines a single liquid level output measurement that is robust to measurement variation by one or more of the plurality of independently operable sensor elements, and determines at least one liquid level usage analytic. A display is also provided which visually presents the at least one liquid level usage analytic.