Remote Seal Bellows for Accurate Level Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the level of a process fluid in containers without a side access port are limited, as they rely on pressure sensors through a top opening, which restricts the diameter of the isolator and reduces measurement accuracy due to a smaller surface area.
Innovation Solution
A remote seal with a bellows portion is inserted into the container, using a capillary tube filled with a fill fluid to convey pressure to a pressure sensor, isolating the process fluid and increasing the surface area for pressure measurement, allowing for more accurate level determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pressure sensor is installed through a top opening of the container, then the device can be installed in containers without side access ports, but the diameter of the isolator is restricted and measurement accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows portion transforms the isolation mechanism from a two-dimensional diaphragm (single surface area) to a three-dimensional structure with extended surface area along the axial dimension. This dimensional transformation allows the isolator to achieve larger surface area through the same top opening, thereby improving measurement accuracy while maintaining installation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows structure is inserted through the top opening of the container, with the process fluid isolation occurring within the nested bellows structure. The capillary tube is then connected to the bellows, creating a nested arrangement where the measurement system fits through the limited opening while the bellows expands the functional surface area inside the container.
2Length of moving object
If a small diameter isolator is used to fit through a small opening, then the device can be installed through limited openings, but the surface area for pressure measurement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows converts a small cross-sectional diameter into a large effective surface area by extending in the axial direction. The corrugated structure of the bellows creates multiple surfaces that are stacked along the length of the bellows, transforming a one-dimensional size constraint into a multi-dimensional surface area solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows is constructed as a flexible corrugated structure that can be compressed into a compact form for insertion through small openings, then expanded to provide the required measurement surface area. The flexible thin-walled construction allows the bellows to deform during insertion while maintaining structural integrity for pressure measurement.
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 configuration enhances measurement accuracy and sensitivity, enabling precise level monitoring even through small openings, while compensating for temperature variations and improving characterization of the device.
Implementation Method 1
A capillary tube filled with a fill fluid extends from the remote seal to the opening and is configured to convey the pressure therebetween
Implementation Method 2
The remote seal includes a bellows portion arranged to isolate the process fluid from the fill fluid in the capillary tube and convey the pressure therebetween
Implementation Method 3
A pressure sensor coupled to the capillary tube senses the pressure from the capillary tube and responsively determines the level of the process fluid in the container
Implementation Method 4
The pressure of the process fluid at this location is measured using a pressure sensor... The sensed pressure is related to the level of fluid in the container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for measuring level (102) of a process fluid (106) in a container (104) opening. The apparatus (102) includes a remote seal (110) configured to be inserted into the container (104) through an opening and configured to receive a pressure related to the level of process fluid (106) in the container (104). A capillary tube (112) filled with a fill fluid (152) extends from the remote seal (110) to the opening and is configured to convey the pressure therebetween. A pressure sensor (200) coupled to the capillary tube (112) senses the pressure from the capillary tube (112) and responsively determines the level of the process fluid (106) in the container (104). The remote seal (110) includes a bellows portion (150) arranged to isolate the process fluid (106) from the fill fluid (152) in the capillary tube (112) and convey the pressure therebetween.