Remote Sensor Arrangement via Magnetic Field Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial process automation, there is a need for highly precise sensors that can characterize media with minimal encroachment into the process, especially for measuring magnetic and electrical properties, while avoiding invasive methods and minimizing disturbing influences from container walls and environments.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement comprising a sensor apparatus with magnetic field-dependent components placed inside the containment and a detection apparatus outside, which registers magnetic field variables like flux density or permeability to determine process variables without requiring openings in the containment, using magnetic field apparatuses and magnetostrictive or ferromagnetic materials to achieve precise measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive measuring devices are used to minimize encroachment into the process, then the advantage of no encroachment into the process is achieved, but measurement accuracy is limited due to disturbing influences from container walls and environment
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic field is introduced as an intermediary that penetrates through the container wall to couple the sensor apparatus inside the containment with the detection apparatus outside. This magnetic field mediator enables accurate measurement of process variables without direct contact between the detection apparatus and the medium, thus maintaining minimal encroachment while achieving high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from direct physical contact to magnetic field interaction. By measuring magnetic field properties (flux density, susceptibility, permeability) that are influenced by the medium's characteristics, the system achieves accurate measurements through the container wall without physical encroachment, resolving the contradiction between non-invasive measurement and measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If invasive measuring devices are used to achieve high measurement accuracy, then precise measurement is possible, but encroachment into the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary that transmits measurement information from the medium to the detection apparatus without requiring the detection apparatus to physically encroach into the process. The sensor apparatus inside the containment interacts with the medium directly, while the magnetic field carries the measurement signal through the container wall to external detectors, achieving high accuracy with minimal encroachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is segmented into two separate parts: the sensor apparatus inside the containment that directly interacts with the medium, and the detection apparatus outside that reads the magnetic field signal. This segmentation allows the detection apparatus to remain external (minimal encroachment) while the sensor apparatus ensures accurate measurement through direct medium interaction.
3Ease of operation
If openings in the containment wall are made to allow sensor access, then direct measurement is possible, but the containment integrity and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary that allows measurement information to pass through the containment wall without physical openings. The sensor apparatus generates or interacts with the magnetic field inside the containment, and the detection apparatus outside detects the magnetic field signal through the wall, enabling sensor access functionality while maintaining complete containment integrity and safety.
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 solution allows for highly precise, non-invasive monitoring of process variables with minimal encroachment, enabling the characterization of media through containment walls without the need for openings, offering a robust, low-maintenance, and reusable sensor system suitable for explosion-endangered environments.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field apparatus (6), which serves for producing a magnetic field (B) in such a manner that the magnetic field (B) penetrates at least the sensor apparatus (3), the detection apparatus (7) and partially the medium (M)
Implementation Method 2
at least one magnetic property of a component of the sensor apparatus (3) depends on the process variable and/or characteristic variable and the magnetic field of the magnetic field apparatus (6) is influenceable by means of the sensor apparatus (3) as a function of the process variable and/or characteristic variable
Implementation Method 3
the detection apparatus (7) is embodied to register a variable related with the magnetic field, especially the magnetic flux density, the magnetic susceptibility or the magnetic permeability
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor arrangement for determining a process variable of a medium in a containment comprises a sensor apparatus, a magnetic field apparatus, and a detection apparatus. The magnetic field apparat produces a magnetic field that penetrates the sensor apparatus, the detection apparatus and partially the medium. The sensor apparatus is embodied such that a magnetic property of a component of the sensor apparatus depends on the process variable, and the magnetic field of the magnetic field apparatus is influenceable by the sensor apparatus as a function of process variable. The detection apparatus is embodied to register a variable related with the magnetic field, especially the magnetic flux density, the magnetic susceptibility or the magnetic permeability, and, based on that variable, to determine the process variable. The sensor apparatus is arranged within an internal volume of the containment and the detection apparatus is arranged outside of the containment.