Resonant Transducer Interface Level Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing level sensor systems are costly, unreliable, and lack the ability to accurately characterize fluid mixtures, especially when one fluid is at low concentrations, and they often require clear interfaces or are susceptible to fouling.
Innovation Solution
A resonant transducer system with a sampling assembly and impedance analyzer that determines the composition of fluid mixtures by measuring complex impedance spectra, allowing for accurate quantification of fluid phases and concentrations without the need for a clear interface and with reduced susceptibility to fouling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional level sensor systems (gamma-ray, guided wave, magnetostrictive, microwave, ultrasonic, capacitance, inductive, computed tomography) are used, then interface level measurement capability is provided, but the systems are prohibitively expensive, require cooling jackets for high temperatures, need clear interfaces, are susceptible to fouling, or cannot provide accurate profile measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex traditional sensor systems by using a simple resonant frequency-based transducer that measures interface level through acoustic resonance principles, eliminating the need for expensive gamma-ray sources, cooling systems, or complex signal processing hardware while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and electronic sensor systems with an acoustic resonance-based measurement system that uses sound wave resonance frequencies to determine interface level, substituting mechanical complexity with acoustic physics principles that are simpler to implement and maintain
2Reliability
If capacitance or inductive sensors are used for fluid level measurement, then interface level detection is achieved, but the sensors are susceptible to fouling and cannot accurately measure low concentration phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic resonance waves as an intermediary measurement mechanism that interacts with the fluid interface without requiring direct contact with the emulsion phases, allowing accurate detection of low concentration phases through resonance frequency shifts caused by changes in acoustic impedance at the interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in acoustic resonance frequency and damping characteristics as the fluid interface level changes, measuring these parameter variations to determine interface position with high precision even when one phase is present at low concentrations
3Loss of information
If segmented capacitance sensors or computed tomography sensors are used, then profile measurement capability is provided, but the systems are complex and difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic acoustic resonance excitation and measurement cycles to gather profile information at different heights, using the resonant response at each level to build a complete vertical profile of the fluid interface without requiring multiple simultaneous sensors or complex tomographic reconstruction algorithms
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 low-cost, high sensitivity, high selectivity, and high accuracy measurements, capable of accurately characterizing fluid mixtures even when one fluid is at low concentrations, and operates effectively in emulsions with reduced fouling issues.
Implementation Method 1
measuring complex impedance spectra
Implementation Method 2
resonant transducer system
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor includes a resonant transducer, the resonant transducer being configured to determine the composition of an emulsion or other dispersion. The resonant transducer has a sampling cell, a bottom winding disposed around the sampling cell, and a top winding disposed around the bottom winding. The composition of the dispersion is determined by measuring the complex impedance spectrum values of the mixture of the dispersion and applying multivariate data analysis to the values.