Single Probe Level Measurement for Multi-Layer Liquids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing level measurement techniques struggle to accurately determine the position of filling material surfaces in containers where two different fillings with different specific weights and dielectric constants form a single layer, especially when foaming or emulsification occurs, leading to unclear impedance jumps and unreliable transit time measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method combining transit time and capacitance measurements using a single probe that serves both as a capacitive probe and waveguide, allowing for the determination of filling material positions based on measured transit times and capacitance, even when only one transit time is available, and accounting for dielectric constants to differentiate between filling materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transit time measurement is used to determine filling material positions, then measurement can be performed without prior knowledge of total fill level, but measurement becomes unreliable when foaming or emulsification occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different measurement methods (transit time measurement and capacitance measurement) into a single integrated system. The transit time measurement provides the ability to measure without knowing total fill level, while capacitance measurement provides reliable detection of filling material positions even when foaming or emulsification occurs. The evaluation unit processes both measurement results together to determine accurate filling material positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation unit acts as an intermediary that processes and reconciles the results from both measurement methods. It uses the capacitance measurement results to validate and supplement the transit time measurement results, particularly when the transit time measurement becomes unreliable due to foaming or emulsification at the filling material surfaces.
2Device complexity
If a single probe is used for both capacitive and waveguide functions, then device complexity is reduced, but the probe must perform multiple functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single probe that serves dual functions: it acts as both a capacitive probe for capacitance measurement and as a waveguide for transit time measurement. This multi-functional design reduces the number of probes needed while maintaining the capability to perform both measurement methods simultaneously, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing measurement versatility.
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 method provides accurate and reliable level measurements for both single and interface measurements, automatically detecting the presence of multiple filling goods and delivering precise results even in conditions where traditional methods fail due to foaming or emulsification, and does not require prior knowledge of the total fill level.
Implementation Method 1
A reflection takes place at at least one media boundary generated by the filling goods contained in the container, during which a portion of the signal is reflected
Implementation Method 2
a capacitance that is dependent on the quantities of filling goods in the container is measured between a capacitive probe and a reference electrode
Implementation Method 3
the first filling material having a lower specific weight than the second filling material and the two filling materials having different dielectric constants
Data Source
AI summary
A method for filling level measurement is disclosed, using which, in a container (1), in which a first and/or a second filling product (3, 5) can be located, for each filling product (3, 5) contained in the container (1), a rest location can be determined, which corresponds to the location which the filling product surface of the particular filling product (3, 5) assumes because of the quantity of the first filling product (3) which is contained in the container (1) and the quantity of the second filling product (5) which is contained in the container (1), if the total quantity of each filling product (3, 5) in the container (1) forms a single layer containing only this filling product (3, 5), wherein said first filling product (3) has a lower specific weight than said second filling product (5), and said two filling products (3, 5) have different dielectric constants (e), wherein an electromagnetic signal (S) is transmitted into said container (1), a reflection occurs on at least one media boundary generated by said filling products (3, 5) contained in said container (1), wherein a component (Rx, Ry) of said signal (S) is reflected, and for each reflected component (Rx, Ry), a run time (Tx, Ty), which is a function of the location of the media boundary triggering the reflection, is measured, which said component (Rx, Ry) of the signal (S) requires for the route to this media boundary and back, a capacitance (C), which is a function of the quantities of the filling products (3, 5) located in the container (1), is measured between a capacitive probe (13) and a reference electrode (15), and the rest location of said filling product surface is determined for each filling product (3, 5), which is, contained in the container (1), on the basis of the measured capacitance (C) and the measured runtimes (Tx, Ty).