Sintered Conductor Ceramic Probe for Fluid Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measuring probes used in high-temperature and high-pressure environments face reliability issues due to leakage and interference with measured variables, and the need for multiple probes to record various properties of fluids complicates the setup and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A measuring probe with a conductor sintered into a ceramic base body, forming a composite material, which enhances pressure-tightness and reduces leakage, allowing for simultaneous recording of multiple variables using a single probe with conductors arranged in various configurations for capacitive and resistive measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conductor is exposed to high temperatures and pressures within the apparatus, then measurement capability is maintained, but reliability of the measuring element deteriorates due to thermal decoupling requirements and potential leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by sintering a conductor into a ceramic base body, creating a composite structure that combines the electrical conductivity of the conductor with the thermal resistance and mechanical strength of the ceramic material. This resolves the contradiction by providing both measurement capability and thermal decoupling in a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate thermal decoupling structures while maintaining reliability under high temperature and pressure conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple measuring probes are arranged on one apparatus to detect various fluid properties, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating multiple conductors with different functions into a single measuring probe. The probe can simultaneously perform level measurement, temperature measurement, and conductivity measurement by incorporating conductors of different materials and configurations within the same ceramic base body. This resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive measurement coverage through one versatile probe rather than multiple separate probes, thereby reducing device complexity and installation requirements.
3Reliability
If a conductor is sintered into a ceramic base body to achieve pressure tightness, then sealing performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sintering process creates a composite material structure where the conductor is metallurgically bonded to the ceramic base body at the microstructural level. This resolves the contradiction by achieving excellent pressure tightness and sealing performance through the sintered joint, which eliminates gaps and interfaces that could lead to leakage. While the sintering process itself is complex, it produces a highly reliable sealed structure that cannot be achieved through conventional mechanical assembly methods.
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 solution improves the reliability and sealing of the measuring probe, reducing leakage and the need for multiple probes, enabling efficient and accurate monitoring of fluid properties, including fill levels and conductivity, even at high temperatures and pressures.
Implementation Method 1
a conductor (36, 38, 40, 42) which is sintered at least over almost the entire length into a base body (44), preferably made of a ceramic material
Implementation Method 2
capacitive level sensor has a tube made of dielectric material, which is filled with a molten metal
Implementation Method 3
an electrical conductor, for example made of platinum, is sintered within the base body of the measuring element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a measuring probe (18) for detecting at least one measured quantity of a fluid in an apparatus, in particular a container, with at least one measuring body (20), wherein the measuring body (20) has at least one conductor (36, 38, 40, 42) for detecting a measured quantity and/or conducting a measurement signal representing the measured quantity. The measuring body (20) has a base body (44) made of a ceramic material which at least partially accommodates the conductor (36, 38, 40, 42), and the conductor (36, 38, 40, 42) is sintered within the base body (44).