Radar Level Gauging Using Tank Corner Reflection Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar level gauging systems face challenges in accurately determining the filling level in tanks due to changes in tank atmosphere properties, and there is a need to verify the functionality of these systems.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a radar level gauge system that generates and transmits electromagnetic signals to a corner reflector formed by the tank wall and product surface, analyzing reflection signals to determine a signal propagation speed compensation factor, and processing these signals to calculate the true filling level and verify system operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar level gauging is performed using standard methods, then the filling level can be determined, but the accuracy deteriorates due to changes in tank atmosphere properties affecting signal propagation speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a corner reflector as an intermediary object placed at a known location in the tank. This reflector provides a stable reference point for signal propagation measurements, allowing the system to separate atmosphere-induced speed variations from actual level changes. The corner reflector acts as a mediator that enables indirect measurement of propagation conditions without directly measuring the product level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures and utilizes changes in signal propagation speed as a separate parameter. By comparing the time of flight to the corner reflector versus the time of flight to the product surface, the system detects changes in atmosphere properties (such as vapor concentration) and compensates for their effect on filling level measurements, thereby maintaining accuracy despite parameter variations.
2Reliability
If no verification mechanism is implemented, then the system operates simply, but the functionality and accuracy of the radar level gauge cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The corner reflector enables the radar level gauge system to perform self-verification. By continuously monitoring the signal reflection from the known corner reflector position, the system can detect deviations indicating potential failures (such as sensor drift, blockages, or atmosphere changes) and trigger verification protocols or alarms without requiring external verification equipment.
3Measurement precision
If signal propagation speed variations are ignored, then the system operates with fewer corrections, but the filling level determination becomes inaccurate under varying atmosphere conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measured signal propagation speed (derived from corner reflector measurements) is continuously fed back into the filling level calculation algorithm. This feedback loop allows the system to dynamically adjust the interpretation of signal travel time based on current atmosphere conditions, compensating for speed variations and maintaining measurement precision without requiring complex manual corrections.
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 approach allows for accurate determination of the filling level and verification of system functionality by compensating for signal propagation speed changes in the tank atmosphere, improving the reliability of radar level gauging systems.
Implementation Method 1
receiving an electromagnetic first reflection signal resulting from reflection of the first transmit signal at the corner reflector; receiving an electromagnetic second reflection signal resulting from reflection of the second transmit signal at the surface of the product
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a filling level of a product in a tank having a tank wall, the method comprising: generating and transmitting an electromagnetic first transmit signal; propagating the first transmit signal through a tank atmosphere towards a corner reflector formed by the surface of the product and the tank wall where the surface of the product meets the tank wall, the corner reflector being at a known horizontal distance from the radar level gauge system; receiving an electromagnetic first reflection signal resulting from reflection of the first transmit signal at the corner reflector; determining a measure indicative of a propagation direction of the first reflection signal; and determining the filling level based on the measure indicative of the propagation direction of the first reflection signal and the known horizontal distance between the radar level gauge system and the corner reflector.