Tank temperature probe with positional sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerant recovery systems face challenges in accurately determining when to perform a purge operation to remove non-condensables from refrigerant storage tanks, particularly due to inaccuracy in external temperature sensor placement and lack of automated verification of proper placement.
Innovation Solution
A system using a pressure transducer and temperature probe outside the tank, coupled with a positional sensor to ensure accurate temperature measurement, employing a magnetic element for secure attachment and a positional sensor to verify the sensor's operable range, preventing false purging and ensuring accurate temperature readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If temperature sensors are placed on the surface of the tank externally, then the system becomes compatible with standard conventional tanks without internal sensors, but the temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates due to incorrect placement
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a positional sensor to detect whether the external temperature sensor is in correct contact with the tank surface, and provides feedback to the controller. The controller then uses this feedback to determine whether to trust the temperature reading for purge operation decisions, thereby resolving the accuracy issue while maintaining external sensor compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
A positional sensor acts as an intermediary between the external temperature sensor and the control system. It verifies the physical contact status of the temperature sensor with the tank surface, serving as a mediator that ensures measurement reliability without requiring internal tank sensors
2Reliability
If purge operations are performed based on pressure and temperature measurements, then non-condensables can be removed from the tank, but refrigerant loss increases due to unnecessary purging when sensor placement is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback from the positional sensor indicating whether the temperature sensor is properly positioned. The purge operation is only authorized when this feedback confirms correct sensor placement, preventing unnecessary purging and associated refrigerant loss while maintaining reliable purge operations when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary check using the positional sensor to verify temperature sensor placement before initiating any purge operation. This preliminary action ensures that subsequent purge decisions are based on accurate temperature data, preventing premature or unnecessary refrigerant discharge
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 effectively monitors tank conditions to determine the need for purging impurities and initiates the purge operation only when the temperature sensor is correctly placed, reducing the risk of unnecessary refrigerant loss and ensuring accurate pressure and temperature measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic element is used to couple the tank multi-sensor to the surface of the storage tank
Implementation Method 2
a positional sensor is used to indicate if the temperature sensor is within operable range to measure the temperature of the surface of the tank
Implementation Method 3
The external tank sensor having a temperature sensor placed in contact with a surface of the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device, system, and method for monitoring the internal pressure and temperature of a refrigerant tank during a recovery operation to control a purge operation of the tank based on the conditions thereof during the recovery operation. The sensor device, system, and method further utilize an external temperature sensor, the external temperature sensor operable to indicate that it is properly positioned on the surface of the tank.