Variable Pulse Width Radar Level Gauge for Tank Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Pulsed radar level gauges have lower sensitivity compared to frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar, making it difficult to detect weak reflections, which limits their effectiveness in measuring multiple levels in tanks with different material interfaces.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adjusting the pulse width of electromagnetic pulses based on application-specific conditions such as tank height, filling material type, and required accuracy to optimize signal strength and resolution, allowing for adaptive control of pulse width to enhance sensitivity and distinguishability of reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pulse width is increased to improve signal strength and sensitivity, then detection of weak reflections is improved, but resolution between different reflected signals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pulse width adjustable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically change the pulse width based on the specific measurement requirements, allowing optimization of the balance between signal strength and resolution for different applications such as detecting multiple levels or weak reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of pulse width to resolve the contradiction. By varying the pulse width parameter, the system can adapt to different measurement conditions - using longer pulses for better sensitivity when detecting weak reflections and shorter pulses for better resolution when measuring multiple levels, thus resolving the trade-off between these two requirements.
2Measurement precision
If pulse width is decreased to improve resolution between reflected signals, then distinction between multiple levels is improved, but signal strength and sensitivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pulse width based on the measurement task. When high resolution is needed to distinguish multiple levels, the pulse width is decreased. When high sensitivity is needed to detect weak reflections, the pulse width is increased. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to achieve the desired performance for each specific measurement scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by making the pulse width variable. The controller can change the pulse width parameter according to the specific measurement requirements, enabling the system to optimize both resolution and sensitivity for different applications rather than being constrained by a fixed pulse width.
3Device complexity
If fixed pulse width is used for simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different application conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics to the pulse width control, allowing the system to adapt to different application conditions. The controller can adjust the pulse width based on factors such as tank height, filling material type, and measurement requirements, significantly improving adaptability while adding only moderate control complexity through automated adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow it to automatically adjust pulse width based on measurement conditions. The controller can monitor various parameters and automatically optimize the pulse width setting, providing adaptability to different applications without requiring complex manual control mechanisms.
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 enables improved sensitivity and resolution in pulsed radar level gauges, enabling better detection of weak reflections and distinguishing between multiple levels, facilitating automated production tests and adaptive operation in varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
providing a pulse generator for generation of electromagnetic pulses; transmitting said pulses with adjusted pulse width towards said filling material; receiving reflected echo pulse signals from the tank
Implementation Method 2
it is common to use some kind of transmission line, such as a coaxial line, twin line, etc., sometimes referred to as a probe, in order to guide the electro-magnetic signal through the material in the tank where it is reflected by one or more interface surfaces (such as air/liquid) between different parts of the tank content
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A radar level gauge (RLG) system and method for determining a filling level of a filling material in a tank is disclosed. The RLG system comprises a transmitter for generating and transmitting an electromagnetic transmitter pulse signal, a transmitter controller for controlling means for pulse width adjustment for adjusting the pulse width of the transmitter pulse signal in dependence of at least one application specific condition. Further, the system comprises a signal medium interface connectable to means for directing said transmitter pulse signal towards said filling material and for receiving a reception pulse signal reflected back from said filling material; a receiver for receiving said reception pulse signal from the tank; and processing circuitry for determining the filling level of the tank based on said reflection pulse signal received by said receiver. The application specific condition(s) is e.g. one or several of tank height, level of the filling material, type of filling material, presence of other tank structure providing reflecting surfaces and required accuracy of measurement.