Volatile Fluid Level Measurement via Segmented Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate level measurement in volatile fluids within pressure vessels is challenging due to interference from internal baffles or geometries, leading to difficulties in maintaining smooth processing operations and efficient reactions.
Innovation Solution
A level measurement device with a vertical tubular chamber and four actuable valves, combined with guided wave radar or laser measurement, and differential pressure sensors, allows for precise level measurement and online calibration, using a corrosion-resistant alloy and flanges for secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional level measurement technologies (range finding, resistive sensors, magnetostrictive sensors) are used in pressure vessels with internal baffles or complex geometries, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from internal structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate measurement chamber that acts as an intermediary between the process vessel and the level measurement device. This chamber receives fluid samples through sampling ports and provides a controlled environment for accurate level measurement, isolating the measurement process from interfering internal baffles and geometries of the main vessel
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is segmented into distinct components: sampling ports positioned at different heights, a separate measurement chamber, and level measurement devices. This segmentation allows the measurement function to be isolated from the complex geometry of the process vessel, enabling accurate level detection without interference
2Measurement precision
If level measurement is performed in volatile fluids within pressure vessels, then the measurement precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to fluid instability and volatility
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by sampling fluid into a separate measurement chamber before actual level measurement occurs. This preliminary sampling allows the volatile fluid to be isolated from the main process vessel, providing a stable environment for accurate measurement without the fluid's volatility affecting the measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement chamber serves as an intermediary that stabilizes volatile fluids during measurement. By transferring a sample to this controlled chamber, the system isolates the volatile fluid from conditions that would cause instability, enabling reliable and precise level measurements
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
Enables accurate level measurement and calibration in volatile process systems, improving process control and efficiency by stabilizing volatile fluids and verifying measurements through differential pressure analysis.
Implementation Method 1
A level measuring device is mounted to the first flange. The level measuring device includes a guided wave radar or laser measurement device
Implementation Method 2
The level measuring device includes a guided wave radar or laser measurement device
Implementation Method 3
The level measuring device includes a differential pressure sensor. The differential pressure sensor includes two discrete pressure sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical tubular defines a measurement chamber. A first valve is nearer an upper end of the vertical tubular than a lower end of the vertical tubular. The first valve defines a first actuable passage fluidically connected to the measuring chamber. A second is valve nearer the lower end of the vertical tubular than the upper end of the vertical tubular. The second valve defines a second actuable passage fluidically connected to the measuring chamber. A third valve is vertically aligned with the first valve. The third valve is on an opposite side of the vertical tubular from the first valve. The third valve defines a third actuable passage fluidically connected to the measuring chamber. The fourth valve defines a fourth actuable passage fluidically connected to the measuring chamber. A flange is each end of the vertical tubular.