Wireless Temperature Sensor for Mixing Vessel Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional process control systems face challenges in accurately measuring temperatures within a fluidized bed of catalyst in mixing vessels due to high temperatures and corrosiveness, making it impractical to place temperature probes in the interior and run wiring to the exterior control systems.
Innovation Solution
A wireless temperature sensor system comprising a temperature probe, a temperature reader, and an RF transceiver that contacts the fluid or gas, generates a signal, and wirelessly transmits temperature readings to a control apparatus external to the mixing vessel, allowing for accurate temperature monitoring without the need for extensive wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature probe is placed in the interior region of the mixing vessel to measure temperature accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and wiring requirements increase due to the need to run wiring from the interior to the exterior control system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. The temperature probe in the interior region communicates temperature data to the exterior control system via wireless transmission, eliminating the need for physical wiring through the vessel wall and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining accurate temperature measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication interface as an intermediary between the interior temperature probe and the exterior control system. This intermediary enables data transmission without direct physical connection, allowing the temperature probe to be positioned in the harsh interior environment while keeping the control system in the safer exterior region
2Measurement precision
If a temperature probe is placed in the interior region of the mixing vessel, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability decreases due to high temperatures and corrosiveness of materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature sensing function from the control system function. The temperature probe is positioned in the interior region to contact the fluidized bed and obtain accurate temperature data, while the control system remains in the exterior region protected from harsh conditions. The wireless communication link bridges these segmented components, allowing each to operate in its optimal environment
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication interface serves as a protective intermediary that allows the control system to remain in the safer exterior environment while still accessing temperature data from the interior probe, thereby maintaining system reliability without sacrificing measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If extensive wiring is used to connect the temperature probe to the control system, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the complex mechanical wiring installation process by implementing a wireless communication system. The temperature probe can be installed in the interior region without requiring conduit openings, sealing arrangements, or extensive wiring harnesses, dramatically simplifying installation and operation while maintaining accurate temperature measurement
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 temperature profiling of fluidized beds, enabling precise control of exothermic or endothermic reactions by positioning the sensor near the catalyst, thus improving reaction regulation and safety by avoiding direct contact with harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature probe for contacting the fluid or gas and generating a signal according to the temperature of the fluid or gas
Implementation Method 2
a radio frequency (RF) transceiver for transmitting the temperature reading determined by the temperature reader to a control apparatus external to the mixing vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless temperature sensor for use in monitoring the temperature of a fluid or gas in a mixing vessel. The wireless temperature sensor comprises a temperature probe for contacting the fluid or gas and generating a signal based on the gas/fluid temperature; a temperature reader for receiving the signal generated by the temperature probe and determining therefrom a temperature reading of the fluid or gas; and a radio frequency (RF) transceiver for transmitting the temperature reading determined by the temperature reader to a control apparatus external to the mixing vessel.