Abstract: A method for limit level monitoring with a radiometric limit switch. A detector measures discrete radiation intensities. Statistical distributions of radiation intensities in a state, free of medium, and in a state, covered by medium, are given by two Poisson distributions.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for determining a surface profile of a substrate are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes projecting a signal having a vertical component/profile across the surface of the substrate from a plurality of locations along a first side of the substrate, capturing the projected signals at each of a plurality of respective locations across the surface of the substrate and determining a surface profile for the substrate using the captured signals. The process can be automated using a controller having predetermined projection and capture positions along respective sides of the substrate, where a surface profile of the substrate can be automatically determined by the controller using the captured signals.

Abstract: A module system for a radiometric measuring device includes a basic module having a sensor arrangement designed to generate a measurement signal on the basis of radiation which strikes the sensor arrangement, a signal evaluation unit electrically coupled to the sensor arrangement and being designed to determine a measurement variable on the basis of the measurement signal, a control device interface, wherein the basic module is coupleable to at least one control device by the control device interface for interchanging data, the basic module being supplied with electrical energy solely via its control device interface in a basic operating state, and an expansion module interface.

Abstract: A nuclear level sensing gauge for measuring the level of product in a bin. The gauge includes a source of nuclear radiation positioned adjacent the product in the bin and a housing. A primary scintillator is provided in the housing, adjacent the product in the bin, and opposite the source of nuclear radiation. Nuclear radiation from the source passes through the bin and impinges upon the primary scintillator, generating scintillating light. A light guide conveys the scintillating light from the primary scintillator to light sensing circuitry. The light guide is coupled to the primary scintillator through an air gap. The light guide produces scintillating light flashes in response to absorption of the scintillating light from the primary scintillator. The light sensing circuitry collects the light flashes from the light guide to provide a representation of the level of radiation-absorbing product in the bin.

Abstract: A nuclear level sensing gauge for a vessel 10 comprises a vertical source well 12 and one more level sensing detectors 22 mounted to vertically spaced nozzles, where the sources 30 in the source well 12 are distributed sources which emit a radiation pattern illuminating a length of greater than one inch of the respective level sensing nozzle, so that thermal expansion or contraction of the vessel 10 does not significantly alter radiation illuminating each detector 22. In a second embodiment, a vessel 10 includes plural level sensing nozzles and plurality of level sensing wells 12?, each nozzle and level sensing well 12? positioned adjacent to one another such that a source in the well illuminates a detector 22 on the nozzle. Because the respective level sensing wells 12? and level sensing nozzles are closely adjacent to one another, thermal expansion or contraction of the vessel does not significantly alter the illumination of the detector 22.

Abstract: A radiometric measuring device includes a scintillator, at least one semiconductor photodiode, wherein the at least one semiconductor photodiode is optically coupled to the scintillator, a signal evaluation unit which is electrically coupled to the at least one semiconductor photodiode and is designed to determine a measurement variable on the basis of a measurement signal produced by way of the at least one semiconductor photodiode, and an interface. The radiometric measuring device can be coupled to at least one receiver by way of the interface for the purpose of interchanging data. The radiometric measuring device is designed to be supplied with electrical energy solely via the interface thereof.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement for radiometric density-or fill level measurement of a medium in a measuring tube in the field of automation technology. The measuring arrangement is composed of a radioactive radiation source, a detector unit and a clamping apparatus for the radiation source as well as the detector unit. The invention is distinguished by features including that the clamping apparatus has blocking elements, which make the radiation cone of the radioactive radiation source between the measuring tube and the clamping apparatus laterally inaccessible. In such case, the blocking elements are arranged in such a manner that the measuring arrangement is suitable for different diameters of the measuring tube, without the blocking elements losing their protective action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the location of a phase boundary such as a fill level, in a vessel. The method includes: providing at least one source of radiation capable of emitting radiation through a portion of the interior of the vessel; providing a plurality of radiation detectors, each detector being capable of detecting, within a part of the measurement range, radiation emitted by the source; and providing a data processing unit for calculation of the position of the phase boundary from the amount of radiation detected by the detectors, wherein the data processing unit calculates the position of the phase boundary from the amount of radiation detected by the detectors by: (i) in a first step, determining within which detector stage the phase boundary is located; and then (ii) in a second step, determining the position of the phase boundary within the detector stage determined in (i).

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a radiation dosimetry apparatus and associated methods for measuring radiation dose. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes multiple scintillating elements for detecting amounts of radiation dose at multiple points within a detection region. Each of the scintillating elements generates light in response to radiation interacting within their volume. A light guide combines the light generated by all of the scintillating elements as well as radiation-induced contaminated optical energy and transmits the combined light to a spectral analysis setup. Multi or hyper-spectral calibration technique allows calculating the dose or dose rate at the positions of the different scintillating elements. The calibration technique isolates the light produced by a given scintillating element from the other scintillating elements as well as any other source of radiation-induced contaminating light.

Abstract: A propellant tank for containing a propellant with a liquid phase, preferably for a satellite, includes a tank shell wrapped or wound with scintillating glass fibers, a gamma radiation emitter arranged preferably in the center of the tank, and photodiodes allocated to the glass fibers. Preferably, plural glass fibers are wound in cylindrically symmetrical sections around the tank, and the winding axis of the glass fibers extends through the tank outlet. The glass fibers scintillate and emit pulses of light in response to being impinged upon by gamma radiation. The quantity and location of liquid propellant in the tank is determined by evaluating the light signals emitted by the glass fibers. The tank shell is preferably fabricated of a lightweight metal such as aluminum or titanium, to minimize gamma radiation absorption in the tank shell wall, and thereby minimize the required emitting magnitude of the gamma radiation source.

Abstract: A system to completely measure multiple densities in varying levels in tanks or vessels. The present invention provides a multiplicity of aligned sources and separate aligned detectors, the combination aligned sources and separate detectors are positioned horizontally relative to each other at varying vertical tank levels, each combination separate source and aligned detector at each measuring level in the tank provide continuous density data at each level. The sources and separate detectors are placed in a vertically aligned array in the separation tank near the weir, with each individual source and separate detector aligned with a given level.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to devices, systems and methods for measuring the dose remaining in a drug delivery device that is used for delivering a dose to a patient. In some embodiments, a dose measurement system for measuring the liquid volume in a container includes a plurality of light sources which are disposed and configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward the container. A plurality of sensors are located in the apparatus that are optically coupleable to the plurality of light sources and are disposed and configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation emitted by at least a portion of the light sources. The apparatus also includes a processing unit configured to receive data representing the portion of the detected electromagnetic radiation from each of the plurality of sensors. The processing unit is further operable to convert the received data into a signature representative of the electromagnetic radiation detected by the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: An instrument adapted for the determination of fluid levels within a vessel by the comparison of the density of the fluid along the length of the instrument, said instrument comprising: (i) at least one generally linear source array comprising a plurality of sources of penetrating radiation, shielding and collimation means and a source supporting structure for supporting the sources and shielding and collimation means in a linear array (ii) at least one generally linear detector array comprising a plurality of radiation detectors, supported on a detector support structure, capable of detecting radiation emitted by the sources, and (iii) means to position the source and a respective detector array such that (a) radiation emitted from each of the sources is capable of following a linear path from the source, through the vessel and material to at least a respective one of the detectors forming a part of the respective detector array, and (b) the linear axis of the source array and the linear axis of its respecti

Abstract: An optical liquid sensor utilizing a light source, fiber optic cables, a light detector and an irregular transparent surface is provided to detect the presence of liquid in mist and continuous form. The sensor may be integrated into a probe designed for insertion into a pressurized fluid process.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the fill level of a medium in a container, comprising: an emitting unit to be monitored in the container and emits radioactive radiation into the container; a first detector unit receives radioactive radiation and forwards measurement data relative to the fill level of the medium to a control/evaluation unit; a second detector unit which receives the radioactive radiation, respectively the secondary radiation, wherein two interfaces for transmission of measurement data to the control/evaluation unit are associated with the second detector unit. Via the first interface measurement data are transmitted. Via the second interface measurement data are transmitted. The control/evaluation unit based on measurement data transmitted by the first detector unit and the second detector unit corrects the fill level of the medium in the container in such a manner that the influence of gas or vapor in the gas, or vapor, space on the measured fill level is at least approximately compensated.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for measuring a property of a gas, such as the amount of liquid in a stream of the gas. The apparatus comprises a source of beta particles (20), a detector (23) capable of detecting beta particles, means (18) to support said source and said detector spaced apart from each other such that gas may enter the space between the source and detector and that the source is positioned to emit beta particles towards said detector; wherein said detector comprises a scintillation material in optical communication with a photodetector (26), and means (24) to physically isolate said photodetector from said gas.

Abstract: Fouling in the fill portion of a cooling tower is monitored by transmitting radiation through a cooling tower, detecting the amount of radiation that has penetrated the cooling tower, and calculating the density of the fill portion of the cooling tower based on the detected radiation. A higher than expected density indicates the presence of fouling on the fill portion of the cooling tower. A rate of fouling may be established by monitoring the density of the fill portion of the cooling tower over time.

Abstract: A system to completely measure multiple densities in varying levels in tanks or vessels. The present invention provides an individual sensor at each measuring level in the tank, each sensor provided with electronic data to provide continuous density data at leach level. Each sensor is individually placed in the sensor array. If a sensor malfunctions, the individual sensor can be replaced without interrupting the data transmissions or requiring a shutdown of the system to remove the single row array of sensors which are placed together as in the prior art. Each sensor also includes a cooling pipe to cool components with recirculating water.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for measuring a level of molten metal which has a simple structure and is highly robust against a change in level at a local portion of the surface of molten metal. The apparatus for measuring a level of molten metal according to a first aspect of the present invention is an apparatus which measures a level of molten metal in a mold. The apparatus includes an omnidirectional transmitting antenna; an omnidirectional receiving antenna; and a signal processor. The apparatus measures the level of molten metal in the mold using electromagnetic wave in ultra-high frequency range emitted into the mold by the omnidirectional transmitting antenna.

Abstract: A radiometric for measuring a physical, measured variable of a fill substance located in a container and for outputting a measurement signal, which corresponds to a measured value of the physical, measured variable. The measuring device has available a single line-pair, via which energy supply of the total measuring device occurs, and via which transmission of the measurement signal occurs.

Abstract: A level or density of a medium in a tank is radiometrically measured by detecting the light flashes generated by a scintillator with an array of photodiodes. Corresponding voltage pulses are summed up and analyzed with respect to their relevance before they are used for determining the level or the density of the medium.

Abstract: Fouling in the fill portion of a cooling tower is monitored by transmitting radiation through a cooling tower, detecting the amount of radiation that has penetrated the cooling tower, and calculating the density of the fill portion of the cooling tower based on the detected radiation. A higher than expected density indicates the presence of fouling on the fill portion of the cooling tower. A rate of fouling may be established by monitoring the density of the fill portion of the cooling tower over time.

Abstract: Systems and methods determine the level, density, and/or temperature of a fluid based on the fluorescence of a material within an optical waveguide slab at least partially immersed in the fluid.

Abstract: The inventive optical sensor consists of an LED semiconductor material and elements (herein after the LED components) surrounded by a transparent encapsulant that allows much of the light produced by the LED components to pass while a certain small percentage of the light is internally reflected. The percentage of light internally reflected, depends upon whether at least a front face of the encapsulant is immersed in liquid or in air. The optical liquid sensor also consists of a strategically placed photo sensor that detects the intensity of light that is internally reflected by at least the front face of the encapsulant surrounding the LED. The photo sensor is able to detect the change in intensity of light being internally reflected by at least the front face of the encapsulated LED when the front face, for example, emerges from immersion in a liquid.

Abstract: A radiometric measuring arrangement for measuring fill level of a fill substance in a container includes: arranged one above the other in measurement operation on a first side of the container, two or more radiometric radiators, which, in measurement operation, send radioactive radiation through the container, and which, in measurement operation, are arranged in a measuring position in the interior of the container in a pressure resistant, protective tube protruding laterally into the container; and, arranged on a second side of the container lying opposite to the radiators, at least one detector, which serves to receive radiation intensity penetrating through the container as a function of fill level and to convert such into a fill level dependent, electrical signal. The measuring arrangement permits achievement of a highly linear dependence of total detected radiation intensity on fill level.

Abstract: Fouling in the fill portion of a cooling tower is monitored by transmitting radiation through a cooling tower, detecting the amount of radiation that has penetrated the cooling tower, and calculating the density of the fill portion of the cooling tower based on the detected radiation. A higher than expected density indicates the presence of fouling on the fill portion of the cooling tower. A rate of fouling may be established by monitoring the density of the fill portion of the cooling tower over time.

Abstract: A measuring device with a two-wire supply for radiometric filling level measuring or density measuring of a feed material with a processor which is designed to change from an active mode to a power-saving mode.

Abstract: An instrument adapted for the determination of fluid levels within a vessel by the comparison of the density of the fluid along the length of the instrument, said instrument comprising: (i) at least one generally linear source array comprising a plurality of sources of penetrating radiation, shielding and collimation means and a source supporting structure for supporting the sources and shielding and collimation means in a linear array (ii) at least one generally linear detector array comprising a plurality of radiation detectors, supported on a detector support structure, capable of detecting radiation emitted by the sources, and (iii) means to position the source and a respective detector array such that (a) radiation emitted from each of the sources is capable of following a linear path from the source, through the vessel and material to at least a respective one of the detectors forming a part of the respective detector array, and (b) the linear axis of the source array and the linear axis of its respecti

Abstract: A detector assembly includes an elongate structure and a scintillation detector. The elongate structure defines a detector cavity having an axial dimension extending along a longitudinal axis. The scintillation detector is disposed at least partially within the detector cavity. The detector system can also include a cabinet which can be coupled with an end of the elongate structure, and which can define a cabinet cavity for retaining a junction board, a display screen, a microprocessor unit, and/or other components. The detector assembly can have an explosion-proof rating. A detector system including the detector assembly and a detector unit is also provided, such as for use in applications requiring an explosion-proof rating.

Abstract: A radiometric for measuring a physical, measured variable of a fill substance located in a container and for outputting a measurement signal, which corresponds to a measured value of the physical, measured variable. The measuring device has available a single line-pair, via which energy supply of the total measuring device occurs, and via which transmission of the measurement signal occurs.

Abstract: A measuring device with a two-wire supply for radiometric filling level measuring or density measuring of a feed material with a processor which is designed to change from an active mode to a power-saving mode.

Abstract: The inventive optical sensor consists of an LED semiconductor material and elements (herein after the LED components) surrounded by a transparent encapsulant that allows much of the light produced by the LED components to pass while a certain small percentage of the light is internally reflected. The percentage of light internally reflected, depends upon whether at least a front face of the encapsulant is immersed in liquid or in air. The optical liquid sensor also consists of a strategically placed photo sensor that detects the intensity of light that is internally reflected by at least the front face of the encapsulant surrounding the LED. The photo sensor is able to detect the change in intensity of light being internally reflected by at least the front face of the encapsulated LED when the front face, for example, emerges from immersion in a liquid.

Abstract: A level or density of a medium in a tank is radiometrically measured by detecting the light flashes generated by a scintillator with an array of photodiodes. Corresponding voltage pulses are summed up and analyzed with respect to their relevance before they are used for determining the level or the density of the medium.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a bulk material including a tube for transporting a stream of a bulk material, a plurality of illuminators for directing radiation through the stream and arranged about a circumference of the tube, a plurality of detectors arranged substantially opposite the illuminators, and at least one spectrometer for receiving and analyzing data from the plurality of detectors.

Abstract: A device for conducting a transmission measurement includes a system for generating a light wave consisting of a first and a second wavelength fraction, in addition to an optical channel guiding the light wave to a sample tube with a sample, wherein the light wave permeates the sample tube with a sample. The device also has a motion unit for producing a relative movement of the light wave along the sample tube. A receiver for receiving and separating the first and second wavelength fragments after the light wave has permeated the sample tube with a sample is also provided. A converter converts the first wavelength fraction into a first digital measuring value describing the degree of transmission in the first wavelength and converts the second wavelength fraction into a second digital measuring value describing the degree of transmission in the second wavelength.

Abstract: An interface detection apparatus detects a position of a hidden interface between first and second materials, the first material having a different physical property from the second material. The apparatus encompasses (a) an irradiation mechanism configured to irradiate an electromagnetic wave onto a sample implemented by the first and second materials, (b) a detection mechanism configured to detect the electromagnetic wave that has passed through the sample, and (c) a traveling mechanism configured to change the relative position of the hidden interface with respect to the position of the detection mechanism.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for detecting hydrogeneous material on a ship's deck comprising a neutron source located below the surface of the ship's deck and emitting fast/energy-rich neutrons, and a detector device that is located below the surface of the ship's deck and detecting thermal neutrons. The invention further relates to a corresponding method of detecting hydrogeneous material on a ship's deck. Hereby an apparatus and a method are provided for detecting occurrences of water on a ship's deck, wherein these occurrences appear in particular when travelling in rough weather conditions. The apparatus being located below the ship's deck, it is consequently not exposed to wear due to rough weather conditions.

Abstract: A flexible scintillation-type level detector (10), in which the scintillator (18) is made from a flexible tube (12) substantially filled with a liquid scintillating material (16) to provide flexibility in at least two, and preferably three, dimensions. At least one end (32) is aligned for operable connection to a photodetector (14, 20). Outer surfaces of the flexible tube (12) may be covered with an inwardly-facing light reflective material (30) and/or light-excluding material or flexible armored casing(22). The scintillator (18) may include a variable-volume expansion chamber (110, 152, 176) to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction of the liquid scintillator material (16).

Abstract: A specimen sensing apparatus according to the present invention includes a specimen container which is vertically positioned by a container holder of a columnar rack type and conveyed by a belt conveyor, an infrared CCD camera configured to pick up an infrared image of the specimen container, a visible image converter which converts the infrared image picked up by the infrared CCD camera into a visible image, an image signal processing unit which processes and converts one of the infrared image and the visible image into a signal that is suitable to measure a specimen amount, and a specimen amount measuring unit which measures an amount of specimen contained in the specimen container in response to the signal processed by the image signal processing unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining and/or monitoring the density and/or the level (L) of a filling material in a container. A transmitting unit which emits radioactive radiation and a receiving unit which is arranged in such a way that it receives the radioactive radiation or the secondary radiation that is produced by the interaction of the radioactive radiation with the filling material are provided. A regulating/evaluating unit which determines the density and/or the level of the filling material in the container using the measuring data that is supplied by the receiving unit is also provided. The aim of the invention is to provide a device which enables the level or the density of a filling material in a container to be measured reliably. To this end, the receiving unit consists of individual detector units.

Abstract: A flexible scintillation-type level detector (10), in which the scintillator (18) is made from a flexible tube (12) substantially filled with a liquid scintillating material (16) to provide flexibility in at least two, and preferably three, dimensions. At least one end (32) is aligned for operable connection to a photodetector (14, 20). Outer surfaces of the flexible tube (12) may be covered with an inwardly-facing light reflective material (30) and/or light-excluding material or flexible armored casing(22). The scintillator (18) may include a variable-volume expansion chamber (110, 152, 176) to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction of the liquid scintillator material (16).

Abstract: A highly efficient position or liquid level sensing system includes a central fluorescent fiber or rod, a transparent support for mounting the fluorescent fiber preferably in a liquid container or tank, and a float or other movable member extending around the fluorescent fiber for movement relative to the fiber. Light is directed from one end of the fluorescent fiber parallel to and around the fiber; and the side of the float or movable member facing the light reflects the incident light inward toward the fluorescent fiber. A first detector receives radiation from one end of the fiber. Detectors may be provided at both ends of the fiber, and the two outputs may be combined sustractively to provide a substantially linear signal output relative to the position of the float or movable member.

Abstract: A specimen sensing apparatus according to the present invention includes a specimen container which is vertically positioned by a container holder of a columnar rack type and conveyed by a belt conveyor, an infrared CCD camera configured to pick up an infrared image of the specimen container, a visible image converter which converts the infrared image picked up by the infrared CCD camera into a visible image, an image signal processing unit which processes and converts one of the infrared image and the visible image into a signal that is suitable to measure a specimen amount, and a specimen amount measuring unit which measures an amount of specimen contained in the specimen container in response to the signal processed by the image signal processing unit.

Abstract: A method of detecting and suppressing extraneous radiation influences in radiometric measurements utilizes, in addition to the measurement channel that extends at least essentially over the entire usable pulse amplitude spectrum, at least one substitute channel that encompasses only a fractional range of the usable pulse amplitude spectrum. The measurement channel (MK) and substitute channel (EK) are calibrated in terms of the same variables, such as fill level or volume. A comparison between the measurement values, defined by the respective pulse rates of the measurement channel and substitute channel, is brought about in such a way that the value of the linkage varies significantly if extraneous radiation occurs.

Abstract: In a method of measuring the fill level of a reactor in continuously operated polymerization processes using measurement of the respective phase interface in the reactor by means of ionizing radiation, at least one measuring unit comprising a radiation source which emits ionizing radiation and a corresponding detector is brought to the phase interface in the reactor and flexibly installed there, with the fill level of the reactor being measured by determining the phase interface by means of the radioactive backscattering measurement.

Abstract: An material level monitoring and reporting system uses special micropower impulse radar level sensing probes, with one such probe being inserted into each of a plurality of material containment structures, such as storage tanks. The micropower impulse radar probes use flexible waveguides which extend downward to the tank bottom such that micropower radar impulses travel to and from the liquid surface via a wave guide, with the lapse between emission and reception of the impulse indicating a distance from the probe, and thus a liquid level. Each level sensing probe is connected to a communication link which collects level and status information from the level sensing probes and transmits it to a monitoring site. The material level data may be collected from a plurality of intermediate monitoring sites by a central monitoring sites.

Abstract: A method for detecting change in the foam forming characteristic of an input stream of an aqueous solution which continuously samples the input stream by taking a series of discrete, independent measurements. The method relies on an acoustic sensor to measure foam height within a column. A sample of the input stream is introduced into the column, and aerated to produce foam. The height of the column of foam is then measured using the acoustic sensor, which is correlated with the concentration of foam forming chemical.

Abstract: A density profiler for measuring a density profile of a medium including at least two liquids and gaseous phases includes an axially distributed source array providing at least 10 collimated ionising radiation beams; an axially distributed radiation detector array, each detector associated in use with one of the beams and producing an output signal in response to incident radiation; and an analysor for the detector output signals to determine the density of the medium traversed by the beams of radiation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the level of red blood cells, plasma or serum, and organic separation gel in a test tube covered with multiple labels is provided. Visible and infrared light beams are projected onto a test tube. The portions of the light beams that pass through the test tube are detected as a function of position along the vertical axis of the test tube. The levels of the interfaces are then calculated from the detected portions.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for measuring a level, an interface level, and/or a density profile of at least one fluid in a container (2, 3) with at least two nuclear radiation sources (9) vertically arranged at a predetermined distance from each other inside or both inside and outside the tank. A defector unit (11) is used and includes a scintillator rod (12) with photo multiplier tubes (13) at each end. Electronic means provides information on fluid level positions and radiation levels at different places along the scintillator rod (12) by measuring pulse amplitudes from the photo multiplier tube. The radiation is converted to electric pulses having an amplitude proportionate to the light intensity of the radiation at the actual position along the rod (12). A ratiometric calculation of the amplitude determines the position of the corresponding radiation quant.