Material Level Within Container Patents (Class 342/124)
  • Publication number: 20140085133
    Abstract: A radar transmitter for emulsion measurement comprises a probe defining a transmission line for sensing impedance. A pulse circuit is connected to the probe for generating pulses on the transmission line and receiving a reflected signal from the transmission line. The reflected signal comprises a waveform of probe impedance over time. A controller is operatively connected to the pulse circuit. The controller profiles content of the emulsion responsive to the waveform by transforming the waveform into impedance relative to distance, converting the transformed waveform into effective dielectric relative to distance, determining mixture content of the emulsion at select distances responsive to the effective dielectric at the select distances and developing an output representing mixture content relative to level units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Magnetrol International, Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael D. Flasza, Feng Tang, Steven R. Page
  • Publication number: 20140085129
    Abstract: A two-channel directional antenna for use in a radar level gauge. The antenna comprises a partition wall the antenna into a first partition for emitting an electromagnetic transmit signal, and a second partition for receiving an electromagnetic echo signal, the partition wall having an outer potion located downstream in a direction of radiation of the antenna. The partition wall comprises an electromagnetic de-coupling structure, which is arranged to reduce any leakage of electromagnetic energy from the transmit signal into the echo signal. The electromagnetic de-coupling structure according to the present invention ensures that the leakage of transmit signal into the received signal is reduced to a satisfactory level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: ROSEMOUNT TANK RADAR AB
    Inventor: Jan Westerling
  • Patent number: 8659472
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a stable local oscillator, which includes a first control loop. The first control loop includes a first voltage-controlled oscillator configured to generate a first output signal and a first phase-locked loop. The apparatus also includes a frequency up-converter configured to increase a frequency of the first output signal. The apparatus further includes a second control loop configured to receive the up-converted first output signal. The second control loop includes a second voltage-controlled oscillator configured to generate a second output signal and a second phase-locked loop. The second control loop may further include a mixer having a first input coupled to the frequency up-converter, a second input coupled to the second voltage-controlled oscillator, and an output coupled to the second phase-locked loop. A reference frequency source may be configured to generate a signal identifying a reference frequency and to provide that signal to the phase-locked loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Enraf B.V.
    Inventors: Bin Sai, Ronald C. Sehrier
  • Publication number: 20140052389
    Abstract: For echo tracking, it is important to allocate an echo to an echo track. The relative sign of the amplitude of the echo in relation to a corresponding amplitude of the transmission signal or the relative phase of the echo in relation to a corresponding phase of the transmission signal are determined and echo allocation is based on the result of this determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: VEGA GRIESHABER KG
    Inventors: Roland Welle, Christian Hoferer
  • Publication number: 20140041730
    Abstract: At least one probe assembly is used to measure the height of material dispensed into the bin of a hopper assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Brent Naizer, Jay D. Jordan, Patrick Thomson, Zheng Chen
  • Patent number: 8648612
    Abstract: A device for using electromagnetic pulses to determine a distance to a surface includes a pulse generator, a real time sampler and a calibration unit having a signal generator for generating a calibration signal with a predefined frequency. In a calibration mode the real time sampler receives the calibration signal, and an average sample time delay of the sampler is determined based on the sampled calibration signal and the known calibration frequency. In a measurement mode, the real time sampler receives a reflection signal and the distance is determined based on a sampled reflection signal and the average sample time delay. Knowledge of the average delay of the sampler makes it possible to exactly determine the distance (in time and thus space) between two points in the sampled signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Rosemount Tank Radar AB
    Inventors: Fabian Wenger, Valter Nilsson
  • Patent number: 8643537
    Abstract: A method for considering an echo amplitude profile as a result of convoluting a single echo with a channel response sequence, wherein for multiple echo detection, an estimation task is broken into three major steps comprising estimating a channel response, recovering a full shape of a single echo, and iteratively updating the channel response and echo shape to increase their accuracy. The estimation of the channel response is treated as a single echo detection problem and includes estimating the strongest echo for its position and amplitude, removing an echo corresponding to this recovered channel from the echo amplitude profile, and repeating the preceding steps for the next strongest echo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jing Liu
  • Publication number: 20140028492
    Abstract: A method is based on measuring a distance to a reference reflector arranged at a known distance, in order to calibrate and/or monitor a coherent frequency modulation, continuous wave radar, fill-level measuring device, wherein the reference reflector can be reliably identified. To this end, a reference reflector executing oscillations toward the fill-level measuring device with an oscillation frequency is used, which is inserted in the beam path of periodically linearly frequency modulated transmission signals transmitted from the fill-level measuring device. The fill-level measuring device receives fractions of the transmission signals reflected back on reflectors in the container and records based on these received signals and their time correlation relative to the respectively associated transmission signal for each received signal an echo function, which shows the amplitudes of the received signal as a function of the associated position of the associated reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Winfried Mayer, Manfred Eckert
  • Patent number: 8639457
    Abstract: A method for ascertaining and monitoring the fill level of a medium in a container via a field device, wherein transmission signals are transmitted toward the medium and are received as reflection signals. The transmission signals and the reflection signals are registered by means of data points in an envelope curve dependent on travel time or travel distance. Disturbance echo signals are registered by means of data points in a masking curve, the data points are connected with one another via connecting functions An evaluation curve is ascertained from the envelope curve; wherein, by means of a reduction algorithm, the number of data points in the masking curve and/or in the evaluation curve is reduced; and wherein, by an echo search algorithm, by means of the reduced masking curve and/or reduced evaluation curve, at least one wanted echo signal in the current envelope curve is ascertained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Hammer, Alexey Malinovskiy, Edgar Schmitt, Herbert Schroth, Dietmar Spanke
  • Publication number: 20140022112
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the state of a fill level measuring device (1) operating according to the radar principle and such a fill level measuring device, wherein the fill level measuring device (1) has at least one transceiver unit (2) for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals, and at least one antenna (3) for guiding, radiating and receiving electromagnetic signals. The antenna (3) has at least one interior space (4), and wherein the antenna (3) has a transmission characteristic with regard to the transmission of electromagnetic signals. Electromagnetic signals are emitted or directed at least partially in the direction of a wall section (5) of the interior space (4) of the antenna (3), the received electromagnetic signals are evaluated with respect to the transmission characteristic of the antenna (3), and the result of the evaluation is compared to at least one stored reference value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Krohne S.A.
    Inventor: Vincent Pichot
  • Publication number: 20140009323
    Abstract: A waveguide coupling includes a planar radiator element which couples the transmission signal into a waveguide of the waveguide coupling. The waveguide widens in the direction of the planar radiator element, in such a way that the radiator element can be of a comparatively large diameter without the inner walling of the waveguide detracting significantly from the signal quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Christian WEINZIERLE, Daniel Schultheiss
  • Publication number: 20130335262
    Abstract: A method of determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank using a level gauge system, comprising the steps of: transmitting a first signal towards a surface of the product; receiving a first echo signal; determining a present echo characteristic value based on the first echo signal; and comparing the present echo characteristic value and a stored echo characteristic value. If a difference between the present echo characteristic value and the stored echo characteristic value is greater than a predefined value, the method further comprises transmitting at least a second transmit signal towards the surface; receiving at least a second echo signal; and determining the filling level based on the at least second electromagnetic echo signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Leif Nilsson, Håkan Delin, Håkan Nyberg
  • Publication number: 20130320145
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for measuring and metering deicing fluid as it is dispensed from a tank onto an aircraft to remove ice and to prevent subsequent icing. The system can include a guided wave radar gauge mounted on the tank to measure the volume of fluid in the tank in real-time. As fluid is dispensed from the tank, the gauge measures the change in the volume of fluid in the tank and transmits the volume of fluid in the tank and the volume of fluid dispensed from the tank to a display/controller. The system can also include a refractometer module to enable the measurement of the concentration of a first constituent fluid relative to a second constituent fluid in a mixture thereof. The system can further measure the concentration of one deicing fluid constituent (e.g. glycol) mixed with another fluid constituent (e.g. water) to determine the freeze point of the deicing fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Titan Logix Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory Joseph McGILLIS, Ronald John WILLIS, Edward G. PACHAL
  • Publication number: 20130314275
    Abstract: A radar level gauge for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank. The gauge has a sealing arrangement comprising a hollow housing, a conductor-; and a dielectric sleeve arranged inside the housing and surrounding the conductor. At least one gap is formed between the dielectric sleeve and an' adjacent, electrically conducting surface, the gap having a first end which is open to an interior of the tank, so that in use, tank atmosphere may enter and condensate in the gap. The sealing arrangement further comprises an electrically conducting coating provided on a surface of the dielectric sleeve facing the gap, and in electrical contact with said adjacent, electrically conducting surface, so that an impedance between the electrically conducting coating and the adjacent electrically conducting surface is sufficiently low at an operating frequency of the gauge to reduce an influence of any medium present in the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: ROSEMOUNT TANK RADAR AB
    Inventors: Hakan Fredriksson, Mikael Eriksson
  • Publication number: 20130300595
    Abstract: A method for determining the filling level of a product in a tank using electromagnetic signals, comprising: a) generating a transmission signal having a predetermined length; b) propagating the signal towards the product; c) receiving a reflected signal; d) determining whether the received signal overlaps the transmitted signal in the time-domain; e) setting an overlap-parameter to 1 if overlap is detected, otherwise setting the overlap-parameter to 0; if the state of the overlap parameter is not changed and if no overlap is detected, generate a signal having a length exceeding the previous length and repeat step b); and if the state of the overlap-parameter is not changed and if an overlap is detected, generate a signal having a length shorter than the previous length and repeat step b); and if the state of the overlap-parameter is changed, determine the filling level based on the length of the transmitted signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Erik Hemmendorff
  • Patent number: 8567243
    Abstract: A method for a fill level measurement in which a first and/or a second fill substance can be located. A rest position can be ascertained, when the entire amount of each fill substance in the container forms a single layer containing only this fill substance, wherein the first fill substance has a smaller specific weight than the second fill substance, and the two fill substances have different dielectric constants. An electromagnetic signal is sent into the container, wherein a part of the signal is reflected. A capacitance between a capacitive probe and a reference electrode is measured, dependent on the amounts of the fill substances located in the container, and, on the basis of the measured capacitance and the measured travel times for each fill substance present in the container, the rest position of its fill substance upper surface is ascertained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Alexey Malinovskiy, Herbert Schroth, Dietmar Spanke
  • Patent number: 8570212
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a waveguide converter, which includes a first waveguide for propagating an electromagnetic wave, a second waveguide for being inputted the electromagnetic wave from the first waveguide and propagating the electromagnetic wave in a direction different from the propagating direction of the electromagnetic wave in the first waveguide, and an elongated-plate-shaped inner conductor arranged between the first waveguide and the second waveguide so that end portions of the inner conductor are exposed to the inside of the first waveguide and the second waveguide, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Furuno Electric Company Limited
    Inventor: Koji Yano
  • Publication number: 20130265190
    Abstract: A non-invasive sensing system for monitoring the amount of content in at least one container includes a platform for supporting the at least one container, at least one holder associated with the at least one container supported by the platform, a source for generating a radio frequency signal, circuitry in communication with the at least one holder for transmitting the radio frequency signal through the at least one holder into the at least one container and receiving a portion of the radio frequency signal reflected at a content-air interface in the at least one container, and circuitry for processing the reflected radio frequency signal and determining the amount of content in the at least one container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Somnath Mukherjee, Ajay Kumar Das
  • Publication number: 20130257644
    Abstract: A non-invasive level sensing system for monitoring the amount of content in at least one container includes a platform for supporting the at least one container, at least one holder associated with the at least one container supported by the platform, a source for generating a radio frequency signal, circuitry in communication with the at least one holder for transmitting the radio frequency signal through the at least one holder into the at least one container and receiving a portion of the radio frequency signal reflected at a content-air interface in the at least one container, and circuitry for processing the reflected radio frequency signal and determining the amount of content in the at least one container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Somnath Mukherjee, Ajay Kumar Das
  • Publication number: 20130207835
    Abstract: A level measuring system which operates according to the radar principle for measuring the level of a medium which is located in a vessel has a signal transmission apparatus for emission of an electromagnetic signal, an electronic apparatus which generates an electromagnetic signal, and a pressure-tight and/or diffusion-tight separating element. The electronic apparatus is made in several parts, one of which is a signal generating component. The signal generating component and another component of the electronic apparatus are made as independent units which are spatially separated from one another. There is a communication apparatus between the signal generating component and the other component, and there is a pressure-tight and/or diffusion-tight separating element between the other component and the signal transmission apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: KROHNE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
  • Publication number: 20130207836
    Abstract: A method for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium in a container using a travel time measuring method, wherein transmission signals are transmitted toward the medium and reflection signals are received. The received reflection signals are registered as echo signals in an echo function dependent on travel time. Based on known measuring device- and container-specific reflection planes, possible reflection regions in the echo function are calculated by means of an evaluation algorithm. In the calculated reflection regions, the disturbance echo signals and/or the multiecho signals in the echo function are classified, wherein non-classified reflection signals are ascertained and checked as wanted echo signals by means of a search algorithm, wherein, from a position and/or an amplitude of at least one wanted echo signal, fill level is determined, and wherein the measured value of fill level is output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Edgar Schmitt, Dietmar Spanke
  • Patent number: 8497799
    Abstract: A level gauge using microwaves to determine a distance to a surface of a product in a tank, wherein a measurement signal comprises a first frequency sweep, and a second frequency sweep, and a mixer is arranged to mix the measurement signal with an echo signal to form a first IF signal based on the first frequency sweep, and a second IF signal based on the second frequency sweep. Processing circuitry is adapted to sample the first IF signal and the second IF signal, to form a combined sample vector including samples from each tank signal, and to determine the distance based on the combined sample vector. By combining the samples from two (or more) different sweeps, the number of samples and the bandwidth can both be increased, thus maintaining the range L. However, as the samples are obtained from two separate sweeps, the sweep time for each individual sweep does not need to be increased, and the average power consumption can be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Rosemount Tank Radar AB
    Inventor: Mikael Kleman
  • Patent number: 8482295
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the level of a plurality of phases of a conductive or semi-conductive mixture in a vessel. The systems and method include a vessel configured to hold the mixture, a plurality of antennas configured to transmit electromagnetic and/or eddy current signals into the mixture to impinge upon the plurality of phases and to receive corresponding signals reflected from the plurality of phases, a transmitter module configured to generate electromagnetic and/or eddy current signals in communication with the plurality of antennas, a receiver module configured to receive electromagnetic and/or eddy current signals in communication with the plurality of antennas, a control module in communication with the transmitter module and the receiver module configured to control their operation, and a signal analysis module in communication with the receiver module configured to process the reflected signals to determine the levels of the plurality of phases within the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Afshin Sadri, Ehsan Shameli, Bert O. Wasmund, Nils W. Voermann
  • Patent number: 8477064
    Abstract: A loop-powered field device for determining a process variable and providing a measurement signal indicative of the process variable to a remote location via a two-wire current loop, the loop-powered field device comprising: a measurement device for determining the process variable; and loop interface circuitry for providing the measurement signal to the two-wire current loop and for providing power from the two-wire current loop to the measurement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Rosemount Tank Radar AB
    Inventor: Valter Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20130127654
    Abstract: Stated is a process separation device for a fill-level measuring device including a pressure resistant feed-through for an inner conductor. The process separation device comprises an inner conductor, an outer conductor, a process side, a control side, and a feed-through. The inner conductor comprises a first conical region, and/or the outer conductor comprises a second conical region. The feed-through comprises the first conical region and/or is encompassed by the second conical region, and in this manner establishes a connection having positive fit between the inner conductor and the outer conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Klaus Kienzle, Juergen Motzer, Juergen DietMeier
  • Publication number: 20130113644
    Abstract: Disclosed is a measurement device that can accurately measure size, position, the presence of an object, and the like by means of a simple and low-cost method. Specifically, disclosed is a measurement device that is provided with: a transmitter that transmits radio waves; a vibrating surface that vibrates mechanically; a receiver that receives radio waves; and a controller that transmits radio waves from the transmitter, and on the basis of the signal of the radio waves reflected by the vibrating surface and received by the receiver, outputs information about a measured object on the pathway between the transmitter and the receiver with the vibrating surface therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuo Nakagawa, Akihiko Hyodo, Hideaki Kurata, Shigeru Oho
  • Publication number: 20130110420
    Abstract: A fill-level measuring device includes a self-learn device that can calculate the length of the dome shaft, the container height, the permeability value of a feed material or the permittivity value of a feed material. This takes place with the use of one or several determined speed values of echoes of a measured echo curve. In this manner the accuracy of fill level determination can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Karl Griessbaum, Roland Welle
  • Patent number: 8416124
    Abstract: A frequency synthesizer for a time base generator of a level measuring device which works according to the radar principle, with at least one first output for output of a first frequency signal, with at least one second output for output of a second frequency signal, and with a reference oscillator for producing a reference frequency signal, the first frequency signal and the second frequency signal having a small difference frequency relative to one another, the first frequency signal being producible by interaction of the reference oscillator with a direct digital synthesizer. The first frequency signal and second frequency signal can be generated with especially low noise by the second frequency signal being derived from the reference oscillator without interconnection of a direct digital synthesizer and the direct digital synthesizer being operated such that only a noise spectrum is produced which is at least partially minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Gerding
  • Publication number: 20130076560
    Abstract: Level gauging including an approxiamtion of a distance to the surface of a product kept in a tank. The approxiamtion is determined by relating an amplitude of a first harmonic of an IF signal with an amplitude of a second harmonic of the IF signal. Basically, each harmonics represents a given distance range. By determining the received power in two or more harmonics, and correlating them to each other, the distance may be estimated. Depending on modulation and other parameters the distance dependence may be very different, and may be selected to suit the application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Olov Edvardsson, Anders Jirskog
  • Publication number: 20130076559
    Abstract: A radar level gauging principle including transmitting at least two time separated carrier wave pulses having equal carrier frequencies, determining a change in phase shift associated with two pulses in the transmit signals having equal frequencies, comparing the change with a threshold value, and depending on a result of the comparing step, determining the distance based on a relationship between the transmit signals and the return signals. By comparing the actual phase resulting from two substantially identical pulses transmitted a certain time apart, an indication of a change of filling level can be obtained. This indication can then be used to initiate a full measurement cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Olov Edvardsson
  • Patent number: 8405542
    Abstract: The transmission power of a fill level radar is varied in that the transmission power is switched, by a signal switch, from a first transmission power to a second transmission power. This switching takes place, for example, by bypassing the high-frequency amplifier or by switching off a drain voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: VEGA Grieshaber KG
    Inventors: Bernhard Corbe, Michael Fischer, Christoph Mueller, Daniel Schultheiss
  • Publication number: 20130069817
    Abstract: A method of determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank, the method comprising the steps of: a) transmitting an electromagnetic probing signal towards a target area of a surface of the product; b) receiving a reflected probing signal being a reflection of the electromagnetic probing signal at the surface; c) determining a parameter value indicative of an amplitude of the reflected probing signal; if the parameter value is indicative of an amplitude larger than a predetermined threshold value: d) transmitting an electromagnetic measuring signal towards the target area of the surface; e) receiving a return signal being a reflection of the electromagnetic measuring signal at the surface; and f) determining the filling level based on a time relation between the electromagnetic measuring signal and the return signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Fabian Wenger
  • Publication number: 20130063298
    Abstract: A method for measuring a fill level of a fill substance in a container, in which, in an empty container, at least a part of the microwave signals transmitted into the container is reflected back via a reflection on a floor of the container. Microwave signals are transmitted into the container and their fractions reflected back to the fill-level measuring device. These are received as received signals. Echo functions are derived, which show amplitudes of the received signals as a function of a position corresponding to their travel time traveled in the container. A container floor echo is detected at a position, which lies in an earlier determined, both sides limited, empty echo position range, in which the container floor echo occurs in the case of empty container, at an empty echo position dependent on a shape of the container and an installed position of the fill-level measuring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Gorenflo, Alexey Malinovskiy, Klaus Pankratz
  • Publication number: 20130061669
    Abstract: A level detector 100 includes a sleeve 210 mountable to a vessel and extendable through a wall 212 defined by the vessel 212A and into an interior area 214 defined by the vessel. The sleeve 210 is mountable at an angle A of less than forty-five degrees relative to the vessel wall 212. The level detector 100 includes a level sensing probe 230 extending into a bore defined by an inside surface 218 of the sleeve 210. The level sensing probe 230 is configured to measure a plurality of foam and aerated slurry levels in the vessel 212A. One or more connectors 232, 244 are positioned outside 212B of the vessel 212A to removably support the level sensing probe 230 within the bore. The level sensing probe 230 is in communication with the interior area 214 via one or more openings 254, 258 extending into the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventor: Peter J. Bogdanchik
  • Publication number: 20130057426
    Abstract: A level gauge system comprising transmission signal generating circuitry for generating a transmission signal; a propagation device connected to the transmission signal generating circuitry and arranged to propagate the transmission signal towards a surface of the product inside the tank, and to return a reflected signal resulting from reflection of the transmission signal at the surface of the product contained in the tank. The level gauge system further comprises reference signal providing circuitry configured to provide a reference signal. At least one of the transmission signal generating circuitry and the reference signal providing circuitry comprises delay circuitry. The delay circuitry comprises at least one delay cell exhibiting a propagation delay for pulses passing through the at least one delay cell that varies in dependence of a supply voltage provided to the at least one delay cell, and voltage control circuitry connected to the at least one delay cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Fabian Wenger, Samuel Bergqvist, Valter Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20130057425
    Abstract: A level gauge system comprising transmission signal generating circuitry for generating a transmission signal; a propagation device connected to the transmission signal generating circuitry and arranged to propagate the transmission signal towards a surface of the product inside the tank, and to return a reflected signal resulting from reflection of the transmission signal at the surface of the product contained in the tank. The level gauge system further comprises reference signal providing circuitry configured to provide a reference signal. At least one of the transmission signal generating circuitry and the reference signal providing circuitry comprises delay circuitry. The delay circuitry comprises a plurality of delay cells, and controllable switching circuitry arranged and configured to allow formation of a delay path comprising a subset of the plurality of delay cells connected in series, to thereby allow control of a signal propagation delay of the delay circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Fabian Wenger, Samuel Bergqvist, Valter Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20130009803
    Abstract: A level gauge for detecting process variables related to a distance to a surface of a content in a tank, comprising a first and second functionally independent circuitry arrangements comprising transceiver circuitry and processing circuitry. The gauge further comprises a transmission line probe connected to the circuitry arrangements, the transmission line probe extending into the content in the tank and being adapted allow propagation of first and second transmission modes, and a feeding arrangement connected to couple electromagnetic signals into the probe in first and second propagation modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Olov Edvardsson
  • Patent number: 8350751
    Abstract: A radar level gauge for determining the filling level of a product in a tank, comprising a transceiver for transmitting and receiving microwaves, processing circuitry connected to the transceiver and adapted to determine the filling level, an antenna connected to said transceiver and arranged to emit and receive microwaves through an opening of the tank, and a microwave transmissive sealing member adapted to cover said opening and to provide pressure sealing of the tank. The sealing member comprises a metal grid layer providing structural strength, which metal grid layer has sealed openings formed to allow transmission of microwaves. The tank opening is thus divided into a number of smaller openings by the metal grid, thereby improving the mechanical strength of the sealing member. At the same time, the sealing member is designed to maintain its pressure sealing properties, e.g. by suitable dielectric filling of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Rosemount Tank Radar AB
    Inventors: Olov Edvardsson, Stig Larsson
  • Patent number: 8350752
    Abstract: A radar level gauge system, for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank, the radar level gauge system comprising: a transceiver for generating, transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals; a propagating device electrically connected to the transceiver and arranged to propagate a transmitted electromagnetic signal towards a surface of the product contained in the tank, and to return echo signals resulting from reflections at impedance transitions encountered by the transmitted electromagnetic signal, including a surface echo signal resulting from reflection at the surface, back to the transceiver; processing circuitry connected to the transceiver and configured to determine the filling level based on the surface echo signal; and a bottom reflector arranged at a bottom of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Rosemount Tank Radar AB
    Inventor: Erik Hemmendorff
  • Patent number: 8339305
    Abstract: In a method for detecting an object with an FMCW (frequency modulated continuous wave) ranging system a superior accuracy and resolution is obtained by determining the strongest sinusoidal component in the frequency spectrum and removing the determined component from the spectrum, repeating the preceding step at least once, adding one of the components determined in the two preceding steps to the spectrum, re-determining the then strongest sinusoidal component in the spectrum and removing the re-determined component from the spectrum, repeating the preceding step for each remaining of the determined sinusoidal components, and repeating the last two steps until a desired degree of convergence is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jean-René Larocque, Michael Shenouda
  • Publication number: 20120319891
    Abstract: A guided wave radar level gauge system, comprising a transmission line probe configured to support a first propagation mode such that it travels along the transmission line probe with a first propagation velocity exhibiting a first dependence on a dielectric constant of the surrounding medium, and support a second propagation mode such that it travels along the transmission line probe with a second propagation velocity exhibiting a second dependence, different from the first dependence, on the dielectric constant of the surrounding medium. The guided wave radar level gauge system further comprises processing circuitry connected to the transceiver for determining the filling level based on the reflected electromagnetic signal in the first propagation mode and the second propagation mode, and a known relation between the first dependence and the second dependence on the dielectric constant of the surrounding medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Olov Edvardsson, Alexander Dahl
  • Publication number: 20120299768
    Abstract: A fill-level measuring device includes a self-learn device that is able to automatically determine the length of the dome shaft of the container. To this effect the self-learn device uses a multiple echo classified as such by a multiple-echo detection device. In this manner the result of fill level measuring may be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Karl GRIESSBAUM, Roland Welle
  • Publication number: 20120299767
    Abstract: A level gauge using microwaves to determine a distance to a surface of a product in a tank, wherein a measurement signal comprises a first frequency sweep, and a second frequency sweep, and a mixer is arranged to mix the measurement signal with an echo signal to form a first IF signal based on the first frequency sweep, and a second IF signal based on the second frequency sweep. Processing circuitry is adapted to sample the first IF signal and the second IF signal, to form a combined sample vector including samples from each tank signal, and to determine the distance based on the combined sample vector. By combining the samples from two (or more) different sweeps, the number of samples and the bandwidth can both be increased, thus maintaining the range L. However, as the samples are obtained from two separate sweeps, the sweep time for each individual sweep does not need to be increased, and the average power consumption can be maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Mikael Kleman
  • Patent number: 8319680
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for accurately determining the level L of a liquid by means of radar signals emitted to the liquid surface and radar signals reflected from the liquid surface. The invention further relates to a device for accurately determining the level of a liquid by means of the method according to the invention, which device comprises at least a radar antenna disposed above the liquid for emitting radar signals to the liquid and receiving radar signals reflected from the liquid surface, as well as means for determining the liquid level on the basis of the emitted radar signals and the reflected radar signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Enraf B.V.
    Inventor: Bin Sai
  • Publication number: 20120274500
    Abstract: A radar level gauge system comprising first pulse generating circuitry for generating a transmission signal, second pulse generating circuitry for generating a reference signal; and frequency control circuitry for controlling the second pulse generating circuitry to achieve a predetermined frequency difference between the transmission signal and the reference signal. The radar level gauge system further comprises first frequency selection circuitry configured to provide a higher order harmonic frequency component of the transmission signal to the frequency control circuitry; and second frequency selection circuitry configured to provide a higher order harmonic frequency component of the reference signal to the frequency control circuitry. The frequency control circuitry is configured to control the second pulse generating circuitry based on the higher order harmonic frequency component of the transmission signal and the higher order harmonic frequency component of the reference signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Håkan Nyberg
  • Publication number: 20120262331
    Abstract: A filling level measuring device antenna cover includes a base body and a plurality of circular fins concentrically arranged on the base body, wherein the fins and the base body consist of a plastic material. The fins and the base body are one piece and injection-moulded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Klaus KIENZLE, Christian SUM, Thomas KOPP
  • Publication number: 20120256782
    Abstract: An immersion nozzle used for measuring a level of molten metal, wherein a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion which are made of carbon are imbedded in a pair of slots which are provided on the surface of the immersion nozzle separately from each other and along the longitudinal direction in such a way that the first and second conductive portions form integral parts of the surface of the immersion nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: NIRECO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Koichi MATSUMOTO
  • Patent number: 8279130
    Abstract: Microwave antenna for a level indicator, with an antenna cavity having a radiating aperture which can be closed with an HF-permeable disk that is fixed in position within the antenna cavity by means of a snap ring, and at least one sealing component is provided to seal the transitional area between the disk and the microwave antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Vega Grieshaber KG
    Inventor: Juergen Dietmeier
  • Publication number: 20120242532
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for monitoring the level of an ethylene polymerization catalyst slurry in a mud pot (2), whereby said catalyst slurry is prepared by introducing a solid catalyst and a liquid diluent in said mud pot (2), and whereby through sedimentation an interface (35) is formed between said diluent and the obtained catalyst slurry, characterized in that said interface (35) is monitored with Time Domain Reflectometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: TOTAL PETROCHEMICALS RESEARCH FELUY
    Inventors: Louis Fouarge, Alain Brusselle
  • Patent number: 8269666
    Abstract: A high-frequency module is for fill level measuring and for use at frequencies of more than 75 GHz. The high-frequency module comprises a microwave semiconductor, a printed circuit board and a housing bonded to the printed circuit board. In order to reduce the power required, operation of the microwave semiconductor takes place in a pulsed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: VEGA Grieshaber KG
    Inventors: Daniel Schultheiss, Michael Fischer