CA2021454A1 - Liquid level monitor and indicator - Google Patents

Liquid level monitor and indicator

Info

Publication number
CA2021454A1
CA2021454A1 CA002021454A CA2021454A CA2021454A1 CA 2021454 A1 CA2021454 A1 CA 2021454A1 CA 002021454 A CA002021454 A CA 002021454A CA 2021454 A CA2021454 A CA 2021454A CA 2021454 A1 CA2021454 A1 CA 2021454A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
liquid
surface level
buoyancy member
changes
buoyancy
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002021454A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
W. Bruce Thompson
Randall B. Thompson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA002021454A priority Critical patent/CA2021454A1/en
Publication of CA2021454A1 publication Critical patent/CA2021454A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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  • Level Indicators Using A Float (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A liquid level indicator and monitor has a buoyancy member suspended in a storage vessel, acting on a load cell. Variations in the liquid surface level will produce an apparent change in buoyancy of the buoyancy member acting on the load cell, The signals from the load cell can be processed to give various outputs such as a read out, recording and the like, and indications of volume and flow rate can be obtained if desired.

Description

2 ~
LIQUID LEVEL MONITOR AND INDICA~OR

This invention relates to a liquid level monitor and indicator, such as is used to monitor and indicate a surface level in a storage vessel.
It is often necessary, or desirable, to be able to know the surface level of a liquid in a storage vessel or container. Various instruments exist for this, the most general type being a capacitance or other electrical type.
Such instruments are positioned in the vessel and in the capacitance form detect the difference in capacitance arising from variations in the level of the surface level.
Another type has a plurality of electrical contacts spaced apart, in a vertical direction, with means for detecting when the liguid sur~ace reaches, immerses or uncovers a contact.
It is, of course, necessary in the spaced contacts type of instrument that the liquid be electrically conducting.
With a capacitance type of instrument, it is often difficult to detect small variations in surface level. The known devices, as briefly outlined above, are limited in that most of these arrangements solely detect liquid level and employ unnecessarily complicated apparatus to achieve the function.
The present invention provides a simple instrument in which the change in buoyancy of a member positioned in the vessel, as the surface level varies, is detected. The change in buoyancy is measured by a load cell. Electronic circuitry is used to convert signals to provide the desired indication, visually or otherwise, with conversion to flow rates, volume or other as desired. In one preferred form of the present invention, a reservoir for fluid storage having an inlet and an outlet with an immersion pump therein, is provided. Disposed at an upper and a lower level within the reservoir, are contacts which function to control the filling and emptying of the reservoir. Once the fluid reaches the upper contact, the fluid being supplied to the reservoir ceases to flow by termination of the pump operation. Similarly, when the fluid level reaches the lower contact, the pump is actuated thereby refilling the reservoir, and continues operating until reaching the upper contact. Additionally disposed within the reservoir, is a buoyancy device, which is at least partially immersed in the liquid within the reservoir. The buoyancy device has a negative buoyancy relative to the liquid. This device is in contact with a load cell which monitors differences in the buoyancy corresponding to variations in the liquid surface level. The load cell communicates with circuitry into which can be programmed various liquid gravities. The circuitry can also indicate volume changes, rate of flow and other useful information.
The liquid level indicator and monitor may be manufactured as a single unit or separately in which case the components may be used in existing systems. The materials of which the components are made will vary according to the fluid type to which they are exposed and may include any durable synthetic or non-synthetic rigid materials.
In one preferred aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid level monitor and indicator comprising;
a buoyancy member adapted for at least partial immersion in a liquid, a load cell acted upon by the buoyancy member to produce signals indicative of the surface level of the liquid and of apparent changes in the buoyancy of the buoyancy member with changes in liquid surface level, and means for processing the signals to produce outputs related to the surface level and changes in the surface level of the liquid.

., .

2~2~

In another preferred aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for dispensing a liquid comprising a reservoir, means for supplying a liquid to the reservoir, means for feeding the liquid from the reservoir to a dispensing outlet, and a liquid level and monitoring means comprising a buoyancy member in the reservoir for at least partial immersion in the liquid, a load cell acted upon by the b~loyancy member to produce signals indicative of the surface level of the liquid and apparent changes in buoyancy of the buoyancy member with changes in liquid surface level in the reservoir, and means for processing the signals to produce outputs related to the surface level and changes in the surface level of the liquid.
In yet another preferred aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of monitoring and indicating changes in liquid surface level of a liquid in a vessel, comprising immersing a buoyancy member in the liquid, the buoyancy member connected to a load cell, producing signals from the load cell indicative of the surface level of the liquid in the vessel and of changes in apparent buoyancy of the buoyancy member with changes in level of the liquid surface level, and processing the signals from the load cell to produce outputs related to the surface level of the liquid and changes in the surface level of the liquid.
The invention will be readily understood, by the following description of certain embodiments, by way of example, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:~
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side view, in cross-section, of one form of the invention;
Figure 2 is a diagrammatic side view, in cross-section, of another form of the invention and Figure 3 is an illustration of one form of circuit to be used with the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which a level indicator is positione~ in a small reservoir.
The small reservoir may be positioned on the outside of a larger reservoir, or, if acceptable, in a large, bulk, reservoir. Such an arrangement would be useful, for example, where it is desired to dispense relatively small quantities of liquid held in a bulk storage vessel. In Figure 1 there is a reservoir 10 having a liquid supply through the top end via pipe 11. At the lower end of the reservoir is a pump 12 and a delivery conduit 13, to a dispensing outlet, not shown. In the embodiment a first, lower, contact 14 is positioned toward the bottom of the reservoir by support member 15. A second, higher, contact 16 is mounted near the top of the reservoir via support 17.
Electrical leads 18 connect contacts 14 and 16 to a control system. The contacts 14 and 16 act as control devices, controlling the filling of the reservoir and emptying of the reservoir. When the liquid surface reaches contact 16 the pump supplying or feeding fluid to the reservoir 10 shuts off and when the liquid surface falls to the level of contact 14, the pump supplying liquid from the bulk supply to the reservoir starts up. Also, if the pump 12 is running, this is shut off. The pump is powered through leads 19.
Also mounted in the reservoir is a buoyancy member 20.
The buoyancy member has its upper end against a load cell 21, the output from the load ce]l being fed via electrical leads 22. The buoyancy member 20 has a negative buoyancy relative to the liquid in the reservoir, and can be solid or of tubular form. The load cell monitors the apparent varying weight of the buoyancy member with variations in the liquid surface level.

Figure 2 illustrates an alternative embodimerlt suitable, Eor example, for indicating the surface level in a bulk stora~e vessel. A wall of the vessel is indicated at 25, with a load cell 26 supported towards the top of the vessel. A buoyancy member 27 is suspended from the load cell, with a stabilizing support 28 at its lower end.
Signals from the load cell are connected via leads 29 to an electronic circuit.
The monitoring, or indicating of the liquid surface level only occurs for variations in level occurring over the length of the buoyancy member. Thus, in Figure 2, for example, monitoring or indicating only occurs while the liquid surface level is at some position along the buoyancy member. Once the surface level falls below the bottom of the member monitoring or indication is no longer effective.
Such an arrangement may be satisfactory. For full depth monitoring or indication then the buoyancy member extends for the full length over which monitoring or indication is required.
Figure 3 illustrates one form of circuitry for use with the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2. The signals from the load cell 16 or 26 are fed to the input of an analog to digital converter 31 - assuming that the outputs of the load cells are in an analog form. The converter 31 is also connected to a power supply 32 via a signal conditioner 33. From the converter the signal proceed to a larger calculator 34 which is also connected to a computer 35. From the logic calculator 34, signals are fed to a display, such as a read out display 36, or to a recording apparatus, or to a combination of both. Other uses of the signals can also be provided.
The circuity can be calibrated, for example by the computer 35, to take into account any variations in cross~
section of a vessel, for example, a cylindrical tank lying . .

with its axis horizontal, or other variation, which affects the actual volume relative to surface area. The read out or other signal use can then be used to indicate volume, and by integrating the volumetric changes during feed to or from a vessel, the actual flow rate can be determined~
The monitoring, and indicating, will be correct for one particular liquid of a particular specific gravity.
However, it is usually known what the specific gravity of various liquids is, as for example, gasoline, kerosine, oils, water and other liquids, and if the specific gravity of the liquid contained in the tank is known it can readily be provided through the circuity of Figure 3, to bring the display and other uses into correct relationship. A wide range of specific gravities can be proyrammed into the computer 35 and via a selected input through the computer, appropriate calibration of the signals will be obtained.
The computer 35 can also be programmed to provide monetary values of the liquid which is being fed from a container, by using the signals giving volumetric discharge. The monetary value per unit of discharge can be varied, and it can also be provided, in a dispensing system, that automatic shut-off of the valve 12 can be obkained after delivery of a predetermined volume, or monetary amount.
As those skilled in the art would realize these preferred illustrated details can be subjected to substantial variation, change or modification, without effecting the function of the illustrated embodiments.
Although embodiments of the invention have been described above it is not limited thereto and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications from part of the present invention insofar as they do not depart from the spirit, nature and scope of the claimed and described invention~

Y

:' .

Claims (15)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OF PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A liquid level monitor and indicator comprising; a buoyancy member adapted for at least partial immersion in a liquid, a load cell acted upon by said buoyancy member to produce signals indicative of the surface level of the liquid and of apparent changes in the buoyancy of said buoyancy member with changes in liquid surface level, and means for processing said signals to produce outputs related to the surface level and changes in the surface level of the liquid.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said buoyancy member adapted to extend from a maximum level of said liquid surface, for at least part of the depth of the liquid.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said buoyancy member adapted to extend for the full depth of the liquid in a container vessel.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said means for processing said signals comprising an electronic circuit including means for producing signals indicative of at least one of liquid surface level, volume, and volumetric flow.
5. Apparatus for dispensing a liquid comprising a reservoir, means for supplying a liquid to said reservoir, means for feeding said liquid from said reservoir to a dispensing outlet, and a liquid level and monitoring means comprising a buoyancy member in said reservoir for at least partial immersion in said liquid, a load cell acted upon by said buoyancy member to produce signals indicative of the surface level of the liquid and apparent changes in buoyancy of said buoyancy member with changes in liquid surface level in said reservoir, and means for processing said signals to produce outputs related to the surface level and changes in the surface level of said liquid.
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, said buoyancy member adapted to extend from a maximum level of said liquid surface for at least part of the depth of the liquid.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, said buoyancy member adapted to extend for the full depth of the liquid in a container vessel.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, said means for processing said signals comprising an electronic circuit including means for producing signals indicative of at least one of liquid surface level, volume, and volumetric flow.
9. Apparatus for monitoring and indicating a surface level of a liquid in a storage vessel, comprising a buoyancy member positioned in said vessel for at least partial immersion in said liquid, a load cell acted upon by said buoyancy member to produce signals indicative of the surface level of the liquid and of apparent changes in buoyancy of said buoyancy member with changes in liquid surface level, and means for processing said signals to produce outputs related to the surface level and changes in surface level of said liquid.
10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, said load cell mounted in said vessel.
11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, said buoyancy member adapted to extend from a maximum level of said liquid surface, for at least part of the depth of the liquid.
12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, said buoyancy member adapted to extend for the full depth of the liquid in a container vessel.
13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, said means for processing said signals comprising an electronic circuit including means for producing signals indicative of at least one of liquid surface level, volume, and volumetric flow.
14. A method of monitoring and indicating changes in liquid surface level of a liquid in a vessel, comprising immersing a buoyancy member in said liquid, said buoyancy member connected to a load cell, producing signals from said load cell indicative of the surface level of the liquid in the vessel and of changes in apparent buoyancy of the buoyancy member with changes in level of the liquid surface level, and processing said signals from said load cell to produce outputs related to the surface level of the liquid and changes in the surface level of the liquid.
15. The method of claim 14, including processing said signals from said load cell to produce outputs related to at least one of surface level, volume and volumetric flow.
CA002021454A 1990-07-18 1990-07-18 Liquid level monitor and indicator Abandoned CA2021454A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002021454A CA2021454A1 (en) 1990-07-18 1990-07-18 Liquid level monitor and indicator

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002021454A CA2021454A1 (en) 1990-07-18 1990-07-18 Liquid level monitor and indicator

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2021454A1 true CA2021454A1 (en) 1992-01-19

Family

ID=4145511

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002021454A Abandoned CA2021454A1 (en) 1990-07-18 1990-07-18 Liquid level monitor and indicator

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2021454A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11304342B1 (en) 2021-06-02 2022-04-12 TMGCore, LLC Measurement of dielectric liquid level change in two-phase immersion cooling systems

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11304342B1 (en) 2021-06-02 2022-04-12 TMGCore, LLC Measurement of dielectric liquid level change in two-phase immersion cooling systems

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FZDE Discontinued
FZDE Discontinued

Effective date: 19960118