CA2465601C - Solid state illuminator for bi-colour ported water level gauges - Google Patents
Solid state illuminator for bi-colour ported water level gauges Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2465601C CA2465601C CA002465601A CA2465601A CA2465601C CA 2465601 C CA2465601 C CA 2465601C CA 002465601 A CA002465601 A CA 002465601A CA 2465601 A CA2465601 A CA 2465601A CA 2465601 C CA2465601 C CA 2465601C
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- colour
- light emitting
- water level
- emitting diodes
- level gauge
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- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 92
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 title abstract description 7
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 16
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004890 malting Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- IYZWUWBAFUBNCH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,6-dichlorobiphenyl Chemical compound ClC1=CC=CC(Cl)=C1C1=CC=CC=C1 IYZWUWBAFUBNCH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000003071 polychlorinated biphenyls Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000005315 stained glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011179 visual inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
- G01F23/28—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
- G01F23/284—Electromagnetic waves
- G01F23/292—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet
- G01F23/2921—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet for discrete levels
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/02—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by gauge glasses or other apparatus involving a window or transparent tube for directly observing the level to be measured or the level of a liquid column in free communication with the main body of the liquid
Abstract
A solid state illuminator and display means are provided for bi-coloured ported water level gauges suitable for use in high pressure steam drums or similar water/steam devices to facilitate malting an accurate determination of water level in such a device. The illuminator comprises an array of bi-coloured solid state light emitting diodes (LEDs), as the light source, and a precision lens to focus the light provided from the LEDs through a gauge body and onto the view screen.
Description
SOLID STATE ILLUMINATOR FOR BI-COLOURED PORTED WATER LEVEL GAUGES
Field of the Invention The present invention relates, generally, tv a device for accurate determination of water lave! in a high pressure boiler drum or other similarwaterlsteam apparatus. More specifically, the present invention utilizes an array of vertically arranged, bi-coloured, solid state light emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide light that is focussed through an array of precision lens and projected though either steam or water and displayed upon a view screen. The presence of either steam orwater at a level corresponding to each LED inthe array of LEDs wii! result in a clear and unmistakable colour change observable on the view screen.
Background of the invention The design and use of bi-coloured light for determining water levels in steam boilers is well taught and documented in the aft. Traditionally, incandescent light is passed through coloured lenses as the light source. These designs suffer from numerous deficiencies in their fragility, efficiency, power requirements and life span. An incandescent light source utilises a fragile filament operating at high temperature. This filament can easily become damaged and break when subjected to continued vibration.
In addition, the high operating temperature of the filament limits the life span of the incandescent light. The same incandescent light source requires a high level of power to operate and only a small percentage of this power is converted to usable light. The remaining power is-lost, predominantly as heat.
Numerous liquid level indicators can be found in the art to which the present invention provides advances. United States Patent No. 2,610,729 describes an indicating gauge in which a vertlca! column containing both water and steam includes a multitude of bores which pass horizontally through the column and allow for visual inspection of the contents of the column present at the corresponding level.
An operator is able to inspect and determine the level at which the contents of the column shift from water to steam.
1n United States Patents Nos. 2,024,815 and 2,115,889, indicators that utilize the reflective and refractive properties of water, steam and light are revealed. In each case, the operator inspects the individual gauges within a plurality of gauges and is able to determine the water/steam level by observing a colour change associated with the level corresponding to the change from water to steam. The device of U.S.
Patent No. 2,115,889 provides an additional means to visually inspect the gauge at a greater distance, more specifically, at a position located far below the gauge. The light .
is provided in each of these devices via an incandescent light source.
United States Patent No. 4,836,022 describes a bi-colour fluviograph for use in steam boilers and provides improvement to the intensity of light provided from the light source and includes benefits aimed at reducing the frequency of maintenance of the fluviograph. The light is provided by a flourescent lamp and the colours are introduced via two planes, one painted red, and the other green. The ftuviograph increases the intensity of the red light to allow for its operation in murky or turbulent water conditions that would render most previous devices inoperable. A further advantage is that the device need not be cleaned as frequently. Traditionally, the impurities in the water contained within the boiler would deposit on the lens and gradually reduce the effective light transmitted. This effect is lessened by increasing the light intensity.
Summa~yr of the Invention The present invention provides a gauge system that incorporates a solid state illuminator and corresponding view screen, which can help accurately determine the water level in steam boilers or similar devices, and do so in a safe, economical, and efficient manner.
The use of light emitting diodes as a light source in a level gauge illuminator provides reduced operating costs in that much or virtually all power is converted to visible light. In addition, the nominal life of an LED is typically 100,000 hours. An LED is generally unaffected by continued vibration. An LED is capable of producing red and green light directly, eliminating the need for coloured glass. Finally, an LED requires minimal power to operate and the use of a solid state illuminator would be intrinsically safe in a hazardous environment.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bi-colour water level gauge for use in determining the water level in a steam/water environment, for instance in a boiler steam drum, heater, or other piping or pressure vessel, the gauge comprising an electronic printed circuit board containing an array of high-intensity, narrow beam first colour and second colour light emitting diodes, eg. red/green light emitting diodes;
the electronic printed circuit board being mounted on an electronics divider board; a lens divider board comprising a plurality of ports, each of the ports being individually aligned with the light emitting diodes; a heat divider for separating the electronic printed circuit board from exposure to high temperatures existing at an external housing, the heat divider typically comprising rows of offset slots to reduce heat transmission; and display means, such as a view screen, onto which light originating from the light emitting diodes is projected for inspection by an operator.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bi-colour water level gauge illuminator for use in determining the water level in a steam/water environment, for instance in a boiler steam drum, heater, or other piping or pressure vessel, the illuminator comprising an electronic printed circuit board containing an array of high-intensity, narrow beam first colour and second colour light emitting diodes, eg. red/green light emitting diodes; the electronic printed circuit board being mounted on an electronics divider board; a lens divider board comprising a plurality of ports, the ports being individually aligned with the light emitting diodes; and a heat divider for separating the electronic printed circuit board from exposure to high temperatures existing at an external housing, the heat divider typically comprising rows of offset slots to reduce heat transmission.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bi-colour water level gauge for use in determining the water level in a steam/water environment, for instance in a boiler steam drum, heater, or other piping or pressure vessel, the gauge comprising an electronic printed circuit board containing an array of high-intensity, narrow beam first colour and second colour light emitting diodes, eg. red/green light emitting diodes, the electronic printed circuit board being mounted on an electronics divider board; a lens divider board comprising a plurality of ports, each of the ports containing means, such as a piano-convex lens, for focusing light originating from the light emitting diodes, the ports being individually aligned with the light emitting diodes, and preferably substantially equal in number thereto; a heat divider for separating the electronic printed circuit board from exposure to high temperatures existing at an external housing, the heat divider typically comprising rows of offset slots to reduce heat transmission; and display means, such as a view screen, onto which light originating from the light emitting diodes is projected for inspection by an operator.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bi-colour water level gauge illuminator for use in determining the water level in a steam/water environment, for instance in a boiler steam drum, heater, or other piping or pressure vessel, the illuminator comprising an electronic printed circuit board containing an array of high-intensity, narrow beam first colour and second colour light emitting diodes, eg. red/green light emitting diodes; the electronic printed circuit board being mounted on an electronics divider board; a lens divider board comprising a plurality of ports, each of the ports containing means, such as a piano-convex lens, for focusing light originating from the light emitting diodes, the ports being individually aligned with the light emitting diodes, and preferably substantially equal in number thereto; and a heat divider for separating the electronic printed circuit board from exposure to high temperatures existing at an external housing, the heat divider typically comprising rows of offset slots to reduce heat transmission.
A further aspect of the invention provides a method for determining the water level in a boiler steam drum, heater, or other piping or pressure vessel comprising the steps of projecting a first light from one or more light emitting diodes of a first colour; projecting a second light from one or more light emitting diodes of a second colour;
passing said first and second lights through a column containing steam and water at a varying level to an opposing side of said column relative to said light emitting diodes, typically onto a projection screen positioned on the aforementioned opposing side; observing the position of the first and second light at varying vertical levels along the column, eg.
as observed on the projection screen; and determining the presence of water or steam at each of said varying levels based upon the observed positions of the first and second lights.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a bi-colour water level gauge illuminator for use in determining the water level in a boiler steam drum, heater, or other piping or pressure vessel, the illuminator comprising a housing having a gauge mounting side adapted for mounting the illuminator to a first tense side of a bi-colour water level gauge, the housing comprising at least one aperture defined in the gauge mounting side of the housing; a plurality of first colour and second colour light emitting diodes arranged and configured within the housing to facilitate the emission of bi-colour illumination through the aperture, and through ports or windows of the gauge to a second tense side of the gauge;
and a heat divider for separating the light emitting diodes from exposure to high temperatures existing at the gauge.
As yet another aspect, the invention provides a method of illuminating a column of a fluid level gauge used in determining the water level in a boiler steam drum, heater or other piping or pressure vessel, the method comprising the steps of projecting a first light from one or more light emitting diodes of a first colour; projecting a second light from one or more light emitting diodes of a second colour; and passing the first and second lights through the column to an opposing side of the column relative to the light emitting diodes, wherein the presence of water or steam at varying vertical levels in the column may be determined by observing the position of the first and second lights along the column.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 a is a perspective view of a conventional water level gauge, demonstrating a vertical array of viewing ports;
Figure 1 b is a perspective view of an individual port;
Figure 1c is a exploded, perspective view of an individual port;
Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c constitute a perspective view of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention including the component parts from left to right namely a level display, a level gauge, and an illuminator;
Figure 3a is an exploded, perspective view of an illuminator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3b is a completed, perspective view of the illuminator of Figure 3a;
Figure 3c is an exploded, perspective view of an electronics divider board, and a lens divider board according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3d is a perspective view of the lens divider board of Figure 3c, including an array of lenses, one lens of which is presented in an exploded view;
Figure 3e is an exploded perspective view of an external housing of the illuminator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4a is a perspective view of an inner display end plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4b is an exploded, perspective view of a level display according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4c is a completed, perspective view of the level display of Figure 4b;
Figure 5 is an exploded, perspective view of a level display according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6 is a completed, perspective view of the level display of Figure 5.
Detailed Description of the Invention The system of the present invention comprises two main components an illuminator, and a level display.
These two main components interact with a conventional water level gauge 22 as can be seen in Figure 1 a, with one port thereof illustrated in more detail in Figures 1 b and 1 c. As illustrated, the conventional water level gauge 22 is made up of a series of ports 3, arranged vertically along a column 2, each comprising an opening 4 protected by glass, though which light may pass. When installed on a water boiler, or similar device, water or steam or a combination of the two will pass from the boiler, through the pipe 1, and into the column 2. An operator, who wishes to inspect the column 2 may peer through the series of ports 3, and determine the level of water within the gauge, and correspondingly, the boiler.
_7_ As can be seen in Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c, an illuminator 14 and level display can be adapted to interact with the level gauge 22 by an interface that is formed between hooks 18 on the outer housings of the illuminator and the level display and a bolt 17 on the column 2 of the level gauge.
Referring to Figures 3a-3e, the illuminator may comprise an electronic printed circuit board (PCB) 10 containing an array of red and green light emitting diodes (LEDs) 19, an array of piano-convex lenses 13, equal in number to the number of groups of LEDs 19, and an external housing 20, made up of a first portion 8 and a second portion 9, adapted for attachment to a conventional water level gauge. The PCB 10 utilizes precision resistors to regulate the current supplied to each LED 19. The PCB further utilizes a terminal block corresponding to each LED 19 that provides a connection point for the input power and allows for jumpering between individual PCBs 10. The PCB 10 is mounted on an electronics divider 11 which is, in turn, attached to the first portion 8 and second portion 9 of the external housing. A fens divider board 12 is positioned adjacent to the array of LEDs 19, and is attached to the first and second portions 8, 9 of the outer housing. This lens divider board 12, has a number of piano-convex lenses 13, equal to the number of groups of LEDs 19 present on the PCB 10. These lenses 13 focus light through an equal number of holes 21 in a heat divider 26 on the first portion 8 of the external housing so as to provide light to be passed through a level gauge.
The first and second portions 8, 9 of the illuminator may further comprise an array of offset slots 24 extending substantially completely from top to bottom. These slots 24 are designed and offset to limit the transmission of heat originating in the level gauge. The typical operating environment of a level gauge for a steam boiler is very high, typically in the range of 696 degrees F (369 degrees Celsius). By introducing these slots to the design, heat transmission by conduction from the level gauge to the PCB board assembly and the LEDs _g_ is reduced, and the LEDs are isolated from these high operating temperatures.
Referring now to Figures 4a, 4b, and 4c, the level display 23 may comprise a viewing screen 15 for viewing the light transmitted from the LEDs, having passed through a conventional water level gauge, and optional adjustable end plate 5 for blocking the unused red and green images, a first portion 16 and second portion 7 of an external housing adapted for attachment to a conventional water level gauge, and a viewing screen connection portion 30 for connection of the viewing screen and, optionally, the end plate to the external housing.
The adjustable end plate 5 provides openings 6 at the levels of concern and blocks the display of unwanted red and green light. The adjustable end plate 5 ensures that the operator can clearly distinguish between the levels and reduces error.
Referring now to Figures 5, and 6, which illustrate a possible alternate embodiment of the level display 23, a second heat divider 25 is provided for reducing the transmission of heat from the level gauge 22 to the view screen 15. Additionally, an array of offset slots 24 extends substantially completely from top to bottom of the level display 23.
These slots 24 are designed and offset to limit the transmission of excess heat originating in the level gauge 22, which may impair the functionality of the display.
Industrial Applicabilityr The bi-colour water level gauge and illuminator device taught herein generally provides an improved means for determining the water level in a boiler steam drum, heater, or similar water/steam device.
-8a-
Field of the Invention The present invention relates, generally, tv a device for accurate determination of water lave! in a high pressure boiler drum or other similarwaterlsteam apparatus. More specifically, the present invention utilizes an array of vertically arranged, bi-coloured, solid state light emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide light that is focussed through an array of precision lens and projected though either steam or water and displayed upon a view screen. The presence of either steam orwater at a level corresponding to each LED inthe array of LEDs wii! result in a clear and unmistakable colour change observable on the view screen.
Background of the invention The design and use of bi-coloured light for determining water levels in steam boilers is well taught and documented in the aft. Traditionally, incandescent light is passed through coloured lenses as the light source. These designs suffer from numerous deficiencies in their fragility, efficiency, power requirements and life span. An incandescent light source utilises a fragile filament operating at high temperature. This filament can easily become damaged and break when subjected to continued vibration.
In addition, the high operating temperature of the filament limits the life span of the incandescent light. The same incandescent light source requires a high level of power to operate and only a small percentage of this power is converted to usable light. The remaining power is-lost, predominantly as heat.
Numerous liquid level indicators can be found in the art to which the present invention provides advances. United States Patent No. 2,610,729 describes an indicating gauge in which a vertlca! column containing both water and steam includes a multitude of bores which pass horizontally through the column and allow for visual inspection of the contents of the column present at the corresponding level.
An operator is able to inspect and determine the level at which the contents of the column shift from water to steam.
1n United States Patents Nos. 2,024,815 and 2,115,889, indicators that utilize the reflective and refractive properties of water, steam and light are revealed. In each case, the operator inspects the individual gauges within a plurality of gauges and is able to determine the water/steam level by observing a colour change associated with the level corresponding to the change from water to steam. The device of U.S.
Patent No. 2,115,889 provides an additional means to visually inspect the gauge at a greater distance, more specifically, at a position located far below the gauge. The light .
is provided in each of these devices via an incandescent light source.
United States Patent No. 4,836,022 describes a bi-colour fluviograph for use in steam boilers and provides improvement to the intensity of light provided from the light source and includes benefits aimed at reducing the frequency of maintenance of the fluviograph. The light is provided by a flourescent lamp and the colours are introduced via two planes, one painted red, and the other green. The ftuviograph increases the intensity of the red light to allow for its operation in murky or turbulent water conditions that would render most previous devices inoperable. A further advantage is that the device need not be cleaned as frequently. Traditionally, the impurities in the water contained within the boiler would deposit on the lens and gradually reduce the effective light transmitted. This effect is lessened by increasing the light intensity.
Summa~yr of the Invention The present invention provides a gauge system that incorporates a solid state illuminator and corresponding view screen, which can help accurately determine the water level in steam boilers or similar devices, and do so in a safe, economical, and efficient manner.
The use of light emitting diodes as a light source in a level gauge illuminator provides reduced operating costs in that much or virtually all power is converted to visible light. In addition, the nominal life of an LED is typically 100,000 hours. An LED is generally unaffected by continued vibration. An LED is capable of producing red and green light directly, eliminating the need for coloured glass. Finally, an LED requires minimal power to operate and the use of a solid state illuminator would be intrinsically safe in a hazardous environment.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bi-colour water level gauge for use in determining the water level in a steam/water environment, for instance in a boiler steam drum, heater, or other piping or pressure vessel, the gauge comprising an electronic printed circuit board containing an array of high-intensity, narrow beam first colour and second colour light emitting diodes, eg. red/green light emitting diodes;
the electronic printed circuit board being mounted on an electronics divider board; a lens divider board comprising a plurality of ports, each of the ports being individually aligned with the light emitting diodes; a heat divider for separating the electronic printed circuit board from exposure to high temperatures existing at an external housing, the heat divider typically comprising rows of offset slots to reduce heat transmission; and display means, such as a view screen, onto which light originating from the light emitting diodes is projected for inspection by an operator.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bi-colour water level gauge illuminator for use in determining the water level in a steam/water environment, for instance in a boiler steam drum, heater, or other piping or pressure vessel, the illuminator comprising an electronic printed circuit board containing an array of high-intensity, narrow beam first colour and second colour light emitting diodes, eg. red/green light emitting diodes; the electronic printed circuit board being mounted on an electronics divider board; a lens divider board comprising a plurality of ports, the ports being individually aligned with the light emitting diodes; and a heat divider for separating the electronic printed circuit board from exposure to high temperatures existing at an external housing, the heat divider typically comprising rows of offset slots to reduce heat transmission.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bi-colour water level gauge for use in determining the water level in a steam/water environment, for instance in a boiler steam drum, heater, or other piping or pressure vessel, the gauge comprising an electronic printed circuit board containing an array of high-intensity, narrow beam first colour and second colour light emitting diodes, eg. red/green light emitting diodes, the electronic printed circuit board being mounted on an electronics divider board; a lens divider board comprising a plurality of ports, each of the ports containing means, such as a piano-convex lens, for focusing light originating from the light emitting diodes, the ports being individually aligned with the light emitting diodes, and preferably substantially equal in number thereto; a heat divider for separating the electronic printed circuit board from exposure to high temperatures existing at an external housing, the heat divider typically comprising rows of offset slots to reduce heat transmission; and display means, such as a view screen, onto which light originating from the light emitting diodes is projected for inspection by an operator.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bi-colour water level gauge illuminator for use in determining the water level in a steam/water environment, for instance in a boiler steam drum, heater, or other piping or pressure vessel, the illuminator comprising an electronic printed circuit board containing an array of high-intensity, narrow beam first colour and second colour light emitting diodes, eg. red/green light emitting diodes; the electronic printed circuit board being mounted on an electronics divider board; a lens divider board comprising a plurality of ports, each of the ports containing means, such as a piano-convex lens, for focusing light originating from the light emitting diodes, the ports being individually aligned with the light emitting diodes, and preferably substantially equal in number thereto; and a heat divider for separating the electronic printed circuit board from exposure to high temperatures existing at an external housing, the heat divider typically comprising rows of offset slots to reduce heat transmission.
A further aspect of the invention provides a method for determining the water level in a boiler steam drum, heater, or other piping or pressure vessel comprising the steps of projecting a first light from one or more light emitting diodes of a first colour; projecting a second light from one or more light emitting diodes of a second colour;
passing said first and second lights through a column containing steam and water at a varying level to an opposing side of said column relative to said light emitting diodes, typically onto a projection screen positioned on the aforementioned opposing side; observing the position of the first and second light at varying vertical levels along the column, eg.
as observed on the projection screen; and determining the presence of water or steam at each of said varying levels based upon the observed positions of the first and second lights.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a bi-colour water level gauge illuminator for use in determining the water level in a boiler steam drum, heater, or other piping or pressure vessel, the illuminator comprising a housing having a gauge mounting side adapted for mounting the illuminator to a first tense side of a bi-colour water level gauge, the housing comprising at least one aperture defined in the gauge mounting side of the housing; a plurality of first colour and second colour light emitting diodes arranged and configured within the housing to facilitate the emission of bi-colour illumination through the aperture, and through ports or windows of the gauge to a second tense side of the gauge;
and a heat divider for separating the light emitting diodes from exposure to high temperatures existing at the gauge.
As yet another aspect, the invention provides a method of illuminating a column of a fluid level gauge used in determining the water level in a boiler steam drum, heater or other piping or pressure vessel, the method comprising the steps of projecting a first light from one or more light emitting diodes of a first colour; projecting a second light from one or more light emitting diodes of a second colour; and passing the first and second lights through the column to an opposing side of the column relative to the light emitting diodes, wherein the presence of water or steam at varying vertical levels in the column may be determined by observing the position of the first and second lights along the column.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 a is a perspective view of a conventional water level gauge, demonstrating a vertical array of viewing ports;
Figure 1 b is a perspective view of an individual port;
Figure 1c is a exploded, perspective view of an individual port;
Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c constitute a perspective view of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention including the component parts from left to right namely a level display, a level gauge, and an illuminator;
Figure 3a is an exploded, perspective view of an illuminator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3b is a completed, perspective view of the illuminator of Figure 3a;
Figure 3c is an exploded, perspective view of an electronics divider board, and a lens divider board according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3d is a perspective view of the lens divider board of Figure 3c, including an array of lenses, one lens of which is presented in an exploded view;
Figure 3e is an exploded perspective view of an external housing of the illuminator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4a is a perspective view of an inner display end plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4b is an exploded, perspective view of a level display according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4c is a completed, perspective view of the level display of Figure 4b;
Figure 5 is an exploded, perspective view of a level display according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6 is a completed, perspective view of the level display of Figure 5.
Detailed Description of the Invention The system of the present invention comprises two main components an illuminator, and a level display.
These two main components interact with a conventional water level gauge 22 as can be seen in Figure 1 a, with one port thereof illustrated in more detail in Figures 1 b and 1 c. As illustrated, the conventional water level gauge 22 is made up of a series of ports 3, arranged vertically along a column 2, each comprising an opening 4 protected by glass, though which light may pass. When installed on a water boiler, or similar device, water or steam or a combination of the two will pass from the boiler, through the pipe 1, and into the column 2. An operator, who wishes to inspect the column 2 may peer through the series of ports 3, and determine the level of water within the gauge, and correspondingly, the boiler.
_7_ As can be seen in Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c, an illuminator 14 and level display can be adapted to interact with the level gauge 22 by an interface that is formed between hooks 18 on the outer housings of the illuminator and the level display and a bolt 17 on the column 2 of the level gauge.
Referring to Figures 3a-3e, the illuminator may comprise an electronic printed circuit board (PCB) 10 containing an array of red and green light emitting diodes (LEDs) 19, an array of piano-convex lenses 13, equal in number to the number of groups of LEDs 19, and an external housing 20, made up of a first portion 8 and a second portion 9, adapted for attachment to a conventional water level gauge. The PCB 10 utilizes precision resistors to regulate the current supplied to each LED 19. The PCB further utilizes a terminal block corresponding to each LED 19 that provides a connection point for the input power and allows for jumpering between individual PCBs 10. The PCB 10 is mounted on an electronics divider 11 which is, in turn, attached to the first portion 8 and second portion 9 of the external housing. A fens divider board 12 is positioned adjacent to the array of LEDs 19, and is attached to the first and second portions 8, 9 of the outer housing. This lens divider board 12, has a number of piano-convex lenses 13, equal to the number of groups of LEDs 19 present on the PCB 10. These lenses 13 focus light through an equal number of holes 21 in a heat divider 26 on the first portion 8 of the external housing so as to provide light to be passed through a level gauge.
The first and second portions 8, 9 of the illuminator may further comprise an array of offset slots 24 extending substantially completely from top to bottom. These slots 24 are designed and offset to limit the transmission of heat originating in the level gauge. The typical operating environment of a level gauge for a steam boiler is very high, typically in the range of 696 degrees F (369 degrees Celsius). By introducing these slots to the design, heat transmission by conduction from the level gauge to the PCB board assembly and the LEDs _g_ is reduced, and the LEDs are isolated from these high operating temperatures.
Referring now to Figures 4a, 4b, and 4c, the level display 23 may comprise a viewing screen 15 for viewing the light transmitted from the LEDs, having passed through a conventional water level gauge, and optional adjustable end plate 5 for blocking the unused red and green images, a first portion 16 and second portion 7 of an external housing adapted for attachment to a conventional water level gauge, and a viewing screen connection portion 30 for connection of the viewing screen and, optionally, the end plate to the external housing.
The adjustable end plate 5 provides openings 6 at the levels of concern and blocks the display of unwanted red and green light. The adjustable end plate 5 ensures that the operator can clearly distinguish between the levels and reduces error.
Referring now to Figures 5, and 6, which illustrate a possible alternate embodiment of the level display 23, a second heat divider 25 is provided for reducing the transmission of heat from the level gauge 22 to the view screen 15. Additionally, an array of offset slots 24 extends substantially completely from top to bottom of the level display 23.
These slots 24 are designed and offset to limit the transmission of excess heat originating in the level gauge 22, which may impair the functionality of the display.
Industrial Applicabilityr The bi-colour water level gauge and illuminator device taught herein generally provides an improved means for determining the water level in a boiler steam drum, heater, or similar water/steam device.
-8a-
Claims (39)
PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1.~A bi-colour water level gauge for use in determining the water level in a boiler steam drum, heater, or other piping or pressure vessel, said gauge comprising:
an electronic printed circuit board containing an array of high-intensity narrow beam first colour and second colour light emitting diodes; said electronic printed circuit board being mounted on an electronics divider board;
a lens divider board comprising a plurality of ports, each of said ports containing means for focussing light originating from said light emitting diodes, said ports being equal in number to, and aligned with said light emitting diodes;
a heat divider for separating said electronic printed circuit board from exposure to high temperatures existing at an external housing; and a display means onto which light originating from the light emitting diodes is projected for inspection by an operator.
an electronic printed circuit board containing an array of high-intensity narrow beam first colour and second colour light emitting diodes; said electronic printed circuit board being mounted on an electronics divider board;
a lens divider board comprising a plurality of ports, each of said ports containing means for focussing light originating from said light emitting diodes, said ports being equal in number to, and aligned with said light emitting diodes;
a heat divider for separating said electronic printed circuit board from exposure to high temperatures existing at an external housing; and a display means onto which light originating from the light emitting diodes is projected for inspection by an operator.
2. ~A bi-colour water level gauge according to claim 1, wherein said means for focussing light comprises a piano-convex lens.
3. ~A bi-colour water level gauge for use in determining the water level in a boiler steam drum, heater, or other piping or pressure vessel, said gauge comprising:
an electronic printed circuit board containing an array of high-intensity narrow beam first colour and second colour light emitting diodes; said electronic printed circuit board being mounted on an electronics divider board;
a lens divider board comprising a plurality of ports aligned with said light emitting diodes;
a heat divider for separating said electronic printed circuit board from exposure to high temperatures existing at an external housing; and a display means onto which light originating from the light emitting diodes is projected for inspection by an operator.
an electronic printed circuit board containing an array of high-intensity narrow beam first colour and second colour light emitting diodes; said electronic printed circuit board being mounted on an electronics divider board;
a lens divider board comprising a plurality of ports aligned with said light emitting diodes;
a heat divider for separating said electronic printed circuit board from exposure to high temperatures existing at an external housing; and a display means onto which light originating from the light emitting diodes is projected for inspection by an operator.
4. ~A bi-colour water level gauge illuminator for use in determining the water level in a boiler steam drum, heater, or other piping or pressure vessel, said illuminator comprising:
an electronic printed circuit board containing an array of high-intensity narrow beam first colour and second colour light emitting diodes; said electronic printed circuit board being mounted on an electronics divider board;
a lens divider board comprising a plurality of ports, each of said ports containing means for focussing light originating from said light emitting diodes, said ports being equal in number to, and aligned with said light emitting diodes; and a heat divider for separating said electronic printed circuit board from exposure to high temperatures existing at an external housing.
an electronic printed circuit board containing an array of high-intensity narrow beam first colour and second colour light emitting diodes; said electronic printed circuit board being mounted on an electronics divider board;
a lens divider board comprising a plurality of ports, each of said ports containing means for focussing light originating from said light emitting diodes, said ports being equal in number to, and aligned with said light emitting diodes; and a heat divider for separating said electronic printed circuit board from exposure to high temperatures existing at an external housing.
5. ~A bi-colour water level gauge illuminator according to claim 4, wherein said means for focussing light comprises a piano-convex lens.
6. ~A bi-colour water level gauge illuminator for use in determining the water level in a boiler steam drum, heater, or other piping or pressure vessel, said illuminator comprising:
an electronic printed circuit board containing an array of high-intensity narrow beam first colour and second colour light emitting diodes; said electronic printed circuit board being mounted on an electronics divider board a lens divider board comprising a plurality of ports aligned with said light emitting diodes; and a heat divider for separating said electronic printed circuit board from exposure to high temperatures existing at an external housing.
an electronic printed circuit board containing an array of high-intensity narrow beam first colour and second colour light emitting diodes; said electronic printed circuit board being mounted on an electronics divider board a lens divider board comprising a plurality of ports aligned with said light emitting diodes; and a heat divider for separating said electronic printed circuit board from exposure to high temperatures existing at an external housing.
7. ~A bi-colour water level gauge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said array of high-intensity narrow beam first colour and second colour light emitting diodes comprises at least two light emitting diodes of said first colour arranged in parallel for independent operation and at least two light emitting diodes of said second colour arranged in parallel for independent operation.
8. ~A bi-colour water level gauge illuminator according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said array of high-intensity narrow beam first colour and second colour light emitting diodes comprises at least two light emitting diodes of said first colour arranged in parallel for independent operation and at least two light emitting diodes of said second colour arranged in parallel for independent operation.
9. ~A bi-colour water level gauge according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 7, wherein said first colour is red.
10. ~A bi-colour water level gauge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 7 and 9, wherein said second colour is green.
11. A bi-colour water level gauge illuminator according to any one of claims 4 to 6 and 8, and wherein said first colour is red.
12. A bi-colour water level gauge illuminator according to any one of claims 4 to 6, 8 and 11, wherein said second colour is green.
13. A method for determining the water level in a boiler steam drum, heater, or other piping or pressure vessel comprising the steps of:
projecting a first light from one or more light emitting diodes of a first colour;
projecting a second light from one or more light emitting diodes of a second colour;
passing said first and second lights though a column containing steam and water at a varying level to an opposing side of said column relative to said light emitting diodes;
observing the position of the first and second light at varying vertical levels along the column; and determining the presence of water or steam at each of said varying vertical levels based upon the observed positions of the first and second lights.
projecting a first light from one or more light emitting diodes of a first colour;
projecting a second light from one or more light emitting diodes of a second colour;
passing said first and second lights though a column containing steam and water at a varying level to an opposing side of said column relative to said light emitting diodes;
observing the position of the first and second light at varying vertical levels along the column; and determining the presence of water or steam at each of said varying vertical levels based upon the observed positions of the first and second lights.
14. A method according to claim 13, wherein said step of determining the presence of water or steam at each of said varying vertical levels is based upon the observed positions of the first and second lights on a projection screen.
15. A method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said step of projecting a first light utilizes at least two light emitting diodes of said first colour arranged in parallel for independent operation.
16. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein said step of projecting a second light utilizes at least two light emitting diodes of said second colour arranged in parallel for independent operation.
17. A method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said first colour is red.
18. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein said second colour is green.
19. A bi-colour water level gauge illuminator for use in determining the water level in a boiler steam drum, heater, or other piping or pressure vessel, said illuminator comprising:
a housing having a gauge mounting side adapted for mounting said illuminator to a first tense side of a bi-colour water level gauge, said housing comprising at least one aperture defined in the gauge mounting side of said housing;
a plurality of first colour and second colour light emitting diodes arranged and configured within said housing to facilitate the emission of bi-colour illumination through said aperture, and through ports or windows of said gauge to a second tense side of said gauge;
and a heat divider for separating said light emitting diodes from exposure to high temperatures existing at said gauge.
a housing having a gauge mounting side adapted for mounting said illuminator to a first tense side of a bi-colour water level gauge, said housing comprising at least one aperture defined in the gauge mounting side of said housing;
a plurality of first colour and second colour light emitting diodes arranged and configured within said housing to facilitate the emission of bi-colour illumination through said aperture, and through ports or windows of said gauge to a second tense side of said gauge;
and a heat divider for separating said light emitting diodes from exposure to high temperatures existing at said gauge.
20. A bi-colour water level gauge illuminator according to claim 19, further comprising a plurality of focussing lenses aligned with said light emitting diodes to focus said bi-colour illumination through said ports or windows of said gauge.
21. A bi-colour water level gauge illuminator according to claim 20, wherein said housing further comprises a lense divider board, said focussing lenses being mounted therein.
22. A bi-colour water level gauge illuminator according to claim 20 or 21, wherein said illuminator is adapted for use with a ported-style water level gauge comprising ports, and comprises a plurality of apertures, whereby said apertures and focussing lenses are equal in number to the number of ports, and positioned for alignment with the ports when the illuminator is mounted to said gauge.
23. A bi-colour water level gauge illuminator according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein said focussing lenses are plano-convex lenses.
24. A bi-colour water level gauge illuminator according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein said first colour and second colour light emitting diodes are mounted on at least one electronic printed circuit board.
25. A bi-colour water level gauge illuminator according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein said first colour and second colour light emitting diodes are configured in a paired linear array along a longitudinal axis of the illuminator housing, with each pair comprising one first colour and one second colour light emitting diode.
26. A bi-colour water level gauge illuminator according to claim 25, wherein the first colour and second colour light emitting diodes in each pair are mounted adjacent to each other along a lateral axis of at least one electronic printed circuit board.
27. A bi-colour water level gauge illuminator according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein said first colour and second colour light emitting diodes are configured in a paired linear array mounted along a longitudinal axis of at least one electronic printed circuit board, with one first colour and one second colour light emitting diode in each pair mounted adjacent to each other along a lateral axis of said electronic printed circuit board.
28. A bi-colour water level gauge illuminator according to any one of claims 19 to 27, wherein the first colour and second colour light emitting diodes are configured with at least two light emitting diodes of said first colour in parallel for independent operation and at least two light emitting diodes of said second colour in parallel for independent operation.
29. A bi-colour water level gauge illuminator according to any one of claims 19 to 28, wherein said heat divider comprises a heat divider board mounted at or near the gauge mounting side of said housing, said at least one aperture being defined in said heat divider board.
30. A bi-colour water level gauge illuminator according to any one of claims 19 to 29, wherein said housing comprises an array of offset slots defined therein, said slots extending at least along portions of the housing adapted for contact with said bi-colour water level gauge, and facilitating the reduction of heat transmission from said bi-colour water level gauge to the light emitting diodes during operation.
31. A bi-colour water level gauge illuminator according to any one of claims 19 to 30, further comprising a display device onto which light originating from the light emitting diodes is projected for inspection by an operator.
32. A bi-colour water level gauge illuminator according to any one of claims 19 to 31, wherein said first colour is red, and said second colour is green.
33. A bi-colour water level gauge for use in determining the water level in a boiler steam drum, heater, or other piping or pressure vessel, said gauge comprising a bi-colour water level gauge illuminator as defined in any one of claims 19 to 32.
34. A method of illuminating a column of a fluid level gauge used in determining the water level in a boiler steam drum, heater or other piping or pressure vessel, said method comprising the steps of:
projecting a first light from one or more light emitting diodes of a first colour;
projecting a second light from one or more light emitting diodes of a second colour;
and passing said first and second lights through the column to an opposing side of said column relative to said light emitting diodes, wherein the presence of water or steam at varying vertical levels in the column may be determined by observing the position of the first and second lights along the column.
projecting a first light from one or more light emitting diodes of a first colour;
projecting a second light from one or more light emitting diodes of a second colour;
and passing said first and second lights through the column to an opposing side of said column relative to said light emitting diodes, wherein the presence of water or steam at varying vertical levels in the column may be determined by observing the position of the first and second lights along the column.
35. A method according to claim 34, wherein said steps of projecting said first and second light comprises a further step of focussing said first and second lights with a focussing lens.
36. A method according to claim 34 or 35, wherein said step of projecting a first light utilizes at least two light emitting diodes of said first colour configured in parallel for independent operation.
37. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein said step of projecting a second light utilizes at least two light emitting diodes of said second colour configured in parallel for independent operation.
38. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 37, wherein said first colour is red and said second colour is green.
39. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 38, wherein said first and second lights are passed through the column to an opposing side of said column and displayed on a display screen.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002465601A CA2465601C (en) | 2002-11-04 | 2003-11-03 | Solid state illuminator for bi-colour ported water level gauges |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2,410,978 | 2002-11-04 | ||
| CA002410978A CA2410978A1 (en) | 2002-11-04 | 2002-11-04 | Solid state illuminator for bi-colour ported water level gauges |
| CA002465601A CA2465601C (en) | 2002-11-04 | 2003-11-03 | Solid state illuminator for bi-colour ported water level gauges |
| PCT/CA2003/001684 WO2004042332A1 (en) | 2002-11-04 | 2003-11-03 | Solid state illuminator for bi-coloured ported water level gauges |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2465601A1 CA2465601A1 (en) | 2004-05-21 |
| CA2465601C true CA2465601C (en) | 2006-05-02 |
Family
ID=32657359
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002465601A Expired - Lifetime CA2465601C (en) | 2002-11-04 | 2003-11-03 | Solid state illuminator for bi-colour ported water level gauges |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2465601C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7047806B2 (en) | 2003-09-12 | 2006-05-23 | Clark-Reliance Corporation | Liquid level gage and illuminator therefor |
-
2003
- 2003-11-03 CA CA002465601A patent/CA2465601C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2465601A1 (en) | 2004-05-21 |
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