FR2468107A1 - Sensor for measuring level of inflammable product - utilises blanking plate on membrane to obscure light between optical fibres - Google Patents

Sensor for measuring level of inflammable product - utilises blanking plate on membrane to obscure light between optical fibres Download PDF

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Publication number
FR2468107A1
FR2468107A1 FR7925915A FR7925915A FR2468107A1 FR 2468107 A1 FR2468107 A1 FR 2468107A1 FR 7925915 A FR7925915 A FR 7925915A FR 7925915 A FR7925915 A FR 7925915A FR 2468107 A1 FR2468107 A1 FR 2468107A1
Authority
FR
France
Prior art keywords
sensor
light
mobile
sensor according
membrane
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.)
Pending
Application number
FR7925915A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Robert Fauveau
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.)
Societe de Fabrication dInstruments de Mesure SFIM SA
Original Assignee
Societe de Fabrication dInstruments de Mesure SFIM SA
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 Societe de Fabrication dInstruments de Mesure SFIM SA filed Critical Societe de Fabrication dInstruments de Mesure SFIM SA
Priority to FR7925915A priority Critical patent/FR2468107A1/en
Publication of FR2468107A1 publication Critical patent/FR2468107A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D5/00—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable
    • G01D5/26—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable characterised by optical transfer means, i.e. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light
    • G01D5/32—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable characterised by optical transfer means, i.e. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light
    • G01D5/34—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable characterised by optical transfer means, i.e. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells
    • 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
    • G01F23/14—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 measurement of pressure
    • G01F23/16—Indicating, recording, or alarm devices being actuated by mechanical or fluid means, e.g. using gas, mercury, or a diaphragm as transmitting element, or by a column of liquid
    • G01F23/164—Indicating, recording, or alarm devices being actuated by mechanical or fluid means, e.g. using gas, mercury, or a diaphragm as transmitting element, or by a column of liquid using a diaphragm, bellow as transmitting element
    • 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
    • G01F23/2922—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet for discrete levels with light-conducting sensing elements, e.g. prisms

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)

Abstract

The sensor is used to measure the level of an inflammable product such as oil. The optical system avoids the requirement for electrical current in the oil reservoir. A level sensor (1) in a reservoir (2) comprises an enclosure (3) with an inlet (4) in which the pressure of the reservoir contents can act on a membrane (5). The membrane moves against atmospheric pressure to position a plate (6) in guides (7,11). The guides act as supports for inlet and outlet optical fibres so that light is conducted from a remote source (16) back to a receiver (17). As the plate changes position the respective optical fibres are blanked and the condition signalled by the receiver.

Description

L'invention concerne un capteur de déplacement, spécialement conçu pour la mesure d'un niveau de produit, notamment d'un produit inflammable, dans un réservoir. The invention relates to a displacement sensor, specially designed for measuring a level of product, in particular a flammable product, in a tank.

Ce capteur comprend un mobile soumis au déplacemen à capter et un faisceau de fibres optiques ayant chacune une extrémité d'entrée de lumière
lesdites extrémités d'entrée de lumière tant réparties le long du trajet de déplacement du mobile et étant éclairées chacune par une source de lumière disposée on sorte que le mobile, en se déplaçant, s'interpose successivement entre chacune des extrémités d'entrée de lumière et la source correspondante.This sensor comprises a mobile subject to the displacement to be captured and a bundle of optical fibers each having a light entry end.
said light inlet ends being distributed along the path of movement of the mobile and being each illuminated by a light source arranged so that the mobile, while moving, is interposed successively between each of the light entry ends and the corresponding source.

On décrira ci-après une réalisation préférée de ce capteur, en référence aux figures du deasin-joint qui montrent
- en figure 1, un schéma général du capteur
- en figure 2, un schéma de détail de la partie optique du capteur.A preferred embodiment of this sensor will be described below, with reference to the figures in the attached deasin which show
- in figure 1, a general diagram of the sensor
- In Figure 2, a detail diagram of the optical part of the sensor.

La figure 1 montre le capteur 1 dans un réservoir 2. Ce capteur comprend un bottier 3 qui comporte une entrée de pression 4 en communication avec un côté d'une paroi ou membrane 5 dont l'autre côté est en communication avec l'atmosphère. Figure 1 shows the sensor 1 in a tank 2. This sensor comprises a housing 3 which has a pressure inlet 4 in communication with one side of a wall or membrane 5 whose other side is in communication with the atmosphere.

La paroi 5 réagit comme une paroi de manomètre aux variations de la pression différentielle à laquelle elle est soumise en se déplaçant ou se déformant de façon correspondante et ce déplacement ou cette déformation provoque un déplacement correspondant d'un mobile constitué par une plaquette 6 située du côté soumis à la pression atmosphèrique. The wall 5 reacts like a pressure gauge wall to variations in the differential pressure to which it is subjected by moving or deforming in a corresponding manner and this displacement or this deformation causes a corresponding displacement of a mobile consisting of a plate 6 located on the side subject to atmospheric pressure.

Dans le cas représenté, la paroi 5 est montée & soufflet. In the case shown, the wall 5 is mounted & bellows.

Le mobile ou plaquette 6 se déplace sur un trajet rectiligne bordé d'un côté par un support 7 qui porte des extrémités d'entrée de lumière 8 des fibres 9 d'un faisceau 10 de fibres optiques et, -1e l'autre c8té, par un support 11 qui porte une pluralitZ correspondante d'extrémités de sortie de lumière 12 des fibres 13 d'un autre faisceau 14 de fibres optiques (figure 2). The mobile or plate 6 moves on a straight path bordered on one side by a support 7 which carries light entry ends 8 of the fibers 9 of a bundle 10 of optical fibers and, -1e the other side, by a support 11 which carries a corresponding plurality of light output ends 12 of the fibers 13 of another bundle 14 of optical fibers (FIG. 2).

En se déplaçant, le mobile 6 cache successivement les entrées 8 qui sont réparties le long du trajet du mobile. By moving, the mobile 6 successively hides the inputs 8 which are distributed along the path of the mobile.

La portion du mobile qui peut constituer un obturateur est choisie à volonté. DPns le cas représenté, on a supposé que cette portion est constituée par toute la longueur du mobile. The portion of the mobile which can constitute a shutter is chosen at will. DPns the case shown, it was assumed that this portion is formed by the entire length of the mobile.

La sonde 1 est reliée par les faisceaux de fibres optiques 10, 14 à un appareillage 15 placé à distance, extérieur au réservoir, qui comprend des moyens 16 pour éclairer les fibres du faisceau 14 et des moyens 17 pour détecter l'état d'éclairement des fibres du faisceau 10. The probe 1 is connected by the optical fiber bundles 10, 14 to an apparatus 15 placed at a distance, outside the tank, which comprises means 16 for lighting the fibers of the bundle 14 and means 17 for detecting the lighting state fibers of bundle 10.

Le capteur permet de détecter optiquement le niveau du liquide 18, du mazout par exemple, dans le réservoir 2 sans intervention de courant électrique dans le réservoir. The sensor makes it possible to optically detect the level of the liquid 18, of the fuel oil for example, in the tank 2 without the intervention of electric current in the tank.

L'invention n'est pas limitée à cette réalisation. The invention is not limited to this embodiment.

Dans des variantes, par exemple
- la source de lumière qui éclaire les fibres du faisceau 14 est la lumière ambiante,
- les différentes extrémités d'entrée de lumière 8 sont éclairées par une source de lumière commune,
- les différentes extrémités d'entrée de lumière sont réparties des deux côtés du trajet du mobile,
- le trajet du mobile n'est pas rectiligne.In variants, for example
the light source which illuminates the fibers of the beam 14 is ambient light,
the different light input ends 8 are lit by a common light source,
- the different light entry ends are distributed on both sides of the path of the mobile,
- the path of the mobile is not straight.

L'invention n'est pas limitée à l'application qui a été décrite. The invention is not limited to the application which has been described.

Claims (5)

REVENDICATIONS Capteur de déplacement, qui comprend un mobile soumis au déplacement à capter et un faisceau de fibres optiques ayant chacune une extrémité d'entrée de lumière f lesdites extrémités d'entrée de lumière étant réparties le long du trajet de déplacement du mobile et étant éclairées chacune par une source de lumière disposée en sorte que le mobile, on se dépla çant s'interpose successivement entre chacune des extrémités d'entrée de lumière et la source correspondante.CLAIMS Displacement sensor, which comprises a mobile subject to the displacement to be captured and a bundle of optical fibers each having a light entry end f said light entry ends being distributed along the movement path of the mobile and being lit each by a light source arranged in such a way that the moving part is displaced successively between each of the light input ends and the corresponding source. 2. Capteur selon la revendication 12 caractérisé en ce que lesdites extrémités d'entrée de lumière sont réparties d'un même côté dudit trajet.2. Sensor according to claim 12 characterized in that said light entry ends are distributed on the same side of said path. Capteur selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que lesdites extrémités d'entrée de lumière sont portées par un support commun. Sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that said light entry ends are carried by a common support. 4. Capteur selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que lesdites extrémités d'entrée de lumière sont éclairées par une pluralité correspondante d'extrémités de sortie de lumière d'un autre faisceau de fibres optiques.4. Sensor according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said light input ends are illuminated by a corresponding plurality of light output ends of another bundle of optical fibers. Capteur selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce qutil comprend une paroi de manomètre qui provoque ledit déplacement du mobile. Sensor according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a pressure gauge wall which causes said movement of the mobile. 6. Capteur selon l'une des revendications t à 5, caractérisé en ce qu'il est relié par le ou les faisceaux de fibres optiques à un appareillage d'exploitation placé à distance.6. Sensor according to one of claims t to 5, characterized in that it is connected by the fiber optic bundle (s) to a remote operating equipment. 7. Application d'un capteur selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6à une mesure du niveau d'un produit dans un réservoir, notamment d'un produit inflammable. 7. Application of a sensor according to one of claims 1 to 6 to a measurement of the level of a product in a tank, in particular of a flammable product. 8. Applicatlon selon la revendication 7, caractérisée en ce que le capteur comprend une paroi sensible à la pression dans le réservoir et qui, en correspondance de cette pression, déplace ledit mobile du capteur.8. Applicatlon according to claim 7, characterized in that the sensor comprises a wall sensitive to the pressure in the tank and which, in correspondence with this pressure, moves said mobile of the sensor. 9. Application selon la revendication 8, caractérisée en ce que le capteur est placé dans le réservoir. 9. Application according to claim 8, characterized in that the sensor is placed in the tank.
FR7925915A 1979-10-18 1979-10-18 Sensor for measuring level of inflammable product - utilises blanking plate on membrane to obscure light between optical fibres Pending FR2468107A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR7925915A FR2468107A1 (en) 1979-10-18 1979-10-18 Sensor for measuring level of inflammable product - utilises blanking plate on membrane to obscure light between optical fibres

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR7925915A FR2468107A1 (en) 1979-10-18 1979-10-18 Sensor for measuring level of inflammable product - utilises blanking plate on membrane to obscure light between optical fibres

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FR2468107A1 true FR2468107A1 (en) 1981-04-30

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3738792A1 (en) * 1987-10-01 1989-04-20 Juvena Produits De Beaute S A Method for indicating the filling quantity of filling goods in a container and indicating device for the filling quantity
EP0464977A1 (en) * 1990-07-03 1992-01-08 Zentralinstitut Für Festkörperphysik Und Werkstofforschung Liquid level detector with anti-corrosion and anti-fouling means

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2054856A5 (en) * 1969-07-29 1971-05-07 Fibre Optics Ind Inc
US3713338A (en) * 1971-01-18 1973-01-30 Gen Motors Corp Fiber optic liquid level indicator
DE2634919A1 (en) * 1976-08-03 1978-02-09 Kloeckner Humboldt Deutz Ag Oil level monitor for e.g. aircraft gear boxes - has float interrupting one of set of light paths passing through channel via optical fibres to display point
US4119860A (en) * 1976-01-08 1978-10-10 Cornelius Leonard Gooley Fluid measurement
FR2403056A1 (en) * 1977-09-15 1979-04-13 Electrolux Ab INDICATOR DEVICE FOR VACUUM CLEANER

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2054856A5 (en) * 1969-07-29 1971-05-07 Fibre Optics Ind Inc
US3713338A (en) * 1971-01-18 1973-01-30 Gen Motors Corp Fiber optic liquid level indicator
US4119860A (en) * 1976-01-08 1978-10-10 Cornelius Leonard Gooley Fluid measurement
DE2634919A1 (en) * 1976-08-03 1978-02-09 Kloeckner Humboldt Deutz Ag Oil level monitor for e.g. aircraft gear boxes - has float interrupting one of set of light paths passing through channel via optical fibres to display point
FR2403056A1 (en) * 1977-09-15 1979-04-13 Electrolux Ab INDICATOR DEVICE FOR VACUUM CLEANER

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3738792A1 (en) * 1987-10-01 1989-04-20 Juvena Produits De Beaute S A Method for indicating the filling quantity of filling goods in a container and indicating device for the filling quantity
EP0464977A1 (en) * 1990-07-03 1992-01-08 Zentralinstitut Für Festkörperphysik Und Werkstofforschung Liquid level detector with anti-corrosion and anti-fouling means

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