WO1997008517A1 - Method and device for measuring liquid levels - Google Patents
Method and device for measuring liquid levels Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1997008517A1 WO1997008517A1 PCT/SE1996/001040 SE9601040W WO9708517A1 WO 1997008517 A1 WO1997008517 A1 WO 1997008517A1 SE 9601040 W SE9601040 W SE 9601040W WO 9708517 A1 WO9708517 A1 WO 9708517A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- pressure
- valve
- conduit
- constant
- measuring
- Prior art date
Links
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
- G01F23/14—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
- G01F23/165—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 of bubbler type
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method of performing level measurements in a storage plant comprising a plurality of tanks for liquids.
- a known and very reliable method of performing level measurements in tanks for liquids is the so called "bubble measurement".
- the principle in this method is that a constant mass flow of compressed air is blown through a tube the end of which is located near the bottom of the liquid containing tank.
- the pressure of the air flow is direct proportional to the height of the liquid above the location at which the air is blown into the liquid.
- a drawback of the "bubble measurement" is that the equipment is rather expensive if there are many tanks in the storage plant.
- a flow control device comprising a membrane influenced by the difference in pressure between the inlet and outlet side of the flow control device. This membrane governs a valve for obtaining a pre-selected mass flow of air. The pressure after the flow control device is registered as level measurement.
- the present invention has for its object to provide a method of performing a "bubble measurement" by means of an equipment which is less expensive than previously possible in storage plants having a plurality of liquid containing tanks.
- the invention also relates to a flow control device adapted to provide a gas flow having a constant delivered mass flow independent of the pressure on the delivery side and adapted for practicing the method according to the invention, said flow control device being characterised in that it comprises a transducer giving a first electric signal corresponding to the gas pressure in a supply conduit to the flow control device, a solenoid governed on-off valve downstream said supply conduit, a gas outlet conduit after said on-off valve, a constant restriction between said on-off valve and said gas outlet conduit, a transducer providing a second electric signal corresponding to the pressure in the gas outlet conduit, and a control unit comparing said first and second elect ⁇ c signals and controlling the pulse width in a pulse train activating the movements of the on-off valve.
- the invention furthermore relates to a device for practising the new method of measuring levels in tanks for liquids, said device being characte ⁇ sed in that it comprises a suppy conduit provided with a pressure control device - alternatively a conduit provided with a first pressure transducer - for supplying compressed air to the device, the said first transducer being adapted to produce an electric signal corresponding to the pressure in the conduit, a "bubble measuring" tube being mounted to discharge near the bottom of a storage tank, a second transducer for providing an electric signal corresponding to the pressure in said "bubble measuring” tube, a solenoid governed on-off valve arranged between the conduit and the "bubble measuring” tube governing an air flow from the supply conduit to the "bubble measuring” tube, and a central control device in which the two signals are compared and by which the solenoid valve is governed so as to maintain a constant resulting mass flow.
- Fig. 1 shows a known equipment for providing "bubble measurement
- Fig. 2 shows a flow control device for establishing a constant mass flow of air to be used in the method of performing "bubble measurement" according to the present invention
- Fig.3 shows the mass flow of air as a function of the valve opening time in a digital control system
- Fig. 4 shows an equipment for providing "bubble measurement" according to the present invention
- Fig. 5 schematically shows a model for calculating air leakage in the measuring equipment and liquid levels in the storage tanks.
- the known storage plant shown in Fig. 1 consists of three identically designed liquid containing tanks 1, 2 and 3. However, only the tank 1 and its equipment for "bubble measurement" will be described.
- Compressed air is supplied to the level measuring system via a conduit 4 provided with a stop valve 5 and a pressure reducing valve 6.
- the air is supplied to a mechanically (analogue) operating flow control device 7 having a governing membrane 8 influencing an analogue valve 9.
- the mass flow of air Q passing a constant restriction having the area A will depend on the pressures pi resp. p2 on the two sides of the restriction:
- pi is constant and at varying p2 values the restriction must be varied in order to obtain a constant delivered mass flow (about 0.5 normal litres per minute).
- the pressure P2 is influencing a transducer 10 transforming it to an electric signal which subsequently via a line 11 is delivered to an amplifier 12.
- a gas flow is supplied to a flow control device shown in Fig. 2.
- the gas flow exits the pressure control device in a conduit 22 and the pressure in said conduit 22 is measured by a first transducer 23 giving a first electric signal to a control unit 24.
- Via the conduit 22 the gas flow is fed to a solenoid governed on-off valve 25.
- the gas flow leaves the valve 25 in a conduit 26 having a constant restriction the area of which is Ai and a pressure equalising volume 27.
- the gas will leave said volume via an outlet conduit 28.
- the gas pressure in the equalising volume 27 is measured by a second transducer 29 providing a second electric signal to the control unit 24.
- the first and second electric signals are compared. In case the relation between the sizes of the two signals is changed the control unit 24 will influence the pulse width in a pulse train governing the opening and closing intervals of the valve 25.
- the described flow control device will operate as follows:
- the pressure in the conduit 22 pi is measured by the transducer 23 and transformed to a first signal to the control unit 24.
- the gas having the pressure pi is now passed through the solenoid valve 25 and the conduit 26 having the restriction Ai to the pressure equalising volume 27.
- the pressure p2 in the volume 27 is measured by the second transducer 29 and a corresponding second electric signal is also supplied to the control unit 24.
- the momentary air flow q will vary at varying pressures pi and p2.
- Q is the resulting mean mass flow through the solenoid valve 25.
- the flow through the solenoid valve has been shown as a function of time in Fig. 3.
- q designates the momentary mass flow rate during the period in which the solenoid valve 25 is open.
- T is the total pulse cycle time - i.e. the time between two after each other following valve openings. This is kept constant by the control unit 24.
- the part of the pulse cycle time T during which the solenoid valve 25 is open has been designated by t.
- the control unit 24 will compare the supplied electric signals and govern the opening and the closing intervals of the solenoid valve 25.
- the t/T may easily be calculated in the control unit (computer) 24.
- a pressure control device 21 could be used. In such a case the pressure pi remains constant and the mass flow Q will be a function only of the pressure p2-
- the flow control device according to the present invention will only comprise a single solenoid valve and a pressure equalising volume.
- the costs relating to a control unit and its programming are marginal in storage plants having a greater number of flow control devices.
- Fig. 4 shows a level measuring system according to the present invention based upon "bubble measuring” according to the new method.
- Compressed air is supplied through a conduit 30 and passes a stop valve 31 and optionally a pressure reducing valve 32.
- the pressure pi in a conduit 33 is measured by a transducer 34 forwarding an electric signal to a computer 35.
- a number of flow control devices 36-38 according to Fig. 2 are provided in conduits branched off from the conduit 33. In the following only the branched off conduit designated by 39 and connected to the flow control device 36 will be described in detail.
- the outlet from the device 36 has been designated by 40 and tubes 41-44 for "bubble measurement” have been branched off from said outlet 40.
- Each "bubble measurement” tube has a stop valve 45-48 and has been placed with its discharge end near the bottom of the respective tank 49-52 for storage of liquid.
- the computer 35 is supplied with information regarding outlet pressure p2 in the flow control device 36 via a transducer 53 and a signal line 54.
- the computer 35 also governs the stop valves 45-48 and the solenoid valves 25 (Fig. 2) in each flow control device 36- 38. Electric signals corresponding to the pressures p2 after the flow control devices 37, 38 will also be supplied to the computer 35.
- the part of the equipment in which the flow control device 36 has been provided may be used for selective level measurements in each of the storage tanks 49-52. This is obtained by influencing the stop valves 45-48. Also measurements may be carried out selectively in storage tanks connected to the remaining branched off conduits 37-38.
- the valves 45-48 may be activated at a predermined sequence and the measuring results may be stored in the computer 35. Measurements for the storage tanks may be shown continuosly or in a selected tank. Updating may be performed corresponding to the sequence period. A pressure control device 32 keeping the pressure pi at a constant value may be used instead of the transducer 34.
- a special advantage of the method and the equipment according to the invention is that it is very easy to calibrate for air leakage in the "bubble measurement" system. This will now be explained with reference to a schematically shown pressure equalising chamber shown in Fig. 5.
- a chamber has been designated by 55 in Fig. 5. It has an inlet opening 56 providing a constant restriction area Ai and it is supplied with air having the pressure pi and the flow velocity vi. Also the chamber 55 is provided with an outlet 57 having a constant restriction area A2 - the said outlet being adapted to be connected to the "bubble measuring" tube in the measuring system. At the outlet from the chamber the pressure is p 2 and the flow velocity is V2. The leakage in the system is represented by an opening 58 having a constant restriction area A3. The leakage is a mass flow having the velocity V3.
- the mass of air flowing into the chamber is equal to the mass leaving the chamber i.e.:
- the mass flow through a restriction hole is a function of the hole area A and the relation between the pressures on the two sides of the hole:
- Qm f(A,p ⁇ /p2) At constant mass flow:
- the restriction area A3 may be determined.
- the leakage through the restriction A3 may be calculated as above and expressed as offset it may be included in the calculation of p2 (level).
- This self calibration - i.e. measuring of pressure at closed valve at A2 may be performed by the computer at predetermined intervals or manually as desired.
- the leakage may be compared with previously obtained or accepted values and optionally a larm signal "Leaking Tube” may be released.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)
- Jet Pumps And Other Pumps (AREA)
- Control Of Non-Electrical Variables (AREA)
- Measuring Volume Flow (AREA)
- Flow Control (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP9510179A JPH11511554A (en) | 1995-08-23 | 1996-08-21 | Method and apparatus for measuring fluid level |
AU68414/96A AU6841496A (en) | 1995-08-23 | 1996-08-21 | Method and device for measuring liquid levels |
EP96928780A EP0846252A1 (en) | 1995-08-23 | 1996-08-21 | Method and device for measuring liquid levels |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
SE9502919-5 | 1995-08-23 | ||
SE9502919A SE507192C2 (en) | 1995-08-23 | 1995-08-23 | Methods and apparatus for carrying out level measurements and flow regulators intended for level measurements. |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1997008517A1 true WO1997008517A1 (en) | 1997-03-06 |
Family
ID=20399255
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/SE1996/001040 WO1997008517A1 (en) | 1995-08-23 | 1996-08-21 | Method and device for measuring liquid levels |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0846252A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH11511554A (en) |
AU (1) | AU6841496A (en) |
SE (1) | SE507192C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1997008517A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2013162453A1 (en) * | 2012-04-23 | 2013-10-31 | Kockum Sonics Ab | A liquid level measurement apparatus, arrangement and method using bubble measurement |
CN108248908A (en) * | 2016-12-29 | 2018-07-06 | 天津市华衡伟业称重系统股份有限公司 | A kind of novel filling measuring equipment |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2006170844A (en) * | 2004-12-16 | 2006-06-29 | Nohken:Kk | Air pressure type liquid level detection system |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2658389A (en) * | 1950-09-26 | 1953-11-10 | Ivan D Eby | Pressure responsive device for determining the depth of liquids |
US3620085A (en) * | 1969-03-27 | 1971-11-16 | Cermat | Apparatus for measuring the level of liquid in a reservoir |
US5355214A (en) * | 1990-08-31 | 1994-10-11 | Varian Associates, Inc. | Flow control device |
-
1995
- 1995-08-23 SE SE9502919A patent/SE507192C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1996
- 1996-08-21 JP JP9510179A patent/JPH11511554A/en active Pending
- 1996-08-21 EP EP96928780A patent/EP0846252A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1996-08-21 WO PCT/SE1996/001040 patent/WO1997008517A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1996-08-21 AU AU68414/96A patent/AU6841496A/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2658389A (en) * | 1950-09-26 | 1953-11-10 | Ivan D Eby | Pressure responsive device for determining the depth of liquids |
US3620085A (en) * | 1969-03-27 | 1971-11-16 | Cermat | Apparatus for measuring the level of liquid in a reservoir |
US5355214A (en) * | 1990-08-31 | 1994-10-11 | Varian Associates, Inc. | Flow control device |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2013162453A1 (en) * | 2012-04-23 | 2013-10-31 | Kockum Sonics Ab | A liquid level measurement apparatus, arrangement and method using bubble measurement |
CN108248908A (en) * | 2016-12-29 | 2018-07-06 | 天津市华衡伟业称重系统股份有限公司 | A kind of novel filling measuring equipment |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
SE9502919D0 (en) | 1995-08-23 |
JPH11511554A (en) | 1999-10-05 |
SE507192C2 (en) | 1998-04-20 |
EP0846252A1 (en) | 1998-06-10 |
SE9502919L (en) | 1997-02-24 |
AU6841496A (en) | 1997-03-19 |
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