WO2004104629A1 - Reseau de cables pour dispositif de mesures des niveaux par radar monte a distance - Google Patents

Reseau de cables pour dispositif de mesures des niveaux par radar monte a distance Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004104629A1
WO2004104629A1 PCT/CA2003/000757 CA0300757W WO2004104629A1 WO 2004104629 A1 WO2004104629 A1 WO 2004104629A1 CA 0300757 W CA0300757 W CA 0300757W WO 2004104629 A1 WO2004104629 A1 WO 2004104629A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cable
transducer
module
measurement system
coupler
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2003/000757
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Asghar M. Rizvi
Original Assignee
Siemens Milltronics Process Instruments Inc.
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 Siemens Milltronics Process Instruments Inc. filed Critical Siemens Milltronics Process Instruments Inc.
Priority to PCT/CA2003/000757 priority Critical patent/WO2004104629A1/fr
Priority to AU2003229462A priority patent/AU2003229462A1/en
Publication of WO2004104629A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004104629A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S13/882—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for altimeters
    • 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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/02—Systems using reflection of radio waves, e.g. primary radar systems; Analogous systems
    • G01S13/06—Systems determining position data of a target
    • G01S13/08—Systems for measuring distance only

Definitions

  • the present invention relates radar-based level measurement systems, and more particularly to a cable mechanism for a remote mounte radar-based level measurement system.
  • Time of flight ranging systems are commonly used in level measurements applications, and referred to as level measurement systems.
  • Level measurement systems are used to determine the distance to a reflective surface (i.e. reflector) by measuring how long after transmission of a burst of energy pulses, an echo is received.
  • Such systems may utilize ultrasonic pulses, pulse radar signals, or microwave energy signals.
  • Ultrasonic-based level measurement systems comprise an ultrasonic transducer housing.
  • the ultrasonic transducer housing contains an ultrasonic transducer and the electronic circuitry for providing the level measurement functionality.
  • the ultrasonic housing includes a transducer face, typically on the lower surface, which allows for the transmission and reception of ultrasonic pulses from the transmitter contained in the housing.
  • Microwave-based level measurement systems unlike ultrasonic-based systems, have a microwave antenna which is coupled to the exterior of the housing.
  • the housing contains the electronic circuitry and includes, an interface for connecting to the microwave antenna.
  • the microwave antenna comprises a longitudinal rod antenna.
  • the rod antenna is made from a microwave conductive material such as PTFE.
  • the microwave rod antenna is replaced by a microwave horn antenna.
  • microwave-based systems In level measurement applications, microwave-based systems have the advantage of providing better resolutions and therefore better precision over ultrasonic based systems. Microwave-based systems are also less susceptible to the effects of temperature variations.
  • microwave-based level measurement systems which provide the capability to separate the antenna assembly from the processing/electronics module.
  • the present invention provides a microwave-based level measurement system with a cable assembly which allows the processing/electronic module to be situated remotely from the antenna assembly.
  • the cable mechanism allows the controller module to be separated from the transducer module for operation in extreme ambient conditions.
  • the cable mechanism allows the controller module to be separated from the transducer module in applications where there are headroom or height restrictions.
  • the present invention provides a level measurement system for measuring the level of a material contained in a vessel, the level measurement system includes a transducer assembly and a signal processing module, and the vessel has an opening and a mount for receiving the transducer assembly, the level measurement system comprises: (a) a transducer module having a bracket for mounting on the vessel and including a transducer extending into the vessel, and having an input/output port coupled to the transducer, and a cable coupler connected to the input/output port; (b) a controller module having an input/output port connected to a second cable coupler; (c) an interconnect cable for coupling the transducer module to the controller module, the interconnect cable having a coupler at one end for connecting to the cable coupler in the transducer module, and having a coupler at another end for connecting to the second cable coupler on the controller module.
  • the present invention provides a remote cable coupler mechanism for a level measurement system, the level measurement system having a controller module and a transducer module, the transducer module is situated on a vessel at a distance from the controller module, the remote cable coupler mechanism comprising: (a) a cable coupler connected to the transducer module; (b) a controller cable coupler connected to the controller module; (c) a cable having a first end adapted for coupling to the transducer cable coupler, and having a second end adapted for coupling to the controller cable coupler.
  • the present invention provides a level measurement system for measuring the level of a material containe in a vessel
  • the level measurement system includes a transducer assembly and a signal processing module
  • the vessel has an opening and a mount for receiving the transducer assembly
  • the level measurement system comprises: a transducer module having a bracket for mounting on the vessel and includes a transducer extending into the vessel, and has an input/output port coupled to the transducer, and a cable coupler connected to the input/output port; a controller module having an input/output port connected to another cable coupler; an interconnect cable for coupling the transducer module to the controller module, the interconnect cable has one end for connecting to the cable coupler in the transducer module, and another end for connecting to the second cable coupler on the controller module; and a securing cap having a cavity for receiving the end of the interconnect cable coupled to the transducer module, the securing cap having means for securely attaching to the transducer module.
  • the present invention provides a level measurement system for measuring the level of a material contained in a vessel, the level measurement system including a transducer assembly and a signal processing module, and the vessel having an opening and a mount for receiving the transducer assembly, the level measurernent system comprises: a transducer module having a bracket for mounting on the vessel and including a transducer extending into the vessel, and has a connecter coupled to the transducer; a controller module having another connecter; a cable for coupling the transducer module to the controller module, the cable has one end adapted for coupling to the connector in the transducer module, and another end adapted for coupling to the connector on the controller module.
  • the present invention provides a cable coupler mechanism for a level measurement system, the level measurement system having a controller module and a transducer module, the transducer module is situated on a vessel at a distance from the controller module, the remote cable coupler mechanism comprises: (a) a cable coupler connected to the transducer module; (b) a controller cable coupler connected to the controller module; (c) a cable having a first connector for coupling to the transducer cable coupler, and having a second connector for coupling to the controller cable coupler.
  • FIG. 1 shows in diagrammatic form a radar-based level measurement system according to the present invention
  • Fig. 2 shows in schematic form a radio frequency coaxial connector suitable for the controller unit/enclosure in the radar-based level measurement system of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 3 shows in schematic form a radio frequency coaxial connector suitable for the transducer unit in the radar-based level measurement system of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 4 shows in schematic form a remote coupling cable and terminal connectors for the radar-based level measurement system of Fig. 1 ;
  • FIG. ,5 shows in diagrammatic form a coupling cap according to another aspect of the invention for securing the remote coupling cable to the transducer/antenna unit of Fig. 1 ;
  • FIG. 6 shows the coupling cap of Fig. 5 in a sectional view
  • Fig. 7 is a three-dimensional rendering of the coupling cap and the transducer/antenna unit; - i -
  • Fig. 8 is a three-dimensional rendering of the controller unit coupled to the transducer unit via the coupling cable;
  • Fig. 9 shows in graphical form an echo signal response for the radar-based level measurement in accordance with the present invention utilizing a rod antenna and a target at 9 meters;
  • Fig. 10 shows in graphical form an echo signal response for the radar-based level measurement in accordance with the present invention utilizing a horn antenna and a target at 9 meters.
  • Fig. 1 shows in diagrammatic form a radar or microwave-based level measurement system in accordance with the present invention and indicated generally by reference 10.
  • the microwave-based level measurement system 10 comprises a controller unit 20 and a transducer unit 30.
  • the transducer unit 30 is coupled to the controller unit 20 through a coupling cable 40.
  • the controller unit 20 provides the electronics and other circuitry for performing the level measurement or time of flight ranging functions.
  • the controller unit 20 is housed in an enclosure 22 and includes one or more circuit boards for a controller 24, for example comprising a microprocessor or microcontroller, a transceiver module 26, and a power supply 28.
  • the controller unit 20 may also include a local display module and user interface 32, for example, a keypad and LCD module, and/or a communication interface 34 for coupling to a remote computer 36.
  • the computer 36 may comprise a stand-alone computer which is coupled to one or more level measurement systems 10, or the computer 36 may be coupled to a network as part of a process control system for a physical plant, for example, a refinery, a manufacturing plant or other type of facility or industry utilizing level measurement or time of flight instruments.
  • the transceiver module 26 comprises a receiver stage 27 and a transmitter stage 29.
  • the transceiver module 26 is coupled to the coupling cable 40 through a cable connector indicated by reference 38.
  • the coupling cable 40 can include a terminal connector compatible with the cable connector 38.
  • the transducer unit 30 for a radar or microwave-based implementation comprises a rod antenna 42 as shown in Fig. 1.
  • the rod antenna 42 may be formed from known materials such as PTFE.
  • the rod antenna 42 is coupled to a collar or flange connector 44.
  • the collar 44 is mounted in a mating receptacle or flange mount 46 which is secured to a vessel or tank 48.
  • the vessel 48 holds a liquid or other type of material 50, having a surface level 52 which is monitored or measured.
  • the transducer unit 30 also includes a cable connector 39 for connecting the other end of the coupling cable 40, through a terminal connector or directly, and coupling the transducer 30 to the transceiver module 26 in the controller unit 20.
  • the transducer unit 30 includes a coupling cap indicated by reference 60.
  • the coupling cap 60 provides a secure attachment for the cable 40 and the connector 39 to the transducer unit 30 as described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 5.
  • the transducer unit 30 comprises a horn antenna 43 as shown in broken outline in Fig. 1 and schematically in Fig. 8.
  • the horn antenna 43 is suited for applications where the vessel 48 is shallow or does not have sufficient headroom to accommodate the length of the rod antenna 42. It will be appreciated that the capability to separate the transducer unit 30 from the controller unit 20 allows the level measurement system 10 to be used in limited headroom installations, i.e. height restrictions above the vessel 50.
  • the transceiver module 26 is coupled to a control port and an input/output port on the. controller 24. Under the control of a program stored in memory (e.g. firmware), the controller 24 generates a transmit pulse control signal for the transmitter stage 29 in the transceiver module 26.
  • the transmitter stage 29 converts the transmit pulse control signal into high energy pulses which are coupled and transmitted by the coaxial cable 30 to cause the transducer 30 and the rod antenna 42 (or horn antenna 43) to emit a transmit burst of energy, i.e. radar pulses, directed at the surface.52 of the material 50 contained in the storage vessel 48.
  • the reflected or echo pulses i.e.
  • the propagated transmit pulses reflected by the surface 52 of the material 50 are coupled by the rod antenna 42 and converted into electrical energy pulses at the transducer 30 and transmitted over the couplingO back to the receiver stage 27 in the transceiver module 26.
  • the receiver stage 26 converts the energy pulses into electrical signals suitable for the controller
  • the electrical signals are inputted by the controller 24 and sampled and digitized by an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter (not shown) and a receive echo waveform or profile is generated of the form shown in Figs. 9 and .10.
  • A/D analog-to-digital
  • the controller 24 executes an algorithm or algorithms to identify and verify the echo pulse(s) and then calculates the time it takes for the reflected energy pulse to travel from the reflective surface 52 to the transducer 30. From this calculation, the distance to the surface of the material 50 and thereby the level of the material 50 in the vessel 48 is calculated.
  • the controller 24 may comprise a microprocessor or a microcontroller with 'on- chip' resources, such as the A/D converter, program memory (ROM, EPROM or EEPROM), and RAM.
  • the microprocessor or microcontroller is suitably programmed to perform these operations as will be within the understanding of those skilled in the art.
  • Figs. 2 to 4 show an embodiment of the coupling cable 40 and the connector 38 for the controller unit 20 and the connector 39 for the transducer unit 30.
  • the coupling cable 40 is implemented using Type 601 Semi-Flex (R) coaxial cable assembly from the Tensolite Co.
  • the cable 40 may be implemented with terminal connectors 41 , 43 which are compatible with the respective connectors 38 and 39. For instance, if the connectors 38 and 39 are male type connectors, then the cable 40 is fitted with female type terminal connectors 41 , 43 and vice versa.
  • one end of the coupling cable 40 is coupled to the controller unit 20 using the connector 38, and the other end of the coupling cable 40 is coupled to the transducer unit 30 using the connector 39.
  • the connector 38 is implemented using a straight bulkhead solder jack type connector such as the SDP 32132 series connector available from SDP Components Inc. [0036]
  • the SDP 32132 series component for the connector 38 has the following features/characteristics:
  • the connector 39 is implemented using a straight bulkhead solder jack type connector such as the SDP 32430 series connector available from SDP Components Inc.
  • the SDP 32430 series component for the connector 39 has the following features/characteristics:
  • the coupling cap 60 is provided to secure the coupling cable 40 to the transducer unit 30.
  • Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the coupling cap 60 and a portion of the transducer unit 30.
  • the coupling cap 60 fits over the connector 39 and is attached to the transducer unit 30 to secure the cable
  • the transducer unit 30 has a recessed opening or chamber 62 for receiving the coupling cap 60.
  • the coupling cap 60 also has a cavity or chamber 64 for receiving the connector 39 and coaxial cable
  • the coupling cable 40 passes through a slot 66 in the coupling cap 60.
  • the coupling cap 60 includes a threaded portion 68 (Fig. 6) which is screwed into an internal threaded section or socket 70 (Fig. 6) in the transducer unit
  • the threaded sections 68 and 70 allow the coupling cap 60 and the connector 39 and cable 40 to be secured to the transducer unit 30.
  • An adhesive for threaded connections such as LockTiteTM brand adhesive, may be applied to further permanently secure the coupling cap 60.
  • Other fastening mechanisms, such as welding, metal adhesive, may also be used to permanently attach the coupling cap 60 to the transducer unit 30.
  • the slot 66 allows the coupling cable 40, e.g. coaxial cable, to be manoeuvred allowing the transducer unit 30 and/or the controller unit 20 to be repositioned.
  • the coupling cable 40 comprising a coaxial cable and having a length up to 6 meters provides good performance characteristics within acceptable attenuation limits.
  • Exemplary echo profiles for a target surface located 9 meters from the transducer unit 30 are reproduced in Figs. 9 and 10.
  • the transducer unit 30 comprises a rod antenna.
  • the transducer unit 30 comprises a horn antenna having a 6 inch diameter.
  • the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Certain adaptations and modifications of the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un réseau de câbles destiné à un dispositif de mesure des niveaux par radar monté à distance. Le dispositif de mesure des niveaux comprend un module de commande et un module transducteur. Le module transducteur est monté sur un contenant à distance du module de commande. Le réseau de couplage de câbles distant comprend un connecteur de câbles connecté au module transducteur; un connecteur de câbles de commande connecté au module de commande; ainsi qu'un câble dont une première extrémité est conçue pour se brancher au connecteur de transducteur, et l'autre extrémité est conçue pour se brancher au connecteur de commande. Dans un autre aspect de l'invention, une coiffe de montage permet de fixer le câble au module transducteur. Le réseau de câbles permet de séparer le module de commande du module transducteur lors d'une exploitation dans des conditions ambiantes extrêmes. Le réseau de câbles permet de séparer le module de commande du module transducteur dans des applications avec restrictions de hauteur ou de hauteur de plafond.
PCT/CA2003/000757 2003-05-23 2003-05-23 Reseau de cables pour dispositif de mesures des niveaux par radar monte a distance WO2004104629A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/CA2003/000757 WO2004104629A1 (fr) 2003-05-23 2003-05-23 Reseau de cables pour dispositif de mesures des niveaux par radar monte a distance
AU2003229462A AU2003229462A1 (en) 2003-05-23 2003-05-23 Cable mechanism for a remote mounted radar-based level measurement system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/CA2003/000757 WO2004104629A1 (fr) 2003-05-23 2003-05-23 Reseau de cables pour dispositif de mesures des niveaux par radar monte a distance

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004104629A1 true WO2004104629A1 (fr) 2004-12-02

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PCT/CA2003/000757 WO2004104629A1 (fr) 2003-05-23 2003-05-23 Reseau de cables pour dispositif de mesures des niveaux par radar monte a distance

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AU (1) AU2003229462A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2004104629A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR102037132B1 (ko) * 2019-02-27 2019-10-28 안민헌 분리형 레이더 수위 측정 장치

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3281755A (en) * 1964-04-21 1966-10-25 Martin E Trager Cap for electrical plug connections
WO1998025109A2 (fr) * 1996-11-22 1998-06-11 Berwind Corporation Detection du niveau de matieres
US6155112A (en) * 1996-10-04 2000-12-05 Endress + Hauser Gmbh + Co. Filling level measuring device operating with microwaves
EP1069649A1 (fr) * 1999-07-15 2001-01-17 Endress + Hauser Gmbh + Co. Guide d'ondes d'un détecteur de contenu opérant à micro-ondes
US6300897B1 (en) * 1999-07-02 2001-10-09 Rosemount Inc. Stabilization in a radar level gauge
WO2002041025A2 (fr) * 2000-11-20 2002-05-23 Endress + Hauser Gmbh + Co. Kg Appareil de detection
US6417748B1 (en) * 1997-12-10 2002-07-09 Endress + Hauser Gmbh + Co. Filling level measuring device operating with microwaves, having an insert composed of a dielectric, and process for producing the dielectric
US6549174B2 (en) * 2000-12-22 2003-04-15 Endress + Hauser Gmbh + Co. Apparatus for transmitting radio-frequency signals

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3281755A (en) * 1964-04-21 1966-10-25 Martin E Trager Cap for electrical plug connections
US6155112A (en) * 1996-10-04 2000-12-05 Endress + Hauser Gmbh + Co. Filling level measuring device operating with microwaves
WO1998025109A2 (fr) * 1996-11-22 1998-06-11 Berwind Corporation Detection du niveau de matieres
US6417748B1 (en) * 1997-12-10 2002-07-09 Endress + Hauser Gmbh + Co. Filling level measuring device operating with microwaves, having an insert composed of a dielectric, and process for producing the dielectric
US6300897B1 (en) * 1999-07-02 2001-10-09 Rosemount Inc. Stabilization in a radar level gauge
EP1069649A1 (fr) * 1999-07-15 2001-01-17 Endress + Hauser Gmbh + Co. Guide d'ondes d'un détecteur de contenu opérant à micro-ondes
WO2002041025A2 (fr) * 2000-11-20 2002-05-23 Endress + Hauser Gmbh + Co. Kg Appareil de detection
US6549174B2 (en) * 2000-12-22 2003-04-15 Endress + Hauser Gmbh + Co. Apparatus for transmitting radio-frequency signals

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR102037132B1 (ko) * 2019-02-27 2019-10-28 안민헌 분리형 레이더 수위 측정 장치

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