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EP1305581A1 - Device for measuring the level of a material in a container - Google Patents

Device for measuring the level of a material in a container

Info

Publication number
EP1305581A1
EP1305581A1 EP01955368A EP01955368A EP1305581A1 EP 1305581 A1 EP1305581 A1 EP 1305581A1 EP 01955368 A EP01955368 A EP 01955368A EP 01955368 A EP01955368 A EP 01955368A EP 1305581 A1 EP1305581 A1 EP 1305581A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sensor
measuring
container
level
conductive element
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.)
Ceased
Application number
EP01955368A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Joachim Neuhaus
Michael Krause
Udo Grittke
Gerd Wartmann
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.)
Endress and Hauser SE and Co KG
Original Assignee
Endress and Hauser SE and Co KG
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 Endress and Hauser SE and Co KG filed Critical Endress and Hauser SE and Co KG
Publication of EP1305581A1 publication Critical patent/EP1305581A1/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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
    • G01F23/22—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
    • G01F23/26—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 variations of capacity or inductance of capacitors or inductors arising from the presence of liquid or fluent solid material in the electric or electromagnetic fields
    • G01F23/263—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 variations of capacity or inductance of capacitors or inductors arising from the presence of liquid or fluent solid material in the electric or electromagnetic fields by measuring variations in capacitance of capacitors
    • 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
    • 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
    • G01F23/26—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 variations of capacity or inductance of capacitors or inductors arising from the presence of liquid or fluent solid material in the electric or electromagnetic fields
    • G01F23/263—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 variations of capacity or inductance of capacitors or inductors arising from the presence of liquid or fluent solid material in the electric or electromagnetic fields by measuring variations in capacitance of capacitors
    • G01F23/266—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 variations of capacity or inductance of capacitors or inductors arising from the presence of liquid or fluent solid material in the electric or electromagnetic fields by measuring variations in capacitance of capacitors measuring circuits therefor
    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for measuring the filling level of a filling material in a container.
  • measuring systems are used which measure different physical quantities.
  • the desired information about the fill level is subsequently derived on the basis of these variables.
  • capacitive, conductive or hydrostatic measuring probes are used, as are detectors that work on the basis of ultrasound, microwaves or radioactive radiation.
  • the capacitive probe and container wall form the electrodes of a capacitor. If the container wall is not conductive, a separate second electrode must be provided inside or outside the container. Depending on the fill level of the medium in the container, there is either air or medium between the two electrodes, which is reflected in a change in the measuring capacitance due to the different dielectric constants of the two substances. Furthermore, the measuring capacity is of course also dependent on the respective fill level of the medium in the container, since the two variables' fill level 1 and 'measuring capacity' are functionally dependent on one another. Capacitive probes can therefore be used both for point level detection and for continuous level determination.
  • a capacitive level probe is e.g. B. become known from DE 195 36 199 C2.
  • the measurement signals are coupled onto a conductive element or a waveguide and by means of the Waveguide in the container in which the contents are stored, be introduced.
  • the known variants are suitable as waveguides: surface waveguides according to Sommerfeld or Goubau or Lecher waveguides.
  • this measuring method takes advantage of the effect that at the interface between two different media, e.g. air and oil or air and water, part of the high-frequency pulses or respectively, due to the sudden change (discontinuity) in the dielectric constant of both media the reflected microwaves are reflected and passed back via the conductive element into a receiving device.
  • two different media e.g. air and oil or air and water
  • the reflected microwaves are reflected and passed back via the conductive element into a receiving device.
  • the proportion (- useful echo signal) is greater, the greater the difference in the dielectric constant of the two media.
  • the distance to the surface of the filling material can be determined on the basis of the transit time of the reflected portion of the high-frequency pulses or the CW signals (echo signals).
  • a direct comparison between a capacitive measuring system and a measuring system with guided electromagnetic measuring signals shows certain advantages, but also disadvantages compared to the other method: Measurements of a capacitive sensor are almost insensitive to a moving surface of the medium. Furthermore, the measurements are not significantly influenced by foaming filling goods or by the formation of deposits on the capacitive sensor. However, in order to be able to carry out the level measurement with high precision, calibration of the capacitive measuring system at at least two water levels is required - which, depending on the container size and the contents, can be very time-consuming or, in extreme cases, preclude the use of a capacitive sensor. Another disadvantage of capacitive measuring systems can be seen in the fact that the measurement in the case of a non-conductive filling material is dependent on the respective dielectric constant.
  • the interference signals are caused, for example, by reflections of the measurement signals in the area of the coupling of the measurement signals onto the conductive element, or they occur as a result of the interaction of the measurement signals with one Nozzle in which the measuring system is attached (upper block distance).
  • Another interference signal that limits the possible measuring range occurs at the free end of the conductive element (lower block distance).
  • measuring systems with guided high-frequency measuring signals that they deliver highly precise measuring results and that usually no adjustment, in particular no two-point adjustment as with capacitive measuring systems, is necessary. Furthermore, the measurement by means of guided measurement signals is largely independent of the respective dielectric constant of the medium; in addition, a measuring system with guided high-frequency measuring signals works sufficiently well even with relatively low dielectric constants.
  • the invention is based on the object of proposing a device which allows optimized level determination and / or level monitoring in a container.
  • the device comprises a sensor and a control / evaluation unit, the sensor being designed in such a way that it is operated in connection with at least two different measuring methods or in that the sensor operates in at least two different operating modes, wherein the control / evaluation unit operates the sensor in each case according to one of the two measurement methods or in one of the two operating modes, and the control / evaluation unit uses the measurement data of the sensor, which are supplied via at least one measurement method or during at least one operating mode Level of the filling material in the container determined.
  • the solution according to the invention provides that the measured values are obtained either alternately, with any time offset, or simultaneously, that is to say quasi in parallel, using the capacitive measuring method or the method with guided high-frequency measuring signals.
  • an optimized adaptation of the measuring system to the properties of the product to be measured can be achieved; furthermore, it is possible to use the measuring system to obtain the measured values that delivers the best measurement results under the given conditions.
  • the measured values from the capacitive measuring system and the measuring system with guided measuring signals close together in time a plausibility check can even be carried out.
  • the device according to the invention is characterized in particular by the fact that high-precision fill level measurements are possible over the entire container height, the measurement values used in each case being almost unaffected by the nature and type of the fill substance to be measured.
  • the highly precise measurements over the entire container height are made possible by the fact that one method is or can be replaced by the other method whenever the disadvantages of the other system come into play.
  • the senor is at least one conductive element that extends into the container.
  • the conductive element can be, for example, at least one rod or at least one rope.
  • the at least one conductive element is optionally used to carry out a capacitive measuring method or a transit time method, in the case of the capacitive measuring method the at least one conductive element forming an electrode and, in the case of the transit time method, high-frequency measurement signals along of the at least one conductive element.
  • an input / output unit via which the respectively desired operating mode of the sensor is entered.
  • the operating personnel can therefore optimally adapt the measuring system used to the nature of the medium to be measured or monitored.
  • a switching unit is provided, via which the sensor can be switched from one to the other operating mode.
  • the switching unit is an electronic switch, preferably a MOSFET transistor.
  • one or the other measuring system can be activated alternately via the switch, so that the measured values of one or the other measuring system can be used for level determination / level monitoring.
  • a preferred development of the device according to the invention proposes that a program for controlling the sensor is stored in the control / evaluation unit, via which the sensor is switched alternately or according to a predetermined circuit diagram into the at least two different operating modes.
  • the control / evaluation unit carries out a plausibility check on the basis of the fill level values, which are determined according to at least two different measuring methods.
  • the senor is controlled in such a way that the measurement data determined using the at least two measurement methods are measured or made available simultaneously or almost simultaneously.
  • FIG. 1 The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following drawing, FIG. 1.
  • a filling material 12 is located in the container 11.
  • This filling material 12 is either a liquid or a solid.
  • the sensor 3 which in an opening 13, for. B. is fixed in a nozzle in the lid 14 of the container 11.
  • An essential part of the sensor 2 is the conductive element 3.
  • the conductive element 3 is designed either as a rope or as a rod.
  • the conductive element 3 preferably extends over the entire height of the container 11.
  • the sensor 2 is designed in such a way that, alternately or in parallel, it supplies both level measurement values which are obtained via a capacitance measurement and also provides level measurement values which are determined by measuring the transit time of high-frequency measurement signals. If the sensor 3 operates in the operating mode 'runtime method', the high-frequency measurement signals are conducted along the conductive element 3 into the container 11 and out of the container 11.
  • the level measurement values are optionally provided via one of the two possible measurement methods.
  • the alternating activation takes place via the control / evaluation unit 4 and the switching unit 7.
  • the control circuit 5 for the capacitive sensor is just connected to the sensor 2 via the switching unit 7, i. H. the
  • Level measurements are obtained via a capacity measurement. After a predetermined time has elapsed, for example controlled by the control / evaluation unit 4, the control circuit 6 for the sensor 2 is connected to the guided measurement signals via the switching unit 7 with the sensor 2. Now the level of the filling material 12 in the container 11 is determined by measuring the transit time of the guided high-frequency measurement signals.
  • a plausibility check can be carried out. If the deviation between the two measured values falls outside a predetermined tolerance range, a corresponding message can be output to the operating personnel, for example, via the input / output unit 10. An alarm can also be activated.
  • the two measuring systems so that one compensates for the weaknesses of the other.
  • the capacitive measuring system it is possible for the capacitive measuring system to be compared by means of the measuring system with guided measuring signals. It is also provided that fill level values which occur in the area of the block distance of the measuring system with guided measuring signals are determined via the capacitive measuring system.
  • sensor 2 it is also possible to use sensor 2 as a kind of universal sensor. Since the two measuring methods - capacitive measuring method and measuring method via the runtime determination of guided high-frequency measuring signals - complement each other perfectly, one or the other measuring method will deliver better measuring results depending on the application. For example, depending on the product 12 to be measured, the sensor 2 can be operated specifically according to one of the two possible measurement methods. The • desired function of the sensor 2 can be set by the operating personnel via the input / output unit 10.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for measuring the level of a material (12) in a container (11), comprising a sensor (2) and a controller/analyser (4). The aim of the invention is to describe a device for an optimal level determination and/or level monitoring in a container (11). Said aim is achieved, whereby the sensor (2) is embodied such as to be operated in connection with at least two different measuring processes, or that said sensor (2) works in at least two different operating modes, the controller/analyser operates the sensor (2) by at least one of the both measuring processes, or at least in at least one of the both operating modes and that the controller/analyser (4) determines the level of the material (12) in the container (11) by means of the measured data from the sensor (2) obtained by means of at least one measuring process, or during at least one operating mode.

Description

Vorrichtung zur Messung des Füllstands eines Füllguts in einem Behälter Device for measuring the level of a product in a container
Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Vorrichtung zur Messung des Füllstands eines Füllguts in einem Behälter.The invention relates to a device for measuring the filling level of a filling material in a container.
Zur Bestimmung des Füllstands eines Füllguts in einem Behälter werden Meßsysteme eingesetzt, die unterschiedliche physikalische Größen messen. Anhand dieser Größen wird nachfolgend die gewünschte Information über den Füllstand abgeleitet. Neben mechanischen Abtastern werden kapazitive, konduktive oder hydrostatische Meßsonden eingesetzt, ebenso wie Detektoren, die auf der Basis von Ultraschall, Mikrowellen oder radioaktiver Strahlung arbeiten.To determine the fill level of a filling material in a container, measuring systems are used which measure different physical quantities. The desired information about the fill level is subsequently derived on the basis of these variables. In addition to mechanical scanners, capacitive, conductive or hydrostatic measuring probes are used, as are detectors that work on the basis of ultrasound, microwaves or radioactive radiation.
Bei kapazitiven Verfahren zur Bestimmung des Füllstandes eines Füllguts in einem Behälter bilden kapazitive Sonde und Behälterwand die Elektroden eines Kondensators. Falls die Behälterwand nicht leitfähig ist, muß eine separate zweite Elektrode innerhalb oder außerhalb des Behälters vorgesehen sein. Zwischen den beiden Elektroden befindet sich -je nach Füllstand des Mediums in dem Behälter - entweder Luft oder Medium, was sich aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Dielektrizitätskonstanten beider Substanzen in einer Änderung der Meßkapazität niederschlägt. Weiterhin ist die Meß- kapazität natürlich auch abhängig von dem jeweiligen Füllstand des Mediums in dem Behälter, da die beiden Größen 'Füllstand1 und 'Meß kapazität' funktional voneinander abhängen. Kapazitive Sonden lassen sich daher sowohl bei der Grenzstanddetektion als auch bei einer kontinuierliche Füllstandsbestimmung einsetzen. Eine kapazitive Füllstandssonde ist z. B. aus der DE 195 36 199 C2 bekannt geworden.In capacitive methods for determining the filling level of a filling material in a container, the capacitive probe and container wall form the electrodes of a capacitor. If the container wall is not conductive, a separate second electrode must be provided inside or outside the container. Depending on the fill level of the medium in the container, there is either air or medium between the two electrodes, which is reflected in a change in the measuring capacitance due to the different dielectric constants of the two substances. Furthermore, the measuring capacity is of course also dependent on the respective fill level of the medium in the container, since the two variables' fill level 1 and 'measuring capacity' are functionally dependent on one another. Capacitive probes can therefore be used both for point level detection and for continuous level determination. A capacitive level probe is e.g. B. become known from DE 195 36 199 C2.
Bei' Laufzeitverfahren mit geführten elektromagnetischen Hochfrequenzpulsen (TDR-Verfahren oder Puls-Radar-Verfahren) oder mit kontinuierlichen, frequenzmodulierte Mikrowellen (z. B. FMCW-Radar-Verfahren) werden die Meßsignale auf ein leitfähiges Element bzw. einen Wellenleiter eingekoppelt und mittels des Wellenleiters in den Behälter, in dem das Füllgut gelagert ist, hineingeführt werden. Als Wellenleiter kommen die bekannten Varianten: Oberflächenwellenleiter nach Sommerfeld oder Goubau oder Lecher- wellenleiter in Frage.In ' transit time methods with guided high-frequency electromagnetic pulses (TDR method or pulse radar method) or with continuous, frequency-modulated microwaves (e.g. FMCW radar method), the measurement signals are coupled onto a conductive element or a waveguide and by means of the Waveguide in the container in which the contents are stored, be introduced. The known variants are suitable as waveguides: surface waveguides according to Sommerfeld or Goubau or Lecher waveguides.
Physikalisch gesehen wird bei dieser Meßmethode der Effekt ausgenutzt, daß an der Grenzfläche zwischen zwei verschiedenen Medien, z, B. Luft und Öl oder Luft und Wasser, infolge der sprunghaften Änderung (Diskontinuität) der Dielektrizitätszahlen beider Medien ein Teil der geführten Hochfrequenz- Impulse bzw. der geführten Mikrowellen reflektiert und über das leitfähige Element zurück in eine Empfangsvorrichtung geleitet wird. Der reflektierteFrom a physical point of view, this measuring method takes advantage of the effect that at the interface between two different media, e.g. air and oil or air and water, part of the high-frequency pulses or respectively, due to the sudden change (discontinuity) in the dielectric constant of both media the reflected microwaves are reflected and passed back via the conductive element into a receiving device. The reflected
Anteil (- Nutzechosignal) ist dabei um so größer, je größer der Unterschied in den Dielektrizitätszahlen der beiden Medien ist. Anhand der Laufzeit des reflektierten Anteils der Hochfrequenz-Impulse bzw. der CW-Signale (Echosignale) läßt sich die Entfernung zur Oberfläche des Füllguts bestimmen.The proportion (- useful echo signal) is greater, the greater the difference in the dielectric constant of the two media. The distance to the surface of the filling material can be determined on the basis of the transit time of the reflected portion of the high-frequency pulses or the CW signals (echo signals).
Im direkten Vergleich zwischen einem kapazitiven Meßsystem und einem Meßsystem mit geführten elektromagnetischen Meßsignalen zeigen sich gewisse Vorteile, aber auch Nachteile gegenüber der jeweils anderen Methode: Messungen eines kapazitiven Sensors sind nahezu unempfindlich gegenüber einer bewegten Oberfläche des Füllguts. Weiterhin werden die Messungen weder durch schäumende Füllgüter noch durch die Bildung von Ansatz an dem kapazitiven Sensor in nennenswerter Weise beeinflußt. Allerdings ist - um die Füllstandsmessung hoch genau durchzuführen zu können - eine Eichung des kapazitiven Meßsystems bei zumindest zwei Pegelständen erforderlich - was je nach Behältergröße und Füllgut sehr zeitaufwendig sein kann oder im Extremfall den Einsatz eines kapazitiven Sensors ausschließt. Ein weiterer Nachteil kapazitiver Meßsysteme ist darin zu sehen, daß die Messung bei einem nicht-leitfähigen Füllgut abhängig ist von der jeweiligen Dielektrizitätskonstanten.A direct comparison between a capacitive measuring system and a measuring system with guided electromagnetic measuring signals shows certain advantages, but also disadvantages compared to the other method: Measurements of a capacitive sensor are almost insensitive to a moving surface of the medium. Furthermore, the measurements are not significantly influenced by foaming filling goods or by the formation of deposits on the capacitive sensor. However, in order to be able to carry out the level measurement with high precision, calibration of the capacitive measuring system at at least two water levels is required - which, depending on the container size and the contents, can be very time-consuming or, in extreme cases, preclude the use of a capacitive sensor. Another disadvantage of capacitive measuring systems can be seen in the fact that the measurement in the case of a non-conductive filling material is dependent on the respective dielectric constant.
Kritisch bei einem Meßsystem mit geführten hochfrequenten Meßsignalen ist, daß Füllstandsmessungen im Bereich der sog. Blockdistanz nicht möglich sind, da hier die Nutzechosignale in Störsignalen verschwinden. Die Störsignale werden beispielsweise durch Reflexionen der Meßsignale im Bereich der Einkopplung der Meßsignale auf das leitfähige Element verursacht, oder sie treten auf als Folge der Wechselwirkung der Meßsignale mit einem Stutzen, in dem das Meßsystem befestigt ist (obere Blockdistanz). Ein weiteres den möglichen Meßbereich einschränkendes Störsignal tritt am freien Ende des leitfähigen Elements auf (untere Blockdistanz).It is critical in a measuring system with guided high-frequency measuring signals that level measurements in the area of the so-called block distance are not possible, since here the useful echo signals disappear in interference signals. The interference signals are caused, for example, by reflections of the measurement signals in the area of the coupling of the measurement signals onto the conductive element, or they occur as a result of the interaction of the measurement signals with one Nozzle in which the measuring system is attached (upper block distance). Another interference signal that limits the possible measuring range occurs at the free end of the conductive element (lower block distance).
Sehr vorteilhaft bei Meßsystemen mit geführten hochfrequenten Meßsignalen ist hingegen, daß sie hochgenaue Meßergebnisse liefern und daß üblicherweise kein Abgleich, insbesondere kein Zwei-Punkt-Abgleich wie bei kapazitiven Meßsystemen, notwendig ist. Weiterhin ist die Messung mittels geführter Meßsignale weitgehend unabhängig von der jeweiligen Dielektrizitäts- konstanten des Füllguts; darüber hinaus funktioniert ein Meßsystem mit geführten hochfrequenten Meßsignalen selbst noch bei relativ kleinen Dielektrizitätskonstanten hinreichend gut.On the other hand, it is very advantageous with measuring systems with guided high-frequency measuring signals that they deliver highly precise measuring results and that usually no adjustment, in particular no two-point adjustment as with capacitive measuring systems, is necessary. Furthermore, the measurement by means of guided measurement signals is largely independent of the respective dielectric constant of the medium; in addition, a measuring system with guided high-frequency measuring signals works sufficiently well even with relatively low dielectric constants.
Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Vorrichtung vorzuschlagen, die eine optimierte Füllstandsbestimmung und/oder Füllstandsüberwachung in einem Behälter erlaubt.The invention is based on the object of proposing a device which allows optimized level determination and / or level monitoring in a container.
Die Aufgabe wird dadurch gelöst, daß die Vorrichtung einen Sensor und eine Regel-/Auswerteeinheit umfaßt, wobei der Sensor so ausgebildet ist, daß er in Verbindung mit zumindest zwei unterschiedlichen Meßverfahren betrieben wird bzw. daß der Sensor in zumindest zwei unterschiedlichen Betriebsmoden arbeitet, wobei die Regel-/Auswerteeinheit den Sensor jeweils nach einem der beiden Meßverfahren bzw. in einem der beiden Betriebsmoden betreibt und wobei die Regel-/Auswerteeinheit anhand der Meßdaten des Sensors, die über zumindest ein Meßverfahren bzw. während zumindest eines Betriebsmodus' geliefert werden, den Füllstand des Füllguts in dem Behälter bestimmt. Die erfindungsgemäße Lösung sieht vor, daß die Meßwerte über das kapazitive Meßverfahren bzw. über das Verfahren mit geführten hochfrequenten Meßsignalen entweder alternierend, zeitlich beliebig versetzt oder gleichzeitig, also quasi parallel gewonnen werden. So läßt sich beispielsweise eine optimierte Anpassung des Meßsystems an die Eigenschaften des jeweils zu messenden Füllguts erzielen; weiterhin ist es möglich, jeweils das Meßsystem zur Meßwertgewinnung heranzuziehen, das unter den gegebenen Bedingungen die besten Meßergebnisse liefert. Liegen die Meßwerte, die von dem kapazitiven Meßsystem und dem Meßsystem mit geführten Meßsignalen zeitlich dicht zusammen, so läßt sich darüber hinaus sogar ein Plausibilitäts- check durchführen.The object is achieved in that the device comprises a sensor and a control / evaluation unit, the sensor being designed in such a way that it is operated in connection with at least two different measuring methods or in that the sensor operates in at least two different operating modes, wherein the control / evaluation unit operates the sensor in each case according to one of the two measurement methods or in one of the two operating modes, and the control / evaluation unit uses the measurement data of the sensor, which are supplied via at least one measurement method or during at least one operating mode Level of the filling material in the container determined. The solution according to the invention provides that the measured values are obtained either alternately, with any time offset, or simultaneously, that is to say quasi in parallel, using the capacitive measuring method or the method with guided high-frequency measuring signals. For example, an optimized adaptation of the measuring system to the properties of the product to be measured can be achieved; furthermore, it is possible to use the measuring system to obtain the measured values that delivers the best measurement results under the given conditions. Are the measured values from the capacitive measuring system and the measuring system with guided measuring signals close together in time, a plausibility check can even be carried out.
Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zeichnet sich insbesondere dadurch aus, daß hochgenaue Füllstandsmessungen über die gesamte Behälterhöhe möglich sind, wobei die jeweils herangezogenen Meßwerte nahezu unbeeinflußt sind von der Beschaffenheit und der Art des jeweils zu messenden Füllguts. Die hochgenauen Messungen über die gesamte Behälterhöhe werden dadurch möglich, daß das eine Verfahren immer dann durch das jeweils andere Verfahren ersetzt wird oder werden kann, wenn die Nachteile des jeweils anderen Systems zum Tragen kommen. Weiterhin ist es möglich, die Meßwerte, die das eine System liefert, anhand der Meßwerte, die das andere Meßsystem liefert, zu korrigieren. Weiterhin eröffnet sich die Möglichkeit, beispielsweise den Abgleich des kapazitiven Meßsystems über die Meßwerte vorzunehmen, die das Meßsystem mit geführten Meßsignalen liefert.The device according to the invention is characterized in particular by the fact that high-precision fill level measurements are possible over the entire container height, the measurement values used in each case being almost unaffected by the nature and type of the fill substance to be measured. The highly precise measurements over the entire container height are made possible by the fact that one method is or can be replaced by the other method whenever the disadvantages of the other system come into play. Furthermore, it is possible to correct the measured values that one system supplies on the basis of the measured values that the other measuring system provides. Furthermore, there is the possibility, for example, of comparing the capacitive measuring system with the measured values which the measuring system supplies with guided measuring signals.
Gemäß einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung handelt es sich bei dem Sensor um zumindest ein leitfähiges Element, das sich in den Behälter hineinerstreckt. Bei dem leitfähigen Element kann es sich beispielsweise um zumindest eine Stange oder um zumindest ein Seil handeln.According to a preferred development of the device according to the invention, the sensor is at least one conductive element that extends into the container. The conductive element can be, for example, at least one rod or at least one rope.
Eine vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung sieht vor, daß das zumindest eine leitfähige Element wahlweise zur Durchführung eines kapazitiven Meßverfahrens oder eines Laufzeitverfahrens verwendet wird, wobei im Falle des kapazitiven Meßverfahrens das zumindest eine leitfähige Element eine Elektrode bildet und wobei im Falle des Laufzeitverfahrens hochfrequente Meßsignale entlang des zumindest einen leitfähigen Elements geführt werden.An advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention provides that the at least one conductive element is optionally used to carry out a capacitive measuring method or a transit time method, in the case of the capacitive measuring method the at least one conductive element forming an electrode and, in the case of the transit time method, high-frequency measurement signals along of the at least one conductive element.
Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung wird eine Eingabe-/Ausgabeeinheit vorgeschlagen, über die der jeweils gewünschte Betriebsmodus des Sensors eingegeben wird. Das Bedien- personal kann also das eingesetzte Meßsystem optimal an die Beschaffenheit des zu messenden oder zu überwachenden Füllguts anpassen. Alternativ ist eine Schalteinheit vorgesehen, über die der Sensor von dem einen in den anderen Betriebsmodus schaltbar ist. Insbesondere handelt es sich bei der Schalteinheit um einen elektronischen Schalter, vorzugsweise um einen MOSFET-Transistor. Wie bereits erwähnt, kann über den Schalter abwechselnd das eine oder das andere Meßsystem aktiviert werden, so daß die Meßwerte des einen oder des anderen Meßsystems zur Füllstandsbestimmung/Füllstandsüberwachung herangezogen werden können.According to an advantageous development of the device according to the invention, an input / output unit is proposed, via which the respectively desired operating mode of the sensor is entered. The operating personnel can therefore optimally adapt the measuring system used to the nature of the medium to be measured or monitored. Alternatively, a switching unit is provided, via which the sensor can be switched from one to the other operating mode. In particular, the switching unit is an electronic switch, preferably a MOSFET transistor. As already mentioned, one or the other measuring system can be activated alternately via the switch, so that the measured values of one or the other measuring system can be used for level determination / level monitoring.
Eine bevorzugte Weiterbildung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung schlägt vor, daß in der Regel-/Auswerteeinheit ein Programm zur Ansteuerung des Sensors abgelegt ist, über das der Sensor alternierend oder nach einem vorgegebenen Schaltschema in die zumindest zwei unterschiedlichen Betriebsmoden geschaltet wird. Insbesondere ist vorgesehen, daß die Regel- /Auswerteeinheit anhand der Füllstandswerte, die nach zumindest zwei unterschiedlichen Meßverfahren ermittelt werden, einen Plausibilitätscheck durchführt.A preferred development of the device according to the invention proposes that a program for controlling the sensor is stored in the control / evaluation unit, via which the sensor is switched alternately or according to a predetermined circuit diagram into the at least two different operating modes. In particular, it is provided that the control / evaluation unit carries out a plausibility check on the basis of the fill level values, which are determined according to at least two different measuring methods.
Darüber hinaus wird gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung der Sensor derart ansteuert, daß die nach den zumindest zwei Meßverfahren ermittelten Meßdaten gleichzeitig bzw. nahezu gleichzeitig gemessen bzw. bereitgestellt werden.In addition, according to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the sensor is controlled in such a way that the measurement data determined using the at least two measurement methods are measured or made available simultaneously or almost simultaneously.
Die Erfindung wird anhand der nachfolgenden Zeichnung Fig. 1 näher erläutert.The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following drawing, FIG. 1.
Fig. 1 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung 1. Ein Füllgut 12 befindet sich in dem Behälter 11. Bei diesem Füllgut 12 handelt es sich entweder um eine Flüssigkeit oder um einen Feststoff. In den Behälter 11 hinein erstreckt sich der Sensor 3, der in einer Öffnung 13, z. B. in einem Stutzen, im Deckel 14 des Behälters 11 befestigt ist. Wesentlicher Teil des Sensors 2 ist das leitfähige Element 3. Das leitfähige Element 3 ist entweder als Seil oder als Stange ausgebildet. Bevorzugt erstreckt sich das leitfähige Element 3 über die gesamte Höhe des Behälters 11. Der Sensor 2 ist derart ausgestaltet, daß er alternierend oder parallel sowohl Füllstandsmeßwerte liefert, die über eine Kapazitätsmessung gewonnen werden, als auch Füllstandsmeßwerte bereitstellt, die über die Messung der Laufzeit von hochfrequenten Meßsignalen ermittelt werden. Arbeitet der Sensor 3 im Betriebsmodus 'Laufzeitverfahren', so werden die hochfrequenten Meßsignale an dem leitfähigen Element 3 entlang in den Behälter 11 und aus dem Behälter 11 geführt.1 shows a schematic representation of the device 1 according to the invention. A filling material 12 is located in the container 11. This filling material 12 is either a liquid or a solid. In the container 11 extends the sensor 3, which in an opening 13, for. B. is fixed in a nozzle in the lid 14 of the container 11. An essential part of the sensor 2 is the conductive element 3. The conductive element 3 is designed either as a rope or as a rod. The conductive element 3 preferably extends over the entire height of the container 11. The sensor 2 is designed in such a way that, alternately or in parallel, it supplies both level measurement values which are obtained via a capacitance measurement and also provides level measurement values which are determined by measuring the transit time of high-frequency measurement signals. If the sensor 3 operates in the operating mode 'runtime method', the high-frequency measurement signals are conducted along the conductive element 3 into the container 11 and out of the container 11.
Bei dem in der Fig. 1 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung 1 erfolgt die Bereitstellung der Füllstandsmeßwerte wahlweise über eines der beiden möglichen Meßverfahren. Die alternierende Ansteuerung erfolgt über die Regel-/Auswerteeinheit 4 und die Schalteinheit 7. Im dargestellten Fall ist gerade die Steuerschaltung 5 für den kapazitiven Sensor über die Schalteinheit 7 mit dem Sensor 2 verbunden, d. h. dieIn the embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention shown in FIG. 1, the level measurement values are optionally provided via one of the two possible measurement methods. The alternating activation takes place via the control / evaluation unit 4 and the switching unit 7. In the case shown, the control circuit 5 for the capacitive sensor is just connected to the sensor 2 via the switching unit 7, i. H. the
Füllstandsmeßwerte werden über eine Kapazitätsmessung gewonnen. Nach Ablauf einer vorgegebenen Zeit wird, beispielsweise gesteuert von der Regel- /Auswerteeinheit 4, die Steuerschaltung 6 für den Sensor 2 mit den geführten Meßsignalen über die Schalteinheit 7 mit dem Sensor 2 verbunden. Nunmehr erfolgt die Ermittlung des Füllstandes des Füllguts 12 in dem Behälter 11 über die Messung der Laufzeit der geführten hochfrequenten Meßsignale.Level measurements are obtained via a capacity measurement. After a predetermined time has elapsed, for example controlled by the control / evaluation unit 4, the control circuit 6 for the sensor 2 is connected to the guided measurement signals via the switching unit 7 with the sensor 2. Now the level of the filling material 12 in the container 11 is determined by measuring the transit time of the guided high-frequency measurement signals.
Kommen beide Meßverfahren abwechselnd oder aber gleichzeitig zum Einsatz, so läßt sich ein Plausibilitätscheck durchführen. Fällt die Abweichung zwischen den beiden Meßwerten aus einem vorgegebenen Toleranzrahmen heraus, kann beispielsweise über die Eingabe-/Ausgabeeinheit 10 eine entsprechende Mitteilung an das Bedienpersonal ausgegeben werden. Zusätzlich kann ein Alarm aktiviert werden.If the two measuring methods are used alternately or simultaneously, a plausibility check can be carried out. If the deviation between the two measured values falls outside a predetermined tolerance range, a corresponding message can be output to the operating personnel, for example, via the input / output unit 10. An alarm can also be activated.
Weiterhin ist es vorgesehen, die beiden Meßsysteme so einzusetzen, daß das eine die Schwächen des jeweils anderen ausgleicht. So ist es beispielsweise möglich, daß der Abgleich des kapazitiven Meßsystems mittels des Meßsystems mit geführten Meßsignalen durchgeführt wird. Weiterhin ist vorgesehen, daß Füllstandswerte, die im Bereich der Blockdistanz des Meßsystems mit geführten Meßsignalen auftreten, über das kapazitive Meßsystem bestimmt werden. Selbstverständlich ist es auch möglich, den Sensor 2 quasi als Universalsensor einzusetzen. Da die beiden Meßverfahren - kapazitives Meßverfahren und Meßverfahren über die Laufzeitbestimmung von geführten hochfrequenten Meßsignalen - sich hervorragend gegenseitig ergänzen, wird je nach Anwendungsfall das eine oder das andere Meßverfahren bessere Meßergebnisse liefern. So kann beispielsweise ganz gezielt in Abhängigkeit von dem jeweils zu messenden Füllgut 12 der Sensor 2 ausschließlich nach einem der beiden möglichen Meßverfahren betrieben werden. Die • gewünschte Funktion des Sensors 2 kann vom Bedienpersonal über die Eingabe-/Ausgabeeinheit 10 eingestellt werden. It is also envisaged to use the two measuring systems so that one compensates for the weaknesses of the other. For example, it is possible for the capacitive measuring system to be compared by means of the measuring system with guided measuring signals. It is also provided that fill level values which occur in the area of the block distance of the measuring system with guided measuring signals are determined via the capacitive measuring system. Of course, it is also possible to use sensor 2 as a kind of universal sensor. Since the two measuring methods - capacitive measuring method and measuring method via the runtime determination of guided high-frequency measuring signals - complement each other perfectly, one or the other measuring method will deliver better measuring results depending on the application. For example, depending on the product 12 to be measured, the sensor 2 can be operated specifically according to one of the two possible measurement methods. The • desired function of the sensor 2 can be set by the operating personnel via the input / output unit 10.
BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtungdevice according to the invention
Sensorsensor
Leitfähiges ElementConductive element
Regel-/AuswerteeinheitControl / evaluation unit
Steuerschaltung für kapazitiven SensorControl circuit for capacitive sensor
Steuerschaltung für Sensor mit geführten MeßsignalenControl circuit for sensor with guided measurement signals
Schalteinheitswitching unit
Verbindungsleitungconnecting line
Einkopplungcoupling
Eingabe-/AusgabeeinheitInput / output unit
Behältercontainer
Füllgutfilling
Öffnungopening
Deckel cover

Claims

Patentansprüche claims
1. Vorrichtung zur Messung des Füllstands eines Füllguts in einem Behälter mit einem Sensor und einer Regel-/Auswerteeinheit, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Sensor (2) so ausgebildet ist, daß er in Verbindung mit zumindest zwei unterschiedlichen Meßverfahren betrieben wird bzw. daß der Sensor (2) in zumindest zwei unterschiedlichen Betriebsmoden arbeitet, daß die Regel-/Auswerteeinheit (4) den Sensor (2) jeweils nach zumindest einem der beiden Meßverfahren bzw. zumindest in einem der beiden1. Device for measuring the level of a filling material in a container with a sensor and a control / evaluation unit, characterized in that the sensor (2) is designed so that it is operated in conjunction with at least two different measuring methods or that Sensor (2) works in at least two different operating modes, that the control / evaluation unit (4) the sensor (2) each according to at least one of the two measuring methods or at least in one of the two
Betriebsmoden betreibt und daß die Regel-/Auswerteeinheit (4) anhand der Meßdaten des Sensors (2), die über zumindest ein Meßverfahren bzw. während zumindest einesOperates operating modes and that the control / evaluation unit (4) on the basis of the measurement data of the sensor (2) using at least one measurement method or during at least one
Betriebsmodus' geliefert werden, den Füllstand des Füllguts (12) in demOperating mode 'are supplied, the level of the product (12) in the
Behälter (11) bestimmt.Container (11) determined.
2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß es sich bei dem Sensor (2) um zumindest ein leitfähiges Element (3) handelt, das sich in den Behälter (11) hineinerstreckt.2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor (2) is at least one conductive element (3) which extends into the container (11).
3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet,3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in
- daß es sich bei dem leitfähigen Element (3) um zumindest eine Stange oder um zumindest ein Seil handelt.- That the conductive element (3) is at least one rod or at least one rope.
4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das zumindest eine leitfähige Element (3) wahlweise für ein kapazitives Meßverfahren oder für ein Laufzeitverfahren verwendet wird, wobei im Falle des kapazitiven Meßverfahrens das zumindest eine leitfähige Element (3) eine Elektrode bildet und wobei im Falle des Laufzeitverfahrens hochfrequente Meßsignale entlang des zumindest einen leitfähigen Elements (3) geführt werden. 4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the at least one conductive element (3) is used either for a capacitive measuring method or for a runtime method, wherein in the case of the capacitive measuring method, the at least one conductive element (3) forms an electrode and wherein in the case of the transit time method, high-frequency measurement signals are guided along the at least one conductive element (3).
5. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 , 2, 3 oder 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß eine Eingabeeinheit (10) vorgesehen ist, über die der jeweils gewünschte Betriebsmodus des Sensors (2) eingegeben wird.5. The device according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that an input unit (10) is provided, via which the desired operating mode of the sensor (2) is entered.
6. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 3, 4 oder 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß eine Schalteinheit (7) vorgesehen ist, über die der Sensor (2) von dem einen in den anderen Betriebsmodus schaltbar ist.6. The device according to claim 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that a switching unit (7) is provided, via which the sensor (2) can be switched from one to the other operating mode.
7. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß es sich bei der Schalteinheit (7) um einen elektronischen Schalter, vorzugsweise um einen MOSFET-Transistor, handelt.7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the switching unit (7) is an electronic switch, preferably a MOSFET transistor.
8. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in der Regel-/Auswerteeinheit (4) ein Programm zur Ansteuerung des Sensors (2) vorgesehen ist, über das der Sensor (2) kontinuierlich, alternierend oder nach einem vorgegebenen Schaltschema in die zumindest zwei unterschiedlichen Betriebsmoden geschaltet wird.8. The device according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that in the control / evaluation unit (4) a program for controlling the sensor (2) is provided, via which the sensor (2) continuously, alternately or according to a predetermined circuit diagram in the at least two different operating modes are switched.
9. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Regel-/Auswerteeinheit (4) anhand der Füllstandswerte, die nach zumindest zwei unterschiedlichen Meßverfahren ermittelt werden, einen9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the control / evaluation unit (4) based on the level values, which are determined by at least two different measuring methods, one
Plausibilitätscheck durchführt.Carries out a plausibility check.
10. Vorrichtung nach einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Regel-/Auswerteeinheit (4) den Sensor (2) derart ansteuert, daß die nach den zumindest zwei Meßverfahren ermittelten Meßdaten gleichzeitig bzw. nahezu gleichzeitig gemessen werden. 10. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control / evaluation unit (4) controls the sensor (2) such that the measurement data determined by the at least two measurement methods are measured simultaneously or almost simultaneously.
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CA2424036C (en) 2007-01-23
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CA2424036A1 (en) 2003-03-17
CN1443302A (en) 2003-09-17
EA005706B1 (en) 2005-04-28
JP2004513330A (en) 2004-04-30
CN1222758C (en) 2005-10-12
WO2002010696A1 (en) 2002-02-07
US6481276B2 (en) 2002-11-19
AU2001277551A1 (en) 2002-02-13
JP3806405B2 (en) 2006-08-09

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