Idea Corporation

Cannonbear, Inc.

Buford R Jean

Billy V Clark

Richard W Newton

Gary L Warren

Andrew J Blanchard

A sweep frequency, continuous wave (CW) radar tank gauge (3) providing measurement of the level of tank contents or ullage (19), having greatly improved accuracy through improved methods of processing calibrate and return signals directed toward the surface of tank contents (20). Use of sweep synchronous measurement (46) of time domain calibrate/return difference signals (42) and time domain of a virtual 'carrier' fundamental in the frequency domain, provide highly accurate measure of tank signal return times. The entire range of return signals is made available for processing and analysis (5), including distinguishable tank bottom reflections.

Radar tank gauge

A device is provided for detecting the ullage level and flow in a vessel by detecting the presence of a solid or liquid material in proximity to a microwave detector. The device may be mounted to the side of the vessel or suspended inside the vessel so as to bring the microwave sensor into proximity with the surface of the contents of the vessel. A microwave bridge circuit may be used to detect a change in either the amplitude or phase of a signal reflected by the material within the vessel compared to a reference signal tuned to either the presence or absence of the anticipated solid or liquid material. In one embodiment, the reflected material signal is compared to the signal from a sample chamber containing the material to be detected. The device can reliably detect the level of multiple interfaces for various materials having distinct electric or magnetic properties.

Sensor and method for ullage level and flow detection

A sweep frequency, continuous wave (CW) radar tank gauge (3) providing measurement of the level of tank contents or ullage (19), having greatly improved accuracy through improved methods of processing calibrate and return signals directed toward the surface of tank contents (20). Use of sweep synchronous measurement (46) of time domain calibrate/return difference signals (42) and determination of a virtual 'carrier' fundamental in the frequency domain, provide highly accurate measure of tank signal return times. The entire range of return signals is made available for processing and analysis (5), including distinguishable tank bottom reflections.

Growing community of inventors

College Station, TX, United States of America

Buford R Jean