Bindicator Company

Other

Venture Measurement Company, LLC

William T Cruickshank

Norman F Marsh

A system for measuring the level of the interface between gasoline and water in an underground gasoline storage vessel includes an electronics enclosure from which a transmission line probe extends for contact with the gasoline and water within the vessel. The transmission line probe carries a reflection target disposed at a fixed known position with respect to the electronics enclosure, and at a position normally to be covered by the gasoline. Electronics within the enclosure employ time-domain reflectometry techniques to determine the position or level of the air/liquid surface of the gasoline, and to obtain an apparent position reflection measurement from the target disposed within the gasoline. Since the actual distance from the electronics to the reflection target, as well as from the target to the bottom of the vessel, are predetermined and known, and the level of the air/gasoline interface has been determined, the distance between the air/gasoline interface and the target is determinable, and a compensation factor related to the dielectric constant of the gasoline can be determined. Time-domain reflectometry is employed in conjunction with this compensation factor to determine the true level of the gasoline/water interface beneath the reflection target.

Material interface level sensing

A system for measuring level of material in a vessel that includes a transmission line probe adapted to be positioned for contact with material in the vessel. Electronics are coupled to the transmission line probe for launching microwave radiation along the probe and detecting radiation reflected by the electrical impedance discontinuity presented at the air/material interface in the vessel. Level of the air/material interface within the vessel is determined employing time domain reflectometry techniques, and is displayed as a continuous function over a predetermined range. The system range is calibrated by means of a target selectively manually positionable along the probe rod while the probe is disposed outside of the vessel. First and second signals are selectively stored in the system electronics with the target disposed at positions along the probe rod corresponding to the ends of the material level measurement range. The electronics are thereafter operable to display level of the air/material interface along the probe within the vessel over the predetermined range between the selected positions of the target along the probe rod. The end of the probe rod is at an angle of 90.degree. to the remainder of the probe to eliminate material level ambiguity at the probe end.

Material level sensing system calibration

Apparatus for indicating material level that includes a pair of ultrasonic transducers on opposed sides of a space for receiving the material at the level to be detected. A swept frequency oscillator is coupled to one of the transducers so that the transducer radiates into the material space ultrasonic energy that continuously sweeps back and forth between a low frequency range at which such energy is transmitted to the other transducer by resonance of the entire apparatus and independent of presence of material in the material space, and a higher frequency range at which such energy is transmitted to the other transducer only when material is present in the space between the transducers. Detection circuitry indicates presence of material between the transducers upon receipt of the higher frequency energy, and failure of the apparatus upon failure to receive the lower frequency energy.

Ultrasonic material level measurement

A system for indicating level of material that includes first and second probes disposed for operative coupling with material whose level is to be sensed. First and second electrical input circuits are respectively coupled to the probes and provide first and second signals. First and second electrical output circuits provide respective indications of material level by operating relay switches. A latch circuit has inputs that receive the respective first and second signals, and an output that changes state only when both first and second signals change state. The output circuits are selectively connected by jumpers either to the associated input circuit or to the latch output.

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Port Huron, MI, United States of America

William T Cruickshank