Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080303710 | Antenna for a Fill Level Radar for Applications Involving High Temperatures and/or High Pressures - An antenna for a fill level radar includes a high-temperature process separation device and an attenuation element. The attenuation element is used to improve the measuring signal in the near zone of the antenna and is affixed to the process separation device or in the process separation device. In this way antenna ringing may be significantly reduced. | 12-11-2008 |
20090033543 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGE WITH VARIABLE PULSE PARAMETERS - A radar level gauge (RLG) system and method for determining a filling level of a filling material in a tank is disclosed. The RLG system comprises a transmitter for generating and transmitting an electromagnetic transmitter pulse signal, a transmitter controller for controlling means for pulse width adjustment for adjusting the pulse width of the transmitter pulse signal in dependence of at least one application specific condition. Further, the system comprises a signal medium interface connectable to means for directing said transmitter pulse signal towards said filling material and for receiving a reception pulse signal reflected back from said filling material; a receiver for receiving said reception pulse signal from the tank; and processing circuitry for determining the filling level of the tank based on said reflection pulse signal received by said receiver. The application specific condition(s) is e.g. one or several of tank height, level of the filling material, type of filling material, presence of other tank structure providing reflecting surfaces and required accuracy of measurement. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033544 | Radar level gauge - A radar level gauge for measuring a level of a surface of a product in a container has an antenna for transmitting microwaves to the surface and receiving microwaves reflected by the surface, a measurement circuitry for generating said microwaves to be transmitted and for evaluating said received microwaves, a hollow waveguide between the antenna and the measurement circuitry, said waveguide being separated by a gap into a first waveguide member coupled to the antenna and a second waveguide member coupled to the measurement circuitry, and a dielectric barrier arranged in said gap. A dielectric barrier which is simpler in construction and less critical with respect to the wavelength of the microwaves is obtained in that the dielectric barrier comprises a shaft member inserted into the hollow waveguide and extending through at least a portion of the first waveguide member, through the gap and through at least a portion of the second waveguide member. | 02-05-2009 |
20090085794 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM - A radar level gauge system, for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank, comprising a transceiver configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals, a probe arranged to extend towards and into the product inside the tank and configured to guide transmitted signals towards a surface of the product, where signals are reflected, and reflected signals back from the surface of the product. The probe has a mechanical and direct electrical connection to a conductive tank structure. The radar level gauge system further comprises processing circuitry connected to the transceiver and configured to determine the filling level based on the transmitted and reflected signals, and a probe coupling device connected to the transceiver. The probe coupling device includes a first coupling segment configured to couple electromagnetic signals between the transceiver and the probe with a first coupling efficiency and a second coupling segment configured to couple electromagnetic signals between the transceiver and the probe with a second coupling efficiency, the second coupling efficiency being different from the first coupling efficiency. | 04-02-2009 |
20090085795 | Filling Level Radar with Variable Transmitting Power - A level measuring instrument has a variable transmitting power for measuring a filling level in a tank. The level measuring instrument includes a generator unit selectively generating different transmitting powers. The generator unit is controlled so that the transmitting power is respectively adapted to the corresponding environmental conditions. For this purpose, the generator unit has for instance two different oscillators, which are driven selectively. | 04-02-2009 |
20090121917 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FILLING LEVEL DETERMINATION - A method for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank, by means of a radar level gauge system comprising a transceiver for generating, transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals; a probe connected to the transceiver and arranged to guide a transmitted electromagnetic signal from the transceiver towards and into the product inside the tank, and to return a reflected electromagnetic signal resulting from reflection of the transmitted electromagnetic signal by a surface of the product back towards the transceiver; and a plurality of reference reflectors each being arranged at a respective known position along the probe and being configured to reflect a portion of the transmitted electromagnetic signal back towards the transceiver. The method comprises the steps of identifying, based on received electromagnetic signals reflected by the reference reflectors, a set of reference reflectors located above the surface of the product; selecting first and second reference reflectors comprised in the set of reference reflectors; determining a propagation velocity compensation factor based on a known distance between the first and second reference reflectors and a distance therebetween determined using received electromagnetic signals reflected by the first and second reference reflector, respectively; and determining the filling level based on a received electromagnetic signal reflected by the surface of the product, and the propagation velocity compensation factor. | 05-14-2009 |
20090128395 | Method for analysing a substance in a container - Method and apparatus for analysing a substance in a container, the method comprising the steps of: disposing antenna means ( | 05-21-2009 |
20090128396 | Filling Level Sensor for Short Measuring Distances - A filling level sensor for a short distance measurement includes a first antenna transmitting a transmission signal to a material surface; a second antenna receiving a reception signal reflected by the material surface; and a common outer enclosure enclosing the first antenna and the second antenna. | 05-21-2009 |
20090146867 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A SIGNAL INDICATIVE OF PROCESS RELIABILITY - A method for determination of a filling level of a product contained in a tank, comprising the steps of generating and transmitting an electromagnetic signal; propagating the transmitted electromagnetic signal towards the product in the tank; receiving echo signals resulting from reflections at impedance transitions encountered by the transmitted electromagnetic signal; classifying one of the echo signals as a surface echo signal resulting from reflection at a surface of the product inside the tank; evaluating an additional echo signal; providing, if an amplitude of the additional echo signal is greater than a predetermined disturbance echo threshold, a signal indicative thereof; and determining the filling level based on the surface echo signal. | 06-11-2009 |
20090212996 | Device for determining and monitoring the level of a medium in a container - The invention relates to an apparatus ( | 08-27-2009 |
20090219192 | MOISTURE DISCHARGING RADAR ANTENNA FOR LIQUID LEVEL DETECTION - The invention relates to a device for determining the level of a liquid, at least comprising a radar antenna disposed above the liquid for emitting radar waves to the liquid and receiving radar waves reflected by the surface of the liquid, as well as means for determining the liquid level on the basis of the emitted and reflected radar waves, wherein the radar antenna has an emitting surface which is directed downwards at the liquid and which is horizontally oriented with respect to the surface of the liquid, which emitting surface is provided with means that promote the discharge of condensation that is present on the emitting surface. | 09-03-2009 |
20090256737 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM WITH MULTI BAND PATCH ANTENNA ARRAY ARRANGEMENT - A radar level gauge system ( | 10-15-2009 |
20090262009 | PARABOLIC AERIAL WITH A CONICAL DIFFUSION DISC FOR FILL LEVEL RADAR - Reflections on the aerial system of a fill level radar result in reduced measuring quality at short range. Small echo signals at short range can thus disappear in the noise. According to one embodiment of the present invention a parabolic aerial for a fill level radar is stated, which parabolic aerial comprises a parabolic mirror, an exciter and a diffusion disc. The diffusion disc is used for laterally removing interfering electromagnetic waves that would otherwise be absorbed by the exciter. In this way the decay behaviour at short range can be reduced. | 10-22-2009 |
20090273506 | METHOD OF DETERMINING A DISTURBANCE ECHO PROFILE FOR A RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM - A method of determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank, the method comprising generating and transmitting electromagnetic signals; propagating the transmitted electromagnetic signals towards a surface of the product contained in the tank; receiving echo signals resulting from reflections at impedance transitions encountered by the transmitted electromagnetic signals, including a surface echo signal resulting from reflection at a surface of the product; determining a position of a reference impedance transition using a reference echo signal resulting from reflection of the transmitted electromagnetic signals at the reference impedance transition; determining an update level located above the surface, based on the determined position of the reference impedance transition and a known position of the reference impedance transition; determining a disturbance echo profile using at least one of the echo signals resulting from reflection of the transmitted signals at at least one impedance transition located above the update level; and determining the filling level based on the received echo signals and the disturbance echo profile. | 11-05-2009 |
20090278730 | RADAR-BASED METHOD FOR MEASURING A LEVEL OF MATERIAL IN A CONTAINER - Described is a radar-based method for measuring a level of material in a container. Microwaves are emitted to a surface of the material by a radar level gauge, echo waves reflected from the surface are received and the received echo waves are converted into an echo function which is stored and evaluated to establish a useful echo and to determine a position of the echo. The echo function is generated and stored with a first higher resolution for a selected first portion of the entire level measurement range of the radar level gauge. Further, the echo function is generated and stored with a second lower resolution or no echo function is generated and stored for the remaining second portion of the entire level measurement range. | 11-12-2009 |
20090289835 | MULTI-CHANNEL RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM - A radar level gauging system for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank by transmitting and receiving microwave signals over at least two functionally independent channels. Each channel has an electronics unit with transceiver circuitry arranged on a printed circuit board and processing circuitry connected to the transceiver circuitry for determining the filling level based on a relation between transmitted signals and received signals, and each electronics unit is electronically and galvanically separated from other electronics units. The system further comprises a single antenna for emitting microwave signals into the tank, and a hollow waveguide for guiding microwave signals between each transceiver circuitry and the antenna. Each electronics unit further comprises feeding circuitry arranged on the printed circuit board, the feeding circuitry comprising at least one feeding probe protruding into the waveguide for feeding the microwave signals into the waveguide. | 11-26-2009 |
20090303106 | IMPEDANCE MATCHED GUIDED WAVE RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM - A radar level gauge system, for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank, the radar level gauge system comprising: a transceiver for generating, transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals; a probe electrically connected to the transceiver at a probe-transceiver connection and arranged to extend towards and into the product contained in the tank, for guiding a transmitted signal from the transceiver towards a surface of the product, and for returning a surface echo signal resulting from reflection of the transmitted signal at the surface back towards the transceiver; an impedance matching device arranged to extend along a portion of the probe inside the tank, an extension of the impedance matching device, in a direction perpendicular to the probe, decreasing along the portion of the probe with increasing distance from the probe-transceiver connection, to thereby provide impedance matching between an impedance of the probe-transceiver connection and an impedance of the probe; and processing circuitry connected to the transceiver for determining the filling level based on the surface echo signal. | 12-10-2009 |
20090315758 | HIGH SENSITIVITY FREQUENCY MODULATED RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM - A radar level gauge system for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank, comprising: a transceiver for generating, transmitting and receiving frequency-modulated electromagnetic signals; a transmitting propagating device electrically connected to the transceiver and arranged to propagate transmitted electromagnetic signals towards a surface of the product contained in the tank; and a receiving propagating device electrically connected to the transceiver and arranged to return echo signals resulting from reflections at impedance transitions encountered by the transmitted electromagnetic signals, including a surface echo signal resulting from reflection at the surface, back to the transceiver. A signal isolation between the transmitting propagating device and the receiving propagating device is at least 30 dB, and the transceiver comprises: a signal generator for generating a frequency-modulated signal having a predetermined center frequency; a transmitter branch connecting an output of the signal generator with the transmitting propagating device via a first frequency converter for converting the frequency of the frequency-modulated signal to provide the transmitted electromagnetic signal; a receiver branch connected to the receiving propagating device for receiving the surface echo signal; and a mixer having a first input connected to the signal generator via a second frequency converter for converting the frequency of the frequency-modulated signal and a second input connected to the receiver branch, for forming an intermediate frequency signal indicative of a phase difference between the transmitted electromagnetic signal and the surface echo signal. The radar level gauge system further comprising processing circuitry connected to the transceiver for determining the filling level based on the intermediate frequency signal. | 12-24-2009 |
20090322593 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGING SYSTEM WITH GALVANICALLY ISOLATING COMMUNICATION LINK - A radar level gauging system for determining a level of a surface of a product in a tank, comprising a propagation device arranged to allow microwave signals to propagate towards the surface, and to return a reflection of the microwave signals from the surface and at least two radar level gauge (RLG) units. Each RLG unit includes transceiver circuitry, processing circuitry connected to the transceiver circuitry and adapted to determine the level based on a relation between transmitted and received signals, and a communication interface. The system further comprises a communication link interconnecting the RLG units, for communicating control data between the RLG units, the communication link comprising an isolating interface, ensuring galvanic isolation between the RLG units. | 12-31-2009 |
20100019952 | SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING RELIEF ON A GRANULE FILLING SURFACE IN A PETROCHEMICAL REACTOR - The invention relates to a system for determining relief on a granule filling surface in a petrochemical reactor, the filling direction in which the reactor is filled defining a vertical direction, the reactor having a central vertical axis, the system including a transmitter configured to be positioned above the filling surface in such a manner as to transmit a signal to various points of said surface. The system includes shift means for shifting the transmitter about the central axis of the reactor through an angle that is great than 60°. | 01-28-2010 |
20100052974 | Variable Transmission Power for Fill Level Measuring - The transmission power of a fill level radar is varied in that the transmission power is switched, by a signal switch, from a first transmission power to a second transmission power. This switching takes place, for example, by bypassing the high-frequency amplifier or by switching off a drain voltage. | 03-04-2010 |
20100060512 | Level sensing device - A level sensing device with a high frequency radar system is provided. The radar system includes a radar high frequency module, a carrier board and a controller. The radar high frequency module is mounted on the carrier board using surface mount techniques. The controller includes a processor and the radar high frequency module has a plurality of components including one or more microwave integrated circuits, a radiating patch antenna, and coupling means for channeling a radiated signal from the patch antenna out of the module. The components are encapsulated to form the module and the coupling means includes a dielectric rod. | 03-11-2010 |
20100066589 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HIGHLY ACCURATE HIGHER FREQUENCY SIGNAL GENERATION AND RELATED LEVEL GAUGE - An apparatus includes a stable local oscillator, which includes a first control loop. The first control loop includes a first voltage-controlled oscillator configured to generate a first output signal and a first phase-locked loop. The apparatus also includes a frequency up-converter configured to increase a frequency of the first output signal. The apparatus further includes a second control loop configured to receive the up-converted first output signal. The second control loop includes a second voltage-controlled oscillator configured to generate a second output signal and a second phase-locked loop. The second control loop may further include a mixer having a first input coupled to the frequency up-converter, a second input coupled to the second voltage-controlled oscillator, and an output coupled to the second phase-locked loop. A reference frequency source may be configured to generate a signal identifying a reference frequency and to provide that signal to the phase-locked loops. | 03-18-2010 |
20100090883 | Apparatus for determining and/or monitoring the level of a medium - An apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring fill level of a medium in a container. The apparatus includes an antenna, which transmits and receives high frequency signals in a predetermined oscillatory mode in a bounded space in a predetermined radiation direction, wherein, in front of the antenna in the radiation direction, an antenna protection element of a material transmissive for the high frequency signals is provided, and wherein a control/evaluation unit is provided, which evaluates the received high frequency signals and ascertains the fill level. | 04-15-2010 |
20100103024 | High Frequency Module for Filling Level Measurements in the W-Band - A high-frequency module is for fill level measuring and for use at frequencies of more than 75 GHz. The high-frequency module comprises a microwave semiconductor, a printed circuit board and a housing bonded to the printed circuit board. In order to reduce the power required, operation of the microwave semiconductor takes place in a pulsed manner. | 04-29-2010 |
20100123614 | ENERGY STORAGE UNIT FOR A RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM - A radar level gauge system comprising power management circuitry for regulating operating power to be used by a microwave unit and a processing circuitry of the radar level gauge system. The power management circuitry comprises a DC-DC converter having an input terminal connected to the interface, an output terminal connected to the microwave unit and the processing circuitry, and a reference terminal connected to an electrical reference point, wherein a first voltage level at the input terminal and a second voltage level at the output terminal relates to a reference voltage level at the electrical reference point. The power management circuitry further comprises an energy storage capacitor connected between the input and output terminals of the DC-DC converter. According to this design, the capacitance of the power management circuitry gets reduced due to that the capacitance is originating from a series capacitance. | 05-20-2010 |
20100123615 | Potential Separation for Filling Level Radar - For safety reasons the potential of an electrical supply line of a radar sensor should be separate from the potential of the filling level container. An arrangement for potential separation for a filling level radar is provided, which arrangement comprises a separation element for insulating the waveguide from the antenna. The separation element, corresponding to the cross section of the waveguide, is ring shaped. In this way rotatability between the sensor housing and the antenna subassembly is provided without influencing the signal line between the antenna and the waveguide. | 05-20-2010 |
20100141505 | LEVEL MONITORING DEVICE FOR DETERMINING AND MONITORING A FILL LEVEL OF A MEDIUM IN THE PROCESS AREA OF A VESSEL - A fill level measuring device for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium in the process space of a container by means of a microwave travel time measuring method. The device includes: measurement transmitter; and an antenna unit, which is constructed at least of a hollow conductor and a radiating element, wherein a process isolation element is inserted into the hollow conductor for process isolation between measurement transmitter and the process contacting, radiating element. The process isolation element is made of a ceramic material and includes at least one glass layer, via which the process isolation element is directly glass bonded in the hollow conductor in a glass bonding region. | 06-10-2010 |
20100156702 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FILLING LEVEL DETERMINATION - A radar level gauge system using microwaves for measuring a level of a surface of a product in a container, comprising a waveguide arranged to extend into the product contained in the container, wherein a plurality of reference impedance transitions are arranged at known position along the waveguide and being configured to reflect a portion of transmitted electromagnetic signals back towards the transceiver. Preferably, each of the reference impedance transitions has a first reflection coefficient for the electromagnetic signals when the level of the surface is above the reference impedance transition and a second reflection coefficient for the electromagnetic signal when the level of the surface is below the reference reflector, the first reflection coefficient being substantially lower than the second reflection coefficient. According to this design, a higher accuracy of filling level measurements can be achieved. | 06-24-2010 |
20100182190 | Method for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium in a container by a travel time measuring method - A method for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium in a container by means of a field device by a travel time measuring method, wherein transmission signals are transmitted in the direction of the medium and reflection signals are received, wherein received reflection signals are registered as echo signals in an echo function dependent on travel time or travel distance, wherein position and/or amplitude at least of a wanted echo signal in the echo function are/is ascertained by means of an echo search algorithm and a continuous echo tracking of changes of position and/or of changes of amplitude of the wanted echo signal in the echo function is performed in a defined search window, wherein position and/or amplitude at least of a wanted echo signal is maintained, in case no wanted echo signal is ascertained in the search window, wherein from position and/or amplitude at least of a wanted echo signal, fill level is ascertained, and wherein a measured value of fill level is output. For this, an asymmetric search window is used for ascertaining the wanted echo signal. | 07-22-2010 |
20100201563 | Pulsed radar level detection system using pulse dithering to eliminate inaccuracies caused by tank rattle - A through air level measurement instrument for use in minimizing tank rattle comprises a housing and an antenna secured to the housing. A process adaptor is associated with the antenna and the housing for securing the instrument to a closed tank with the antenna directed into an interior of the closed tank. A control in the housing generates and receives a high frequency signal using an electromagnetic radiating element proximate the antenna. The control comprises an equivalent time sampling circuit including a main oscillator driving a timing circuit controlling timing between transmitted and sample pulses. A noise generator is operatively associated with the main oscillator to randomly modulate timing of the main oscillator. The control minimizes inaccuracies caused by tank rattle. | 08-12-2010 |
20100207807 | LEVEL GAUGE WITH POSITIVE LEVEL VERIFIER - A level verification system for a radar level gauge utilizes a remotely positionable target. The target is positioned inside of a tank that is subject to level measurement, and stowed at a first position and selectively positionable to a second position to reflect emitted electromagnetic radiation in an amount indicative of a predetermined material level. The verification system can verify a high level alarm will be triggered when the material reaches a high level corresponding to the level of the target, by remotely positioning the target in front of the emitter of the radar gauge. The target reflects electromagnetic energy to the detector at approximately the same intensity that the material reaching the high level would reflect so as to provide an accurate verification. | 08-19-2010 |
20100231438 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM WITH LEAKAGE DETECTION - A radar level gauge system, for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank, comprising a transceiver for generating, transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals; an antenna arranged to direct transmitted electromagnetic signals towards a surface of the product contained in the tank, and to return reflected electromagnetic signals resulting from reflections at impedance transitions encountered by the transmitted electromagnetic signals back to the transceiver; and a hollow waveguide connecting the transceiver and the antenna for guiding the electromagnetic signals therebetween. A sealing member is arranged to seal the waveguide to prevent fluid from passing into the waveguide from an interior of the tank; and the radar level gauge system further comprises processing circuitry connected to the transceiver and configured to determine the filling level based on the reflected electromagnetic signals. The radar level gauge system further comprises a leak indication member being movably arranged inside the hollow waveguide in such a way that a force resulting from leakage of the fluid at the sealing member causes a movement of the leak indication member when acting thereon; and the hollow waveguide is configured in such a way that the movement of the leak indication member causes a change in at least one microwave propagation characteristic of the hollow waveguide. | 09-16-2010 |
20100302089 | Radiometric fill level measuring arrangement - A radiometric measuring arrangement for measuring fill level of a fill substance in a container includes: arranged one above the other in measurement operation on a first side of the container, two or more radiometric radiators, which, in measurement operation, send radioactive radiation through the container, and which, in measurement operation, are arranged in a measuring position in the interior of the container in a pressure resistant, protective tube protruding laterally into the container; and, arranged on a second side of the container lying opposite to the radiators, at least one detector, which serves to receive radiation intensity penetrating through the container as a function of fill level and to convert such into a fill level dependent, electrical signal. The measuring arrangement permits achievement of a highly linear dependence of total detected radiation intensity on fill level. At least in protective tubes, above which at least one further radiator is located, above the radiator of such a protective tube, an absorber is arranged, which serves to absorb radiometric radiation upwardly radiated by the radiator of such protective tube, when such radiator is located in the measuring position. | 12-02-2010 |
20110102243 | DIGITALLY CONTROLLED UWB MILLIMETER WAVE RADAR - An ultra wide band (UWB) millimeter (mm) wave radar system includes a signal source having a control input, a GHz signal output and a frequency controlled output. A control loop is coupled between the GHz signal output and the control input including a frequency divider and a digitally controlled PLL that provides a locked output coupled to the control input of the signal source to provide frequency locked output signals that are discrete frequency swept or hopped. A frequency multiplier is coupled to the frequency controlled output of the signal source for outputting a plurality of mm-wave frequencies. An antenna transmits the mm-wave frequencies to a surface to be interrogated and receives reflected mm-wave signals therefrom. A mixer mixes the reflected mm-wave signals and mm-wave frequencies and processing circuitry determines at least one parameter relating to the surface from the mixing output. | 05-05-2011 |
20110109496 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING THE SURFACES OF SLAG AND MOLTEN METAL IN A MOULD - A method for monitoring the surfaces of slag and molten metal in a mould of a continuous casting apparatus, using radar equipment is disclosed. The radar equipment emits a beam of electromagnetic waves having a bandwidth of at least 20 GHz. This also relates to an apparatus for using the method. | 05-12-2011 |
20110140951 | PULSED RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT FILLING LEVEL DETERMINATION - A method of determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank using a radar level gauge system, the method comprising the steps of: generating a transmission signal using first pulse generating circuitry outputting a first signal having a first oscillation frequency, the transmission signal being in the form of a first pulse train having a first pulse repetition frequency; generating, using second pulse generating circuitry comprising a resonator element having an input and an output, a reference signal in the form of a second pulse train having a second pulse repetition frequency, the second pulse repetition frequency differing from the first pulse repetition frequency by a predetermined frequency difference; propagating the transmission signal towards a surface of the product contained in the tank; receiving a reflected signal resulting from reflection of the transmission signal at the surface of the product; forming a measurement signal comprising a sequence of values, each value representing a time correlation between a pulse of the reference signal and the reflected signal; and determining the filling level based on the measurement signal. The step of generating the reference signal comprises the steps of: providing the first signal to the input of the resonator element comprised in the second pulse generating circuitry; monitoring an output signal from the resonator element, the output signal substantially corresponding to the first signal being delayed by a time delay; controlling at least one parameter of the second pulse generating circuitry to a parameter value resulting in the time delay corresponding to the predetermined frequency difference; and providing the output signal from the resonator element to the input of the resonator element while maintaining the parameter value of the at least one parameter, thereby generating the reference signal. | 06-16-2011 |
20110163910 | RADAR LIQUID LEVEL DETECTION USING STEPPED FREQUENCY PULSES - The invention relates to a method for accurately determining the level L of a liquid by means of radar signals emitted to the liquid surface and radar signals reflected from the liquid surface. The invention further relates to a device for accurately determining the level of a liquid by means of the method according to the invention, which device comprises at least a radar antenna disposed above the liquid for emitting radar signals to the liquid and receiving radar signals reflected from the liquid surface, as well as means for determining the liquid level on the basis of the emitted radar signals and the reflected radar signals. | 07-07-2011 |
20110181458 | CALIBRATION OF A RADAR UNIT WITH DEVICE-SPECIFIC CORRECTION CURVES - A method for lessening disturbances of a measurement signal in a radar unit for distance measurement by means of frequency-modulated radar in continuous wave operation. The method comprises steps of: registering, in a reference measurement, a reference signal as a function of time; deriving an error correction signal from the registered reference signal, wherein the error correction signal predominantly comprises spectral components caused or influenced by device-specific defects of the radar unit; registering a measurement signal; and correcting the measurement signal in accordance with the error correction signal by means of digital signal processing. | 07-28-2011 |
20110221629 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGE WITH IMPROVED RADAR WINDOW - A radar level gauge for determining the filling level of a product in a tank, comprising a transceiver for transmitting and receiving microwaves, processing circuitry connected to the transceiver and adapted to determine the filling level, an antenna connected to said transceiver and arranged to emit and receive microwaves through an opening of the tank, and a microwave transmissive sealing member adapted to cover said opening and to provide pressure sealing of the tank. The sealing member comprises a metal grid layer providing structural strength, which metal grid layer has sealed openings formed to allow transmission of microwaves. | 09-15-2011 |
20110279306 | PULSED RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH REDUCED START-UP TIME - A radar level gauge system, for determination of a filling level of a product contained in a tank, the radar level gauge system comprising: first pulse generating circuitry for generating a transmission signal in the form of a first pulse train having a first pulse repetition frequency; second pulse generating circuitry for generating a reference signal in the form of a second pulse train having a second pulse repetition frequency, the second pulse repetition frequency differing from the first pulse repetition frequency by a predetermined frequency difference; a propagation device connected to the first pulse generating circuitry and arranged to propagate the transmission signal towards a surface of the product inside the tank, and to return a reflected signal resulting from reflection of the transmission signal at the surface of the product contained in the tank; measurement circuitry connected to the propagation device and connectable to the second pulse generating circuitry, the measurement circuitry being configured to form a measurement signal based on the reflected signal and the reference signal; and processing circuitry connected to the measurement circuitry for determining a value indicative of a filling level based on the measurement signal. The measurement circuitry comprises: a time-correlator for generating a sequence of values, each value representing a time correlation between a pulse of the reference signal and the reflected signal; a first feedback circuit arranged to receive a signal indicative of the sequence of values, the first feedback circuit comprising a feedback loop including a first integrator having a first time constant; a second feedback circuit arranged to receive the signal indicative of the sequence of values, the second feedback circuit comprising a feedback loop including a second integrator having a second time constant being higher than the first time constant; and activation circuitry allowing selective activation of the first feedback circuit and the second feedback circuit. | 11-17-2011 |
20120007768 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM WITH BOTTOM REFLECTOR AND BOTTOM REFLECTOR - A radar level gauge system, for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank, the radar level gauge system comprising: a transceiver for generating, transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals; a propagating device electrically connected to the transceiver and arranged to propagate a transmitted electromagnetic signal towards a surface of the product contained in the tank, and to return echo signals resulting from reflections at impedance transitions encountered by the transmitted electromagnetic signal, including a surface echo signal resulting from reflection at the surface, back to the transceiver; processing circuitry connected to the transceiver and configured to determine the filling level based on the surface echo signal; and a bottom reflector arranged at a bottom of the tank. The bottom reflector comprises a plurality of phase-modifying structures, each being configured to modify a phase of the transmitted electromagnetic signal and to reflect phase-modified electromagnetic signals, wherein the plurality of phase-modifying structures are arranged in such a way that phase-modified electromagnetic signals being reflected by different phase-modifying structures interact to provide destructive interference towards the propagating device. | 01-12-2012 |
20120056774 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM WITH OPERATION MONITORING FUNCTIONALITY - A method of monitoring operation of a radar level gauge system installed at a tank and arranged to determine a filling level of a product contained in the tank. The method comprises the steps of: providing a first propagation property discontinuity at a first distance from a reference position at a top of the tank; generating and transmitting an electromagnetic signal; propagating the transmitted electromagnetic signal towards the product contained in the tank; receiving a reflected electromagnetic signal comprising a plurality of echoes resulting from reflections at propagation property discontinuities encountered by the transmitted electromagnetic signal, including a first reference echo resulting from reflection at the first propagation property discontinuity and a surface echo resulting from reflection at a surface of the product contained in the tank; identifying the surface echo; determining the filling level based on the surface echo; evaluating a first portion of the reflected electromagnetic signal exhibiting a time-of-flight corresponding to the first distance from the reference position; determining, based on the evaluation, whether or not the first reference echo is detectable in the first portion of the reflected electromagnetic signal. If it is determined that the first reference echo is detectable in the first portion of the reflected electromagnetic signal, a first signal indicative of the filling level is provided; and if it is determined that the first reference echo is non-detectable in the first portion of the reflected electromagnetic signal, a second signal different from the first signal is provided. | 03-08-2012 |
20120092210 | Method for Processing an Echo Amplitude Profile Generated by a Pulse-Echo Ranging System - A method for considering an echo amplitude profile as a result of convoluting a single echo with a channel response sequence, wherein for multiple echo detection, an estimation task is broken into three major steps comprising estimating a channel response, recovering a full shape of a single echo, and iteratively updating the channel response and echo shape to increase their accuracy. The estimation of the channel response is treated as a single echo detection problem and includes estimating the strongest echo for its position and amplitude, removing an echo corresponding to this recovered channel from the echo amplitude profile, and repeating the preceding steps for the next strongest echo. | 04-19-2012 |
20120162003 | LOOP-POWERED FIELD DEVICE - A loop-powered field device for determining a process variable and providing a measurement signal indicative of the process variable to a remote location via a two-wire current loop, the loop-powered field device comprising: a measurement device for determining the process variable; and loop interface circuitry for providing the measurement signal to the two-wire current loop and for providing power from the two-wire current loop to the measurement device. The loop interface circuitry comprises: current control circuitry connected to the two-wire current loop and the measurement device, the current control circuitry being controllable by the measurement device to provide the measurement signal to the two-wire current loop; a first converter having inputs connected to the two-wire current loop in series with the current control circuitry, and an output for providing power to the measurement device; and voltage regulation circuitry for regulating a voltage across the current control circuitry towards a desired voltage, by controlling an input voltage across the inputs of the first converter. | 06-28-2012 |
20120169527 | HIGH FREQUENCY MODE GENERATOR FOR RADAR LEVEL GAUGE - A radar level gauging system for determining at least one process variable related to a distance to a surface of a product in a tank comprising transceiver circuitry, processing circuitry, a wave guiding structure arranged guide measurement signals towards the surface, and a radiator connected to the transceiver circuitry and arranged to emit the measurement signal into the wave guiding structure. The system further comprises a mode generator adapted to convert electromagnetic waves emitted from the radiator from a first propagation mode to a second propagation mode, wherein the mode generator includes a lens in the form of a body transparent to electromagnetic waves in the operating frequency range. | 07-05-2012 |
20120169528 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGING USING FREQUENCY MODULATED PULSED WAVE - A method for measurement of a distance to a surface of a product kept in a tank method comprises transmitting a pulse train of distinct carrier wave pulses having a duration greater than 1 microsecond and shorter than 100 milliseconds, the pulse train has an average duty cycle of less than 50 percent, each pulse has a defined center frequency, selected according to a frequency scheme within a predetermined frequency range, greater than 5% of an average center frequency. The method further comprises correlating actual phase properties of received pulses with expected phase properties to provide an updated estimation of the distance. | 07-05-2012 |
20120194378 | PORTABLE HAND HELD TANK GUAGE - A portable hand held tank gauge for measuring a level or a volume of a fluid in a tank comprises a housing, a signal transceiver, a measurement activator, an adjustable arm, a processing element, and a display. The housing may house a portion of the other components. The signal transceiver may transmit a signal to the surface of the fluid, receive the signal reflected from the surface, and generate an output based on the difference in time between transmitting the signal and receiving the signal. The measurement activator may selectively initiate the signal transceiver to transmit the signal. The adjustable arm may couple to the housing and position the signal transceiver independently from the housing. The processing element may calculate the level or the volume of the fluid based on the output from the signal transceiver. The display may display the level or the volume of the fluid. | 08-02-2012 |
20120206290 | MICROWAVE EMITTER AND LEVEL MEASURING DEVICE - A microwave transmitting device for a level measuring device ( | 08-16-2012 |
20120242532 | METHOD FOR MONITORING THE LEVEL OF AN ETHYLENE POLYMERIZATION CATALYST SLURRY - The present invention relates to a method for monitoring the level of an ethylene polymerization catalyst slurry in a mud pot ( | 09-27-2012 |
20120256782 | IMMERSION NOZZLE USED FOR MEASURING LEVEL OF MOLTEN METAL AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING LEVEL OF MOLTEN METAL - An immersion nozzle used for measuring a level of molten metal, wherein a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion which are made of carbon are imbedded in a pair of slots which are provided on the surface of the immersion nozzle separately from each other and along the longitudinal direction in such a way that the first and second conductive portions form integral parts of the surface of the immersion nozzle. | 10-11-2012 |
20120262331 | Filling level measuring device antenna cover - A filling level measuring device antenna cover includes a base body and a plurality of circular fins concentrically arranged on the base body, wherein the fins and the base body consist of a plastic material. The fins and the base body are one piece and injection-moulded. | 10-18-2012 |
20120274500 | PULSED RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM WITH HIGHER ORDER HARMONIC REGULATION - A radar level gauge system comprising first pulse generating circuitry for generating a transmission signal, second pulse generating circuitry for generating a reference signal; and frequency control circuitry for controlling the second pulse generating circuitry to achieve a predetermined frequency difference between the transmission signal and the reference signal. The radar level gauge system further comprises first frequency selection circuitry configured to provide a higher order harmonic frequency component of the transmission signal to the frequency control circuitry; and second frequency selection circuitry configured to provide a higher order harmonic frequency component of the reference signal to the frequency control circuitry. The frequency control circuitry is configured to control the second pulse generating circuitry based on the higher order harmonic frequency component of the transmission signal and the higher order harmonic frequency component of the reference signal. Hereby, improved regulation of the reference signal can be achieved substantially without any increase in power consumption of the radar level gauge system. | 11-01-2012 |
20120299767 | FMCW-TYPE RADAR LEVEL GAUGE - A level gauge using microwaves to determine a distance to a surface of a product in a tank, wherein a measurement signal comprises a first frequency sweep, and a second frequency sweep, and a mixer is arranged to mix the measurement signal with an echo signal to form a first IF signal based on the first frequency sweep, and a second IF signal based on the second frequency sweep. Processing circuitry is adapted to sample the first IF signal and the second IF signal, to form a combined sample vector including samples from each tank signal, and to determine the distance based on the combined sample vector. | 11-29-2012 |
20120299768 | Device and method for determining media characteristics and container characteristics - A fill-level measuring device includes a self-learn device that is able to automatically determine the length of the dome shaft of the container. To this effect the self-learn device uses a multiple echo classified as such by a multiple-echo detection device. In this manner the result of fill level measuring may be improved. | 11-29-2012 |
20120319891 | GUIDED WAVE RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM WITH DIELECTRIC CONSTANT COMPENSATION THROUGH MULTI-MODE PROPAGATION - A guided wave radar level gauge system, comprising a transmission line probe configured to support a first propagation mode such that it travels along the transmission line probe with a first propagation velocity exhibiting a first dependence on a dielectric constant of the surrounding medium, and support a second propagation mode such that it travels along the transmission line probe with a second propagation velocity exhibiting a second dependence, different from the first dependence, on the dielectric constant of the surrounding medium. The guided wave radar level gauge system further comprises processing circuitry connected to the transceiver for determining the filling level based on the reflected electromagnetic signal in the first propagation mode and the second propagation mode, and a known relation between the first dependence and the second dependence on the dielectric constant of the surrounding medium. Hereby, a filling level determination that is independent of the dielectric constant of the medium surrounding the transmission line probe can be achieved. | 12-20-2012 |
20130009803 | MULTI-CHANNEL RADAR LEVEL GAUGE - A level gauge for detecting process variables related to a distance to a surface of a content in a tank, comprising a first and second functionally independent circuitry arrangements comprising transceiver circuitry and processing circuitry. The gauge further comprises a transmission line probe connected to the circuitry arrangements, the transmission line probe extending into the content in the tank and being adapted allow propagation of first and second transmission modes, and a feeding arrangement connected to couple electromagnetic signals into the probe in first and second propagation modes. | 01-10-2013 |
20130057425 | PULSED LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM WITH CONTROLLABLE DELAY PATH THROUGH SELECTED NUMBER OF DELAY CELLS - A level gauge system comprising transmission signal generating circuitry for generating a transmission signal; a propagation device connected to the transmission signal generating circuitry and arranged to propagate the transmission signal towards a surface of the product inside the tank, and to return a reflected signal resulting from reflection of the transmission signal at the surface of the product contained in the tank. The level gauge system further comprises reference signal providing circuitry configured to provide a reference signal. At least one of the transmission signal generating circuitry and the reference signal providing circuitry comprises delay circuitry. The delay circuitry comprises a plurality of delay cells, and controllable switching circuitry arranged and configured to allow formation of a delay path comprising a subset of the plurality of delay cells connected in series, to thereby allow control of a signal propagation delay of the delay circuitry. | 03-07-2013 |
20130057426 | PULSED LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM WITH SUPPLY VOLTAGE CONTROLLED DELAY - A level gauge system comprising transmission signal generating circuitry for generating a transmission signal; a propagation device connected to the transmission signal generating circuitry and arranged to propagate the transmission signal towards a surface of the product inside the tank, and to return a reflected signal resulting from reflection of the transmission signal at the surface of the product contained in the tank. The level gauge system further comprises reference signal providing circuitry configured to provide a reference signal. At least one of the transmission signal generating circuitry and the reference signal providing circuitry comprises delay circuitry. The delay circuitry comprises at least one delay cell exhibiting a propagation delay for pulses passing through the at least one delay cell that varies in dependence of a supply voltage provided to the at least one delay cell, and voltage control circuitry connected to the at least one delay cell. | 03-07-2013 |
20130063298 | METHOD FOR FILL LEVEL MEASUREMENT ACCORDING TO THE TRAVEL TIME PRINCIPLE - A method for measuring a fill level of a fill substance in a container, in which, in an empty container, at least a part of the microwave signals transmitted into the container is reflected back via a reflection on a floor of the container. Microwave signals are transmitted into the container and their fractions reflected back to the fill-level measuring device. These are received as received signals. Echo functions are derived, which show amplitudes of the received signals as a function of a position corresponding to their travel time traveled in the container. A container floor echo is detected at a position, which lies in an earlier determined, both sides limited, empty echo position range, in which the container floor echo occurs in the case of empty container, at an empty echo position dependent on a shape of the container and an installed position of the fill-level measuring device. | 03-14-2013 |
20130069817 | INTERMITTENT SURFACE MEASUREMENT - A method of determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank, the method comprising the steps of: a) transmitting an electromagnetic probing signal towards a target area of a surface of the product; b) receiving a reflected probing signal being a reflection of the electromagnetic probing signal at the surface; c) determining a parameter value indicative of an amplitude of the reflected probing signal; if the parameter value is indicative of an amplitude larger than a predetermined threshold value: d) transmitting an electromagnetic measuring signal towards the target area of the surface; e) receiving a return signal being a reflection of the electromagnetic measuring signal at the surface; and f) determining the filling level based on a time relation between the electromagnetic measuring signal and the return signal. | 03-21-2013 |
20130076559 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGING WITH DETECTION OF MOVING SURFACE - A radar level gauging principle including transmitting at least two time separated carrier wave pulses having equal carrier frequencies, determining a change in phase shift associated with two pulses in the transmit signals having equal frequencies, comparing the change with a threshold value, and depending on a result of the comparing step, determining the distance based on a relationship between the transmit signals and the return signals. | 03-28-2013 |
20130076560 | MFPW RADAR LEVEL GAUGING WITH DISTANCE APPROXIMATION - Level gauging including an approxiamtion of a distance to the surface of a product kept in a tank. The approxiamtion is determined by relating an amplitude of a first harmonic of an IF signal with an amplitude of a second harmonic of the IF signal. | 03-28-2013 |
20130127654 | Measurement System Comprising A Pressure Resistant Feed-Through - Stated is a process separation device for a fill-level measuring device including a pressure resistant feed-through for an inner conductor. The process separation device comprises an inner conductor, an outer conductor, a process side, a control side, and a feed-through. The inner conductor comprises a first conical region, and/or the outer conductor comprises a second conical region. The feed-through comprises the first conical region and/or is encompassed by the second conical region, and in this manner establishes a connection having positive fit between the inner conductor and the outer conductor. | 05-23-2013 |
20130207835 | LEVEL MEASURING SYSTEM OPERATING ACCORDING TO THE RADAR PRINCIPLE - A level measuring system which operates according to the radar principle for measuring the level of a medium which is located in a vessel has a signal transmission apparatus for emission of an electromagnetic signal, an electronic apparatus which generates an electromagnetic signal, and a pressure-tight and/or diffusion-tight separating element. The electronic apparatus is made in several parts, one of which is a signal generating component. The signal generating component and another component of the electronic apparatus are made as independent units which are spatially separated from one another. There is a communication apparatus between the signal generating component and the other component, and there is a pressure-tight and/or diffusion-tight separating element between the other component and the signal transmission apparatus. | 08-15-2013 |
20130207836 | METHOD FOR ASCERTAINING AND MONITORING FILL LEVEL OF A MEDIUM IN A CONTAINER BY MEANS OF A FILL-LEVEL MEASURING DEVICE USING A TRAVEL TIME MEASURING METHOD - A method for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium in a container using a travel time measuring method, wherein transmission signals are transmitted toward the medium and reflection signals are received. The received reflection signals are registered as echo signals in an echo function dependent on travel time. Based on known measuring device- and container-specific reflection planes, possible reflection regions in the echo function are calculated by means of an evaluation algorithm. In the calculated reflection regions, the disturbance echo signals and/or the multiecho signals in the echo function are classified, wherein non-classified reflection signals are ascertained and checked as wanted echo signals by means of a search algorithm, wherein, from a position and/or an amplitude of at least one wanted echo signal, fill level is determined, and wherein the measured value of fill level is output. | 08-15-2013 |
20130257644 | NON-INVASIVE SENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A non-invasive level sensing system for monitoring the amount of content in at least one container includes a platform for supporting the at least one container, at least one holder associated with the at least one container supported by the platform, a source for generating a radio frequency signal, circuitry in communication with the at least one holder for transmitting the radio frequency signal through the at least one holder into the at least one container and receiving a portion of the radio frequency signal reflected at a content-air interface in the at least one container, and circuitry for processing the reflected radio frequency signal and determining the amount of content in the at least one container. | 10-03-2013 |
20130265190 | NON-INVASIVE SENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A non-invasive sensing system for monitoring the amount of content in at least one container includes a platform for supporting the at least one container, at least one holder associated with the at least one container supported by the platform, a source for generating a radio frequency signal, circuitry in communication with the at least one holder for transmitting the radio frequency signal through the at least one holder into the at least one container and receiving a portion of the radio frequency signal reflected at a content-air interface in the at least one container, and circuitry for processing the reflected radio frequency signal and determining the amount of content in the at least one container. | 10-10-2013 |
20130300595 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGE WITH MCU TIMING CIRCUIT - A method for determining the filling level of a product in a tank using electromagnetic signals, comprising: a) generating a transmission signal having a predetermined length; b) propagating the signal towards the product; c) receiving a reflected signal; d) determining whether the received signal overlaps the transmitted signal in the time-domain; e) setting an overlap-parameter to 1 if overlap is detected, otherwise setting the overlap-parameter to 0; if the state of the overlap parameter is not changed and if no overlap is detected, generate a signal having a length exceeding the previous length and repeat step b); and if the state of the overlap-parameter is not changed and if an overlap is detected, generate a signal having a length shorter than the previous length and repeat step b); and if the state of the overlap-parameter is changed, determine the filling level based on the length of the transmitted signal. | 11-14-2013 |
20130314275 | GUIDED WAVE RADAR LEVEL GAUGE WITH IMPROVED SEALING ARRANGEMENT - A radar level gauge for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank. The gauge has a sealing arrangement comprising a hollow housing, a conductor-; and a dielectric sleeve arranged inside the housing and surrounding the conductor. At least one gap is formed between the dielectric sleeve and an' adjacent, electrically conducting surface, the gap having a first end which is open to an interior of the tank, so that in use, tank atmosphere may enter and condensate in the gap. The sealing arrangement further comprises an electrically conducting coating provided on a surface of the dielectric sleeve facing the gap, and in electrical contact with said adjacent, electrically conducting surface, so that an impedance between the electrically conducting coating and the adjacent electrically conducting surface is sufficiently low at an operating frequency of the gauge to reduce an influence of any medium present in the gap. | 11-28-2013 |
20130335262 | INTERMITTENT FILLING LEVEL DETERMINATION WITH DYNAMICALLY DETERMINED NUMBER OF MEASUREMENTS - A method of determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank using a level gauge system, comprising the steps of: transmitting a first signal towards a surface of the product; receiving a first echo signal; determining a present echo characteristic value based on the first echo signal; and comparing the present echo characteristic value and a stored echo characteristic value. If a difference between the present echo characteristic value and the stored echo characteristic value is greater than a predefined value, the method further comprises transmitting at least a second transmit signal towards the surface; receiving at least a second echo signal; and determining the filling level based on the at least second electromagnetic echo signal. | 12-19-2013 |
20140009323 | WAVEGUIDE COUPLING, HIGH-FREQUENCY MODULE, FILL-LEVEL RADAR AND USE - A waveguide coupling includes a planar radiator element which couples the transmission signal into a waveguide of the waveguide coupling. The waveguide widens in the direction of the planar radiator element, in such a way that the radiator element can be of a comparatively large diameter without the inner walling of the waveguide detracting significantly from the signal quality. | 01-09-2014 |
20140022112 | METHOD FOR MONITORING THE STATE OF A FILL LEVEL MEASURING DEVICE OPERATING ACCORDING TO THE RADAR PRINCIPLE - A method for monitoring the state of a fill level measuring device ( | 01-23-2014 |
20140028492 | CALIBRATION- AND/OR MONITORING METHOD FOR FMCW RADAR FILL LEVEL MEASURING DEVICES - A method is based on measuring a distance to a reference reflector arranged at a known distance, in order to calibrate and/or monitor a coherent frequency modulation, continuous wave radar, fill-level measuring device, wherein the reference reflector can be reliably identified. To this end, a reference reflector executing oscillations toward the fill-level measuring device with an oscillation frequency is used, which is inserted in the beam path of periodically linearly frequency modulated transmission signals transmitted from the fill-level measuring device. The fill-level measuring device receives fractions of the transmission signals reflected back on reflectors in the container and records based on these received signals and their time correlation relative to the respectively associated transmission signal for each received signal an echo function, which shows the amplitudes of the received signal as a function of the associated position of the associated reflector. Based on the time change of a plurality of sequentially recorded echo functions and the oscillation frequency of the reference reflector, the position of the reference reflector in the echo functions is identified and its reference reflector position determined. | 01-30-2014 |
20140085129 | TWO-CHANNEL DIRECTIONAL ANTENNA AND A RADAR LEVEL GAUGE WITH SUCH AN ANTENNA - A two-channel directional antenna for use in a radar level gauge. The antenna comprises a partition wall the antenna into a first partition for emitting an electromagnetic transmit signal, and a second partition for receiving an electromagnetic echo signal, the partition wall having an outer potion located downstream in a direction of radiation of the antenna. The partition wall comprises an electromagnetic de-coupling structure, which is arranged to reduce any leakage of electromagnetic energy from the transmit signal into the echo signal. | 03-27-2014 |
20140085130 | GUIDED WAVE RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM WITH DIELECTRIC CONSTANT COMPENSATION THROUGH MULTI-FREQUENCY PROPAGATION - The present invention relates to a method of determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank by propagating a first transmitted electromagnetic signal in a first frequency range and a second transmitted electromagnetic signal in a second frequency range different from the first frequency range along a transmission line probe towards a surface of the product in the tank, receiving a first reflected electromagnetic signal in the first frequency range and a second reflected electromagnetic signal in the second frequency range, and determining the filling level based on a time-of-flight of the first reflected electromagnetic signal and a difference in time-of-flight of the first reflected electromagnetic signal and the second reflected electromagnetic signal. | 03-27-2014 |
20140085131 | VERIFICATION OF A LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a method of verifying a measurement accuracy of a level gauge system. The method comprises determining a first measurement value indicative of a time-of-flight of a first electromagnetic reflection signal to a reference reflector and back; determining a measurement unit verification measurement value based on a response signal from a verification arrangement; determining a second measurement value indicative of a time-of-flight of a second electromagnetic reflection signal to the reference reflector and back; and determining a verification result based on the first measurement value, the second measurement value and the measurement unit verification measurement value. Through embodiments of the present invention, it will be verified that the measurement unit is functioning correctly and that level gauge system works as it should also after being reconnected to the propagation device. | 03-27-2014 |
20140085132 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGING USING FREQUENCY MODULATED PULSED WAVE - A method for measurement of a distance to a surface of a product kept in a tank method comprises transmitting a pulse train of distinct carrier wave pulses having a duration greater than 1 microsecond and shorter than 100 milliseconds, the pulse train has an average duty cycle of less than 50 percent, each pulse has a defined center frequency, selected according to a frequency scheme within a predetermined frequency range, greater than 5% of an average center frequency. The method further comprises correlating actual phase properties of received pulses with expected phase properties to provide an updated estimation of the distance. | 03-27-2014 |
20140085133 | TIME DOMAIN REFLECTOMETRY BASED METHOD FOR EMULSION DETECTION AND PROFILING - A radar transmitter for emulsion measurement comprises a probe defining a transmission line for sensing impedance. A pulse circuit is connected to the probe for generating pulses on the transmission line and receiving a reflected signal from the transmission line. The reflected signal comprises a waveform of probe impedance over time. A controller is operatively connected to the pulse circuit. The controller profiles content of the emulsion responsive to the waveform by transforming the waveform into impedance relative to distance, converting the transformed waveform into effective dielectric relative to distance, determining mixture content of the emulsion at select distances responsive to the effective dielectric at the select distances and developing an output representing mixture content relative to level units. | 03-27-2014 |
20140104098 | GUIDED WAVE RADAR INTERFACE MEASUREMENT MEDIUM IDENTIFICATION - A guided wave radar transmitter for interface measurement comprises a probe defining a transmission line for sensing level of two immiscible liquids to define an interface therebetween. A pulse circuit generates pulses on the transmission line and receives a reflected signal from the transmission line. The reflected signal selectively includes a level pulse representing material level and an interface pulse representing interface level. A controller operates in an interface mode to determine the material level and the interface level responsive to receiving the level pulse and the interface pulse. The controller operates in a medium identification mode responsive to not receiving the interface pulse, comprising calculating an estimated amplitude of the level pulse for the two immiscible liquids and comparing actual amplitude of the level pulse to the estimated amplitude of the level pulse to identify the medium in the vessel. | 04-17-2014 |
20140104099 | GUIDED WAVE RADAR PROBE REFERENCE TARGET - A probe defining a transmission line is used with a measurement instrument including a pulse circuit connected to the probe for generating pulses on the transmission line and receiving reflected pulses on the transmission line. The probe comprises an adapter for mounting to a process vessel. A conductive outer sleeve is secured to the adapter. A center conductor is coaxial with the outer sleeve for conducting the pulses. The conductive outer sleeve has a connector end proximate the adapter and a distal end to extend into a processed liquid. The outer sleeve has a geometric discontinuity defining a referenced target producing an impedance change at a position between the adapter and the distal end at a location in a process vapor region above a processed liquid. | 04-17-2014 |
20140111371 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM WITH REDUCED ANTENNA REFLECTION - A radar level gauge system for determining a filling level in a tank. The radar level gauge system comprises a transceiver, a horn antenna having a first opening connected to the transceiver and a second opening facing a surface of the product in the tank, and processing circuitry connected to the transceiver for determining the filling level based on an electromagnetic surface reflection signal. The horn antenna is configured in such a way that an electrical distance from the first opening to the second opening, along a path defined by an intersection between a wall of the horn antenna and a half-plane starting from and extending in parallel with a cone axis of the horn antenna, is different for different orientations of the half-plane with respect to the cone axis. Hereby, disturbance from an antenna reflection signal can be reduced, which provides for improved measurement of high filling levels. | 04-24-2014 |
20140118185 | LEVEL MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENT FIDUCIAL DIAGNOSTICS - A process measurement instrument including a fiducial and adapted for detection of the fiducial. The instrument comprises an interface circuit comprising a drive circuit for transmitting a pulse signal at the fiducial and at a target of interest and a receive circuit receiving reflected echoes of the pulse signal and developing an analog receive signal representative of the reflected echoes. A signal processing circuit is operatively coupled to the interface circuit for receiving the analog receive signal and determining characteristics of reflected echoes for the fiducial and the target of interest. The controller is operatively coupled to the signal processing circuit and includes a diagnostic routine responsive to the characteristics of the reflected echo for the fiducial in determining if a fiducial error condition exists. | 05-01-2014 |
20140125512 | CERAMIC PROBE ROD SUPPORT ASSEMBLY - A probe for use with a measurement instrument includes a circuit connected to the probe. The probe comprises a process adaptor for mounting to a process vessel and including a through bore extending from a connector end to a process end. A counterbore at the connector end defines a shoulder. A support assembly is received in the counterbore and rests on the shoulder. The support assembly comprises an annular rod support having a through opening with a tension rod extending through the opening and secured at opposite sides of the annular rod support. A locking nut secures the support assembly in the counterbore to maintain the annular rod support in compression. A probe rod extends from a process end of the tension rod. A seal assembly is operatively secured to the process adaptor at the connector end with the seal pin in electrical contact with a connector end of the tension rod. | 05-08-2014 |
20140125513 | GUIDED WAVE RADAR DELAY LOCK LOOP CIRCUIT - A guided wave radar level measurement instrument comprises a probe defining a transmission line for sensing material level. A probe interface circuit is connected to the probe for generating pulses on the transmission line and receiving reflected signals from the transmission line. The probe interface circuit comprises a transmit pulse generator for generating a transmit pulse, a sample pulse generator for generating a sample pulse, and a delay lock loop for controlling the transmit and sample pulse generators. The delay lock loop is controlled by a pulse repetition frequency having a duty cycle less than 50%. | 05-08-2014 |
20140125514 | DIODE SWITCHED FRONT END FOR GUIDED WAVE RADAR LEVEL TRANSMITTER - A guided wave radar level measurement instrument comprises a probe defining a transmission line for sensing material level. A pulse circuit is connected to the probe for generating pulses on the transmission line and receiving reflected signals from the transmission line. The pulse circuit comprises a pulse generator for generating a transmit pulse, a bridge circuit having a diode switched front end connected between the pulse generator and a differential circuit. The transmission line is connected to one side of the differential circuit. Generated pulses from the pulse generator are supplied to both sides of the differential circuit and reflected signals from the transmission line are supplied to one side of the differential circuit. | 05-08-2014 |
20140125515 | LEVEL MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENT FIDUCIAL DETECTION METHOD - A process measurement instrument includes a fiducial and is adapted for detection of the fiducial. The instrument includes an interface circuit comprising a drive circuit for transmitting a pulse signal at the fiducial and at a target of interest and a receive circuit receiving reflected echoes of the pulse signal and developing an analog receive signal representative of the reflected echoes. A processing circuit is operatively coupled to the interface circuit for receiving the analog receive signal and comprising a threshold detector detecting if the analog receive signal is above a select threshold value. A controller is operatively coupled to the processing circuit and responsive to leading and trailing edges of the reflected echo for the fiducial and determining an average of the leading and trailing edges to determine location of the fiducial. | 05-08-2014 |
20140159944 | PROBE SPACING ELEMENT - The present invention relates to a guided wave radar level gauge system for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank. The level gauge system comprises a transceiver for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals, a probe extending into the tank and configured to guide the signals towards the surface and to guide reflected signals back to the transceiver, processing circuitry for determining the filing level based on the reflected signals, and a plurality of spacing elements arranged on the probe. Each spacing element comprises a shell structure having an ellipsoidal shape defining an ellipsoidal space, first and second shell openings at first and second locations of the shell, such that a passage through the shell openings defines a passage through the spherical space, wherein the probe extends through the passage, and a plurality of flow openings allowing fluid flow between the exterior and interior of the shell. | 06-12-2014 |
20140191898 | RADAR LEVEL MEASUREMENT - Disclosed is a method of measuring the level of a liquid in a vessel, such as a chemical reactor, by radar. The method particularly pertains to situations wherein a supercritical fluid is present above the liquid. More particularly, the method serves to cope with the typical vigorous circumstances of a chemical reaction, such as urea synthesis. The invention foresees the use of a tube extending into the liquid, so as to guide the radar waves to the surface level of the liquid. | 07-10-2014 |
20140253366 | FILLING LEVEL DETERMINATION USING TRANSMIT SIGNALS WITH DIFFERENT FREQUENCY STEPS - A method of determining a filling level comprising transmitting a first transmit signal exhibiting a first ratio between bandwidth number of frequencies; receiving a first reflection signal; mixing the first transmit signal and the first reflection signal to form a first intermediate frequency signal; and determining a first data set indicative of a first set of surface echo candidates based on the first intermediate frequency signal. The method further comprises transmitting a second transmit signal exhibiting a second ratio between bandwidth and number of frequencies being different from the first ratio; receiving a second reflection signal; mixing the second transmit signal and the second reflection signal to form a second intermediate frequency signal; and determining a second data set indicative of a second set of surface echo candidates based on the second intermediate frequency signal. The filling level determined based on subsets of the first and second sets. | 09-11-2014 |
20140253367 | Circuit Arrangement - The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for converting from a differential signal path (IF | 09-11-2014 |
20140266862 | HIGH TEMPERATURE, HIGH PRESSURE (HTHP) RADAR LEVEL GAUGE - A radar level gauge using comprising a transceiver, processing circuitry, a signal propagating device, and a wave guide arrangement connecting the transceiver with the signal propagation device. The wave guide arrangement includes a hollow wave guide, a first filling member made of a first dielectric material, which first filling member is arranged inside the hollow wave guide, and a second filling member made of a second dielectric material, which second filling member is arranged inside the hollow wave guide outside the first filling member with respect to the tank. The second filling member is fixed in the wave guide at least in a direction out from the tank, and is configured to withstand temperatures up to 250 degrees Celsius. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266863 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGE WITH SIGNAL DIVISION - A method for providing narrow-band interference unaffected measurement of a distance to a surface of a product kept in a tank, comprising mixing a return signal with a transmit signal to provide an intermediate frequency signal, and determining the distance, based on the intermediate frequency signal. The step of determining the distance further comprises dividing the intermediate frequency signal into a plurality of frequency portions, wherein each frequency portion corresponds to a frequency interval of the transmit signal, identifying disturbed frequency portions as frequency portions affected by narrow-band interference, and determining the distance based on frequency portions being unaffected by narrow-band interference. By dividing the IF-signal into frequency portions corresponding to frequency intervals of the transmit signal, frequency intervals where narrow-band interferences are present may be detected. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266864 | TANK FEED THROUGH STRUCTURE FOR A RADAR LEVEL GAUGE - A radar level gauge using electromagnetic waves for determining a filling level of a product in a tank, comprising a transceiver, processing circuitry, a signal propagating device and a tank feed through structure. The tank feed through structure includes a fixed tank connection arranged to be secured to the tank, a tank connection adaptor arranged in a through hole of the fixed tank connection, a coupling arrangement arranged in the through hole and resting against the tank connection adaptor, and a fastening member attached to the fixed tank connection and securing the coupling arrangement between the tank connection adaptor and the fastening member. | 09-18-2014 |
20140333470 | Apparatus for Determining Fill Level by Means of a Helical Antenna - Apparatus for determining or monitoring fill level of a fill substance in a container, comprising: at least two antennas, wherein a first antenna transmits electromagnetic waves in the direction of the surface of the fill substance and a second antenna receives reflected waves; and at least one evaluation unit, which ascertains fill level in the container based on travel-time difference of transmitted and reflected electromagnetic waves, characterized in that the antennas are helical antennas, in order to transmit, respectively to receive, circularly polarized electromagnetic waves and the evaluation unit detects a rotational direction change between the transmitted wave and the reflected wave. | 11-13-2014 |
20150009063 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGE AND METHODS OF TESTING RADAR LEVEL GAUGE AND SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a radar level gauge comprising a reference reflector arranged at a known reference reflector level in a tank. The radar level gauge is controllable between a filling level measuring state and a proof test state. In the proof test state, the radar level gauge is configured to determine a first verification level based on a reference reflector echo resulting from reflection of an electromagnetic transmit signal at the reference reflector; determine a second verification level based on a surface echo resulting from reflection of an electromagnetic transmit signal at the surface of the product; and provide the first verification level and the second verification level to allow determination of a proof test result based on at least the first verification level, the known reference reflector level and the second verification level. | 01-08-2015 |
20150029054 | Radar-based fill level measurement device having a security device - A radar-based fill level measurement device having a signal generator for the purpose of generating electromagnetic waves, and an antenna for the purpose of emitting the electromagnetic waves into a container, as well as for the purpose of receiving electromagnetic waves reflected out of the container, having a security device for the purpose of verifying the functional capability or improving the measurement quality of the radar-based fill level measurement device, wherein the security device has a reflector and an adjusting device, and is suitably designed to move the reflector between at least a first position, in which it reflects the electromagnetic waves, and a second position, in which it reflects the electromagnetic waves to a reduced degree, and wherein the security device has a drive which acts on the adjusting device. | 01-29-2015 |
20150035695 | FREQUENCY MODULATION CONTINUOUS WAVE RADAR LEVEL METER AND SIGNAL-TRACKING AND PHASE-LOCKING METHOD FOR THE SAME - An FMCW radar level meter has an RF signal processing module, an intermediate frequency (IF) signal processing module, and a computation and display module. A signal generator of the RF signal processing module generates a first RF signal, which is radiated by an antenna to a measured object. The antenna received a second RF signal reflected by the measured object. The IF signal processing module processes the second RF signal and compares the first RF signal with the second RF signal. The computation and display module calculates and displays a distance between the FMCW radar level meter and the measured object. Using the RF signal processing module and the IF signal processing module to process the second RF signal, the issues of noise and temperature coefficient shift can be resolved. | 02-05-2015 |
20150061919 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING A FILL LEVEL OF A MEDIUM AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING A FILL LEVEL OF A MEDIUM - A method and a device for determining a fill level of a medium using the radar principle that has a high degree of accuracy and reliability. In accordance with the method, an electromagnetic signal is transmitted from a transmitting device and an electromagnetic signal is received for determining the fill level. Thereby, a slope of the transmitting device relative to the force of gravity and an evaluation value dependent on the determined slope are identified for determining the fill level. Furthermore. | 03-05-2015 |
20150070206 | SECTIONED PROBE FOR A RADAR LEVEL GAUGE - The present invention relates to a guided wave radar level gauge comprising a transceiver, processing circuitry and a single conductor probe comprising at least two elongate probe sections. A connector extending from a first end of the probe section comprises: an abutment portion having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the probe section, an intermediate portion, having a diameter smaller than the abutment portion, arranged between the probe section and the abutment portion and an outside threaded portion. A second end portion of the probe section comprises a sleeve comprising an inside threaded receiving portion receiving the connector; a passage through a sidewall of the sleeve being located off-center in relation to a longitudinal central axis of the probe section. The probe further comprises a locking pin to be arranged in the passage locking two assembled probe sections by limiting movement of the abutment portion in a longitudinal direction. | 03-12-2015 |
20150084809 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EMULSION MEASUREMENT AND PROFILING - There is disclosed herein a method of measuring and profiling a process liquid in a process vessel. The process liquid includes an emulsion layer between two media of differing dielectric constants. An electromagnetic signal is generated and transmitted along a probe, defining a transmission line, extending into the vessel. The transmission line comprises a conductor in contact with the process liquid with an insulating coating on the conductor to maximize signal penetration in the process liquid. A reflected signal is received from the transmission line and a programmed controller is operatively connected to the probe for measuring characteristics of reflected signal energy along the transmission line for profiling the emulsion layer. | 03-26-2015 |
20150097715 | Error Compensation By Measurement of the STC Filter Function - Level measuring device which can compensate the distortions, caused by an STC filter, of the received signal, by measuring a reference signal which passes through the receiving branch and also through the STC filter, during the ongoing operation of the level measuring device or during manufacture. For example, after passing through the receiving branch, this reference signal can be fed to a microprocessor which can calculate the correction values of the IF signal therefrom. A switch can be provided which can switch over between the reference signal and the IF signal. | 04-09-2015 |
20150116142 | FREQUENCY MODULATED RADAR LEVEL GAUGING - A radar level gauge and a method for measurement of a distance to a surface of a product in a tank are disclosed. The radar level gauge comprises transceiver circuitry configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals, the transceiver circuitry comprises a frequency stabilizing feedback loop configured to generate the electromagnetic transmit signal in the form of a frequency sweep. The frequency stabilizing feedback loop is configured to generate an oscillation, forming a sinusoidal modulation of the frequency sweep. The radar level gauge further comprises a second mixer configured to mix an intermediate frequency signal and an integer multiple of the frequency of the sinusoidal modulation to provide an adjusted intermediate frequency signal, and processing circuitry configured to determine the distance based on the adjusted intermediate frequency signal. | 04-30-2015 |
20150300866 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGE - Control and measuring of liquid and free-flowing substances levels in reservoirs is described. A radar level gauge is equipped with a level sensor, a detection pattern control unit of the microstrip antenna, an interface converter and a control device. A control unit of the detection pattern control unit is installed on its internal side and contains controllable phase shifting devices and an angular position measurement unit. The position of the microstrip antenna detection pattern is changed via phase control of a sounding signal produced by groups of elementary radiators. The phase shifting devices are controlled through a control device. A control signal is generated based on data provided by a measurement unit on the current angular position of the plane of the microstrip antenna and on the required inclination angle of the detection pattern sent by the level sensor. | 10-22-2015 |
20150330826 | PARABOLIC ANTENNA WITH AN INTEGRATED SUB REFLECTOR - A sensor for a fill level measuring device for determining the fill level in a container by determining the delay time of high-frequency signals, comprising a main reflector having an edge region and an inner region, a sub reflector, which is connected to the edge region of the main reflector via a radome, an inner space, which is encompassed by the radome and the main reflector, and a hollow waveguide which is connected to the main reflector and has a front end, which is oriented toward the sub reflector for coupling electromagnetic waves in and/or out, wherein the radome and the sub reflector are embodied as integral or unitary in formation. | 11-19-2015 |
20150338261 | Multi-System Radar for Measuring Filling Levels - A level radar is switchable between pulsed and FMCW radar methods. For example, the radar device may include two separate front ends which can be activated selectively via a logic control system. Upon switching to the respective other measurement principle, the evaluation software is also adapted accordingly. In this way, it is possible to use advantageous properties of both measurement methods in a targeted manner. | 11-26-2015 |
20150346016 | Apparatus for Determining or Monitoring a Physical or Chemical, Process Variable - The invention relates to an apparatus for determining or monitoring a physical or chemical, process variable, comprising a sensor element ( | 12-03-2015 |
20150362354 | Mode converter for filling level radar - A mode converter for a level radar includes an input line introducing a high-frequency signal into the mode converter; a helix structure into which a conductor of the input line projects and which includes a plurality of helical electrical conductors; and a waveguide which encloses the helix structure. The helix structure is configured to convert the high-frequency signal from the input line into an H01 mode in the waveguide. | 12-17-2015 |
20150377678 | MULTI-CHANNEL GUIDED WAVE RADAR LEVEL GAUGE - A level gauge for detecting process variables related to a distance to a surface of a content in a tank, comprising a first and second functionally independent circuitry arrangements comprising transceiver circuitry and processing circuitry. The gauge further comprises a power divider providing isolation between signals having the same propagation mode, a single wire transmission line probe, and a matching arrangement providing an electrically matched connection between the electrical connection of a process seal and the single wire transmission line probe. | 12-31-2015 |
20150377679 | PULSED RADAR LEVEL GAUGING WITH EFFICIENT START-UP - A method for powering a radar level gauge, comprising an initial frequency stabilization procedure, ensuring a stable separation frequency between a first and a second clock frequencies, during which frequency stabilization procedure said radar level gauge is not powered to provide a level output, and a subsequent measurement cycle, performed only when a stable separation frequency has been established, during which said radar level gauge is powered to provide a level output. | 12-31-2015 |
20160011034 | RADAR LEVEL DETECTOR AND METHOD FOR LEVEL MEASUREMENT OF BULK PRODUCTS IN TANKS | 01-14-2016 |
20160041023 | RADER LEVEL GAUGE - A radar level gauge using electromagnetic signals is provided, which includes a connection arrangement for connecting a transmitter receiver circuit board and an antenna unit with one another, with which the horizontal size of the radar level gauge may be reduced and reflection and transmission losses may be suppressed as well. The transmitter receiver circuit board | 02-11-2016 |
20160054167 | Measurement device control system for determining a topology of a surface of a bulk material - For determining the topology of a bulk material surface, a series of echo curves are detected in different primary radiation directions of the antenna. In the process, the primary radiation direction of the antenna is changed in such a way that all of the generated echo curves of the series of echo curves can be used for determining the topology of the bulk material surface. As a result, the measurement time can be reduced. | 02-25-2016 |
20160069729 | MECHANICAL SYSTEM FOR CENTERING AND HOLDING A COAX CONDUCTOR IN THE CENTER OF AN OUTER CONDUCTOR - A coaxial fluid level sensor can be easily assembled and maintained with a minimum of required tooling by using U-shaped spacers to center an inner rod within an outer shell. The U-shaped spacers can be snapped onto the inner rod before or as the inner rod is inserted into the outer shell. The sensor can be extended by attaching additional inner rods and outer shells end to end. | 03-10-2016 |
20160091357 | MULTIVARIABLE GUIDED WAVE RADAR PROBE - A multivariable fluid level detection system comprising a guided wave radar probe with sensor or sensors integral to the probe for producing sensor signal(s), a transmitter for transmitting guided microwave pulses down the probe, a receiver for receiving reflected microwave pulses, and a processor for producing a measurement of fluid level based upon a time difference between transmission of a pulse and receipt of a reflected pulse and the sensor signal(s). | 03-31-2016 |
20160097669 | LEVEL FINDING USING MULTIPLE SEARCH STEPS - A method of level finding includes providing characteristics of a shape of a transmitted pulse in time domain launched onto a waveguide into a tank having at least one material therein, physical properties of the waveguide and real and imaginary dielectric characteristics of the material at a frequency of the pulse. A level finding algorithm having a coarse search and a fine search is implemented, where the coarse search minimizes a prediction error between an echo signal (echo curve y(k)) and a sampled pulse model echo p(k) to obtain an objective function J(k) in a vicinity of a minimum prediction error (k*). The fine search calculates at least one minimum or maximum using J(k) in the vicinity of k*. The minimum or the maximum corresponds to a level of the material or an interface involving the material. | 04-07-2016 |
20160097670 | RESOLUTION MODE SWITCHING FOR PULSED RADAR - A method of pulsed radar level sensing. First level scanning performed with first transmitted radar pulses launched by a probe into a tank having a first pulse width, wherein the first level scanning is over a first scan distance. First echoes generated responsive to the first pulses are analyzed to determine an approximate level of a material in the tank. Second level scanning with second transmitted radar pulses are launched by the probe into the tank having a second pulse width, with a measurement window04-07-2016 | |
20160097671 | FILL LEVEL MEASUREMENT WITH IMPROVED DISTANCE DETERMINATION - A method for determining frequency components of a discrete time signal, comprising steps as follows: transforming the discrete time signal into the frequency domain by means of a fast Fourier transformation, wherein a frequency spectrum is obtained as a sequence of frequency sample values, detecting peaks in the frequency spectrum, introducing at least one additional frequency support point in the vicinity of a detected peak, determining a frequency amplitude at the at least one additional frequency support point by means of the Goertzel algorithm, and determining the position of the peak maximum of the detected peak by applying both the frequency sample values delivered by the fast Fourier transformation as well as also the frequency amplitude at the at least one additional frequency support point. | 04-07-2016 |
20160103006 | FMCW BASED GUIDED WAVE RADAR LEVEL GAUGE - An FMCW type radar level gauge configured to transmit an electromagnetic transmit signal and receive an electromagnetic return signal reflected from the surface, the electromagnetic transmit signal having a bandwidth of at least 1 GHz, a relative bandwidth (max frequency/min frequency) of less than 2.5 and an upper frequency limit less than 4 GHz. The gauge comprises a single conductor probe mechanically suspended in the tank and extending into the product in the tank, and a matching arrangement providing an electrically matched connection between an electrical feed-through and the single conductor probe. | 04-14-2016 |
20160103007 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGE WITH FOLDABLE PROBE - The present invention relates to a guided wave radar level gauge for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank, said guided wave radar level gauge i.a. comprising a probe comprising a plurality of elongate probe sections each being pivotably connected to an adjacent probe section by means of a joint, said joint allowing probe sections to pivot between an operating state where said probe sections are substantially aligned along a straight line, and a transporting state. The present invention also relates to a probe, and to a method for arranging a guided wave radar level gauge in a tank. | 04-14-2016 |
20160103008 | GUIDED WAVE RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM WITH REDUCED END OF PROBE REFLECTION - The present invention relates to a guided wave radar level gauge system comprising a transceiver for generating an electromagnetic transmit signal within a predetermined frequency range having a center frequency, a flexible single conductor probe having a first end connected to the transceiver and extending towards and into the product to a second end of the flexible single conductor probe; and a probe aligning member attached to the second end of the flexible single conductor probe for keeping the flexible single conductor probe substantially vertically extending from the first end to the second end. The probe aligning member exhibits a horizontal extension that increases with increasing distance from the first end of the flexible single conductor probe along a vertical distance greater than one half of a wavelength of the transmit signal at the center frequency. Hereby, determination of filling levels close to the bottom of the tank is improved. | 04-14-2016 |
20160138957 | ANTENNA ARRANGEMENT FOR A FILL-LEVEL MEASURING DEVICE - Antenna arrangement for a fill-level measuring device for ascertaining and monitoring a fill level of a medium in a container by means of a microwave, travel-time measurement method, comprising a horn antenna having a horn shaped component ( | 05-19-2016 |
20160146658 | MONITORING STRUCTURES - A structure defines an elongate space and comprises an apparatus installed within the structure. The apparatus includes a signal generator and detector arrangement, and at least one antenna coupled to the signal generator and detector arrangement. The at least one antenna is coupled to the elongate space for transmitting an electromagnetic signal into the elongate space and for receiving the electromagnetic signal from the elongate space after reflection of the electromagnetic signal from a feature within the elongate space. The apparatus may be used to monitor the feature within the elongate space. | 05-26-2016 |
20160146924 | INTRINSIC SAFETY BARRIER CIRCUIT WITH SERIES BLOCKING CAPACITOR - A radar system for level sensing a product in a tank includes a radar level gauge (RLG) including a transceiver that provides a RF output coupled to a coaxial connector that has its center conductor coupled to a probe at a top of the tank or extending into the tank. The RLG includes a processor coupled to a transceiver which has an associated memory that includes a stored level finding algorithm. An intrinsic safety (IS) barrier circuit is formed on a circuit board and includes a signal path that has an input for coupling to RF output. The IS barrier circuit includes at least one blocking capacitor (C | 05-26-2016 |
20160153820 | USE OF RESILIENT SEALS FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE AND/OR HIGH PRESSURE SEALING IN A GUIDED WAVE RADAR LEVEL MEASUREMENT DEVICE | 06-02-2016 |
20160153821 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGING | 06-02-2016 |
20160202347 | Dispersion Correction for FMCW Radar in a Pipe or Tube | 07-14-2016 |
20170234716 | Arrangement and method for determining and displaying the optimal material thickness when measuring fill levels using radar sensors | 08-17-2017 |