Measuring and testing – Liquid level or depth gauge – Thermal type
Patent
1986-08-11
1989-02-21
Cuchlinski, Jr., William A.
Measuring and testing
Liquid level or depth gauge
Thermal type
374179, 136237, 136233, G01F 2322
Patent
active
048054542
ABSTRACT:
A level measuring device comprises an electrical heater, a metallic sheathed thermocouple cable with two thermoelectric elements, a negative temperature coefficient electrical insulant interpositioned between each thermoelectric element and the sheath material of the thermocouple cable such that the thermoelectric elements are not mechanically in contact with each other; an outer cylindrical metallic sheath with one closed and one open end wherein the resistance heater and thermocouple cable are contained; a constant current power supply and a digital millivoltmeter connected to the ends of thermoelectric elements protruding from open end of the outer cylindrical metallic sheath for measuring the loop resistance of the thermoelectric elements; a microprocessor system for computing a length of cable corresponding to the resistance measured using the constant current source and the digital millivoltmeter; and, a power supply for supplying an electrical current to the heater cable. The electrical resistance heater cable supplies thermal energy to the thermocouple cable along its length. When a length of the thermocouple cable becomes uncovered due fluid level changes, the uncovered thermocouple cable, which is being heated by the heater, increases in temperature. As the uncovered thermocouple cable increases in temperature, a conductive path results in a temporary junction through which the loop resistance between the two exposed ends of the thermocouple cable can be measured. This loop resistance is then used to compute the distance to the temporary junction and thereby provide one with a continuous measure of a substance in a closed vessel.
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Cuchlinski Jr. William A.
Will Thomas B.
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