Level sensor for continuous level detection and integration into process control system
AssigneeFisher Controls International LLC
InventorsKurtis K. Jensen, Andrew M. Prusha, Joseph F. DeMonte
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Techniques that enable the installation of a level sensor capable of continuously detecting a level of fluid in a vessel or tank and capable of being integrated in a larger control system. Advantageously, the sensor head of the level sensor can be installed on existing installations with an existing displacer or float and an existing member or rod. The techniques thus enable process plants to easily and affordably replace pneumatic level sensors with a more environmentally friendly option.
Claims20
A level sensing system configured for implementation in a process control environment, the level sensing system comprising:
- a level detection component configured to rise or fall in response to changes in a level of liquid in which the level detection component is placed;
- a linking member that is mechanically linked to the level detection component such that the linking member changes position or orientation in response to the rise or fall of the level detection component;
- one or more sensors configured for continuous detection of the level of liquid by way of:
- (i) continuously measuring the position or orientation of the linking member, and (ii) generating a detected level value corresponding to the continuously measured position or orientation of the linking member;
- a circuit communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to:
- (i) generate an electromagnetic signal, according to a process control communication standard, to carry the detected level value;
- and (ii) transmit the electromagnetic signal to a process controller to enable the process controller to implement control in light of the detected level value;
- and
- a spring configured to exert a force on the linking member.
A level sensing system configured for implementation in a process control environment, the level sensing system comprising:
- a level detection component configured to rise or fall in response to changes in a level of liquid in which the level detection component is placed;
- and
- a sensor head, comprising:
- a linking member that is mechanically linked to the level detection component such that the linking member changes position or orientation in response to the rise or fall of the level detection component;
- one or more sensors configured for continuous detection of the level of liquid by way of:
- (i) continuously measuring the position or orientation of the linking member, and (ii) generating a detected level value corresponding to the continuously measured position or orientation of the linking member;
- a circuit communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to:
- (i) generate an electromagnetic signal, according to a process control communication standard, to carry the detected level value;
- and (ii) transmit the electromagnetic signal to a process controller to enable the process controller to implement control in light of the detected level value;
- and
- a spring configured to exert a force on the linking member.
A method of controlling a process control system in a process control environment, the method comprising:
- mechanically linking a linking member to a level detection component such that the linking member changes position or orientation in response to the level detection component rising or falling, wherein the level detection component is configured to rise or fall in response to changes in a level of liquid in which the level detection component is placed;
- continuously measuring, via one or more sensors, the position or orientation of the member;
- generating, by the one or more sensors, a detected level value corresponding to the continuously measured position or orientation of the linking member;
- generating, via circuit communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors, an electromagnetic signal, according to a process control communication standard, to carry the detected level value;
- and
- transmitting, via the circuit, the electromagnetic signal to a process controller to enable the process controller to implement control in light of the detected level value,
- wherein a spring is configured to exert a force on the linking member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.