Microwave level gauge having an adapter with a thermal barrier
AssigneeRosemount Inc.
InventorDonald F. Palan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A microwave level gauge has a flange adaptor which includes a first end for coupling to a process connecting flange and a second end for coupling to an electronics housing. The adaptor has a section of reduced cross-sectional area along its length between the first and second ends, which defines a thermal transfer restriction that restricts heat transfer from the first end to the second end. A waveguide extends through the adaptor, from the first end to the second end.
Claims22
A microwave level gauge adapter for coupling between an electronics housing and a process connecting flange, the adapter comprising:
- a first, process connecting end for coupling to the process connecting flange and a second, electronics connecting end for coupling to the electronics housing;
- a length from the first end to the second end;
- a hub;
- a section of reduced cross-sectional area along the length of the adapter between the first and second ends, which defines a thermal transfer restriction that restricts heat transfer from the first end to the second end;
- a plurality of heat dissipating fins extending radially outward from the hub and having a surface area which increases from the thermal transfer restriction toward the second end;
- and
- a waveguide extending through the hub, from the first end to the second end.
A microwave level gauge adapter for coupling between an electronics housing and a process connecting flange, the adapter comprising:
- a hub having a first end for coupling to the process connecting flange and a second end for coupling to the electronics housing;
- a plurality of heat dissipating fins extending radially outward from the hub, wherein the plurality of heat dissipating fins define an outer diameter of the adapter;
- a section of reduced cross-sectional area along the hub which defines a thermal transfer restriction that restricts heat transfer from the first end to the second end, wherein the outer diameter decreases from the first end to the thermal transfer restriction and increases from the thermal transfer restriction toward the second end;
- and
- a waveguide extending through the hub from the first end to the second end.
A process transmitter in a process control system, comprising:
- a transmitter housing;
- a process connecting flange connectable to the process;
- and
- an adapter coupled between the transmitter housing and the process connecting flange, the adapter having a hub with a thermal restriction and a plurality of heat dissipating fins having a cross-sectional area which reduces from the process connecting flange to the thermal transfer restriction and increases from the thermal transfer restriction toward the transmitter housing.
A method of minimizing heat transfer between a process connecting flange and an electronics housing of a microwave level gauge which is coupled to the flange through an adapter, wherein the adapter has a waveguide, a wall thickness along the waveguide, and a plurality of heat dissipating fins, the method comprising:
- restricting thermal conductivity through a section of the adapter by reducing the cross-sectional area of the section;
- and
- increasing heat dissipation of the adapter by increasing the wall thickness of the adapter and by increasing the surface area and cross-sectional area of the heat dissipating fins as the adapter is traversed from the section to the electronics housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.