Vessel liquid level indication
US4521371A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 1981 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Means and method are disclosed for determining the fluid content within a large pressure vessel (12), without penetrating the vessel. Strain gauges (60) are located at the weight-bearing support structures (24) of the vessel, whereby calibrated differences in the weight of the empty vessel and the vessel as measured during operation gives a direct indication of fluid content. Preferably, the strain gauges (60) are associated with strain amplification elements (80) or shims, which are interposed between mating surfaces of the vessel support (24) and its base (44). The stress amplification element (80) has a smaller area of contact with the support member (24) than with the base (44), providing an effective higher coefficient of elasticity than that of the support member. In one embodiment, the strain gauge (60) is connected to a bolt (64) which tightly secures the vessel support (24) to its base (44).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.