Device for measuring the material level in a vessel

US6691570B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Endress+Hauser Inc. · DE

Inventors

• Joachim Neuhaus · Steinen, DE
• Werner Thoren · Lübeck, DE
• Wolfram Lutke · Inzlingen, DE
• Ralf Reimelt · Freiburg (Elbe), DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 28, 1999
• Grant date: Feb 17, 2004
• Expiry date: Oct 28, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01F23/284
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A level measurement device for measuring the level of material inside of a vessel which includes a conductive element, a signal generating unit, and a receiving unit. The conductive element does not come into direct contact with the material being measured. The signal generating unit generates measurement signals which are transmitted along the conductive element. Each of the measurement signals produces an electromagnetic field which travels along the conductive element and is reflected when it reaches the surface of material in the vessel. The reflected electromagnetic field produces an echo signal which travels along said conductive element to the receiving unit. The receiving unit receives the echo signal and determines the level of material in the vessel. The conductive element can be located outside of the vessel. The level measurement device can also include a protective shield which substantially surrounds the sides of the conductive element to prevent interfering radiation from interfering with the signals transmitted and reflected along the conductive element.