IP Library Granted Patent US 7,406,865
Granted Patent B2
US 7,406,865 · App. 11/107,855 · Granted Aug 5, 2008

Level measurement arrangement

Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,406,865
App. No.
11/107,855
Granted
Aug 5, 2008
Kind
B2
Abstract

A level measurement arrangement for measurement of a level of a product in a container comprising: a level sensor, comprising: a conductive probe, a mounting element, comprising, and a process connector, for mounting the mounting element on a ferrule on the container, is described, wherein electrical isolation of the conductive probe from the ferrule is ensured via a dielectric insert, which is inserted in the ferrule, fills all cavities inside the ferrule, and extends through the ferrule into the container.

Claims (27)

1. A level measurement arrangement for measurement of a level of a product in a container based on the time of flight needed for electromagnetic pulses to travel down a probe to a surface of the product and its echo to return, comprising:

a ferrule comprising a tubular stud enclosing an opening of the container, extending from the container and defining a process connector;

a level sensor, comprising: a conductive probe, and a mounting element; and

a dielectric insert, inserted in the ferrule, filling all cavities inside the ferrule, and extending through the ferrule into the container, wherein:

said mounting element being mounted to said ferrule by said process connector;

said conductive probe extends from said mounting element through said dielectric insert into the container; and

said dielectric insert being so mounted to thereby insure electrical insulation between said conductive probe and said ferrule.

2. The level measurement arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein:

said dielectric insert has an insertion length, which is greater than an insertion length of said ferrule.

3. The level measurement arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein:

said dielectric insert extends into the container, past an end of the ferrule facing into the container.

4. The level measurement arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein:

the dielectric insert comprises a conical tip, which surrounds said conductive probe and points into the container.

5. The level measurement arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein:

said dielectric insert includes an outer thread used for threading said dielectric insert into said ferrule.

6. The level measurement arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein:

said process connector is a threaded coupling; and

said dielectric insert includes an inner thread, such that said mounting element can be screwed onto said dielectric insert.

7. The level measurement arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein:

said dielectric insert comprises an outer rim, which is clamped between said process connector of said mounting element and a mating counter connector on said ferrule.

8. The level measurement arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein:

said level sensor further comprises a sensor electronic comprising:

means for generating and sending short electromagnetic pulses (S) down the conductive probe;

means for reception of echoes (E) of the pulses (S) reflected at a surface of the product; and

means for determining the level of the product in the container, based on a time of flight (t) needed for a pulse (S) to travel down said conductive probe, and its echo (E) to return.

9. The level measurement arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein:

said level sensor comprises a further process connector, for mounting said mounting element to said dielectric insert.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 3, 2005
From: KLEES, DAN; VERMEULEN, ROB; BRYANT, LEWIS
To: ENDRESS + HAUSER GMBH + CO. KG
Reel/Frame 016848/0941 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20060230827A1 · Oct 19, 2006