Closed-field capacitive liquid level sensor

Patent · Tue Mar 03 00:00:00 EST 1998

OSTI ID:597174

Kronberg, J W

A liquid level sensor based on a closed field circuit comprises a ring oscillator using a symmetrical array of plate units that creates a displacement current. The displacement current varies as a function of the proximity of a liquid to the plate units. The ring oscillator circuit produces an output signal with a frequency inversely proportional to the presence of a liquid. A continuous liquid level sensing device and a two point sensing device are both proposed sensing arrangements. A second set of plates may be located inside of the probe housing relative to the sensing plate units. The second set of plates prevent any interference between the sensing plate units. 12 figs.

• Research Organization: Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-89SR18035
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5,722,290/A/
• Application Number: PAN: 8-408,412
• OSTI ID: 597174
• Resource Relation: Other Information: PBD: 3 Mar 1998
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

44 INSTRUMENTATION
INCLUDING NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE DETECTORS
LEVEL INDICATORS
DESIGN
MEASURING METHODS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS