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Title: Ultrasonic liquid-level detector for varying temperature and pressure environments

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5183319

An ultrasonic liquid level detector for use in varying temperature and pressure environments, such as a pressurized water nuclear reactor vessel, is provided. The detector employs ultrasonic extensional and torsional waves launched in a multiplexed alternating sequence into a common sensor. The sensor is a rectangular cross section stainless steel rod which extends into the liquid medium whose level is to be detected. The sensor temperature derived from the extensional wave velocity measurements is used to compensate for the temperature dependence of the torsional wave velocity measurements which are also level dependent. The torsional wave velocity measurements of a multiple reflection sensor then provide a measurement of liquid level over a range of several meters with a small uncertainty over a temperature range of 20 to 250/sup 0/C and pressures up to 15 MPa.

DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
Assignee:
Dept. of Energy
Application Number:
ON: DE82016113
OSTI ID:
5183319
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English