Liquid level change sensor

Abstract

A liquid level change indicator is described as an apparatus, which generates a visual indication when a liquid level in a controlled vessel has changed and indicates amount of change for a timed period. Operation of the instrument entails positioning the apparatus in the liquid containment vessel from a support chain. Positioning, is accomplished by a course chain adjustment, followed by a fine-threaded-nut adjustment. A float centering itself in a concentric circle sight gauge indicates initial correct monitoring position. Deviation from the bulls eye of the concentric ring site gauge constitutes a liquid level change. Each concentric ring indicates a larger level change relative to the innermost sight ring per unit test time.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0003] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Liquid level sensors have been disclosed using magnetic, pressure or acoustical parameters for producing a sensible output. This invention embodies a sensible optical output driven by a float displacement representing liquid level change.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A liquid level change indicator is described as an apparatus, which generates a visual indication when a liquid level in a controlled vessel has changed and indicates amount of change for a timed period. Operation of the instrument entails positioning the apparatus in the liquid containment vessel from a support chain. Positioning is accomplished by a course chain adjustment followed by a fine-threaded-nut adjustment. A float centering itself in a concentric circle sight gauge indicates initial correct monitoring position.

[0006] Deviation from the bulls eye of the concentric ring site gauge constitutes a liquid level change. Each concentric ring indicates a larger level change relative to the innermost sight ring per unit test time. The principle of operation depends on the forces of buoyancy and center of gravity as opposed by gravity. Liquid level changes, unbalance these forces and reposition the float against a calibrated scale displaying, the magnitude of liquid level change.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0007] FIG. 1 is a side view of the Liquid Level Change Sensor supported in vessel to monitor liquid leak rate.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a top view of the optical sight with concentric rings that measure level change as the instrument is in use. The level change is visually read from the concentric circles of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Referring to FIG. 1, containment vessel 10, is filled with fluid to the surface of liquid level 7. The Liquid Level Sensor body, an open tube 11, is elevated in the containment vessel 10, by bifurcated support 5, and chain 4. The instruments elevation is maintained by chain 4, of the apparatus and containment vessel's cross member 3. Coarse positioning of the instrument in the containment vessel 10, is accomplished by the attachment of support member 3, to the fine adjustment threaded rod 1, threaded on the threaded nut 2.

[0010] Referring to FIG. 2, the user sees the sensible level change indication on concentric circles printed on clear plastic scale 1, by movement of the end of the float, FIG. 1, 8, that is connected to float connecting rod FIG. 1, 9.

[0011] Referring to FIG. 1, any change in liquid level 7, is amplified by float connecting rod 9, driven by the displacement of the float 8, around the centering cross rod 13, connected by swivel 12. Swivel 14, is used to maintain center of buoyancy of float and center of gravity as float moves outward.

Claims

1. A liquid level change instrument comprising: a. an instrument housing having a float attached to a rod that moves in an arc proportional to liquid level change, b. a means to lower said instrument to liquid surface so that float is positioned in dynamic range, c. a means to adjust position of said instrument at zero reference position, d. a means to indicate amount of liquid level change over time. a. an instrument housing having a float attached to a rod that moves in an arc proportional to liquid level change, b. a means to lower said instrument to liquid surface so that float is positioned in dynamic range, c. a means to adjust position of said instrument at zero reference position, d. a means to indicate amount of liquid level change over time.