WO2001040739A1

WO2001040739A1 - Liquid level indicator

Info

Publication number: WO2001040739A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2000/000230
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christiaan De Wet Hoogendyk
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-12-04
Filing date: 2000-11-24
Publication date: 2001-06-07
Anticipated expiration: 2002-06-04
Also published as: AU1823101A

Abstract

A liquid level indicator to determine the volume content of liquid in vessels such as underground fuel. The device consists of a transparent tube (1), preferably graduated (2), and equipped with a valve (3) at the bottom end of the tube. If the instrument is placed vertically into the vessel (6), with liquid (4), the liquid pushes up into the tube if the valve (3) is open. When reaching equilibrium, the liquid leve (5') in the tube equals the liquid level (5) in the vessel. The exit of liquid from the tube (1) when lifted can be prevented wi th the valve (3) that close prior to lifting or at the moment the instrument is lifted. Thus the liquid level remains unchanged in the tube (1). The volume content of liquid can either be calculated using the height of liquid in the tube or read of directly against the correctly marked increments (2).

Description

LIQUID LEVEL INDICATOR

FIELD OF flNVENIION

This invention relates to indicating the liquid level in vessels such as tanks and, more particularly but not exclusively, to underground fuel tank.

BAC-røROOSD OFTHE INVENTION ft is common practice, especially with underground tanks to determine the liquid level in the tank with a dip stick. The wet mark give an indication of the volume content of liquid in the tank. This wet mark is always higher than the actual level due to the wave action and surface tension of the liquid thus giving an inaccurate indication. Especially petrol tends to "creep" up against the dipstick, giving an higher indication of ihe petrol level an the actual petrol level. Electronic measuring equipment is a possible option but it is expensive. However, a tube open on both ends, dipped into a liquid will have when in equilibrium a liquid level in Ihe tube at the same level as the level of the liquid it is dipped into. The height of liquid in the tube equals the depth of liquid in the container. It is the intension of this invention to use this to obtain a more accurate indication of the liquid level. A more accurate indication of ihe liquid level would result in determined a more accurate liquid volume content, for stock taking purposes for instance. The more accurate the volume content measurement is the easier it is to detect any losses and the better the control.

RRTRFn XTRlPTION OFTHE DRAWING While die specifications conclude with claims distinctly pointing out the subject matter that is regarded as Ihe applicant's invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood when taken in connection with die accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of a liquid level indicator in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OFTHE _0SvΕ_NTION WITH REFERENCES TO THE DRAWING

With reference to figure 1, the liquid level indicator, constructed of material inert to fuel, consist of a transparent tube (1), preferably with graduations (2) , and equipped with a device such as a valve (3) fitted preferably at die bottom end of the tube. If the instrument is placed vertically into the vessel (6) with liquid (5), the liquid push up into ihe tube if the valve (3) is open. When reaching equilibrium the liquid level (5') in the tube equals die liquid level (5) in die container. If die liquid level (5) need to be known the device need to be lifted up out of the tank to about eye level. The exit of liquid from the tube (1) when lifted can be prevented with the valve (3) that close prior to lifting or at die moment the instrument is lifted. Thus the liquid level (5') remains unchanged in the tube (1). The volume content of liquid in the container can either be calculated using die height of liquid in the tube or read of directly against the correctly marked increments (2).

While die invention has been describe with reference to a preferred embodiment it will be understood by those skilled in die art that numerous additions, changes and omissions may be made without departing from die spirit and scope of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The liquid level indicator is especially suitable for determining the fuel levels and volume content in underground tanks such as are in use by fuel depots and filling stations.

Claims

1. A level indicator comprising a long tube with proximal and distal ends; said tube operatable to be partially submerged with its said distal end located beneath the liquid level.

2. The tube in claim 1 is to be translucent or transparent or having a translucent or transparent region between ihe two said ends for the liquid in die tube to be visible.

3. A level indicator as claimed in claim 1 for any type of liquid or fluid it is submerged into.

4. A level indicator as claimed in claim 1 if it is introduced into the liquid vertically or at any other angle.

5. A level indicator as claimed in claim 1 if a valve or other device is fitted at any of ihe ends or any place along the tube to prevent ihe liquid level to change when it is lifted or moved.

6. A level indicator as claimed in claim 1 if a float in die said tube is used or not used to indicate the liquid level in the tube more clearly.

7. A level indicator as claimed in claim 1 if no graduations or markings is visible or, if graduations and or markings are visible on or near the device to indicate die volume content 8. A level indicator is claimed in claim 1 if the tube is round and long or any other shape, size, form or length.