Name: THIAGO DA SILVA ORNELLAS
Publication date: 24/04/2023
Advisor:
Name |
Role |
|---|---|
| CARLOS EDUARDO SCHMIDT CASTELLANI | Co-advisor * |
| MARIA JOSE PONTES | Advisor * |
Examining board:
| Name |
Role |
|---|---|
| CARLOS EDUARDO SCHMIDT CASTELLANI | Internal Examiner * |
| MARCELO EDUARDO VIEIRA SEGATTO | Co advisor * |
| MARIA JOSE PONTES | Advisor * |
Summary: In the industry, several methods of measuring and monitoring fluid and
interface levels are identified, from floating elements to ultrasonic sensors [19], both with their advantages and disadvantages. This Master thesis developed a set of inductive sensors to identify fluids as well as the interface between two different fluids. The sensors are distributed vertically inside a tube, so that it can be installed within heterogeneous fluid storage tanks. Each inductive sensor has the ability to differentiate fluids due to the variation in the magnetic coupling existing between the primary and secondary windings of each sensor structure. Thus, the mutual inductance between the windings is responsible for the variation in the inductive reactance of the equivalent circuit. The electronic circuit of each sensor is designed so that the addition of inductive reactance favors impedance matching, optimizing the output power read by the interrogation stage of the system. It was demonstrated that, with this detection mechanism, the sensors require little electrical current, since it is not specifically about measuring conductivity, it means induction of electrical current in the fluid, resulting in a safer process. In addition, a supervisory software was developed to monitor fluid levels in real time. The tests carried out allowed level measurements from 3.3 cm thick with a relative error of approximately 8%. The resolution of the fluid level measurement is designed based on the vertical spacing between the sensors.
