Fluid level sensing assembly and method for configuring same

Abstract

A level sensing assembly senses the level of a fluid in a tank. The tank includes a fluid port that is disposed below the level of the fluid and an air port disposed above the level of fluid. The level sensing assembly includes a lower port in fluid communication with the fluid port of the tank. An upper port is in fluid communication with the lower port of the tank. A measuring vessel is disposed between the lower and upper ports and is in fluid communication therebetween. The measuring vessel includes an auxiliary port disposed adjacent the upper port. The level sensing assembly also includes a level sensor extending down through the auxiliary port into the measuring vessel to measure the level of the fluid in the measuring vessel and the level of the fluid in the tank.

1 . A level sensing assembly for sensing a level of a fluid in a tank having a fluid port disposed below the level of the fluid and an air port disposed above the level of fluid, said level sensing assembly comprising:
 a lower port in fluid communication with the fluid port of the tank;   an upper port in fluid communication with the air port of the tank;   a measuring vessel disposed between said lower and upper ports and in fluid communication therebetween, said measuring vessel an auxiliary port disposed adjacent said upper port; and   a level sensor defining a sensor body extending down into said measuring vessel to measure the level of the fluid in the measuring vessel and the level of the fluid in the tank by measuring at where along said sensor body the level of the fluid is.   
   
   
       2 . A level sensing assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said level sensor extends down through said auxiliary port. 
   
   
       3 . A level sensing assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein measuring vessel includes a sensor access port. 
   
   
       4 . A level sensing assembly as set forth in  claim 3  wherein said level sensor extends into said measuring vessel through said sensor access port. 
   
   
       5 . A level sensing assembly as set forth in  claim 2  wherein said sensor body is linear. 
   
   
       6 . A level sensing assembly as set forth in  claim 5  wherein said sensor body is perpendicular to the level of the fluid in the tank. 
   
   
       7 . A level sensing assembly as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said auxiliary port is threaded. 
   
   
       8 . A level sensing assembly as set forth in  claim 7  wherein said level sensor is a capacitive sensor. 
   
   
       9 . A level sensing assembly as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said measuring vessel includes a set of tricocks having upper, median and lower drain cocks. 
   
   
       10 . A level sensing assembly as set forth in  claim 9  including a shut-off sensor in fluid communication with said measuring vessel. 
   
   
       11 . A level sensing assembly as set forth in  claim 10  wherein said shut-off valve is fixedly secured to said lower drain cock. 
   
   
       12 . A method for installing a level sensor into a measuring vessel having a lower port, an upper port, an auxiliary port and a set of tricock ports, the method comprising:
 inserting the level sensor into the auxiliary port;   orienting the level sensor to extend vertically within the measuring vessel; and   securing the level sensor to the measuring vessel.   
   
   
       13 . A method as set forth in  claim 12  including the step of installing a shut-off sensor in one of the set of tricock ports. 
   
   
       14 . A method as set forth in  claim 13  wherein the step of securing the level sensor includes the step of threadingly engaging the level sensor with the auxiliary port of the measuring vessel. 
   
   
       15 . A method as set forth in  claim 14  including the step of securing level sensing assembly as set forth in  claim 10  wherein said approach light includes a light source for emitting visible light therefrom. 
   
   
       16 . A method for modifying a level sensing assembly having a measuring vessel with a lower port, an upper port, an auxiliary port, a set of tricock ports and a mechanical float port having a mechanical float extending therethrough into the measuring vessel, the method comprising:
 unsealing the mechanical float port;   removing the mechanical float therefrom;   opening the auxiliary port;   inserting a level sensor into the auxiliary port; and   sealing the level sensor within the auxiliary port.   
   
   
       17 . A method as set forth in  claim 16  including the step of orienting the level sensor vertically within the measuring vessel. 
   
   
       18 . A method as set forth in  claim 17  including the step of orienting the level sensor vertically within the measuring vessel along the entire length thereof. 
   
   
       19 . A method as set forth in  claim 18  including the step of removing a tricock from one of the set of tricock ports. 
   
   
       20 . A method as set forth in  claim 19  including the step of securing a shut-off sensor to the one of the set of tricock ports. 
   
   
       21 . A method as set forth in  claim 20  including the step of securing the tricock to the shut-off valve. 
   
   
       22 . A method as set forth in  claim 21  wherein the step of removing a tricock includes removing the tricock from a lower most one of the set of tricock ports. 
   
   
       23 . A method as set forth in  claim 22  including the step of sealing the mechanical float port after the step of removing the mechanical float therefrom.