Technologies

Cryogenic and Non-Cryogenic Optical Liquid Level Instrument for Stratified Conditions

A simplified, cost-saving measurement device using optical transmission properties

Innovators at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center have developed a unique prototype for measuring the liquid level in a tank, employing a novel process. The technology can operate in a wide range of environments, including high and low temperatures and pressures, and is simpler and less expensive than other optical sensing techniques. The instrument also provides far greater accuracy and faster results in cryogenic conditions than typical cryogenic liquid metering methods. It is ideal for cryogenic and non-cryogenic ground tank metering applications, and zero-gravity systems that include stratification or settling techniques.

If you would like more information about these technologies, please contact us via phone or e-mail at:

(919) 249-0327,

Benefits

Versatile: Operates at high and low temperatures and pressures, functions in corrosive environments, and provides highly accurate metering for both cryogenic and non-cryogenic liquids
Precise: Allows accurate liquid level measurements to 0.1% of the optical fiber length
Fast: Offers a very rapid response time (up to gigahertz data rates), enabling measurement of rapidly changing fluid levels or sloshing liquids
Safe: Avoids an explosion hazard—requires no electrical signals in the tank
Flexible: Accommodates snaking through access ports or shaping to fit tank contours
Economical: Incorporates directly into a plastic tank, reducing cost and eliminating the need for holes in the tank in some applications

Applications

Aerospace

Rocket propulsion testing
Engine fuel tanks
Cryogenic tanks

Automotive

Liquid hydrogen fuel tanks
Petroleum, gasoline, and liquid natural gas tanks

Foods and Pharmaceuticals

High temperature, contamination-free storage and transportation

Aviation

Jet engine fuel tanks

How it works

NASA's technology provides highly accurate and versatile liquid level metering in a wide range of operating environments.

NASA's device for measuring liquid levels in tanks was initially developed for rocket engine testing. Scientists needed to determine the amount of cryogenic liquid that was being used in the testing quickly and accurately—data often very difficult to obtain because such systems usually involve constant mixing between gaseous and liquid states, which can lead to turbulent flow, cavitation, and sloshing.

Why it is better

Other sensors that measure liquid levels in tanks require complicated tank modifications and detection instruments, increasing cost and complexity. Other cryogenic metering systems register the thermal change between liquid and gas fluid phases, limiting accuracy in cryogenic conditions. In contrast to these systems, NASA's device allows operation at high temperatures and pressures in corrosive environments and can precisely measure liquid levels to 0.1% of the sensor length with gigahertz data acquisition rates.

Commercial Opportunity

This technology is part of NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program, which seeks to transfer technology into and out of NASA to benefit the space program and U.S. industry. NASA invites companies to inquire about the licensing possibilities for the Cryogenic and Non-Cryogenic Optical Liquid Level Instrument for Stratified Conditions technology (MFS-32642-1) for commercial applications.

For More Information

For more information about this licensing/development opportunity, please contact us by phone or email: (919) 249-0327,

For information about other technology licensing opportunities, please visit:

Innovation Partnerships Program Office
NASA's Marshall Space Flight Research Center
http://www.nasasolutions.com

This technology is owned by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Research Center
MFS-32642 (MS-0003)