Abstract:
A gauge tape device detects electronically conductive water level mixtures in various fluids through the use of electricity. The gauge tape device includes a gauge circuit and gauge line, having a weight attached thereto, which is lowered into a containment vessel holding water and other fluids. Once the weight contacts the water, the gauge circuitry activates an alert, which informs the user of the presence of water.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to provisional application 60/940,306, filed May 25, 2007. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates in general to fluid detection and, in particular, to a device which detects fluid levels in a container having an electrically conductive fluid layer below a non-conductive fluid layer. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In containment vessels, such as those for crude oil, motor oils, alcohol, and various types of fuels, water can enter the vessel through contamination and condensation. Also, crude oil produced from wells often has some salt water content. Even if the water is first separated, some of the water will be entwined with the flow of crude oil into the containment vessel. A device is employed to determine the water level in the vessel, so that the water can be removed from the vessel and disposed of, leaving only pure fluids in the vessel. A preexisting method for determining the water level in a containment vessel requires applying a layer of chemical gauging paste by hand to a gauge line. The gauge line is then lowered into the vessel. Once the gauge line has reached the bottom of the vessel, an operator has to hold the gauge line steady for a period of time to allow the chemical gauging paste to activate and change colors depending on the fluid in contact with the paste. The gauge line must then be reeled up and the operator must look to see where the color changes on the gauge line to determine the water level in the tank. This method of gauging the water level in a containment vessel is inaccurate and time consuming. 
     SUMMARY 
     In view of the foregoing, embodiments of the present invention beneficially provide an apparatus which detects fluid level mixtures in various fluids through the use of electricity. Embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention advantageously provides a gauge circuit which can be used with a gauge line in order to quickly and efficiently notify an operator of the water level in a tank or other containment vessel. A gauge line, which has a weight attached thereto, can be lowered into a tank or other containment vessel holding water and other fluids. Once the weight comes into contact with water, the gauge circuitry of the present invention activates an alert device which notifies the operator of the presence of water. Therefore, using the depth indicators on the gauge line, the operator is able to ascertain the water level in the containment vessel. 
     Embodiments of the present invention also provide a gauge circuit which can be used with existing gauge lines. The present invention also utilizes a retractable ground cable which can be attached to a grounding location in order to prevent shock. 
     In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides an apparatus which utilizes the conductive properties of water in order to provide a quick, safe and reliable method of ascertaining the water level mixtures in practically any type of fluid. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some of the features and benefits of the present invention having been stated, others will become apparent as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a gauge line in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a circuit schematic of a gauge circuit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a gauge line in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a circuit schematic of a gauge circuit according to the alternate embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of a gauge line according to the present invention is illustrated. Water level gauge  10  includes housing  12  that encases the gauge circuitry which will be discussed later in this disclosure. Housing  12  defines a tubular shape having two ends  12   a  and  12   b . However, housing  12  may take other forms without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. For example, housing  12  can include a tapered end  13  which would allow for the use of a triggered line wiper as commonly used in the field. 
     A switch  14  is located on the outside surface of housing  12 , which allows the operator to turn the gauge on and off. An alert device  16 , such as, for example, an LED light or vibrator, is also located on the outer surface of housing  12  in order to alert the operator once water has been detected by the gauge circuit. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , a buzzer  17  is used as an alert device in addition to alert device  16 . 
     Further referring to  FIG. 1 , an electrical contact  18  is located at housing end  12   b  and extends outwardly from housing  12 . In an exemplary embodiment, electrical contact  18  can be, for example, a screw or other threaded contact which serves the dual purpose of acting both as a single electrical contact and a threaded attachment mechanism. When electrical contact  18  is a screw, for example, housing  12  can be attached to an existing gauge line; thereby allowing it to be sold as an attachment. However, in the alternative, housing  12  can be attached to a gauge line and sold or marketed as a singular product. In an exemplary embodiment, electrical contact  18  includes a ¼ inch thread. 
     Further referring to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , an illumination device  19  is also attached to end  12   b  of housing  12 . Illumination device  19  can be any variety of lights known in the art such as, for example, a telescoping light which can be directed in a desired direction. An ON/OFF switch  21  is also located at end  12   b  of housing  12  in order to activate and deactivate illumination device  19 . Although illumination device  19  and ON/OFF switch  21  are located at end  12   b , those ordinarily skilled in the art realize these components can be placed anywhere on housing  12  as desired. 
     Electrical contact  18  connects reel  20  to housing  12 . Reel  20  has a metal yoke  23  and a metal spool  25 . Threaded electrical contact  18  is attached to metal yoke  23 . Reel  20  includes gauge line  22  which is a measuring tape formed of an electrical conductor, such as steel, that extends the length of gauge line  22 . At the end of gauge line  22  is a weight  24  which allows the gauge circuitry inside housing  12  to detect the presence of water. Since gauge line  22  is wound around reel spool  25 , a crank  26  is used by the operator to dispense or retract gauge weight  24  into or out of a tank  27  or other containment vessel. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, housing  12  can include a tapered end  13  extending from end  12   b . In conjunction with such an embodiment, a triggered line wiper (not shown), such as those manufactured under the name “Little Joe®,” can be attached at electrical contact  18 . Also, in such an embodiment, reel  20  will be reversed (from that illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) such that weight  24  is deployable and retractable in conjunction with the line wiper as readily understood by those in the art. 
     Further referring to  FIG. 1 , tank  27  contains water  30  and other fluids  28 , such as for example, crude oil, motor oils, fuels and alcohol. Due to the physics of water  30  and oil  28 , when each is present in tank  27 , oil  28  will settle atop water  30  as illustrated. Tank  27  also includes tank housing  32 , which can serve as a grounding point for the gauge circuitry located in housing  12 . At housing end  12   a , a grounding cable  34  is coupled to the gauge circuitry locating inside housing  12  and connects to a grounding point, such as, for example, tank housing  32 . 
     Grounding cable  34  may be attached to housing  12  in any number of ways, including a ¼ inch threaded connection. In the event tank housing  32  cannot serve as a sufficient grounding point, such as if it&#39;s made of fiberglass, grounding cable  34  is attached to some other sufficient grounding point, such as a stake driven into the ground. A clamp  35  or other connective mechanism can be attached to the end of grounding cable  34  in order to effect a secure ground connection. In an alternative embodiment, grounding cable  34  can be retractable. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary embodiment of the gauge circuitry for the present invention will now be described. As illustrated, gauge circuitry  38  is contained inside housing  12 . Power for gauge circuit  38  is supplied from power source  40 , which can be, for example, two AA batteries. In an exemplary embodiment, a switch section  42  and alert devices, LED light source  48  and meter  50 , are electrically coupled in series to the positive terminal of power source  40 . However, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, a vibrator, buzzer, or other alert device can be used. 
     Further referring to  FIG. 2 , meter  50  is electrically coupled to screw  18  which allows electrical conduction through yoke  23  and spool  25  of reel  20 , to gauge line  22  and on to weight  24 . A diode  52  is also coupled between meter  50  and screw  18  in order to prevent current from flowing in the forward direction. Power source  40  is also connected to a ground source via ground cable  34 . A second diode  54  is coupled between power source  40  and ground cable  34  in order to prevent current from flowing in a reverse direction. In the most preferred embodiment, diodes  52  and  54  are rated at 1 AMP. 
     Moreover, although not shown, illumination device  19  and ON/OFF switch  21  are also electrically coupled to power source  40 . In addition, an automatic shut off switch could be utilized in the circuitry in order to protect from unintentional power drainage. 
     The gauge circuitry of  FIG. 2  is only exemplary in nature and should not be construed as limiting. Those ordinarily skilled in the art will appreciate that the operation and design of the present invention is not limited to this disclosure nor the specific circuitry discussed herein, but is susceptible to various changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The inventor considers this disclosure to encompass all such circuitry. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , an alternate embodiment of a water level gauge according to the present invention is illustrated. Water level gauge  60  includes housing  63  that encases the gauge circuitry which will be discussed later in this disclosure. Housing  63  defines an L-shaped bracket having two sides  63   a ,  63   b  perpendicular to one another. However, housing  63  may take other forms without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. A lip  73  is formed opposite the apex of the sides of housing  63 . Lip  73  allows for the use of a triggered line wiper  85  as commonly used in the field. 
     A switch  61  is located on the outside surface of side  63   a  of housing  63 , which allows the operator to turn the gauge on and off. An alert device  67 , such as, for example, an LED light or vibrator, is also located on the outer surface of side  63   a  in order to alert the operator once water has been detected by the gauge circuit. In the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 3 , a buzzer  65  is used as an alert device in addition to alert device  67 . A digital meter could also be employed in gage  60 , which would display the depth of the gauge line at any given point. 
     Further referring to  FIG. 3 , an electrical contact hole  71  is located in and extends through side  63   b  of housing  63 . In an exemplary embodiment, electrical contact  71  can be, for example, a washer or threaded contact set in side  63   b  of housing  63 , which serves the dual purpose of acting both as a single electrical contact and an attachment mechanism. When electrical contact  71  is a threaded hole, for example, housing  63  can be attached to an existing gauge line and handle; thereby allowing it to be sold as an attachment. 
     Further referring to the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 3 , water gauge  60  is connected between reel handle  83  and reel  20 . A handle adapter extension  81  may be necessary to ensure that sufficient threads extend to connect gauge  60 , line wiper  85 , and reel  20 . Extension  81  could be screwed onto the end of the original handle screw, and would provide an extended screw with more thread exposure. Alternatively, conductor hole  71  may be countersunk to allow the original handle screw to extend through gauge  60 , line wiper  85 , and connect to reel  20 . Reel  20  has a metal yoke  23  and a metal spool  25 . Threaded electrical contact  81  is attached to metal yoke  23 . Reel  20  includes gauge line  22  which is a measuring tape formed of an electrical conductor, such as steel, that extends the length of gauge line  22 . At the end of gauge line  22  is a weight  24  which allows the gauge circuitry inside housing  63  to detect the presence of water. Since gauge line  22  is wound around spool  25 , a crank  26  is used by the operator to dispense or retract gauge weight  24  into or out of a tank  27  or other containment vessel. 
     As indicated above, in conjunction with this alternate embodiment, a triggered line wiper  85 , such as those manufactured under the name “Little Joe®,” can be attached at electrical contact hole  71 . Lip  73  of housing  63  abuts against lip  87  of wiper  85 , ensuring that wiper  85  does not rotate about the handle axis. Also, in such an embodiment, reel  20  will be reversed (from that illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) such that weight  24  is deployable and retractable in conjunction with the line wiper  85  as readily understood by those in the art. 
     At the end of side  63   a  of housing  63 , grounding cable port  69  ( FIG. 4 ) is located. Port  69  allows a grounding cable  82  to be inserted into port  69  and coupled to the gauge circuitry located inside housing  63 . The other end of grounding cable  82  connects to a grounding point, such as, for example, tank housing  32  ( FIG. 1 ). In the event tank housing  32  cannot serve as a sufficient grounding point, such as if it&#39;s made of fiberglass, grounding cable  62  is attached to some other sufficient grounding point, such as a stake driven into the ground. A clamp  84  or other connective mechanism can be attached to the end of grounding cable  82  in order to effect a secure ground connection. In an alternative embodiment, the grounding cable can be retractable. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the gauge circuitry for the alternate embodiment of the present invention in  FIG. 3  will now be described. As illustrated, gauge circuitry  89  is contained inside housing  63 . Power for gauge circuit  89  is supplied from power source  90 , which can be, for example, two AA batteries. In an exemplary embodiment, a switch section  91  and alert devices, LED light source  93 , buzzer  95 , and meter  97 , are electrically coupled in series to the positive terminal of power source  90 . However, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, a vibrator, digital display, or other alert device can be used. 
     Further referring to  FIG. 4 , meter  97  is electrically coupled to conductive hole  71  by a conductive lead from circuitry  89 , which allows electrical conduction through reel  20 , gauge line  22  and on to weight  24 . A diode  98  is also coupled between meter  97  and hole  71  in order to prevent current from flowing in the forward direction. Power source  90  is also connected to a ground source via port  69  and ground cable  82 . A second diode  99  is coupled between power source  90  and ground cable port  69  in order to prevent current from flowing in a reverse direction. In the most preferred embodiment, diodes  98  and  99  are rated at 1 AMP. In addition, an automatic shut off switch could be utilized in the circuitry in order to protect from unintentional power drainage. 
     The gauge circuitry of  FIG. 4  should not be construed as limiting. Those ordinarily skilled in the art will appreciate that the operation and design of the present invention is not limited to this disclosure nor the specific circuitry discussed herein, but is susceptible to various changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The inventor considers this disclosure to encompass all such circuitry. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an exemplary method of using of the present invention will now be described. An operator will utilize water level gauge  10  to detect water level mixtures in virtually any type of fluid that is electrically resistive. If the operator is using a preexisting gauge line, he or she will remove the handle (not shown) by unscrewing it via threaded contact  18 . However, in the alternative, the present invention can be constructed as a standalone unit including all components of  FIG. 1 . Once unscrewed, housing  12  can be screwed to, or otherwise coupled to, reel  20  via threaded contact  18 . Once attached, gauge circuitry  38  will be electrically coupled to weight  24  through threaded contact  18 , reel  20  and gauge line  22 . 
     Once housing  12  is attached, the operator will clamp ground cable  34  to a suitable grounding point, such as tank housing  32 . Once grounded, the operator will turn switch  42  into the “ON” position as indicated on housing  12 . Once in the “ON” position, power source  40  will be connected to the other components on the circuit. Thereafter, the operator can begin lowering weight  24  into tank  27  via crank  26 . 
     As weight  24  is lowered, it will first enter fluid  28 , which for example, may be crude oil. As understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art, crude oil is a poor conductor of electricity; therefore electrical conduction will not occur while weight  24  is in fluid  28 . Oil wells commonly produce salt water along with the oil. While distilled water is highly resistive, water with a saline content is conductive. Once weight  24  has reached water  30 , electrical conduction will begin because of the conductivity of salt water, which is sensed by gauge circuitry  38  via the gauge line  22 . Once sensed, gauge circuitry  38  will activate an alert, such as LED light source  48 . Once the alert is activated, the operator will view, feel or hear the alert via alert device  16  located on housing  12 . This will inform the operator that water has been located. The operator can then ascertain the water level via the measurement indicators on gauge line  22 . The alternate embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  operates identically to that of the invention in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , with the only difference being that housing  63  will be placed on screw  81  of handle  83 , which is then reattached to reel  20  ( FIG. 4 ). 
     While this invention has been shown in only one of its forms, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited but is susceptible to various changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, various circuitry, circuit components, and/or circuit designs can be utilized to achieve the function of the gauge circuitry. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operation and design of the present invention is not limited to this disclosure nor the specific circuitry discussed herein, but is susceptible to various changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed illustrative embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation.