WO2025181592A1 - Système pour analyse de suspension d'échantillon agricole et procédés associés - Google Patents

Système pour analyse de suspension d'échantillon agricole et procédés associés

Info

Publication number
WO2025181592A1
WO2025181592A1 PCT/IB2025/051177 IB2025051177W WO2025181592A1 WO 2025181592 A1 WO2025181592 A1 WO 2025181592A1 IB 2025051177 W IB2025051177 W IB 2025051177W WO 2025181592 A1 WO2025181592 A1 WO 2025181592A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sensor
slurry
internal cavity
level sensor
housing section
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/IB2025/051177
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Reid HARMAN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Precision Planting LLC
Original Assignee
Precision Planting LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Precision Planting LLC filed Critical Precision Planting LLC
Publication of WO2025181592A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025181592A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
    • G01F23/28—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
    • G01F23/296—Acoustic waves
    • G01F23/2962—Measuring transit time of reflected waves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B1/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools
    • B08B1/30—Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools by movement of cleaning members over a surface
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B1/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools
    • B08B1/10—Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools characterised by the type of cleaning tool
    • B08B1/12—Brushes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B1/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools
    • B08B1/10—Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools characterised by the type of cleaning tool
    • B08B1/14—Wipes; Absorbent members, e.g. swabs or sponges
    • B08B1/143—Wipes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/28—Preparing specimens for investigation including physical details of (bio-)chemical methods covered elsewhere, e.g. G01N33/50, C12Q
    • G01N1/38—Diluting, dispersing or mixing samples
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
    • G01N2021/8466—Investigation of vegetal material, e.g. leaves, plants, fruits
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
    • G01N21/85—Investigating moving fluids or granular solids
    • G01N2021/8592—Grain or other flowing solid samples
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
    • G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
    • G01N21/35—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
    • G01N21/3554—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for determining moisture content
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/24—Earth materials
    • G01N33/245—Earth materials for agricultural purposes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N9/00—Investigating density or specific gravity of materials; Analysing materials by determining density or specific gravity
    • G01N9/26—Investigating density or specific gravity of materials; Analysing materials by determining density or specific gravity by measuring pressure differences

Definitions

  • a stir chamber has a housing, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a third sensor.
  • the housing defines an internal cavity configured to receive an agricultural sample.
  • the internal cavity extends along a longitudinal axis from a bottom end to a top end.
  • the internal cavity extends along a longitudinal axis from a bottom end to a top end.
  • the first sensor is fluidly coupled to the internal cavity of the housing at a first location with respect to the longitudinal axis.
  • the second sensor is fluidly coupled to the internal cavity of the housing at a second location with respect to the longitudinal axis.
  • the controller is configured to receive a plurality of signals from the first and second sensors. At least one of the plurality of signals is used to compute a density of a first region of the internal cavity located between the first and second sensors.
  • a method for analyzing a sample has a first step of providing a chamber having an internal cavity, the internal cavity extending along a longitudinal axis from a bottom end to a top end.
  • the first sensor is fluidly coupled to the internal cavity at a first location with respect to the longitudinal axis and a second sensor is fluidly coupled to the internal cavity at a second location with respect to the longitudinal axis.
  • a sample is added to the internal cavity.
  • a plurality of signals from the first and second sensors are read.
  • a density or a fluid level is computed using the plurality of signals from the first and second sensors.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic of an exemplary system for analyzing an agricultural sample
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stir chamber as may be used in the exemplary system for analyzing an agricultural sample as shown in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the stir chamber of FIG. 2, taken along line 3-3;
  • FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the stir chamber of FIG. 3, taken along line 4-4;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the stir chamber of FIG. 2, taken along line 5-5;
  • FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the stir chamber of FIG. 2, taken along line 6-6;
  • FIG.7 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of a stir chamber as may be used in the system of FIG. 1; [0019] FIG.
  • FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for analyzing a sample
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic system block diagram of an alternative system for processing analyzing an agricultural sample
  • FIG. 10 is a first top perspective view of a stirring device of the system of FIG. 9 comprising a stir chamber for processing and analyzing an agricultural sample slurry
  • FIG. 11 is a second top perspective view thereof
  • FIG. 12 is a first bottom perspective view thereof
  • FIG. 13 is a second bottom perspective view thereof
  • FIG. 14 is a first side view thereof
  • FIG. 15 is a second side view thereof
  • FIG. 16 is a third side view thereof
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic system block diagram of an alternative system for processing analyzing an agricultural sample
  • FIG. 10 is a first top perspective view of a stirring device of the system of FIG. 9 comprising a stir chamber for processing and analyzing an agricultural sample slurry
  • FIG. 11 is a second top perspective view thereof
  • FIG. 12 is a first bottom perspective view thereof
  • FIG. 13 is
  • FIG. 35 is a phantom perspective view of the upper housing section showing the level sensor cleaning apparatus in a retracted position;
  • FIG. 36 is a side phantom view thereof;
  • FIG. 37 is a phantom perspective view of the upper housing section showing the level sensor cleaning apparatus in a projected position to actively clean the exposed face of the sensor; and
  • FIG. 38 is a side phantom view thereof.
  • the system 100 comprises a grinder 110, a stir chamber 200, a pump 120, a filter 130, and an analysis unit 140.
  • the grinder 110 receives an agricultural sample, such as soil, and grinds the sample to ensure that the maximum particle size of the agricultural sample is below that required for later analysis by the analysis unit 140. Examples of grinders which may be used can be found in commonly-owned U.S. Application Nos.
  • the sample may be returned to the stir chamber from downstream components to perform additional processing as will be discussed in greater detail below.
  • the sample passes to a pump 120.
  • the pump 120 pressurizes the sample to ensure that it is effectively filtered by a filter 130.
  • the pump 120 may be located downstream of the filter 130, such that the filter 130 is on the suction side of the pump 120.
  • the pump 120 and filter 130 may be used to remove undesirably large components of the sample such as gravel that have passed through the grinder.
  • the pump 120 and filter 130 may also be used to recirculate a portion of the sample along with additional water from a water source to enable additional treatment and adjustment of the sample slurry in the stir chamber 200.
  • a controller 300 controls all functions of the stir chamber 300.
  • the controller 300 comprises a memory 310, a processor 320, and a device interface 330.
  • the controller 300 may be a central controller which controls functions for all components of the system. In other implementations 300, the controller 300 may be integrated into a single component such as the stir chamber 200. In this implementation, additional controllers 300 may be integrated into the other Attorney Docket No.24039/WO components and may communicate via a bus or other communications system. Alternately, the controller 300 may be integrated into a single component and may also connect to other components in the system. As can be seen, the arrangement of the controller 300 may be distributed or may be centralized as desired. [0059]
  • the stir chamber 200 has a plurality of sensors 210. In the system 100, the sensors 210 are differential pressure sensors.
  • the sensor 210 are coupled to the stir chamber 200 as illustrated, with each sensor 210 having a first side of the differential sensor coupled to the stir chamber 200.
  • a second side of the sensor 210 may also be coupled to the stir chamber 200 or may be coupled to atmosphere as illustrated in Fig. 1. Any number of sensors 210 may be utilized as desired.
  • all of the second sides of the sensors 210 are coupled to atmosphere and in some other embodiments, all of the second sides of the sensors 210 are coupled to the stir chamber. As can be seen, all, some, or none of the second sides of the sensors 210 may be coupled to atmosphere and all, some, or none of the second sides may be coupled to the stir chamber 200.
  • the sensors 210 may be absolute, atmospheric, or gauge type sensors having only a single sensing input rather than the two sides or inputs of a differential sensor.
  • the sensors 210 may not be pressure sensors, and may instead be optical, capacitive, ultrasonic, microwave, vibrating, ultrasonic, conductivity, laser, nuclear, or other types of sensors suitable for measuring density, fluid level, pressure, or other properties of a sample. Multiple different types of sensors 210 may be utilized, and not all sensors 210 need be the same type.
  • Figs. 2-6 an exemplary embodiment of a stir chamber 200 is illustrated.
  • the stir chamber has a housing 220 formed of a gear head 221, an upper housing 222, a middle housing 223, and a lower housing 224.
  • the gear head 221 receives a motor 225 and couples to the upper housing 222.
  • the upper housing 222, middle housing 223, and lower housing 224 collectively form an internal cavity 230.
  • the internal cavity 230 extends along a longitudinal axis A-A, the internal cavity 230 being elongate along the longitudinal axis A-A.
  • the internal cavity 230 extends along the longitudinal axis A-A from a top end 231 to a bottom end 232.
  • a plurality of ports 240 are formed into the housing 220 and are fluidly coupled to the internal cavity 230.
  • the ports 240 may serve a variety of functions, including receiving a sample, outputting a sample, permitting sensors to measure the sample, allowing for injection of fluid such Attorney Docket No.24039/WO as water from a fluid source, or any other desired function. Optionally, some of the ports 240 may be plugged and may be utilized for optional functions which are not implemented in every system. [0063]
  • the plurality of ports 240 comprise a first sensing port 241, second sensing port 242, and third sensing port 243.
  • the first, second, and third sensing ports 241, 242, 243 are arranged along the longitudinal axis A-A and fluidly coupled to the internal cavity 230.
  • Each of the first, second, and third sensing ports 241, 242, 243 are configured to receive a sensor 210.
  • the housing 220 is generally arranged such that the longitudinal axis A-A is vertical with respect to gravity. This ensures that the sample settles at the bottom end 232 of the internal cavity 230. Thus, a level of the sample within the internal cavity 230 can be measured using the sensing ports 241, 242, 243, with the first sensing port 241 being submerged in the sample last as the sample is delivered to the internal cavity 230.
  • the sensors 210 are installed into the first, second, and third sensing ports 241, 242, 243 as noted above.
  • a third region R3 overlaps the first and second regions R1, R2 and is defined by the first and third locations of the first and third sensing ports 241, 243.
  • the three different locations along the longitudinal axis allow measurements to be taken at different heights with respect to the bottom end 232 of the internal cavity 230.
  • the controller 300 is operably coupled to the sensors 210. A plurality of signals from the sensors 210 may be received by the controller 300, allowing data collection from the sensors 210 as will be discussed in greater detail below.
  • the stir chamber 200 further incorporates an agitator 250.
  • the agitator 250 collectively comprises the motor 225, a gear train 251, and two agitator shafts 252.
  • Each agitator shaft 252 comprises a blade 253 that agitates the sample when the agitator shafts 252 are rotated.
  • the gear Attorney Docket No.24039/WO train 251 connects the motor 225 to the agitator shafts 252.
  • more than one motor 225 may be utilized and the gear train 251 omitted.
  • one agitator shaft 252 or more than two agitator shafts 252 may be utilized.
  • the gear train 251 may be formed as a belt or chain drive instead of a gear drive, but may still be referred to as a gear train 251.
  • the gear train 251 may serve to reduce or increase the speed of the agitator shafts 252 with respect to the motor 225, or the gear train 251 may provide no reduction or multiplication of the speed of the motor 225.
  • the stir chamber 200 may utilize the sensors 210 to compute the density of the sample within the internal cavity 230. More specifically, the density of the sample may be measured in different regions within the internal cavity 230. By measuring pressure at two or more locations within the internal cavity 230, these locations being separated by a vertical distance as illustrated by the longitudinal axis A-A, it is possible to compute the density of the sample between these two locations.
  • the sample is a liquid and the locations are submerged in the sample, it is possible to measure the pressure differential at these two locations and calculate the sample’s density in the region between these two locations.
  • the fluid may be a suspension and does not need to be perfectly homogeneous.
  • the internal cavity 230 is first emptied such that it is only filled with air. The signals from the sensors 210 are then zeroed such that the readings are corrected for any deviation. Air has negligible pressure differential over the distances between the sensors 210, so it can be assumed that the pressure differential should be zero.
  • the internal cavity is filled with a reference fluid such as water, with the fluid filling the internal cavity 230 such that it covers the first, second, and third sensing ports 241, 242, 243.
  • the reference fluid must have a known reference density.
  • the reference density of water may be arbitrarily assigned to be 1, or may be in any conventional unit system.
  • a pressure differential between any two locations is measured.
  • the pressure differential may be calculated by the controller 300 based on signals from sensors 210 in the first and second sensing ports 241, 242. Alternately, the first and third sensing ports 241, 243 or the second and third sensing ports 242, 243 may be utilized. The pressure differential between the two locations is then used as a reference differential pressure.
  • the signals from the sensors 210 are received by the controller 300.
  • the signals from the sensors 210 may be in the form of an analog voltage or current, or may be a digital signal.
  • the Attorney Docket No.24039/WO signals from the sensors 210 correspond to a parameter measured by the respective sensor 210.
  • the signals may vary with respect to time, and may represent a parameter such as pressure or some other parameter which is continuously changing based on the measured condition at the respective sensing port.
  • the internal cavity 230 is filled with a fluid of unknown density such as the agricultural sample. Once again, the two locations must be covered by the fluid of the sample. The pressure differential between the two locations is once again measured to determine a specimen differential pressure.
  • specimen density can be determined with reference to the reference density. Specimens being twice as dense as the reference fluid would have a specimen density of 2, while specimens having half the density of the reference fluid would have a specimen density of 0.5.
  • the density may be defined in terms of any accepted unit system. For instance, density may be defined in terms of grams per cubic centimeter, kilograms per cubic meter, pounds per cubic foot, or any other recognized unit system.
  • the internal volume and location of the sensing ports 241, 242, 243 can be utilized to calculate an expected pressure differential between two ports of a given reference fluid. This can, in turn, be used to compute a theoretical reference differential pressure that may be utilized to calculate the specimen density using the same equation as is used when an actual reference fluid is used. However, this suffers from some potential loss of accuracy due to variations in internal volume of the internal cavity 230, variations in the location of the sensors 210, and other variables. [0073] Furthermore, a method of determining the mass of the sample can be performed. If the geometry and volume of the internal cavity 230 are known, it is possible to determine the mass of liquid within the region between the two measured points.
  • the sample must have a level below the location of the first sensing port 241 with respect to the longitudinal axis A-A. If the sensor 210 at the first sensing port 241 measures a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, then the sample must have a level above the location of the first sensing port 241. In combination with the pressure and density information, a level between ports 240 can be extrapolated. If additional sensing accuracy is desired, additional sensing ports may be added or additional sensors 210 of different types may be utilized. [0075] In yet a further method, information regarding the density within regions of the internal cavity 230 may be used to measure the homogeneity of the sample.
  • the density of the sample can be measured in the first region R1 between the sensor 210 at the first sensing port 241 and the sensor 210 at the second sensing port 242. The density may also be measured in the second region R2 between the sensor 210 at the second sensing port 242 and the sensor 210 at the third sensing port 243. Finally, the density may be measured in the third region R3 between the sensor 210 at the first sensing port 241 and the sensor 210 at the third sensing port 243.
  • the density can be measured for the first and second regions R1, R2 and the third region R3 that overlaps both the first and second regions R1, R2. Adding additional sensors 210 at additional sensing ports will allow measurements in additional regions, further increasing the information regarding the homogeneity of the sample.
  • each of the first, second, and third regions R1, R2, R3 may have different densities. The difference between the densities of the first, second, and third regions R1, R2, R3, allows a quantitative analysis of the homogeneity of the sample within the internal cavity 230.
  • the agitator 250 may be activated in response to detecting a difference in density between two regions that exceeds a predetermined threshold.
  • the speed of the agitator shafts 252 may be controlled using proportional control or may be activated according to a series of predetermined thresholds, with each threshold corresponding to a difference in density. In other implementations, the speed may be controlled in any known means designed to improve homogeneity of the sample. Any number of regions may be created by any number of sensors 210 as desired. [0080] In other implementations, the sensors 210 need not be located in sensor ports as shown in the embodiment of Figs. 2-6. In other implementations such as that shown schematically in Fig. 7, the sensors 210 may measure pressure at different locations using tubes or probes.
  • Each tube of the sensors 210 terminates at a different location with respect to the longitudinal axis A-A to permit measurement at different heights just as with the embodiment of Figs. 2-6. Otherwise stated, the tube of each sensor 210 terminates at a first, second, or third sensing port 241, 242, 243.
  • a particle distribution within the sample is illustrated as having a different distribution with respect to position along the longitudinal axis A-A.
  • the use of an agitator 250 is optional. In some implementations, the agitator 250 may be omitted and density or fluid level measurements may be made without use of the agitator 250. In yet other implementations, the sample need not have suspended solids, but instead may be any fluid, either homogeneous or inhomogeneous.
  • a method for analyzing a sample 400 starts with step 410, providing a chamber 200 having an internal cavity 230.
  • the internal cavity 230 extends along a longitudinal axis from a bottom end 232 to a top end 231.
  • a first sensor 210 is fluidly coupled to the internal cavity 230 at a first location with respect to the longitudinal axis A-A.
  • a second sensor 210 is fluidly coupled to the internal cavity 230 at a second location with respect to the longitudinal axis A-A.
  • a third sensor 210 is fluidly coupled to the internal cavity 230 at a third location Attorney Docket No.24039/WO with respect to the longitudinal axis A-A.
  • FIGS.9-24 show an alternative embodiment of a slurry density measurement system.
  • the system generally includes a stirring device 500 generally similar to the stirring device with stir chamber 200 and agitator 250 operable to stir the slurry, as previously described herein. Reference is made to the prior description for details which is not repeated here in full for the sake of brevity. The following description of the present stirring device will focus on the differences in the two designs which are pertinent.
  • the stir chamber 502 of present stirring device 500 is configured differently in part for determining the density of the agricultural sample slurry in a different manner without use of pressure sensing ports 240 and related pressure sensing equipment.
  • the weight of the stir chamber is solely supported independently of other portions of the stirring device and related system by a load cell, such as without limitation a strain gauge 504 in one embodiment which is rigidly mounted to an available support structure.
  • a load cell such as without limitation a strain gauge 504 in one embodiment which is rigidly mounted to an available support structure.
  • this allows an accurate weight of the stir chamber 502 to be measured empty and when Attorney Docket No.24039/WO filled with slurry; the difference representing the weight of the volume of slurry in the chamber.
  • This information is used in conjunction with other measurements described below to determine the overall density of the slurry and water/solids ratio of the slurry.
  • present stirring device 500 generally comprises a vertically elongated partially hollow housing 510 which may include an upper housing section 511 and lower housing section 512.
  • Upper housing section 511 mounts and supports the agitator mechanism including agitator 250 driven by motor 225 and gear train 251, as previously described herein.
  • the agitator may include only a single rotatable agitator shaft 252 and blade 253 assembly which is supported from above by upper housing section 511 in an overhead suspended manner as shown. It bears noting that two shaft and blade assemblies may be used in alternative embodiments if necessary for adequate agitation of the slurry to keep solid in suspension depending on the nature of the slurry.
  • the agitator shaft is supported by the upper housing section of the stirring device independently of the stir chamber.
  • the agitator shaft 252 and blade 253 may be directly driven by the motor such that the gear train may be omitted.
  • the mode of agitation disclosed uses a single agitator shaft and blade assembly hanging down into the stir chamber 502 from upper housing section 511, other modes of agitating the slurry may be used in other embodiments, including for example but not limited to pneumatic agitation (bubbling air up into the internal cavity 530 of the stir chamber through the slurry), and recirculating the sample slurry through a separate pumped slurry flow loop.
  • Lower housing section 512 defines the stir chamber 502 which includes internal cavity 530 configured for holding a volume of coarsely filtered slurry (or filtrate) received from grinder 110.
  • Agitator shaft 252 and blade 253 assembly is positioned inside internal cavity 530, but not supported in any manner by the lower housing section 512.
  • Upper housing section 511 provides sole support for the agitator shaft and blade assembly which enters the open top end 531 of the stir chamber internal cavity.
  • Stir chamber 502 further includes a slurry inlet port 540 proximate to the top end of internal chamber 530 and a waste port 543 at the bottom or floor 530a of internal cavity 530.
  • the stir chamber 502 defined by lower housing section 512 may be mechanically isolated from the upper housing section 511 in one embodiment via an isolation air gap 506 formed therebetween.
  • An annular isolation air gap 508 may also be provided to also mechanically isolate Attorney Docket No.24039/WO the slurry inlet conduit 541 (e.g., section of piping or tubing) from the slurry inlet port 540 of the stir chamber. This prevents any support of the stir chamber by the slurry inlet conduit.
  • the inlet conduit may be rigid in construction and could otherwise adversely affect obtaining an accurate stir chamber weight measurement by strain gauge 504.
  • a slip joint may be used for the slurry inlet connection which incorporates the annular isolation air gap 508 as shown.
  • the slurry inlet conduit is supported independently from the stir chamber 502 via a separate mounting bracket 541a attached to an available support structure.
  • Lower housing section 512 includes a support bracket 505 configured to fixedly couple the lower housing section (i.e. stir chamber) to one end 504a of the strain gauge 504 in a cantilevered manner as shown.
  • Support bracket 505 may be mounted to one lateral side of the lower housing section.
  • the opposite end 504b of the strain gauge is fixedly coupled to an available support structure, which in one embodiment may be provided by a portion of bracket 507 rigidly coupled to upper housing section 511.
  • Other available support structures may be used to coupled end 504b of strain gauge configured 504 thereto which are not connected to the upper housing section.
  • the strain gauge 504 may have a horizontally elongated structure as shown in one embodiment.
  • any wires, flow conduits (tubing, piping, etc.) or other appurtenances that must still be connected to the sample chamber are preferably strain relieved nearby (i.e. self supported without reliance on the stir chamber for support) so that they cannot support or “push” or “pull” on the stir chamber system in any manner which could adversely affect accurate slurry weight/mass measurements by strain gauge 504.
  • strain gauge 504. An example of this is slurry inlet mounting bracket 541a previously described herein.
  • the load cell e.g., strain gauge 504
  • the load cell is used to measure the weight (mass) of the slurry inside the stir chamber by determining the differential weight between an empty stir chamber and then again when filled with slurry; the difference representing the weight of the slurry alone.
  • the volume of slurry must also be determined (density being a measure of the mass per unit volume of material).
  • a level sensor 515 may be provided to determine the volume of slurry in stir chamber 502. Any suitable commercially- available level sensor may be used.
  • Level sensor 515 may be a non-contact type level sensor in one embodiment such as a ultrasonic transducer or similar; however, other type level sensors including contact level sensors could be used if appropriate.
  • Sensor 515 may be mounted to upper housing section 511 and has a line of sight directly into internal cavity 530 of the stir chamber 502 through the open top end to of the chamber in order to detect a surface level of the slurry, which is correlated to the height of the column of slurry in the stir chamber via controller 300. Since the dimensions of the stir chamber internal cavity 530 are precisely known, the volume of slurry held therein at any given time can be readily determined as a function of the height of the column of slurry present.
  • a cleaning apparatus may be provided to physically engage and remove any fouling or deposits from the face of the level sensor which is exposed to the internal cavity and slurry therein.
  • the density of the slurry can be determined by dividing the total mass of slurry (weight) measured via strain gauge 504 by the volume of slurry determined via level sensor 515. In one embodiment, the density can be calculated automatically by programmable controller 300 shown in the modified system block diagram of FIG. 9.
  • Strain gauge 504 and level sensor 515 are operably and communicably linked to controller 300, which is programmed with the appropriate Attorney Docket No.24039/WO program instructions (e.g., control logic) to calculate the density of the slurry based on the measured weight (mass) and calculated volume of the slurry based on slurry level measurement.
  • a method for automatically determining density of the agricultural sample slurry via controller 300 may comprise the following steps implemented by the controller. [0099] First, the controller 300 measures the weight of the stir chamber 502 in an empty condition any time before the start of a sample slurry processing run without slurry present in the chamber. This provides a first empty stir chamber weight.
  • the controller next calculates/determines the actual weight of the slurry by comparing and subtracting the empty stir chamber weight from the filled stir chamber weight. This represents the mass of slurry present in the stir chamber. It bears noting that the mass of slurry added to the stir chamber 502 may initially be unknown.
  • the weight of the slurry is determined by controller 300 based on the actual volume of slurry present in the stir chamber 502.
  • Controller 300 also automatically determines the volume of sample slurry present in stir chamber 502 via level sensor 515, either before, after, or simultaneously with the step of determining the mass (weight) of the slurry.
  • Level sensor 515 is activated by the controller to measure the level of the slurry in stir chamber 502.
  • Controller 300 has been preprogrammed with data related to the volume of slurry present in stir chamber internal cavity 530 as a function of the height of the slurry column represented by the slurry level measurement, such as via a lookup table or appropriate equation.
  • the controller executes a routine to readily correlate the level of the slurry measured in real-time (via detecting the top surface of the slurry) to a corresponding representative volume of slurry present based on the height of the slurry column detected. It is well within the ambit of those skilled in the art to Attorney Docket No.24039/WO program the controller with the appropriate data and software instructions to make the correlation between measured slurry surface level and volume.
  • controller 300 calculates the overall density of the slurry based on the slurry weight/mass and slurry level measurements obtained by the strain gauge and level of the entire slurry sample in stir chamber 502. This recognizes that the slurry is not an ideally homogenous mixture, so that measuring the entire slurry sample averages out areas of lower or higher density in the slurry mass. It bears noting that the slurry weight and level measurements are preferably performed when the agitator 250 is not in operation so that the slurry is in a still and stable condition. This is desirable to ensure that accuracy for the slurry level detection and the weight/mass measurements.
  • stirring device 500 further includes a spectrometer 550 to determine the water/solids ratio of the agricultural sample slurry.
  • Spectrometer 550 is operably coupled to programmable controller 300 as shown in FIG. 9.
  • the spectrometer may be mounted proximate to the bottom end of stir chamber 502, and in one non-limiting embodiment as illustrated may be mounted on the underside the chamber to maximize the spectrometer’s exposure to heavier-than-water particles in the sample slurry, which tend to settle to the bottom of the chamber.
  • Spectrometer 550 comprises a lens 551 fluidly sealed to stir chamber 502 to give the spectrometer a line of sight directed upwards into internal cavity 530 of the stir chamber.
  • the spectrometer 550 is configured and operable to measure reflectivity of the sample slurry in the stir chamber. More particularly, spectrometer 550 in one aspect is operable for measuring particle density (grams per milliliter) of the solids in the slurry. Based on the reflectivity measurement of the sample solids in stir chamber 502, physical properties of the sample material can be determined, including the density of the solids (particles) in suspension in the sample slurry.
  • controller 300 may be programmed to automatically calculate the water/solids ratio.
  • the soil particle density can be predicted and correlated to the reflectivity measurements of the sample via experimental methods, which is well within the ambit of those skilled in the art. This information can form the basis for programming controller 300 to make the correlation between reflectivity and particle density automatically.
  • the current actual ratio of water mass to sample solids (particles) mass in the sample slurry can further be determined by controller 300 based on the reflectivity readings. Based on the real-time or actual current ratio, the controller 300 will automatically adjust the sample slurry in stir chamber 502 as needed until the desired target water/solids ratio has been reached which is optimized for analysis of the sample in the chemical/property analysis unit 140 of the system (see, e.g., FIG. 9).
  • One non-limiting embodiment of the process implemented by controller 300 to achieve the desired target water/solids ratio (i.e. mass ratio) based on reflectivity measurements collected by spectrometer 550 may include but is not limited to the following control steps. Step (1): Determining a real-time or actual current water/solids ratio based on reflectivity measurements of the sample recorded by spectrometer 550. Step (2) Comparing the actual water/solids ratio to a preprogrammed target water/solids ratio for the sample slurry.
  • Step (3) Adjusting the actual water/solids ratio to meet the target water/solids ratio. For example, if the actual water/solids ratio is less than the target water/solids ratio, controller 300 adds water to the stir chamber 502 (via slurry inlet port 540, a separate water inlet port, or a slurry recirculation inlet port) and repeating steps (1) and (2) one or more times until the controller 300 determines that the target water/solids ratio in the sample slurry is met. For example, the controller will initiate a process to add water to stir chamber 502 if the actual current water/solids ratio is less than the target ratio (i.e. more dilution water is needed in the slurry).
  • controller 300 may briefly open isolation valve 525 to add an additional amount of slurry from grinder 110 into stir chamber 502. Steps (1) and (2) are again repeated as needed until the target ratio is met.
  • a predetermined +/- variance in the target water/solids ratio may be programmed into controller 300 in some embodiments when permissible so that a measured actual water/solids ratio may be considered to meet the target water/solids ratio for purposes of the sample analysis if not Attorney Docket No.24039/WO greater or less than a programmed tolerance percentage.
  • an acceptable target range of water/solids ratio may be used by the controller in some embodiments in lieu of a single absolute value for the target ratio.
  • the pump 120 which takes suction for stir chamber 502 to transfer slurry to the analysis unit 140 may also be used to recirculate a portion of the sample slurry via recirculation line 120a along with adding water to the recirculated slurry from an external water source (see, e.g., FIG. 9) as the means to adjust (i.e. decrease) the water/solids ratio of the sample slurry in stir chamber 502.
  • the spectrometer 550 may also be used to identify other properties of the sample, including but not limited to soil structure (e.g., sand content), color profile, and organic matter content. By monitoring the reflectance of the sample at various levels of agitation, properties of fractions of the sample can also be measured (e.g., stop agitating the sample and let heavy particles settle downward onto the lens 551 of the spectrometer). [0111] Once the desired target mass ratio of water to solids for the slurry has been reached, the sample slurry is ready for chemical analysis.
  • Stirring device 500 includes a vertically-extending filtrate suction tube 521 through which pump 120 (a slurry pump in one embodiment) can extract slurry from the internal cavity 530 of stir chamber 502 via one or more filtrate outlet ports 520.
  • pump 120 a slurry pump in one embodiment
  • plural outlet ports may be provided which are fluidly coupled to the vertical suction tube 521 via a branched flow manifold 521a as shown.
  • the use of multiple smaller filtrate outlet ports allows several samples to be drawn simultaneously from stir chamber 502 for different portions of the analysis unit to test for different analytes at the same time in parallel.
  • a single larger filtrate outlet port may be used instead.
  • the filtrate outlet ports 520 may be disposed in the upper housing section 511 of the stirring device and may extend laterally through the upper housing section (see, e.g., FIGS.22-23) as shown.
  • the filtrate suction tube 521 is suspended from the upper housing section 511 such that the weight of the tube is preferably supported solely by the upper housing section alone. This support configuration does not add to weight of the stir chamber when weighting the slurry via strain gauge 504, as described elsewhere herein.
  • the filtrate outlet ports 520 could instead be disposed in the sidewall of the lower housing section 512 (stir chamber 502) such that the filtrate suction tube 521 would then be supported by the stir chamber and its weight taken into account when weighing the slurry.
  • the filtration feature may comprise a slurry secondary filter 522 (grinder 110 acting as the primary filter for large particle separation). Filter 522 is disposed upstream of pump 120 in the slurry flow circuit shown in FIG. 9.
  • the filter 522 may be disposed inside stir chamber 502, and may be coupled to the filtrate suction tube 521 inside the internal cavity 530 of the stir chamber.
  • filter 522 may be coupled to the bottom inlet end of suction tube 521 which hangs down from above into stir chamber internal cavity 530 and is suspended above the bottom of the cavity (see, e.g., FIG. 22).
  • filter 522 may be a mesh filter comprising a mesh screen having a plurality of mesh openings sized to prevent solid particles exceeding a predetermined maximum size from being drawn into the filtrate suction tube 521 and passing downstream.
  • the size of the screen openings of such a filter are sized in proportion to the smallest flow passage of the analysis equipment of analysis unit 140 to not pass particles exceeding the smallest flow passage size (e.g., diameter).
  • the separation feature comprises limiting the rotational speed of the agitator 250 so that the heaviest (largest) particles in the sample slurry are not lifted high enough in the slurry column to be drawn toward and onto the secondary filter 522, which is located and suspended by a vertical distance above the floor or bottom of the stir chamber in internal cavity 530. This could otherwise result in frequent plugging of the small mesh screen openings of the filter.
  • agitator 250 has a maximum rotational speed selected to keep sample solids large particles at the bottom of the stir chamber 502, which prevents the large particles from being drawn to the secondary filter 522.
  • the agitator is configured and operable to stir the slurry via the blade 253 at a maximum speed selected so that at Attorney Docket No.24039/WO least some larger particles drop out of suspension from the slurry and collect at a bottom of the internal cavity 530 of the stir chamber.
  • the bottom or floor 530a of stir chamber internal cavity 530 may be sloped from side to side such that the portion of the floor beneath the filter may be lower than the portion of the floor beneath the agitator blade 253 (see, e.g., FIG. 21).
  • This deeper portion of stir chamber internal cavity 530 beneath the filtrate suction tube 521 and filter 522 forms a recess or pocket in which larger particles can settle out of suspension and collect without being drawn upwards towards the filter 522.
  • waste port 543 may be coupled to this deeper portion of the stir chamber internal cavity 530 beneath the filter 522 to more effectively flush residual solids out with water between slurry processing runs.
  • a vacuum sensor 523 may be disposed upstream of pump 120 between secondary filter 522 and the pump to allow for the detection of a clogged secondary filter screen.
  • vacuum sensor 523 may be fluidly coupled to and disposed on the filtrate suction tube 521 on the downstream filtrate side of secondary filter 522.
  • the vacuum sensor may be operable coupled to programmable controller 300 to provide automatic detection of a plugged/clogged filter 522 by the controller. The controller may then terminate slurry extraction from stir chamber 502 by stopping operation of pump 120 until the clogged filter can be cleaned.
  • vacuum sensor 523 may be fluidly coupled to the flow conduit 120b between pump 120 and stir chamber 502 (reference FIG. 9).
  • pump 120 may be omitted altogether and the slurry filtrate may flow via gravity from stir chamber 502 to analysis unit 140 for processing and analysis for various analytes or other relevant properties of the agricultural sample.
  • Level Sensor In-Situ Cleaning Apparatus As previously described herein, the accuracy and repeatability of the volume measurements via level sensor 515 is dependent on the cleanliness of the sensor.
  • a mechanical sensor cleaning apparatus may be provided to physically clean the sensor via sliding contact in one embodiment.
  • cleaning apparatus 600 may be supported by the upper housing section 511 of the device. More particularly, the cleaning apparatus may be mounted in the upper housing section on one lateral side of the level sensor 515 and sensor cavity 515a. The active cleaning part of the cleaning apparatus 600 enters the sensor cavity to access the downward facing exposed face 515b of the sensor located inside cavity 515a for cleaning.
  • Cavity 515a is in open communication with the internal cavity 530 of the lower housing section 512 and provides the line of sight from the sensor directly into the internal cavity in the manner previously described herein.
  • the cleaning apparatus 600 generally includes a movable cleaning head 603 including one or more cleaning elements 604 thereon configured to slideably engage and wipe across the face 515b of the level sensor 515 to remove debris therefrom, and a linear actuator 601 coupled to the head via an operating rod 602 of the actuator to impart motion thereto.
  • Cleaning head 603 is coupled to one end of the operating rod 602 of actuator 601 as shown.
  • Actuator 601 may be a suitable commercially-available electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic linear actuator.
  • a pneumatic actuator may be used as illustrated comprising a pair of air fittings 601a to actuate and translate the internal piston (not shown), which is coupled to the operating rod, in opposing linear directions.
  • the operating rod 602 and head 603 thereon are movably inserted inside a horizontally-extending through passage 615 in the upper housing section 511 which communicates with the sensor cavity 515a in upper housing section 511 of the stirring device 500 (best shown in FIG. 31).
  • the pneumatic linear actuator is fluidly coupled via both fittings 601a to a source of pressurized air in the case of an air to extend/ air to retract operating rod design as illustrated.
  • the actuator may be an air to extend/spring to retract the operating rod design in which case only a single air fitting is needed. Both designs are commercially-available and well known in the art.
  • the actuator 601 is configured and operable to move the cleaning head 603 between: a projected position in which the one or more cleaning elements slideably engage and move across the face of the level sensor with a wiping action to remove slurry fouling and deposits therefrom Attorney Docket No.24039/WO (see, e.g., FIGS. 35-36); and a retracted position in which the cleaning head is withdrawn from engagement with the level sensor (see, e.g., FIGS.37-38).
  • a projected position in which the one or more cleaning elements slideably engage and move across the face of the level sensor with a wiping action to remove slurry fouling and deposits therefrom Attorney Docket No.24039/WO (see, e.g., FIGS. 35-36); and a retracted position in which the cleaning head is withdrawn from engagement with the level sensor (see, e.g., FIGS.37-38).
  • the projected position cleaning head 603 leaves through passage 615 in upper housing section 511 and enters sensor cavity 5
  • the actuator 601 moves the cleaning head in a linear motion between the projected and retracted positions.
  • the actuator 601 may have an elongated body and may be mounted on one lateral side of the stirring device upper housing section 511. The actuator projects laterally outwards therefrom in a cantilevered manner as shown.
  • Actuator 601 may include a mounting flange 610 which is inserted into a complementary configured mounting recess 611 formed in the upper housing section. Threaded fasteners (not shown) insertable through the flange may be used to detachably couple the actuator to the upper housing section. Other means of detachably mounting the actuator to the upper housing section may be used.
  • Actuator 601 defines a horizontal actuation axis AA which is coaxial with the operating rod of the actuator.
  • the level sensor 515 is mounted on a top of the upper housing section 511.
  • the level sensor comprises an elongated body defining a vertical sensor axis SA.
  • the body is collectively formed by a cylindrical probe portion 515c inserted in a complementary configured vertically-extending passage 515e formed through upper housing section 511, and an electronics housing 515d coupled to the probe portion which contains the control circuitry configured to detect the surface and concomitantly the level of sample slurry in the internal cavity 530 of lower housing section 512 of the stirring device 500.
  • Passage 515e opens into and communicates with the sensor cavity 515a in the upper housing section 511. The ultrasonic sound wave signals are emitted from and the reflected signals returned from the surface of the slurry are received by the probe portion.
  • the bottom of the sensor cylindrical portion defines sensor face 515b which is positioned in sensor cavity 515a and faces downwards towards internal cavity 530 of the lower housing section 512 of the stirring device 500.
  • the line of sight of the level sensor 515 for obtaining slurry level measurements is vertically downwards from the sensor cavity into the internal cavity 530 of the lower housing section 512.
  • Sensor face 515b may be flat in one embodiment, which is typical Attorney Docket No.24039/WO for ultrasonic type sensors. However, other shapes and profile may be used in other embodiments which can be effectively cleaned with the cleaning apparatus 600.
  • the cleaning head 603 of the cleaning apparatus 600 travels in a linear motion and path along an actuation axis AA of the cleaning apparatus defined by linear actuator 601.
  • Cleaning elements 604 are fixedly coupled to the cleaning head 603 of the cleaning apparatus.
  • the cleaning elements are preferably flexible and bendable in structure for effective wiping action across the face 515b of the level sensor. Any suitable number, arrangement, and shape of cleaning elements may be used.
  • one or more cleaning elements 604 which may be used to engage and wipe the face of level sensor 515 include without limitation a brush, resiliently deformable elastomeric protrusions, a sponge, and various combinations thereof as some non-limiting examples.
  • the brush form if used includes a plurality of bristles formed of natural or synthetic materials (e.g., polymeric) which project outwardly/radially from cleaning head 603.
  • Elastomeric protrusions if used for the cleaning elements 604 may take on a variety of different shapes including outwardly extending fingers, flat tabs, an array of axially spaced apart disks, a combination thereof, or other suitable shapes and combinations.
  • axially spaced disks are formed by a screw thread shaped cleaning element which may be injected molded as a monolithic unitary body that combines and defines both the head and cleaning elements as a one-piece construction.
  • Sponge materials if used for cleaning elements 604 may have any suitable shape (e.g., cylindrical or other) and can be formed of resiliently deformable natural or synthetic materials (e.g., polymeric).
  • cleaning apparatus 600 may be activated in one embodiment to clean the face 515b of the sensor before taking a slurry level measurement obtained by activating the level sensor 515 in the manner previously described herein. This ensures an accurate level measurement.
  • sample slurry e.g., soil or other
  • Actuator 601 is activated to extend the operating rod 602 and linearly translate the Attorney Docket No.24039/WO cleaning head 603 in a first axial direction (along actuator axis AA) from the retracted position to the projected position.
  • the head enters sensor cavity 515a so that the one or more cleaning elements 604 engage the face 515b of level sensor 515.
  • the head is located with respect to the sensor face 515b so that the cleaning element(s) 604 apply pressure against the sensor face via a forceful wiping action in which the cleaning elements bend and deform slightly as move across and they slideably engage the sensor face. This dislodges and removes any slurry deposits, fouling, and/or other debris from the sensor face which is wiped clean.
  • the actuator then retracts the operating rod 602 in an opposite second axial direction (along actuator axis AA) to withdraw the cleaning head 603 from the sensor face 515b and sensor cavity 515a.
  • the actuator moves the operating rod and cleaning head thereon in a direction transverse and perpendicular to the sensor axis SA.
  • the foregoing process may be repeated successively and rapidly several times during a single sensor cleaning cycle in some embodiment to ensure the sensor face 515b is as clean as possible.
  • an accurate slurry level measurement may be obtained by activating the sensor.
  • the above steps may be repeated for each new batch of sample slurry which is processed in the stirring device 500.
  • the cleaning head 603 may be used to proactively shield the sensor during periods when the slurry is agitated and most likely to splash and foul the level sensor 515 when a slurry level measurement is not being taken by the sensor. Those periods of time include when slurry is first transferred to and added to the internal cavity 530 of the stirring device 500 for stirring, and during the active step of stirring the slurry via rotating agitator 250. When a slurry level measurement is not being taken therefore, the cleaning head 603 may be left in the projected position at all times thereby covering the bottom of the level sensor 515 to block any slurry being splashed (or other contaminants) from reaching and contacting sensor.
  • level sensor 515 is described herein and depicted as an ultrasonic level sensor, other types of non-contact level sensors such as radar and optical may be used in some embodiments to detect the level of the sample slurry in the internal cavity 530 of the stirring device Attorney Docket No.24039/WO 500.
  • the cleaning apparatus 600 disclosed herein is usable with these alternative types of sensors in the same manner described herein for cleaning an exposed face of the sensors.
  • the agricultural sample slurry preparation system including stirring device 500, grinder- filter apparatus 110 and waste collection system including waste collection apparatus 160 disclosed herein is usable with and may form part of an overall agricultural sampling and analysis systems, such as but not limited to those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0124992A1, PCT Publication Nos.
  • 63/676226 filed 26-Jul-2024, 63/552730, filed 13-Feb-2024, 63/559305, filed 29-Feb-2024, 63/559308, filed 29-Feb-2024, 63/559316, filed 29-Feb-2024, 63/665406, filed 28-Jun-2024, 63/669007, filed 09-Jul-2024, 63/675398, filed 25-Jul-2024, 63/675875, filed 26-Jul-2024, 63/675919, filed 26-Jul-2024, 63/676087, filed 26-Jul-2024, 63/676426, filed 28-Jul-2024, 63/679437, filed 05-Aug-2024, and PCT Application Nos.
  • PCT/IB2024/051283 filed 12-Feb- 2024, PCT/IB2024/051820, filed 26-Feb-2024, PCT/IB2024/058213 , filed 23-Aug-2024, PCT/IB2024/058336, filed 28-Aug-2024, PCT/IB2024/058337, filed 28-Aug-2024, PCT/IB2024/058338, filed 28-Aug-2024, PCT/IB2024/059313, filed 25-Sep-2024, PCT/IB2024/059314, filed 25-Sep-2024, PCT/IB2024/059315, filed 25-Sep-2024, PCT/IB2024/059316, filed 25-Sep-2024.
  • Example 1 a device for processing an agricultural sample slurry, the device comprising: a chamber comprising an upper housing section and a lower housing section defining an internal cavity configured to receive the agricultural sample slurry; a level sensor disposed in the upper housing section, the level sensor being a non-contact type level sensor having an exposed face with a line of sight into the internal cavity; the level sensor being configured and operable to detect a level of the sample slurry in the internal cavity; a sensor cleaning apparatus supported by the upper housing section, the sensor cleaning apparatus comprising: a movable cleaning head including one or more cleaning elements configured to slideably engage the face of the level sensor; and an actuator coupled to the head; wherein the actuator is configured and operable to move the cleaning head between a projected position in which the one or more cleaning elements slideably wipe across the face of the level sensor, and a retracted position in which the cleaning head is withdrawn from the level sensor.
  • Example 2 the device according to Example 1, wherein the actuator is a linear actuator configured to move the cleaning head in a linear motion between the projected and retracted positions.
  • Example 3 the device according to Example 2, wherein level sensor defines a sensor axis, and the linear motion of the cleaning head travels in a path along an actuation axis of the cleaning apparatus which is transverse to the sensor axis.
  • Example 4 the device according to Example 3, wherein the actuator is mounted on a lateral side of the upper housing section and the level sensor is mounted on a top of the upper housing section.
  • Example 5 the device according to any one of Examples 1-4, wherein the line of sight of the level sensor is vertically downwards into the internal cavity of the lower housing section.
  • Example 6 the device according to Example 5, wherein the face of the sensor is located in a downwardly open sensor cavity recessed into a bottom of the upper housing section, the sensor cavity and face of the sensor being in communication with the internal cavity of the lower housing section.
  • Example 7 the device according to Example 6, wherein the level sensor comprises a cylindrical probe portion inserted in a complementary configured vertically-extending passage Attorney Docket No.24039/WO formed vertically through the upper housing section, the passage being in communication with the sensor cavity.
  • Example 8 the device according to Example 6, wherein the cleaning head is retractable into and projectible outwards from a horizontally-extending through passage formed in the upper housing section which is in communication with the sensor cavity.
  • Example 9 the device according to Example 8, wherein the cleaning head is coupled to one end of an operating rod of the actuator which extends into the through passage.
  • Example 10 the device according to Example 2, wherein the actuator is a linear pneumatic actuator fluidly coupled to a source of pressurized air.
  • Example 11 the device according to any one of Examples 1-10, wherein the cleaning elements are selected from the group consisting of a brush, elastomeric protrusions, a sponge, and combinations thereof.
  • Example 12 the device according to Example 11, wherein the elastomeric protrusions comprise an array of axially spaced apart disks on the cleaning head.
  • Example 13 the device according to Example 3, wherein the actuator is configured and operable to reciprocate the cleaning head back and forth across the face of the level sensor multiple times in succession between the retracted and projected positions to clean the sensor.
  • Example 14 - the device according to any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the lower housing section comprises a slurry inlet port in fluid communication with the internal cavity, and at least one slurry outlet port.
  • Example 15 the device according to Example 14, further comprising a vertically- extending filtrate suction tube having a first end coupled to the at least one slurry outlet port, and a second end coupled to a filter disposes in the internal cavity.
  • Example 16 the device according to any one of Examples 1-15, further comprising an agitator including a vertically-extending and rotatable agitator shaft with a blade disposed in the internal cavity of the lower housing section, and a motor operably coupled to the agitator shaft, wherein the agitator is configured and operable to stir the sample slurry in the internal cavity.
  • Example 17 the device according to Example 16, wherein the motor and agitator shaft are supported by the upper housing section of the stirring device.
  • Example 18 the device according to any one of Examples 1-17, wherein the level sensor is a ultrasonic level sensor.
  • Example 19 a method for processing an agricultural sample slurry, the method comprising: providing a stirring device comprising a housing defining an internal cavity configured to receive the agricultural sample slurry, an agitator configured to stir the sample slurry in the internal cavity, and a level sensor configured and operable to detect a level of the sample slurry in the internal cavity; moving a cleaning head of a sensor cleaning apparatus from a retracted position withdrawn from the internal cavity to a projected position in which the cleaning head enters the internal cavity and is positioned beneath the level sensor in contact therewith; adding the sample slurry to the internal cavity; rotating the agitator to stir the sample slurry; cease rotating the agitator; moving the cleaning head back to the retracted position; and measuring a level of sample slurry.
  • a stirring device comprising a housing defining an internal cavity configured to receive the agricultural sample slurry, an agitator configured to stir the sample slurry in the internal cavity, and a level sensor configured and operable to detect a level of the sample s
  • Example 20 the method according to Example 19, wherein the cleaning head comprises a plurality of resiliently deformable cleaning elements which apply a wiping action across a face of the level sensor when the cleaning head is moved between the retracted and projected positions.
  • Example 21 the method according to Example 20, wherein the cleaning elements are selected from the group consisting of a brush, elastomeric protrusions, a sponge, and combinations thereof.
  • Example 22 the method according to Example 21, wherein the cleaning elements are elastomeric protrusions comprising an array of axially spaced apart disks on the cleaning head.
  • Example 23 the method according to Example 20, wherein the cleaning head is coupled to one end of an operating rod of an actuator operable to move the cleaning head in a linear motion between the projected and retracted positions.
  • Example 24 the method according to Example 23, wherein the actuator is configured and operable to reciprocate the cleaning head back and forth across the face of the level sensor multiple times in succession between the retracted and projected positions to clean the sensor.
  • Example 25 the method according to Example 23, wherein level sensor defines a sensor axis, and the linear motion of the cleaning head travels in a path along an actuation axis of the cleaning apparatus which is transverse to the sensor axis.
  • Example 26 the method according to any one of Examples 20-25, wherein cleaning apparatus and level sensor are mounted in an upper section of the housing, the level sensor having a line of sight vertically downwards into the internal cavity of the housing.
  • Attorney Docket No.24039/WO [0162]
  • Example 27 the method according to Example 26, wherein the actuator is mounted on a lateral side of the upper section of the housing and the level sensor is mounted on a top of the upper housing section.
  • Example 28 the method according to Example 27, wherein the face of the sensor is located in a downwardly open sensor cavity recessed into a bottom of the upper housing section, the sensor cavity and face of the sensor being in communication with the internal cavity of the lower housing section.
  • Example 29 the method according to Example 28, wherein the level sensor comprises a cylindrical probe portion inserted in a complementary configured vertically-extending passage formed vertically through upper housing section, the passage being in communication with the sensor cavity.
  • Example 30 the method according to Examples 28 or 29, wherein the cleaning head is retractable into and projectible outwards from a horizontally-extending through passage formed in the upper housing section which is in communication with the sensor cavity.
  • Example 31 the method according to any one of Examples 19-30, wherein the housing comprises a slurry inlet port in fluid communication with the internal cavity, and at least one slurry outlet port.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de traitement d'une suspension d'échantillon agricole comprenant un boîtier définissant une cavité interne configurée pour recevoir une suspension d'échantillon agricole et un capteur de niveau supporté par le boîtier. Le capteur peut être un capteur de niveau de type sans contact ayant une face exposée et une ligne de visée dans la cavité interne pour obtenir des mesures de niveau de suspension. Un appareil de nettoyage de capteur comprend une tête de nettoyage sélectivement mobile comprenant un ou plusieurs éléments de nettoyage conçus pour venir en prise de manière coulissante et essuyer la face du capteur de niveau pour éliminer l'encrassement et les débris de la suspension, ce qui permet d'assurer des mesures précises de niveau de suspension. Un actionneur de l'appareil déplace la tête de nettoyage entre des positions projetée et rétractée pendant l'opération de nettoyage de capteur. Dans un mode de réalisation, le capteur est un capteur de niveau ultrasonore. Le dispositif peut être un appareil d'agitation/mélange de suspension doté d'un agitateur rotatif.
PCT/IB2025/051177 2024-02-29 2025-02-04 Système pour analyse de suspension d'échantillon agricole et procédés associés Pending WO2025181592A1 (fr)

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