Device for measuring solid material level in container in non-direct contact mode

Abstract

The invention discloses a device for measuring the solid material level in a container in a non-direct contact manner, which is arranged on a tank body of a sand collecting tank and comprises a series of temperature probes, signal transmission lines, a main transmitter, a main signal transmission line and a main monitor, and the signal transmission lines, the main transmitter, the main signal transmission line and the main monitor are respectively arranged corresponding to the different temperature probes. The device is suitable for detecting and transmitting material level signals of solid sand in the sand collecting tank after separation and collection at the seabed, the purposes of online detection and control are achieved, the sand level including the liquid level in the container sand collecting tank or the sand storage tank can be effectively detected in real time, and it is ensured that the sand removing operation can be normally carried out. The system has the advantages of no environmental pollution, high monitoring efficiency and strong anti-interference capability, and provides important technical support for long-period seabed oil and gas exploitation, especially deep sea and open sea oil and gas exploitation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fossil energy mining and transportation processing device and equipment, in particular to a device for measuring the solid material level in a container, which is applied to the fields of submarine oil and gas field mining technology and detection device technology. Background Art

[0002] In addition to onshore oil and gas fields, oil and gas production also involves numerous offshore fields. With the continuous advancement of exploration technology, oil and gas fields are gradually expanding from shallow waters to deep seas. During oil and gas production, rock dust, which appears as sediment and sand, is separated from the formations by a desander and temporarily collected in a sand collection tank. Since the amount of sediment produced varies depending on factors such as the structural composition and characteristics of the formation, as well as the amount of oil and gas produced, clear monitoring of the sediment volume or solids level in the sand collection tank is necessary to ensure that operators or automated sand removal programs can initiate sand removal operations at the appropriate time. However, there is currently no effective method for measuring the level of solid particles within a container, particularly for measuring the solids level of solid-liquid mixtures within high-pressure vessels.

[0003] The methods currently used include the following:

[0004] 1. Using radioactive radiation (i.e., active nuclear level gauges), the level of solid material within the container is inferred based on the different absorption rates of radiation passing through different media (solids and liquids). This results in different radiation intensities on the target plate behind the instrument. However, this method is expensive, unsafe, and can cause radioactive contamination, including damage to surrounding marine life.

[0005] 2. The principle of passive nuclear level meter is based on the radioactive properties of the material being measured. In addition, the radiation generated by the material itself is sufficient to be detected or interacts with the radiation generated by the environment, without relying on external radiation sources. Its core mechanism is as follows:

[0006] When materials contain naturally occurring radioactive isotopes (such as uranium, thorium, and potassium-40), they spontaneously emit gamma rays or neutrons. Passive level meters infer material levels by detecting changes in the intensity distribution of these radiations. However, the proportions and characteristics of radioactive impurities in solid particles from different oil and gas fields and rock formations vary significantly and irregularly, making it impossible to predict the radioactivity of solid sand particles at any given moment. Furthermore, in most cases, solid sand particles are not radioactive.

[0007] 3. Utilizing the tuning fork principle, a piezoelectric crystal is used to oscillate the fork at its natural frequency, continuously monitoring changes in frequency. Depending on the solid or liquid medium in which the tuning fork is immersed, different frequencies are generated. However, high-pressure operating conditions cause the natural frequency of the tuning fork to change, and currently, no suitable materials have been developed for use in high-pressure environments, let alone submarine applications.

[0008] 4. Infrared ray sensing can be used in the air, but it cannot be used on the seabed or in water because the tiny energy of infrared rays is absorbed by water.

[0009] 5. Using ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic level meter determines the distance of the object by sending ultrasonic pulses and measuring their return time. Its working principle can be divided into the following steps:

[0010] 1) Sending ultrasonic pulses: The level meter generates ultrasonic pulse signals through the transmitter; these pulses propagate in the medium, such as air, liquid or solid;

[0011] 2) Ultrasonic propagation and reflection: When an ultrasonic pulse encounters an object or liquid surface boundary during propagation, part of the ultrasonic wave will be reflected back to the sensor;

[0012] 3) Receive reflected signal: The receiver of the level meter receives the reflected ultrasonic signal and converts the detected signal into an electrical signal;

[0013] 4) Calculate the measured value: By measuring the time interval from the emission to the reception of the ultrasonic wave, the distance to the measured object or liquid level can be accurately calculated.

[0014] Ultrasonic level meters operate based on the fact that sound waves propagate at different speeds in different media, enabling accurate measurement in a wide range of environments. However, because the ion composition and concentration of produced water from oil and gas fields can vary over time, it's impossible to guarantee that the equipment will remain consistent from the start of use. This makes it difficult to accurately measure the height of solids in the water. This is especially true for small containers used in subsea production, where the sand level within them is not fixed horizontally. Solids vary in consistency, particle size, and angle of repose. High-frequency radar level meters (primarily 26GHz and 24GHz) can only measure liquid or solid levels. Radar wave reflection primarily results from diffuse reflection from the material surface. The intensity of diffuse reflection is directly proportional to particle size and inversely proportional to wavelength. For the same material, a shorter wavelength results in a more reflective reflection, resulting in a better radar echo signal. However, the solids in this case are contained in a liquid, making them impractical for harsh field environments. Over time, dirt and water vapor accumulate on the radar antenna, making them impractical for use in environments with high temperatures. Summary of the Invention

[0015] In order to solve the problems of the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a device for measuring the level of solid materials in a container using non-direct contact. After sand removal, separation of sediment and collection of solid sand in submarine oil and gas production, the material level signal of the solid sand in the sand collecting tank is detected and transmitted to achieve the purpose of online detection and control. The present invention can effectively detect the sand level, including the liquid level, in the container sand collecting tank or sand storage tank in real time, grasp the material level situation in real time, intervene in time when the material level is abnormal, and ensure that the sand removal operation can proceed normally. The present invention has the characteristics of no pollution to the environment, high monitoring efficiency, and strong anti-interference ability, providing important technical guarantees for long-term submarine oil and gas production.

[0016] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object of the invention, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0017] A device for measuring the level of solid material in a container using a non-contact method is installed on the outer wall of a sand collecting tank. The device includes a series of temperature probes, signal transmission lines respectively provided for different temperature probes, a main transmitter, a main signal transmission line and a main monitor.

[0018] Along the height direction of the sand collecting tank, a group of temperature probes are arranged and installed on the outer wall of the sand collecting tank with a probe spacing of 6-100mm, so that each temperature probe is in close contact with the outer wall of the container; the signal sensed by the temperature probe is transmitted to the main transmitter through the corresponding signal transmission line, and the main transmitter transmits the output signal to the main monitor through the main signal transmission line;

[0019] During normal production or normal use, when the sand collecting tank is mainly composed of solid and liquid phases, the main monitor calculates the temperature measurement values at different heights on the outer wall of the sand collecting tank after receiving the input signal; then compares the temperature measurement values at different measurement points, finds the two adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference in the height direction of the outer wall of the container, and uses the installation position range of the two adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference on the container wall as the range of the liquid-solid interface position in the sand collecting tank, thereby obtaining the sand level in the sand collecting tank. The device of the present invention can effectively detect and grasp the material level in the container in real time, ensuring that the sand removal operation can be carried out normally and orderly, and ensuring the stability and continuity of the sand removal process.

[0020] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the above-mentioned set of temperature probes includes at least 4.

[0021] As a further preferred technical solution of the present invention, the above-mentioned set of temperature probes includes at least 5.

[0022] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the above-mentioned group of temperature probes includes n temperature probes, namely, a first temperature probe, a second temperature probe, a third temperature probe, a fourth temperature probe...an nth temperature probe; the signal transmission line connected to each temperature probe corresponds to the first signal transmission line, the second signal transmission line, the third signal transmission line, the fourth signal transmission line...an nth signal transmission line.

[0023] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, when there is a gas phase in addition to the solid and liquid phases in the sand collecting tank, that is, when gas-liquid-solid three phases coexist, the temperature measurement values of different measuring points are compared, and two groups of adjacent temperature measuring points with a larger temperature difference in the height direction of the outer wall of the container are found. The positions of the two groups of temperature measuring points are compared, and the range between the first group of temperature measuring points at a lower height is the range of the liquid-solid interface position in the sand collecting tank, thereby obtaining the sand position in the sand collecting tank; the range between the second group of temperature measuring points at a higher height is the range of the gas-liquid interface position in the sand collecting tank, thereby obtaining the liquid level in the sand collecting tank.

[0024] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the present invention adopts a device for measuring the level of solid materials in a container in a non-contact manner, which is characterized by comprising an alarm system, wherein the alarm system monitors the abnormal sand level state in the sand collecting tank and is provided with a high-level over-limit alarm monitoring system and a low-level alarm monitoring system;

[0025] The high-level over-limit alarm monitoring system includes another group of temperature probes, which are also arranged along the height direction of the sand collecting tank with a probe spacing of 6-100mm and are arranged within the set height range of the sand level of the sand collecting tank's maximum load limit; the high-level over-limit alarm monitoring system consists of a series of high-level alarm temperature probes, high-level alarm signal transmission lines respectively arranged corresponding to different high-level alarm temperature probes, high-level alarm signal transmitters, high-level alarm total signal transmission lines and alarm monitors; each high-level alarm temperature probe is in close contact with the outer wall of the container; the signal sensed by the high-level alarm temperature probe is transmitted to the high-level alarm transmitter through the corresponding high-level alarm signal transmission line, and the high-level alarm transmitter transmits the output signal to the alarm monitor via the high-level alarm total signal transmission line;

[0026] Under abnormal production conditions, after receiving the input signal, the high-level alarm transmitter calculates the temperature measurement values at different heights on the upper section of the outer wall of the sand collecting tank; then compares the temperature measurement values at different measurement points, finds out the two adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference in the height direction of the upper section of the outer wall of the container, and takes the position range between the two adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference as the range of the liquid-solid interface position in the sand collecting tank, thereby obtaining the sand level in the sand collecting tank. When the measured sand level reaches the set height range of the sand level of the maximum limit loading capacity of the sand collecting tank, the alarm monitor issues an alarm prompt signal for the sand level being too high or too low.

[0027] The low-level alarm monitoring system includes another set of temperature probes, which are also arranged along the height direction of the sand collecting tank at a probe spacing of 6-100mm and are arranged within a set height range of the lowest loading sand level of the sand collecting tank; the low-level alarm monitoring system consists of a series of low-level alarm temperature probes, low-level alarm signal transmission lines respectively arranged corresponding to different low-level alarm temperature probes, a low-level alarm signal transmitter, a low-level alarm total signal transmission line and an alarm monitor; each temperature probe is in close contact with the outer wall of the container; the signal sensed by the low-level alarm temperature probe is transmitted to the low-level alarm transmitter through the corresponding signal transmission line, and the low-level alarm transmitter transmits the output signal to the alarm monitor via the low-level alarm total signal transmission line;

[0028] Under abnormal production conditions or in the early stages of production, after receiving the input signal, the low-level alarm transmitter calculates the temperature measurement values at different heights of the lower section of the outer wall of the sand collecting tank; then compares the temperature measurement values at different measurement points, finds the two adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference in the height direction of the lower section of the outer wall of the container, and takes the installation position range of the two adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference on the container wall as the range of the liquid-solid interface position in the sand collecting tank, thereby obtaining the sand level in the sand collecting tank. When the measured sand level is within the set height range of the lowest loading sand level of the sand collecting tank, the alarm monitor issues an alarm prompt signal for a low sand level.

[0029] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, a set of temperature probes of the high-level over-limit alarm monitoring system includes m temperature probes, namely, a first high-level alarm temperature probe ... an mth high-level alarm temperature probe; the high-level alarm signal transmission lines connected to each high-level alarm temperature probe correspond to the first high-level alarm signal transmission line ... the mth high-level alarm signal transmission line;

[0030] A set of temperature probes of the low-level alarm monitoring system includes m temperature probes, namely, a first low-level alarm temperature probe ... an m-th low-level alarm temperature probe; and a low-level alarm signal transmission line connected to each low-level alarm temperature probe corresponds to the first low-level alarm signal transmission line ... the m-th low-level alarm signal transmission line.

[0031] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the temperature value measured by each temperature probe is a resistance value.

[0032] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the current intensity of each transmitter for converting the temperature signal into an electrical signal is 4-20 mA.

[0033] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the sand collecting tank of the device for measuring the solid material level in the container using non-contact method is a high-pressure container, and the sand collecting tank is used in the marine oil and gas production device and marine oil and gas production process on the seabed.

[0034] Principle of the invention:

[0035] Since the solid particles and the liquid in the sand collecting tank are relatively static, the temperature distribution of the laminar bottom layer inside the container is stable, or the temperature distribution inside the container is dominated by heat conduction;

[0036] Solid sand and water, whether produced or fresh, have different thermal conductivity coefficients due to their different materials. Since the equipment is placed on the seabed, the cold side is seawater, meaning the ambient temperature is constant. This results in different heat dissipation rates, resulting in different temperatures on the container walls.

[0037] By using multi-point precision temperature measurement, the temperature difference on the container wall can be found. By using analytical calculation, the two adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference can be found in time. Thus, the sand position in the container can be known according to the installation position of the two adjacent temperature measurement points on the container wall.

[0038] The theoretical basis is as follows:

[0039] If the inner wall temperature, i.e., the production temperature, is higher than the ambient seawater temperature, heat flows from the inside to the outside and forms a temperature gradient. The heat flow per unit area is proportional to the normal temperature gradient of the container wall. The heat conduction formula of the container wall is as follows:

[0040]

[0041] The normal temperature gradient of the container wall is the temperature gradient in the direction of heat flow;

[0042] Heat conduction formula for flat container wall:

[0043] Fourier formula

[0044] The meanings of the parameters in the above formula are as follows:

[0045] q……heat flow, w;

[0046] A……area, m 2 ;

[0047] ...Temperature gradient in the direction of heat flow, °C / m;

[0048] k... constant, thermal conductivity of the material, w / m℃;

[0049] T……temperature, °C; T1 and T2 are the temperatures of the outer wall and inner wall of the flat section in the direction of heat flow, °C;

[0050] Δx……the thickness of the container wall in the normal direction, m;

[0051] Heat conduction formula for cylindrical container wall:

[0052]

[0053] The meanings of the parameters in the above formula are as follows:

[0054] q……heat flow, w;

[0055] k... constant, thermal conductivity of the material, w / m℃;

[0056] For different media, gas, liquid and solid, the thermal conductivity k is very different, and the relationship is,

[0057] k G < <k L < <k S ;

[0058] Here, k G 、k L 、k S are the thermal conductivity of gas, liquid and solid respectively, w / m℃.

[0059] T……temperature, ℃; Ti and To are the inner and outer wall temperatures of the container in the direction of heat flow, ℃;

[0060] L……cylinder length, m;

[0061] r0、r i are the outer and inner wall radii of the cylindrical shell in the direction of heat flow, m;

[0062] To and Ti are the temperatures of the outer wall and inner wall of the cylindrical section in the direction of heat flow, respectively, °C;

[0063] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following obvious outstanding substantial features and significant advantages:

[0064] 1. This invention utilizes a non-contact device for measuring the level of solid material within a container. It is suitable for detecting and transmitting the level of solid sand in a sand collection tank after separation and collection on the seabed, achieving the purpose of online detection and control. Based on the temperature difference generated on the container wall due to the differences in heat transfer rates of different media, the position of the pair of precision temperature measurement probes on the container wall can be used to infer the height of the solid material within the container, providing real-time sand level data within the container for normal equipment production.

[0065] 2. The device of the present invention is suitable for detecting the interface position of solid, liquid and gas. It uses multi-point precision temperature measurement to find the temperature difference on the container wall. Through analysis and calculation, it can promptly find two adjacent temperature measurement points with a large temperature difference. Therefore, based on the installation position of the two adjacent temperature measurement points on the container wall, the liquid level or gas-liquid interface in the container can be determined.

[0066] 3. The device of the present invention provides an excellent method for measuring the material level of solid particles in a container, especially for measuring the solid phase height of a solid-liquid mixture in a high-pressure container. It can effectively detect the sand level, including the liquid level, in a sand collecting tank or sand storage tank in real time, ensuring that the sand removal operation can proceed normally.

[0067] 4. The device of the present invention can calculate the height of solid matter within the container based on the temperature difference generated on the container wall by the difference in heat transfer rates of different media. It also provides real-time sand level data or alarms for abnormal production of the equipment, ensuring safe production of the system.

[0068] 5. The device of the present invention is suitable for situations where traditional measuring tools cannot measure, especially for use on the seabed in offshore oil development and natural gas extraction and production processes; as the core device for material level detection, the device of the present invention ensures that when the sand removal operation device is working, it will promptly alarm abnormal situations, buy more time for disposal, reduce the occurrence of equipment failures, and enable the sand removal operation on the seabed to be carried out continuously throughout the life cycle of the oil and gas field, thereby protecting downstream equipment and pipelines, extending the service life of various equipment, and reducing the maintenance requirements of equipment and sea pipelines, thereby effectively ensuring the pipeline's transportation capacity and the production capacity of downstream equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the device of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and a schematic diagram of the working state of liquid-solid interface detection in normal production.

[0070] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the alarm system structure of the device of the preferred embodiment of the present invention and a schematic diagram of the abnormal production liquid-solid interface detection working state.

[0071] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the device and a schematic diagram of the working state of gas-liquid-solid interface detection in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] In the figure: V-1, sand collecting tank or sand storage tank; S-1...Sn, temperature probes; d-1...dn, signal transmission lines; T-1, main transmitter; D-1, main signal transmission line; M-1, main monitor; Here, n is a natural number;

[0073] In the picture: SH -1......S H -m, high alarm temperature probe; S L -1......S L -m, low alarm temperature probe; d H-1 ......d H -m, high alarm signal transmission line; d L -1......d L -m, low-level alarm signal transmission line; T-2, high-level alarm transmitter; T-3, low-level alarm transmitter; DH, high-level alarm total signal transmission line; DL, low-level alarm total signal transmission line; M-2, alarm monitor; here, m is a natural number. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] The device described in the following embodiment of the present invention comprises a series of temperature probes, signal transmission lines corresponding to the temperature probes, a main transmitter, a main signal transmission line, and a main monitor. The temperature probes can be combined into one or more temperature monitoring elements as required by the actual equipment. This is only a typical solution; actual production systems can add or subtract components based on conditions or operating conditions.

[0075] High and low alarm temperature probes can be combined into one or more temperature monitoring elements based on actual equipment needs. This is just a typical solution; actual production systems can add or reduce these elements based on conditions or operating conditions.

[0076] The inventive principle of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is as follows:

[0077] Since the solid particles and the liquid in the sand collecting tank are relatively static, the temperature distribution of the laminar bottom layer inside the container is stable, or the temperature distribution inside the container is dominated by heat conduction;

[0078] Solid sand and water, whether produced or fresh, have different thermal conductivity coefficients due to their different materials. Since the equipment is placed on the seabed, the cold side is seawater, meaning the ambient temperature is constant. This results in different heat dissipation rates, resulting in different temperatures on the container walls.

[0079] By using multi-point precision temperature measurement, the temperature difference on the container wall can be found. By using analytical calculation, the two adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference can be found in time. Thus, the sand position in the container can be known according to the installation position of the two adjacent temperature measurement points on the container wall.

[0080] The theoretical basis is as follows:

[0081] If the inner wall temperature, i.e., the production temperature, is higher than the ambient seawater temperature, heat flows from the inside to the outside and forms a temperature gradient. The heat flow per unit area is proportional to the normal temperature gradient of the container wall. The heat conduction formula of the container wall is as follows:

[0082]

[0083] The normal temperature gradient of the container wall is the temperature gradient in the direction of heat flow;

[0084] Heat conduction formula for flat container wall:

[0085] Fourier formula

[0086] The meanings of the parameters in the above formula are as follows:

[0087] q……heat flow, w;

[0088] A……area, m 2 ;

[0089] ...Temperature gradient in the direction of heat flow, °C / m;

[0090] k... constant, thermal conductivity of the material, w / m℃;

[0091] T……temperature, °C; T1 and T2 are the temperatures of the outer wall and inner wall of the flat section in the direction of heat flow, °C;

[0092] Δx……the thickness of the container wall in the normal direction, m;

[0093] Heat conduction formula for cylindrical container wall:

[0094]

[0095] The meanings of the parameters in the above formula are as follows:

[0096] q……heat flow, w;

[0097] k... constant, thermal conductivity of the material, w / m℃;

[0098] For different media, gas, liquid and solid, the thermal conductivity k is very different, and the relationship is,

[0099] k G < <k L < <k S ;

[0100] Here, k G 、k L 、k Sare the thermal conductivity of gas, liquid and solid respectively, w / m℃.

[0101] T……temperature, ℃; Ti and To are the temperatures of the inner and outer walls of the container in the direction of heat flow, ℃;

[0102] L……cylinder length, m;

[0103] r0, r i are the outer and inner wall radii of the cylindrical shell in the direction of heat flow, m;

[0104] To and Ti are the temperatures of the outer wall and inner wall of the cylindrical section in the direction of heat flow, respectively, °C;

[0105] The above solution is further described below with reference to specific implementation examples. The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail as follows:

[0106] Example 1:

[0107] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, a device for measuring the solid material level in a container using a non-contact method is installed on the outer wall of a sand collecting tank V-1. The device includes a series of temperature probes S-1...Sn, signal transmission lines d-1...dn respectively provided for different temperature probes, a main transmitter T-1, a main signal transmission line D-1 and a main monitor M-1.

[0108] Along the height direction of the sand collecting tank V-1, a group of temperature probes are arranged and installed on the outer wall of the container of the sand collecting tank V-1 with a probe spacing of 6-100mm, so that each temperature probe is in close contact with the outer wall of the container; the signal sensed by the temperature probe is transmitted to the main transmitter T-1 through the corresponding signal transmission line, and the main transmitter T-1 transmits the output signal to the main monitor M-1 through the main signal transmission line D-1;

[0109] During normal production or normal use, when the sand collecting tank V-1 mainly contains solid and liquid phases coexisting, the main monitor M-1 calculates the temperature measurement values at different heights on the outer wall of the sand collecting tank V-1 after receiving the input signal; then the temperature measurement values at different measurement points are compared to find the two adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference in the height direction of the outer wall of the container, and the installation position range of the two adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference on the container wall is used as the range of the liquid-solid interface position in the sand collecting tank V-1, thereby obtaining the sand position in the sand collecting tank V-1.

[0110] Since the thermal conductivity of objects (liquid-solid) varies greatly, the temperature generated on the wall of the container is different. By using multi-point precision temperature measurement, the temperature difference on the wall of the container can be found. By using analytical calculation, two adjacent temperature measurement points with a large temperature difference can be found in time, and the sand level in the container can be determined based on the installation position of the two adjacent temperature measurement points on the container wall. The present invention uses a device for non-direct contact measurement of the level of solid material in the container, and detects and transmits the level signal of the solid sand in the sand collecting tank after separation and collection on the seabed, so as to achieve the purpose of online detection and control. The sand level in the container sand collecting tank or sand storage tank can be effectively detected in real time to ensure that the sand removal operation can proceed normally. When the level of the solid sand in the sand collecting tank is relatively stable, the temperature probe can accurately measure the temperature of the measuring point even in the presence of vibration or external water flow interference. The present invention has the advantages of a pollution-free environment, high monitoring efficiency, and strong anti-interference ability, providing important technical guarantees for long-term submarine oil and gas production.

[0111] Example 2:

[0112] This embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment, with the following special features:

[0113] In this embodiment, a device for non-contact measurement of the solid material level in a container includes a set of at least five temperature probes. The set includes n temperature probes, namely, a first temperature probe S-1, a second temperature probe S-2, a third temperature probe S-3, a fourth temperature probe S-4, ..., and an nth temperature probe Sn. The signal transmission lines connected to each temperature probe are the first signal transmission line d-1, the second signal transmission line d-2, the third signal transmission line d-3, the fourth signal transmission line d-4, ..., and the nth signal transmission line dn.

[0114] The monitoring system of this embodiment is composed of a sand collecting tank V-1, temperature probes S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4...Sn, signal transmission lines d-1, d-2, d-3, d-4...dn, a main transmitter T-1, a main signal transmission line D-1, and a main monitor M-1. Figure 1 As shown, when the device of this embodiment is produced or used normally, the normal operation process is as follows:

[0115] A set of temperature probes (S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4, ..., Sn) are mounted on the outer wall of the container, ensuring close contact. Temperature signals are connected to the main transmitter (T-1) via signal transmission lines (d-1, d-2, d-3, d-4, ..., dn) and transmitted to the main monitor (M-1) via main signal transmission line (D-1).

[0116] During normal production, the sand level in the sand collection tank or storage tank V-1 is between the temperature probes. The temperature values measured by the temperature probes, which can be resistance values, are transmitted via signal transmission lines d-1, d-2, d-3, d-4, ..., and dn to the main transmitter T-1. Main transmitter T-1 converts the temperature signals into electrical signals, which are transmitted via the main signal transmission line D-1 to the main monitor M-1. The transmitted electrical signals carry a current of 4-20 mA. Based on the real-time temperature difference values, the main monitor M-1 continuously determines the location of the maximum temperature difference measured by two adjacent temperature probes. Based on the installation position of the two temperature probes on the container, the temperature difference generated on the container wall due to the different heat transfer rates of the different media can be used to infer the height of the solids within the container, providing real-time sand level data for normal operation.

[0117] This embodiment uses a device for non-direct contact measurement of the level of solid material in a container, which is suitable for detecting and transmitting the material level signal of solid sand in a sand collecting tank, so as to achieve the purpose of online detection and control. This embodiment is based on the temperature difference generated on the container wall due to the difference in heat transfer speed of different media, so that the height position of the solid material in the container can be calculated, providing real-time sand level data in the container for the normal production of the equipment. The device of this embodiment provides an excellent measurement method for the material level height of solid particulate matter in the container, especially for the solid phase material level height measurement and detection of solid-liquid mixtures in high-pressure containers. It can effectively detect the sand level, including the liquid level, in the container sand collecting tank or sand storage tank in real time to ensure that the sand removal operation can proceed normally.

[0118] Example 3:

[0119] This embodiment is basically the same as the previous embodiment, with the following special features:

[0120] In this embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, when there is a gas phase in addition to the solid-liquid two phases in the sand collecting tank V-1, that is, when gas-liquid-solid three phases coexist, the temperature measurement values of different measuring points are compared, and two adjacent temperature measuring points of two groups with a larger temperature difference in the height direction of the outer wall of the container are found. The positions of the two groups of temperature measuring points are compared, and the range between the temperature measuring points of the first group at a lower height is the range of the liquid-solid interface position in the sand collecting tank V-1, thereby obtaining the sand position in the sand collecting tank V-1; the range between the temperature measuring points of the second group at a higher height is the range of the gas-liquid interface position in the sand collecting tank V-1, thereby obtaining the liquid level in the sand collecting tank V-1.

[0121] Generally, process media coexist in three phases: gas, liquid, and solid. In the initial stages of production, the three phases may coexist in the sand collection tank or sand storage tank V-1. Because the thermal conductivity of gas differs significantly from that of liquids and solids, the temperatures generated on the container wall by gas and liquid differ from those generated by liquid-solid interactions. Due to the significant differences in the thermal conductivity of objects (gas, liquid, and solid), the temperatures generated on the container wall vary. Using multi-point precision temperature measurement, we can determine the temperature difference on the container wall. Analytical calculations can promptly identify adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference. Based on the installation locations of the two adjacent temperature measurement points on the container wall, we can determine the gas-liquid interface and sand level within the container. The device of this embodiment is suitable for detecting the interface position of the three states of solid, liquid and gas. By using multi-point precise temperature measurement, the temperature difference on the wall of the container can be found. By using analytical calculation, two adjacent temperature measurement points with a large temperature difference can be found in time, so that the liquid level or the gas-liquid interface in the container can be known based on the position between the two adjacent temperature measurement points. The device of this embodiment provides a good measurement method for the material level height of solid particles in the container. It can effectively detect the sand level, including the liquid level, in the container sand collecting tank or sand storage tank in real time to ensure that the sand removal operation can be carried out normally.

[0122] Example 4:

[0123] This embodiment is basically the same as the previous embodiment, with the following special features:

[0124] In this embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, a device for measuring the level of solid materials in a container using a non-contact method is provided, characterized in that: it includes an alarm system for monitoring the abnormal sand level in the sand collecting tank V-1, and is provided with a high-level over-limit alarm monitoring system and a low-level alarm monitoring system;

[0125] The high-level over-limit alarm monitoring system includes another set of temperature probes S H -1......S H -m, this group of temperature probes are also set along the height direction of the sand collecting tank V-1 with a probe spacing of 6-100mm, and are set within the set height range of the maximum limit loading sand level of the sand collecting tank V-1; the high-level over-limit alarm monitoring system consists of a series of high-level alarm temperature probes S H -1......S H -m, high-level alarm signal transmission lines d are set up respectively for different high-level alarm temperature probes H -1......d H-m, a high-level alarm signal transmitter T-2, a high-level alarm total signal transmission line DH and an alarm monitor M-2; each high-level alarm temperature probe is in close contact with the outer wall of the container; the signal sensed by the high-level alarm temperature probe is transmitted to the high-level alarm transmitter T-2 through the corresponding high-level alarm signal transmission line; the high-level alarm transmitter T-2 transmits the output signal to the alarm monitor M-2 through the high-level alarm total signal transmission line DH;

[0126] Under abnormal production conditions, after receiving the input signal, the high-level alarm transmitter T-2 calculates the temperature measurement values at different heights on the upper section of the outer wall of the sand collecting tank V-1; then compares the temperature measurement values at different measurement points, finds out the two adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference in the height direction of the upper section of the outer wall of the container, and takes the installation position range of the two adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference on the container wall as the range of the liquid-solid interface position in the sand collecting tank V-1, thereby obtaining the sand level in the sand collecting tank V-1. When the measured sand level reaches the set height range of the maximum limit loading sand level of the sand collecting tank V-1, the alarm monitor M-2 issues an alarm prompt signal indicating that the sand level is too high and exceeds the limit;

[0127] The low level alarm monitoring system includes another set of temperature probes S L -1......S L -m, the temperature probes are also set along the height direction of the sand collecting tank V-1 with a probe spacing of 6-100mm, and are set within the set height range of the lowest loading sand position of the sand collecting tank V-1; the low level alarm monitoring system consists of a series of low level alarm temperature probes S L -1......S L -m, low-level alarm signal transmission lines d are set up corresponding to different low-level alarm temperature probes L -1......d L -m, a low-level alarm signal transmitter T-3, a low-level alarm total signal transmission line DL and an alarm monitor M-2; each temperature probe is in close contact with the outer wall of the container; the signal sensed by the low-level alarm temperature probe is transmitted to the low-level alarm transmitter T-3 through the corresponding signal transmission line, and the low-level alarm transmitter T-3 transmits the output signal to the alarm monitor M-2 through the low-level alarm total signal transmission line DL;

[0128] Under abnormal production conditions or in the early stages of production, after receiving the input signal, the low-level alarm transmitter T-3 calculates the temperature measurement values at different heights of the lower section of the outer wall of the sand collecting tank V-1; then compares the temperature measurement values at different measurement points, and finds the two adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference in the height direction of the lower section of the outer wall of the container. The installation position range of the two adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference on the container wall is used as the range of the liquid-solid interface position in the sand collecting tank V-1, thereby obtaining the sand level in the sand collecting tank V-1. When the measured sand level is within the set height range of the lowest loading sand level of the sand collecting tank V-1, the alarm monitor M-2 issues an alarm prompt signal for a low sand level.

[0129] This embodiment's device can calculate the height of solids within the container based on the temperature difference generated by the differences in heat transfer rates between different media. This provides real-time sand level data or alarms for abnormal production conditions, ensuring safe production. This embodiment's alarm device is sensitive to abnormal material levels and can effectively measure them based on the temperature gradient principle even in the presence of external water or air flow interference and vibration. This provides strong anti-interference capabilities and provides accurate and timely warning signals.

[0130] Embodiment 5:

[0131] This embodiment is basically the same as the previous embodiment, with the following special features:

[0132] In this embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, a group of temperature probes of the high-level over-limit alarm monitoring system includes m temperature probes, namely, a first high-level alarm temperature probe S H -1......The mth high alarm temperature probe S H -m; the high alarm signal transmission line connected to each high alarm temperature probe corresponds to the first high alarm signal transmission line d H -1......mth high alarm signal transmission line d H -m;

[0133] A set of temperature probes of the low-level alarm monitoring system includes m temperature probes, namely, a first low-level alarm temperature probe S L -1......mth low alarm temperature probe S L -m; the low alarm signal transmission line connected to each low alarm temperature probe corresponds to the first low alarm signal transmission line d L -1......mth low level alarm signal transmission line d L -m.

[0134] The process of high and low alarm measurement in this alarm system is as follows:

[0135] A set of high and low alarm temperature probes S H -1......S H -m,S L -1......S L -m is installed at the high and low alarm position on the outer wall of the container, so that the high and low alarm temperature probe S H -1......S H -m,S L -1......S L -m is in close contact with the outer wall of the container. High and low alarm temperature signals are transmitted by signal transmission line d H -1......d H -m,d L -1......d L -m is connected to the high and low alarm transmitters T-2 and T-3, and is transmitted to the alarm monitor M-2 via the high and low alarm main signal transmission lines DH and DL.

[0136] Under abnormal production conditions, the sand level in the container sand collecting tank or sand storage tank V-1 is high or low level alarm temperature probe S H -1......S H -m,S L -1......S L -m. According to the high and low alarm temperature probe S H -1......S H -m,S L -1......S L -m measured temperature value, which can be resistance value, through the signal transmission line d H -1......d H -m,d L -1......d L -m transmits the temperature signal to high- and low-level alarm transmitters T-2 and T-3, which convert it into an electrical signal and transmit it via main signal transmission lines DH and DL to high- and low-level alarm monitor M-2, respectively. The transmitted electrical signal carries a current of 4-20 mA. Alarm monitor M-2 continuously determines the location of the maximum temperature difference between two adjacent temperature probes based on the real-time temperature difference. Based on the installation positions of the two temperature probes on the container, i.e., the high- and low-level alarm positions, the height of the solids within the container can be calculated based on the temperature difference generated on the container wall due to the varying heat transfer rates of the different media. This provides real-time sand level data or alarm alerts for equipment abnormalities, ensuring safe production. Multi-temperature probe measurement improves measurement accuracy, enables timely prediction of equipment abnormalities, and allows for timely intervention to ensure normal production.

[0137] Example 6:

[0138] This embodiment is basically the same as the previous embodiment, with the following special features:

[0139] In this embodiment, the sand collecting tank V-1 of the device for measuring the level of solid materials in the container by non-contact method is a high-pressure container, and the sand collecting tank V-1 is used in the marine oil and gas production device and the marine oil and gas production process on the seabed.

[0140] In this embodiment, depending on the specific application, multi-point precision temperature measurement can be performed with only two temperature probes or with dozens of temperature probes. This is particularly true in applications where traditional measurement tools are not suitable, such as in the seabed during offshore oil development, such as natural gas extraction and production.

[0141] In summary, the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention provides a good measurement method for the material level height of solid particles in a container, especially for the solid phase height measurement and detection of solid-liquid mixtures in high-pressure containers. It can effectively detect the sand level, including the liquid level, in the container sand collecting tank or sand storage tank in real time to ensure that the sand removal operation can be carried out normally. The device of the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention is suitable for occasions where traditional measuring tools cannot be used for measurement, especially for use in marine oil development on the seabed. In the process of natural gas extraction and production, the device of the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention serves as a core device for material level detection, which ensures that when the sand removal operation device is working, it will promptly alarm abnormal situations, gain more time for disposal, reduce the occurrence of equipment failures, and enable the sand removal operation on the seabed to be carried out continuously during the life cycle of the oil and gas field, protect downstream equipment and pipelines, extend the service life of each equipment, and reduce the maintenance requirements of equipment and sea pipes, thereby effectively ensuring the pipeline's transportation capacity and the production capacity of downstream equipment. The present invention is of great significance for use in marine oil development on the seabed, especially in the extraction and production process of natural gas.

[0142] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes can be made according to the purpose of the invention. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations or simplifications made according to the spirit and principles of the technical solution of the present invention should be equivalent replacement methods. As long as they comply with the purpose of the invention and do not deviate from the technical principles and inventive concepts of the present invention, they belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for measuring the level of solid material in a container using a non-contact method, arranged on the outer wall of a sand collecting tank (V-1), characterized in that: The device includes a series of temperature probes, signal transmission lines respectively provided for different temperature probes, a main transmitter (T-1), a main signal transmission line (D-1) and a main monitor (M-1); A set of temperature probes are arranged along the height direction of the sand collecting tank (V-1) with a probe spacing of 6-100 mm, and are respectively arranged and installed on the outer wall of the container of the sand collecting tank (V-1), so that each temperature probe is in close contact with the outer wall of the container; the signal sensed by the temperature probe is transmitted to the main transmitter (T-1) through the corresponding signal transmission line, and the main transmitter (T-1) transmits the output signal to the main monitor (M-1) through the main signal transmission line (D-1); During normal production or normal use, when the sand collecting tank (V-1) mainly contains solid and liquid phases coexisting, the main monitor (M-1) calculates the temperature measurement values at different heights on the outer wall of the sand collecting tank (V-1) after receiving the input signal; then the temperature measurement values at different measurement points are compared to find the two adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference in the height direction of the outer wall of the container, and the installation position range of the two adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference on the container wall is used as the range of the liquid-solid interface position in the sand collecting tank (V-1), thereby obtaining the sand position in the sand collecting tank (V-1).

2. The device for measuring the level of solid material in a container using non-contact method according to claim 1, characterized in that: A set of temperature probes includes at least 4.

3. The device for measuring the level of solid material in a container using a non-contact method according to claim 1, further preferably, is characterized in that: A set of temperature probes includes at least 5 probes.

4. The device for measuring the level of solid material in a container using non-contact method according to claim 1, characterized in that: A set of temperature probes includes n temperature probes, namely, a first temperature probe (S-1), a second temperature probe (S-2), a third temperature probe (S-3), a fourth temperature probe (S-4) ... an nth temperature probe (Sn); the signal transmission lines connected to each temperature probe are correspondingly a first signal transmission line (d-1), a second signal transmission line (d-2), a third signal transmission line (d-3), a fourth signal transmission line (d-4) ... an nth signal transmission line (dn).

5. The device for measuring the level of solid material in a container using non-contact method according to claim 1, characterized in that: When, in addition to the solid-liquid two phases, there is also a gas phase in the sand collecting tank (V-1), that is, when gas-liquid-solid three phases coexist, the temperature measurement values at different measuring points are compared, and two groups of adjacent temperature measuring points with a larger temperature difference in the height direction of the container outer wall are found. The positions of the two groups of temperature measuring points are compared, and the range between the first group of temperature measuring points at a lower height is the range where the liquid-solid interface position in the sand collecting tank (V-1) is located, thereby obtaining the sand level in the sand collecting tank (V-1); the range between the second group of temperature measuring points at a higher height is the range where the gas-liquid interface position in the sand collecting tank (V-1) is located, thereby obtaining the liquid level in the sand collecting tank (V-1).

6. The device for measuring the level of solid material in a container using non-contact method according to claim 1, characterized in that: It includes an alarm system, which monitors the abnormal sand level in the sand collecting tank (V-1) and is equipped with a high-level over-limit alarm monitoring system and a low-level alarm monitoring system; The high-level over-limit alarm monitoring system includes another group of temperature probes, which are also arranged along the height direction of the sand collecting tank (V-1) at a probe spacing of 6-100 mm and are arranged within a set height range of the maximum limit sand loading level of the sand collecting tank (V-1); the high-level over-limit alarm monitoring system consists of a series of high-level alarm temperature probes, high-level alarm signal transmission lines respectively arranged corresponding to different high-level alarm temperature probes, a high-level alarm signal transmitter (T-2), a high-level alarm total signal transmission line (DH) and an alarm monitor (M-2); each high-level alarm temperature probe is brought into close contact with the outer wall of the container; the signal sensed by the high-level alarm temperature probe is transmitted to the high-level alarm transmitter (T-2) via the corresponding high-level alarm signal transmission line, and the high-level alarm transmitter (T-2) transmits the output signal to the alarm monitor (M-2) via the high-level alarm total signal transmission line (DH); Under abnormal production conditions, after receiving the input signal, the high-level alarm transmitter (T-2) calculates the temperature measurement values at different heights on the upper section of the outer wall of the sand collecting tank (V-1); then, the temperature measurement values at different measurement points are compared to find the two adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference in the height direction of the upper section of the outer wall of the container. The installation position range of the two adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference on the container wall is used as the range of the liquid-solid interface position in the sand collecting tank (V-1), thereby obtaining the sand level in the sand collecting tank (V-1). When the measured sand level reaches the set height range of the maximum limit loading sand level of the sand collecting tank (V-1), the alarm monitor (M-2) issues a sand level over-limit alarm prompt signal. The low-level alarm monitoring system includes another set of temperature probes, which are also arranged along the height direction of the sand collecting tank (V-1) at a probe spacing of 6-100 mm and are arranged within a set height range of the lowest sand loading level of the sand collecting tank (V-1); the low-level alarm monitoring system comprises a series of low-level alarm temperature probes, low-level alarm signal transmission lines respectively arranged corresponding to different low-level alarm temperature probes, a low-level alarm signal transmitter (T-3), a low-level alarm total signal transmission line (DL) and an alarm monitor (M-2); each temperature probe is brought into close contact with the outer wall of the container; the signal sensed by the low-level alarm temperature probe is transmitted to the low-level alarm transmitter (T-3) via the corresponding signal transmission line, and the low-level alarm transmitter (T-3) transmits the output signal to the alarm monitor (M-2) via the low-level alarm total signal transmission line (DL); Under abnormal production conditions or at the beginning of production, after receiving the input signal, the low-level alarm transmitter (T-3) calculates the temperature measurement values at different heights of the lower section of the outer wall of the sand collecting tank (V-1); then, the temperature measurement values at different measurement points are compared to find the two adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference in the height direction of the lower section of the outer wall of the container. The installation position range of the two adjacent temperature measurement points with the largest temperature difference on the container wall is used as the range of the liquid-solid interface position in the sand collecting tank (V-1), thereby obtaining the sand level in the sand collecting tank (V-1). When the measured sand level is within the set height range of the lowest loading sand level of the sand collecting tank (V-1), the alarm monitor (M-2) issues a low sand level alarm prompt signal.

7. The device for measuring the level of solid material in a container using a non-contact method according to claim 6, characterized in that: A set of temperature probes of the high-level over-limit alarm monitoring system includes m temperature probes, namely, a first high-level alarm temperature probe (S H -1)......The mth high alarm temperature probe (S H -m); the high alarm signal transmission line connected to each high alarm temperature probe corresponds to the first high alarm signal transmission line (d H -1)......mth high alarm signal transmission line (d H -m); A set of temperature probes of the low-level alarm monitoring system includes m temperature probes, namely, a first low-level alarm temperature probe (S L -1)......The mth low alarm temperature probe (S L -m); the low alarm signal transmission line connected to each low alarm temperature probe corresponds to the first low alarm signal transmission line (d L -1)......mth low level alarm signal transmission line (d L -m).

8. The device for measuring the level of solid material in a container using a non-contact method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The temperature value measured by each temperature probe is the resistance value.

9. The device for measuring the level of solid material in a container using a non-contact method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The current intensity of each transmitter to convert the temperature signal into an electrical signal is 4-20mA.

10. The device for measuring the level of solid material in a container using a non-contact method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The sand collecting tank (V-1) is a high-pressure container and is used in a seabed marine oil and gas production device and a marine oil and gas production process.

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