TCU system with automatic recovery of heat conducting oil

Abstract

The application discloses a TCU system with automatic heat conduction oil recycling, which comprises a temperature rising pipeline, a first pneumatic regulating valve and a first heat exchanger are installed on the temperature rising pipeline, a temperature dropping pipeline is installed in a TCU device cabinet and is connected with the temperature rising pipeline in parallel, a second pneumatic regulating valve and a second heat exchanger are installed on the temperature dropping pipeline, a heat conduction oil circulating pipeline is installed in the TCU device cabinet, a circulating pump is installed on the heat conduction oil circulating pipeline, and the heat conduction oil circulating pipeline is connected with the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, an expansion tank is installed on the top of the TCU device cabinet and is connected with the heat conduction oil circulating pipeline through a first backflow pipe, a reactor pipeline is connected with the heat conduction oil circulating pipeline, an air branch pipe is arranged on the reactor pipeline, a first switch ball valve is installed on the air branch pipe, a second switch ball valve is installed on the reactor pipeline, and a third switch ball valve is installed on the first backflow pipe. The application solves the problem that the heat conduction oil in the jacket affects the sterilization effect of the reactor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a TCU system with automatic heat transfer oil recovery, belonging to the field of pharmaceutical equipment manufacturing technology. Background Technology

[0002] In pharmaceutical manufacturing, both heating and cooling equipment play crucial roles; integrated heating and cooling systems are a type of equipment that has emerged in recent years due to the increasing demands for temperature control in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Combining cooling and heating functions, it enables rapid and accurate temperature control. This equipment utilizes advanced cooling and heating technologies, making temperature control in pharmaceutical and chemical production processes more efficient.

[0003] In the pharmaceutical manufacturing process, sterilization of reaction vessels is a core step in ensuring drug quality, safety, and compliance. Its necessity stems from the potential risks of microbial contamination and the stringent regulatory requirements of the pharmaceutical industry. High-pressure steam sterilization is commonly used for reaction vessel sterilization, utilizing 121°C high-pressure steam to kill microorganisms. However, when using high-pressure steam sterilization in a TCU system, if the heat transfer oil in the jacket is not emptied, it can lead to decreased heat transfer efficiency, localized overheating, equipment damage, sterilization failure, and safety hazards. Furthermore, the heat load of the heat transfer oil significantly reduces the sterilization temperature (the actual temperature may be lower than the thermometer reading), allowing heat-resistant microorganisms such as spores to survive.

[0004] Therefore, the inventors proposed a TCU system with automatic heat transfer oil recovery that can effectively solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a relatively compact structure that solves the problem that if the heat transfer oil in the jacket is not emptied when using high-pressure steam sterilization in a TCU system for the reactor, it may lead to decreased heat transfer efficiency, local overheating, equipment damage, sterilization failure, and safety hazards.

[0006] The technical problem to be solved in this application is achieved by the following technical solution:

[0007] A TCU system with automatic heat transfer oil recovery includes:

[0008] The heating pipeline is installed inside the TCU device cabinet, and a first pneumatic regulating valve and a first heat exchanger are installed on the heating pipeline.

[0009] The cooling pipeline is installed inside the TCU device cabinet and is connected in parallel with the heating pipeline. The cooling pipeline is also equipped with a second pneumatic regulating valve and a second heat exchanger.

[0010] A heat transfer oil circulation pipeline is installed inside the TCU device cabinet. A circulation pump is installed on the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline, and the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline is connected to the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger respectively.

[0011] An expansion tank is installed on the top of the TCU unit cabinet and is connected to the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline through a first return pipe, a second return pipe, and a supply pipe, respectively.

[0012] The reactor pipeline is connected to the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline. An air branch pipe is provided on the reactor pipeline. A first switch ball valve is installed on the air branch pipe. A second switch ball valve is installed on the reactor pipeline. A third switch ball valve is installed on the first reflux pipe.

[0013] When it is necessary to recover the heat transfer oil in the reactor pipeline, the second switch ball valve is closed, the circulation pump is opened at the same time, the first switch ball valve and the third switch ball valve are opened, and then compressed air is introduced from the air branch pipe, and the heat transfer oil is pressed into the expansion tank from the first return pipe.

[0014] Preferably, the first pneumatic regulating valve includes:

[0015] A valve body, wherein a valve seat is provided inside the valve body, and a valve core is slidably connected to the valve seat;

[0016] Valve cover, connected to the valve body;

[0017] A bracket is attached to the valve cover;

[0018] A pneumatic actuator is connected to the bracket, and the pneumatic actuator consists of a body, a diaphragm, and a return spring assembly;

[0019] A valve stem, one end of which is connected to the valve core, and the other end of which is connected to the diaphragm.

[0020] Preferably, the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline is provided with a circulation pipeline inlet and a circulation pipeline outlet. A first temperature transmitter is installed near the circulation pipeline inlet, and a second temperature transmitter and a first pressure transmitter are installed near the circulation pipeline outlet. A gas-liquid separator is also installed between the first temperature transmitter and the circulation pump. The gas-liquid separator is also connected to the expansion tank through an exhaust pipe. The gas-liquid separator is used to prevent cavitation and gas blockage of the circulation pump.

[0021] Preferably, a first Y-type filter is installed between the gas-liquid separator and the circulating pump. The first Y-type filter is used to filter impurities in the heat transfer oil. A second Y-type filter is installed on the heating pipeline, and a third Y-type filter is installed on the cooling pipeline.

[0022] Preferably, the expansion tank is equipped with a flame arrestor breather valve, a safety valve, and a magnetic level gauge. When the pressure inside the tank is too high, the flame arrestor breather valve discharges excess gas; when the pressure inside the tank is too low (forming a vacuum), the flame arrestor breather valve draws in external air to prevent the tank from deforming or being damaged. When the TCU system malfunctions (such as control failure or excessive temperature) and causes the pressure inside the expansion tank to rise sharply and exceed the adjustment range of the flame arrestor breather valve, the safety valve automatically opens to quickly release the pressure and prevent the tank from rupturing or exploding.

[0023] Preferably, to achieve flexible adjustment of the heat transfer oil temperature, the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline is provided with a heating branch and a cooling branch; the heating branch is connected to the first heat exchanger, and a fifth switch ball valve and a first check valve are installed on the heating branch, the first check valve is used to prevent the heat transfer oil from flowing backward in the heating branch; the fifth switch ball valve is used to control the on / off state of the circulation pump and the heating branch; the cooling branch is connected to the second heat exchanger, and a sixth switch ball valve is installed on the cooling branch, the sixth switch ball valve is used to control the on / off state of the circulation pump and the cooling branch.

[0024] Preferably, the heating pipeline is provided with a steam inlet and a condensate outlet, and a first pneumatic regulating valve is installed near the steam inlet; a steam trap and a high-platform ball valve are installed near the condensate outlet. The steam trap and the high-platform ball valve are arranged in parallel. The parallel arrangement allows condensate to be continuously discharged while the steam supply is regulated, avoiding the reduction in thermal efficiency or equipment damage caused by condensate accumulation, and improving the overall system's energy efficiency and reliability.

[0025] Preferably, the cooling pipeline is provided with an ethylene glycol aqueous solution inlet and an ethylene glycol aqueous solution outlet, and a third temperature transmitter and a second pressure transmitter are also installed near the ethylene glycol inlet; a fourth temperature transmitter and a third pressure transmitter are installed near the steam inlet.

[0026] Preferably, the TCU device cabinet is equipped with an explosion-proof control cabinet, and the PLC electrical control unit in the explosion-proof control cabinet is electrically connected to the first pneumatic regulating valve, the second pneumatic regulating valve, the first switching ball valve, the second switching ball valve, the third switching ball valve, the fourth opening ball valve, the fifth switching ball valve, the sixth switching ball valve, the first temperature transmitter, the second temperature transmitter, the third temperature transmitter, the fourth temperature transmitter, the first pressure transmitter, the second pressure transmitter, the third pressure transmitter, and the circulating pump.

[0027] Preferably, a method for heat transfer oil recovery in a TCU system with automatic heat transfer oil recovery is as follows:

[0028] To reduce the heat load on the reactor during sterilization, the heat transfer oil in the reactor jacket needs to be emptied. The operator sends the first command signal to the PLC control unit through the touch screen on the explosion-proof control cabinet. Upon receiving the first command signal, the PLC control unit sends a closing command to the circulating pump and the second switch ball valve, and simultaneously sends an opening command to the first switch ball valve and the third switch ball valve. Then, compressed air is introduced through the air branch pipe. Under the action of the compressed air, the heat transfer oil on the reactor pipeline enters the expansion tank through the circulation pipeline outlet and the first return pipe.

[0029] When the reactor is sterilized and heat transfer oil needs to be replenished to the reactor pipeline, the staff sends a second command signal to the PLC control unit through the touch screen on the explosion-proof control cabinet. After receiving the second command signal, the PLC control unit sends an opening command to the circulation pump and the second switch ball valve, and at the same time sends a closing command to the first switch ball valve. The heat transfer oil in the expansion tank is pumped from the supply pipe to the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline. The compressed air in the reactor pipeline is pressurized by the heat transfer oil and flows from the exhaust pipe of the gas-liquid separator to the expansion tank, and then is discharged to the outside of the expansion tank by the flame arrestor breather valve.

[0030] The beneficial effects of this application are:

[0031] 1. A heating pipeline, installed inside the TCU device cabinet, is equipped with a first pneumatic regulating valve and a first heat exchanger; a cooling pipeline, installed inside the TCU device cabinet and connected in parallel with the heating pipeline, is also equipped with a second pneumatic regulating valve and a second heat exchanger; a heat transfer oil circulation pipeline, installed inside the TCU device cabinet, is equipped with a circulation pump and is connected to both the first and second heat exchangers; an expansion tank, installed on the top of the TCU device cabinet, is connected to the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline via a first return pipe and a supply pipe; and a reaction vessel pipeline is connected to the heat transfer oil... The circulating pipeline includes an air branch pipe on the reactor pipeline, a first ball valve on the air branch pipe, a second ball valve on the reactor pipeline, and a third ball valve on the first reflux pipe. When it is necessary to recover the heat transfer oil in the reactor pipeline, the second ball valve is closed, the circulating pump is opened simultaneously, and the first and third ball valves are opened. Then, compressed air is introduced through the air branch pipe, and the heat transfer oil is forced into the expansion tank from the first reflux pipe, thus achieving the purpose of recovering the heat transfer oil. This solves the problem that when the jacket is filled with heat transfer oil, some heat is carried away, affecting the sterilization effect of the reactor.

[0032] 2. An expansion tank is installed on top of the TCU device cabinet and connected to the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline via a second return pipe. When the temperature of the heat transfer oil in the circulation pipeline is too high, the heat transfer oil expands due to heat and flows to the expansion tank through the second return pipe. When the temperature in the circulation pipeline decreases and the heat transfer oil in the circulation pipeline is insufficient, the expansion tank replenishes the circulation pipeline with heat transfer oil through a supply pipe, thereby achieving the beneficial effect of balancing the heat transfer oil in the temperature control device.

[0033] 3. This application features an explosion-proof control cabinet installed on the TCU device cabinet. The PLC electrical control unit is electrically connected to the first pneumatic regulating valve, the second pneumatic regulating valve, the first switching ball valve, the second switching ball valve, the third switching ball valve, the fourth opening ball valve, the fifth switching ball valve, the sixth switching ball valve, the first temperature transmitter, the second temperature transmitter, the third temperature transmitter, the fourth temperature transmitter, the first pressure transmitter, the second pressure transmitter, the third pressure transmitter, and the circulating pump. The steam comes from the customer's plant's process steam, which is environmentally friendly and energy-saving, while ensuring working efficiency and temperature control accuracy. This meets the requirements of pharmaceutical production and aligns with current development needs, giving this application a strong market competitiveness. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the TCU system connection structure of this application;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the TCU device cabinet in this application;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the TCU device cabinet in this application;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling pipeline, heating pipeline, and heat transfer oil circulation pipeline of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling pipeline, heating pipeline, and heat transfer oil circulation pipeline of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first pneumatic control valve of this application.

[0040] In the diagram: 1. TCU unit cabinet; 2. Heating pipeline; 3. Cooling pipeline; 4. Heat transfer oil circulation pipeline; 401. Heating branch; 402. Cooling branch; 5. First pneumatic regulating valve; 501. Valve body; 502. Valve seat; 503. Valve core; 504. Valve stem; 505. Valve cover; 506. Sliding sleeve; 507. Bracket; 508. Body; 509. Diaphragm; 510. Return spring; 511. 512. Pressure chamber; 6. Reset chamber; 6. Expansion tank; 601. Flame arrestor breather valve; 602. Safety valve; 603. Magnetic level gauge; 7. Reactor piping; 8. Reactor; 9. Air branch pipe; 10. First switch ball valve; 11. Second switch ball valve; 12. First temperature transmitter; 13. Gas-liquid separator; 14. First Y-type filter; 15. First reflux pipe; 16. Third switch ball valve; 17. Exhaust pipe; 18. Second return pipe; 19. Supply pipe; 20. First heat exchanger; 21. First check valve; 22. Fifth switch ball valve; 23. Sixth switch ball valve; 24. Second heat exchanger; 25. Second pneumatic regulating valve; 26. Second temperature transmitter; 27. First pressure transmitter; 28. Third temperature transmitter; 29. ​​Second pressure transmitter; 30. Circulation pump; 31. Drain pipe; 32. Fourth switch ball valve; 33. Second Y-type filter; 34. Third Y-type filter; 35. Fourth temperature transmitter; 36. Third pressure transmitter; 37. Explosion-proof control cabinet; 38. Steam trap; 39. High platform ball valve; 40. Ethylene glycol aqueous solution inlet; 41. Ethylene glycol aqueous solution outlet; 42. Steam inlet; 43. Condensate outlet; 44. Circulation pipeline inlet; 45. Circulation pipeline outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To facilitate a clear understanding of the technical means, creative features, objectives, and effects of this application, the following description, in conjunction with specific illustrations, further elaborates on this application.

[0042] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the equipment or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0043] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0044] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0045] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the embodiments of this application. To simplify the disclosure of the embodiments of this application, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or reference letters may be repeated in different examples of the embodiments of this application; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, various specific examples of processes and materials are provided in the embodiments of this application, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0046] like Figures 1-6 As shown, a TCU system with automatic heat transfer oil recovery includes: TCU device cabinet 1, cooling pipeline 3, heating pipeline 2, heat transfer oil circulation pipeline 4, expansion tank 6, and reaction vessel pipeline 7.

[0047] Specifically, the TCU device cabinet 1 has heat dissipation holes on its outer shell, and support legs are provided at the four corners of the bottom of the TCU device cabinet 1 to maintain a certain distance from the ground. Simultaneously, the heat generated inside the TCU device cabinet 1 can also be dissipated from the bottom of the TCU device cabinet 1, further increasing the heat dissipation channel. An explosion-proof control cabinet 37 is installed on the TCU device cabinet 1. The explosion-proof control cabinet 37 is a Siemens PLC touch screen explosion-proof control cabinet 37 with audible and visual alarm functions, manufactured by Dongguan Xiangke Intelligent Control Equipment Co., Ltd. Its specific structure, connection, and principle will not be elaborated here.

[0048] The heating pipeline 2 is installed inside the TCU unit cabinet 1. The heating pipeline 2 is equipped with a steam inlet 42 and a condensate outlet 43. The steam inlet 42 and condensate outlet 43 pass through the TCU unit cabinet 1 and extend outside the TCU unit cabinet 1. It should be noted that during use, the steam inlet 42 will connect to the process steam pipe of the customer's plant area, utilizing the process steam generated in the customer's plant area to reduce the company's energy consumption. A first pneumatic regulating valve 5 is installed near the steam inlet 42. The first pneumatic regulating valve 5 is driven to open and close by a pneumatic actuator, which can achieve complete cutoff or flow regulation of the heating pipeline 2. A steam trap 38 and a high-platform ball valve 39 are installed near the condensate outlet 43. The steam trap 38 and the high-platform ball valve 39 are arranged in parallel. The parallel arrangement allows for continuous condensate removal while regulating the steam supply, avoiding reduced thermal efficiency or equipment damage due to condensate accumulation, and improving the overall system's energy efficiency and reliability. A first heat exchanger 20 is installed on the heating pipeline 2. This first heat exchanger 20 is existing technology, such as a spiral plate heat exchanger manufactured by Ruineng Taiyu (Shenyang) Energy Technology Co., Ltd. A fourth temperature transmitter 35 and a third pressure transmitter 36 are also installed near the steam inlet 42. The dual monitoring by these two transmitters enhances system safety. For example, when the steam temperature is abnormal but the pressure is normal, it may indicate scaling or blockage in the first heat exchanger 20; conversely, it may indicate a problem with the steam source. This multi-dimensional data supports rapid troubleshooting.

[0049] The cooling pipeline 3 is installed inside the TCU device cabinet 1 and is connected in parallel with the heating pipeline 2. The cooling pipeline 3 is equipped with an ethylene glycol aqueous solution inlet 40 and an ethylene glycol aqueous solution outlet 41. It should be noted that when in use, the ethylene glycol aqueous solution inlet 40 and the ethylene glycol aqueous solution outlet 41 are connected to the refrigeration cycle system centrally supplied by the plant.

[0050] A third temperature transmitter 28 and a second pressure transmitter 29 are also installed near the ethylene glycol inlet. The third temperature transmitter 28 and the second pressure transmitter 29 can independently trigger alarms or interlock protection. For example, in extreme cases, if the third temperature sensor fails to detect high temperature, the second pressure transmitter can still trigger protection measures by monitoring for pressure anomalies (such as pressure increases due to thermal expansion), thereby improving system safety. A second pneumatic regulating valve 25 and a second heat exchanger 24 are also installed on the cooling pipeline 3. The second pneumatic regulating valve 25 is driven to open and close by a pneumatic actuator, which can realize the complete cut-off or flow regulation of the cooling pipeline 3. The second heat exchanger 24 is existing technology, such as a spiral plate heat exchanger produced by Ruineng Taiyu (Shenyang) Energy Technology Co., Ltd.

[0051] The heat transfer oil circulation pipeline 4 is installed inside the TCU device cabinet 1. A circulation pump 30 is installed on the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline 4. The circulation pump 30 in this application is a high-temperature circulating magnetic pump, such as the RGZ-40E produced by Orank. The heat transfer oil circulation pipeline 4 is provided with a circulation pipeline inlet 44 and a circulation pipeline outlet 45. A first temperature transmitter 12 is installed near the circulation pipeline inlet 44, and a second temperature transmitter 26 and a first pressure transmitter 27 are installed near the circulation pipeline outlet 45. A gas-liquid separator 13 is also installed between the first temperature transmitter 12 and the circulation pump 30. The gas-liquid separator 13 is also connected to the expansion tank 6 through an exhaust pipe 17. The gas-liquid separator 13 is used to prevent cavitation and gas blockage of the circulation pump 30. When gas (such as air or dissolved gas) mixes into the heat transfer oil circulation line 4, it may be compressed in high-pressure areas and rapidly expand in low-pressure areas (such as the pump inlet), causing a sudden drop in local pressure and triggering cavitation. Cavitation can damage the impeller and seals of the circulation pump 30, shortening the equipment's lifespan. The gas-liquid separator 13 removes gas to prevent cavitation. Gas accumulation in the heat transfer oil circulation line 4 can form gas resistance, hindering fluid circulation and causing system pressure fluctuations or insufficient flow. The gas-liquid separator 13 ensures continuous fluid flow and maintains stable system operation. Under high-temperature or high-pressure conditions, dissolved gases in the fluid are more likely to precipitate. The gas-liquid separator 13 effectively removes these gases, ensuring safe system operation. Gas forms an insulating layer in the heat exchanger, reducing heat exchange efficiency. The gas-liquid separator 13 ensures no gas interference in the fluid, improving the heat transfer performance of the heat exchanger and thus enhancing the temperature control efficiency of the TCU system. It should be noted that the gas-liquid separator 13 in this application is prior art, from Jiangsu Gaojie Energy-Saving Equipment Group Co., Ltd., and its specific structure and principle will not be described in detail.

[0052] The heat transfer oil circulation pipeline 4 is provided with a heating branch 401 and a cooling branch 402. The heating branch 401 is connected to the first heat exchanger 20, and a fifth switch ball valve 22 and a first one-way valve 21 are installed on the heating branch 401. The first one-way valve 21 is used to prevent the heat transfer oil from flowing backward in the heating branch 401, and the first one-way valve 21 can also prevent the residual heat of one heat exchanger from affecting the cooling effect during the cooling process. The fifth switch ball valve 22 is used to control the on / off state of the circulation pump 30 and the heating branch 401. The cooling branch 402 is connected to the second heat exchanger 24, and a sixth switch ball valve 23 is installed on the cooling branch 402. The sixth switch ball valve 23 is used to control the on / off state of the circulation pump 30 and the cooling branch 402. A drain pipe 31 is connected to the circulation pipeline, and a fourth switch ball valve 32 is installed on the drain pipe 31.

[0053] The reactor pipeline 7 is connected to the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline 4 to form a complete circulation pipeline. The reactor pipeline 7 is connected to the reactor 8, and more specifically, the reactor pipeline 7 is connected to the jacket of the reactor 8. An air branch pipe 9 is provided on the reactor pipeline 7, and the air branch pipe 9 is connected to an air compressor. A first switch ball valve 10 is installed on the air branch pipe 9, a second switch ball valve 11 is installed on the reactor pipeline 7, and a third switch ball valve 16 is installed on the first reflux pipe 15.

[0054] The expansion tank 6 is installed on the top of the TCU device cabinet 1 and is connected to the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline 4 through the first return pipe 15, the second return pipe 18, and the supply pipe 19. A second one-way valve is installed on the supply pipe 19. The expansion tank 6 is equipped with a flame arrestor breather valve 601, a safety valve 602, and a magnetic float level gauge 603. When the pressure inside the tank is too high, the flame arrestor breather valve 601 discharges excess gas. When the pressure inside the tank is too low (forming a vacuum), the flame arrestor breather valve 601 draws in external air to prevent the tank from deforming or being damaged. When the TCU system malfunctions (such as control failure or excessive temperature) and the pressure inside the expansion tank 6 rises sharply, exceeding the adjustment range of the flame arrestor breather valve 601, the safety valve 602 automatically opens to quickly release the pressure and prevent the tank from rupturing or exploding.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the first pneumatic regulating valve 5 includes: a valve body 501, wherein the valve body 501 has an S-shaped streamlined medium channel inside, which has a smoother surface and lower medium flow resistance, greatly reducing pressure drop loss; the valve body 501 has an inlet and an outlet; a valve seat 502 is provided inside the valve body 501, and a valve core 503 is slidably connected to the valve seat 502, the valve core 503 being fixedly connected to the valve stem 504; and a valve cover 505, the cover being fixedly connected to the valve body 501. On valve cover 505, a sliding sleeve 506 is fixedly connected to it. Valve stem 504 passes through valve cover 505 and is slidably connected to sliding sleeve 506. It should be noted that a sliding sealing gasket is filled between valve stem 504 and sliding sleeve 506. The sliding sealing gasket is fixedly connected to sliding sleeve 506 by screws. The sliding sealing gasket is made of either polytetrafluoroethylene or flexible graphite to ensure high strength and good sealing performance. A bracket 507, which is a square structure, is fixedly connected to the valve cover 505 by bottom bolts. An electric valve positioner is mounted on the valve cover 505 and the bracket 507. The electric valve positioner is electrically connected to the explosion-proof control cabinet 37. A pneumatic actuator is fixedly connected to the bracket 507. The pneumatic actuator includes a body 508, a diaphragm 509, and a set of return springs 510. The diaphragm 509 is installed inside the body 508 and divides the interior of the body 508 into a pneumatic chamber 511 and a return chamber 512. The return spring 510 is installed in the return chamber 512. The reset spring 510 group comprises two springs symmetrically arranged around the center line of the diaphragm 509. The pneumatic chamber 511 is provided with an interface for connecting to the air supply system. The air supply system uses compressed air provided by an air compressor, which is existing technology and will not be described in detail here. One end of the valve stem 504 is fixedly connected to the diaphragm 509 by a locking nut, and the other end is fixedly connected to the valve core 503. The first pneumatic regulating valve 5 converts an electrical signal into a pneumatic pressure signal (e.g., 0.02-0.1 MPa) through an electric valve positioner to control the compressed air entering the pneumatic chamber 511, which drives the valve stem 504 to slide on the sliding sleeve 506 via the diaphragm 509. The second pneumatic regulating valve 25 has a similar structure and principle to the first pneumatic regulating valve 5 and will not be described in detail here.

[0056] Furthermore, a first Y-type filter 14 is installed between the gas-liquid separator 13 and the circulating pump 30. The first Y-type filter 14 is used to filter impurities in the heat transfer oil. A second Y-type filter 33 is installed on the heating pipeline 2, and a third Y-type filter 34 is installed on the cooling pipeline 3.

[0057] The PLC electrical control unit inside the explosion-proof control cabinet 37 is electrically connected to the first pneumatic regulating valve 5, the second pneumatic regulating valve 25, the first switching ball valve 10, the second switching ball valve 11, the third switching ball valve 16, the fourth opening ball valve, the fifth switching ball valve 22, the sixth switching ball valve 23, the first temperature transmitter 12, the second temperature transmitter 26, the third temperature transmitter 28, the fourth temperature transmitter 35, the first pressure transmitter 27, the second pressure transmitter 29, the third pressure transmitter 36, and the circulating pump 30. All of these components are common parts available on the market, and their specific structures and principles will not be elaborated upon. The first switching ball valve 10, the second switching ball valve 11, the third switching ball valve 16, the fourth switching ball valve, the fifth switching ball valve 22, and the sixth switching ball valve 23 are preferably pneumatic switching ball valves, and all are connected to the air compressor supply pipeline; the pipeline material is all made of stainless steel 304. Other conventional components are also installed on the pipeline, such as cooling pipelines, heating pipelines, and heat transfer oil circulation pipelines, all of which are equipped with manual ball valves. These manual ball valves are only closed during maintenance and are open during normal operation, which will not be described in detail here.

[0058] A method for heat transfer oil recovery in a TCU system with automatic heat transfer oil recovery is as follows:

[0059] To reduce the heat load on reactor 8 during sterilization, the heat transfer oil in the jacket of reactor 8 needs to be emptied. The operator sends the first command signal to the PLC control unit through the touch screen on the explosion-proof control cabinet 37. Upon receiving the first command signal, the PLC control unit sends a closing command to the circulating pump 30 and the second switch ball valve 11, and simultaneously sends an opening command to the first switch ball valve 10 and the third switch ball valve 16. Then, compressed air is introduced through the air branch pipe 9. Under the action of the compressed air, the heat transfer oil on the reactor pipeline 7 enters the expansion tank 6 through the circulation pipeline outlet 45 and the first return pipe 15.

[0060] When the reactor 8 is sterilized and heat transfer oil needs to be replenished to the reactor pipeline 7, the staff sends a second command signal to the PLC control unit through the touch screen on the explosion-proof control cabinet 37. After receiving the second command signal, the PLC control unit sends an opening command to the circulating pump 30 and the second switch ball valve 11, and at the same time sends a closing command to the first switch ball valve 10. The heat transfer oil in the expansion tank 6 is transferred from the supply pipe 19 to the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline 4 under the action of the circulating pump 30. The compressed air in the reactor pipeline 7 is transferred from the exhaust pipe 17 of the gas-liquid separator 13 to the expansion tank 6 under the action of the pressurized heat transfer oil, and then discharged to the outside of the expansion tank 6 by the flame arrestor breather valve 601.

[0061] Principle: The heat transfer oil enters the circulation pump 30 from the circulation pipeline inlet 44 through the gas-liquid separator 13 and the first Y-type filter. The circulation pump 30 divides the oil into two paths. One path enters the heating branch 401 and passes through the fifth switch ball valve 22, the first heat exchanger 20, and the first one-way valve 21. The other path enters the cooling branch 402 and passes through the sixth switch ball valve 23 and the second heat exchanger 24. Finally, the heating branch 401 and the cooling branch 402 converge at the circulation pipeline outlet 45, and then enter the reactor pipeline 7 from the circulation pipeline outlet 45. After passing through the reactor pipeline 7, the oil enters the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline 4 from the circulation pipeline inlet 44.

[0062] When the temperature signal detected by the second temperature transmitter 26 is less than the set value, it transmits the temperature signal to the PLC control unit installed in the explosion-proof control cabinet 37. After receiving the signal, the PLC control unit sends an opening command to the first pneumatic regulating valve 5 and the fifth switch ball valve 22, and adjusts the opening of the first pneumatic regulating valve 5 according to the temperature signal transmitted by the second temperature transmitter 26 to regulate the steam flow into the first heat exchanger 20. At the same time, it sends a closing command to the sixth switch ball valve 23 and the second pneumatic regulating valve 25. The steam enters the first heat exchanger 20 from the steam inlet 42 through the first pneumatic regulating valve 5 and exchanges heat with the heat transfer oil in the heating branch 401. After heat exchange, the steam becomes cooling water and is discharged from the condensate outlet 43. The heated heat transfer oil enters the jacket of the reactor 8 through the reactor pipeline 7 under the action of the circulating pump 30. The original heat transfer oil in the jacket of the reactor 8 enters the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline 4 through the reactor pipeline 7 from the circulation pipeline inlet 44.

[0063] When the temperature signal detected by the second temperature transmitter 26 exceeds the set value, it transmits the temperature signal to the PLC control unit installed in the explosion-proof control cabinet 37. Upon receiving the signal, the PLC control unit sends an opening command to the second pneumatic regulating valve 25 and the sixth switch ball valve 23, and adjusts the opening degree of the second pneumatic regulating valve 25 according to the temperature signal transmitted from the second temperature transmitter 26 to regulate the flow rate of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution entering the second heat exchanger 24. At the same time, it sends a closing command to the fifth switch ball valve 22 and the first pneumatic regulating valve 5. The command is given that the ethylene glycol aqueous solution enters the second heat exchanger 24 from the ethylene glycol aqueous solution inlet 40 through the second pneumatic regulating valve 25 and exchanges heat with the heat transfer oil in the cooling branch 402. After heat exchange, the ethylene glycol aqueous solution returns to the refrigeration cycle system from the ethylene glycol aqueous solution outlet 41. The cooled heat transfer oil then enters the jacket of the reactor 8 from the circulation pipeline outlet 45 through the reactor pipeline 7 under the action of the circulation pump 30. The original heat transfer oil in the jacket of the reactor 8 then enters the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline 4 from the circulation pipeline inlet 44 through the reactor pipeline 7.

[0064] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this application; all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims. The scope of protection of this application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A TCU system with automatic heat transfer oil recovery, characterized in that, include: The heating pipeline is installed inside the TCU device cabinet, and a first pneumatic regulating valve and a first heat exchanger are installed on the heating pipeline. The cooling pipeline is installed inside the TCU device cabinet and is connected in parallel with the heating pipeline. The cooling pipeline is also equipped with a second pneumatic regulating valve and a second heat exchanger. A heat transfer oil circulation pipeline is installed inside the TCU device cabinet. A circulation pump is installed on the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline, and the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline is connected to the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger respectively. An expansion tank is installed on the top of the TCU unit cabinet and is connected to the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline through a first return pipe, a second return pipe, and a supply pipe, respectively. The reactor pipeline is connected to the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline. An air branch pipe is provided on the reactor pipeline. A first switch ball valve is installed on the air branch pipe. A second switch ball valve is installed on the reactor pipeline. A third switch ball valve is installed on the first reflux pipe. When it is necessary to recover the heat transfer oil in the reactor pipeline, the second switch ball valve is closed, the circulation pump is opened at the same time, the first switch ball valve and the third switch ball valve are opened, and then compressed air is introduced from the air branch pipe, and the heat transfer oil is pressed into the expansion tank from the first return pipe.

2. The TCU system with automatic heat transfer oil recovery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pneumatic regulating valve includes: A valve body, wherein a valve seat is provided inside the valve body, and a valve core is slidably connected to the valve seat; Valve cover, connected to the valve body; A bracket is attached to the valve cover; A pneumatic actuator is connected to the bracket, and the pneumatic actuator consists of a body, a diaphragm, and a return spring assembly; A valve stem, one end of which is connected to the valve core, and the other end of which is connected to the diaphragm.

3. The TCU system with automatic heat transfer oil recovery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat transfer oil circulation pipeline is provided with a circulation pipeline inlet and a circulation pipeline outlet. A first temperature transmitter is installed near the circulation pipeline inlet, and a second temperature transmitter and a first pressure transmitter are installed near the circulation pipeline outlet. A gas-liquid separator is also installed between the first temperature transmitter and the circulation pump. The gas-liquid separator is also connected to the expansion tank through an exhaust pipe. The gas-liquid separator is used to prevent cavitation and gas lock of the circulation pump.

4. A TCU system with automatic heat transfer oil recovery according to claim 3, characterized in that: A first Y-type filter is installed between the gas-liquid separator and the circulating pump. The first Y-type filter is used to filter impurities in the heat transfer oil. A second Y-type filter is installed on the heating pipeline, and a third Y-type filter is installed on the cooling pipeline.

5. A TCU system with automatic heat transfer oil recovery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The expansion tank is equipped with a flame arrestor breather valve, a safety valve, and a magnetic level gauge. When the pressure inside the tank is too high, the flame arrestor breather valve discharges excess gas; when the pressure inside the tank is too low, the flame arrestor breather valve draws in outside air to prevent the tank from deforming or being damaged. When the TCU system malfunctions and causes the pressure inside the expansion tank to rise sharply and exceed the adjustment range of the flame arrestor breather valve, the safety valve automatically opens to quickly release the pressure and prevent the tank from rupturing or exploding.

6. A TCU system with automatic heat transfer oil recovery according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: To achieve flexible adjustment of the heat transfer oil temperature, the heat transfer oil circulation pipeline is provided with a heating branch and a cooling branch; the heating branch is connected to the first heat exchanger, and a fifth switch ball valve and a first check valve are installed on the heating branch. The first check valve is used to prevent the heat transfer oil from flowing backward in the heating branch; the fifth switch ball valve is used to control the on / off state of the circulation pump and the heating branch; the cooling branch is connected to the second heat exchanger, and a sixth switch ball valve is installed on the cooling branch. The sixth switch ball valve is used to control the on / off state of the circulation pump and the cooling branch.

7. A TCU system with automatic heat transfer oil recovery according to claim 6, characterized in that: The heating pipeline is equipped with a steam inlet and a condensate outlet. A first pneumatic regulating valve is installed near the steam inlet. A steam trap and a high-platform ball valve are installed near the condensate outlet. The steam trap and the high-platform ball valve are connected in parallel. The parallel connection allows for continuous condensate removal while the steam supply is being regulated, preventing a decrease in thermal efficiency or equipment damage due to condensate accumulation, and improving the overall system's energy efficiency and reliability.

8. A TCU system with automatic heat transfer oil recovery according to claim 7, characterized in that: The cooling pipeline is equipped with an ethylene glycol aqueous solution inlet and an ethylene glycol aqueous solution outlet. A third temperature transmitter and a second pressure transmitter are also installed near the ethylene glycol inlet; a fourth temperature transmitter and a third pressure transmitter are installed near the steam inlet.

9. A TCU system with automatic heat transfer oil recovery according to claim 8, characterized in that: The TCU device cabinet is equipped with an explosion-proof control cabinet. The PLC electrical control unit in the explosion-proof control cabinet is electrically connected to the first pneumatic regulating valve, the second pneumatic regulating valve, the first switch ball valve, the second switch ball valve, the third switch ball valve, the fourth open ball valve, the fifth switch ball valve, the sixth switch ball valve, the first temperature transmitter, the second temperature transmitter, the third temperature transmitter, the fourth temperature transmitter, the first pressure transmitter, the second pressure transmitter, the third pressure transmitter, and the circulating pump.

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