Tank car exhaust valve interlock

Abstract

The present application provides a tank car exhaust valve interlock device and a unloading system using the device. The tank car exhaust valve interlock device comprises: a valve position sensor arranged at a tank return gas pipeline interface; a valve position sensor arranged at an unloading station return gas hose interface; a sensing loop system connected to the valve position sensor; a pipeline sealing detection device; and the valve position sensor is connected to an unloading station pumping system switch to ensure that the unloading station pumping system cannot be started before the tank return gas pipeline is connected. Using the device and system of the present application, the sealing performance of the unloading return gas pipeline can be effectively detected, and unloading in a sealed environment can be ensured. When the return gas pipeline is connected to the wrong tank, the tank car can be prevented from being sucked in during unloading, thereby effectively improving the safety performance of the unloading station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention application relates to a tank truck unloading auxiliary device, specifically, to a tank truck exhaust valve interlocking device and an unloading system using the device. Background Technology

[0002] In chemical production enterprises, the safe and stable handling of materials and the isolation of materials from the environment are crucial for ensuring industrial operation and product quality. For example, moisture can cause chemical reactions in polyurethane blends, directly affecting their quality and the performance of the final product, such as density, emissions, and aging resistance. Therefore, to prevent material leakage and environmental pollution and ensure product quality, unloading must be carried out in a closed loop. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Due to volume displacement, while the tank truck supplies liquid materials to the storage tank, it is necessary to simultaneously connect the gas pipeline from the storage tank to the tank truck to return gas to the storage tank, thus creating a closed-loop unloading system. Therefore, the tank truck is equipped with both a connection pipeline for liquid unloading and an exhaust port that connects to the storage tank's return gas pipeline. Specifically, when unloading materials from the tank truck, in addition to connecting the liquid delivery pipeline, it is also necessary to simultaneously open the exhaust valve on the top of the tank truck and connect it to the storage tank via a return gas hose to send the displaced gas from the storage tank back to the tank truck.

[0004] The inventors of this invention have discovered that, in order to solve the aforementioned technical problem of unloading in a non-sealed environment, in existing chemical product unloading devices, each storage tank needs to be provided with a return gas pipeline. When unloading from the tank truck, the return gas pipeline is extended into the tank truck to form a closed unloading loop. This unloading loop includes the unloading logistics pipeline from the tank truck to the storage tank and the return gas pipeline from the storage tank to the tank truck.

[0005] In polyurethane chemical production, to centralize unloading management, storage tanks and unloading pipelines are typically concentrated in a designated area within the plant, forming a dedicated unloading station. A single unloading station often handles the unloading of multiple storage tanks. Corresponding to different storage tanks, each unloading station has multiple sets of unloading logistics pipelines, as well as corresponding sets of return gas pipelines from the storage tanks to the tank trucks.

[0006] However, each unloading station typically has only one shared return air hose leading to the tank truck. One end of this hose connects to the storage tank's return air line, and the other end connects to the tank truck's exhaust valve. Each time material is unloaded from the tank truck, the return air hose must be connected to the tank truck's exhaust valve, thus creating a return air path from the storage tank to the tank truck. If the unloading station's return air hose is not properly connected to the corresponding storage tank's exhaust line, or if the tank truck's exhaust valve is not properly opened before material delivery, negative pressure will form inside the tank truck when the unloading process begins, as the entire system lacks a complete path. In severe cases, this can cause the tank truck to collapse, resulting in a safety accident.

[0007] Accordingly, the present invention provides a tank truck exhaust valve interlock device, which aims to prevent the aforementioned unloading station return air hose from being connected to the wrong storage tank, or to start the unloading procedure before the return air passage is connected, thereby avoiding the risk of the tank truck being sucked in due to the formation of negative pressure.

[0008] Technical solution

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a tank truck exhaust valve interlock device and a unloading system using the device to solve the technical problem that the tank truck may be sucked up during the unloading process, so as to improve the safety performance and ease of operation of the unloading system.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a tank truck exhaust valve interlocking device, comprising:

[0011] A valve position sensor is installed at the interface of the gas return pipeline of the storage tank.

[0012] A valve position sensor is installed at the return air hose interface of the unloading station;

[0013] The sensing loop system that connects the sensor;

[0014] The valve position sensor is connected to the switch of the unloading station pumping system to ensure that the unloading station pumping system cannot be started before the storage tank return gas pipeline is connected.

[0015] In one embodiment of the tank truck exhaust valve interlocking device, the valve position sensor is a metal sensor.

[0016] In another embodiment of the tank truck exhaust valve interlocking device, a sensor triggering mechanism is provided at the tank return gas pipeline interface, the unloading station return gas hose interface, and / or the valve connected to the interface.

[0017] In another embodiment of the tank truck exhaust valve interlocking device, the valve position sensor triggering mechanism is a metal handle.

[0018] The present invention also provides an unloading system, comprising:

[0019] A material transfer path, which includes: a storage tank, a tank truck, a material pipeline connecting the storage tank and the tank truck, a pump installed on the material pipeline, and a pipeline sealing detection device;

[0020] Tanker return air passage, which includes: storage tank return air pipeline and unloading station return air hose;

[0021] The storage tank return gas pipeline is connected to the unloading station return gas hose through an interface, and the unloading station return gas hose is connected to the tank truck exhaust valve through an interface.

[0022] A valve position sensor is installed at the gas return pipeline interface of the storage tank.

[0023] A valve position sensor is installed at the return air hose interface of the unloading station.

[0024] The valve position sensor is connected by a circuit to form a sensing loop system;

[0025] The valve position sensor is connected to the switch of the unloading station pumping system to ensure that the unloading station pumping system cannot be started before the storage tank return gas pipeline is connected.

[0026] A pipeline sealing test device, comprising: an inert gas supply device, an inert gas inlet valve, an inert gas exhaust valve, a pressure sensor, an inert gas return pipeline, and a gas collection device.

[0027] In one embodiment of the unloading system, the valve position sensor is a metal sensor.

[0028] In another embodiment of the unloading system, a valve position sensor triggering mechanism is provided at the gas return pipeline interface of the storage tank, the gas return hose interface of the unloading station, and / or the valve connected to the interface.

[0029] In another embodiment of the unloading system, the valve position sensor triggering mechanism is a metal handle.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, a PLC sensing control unit is used in the sensing loop system.

[0031] Before unloading, open the inert gas inlet valve and the tank truck exhaust valve to fill the tank truck with inert gas. After stopping the inert gas filling for a period of time, observe whether the pressure value of the pressure sensor changes. At this time, the unloading pump is in the off state. If the pressure value of the pressure sensor remains unchanged, it proves that the unloading pipeline and the return gas pipeline are sealed.

[0032] When unloading, the exhaust valve on the top of the tank truck needs to be opened, and the return air hose of the unloading station needs to be connected to the return air pipeline of the storage tank at the same time to ensure that air can be replenished or vented into the tank truck in a timely manner during the unloading process, so as to prevent the tank truck from being sucked in and collapsed during unloading.

[0033] Using the unloading system of this invention, after connecting the return air hose equipped with a sensor to the exhaust valve located on the top of the tank truck, and connecting the return air hose of the unloading station to the return air pipeline of the storage tank, the sensing loop system will detect whether the valves corresponding to the two interfaces are in the open state. After confirming that both interfaces are in the open state, the sensing loop system will control the pump to start material conveying, and simultaneously begin unloading and return air.

[0034] Beneficial effects

[0035] The interlocking device for tank truck exhaust valves of this invention has the following advantages: 1. By using a pipeline sealing detection device, the sealing performance of the unloading and return air pipelines is effectively detected, preventing leaks caused by loose or aging pipeline connections; 2. When the return air pipe is connected to the wrong storage tank or the tank truck exhaust valve is not locked, the sensor cannot release a connection signal and therefore cannot form a complete circuit, preventing the unloading pump from starting. This prevents the tank truck from being sucked up during unloading due to incorrect return air pipeline connection or a disconnected return air pipeline, thus effectively improving the safety performance of the unloading station; 3. The release of connection or disconnection signals through the sensor's sensing action also facilitates operation and saves time and effort for on-site operators. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the unloading system of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the induction loop system in this invention.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the unloading station return air hose before it is connected to the tank truck exhaust valve in this invention.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the return air hose of the unloading station and the exhaust valve of the tank truck in this invention.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline sealing detection device in this invention.

[0041] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0042] 1-Storage tank;

[0043] 2-Material transfer path;

[0044] 3-Pump;

[0045] 4- Tank truck;

[0046] 5- Unloading station return air hose interface + tank truck exhaust valve;

[0047] 6-Return air hose at the unloading station;

[0048] 7-Storage tank return gas pipeline interface + unloading station return gas hose interface;

[0049] 8-Storage tank return gas pipeline;

[0050] 9-PLC sensor control unit;

[0051] 10-Valve position sensor 1;

[0052] 11-Valve position sensor 2;

[0053] 12-Power supply;

[0054] 13-Unloading station return air hose interface;

[0055] 14-Valve position sensor;

[0056] 15-Wire;

[0057] 16- Interface alignment with steel pin;

[0058] 17-Interface clip;

[0059] 18 - Tanker exhaust valve;

[0060] 19-Tank truck exhaust valve switch handle;

[0061] 20 - Pipeline sealing detection device;

[0062] 201 - Inert gas supply device; 202 - Gas pressure regulating valve;

[0063] 203 - Safety relief valve; 204 - Pressure sensor;

[0064] 205 - Gas inlet valve; 206 - Gas outlet valve;

[0065] 207 - Waste gas collection device; 208 - Gas quick connector. Detailed Implementation

[0066] To facilitate understanding of the working principle of the waste collection and transportation device of the present invention, embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are described in the specification. It should be understood that this is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0067] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the unloading system of the present invention. (As shown...) Figure 1As shown, in the unloading system of the present invention, the storage tank 1, the tank truck 4, the material pipeline 2 connecting the storage tank and the tank truck, and the pump 3 installed on the material pipeline constitute a material transfer passage. This material transfer passage pumps material from the storage tank to the tank truck 4.

[0068] As another part of the unloading circuit, the unloading system of this invention also includes a tank truck return air passage. This passage includes a storage tank return air pipeline 8, a storage tank return air pipeline interface + unloading station return air hose interface 7, an unloading station return air hose 6, an unloading station return air hose interface + tank truck exhaust valve 5, and a tank truck 4. A sensor 11 is arranged at the connection between the storage tank return air pipeline interface and the unloading station return air hose, and a sensor 10 is arranged at the connection between the unloading station return air hose interface and the tank truck exhaust valve. During unloading, the return air in the storage tank passes sequentially through the storage tank return air pipeline 8, the storage tank return air pipeline interface + unloading station return air hose interface 7, the unloading station return air hose 6, and the unloading station return air hose interface + tank truck exhaust valve 5, and returns to the tank truck 4 through the tank truck exhaust valve.

[0069] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the induction loop system in this invention. (For example...) Figure 2 As shown, in the unloading system of the present invention, the induction circuit system includes sensors 10 and 11 (which are respectively installed at the connection between the storage tank return gas pipeline interface and the unloading station return gas hose and the connection between the unloading station return gas hose interface and the tank truck exhaust valve), PLC induction control unit 9, pump 3 and power supply 12.

[0070] The PLC sensing control unit 9 detects the connection status at sensors 10 and 11. Once it detects that the pipeline connection at each sensor is good, the PLC sensing control unit 9 will issue a command to start pump 3, thereby initiating the unloading process.

[0071] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the unloading station return air hose before it is connected to the tank truck exhaust valve in this invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the unloading station return air hose and the tank truck exhaust valve in this invention. In this invention, to facilitate a good connection between the unloading station return air hose interface 13 and the tank truck exhaust valve 18, a steel needle 16 for alignment and maintaining the passage is also provided in the unloading station return air hose interface 13. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the unloading station, a sensor 14 is installed on the return air hose interface 13. The sensor 14 is connected to the sensing circuit system through a wire.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, before the return air hose interface 13 of the unloading station is connected to the tank truck exhaust valve 18, the metal switch handle on the tank truck exhaust valve 18 is away from the sensor 14, and the sensor 14 does not generate a sensing signal. Figure 4As shown, when the return air hose interface 13 of the unloading station is connected to the tank truck exhaust valve 18, the metal switch handle on the tank truck exhaust valve 18 approaches the sensor 14, and the sensor 14 generates a sensing signal.

[0073] In this invention, the storage tank return gas pipeline interface and the unloading station return gas hose interface are connected and equipped with sensors in a similar manner. Thus, when the unloading station return gas hose is properly connected to the storage tank return gas pipeline and the tank truck exhaust valve, the PLC sensor control unit will issue a command to start pump 3, thereby initiating the unloading process. Simultaneously, while material is being drawn from the tank truck, return gas is being sent from the storage tank into the tank truck. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline sealing detection device. Before unloading, connect the gas quick connector 208 to the return gas hose at the unloading station, open the gas inlet valve and tank truck exhaust valve, and fill the tank truck with inert gas. At this time, the gas exhaust valve 206 and pump 3 are closed. When there is a pressure value in the pressure sensor 204, close the gas inlet valve 205. After a period of time, observe whether the pressure value of the pressure sensor changes. If the pressure value remains unchanged, it proves that the unloading pipeline and the return gas pipeline are sealed, and unloading can be carried out safely. Otherwise, it means that the pipeline is not completely sealed. At this time, the operator needs to check one by one whether the return gas hose at the unloading station is sealed to the tank truck exhaust valve, and whether there are any leaks in the pipeline. The gas pressure regulating valve 202 and the safety pressure relief valve 203 are used to regulate the pipeline pressure when the inert gas is input to prevent safety accidents.

Claims

1. A tank truck exhaust valve interlocking device, comprising: A valve position sensor is installed at the interface of the gas return pipeline of the storage tank. A valve position sensor is installed at the return air hose interface of the unloading station; The sensing circuit system of the valve position sensor is linked; The valve position sensor is connected to the switch of the unloading station pumping system to ensure that the unloading station pumping system cannot be started before the storage tank return gas pipeline is connected. The valve position sensor is a metal sensor. A valve position sensor triggering mechanism is provided at the interface of the storage tank return gas pipeline, the interface of the unloading station return gas hose, and / or on the valve connected to the interface. The valve position sensor triggering mechanism is a metal handle.

2. A discharge system, comprising: A material transfer path, comprising: a storage tank, a tank truck, a material pipeline connecting the storage tank and the tank truck, and a pump installed on the material pipeline; Tanker return air passage, which includes: storage tank return air pipeline and unloading station return air hose; The storage tank return gas pipeline is connected to the unloading station return gas hose through an interface, and the unloading station return gas hose is connected to the tank truck exhaust valve through an interface. A valve position sensor is installed at the gas return pipeline interface of the storage tank. A valve position sensor is installed at the return air hose interface of the unloading station. The valve position sensor is connected by a circuit to form a sensing loop system; The valve position sensor is connected to the switch of the unloading station pumping system to ensure that the unloading station pumping system cannot be started before the storage tank return gas pipeline is connected. The valve position sensor is a metal sensor, and the interface or the valve connected to the interface is provided with a valve position sensor triggering mechanism, which is a metal handle.

3. The unloading system according to claim 2, further comprising a pipeline sealing detection device.

4. The unloading system according to claim 3, wherein the pipeline sealing detection device includes an inert gas supply device, a pipeline pressure regulating device, and a pressure sensor.

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