Methanol supply device and system

Abstract

The application discloses a methanol supply device and system, which comprises a methanol unit, an inert gas unit and a discharge unit, the methanol unit can output methanol with stable pressure, temperature and flow; the output end of the inert gas unit is connected with the methanol unit, which can detect leakage of the methanol unit and reduce the risk of methanol combustion explosion; the discharge unit is connected with the output end of the inert gas unit and the methanol unit, which can discharge the residual inert gas and methanol in the pipelines of the methanol unit and the inert gas unit. The methanol supply device and system can ensure the safe use of methanol.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of methanol fuel supply for ship engines, in particular to a methanol supply device and system. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the global concern for environmental governance, the exhaust emission standard is becoming more and more stringent. It will also become a future development trend for ship engines to use green and environmentally friendly fuels to reduce emissions.

[0003] In July 2022, China Classification Society released and implemented the "Guidelines for the Application of Methanol / Ethanol Fuel on Ships", opening a new stage of domestic ship application of methanol as engine fuel. At present, there are not many engines that can use methanol as fuel. Foreign MAN B&W (dual fuel engine) has developed multiple models, mainly engines using methanol as single or main fuel. Domestic diesel engine manufacturers are also developing methanol engines, but most of them are hybrid combustion engines using methanol as an auxiliary fuel. In the future, engines using methanol as single or main fuel will be the mainstream trend. As a supply system for providing methanol fuel to engines, it must be researched and developed under the guidance of specifications to adapt to the large-scale development and application of engines using methanol fuel as single or main fuel in the future.

[0004] Methanol is a colorless transparent liquid at normal temperature and pressure, has certain corrosive property, has strong toxicity, has great influence on human nervous system and blood system, methanol vapor can damage human respiratory mucosa and vision, and can form explosive mixture with air, and is dangerous to burn and explode when encountering heat source and open flame.

[0005] Therefore, when researching and developing a marine methanol supply unit, the physical properties of methanol should be fully considered to prevent leakage, reduce the opportunity of human body contacting methanol, and safety first; the whole system should be scientifically designed, intelligently managed, and modularized to make the system better adapt to the requirements of the ship industry and engines.

[0006] When designing and researching a marine methanol supply unit, the following requirements should be considered:

[0007] Temperature requirement: methanol should reach the corresponding temperature before entering the engine;

[0008] Pressure requirement: methanol should reach the corresponding pressure before entering the engine;

[0009] Flow requirement: methanol flow not only needs to meet the consumption of the engine, but also needs to have a certain redundancy to maintain the stability of the pressure;

[0010] Anti-corrosion requirement: methanol has certain corrosive property, and the materials of main equipment, pipelines, valves, etc. should have anti-corrosion property;

[0011] • Explosion-proof requirements, methanol is flammable and explosive, the electricity at the location of the supply system should have the corresponding explosion-proof level;

[0012] • No leakage requirements to prevent fuel explosion and human injury;

[0013] • System air requirements to reduce the risk of methanol combustion explosion;

[0014] • Maintenance safety requirements to reduce the opportunity of human exposure to methanol and safety first;

[0015] • Intelligent requirements to better meet the needs of the current intelligent development of the ship industry.

[0016] Prior art, patent No. CN115479216A, a kind of marine methanol supply system and its supply method, system includes: pump group, heat exchanger and filter device;Pump group, heat exchanger and filter device according to the flow direction of methanol is sequentially arranged on the pipeline between methanol supply device and methanol consumption device from front to back;Pump group delivers methanol fuel to heat exchanger through pipeline;Heat exchanger carries out heat exchange between methanol fuel and ship heat source, and outputs methanol fuel meeting the requirements;Filter device filters the methanol fuel meeting the requirements.Methanol fuel is pressurized by the pump group of the marine methanol supply system and enters the heat exchanger;The heat exchanger directly exchanges heat with the ship heat source, and the output methanol fuel enters the filter device for filtering to obtain the final methanol fuel for output to the methanol consumption device.The methanol supply system in the prior art is simple in structure and cannot fully meet the requirements of ship use specification and engine. SUMMARY

[0017] The technical problem to be solved by the present application is to fully consider the physical properties of methanol fuel, the requirements of ship use specification and engine when designing and developing a marine methanol supply unit.

[0018] To solve the above technical problems, the present application provides the following technical solutions:

[0019] A methanol supply device, comprising a methanol unit 100, an inert gas unit 200 and a release unit 300, the methanol unit 100 can output methanol with stable pressure, temperature and flow; The output end of the inert gas unit 200 is connected with the methanol unit 100, which can detect leakage of the methanol unit 100 and reduce the risk of methanol combustion explosion; The release unit is connected with the output end of the inert gas unit 200 and the methanol unit 100, which can release the residual inert gas and methanol in the pipeline of the methanol unit 100 and inert gas unit 200.

[0020] The advantages are that the methanol unit can output methanol with stable pressure, temperature and flow, the inert gas unit can detect leakage of the methanol unit and reduce the risk of methanol combustion explosion, and the venting unit can vent the inert gas and methanol remaining in the pipelines of the methanol unit and the inert gas unit. The temperature and pressure of the methanol before entering the engine are ensured to be stable, the risk of methanol combustion explosion is reduced, and the opportunity of human body contacting methanol is reduced.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present application, the methanol unit 100 comprises a low-pressure circuit subunit 110 and a high-pressure circuit subunit 120, and the methanol flows from the low-pressure circuit subunit 110 to the high-pressure circuit subunit 120; the low-pressure circuit subunit 110 comprises a methanol inlet valve 111, a first methanol pump 112, a first pressure regulating valve 113, a first heat exchanger 114, a flow meter 115, a first pressure sensor 116 and a mixing barrel 117; the methanol is divided into two paths after passing through the methanol inlet valve 111 and then combined, one path passes through the first methanol pump 112, and the other path passes through the first pressure regulating valve 113 and the first heat exchanger 114 in sequence, and then the two paths are combined and pass through the flow meter 115, the first pressure sensor 116 and the mixing barrel 117 in sequence, and then flow out of the mixing barrel 117 into the high-pressure circuit subunit 120.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present application, the high-pressure circuit subunit 120 comprises a second methanol pump 121, a second heat exchanger 122, a temperature sensor 123, a first precision filter 124, a second precision filter 125, a second pressure sensor 126 and a methanol outlet valve 127; the methanol flows out of the mixing barrel 117 and then passes through the second methanol pump 121, the second heat exchanger 122 and the temperature sensor 123 in sequence, and then is divided into two paths, flows into the first precision filter 124 and then flows out, or flows into the second precision filter 125 and then flows out, and then passes through the second pressure sensor 126 and then flows out of the methanol outlet valve 127.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present application, the high-pressure circuit subunit 120 further comprises a second pressure regulating valve 128, and the methanol flows out of the mixing barrel 117 and then passes through the second pressure regulating valve 128 and the second pressure sensor 126 in sequence, and then flows out of the methanol outlet valve 127.

[0024] In an embodiment of the present application, the inert gas unit 200 comprises an inert gas inlet valve 210, a first pneumatic valve 220, a second pneumatic valve 230, a third pneumatic valve 240 and a fourth pneumatic valve 250; the inert gas flows from the inert gas inlet valve 210 and is divided into two paths, one of which flows into the second heat exchanger 122 after passing through the first pneumatic valve 220; the other is divided into two paths again, one of which flows into the mixing barrel 117 after passing through the second pneumatic valve 230, and the other flows into the first heat exchanger 114 after passing through the second pneumatic valve 230; the inert gas passing through the second pneumatic valve 230 can also flow into the discharge unit 300 through the fourth pneumatic valve 250.

[0025] In an embodiment of the present application, the discharge unit 300 comprises a pneumatic diaphragm pump 310, a fifth pneumatic valve 320, a sixth pneumatic valve 330, a seventh pneumatic valve 340, a second liquid level switch 350, a first one-way valve 360 and a second one-way valve 370; the fifth pneumatic valve 320, the first one-way valve 360, the sixth pneumatic valve 330 and the seventh pneumatic valve 340 are respectively connected with the methanol inlet valve 111, the fourth pneumatic valve 250, the mixing barrel 117 and the fine filter, and then a pipeline is gathered after passing through the second liquid level switch 350, and then the returned daily cabinet is gathered again after passing through the second one-way valve 370 and the pneumatic diaphragm pump 310.

[0026] In an embodiment of the present application, the methanol supply device further comprises a heating unit 400 connected with the methanol unit 100, which can control the outlet temperature of the methanol; the heating unit 400 comprises a heating medium tank 410, a heating medium pump 420, a third heat exchanger 430 and a temperature control valve 440; the heating medium tank 410 stores heating medium, which is connected with the first heat exchanger 114 and the second heat exchanger 122 through the temperature control valve 440 for heat exchange; the heating medium pump 420 and the third heat exchanger 430 are connected with the first heat exchanger 114 in sequence from the output end of the heating medium tank 410.

[0027] In an embodiment of the present application, the low-pressure circuit sub-unit 110 further comprises a first liquid level switch 118 connected with the mixing barrel 117.

[0028] The present application also provides a monitoring system of the methanol supply device, which comprises a cleaning state mode 500, a maintenance state mode 510, a standby state mode 520, a standby supply state mode 530 and a running state mode 540, and a cleaning module 551, a maintenance module 552, a leakage experiment module 553, a starting module 554, a stopping module 555, an emergency shutdown module 556 and a remote supply module.

[0029] In the cleaning state mode 500, the methanol inlet valve 111 and the methanol outlet valve 127 are closed, and there is no methanol in the methanol unit 100; all parameters in the system are monitored, and an alarm is triggered if there is an abnormality; if there is no abnormality, the leakage experiment module 553 is started, and a leakage experiment program is executed; or the starting module 554 is started, and an action program is executed; or the maintenance module 552 is started, and a maintenance state is entered;

[0030] The maintenance state mode 510 is used when the system device is maintained, and other modes cannot be started when the maintenance state mode 510 is started, so as to protect the device and the maintenance personnel;

[0031] In the standby state mode 520, the system is isolated; when the leakage experiment module 553 is started and the standby state mode 520 is entered, there is no methanol in the system; when the stop module 555 or the emergency shutdown module 556 is started and the standby state mode 520 is entered, the system is full of methanol; all parameters in the system are monitored, and an alarm is triggered if there is an abnormality; if there is no alarm, the starting module 554 is started, and a starting program is executed; or the cleaning module 551 is started, and a cleaning program is executed, so that the system returns to the cleaning state mode 500;

[0032] In the standby state mode 520, the system is isolated; when the leakage experiment module 553 is started and the standby state mode 520 is entered, there is no methanol in the system; when the stop module 555 or the emergency shutdown module 556 is started and the standby state mode 520 is entered, the system is full of methanol; all parameters in the system are monitored, and an alarm is triggered if there is an abnormality; if there is no alarm, the starting module 554 is started, and a starting program is executed; or the cleaning module 551 is started, and a cleaning program is executed, so that the system returns to the cleaning state mode 500;

[0033] In the standby state mode 520, the system is isolated; when the leakage experiment module 553 is started and the standby state mode 520 is entered, there is no methanol in the system; when the stop module 555 or the emergency shutdown module 556 is started and the standby state mode 520 is entered, the system is full of methanol; all parameters in the system are monitored, and an alarm is triggered if there is an abnormality; if there is no alarm, the starting module 554 is started, and a starting program is executed; or the cleaning module 551 is started, and a cleaning program is executed, so that the system returns to the cleaning state mode 500;

[0034] In an embodiment of the present application, when the cleaning module 551 is started, the methanol in the methanol unit 100 can be completely emptied by using inert gas; during the process of emptying the methanol, the pneumatic diaphragm pump 310 is started, and the methanol liquid level is monitored by the second liquid level switch 350, so as to ensure that only a small amount of methanol is left in the system;

[0035] The starting of the maintenance module 552 enables the system to enter the maintenance state mode 510;

[0036] The starting of the leakage experiment module 553 enables the leakage experiment before the system flows in the methanol, so as to ensure that the whole system has no leakage.

[0037] The starting of the starting module 554 opens the methanol inlet valve 111, so that the methanol enters the methanol unit 100; the starting of the pneumatic diaphragm pump 310 discharges the inert gas in the system; the starting of the heating unit 400 enables the system to enter the standby state mode 520 after the temperature and pressure of the methanol outlet reach the requirements.

[0038] The starting of the stopping module 555 closes the methanol inlet valve 111 and the methanol outlet valve 127, so as to isolate the system and stop the first methanol pump 112 and the second methanol pump 121; the system enters the standby state mode 520.

[0039] The starting of the emergency shutdown module 556 enables the system to suddenly stop and isolate the system, and all the pneumatic valves are restored to the initial position; after the emergency shutdown procedure is executed, the system returns to the standby state mode 520.

[0040] The remote supply module opens the methanol outlet valve 127 to provide the engine with stable temperature and pressure of the methanol fuel under the command of the engine control system or the operation.

[0041] Compared with the prior art, the methanol supply device has the beneficial effects that: the pressure regulating valves are arranged in the low-pressure loop subunit and the high-pressure loop subunit, so as to ensure the stability of the pressure in the methanol unit; the first methanol pump and the second methanol pump enable the methanol flow to meet the consumption of the engine and maintain the stability of the pressure; the third heat exchanger, the heating medium pump and the temperature control valve control the heating medium flow to control the outlet temperature of the methanol; the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the low-pressure loop subunit and the high-pressure loop subunit stabilize the temperature of the methanol; the inert gas unit can perform the leakage experiment on the methanol unit to detect whether there is leakage, so as to obtain timely maintenance and reduce the risk of the methanol explosion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the methanol supply device.

[0043] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the methanol unit and the inert gas unit.

[0044] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the relief unit, the methanol unit and the inert gas unit.

[0045] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the methanol unit and heating unit of the present application.

[0046] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the system of the methanol supply device of the present application DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] For the convenience of those skilled in the art to understand the technical scheme of the present application, the technical scheme of the present application will be further described in conjunction with the drawings of the specification.

[0048] The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used only for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined with "first", "second" can explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "a plurality of" is two or more, unless otherwise specifically limited.

[0049] Referring to Figure 1 As shown in the drawings, the present application provides a methanol supply device, which comprises a methanol unit 100, an inert gas unit 200 and a relief unit 300. The methanol unit 100 can output methanol with stable pressure, temperature and flow rate, the output end of the inert gas unit 200 is connected with the methanol unit 100, which can detect the leakage of the methanol unit 100 and reduce the risk of methanol combustion explosion. The relief unit is connected with the output end of the inert gas unit 200 and the methanol unit 100, which can release the residual inert gas and methanol in the pipelines of the methanol unit 100 and the inert gas unit 200.

[0050] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the methanol unit 100 includes a low-pressure circuit subunit 110 and a high-pressure circuit subunit 120. Methanol flows from the low-pressure circuit subunit 110 to the high-pressure circuit subunit 120. The low-pressure circuit subunit 110 includes a methanol inlet valve 111, a first methanol pump 112, a first pressure regulating valve 113, a first heat exchanger 114, a flow meter 115, a first pressure sensor 116, and a mixing barrel 117. After passing through the methanol inlet valve 111, the methanol is divided into two paths and then merged. One path passes through the first methanol pump 112, and the other path passes through the first pressure regulating valve 113 and the first heat exchanger 114 in sequence. After the two paths are merged, they pass through the flow meter 115, the first pressure sensor 116, and the mixing barrel 117 in sequence, and then flow out of the mixing barrel 117 into the high-pressure circuit subunit 120. The high-pressure circuit subunit 120 includes a second methanol pump 121, a second heat exchanger 122, a temperature sensor 123, a first fine filter 124, a second fine filter 125, a second pressure sensor 126, and a methanol outlet valve 127. Methanol flows out of the mixing barrel 117 and then passes through the second methanol pump 121, the second heat exchanger 122, and the temperature sensor 123. It is then split into two paths: the methanol flows into the first fine filter 124 and then out, or flows into and out of the second fine filter 125, then flows through the second pressure sensor 126 and out of the methanol outlet valve 127.

[0051] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, methanol is a flammable, explosive, and toxic liquid. Its daily tanks are typically stored on the ship's open deck, where temperatures can range from -25°C to 45°C. However, the engine's required inlet temperature for methanol is typically between 25°C and 50°C. Therefore, a heat exchanger is required to heat the methanol to the required temperature. In this embodiment, a first heat exchanger 113 and a second heat exchanger 122 are respectively provided in the low-pressure circuit subunit 110 and the high-pressure circuit subunit 120. Both utilize stainless steel shell-and-tube heat exchangers suitable for methanol, ensuring a more stable heating temperature. The flow rates of the first and second methanol pumps 112 and 121 are set to be no less than three times the engine's consumption at rated pressure, ensuring more stable pressure. The low-pressure circuit subunit 110 also includes a first liquid level switch 118, which is connected to the mixing tank 117 to control the liquid level within the mixing tank 117 and to allow the mixing tank 117 to mix methanol at different temperatures. The low-pressure circuit subunit 110 is provided with a first pressure regulating valve 113 which can regulate the pressure outputted by the low-pressure circuit subunit 110 .

[0052] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in an embodiment of the present application, a methanol inlet valve 111 is arranged at the input end of the methanol unit 100, and a methanol outlet valve 127 is arranged at the output end, so that the methanol unit 100 can be isolated when necessary. The high-pressure loop subunit 110 further comprises a plurality of ball valves 129 arranged at the input and output ends of the first fine filter 124 and the second fine filter 125 respectively, so that the methanol is divided into two paths after passing through the second heat exchanger 122, and the methanol passes through the first fine filter 124 or the second fine filter 125 at this time to filter impurities in the methanol, and the two fine filters are used as backup for each other, so that one can be maintained and cleaned while the other is working. The high-pressure loop subunit 120 further comprises a second pressure regulating valve 128, so that the methanol flowing out of the mixing barrel 117 can pass through the second pressure regulating valve 128 and the second pressure sensor 126 in turn and then flow out of the methanol outlet valve 127, so that low-pressure methanol can be output. In this embodiment, all equipment, valves and pipelines that can contact methanol are made of austenitic stainless steel or duplex stainless steel and non-metallic materials suitable for methanol liquid in accordance with the requirements of China Classification Society.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 1, the methanol unit 100 comprises a methanol tank 101, a first heat exchanger 114, a first pressure regulating valve 115, a first pressure sensor 116, a mixing barrel 117, a second heat exchanger 122, a second pressure regulating valve 123, a second pressure sensor 126, a first fine filter 124 and a second fine filter 125. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in an embodiment of the present application, the inert gas unit 200 comprises an inert gas inlet valve 210, a first pneumatic valve 220, a second pneumatic valve 230, a third pneumatic valve 240 and a fourth pneumatic valve 250. The inert gas flowing out of the inert gas inlet valve 210 is divided into two paths, one path flows into the second heat exchanger 122 after passing through the first pneumatic valve 220, and the other path is further divided into two paths, one path flows into the mixing barrel 117 after passing through the second pneumatic valve 230, and the other path flows into the first heat exchanger 114 after passing through the second pneumatic valve 230. The inert gas passing through the second pneumatic valve 230 can also flow into the venting unit 300 through the fourth pneumatic valve 250.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1, the methanol unit 100 comprises a methanol tank 101, a first heat exchanger 114, a first pressure regulating valve 115, a first pressure sensor 116, a mixing barrel 117, a second heat exchanger 122, a second pressure regulating valve 123, a second pressure sensor 126, a first fine filter 124 and a second fine filter 125. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in an embodiment of the present application, the venting unit 300 comprises a pneumatic diaphragm pump 310, a fifth pneumatic valve 320, a sixth pneumatic valve 330, a seventh pneumatic valve 340, a second liquid level switch 350, a first one-way valve 360 and a second one-way valve 370. The fifth pneumatic valve 320, the first one-way valve 360, the sixth pneumatic valve 330 and the seventh pneumatic valve 340 are connected with the methanol inlet valve 111, the fourth pneumatic valve 250, the mixing barrel 117 and the fine filter respectively, and then a pipeline is gathered after passing through the second liquid level switch 350, and then the pipeline is gathered again after passing through the second one-way valve 370 and the pneumatic diaphragm pump 310, and finally the pipeline returns to the daily-use tank.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1, the methanol unit 100 comprises a methanol tank 101, a first heat exchanger 114, a first pressure regulating valve 115, a first pressure sensor 116, a mixing barrel 117, a second heat exchanger 122, a second pressure regulating valve 123, a second pressure sensor 126, a first fine filter 124 and a second fine filter 125. Figures 1 to 3As shown, in an embodiment of the present application, before the methanol enters, the methanol pipeline and equipment can be tested for leakage using inert gas to detect whether there is a leakage condition, so as to obtain timely maintenance. The inert gas can be used to purge and neutralize the air in the methanol pipeline and equipment, reduce the oxygen content therein, and reduce the risk of methanol combustion explosion. When the equipment needs maintenance or is long-term inactivated, the inert gas can be used to purge the methanol in the pipeline and equipment, so as to return it to the daily use tank, so as to reduce the opportunity of human contact with methanol when the equipment needs maintenance, and safe operation. Specifically, the inert gas is, for example, nitrogen. The inert gas unit 200 is provided with automatic pneumatic valves on the pipelines entering the first heat exchanger 114, the mixing barrel 117 and the second heat exchanger 122, and the pipelines connected with the relief unit 300 are also provided with automatic pneumatic valves, i.e. the first pneumatic valve 220, the second pneumatic valve 230, the third pneumatic valve 240 and the fourth pneumatic valve 250. The pipelines connected with the relief unit 300 on the methanol unit 100 are also provided with automatic pneumatic valves, i.e. the fifth pneumatic valve 320, the sixth pneumatic valve 330 and the seventh pneumatic valve 340, to realize the discharge of methanol, and through the pneumatic diaphragm pump 310, the residual amount of methanol in the equipment and pipeline can be reduced, so that the equipment is cleaner and safer, and the isolation of the entire device can also be realized.

[0056] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in an embodiment of the present application, the methanol supply device further comprises a heating unit 400 connected with the methanol unit 100, which can control the outlet temperature of the methanol. The heating unit 400 comprises a heating medium tank 410, a heating medium pump 420, a third heat exchanger 430 and a temperature control valve 440. The heating medium tank 410 stores heating medium therein, which is connected with the first heat exchanger 114 and the second heat exchanger 122 respectively through the temperature control valve 440 for heat exchange. The heating medium pump 420 and the third heat exchanger 430 are connected in sequence from the output end of the heating medium tank 410 and then connected with the first heat exchanger 114.

[0057] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in an embodiment of the present application, since the temperature of the methanol in the daily use tank can reach -25℃, and the heating medium can reach below zero degrees during the heating process. Therefore, in the heating unit 400, 25% ethylene glycol aqueous solution is used as the heating medium to reduce the freezing point temperature of the heating medium. The outlet temperature of the third heat exchanger 430 is kept at 36-45℃, which is guaranteed by heat exchange of the cooling water provided on the ship through the third heat exchanger 430.

[0058] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4As shown in the embodiment of the present application, all electrical equipment in the device must reach the corresponding explosion-proof level according to the requirements of the Ship Application Methanol / Ethanol Fuel Guide, which sets higher requirements, conforms to ATEX 100a:II 2GIIB T4 X or IEC:Ex dIIB T4, and the pipe materials used by each unit are different.

[0059] As shown in the embodiment of the present application, all electrical equipment in the device must reach the corresponding explosion-proof level according to the requirements of the Ship Application Methanol / Ethanol Fuel Guide, which sets higher requirements, conforms to ATEX 100a:II 2GIIB T4 X or IEC:Ex dIIB T4, and the pipe materials used by each unit are different. Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the embodiment of the present application, all electrical equipment in the device must reach the corresponding explosion-proof level according to the requirements of the Ship Application Methanol / Ethanol Fuel Guide, which sets higher requirements, conforms to ATEX 100a:II 2GIIB T4 X or IEC:Ex dIIB T4, and the pipe materials used by each unit are different.

[0060] In the cleaning state mode 500, the methanol inlet valve 111 and the methanol outlet valve 127 are closed, and there is no methanol in the methanol unit 100. If all parameters in the monitoring system are abnormal, an alarm can be triggered. If there is no abnormality, the leakage experiment module 553 is started to execute the leakage experiment program, or the start module 554 is started to execute the action program, or the maintenance module 552 is started to enter the maintenance state.

[0061] The maintenance state mode 510 is used for the state when the system device is maintained. When the maintenance state mode 510 is started, other modes cannot be started to protect the device and the maintenance personnel.

[0062] In the standby state mode 520, the system is isolated. When the standby state mode 520 is entered after the leakage experiment module 553 is started, there is no methanol in the system. When the standby state mode 520 is entered after the start-stop module 555 or the emergency shutdown module 556 is started, the system is full of methanol. If all parameters in the monitoring system are abnormal, an alarm can be triggered. If there is no alarm, the start module 554 can be started to execute the start program, or the cleaning module 551 can be started to execute the cleaning program, so that the system returns to the cleaning state mode 500.

[0063] In the standby state mode 520, the system is isolated. When the standby state mode 520 is entered after the leakage experiment module 553 is started, there is no methanol in the system. When the standby state mode 520 is entered after the start-stop module 555 or the emergency shutdown module 556 is started, the system is full of methanol. If all parameters in the monitoring system are abnormal, an alarm can be triggered. If there is no alarm, the start module 554 can be started to execute the start program, or the cleaning module 551 can be started to execute the cleaning program, so that the system returns to the cleaning state mode 500.

[0064] In the running state mode 540, the system provides methanol fuel to the engine. In the running state mode 540, the start purge module 551, the maintenance module 552, the leak test module 553, the start module 554, the stop module 555, the emergency shut down module 556 and the remote feed module can be executed.

[0065] Referring to Figures 1 to 5 In one embodiment of the present application, the start purge module 551 can be used to completely purge the methanol from the methanol unit 100 using inert gas. During the purge of the methanol, the pneumatic diaphragm pump 310 is started and the methanol level is monitored by the second level switch 350 to ensure that only a small amount of methanol remains in the system. The maintenance module 552 can be started to allow the system to enter the maintenance state mode 510. The leak test module 553 can be started to perform a leak test before the system is filled with methanol to ensure that the system is leak free. The start module 554 can be started to open the methanol inlet valve 111 to allow methanol to enter the methanol unit 100. The pneumatic diaphragm pump 310 is started to purge the inert gas from the system. The heating unit 400 is started and the system enters the standby state mode 530 when the temperature and pressure of the methanol outlet are at the required levels. The stop module 555 can be started to close the methanol inlet valve 111 and the methanol outlet valve 127 to isolate the system and stop the first methanol pump 112 and the second methanol pump 121 and the system enters the standby state mode 520. The emergency shut down module 556 can be started to suddenly stop the system and isolate the system and return all of the pneumatic valves to their initial position and the system returns to the standby state mode 520 after the emergency shut down procedure is performed. The remote feed module can be started by the engine control system or the operator to open the methanol outlet valve 127 to provide a steady temperature and pressure of the methanol fuel to the engine.

[0066] It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, without departing from the scope of the present application, the present application can be implemented in other specific forms. Thus, the embodiments described above are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the application being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the description above, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein and are part of the invention. Consequently, any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0067] The above embodiments are only representative of the present application, the scope of the present application is not limited to the above embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present application, which are all within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A methanol supply device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a methanol unit (100), an inert gas unit (200) and a discharge unit (300), wherein the methanol unit (100) can output methanol with stable pressure, temperature and flow rate; the output end of the inert gas unit (200) is connected to the methanol unit (100), and can detect the leakage of the methanol unit (100) and reduce the danger of methanol combustion and explosion; the discharge unit (300) is connected to the output end of the inert gas unit (200) and the methanol unit (100), and can discharge the inert gas and methanol remaining in the pipelines of the methanol unit (100) and the inert gas unit (200); The methanol unit (100) includes a low-pressure circuit subunit (110) and a high-pressure circuit subunit (120). Methanol flows from the low-pressure circuit subunit (110) to the high-pressure circuit subunit (120). The low-pressure circuit subunit (110) includes a methanol inlet valve (111), a first methanol pump (112), a first pressure regulating valve (113), a first heat exchanger (114), a flow meter (115), a first pressure sensor (116), and a mixing barrel (117). After passing through the methanol inlet valve (111), the methanol is divided into two paths and then merged. One path passes through the first methanol pump (112), and the other path passes through the first pressure regulating valve (113) and the first heat exchanger (114) in sequence. After the two paths are merged, they pass through the flow meter (115), the first pressure sensor (116), and the mixing barrel (117) in sequence, and then flow out of the mixing barrel (117) into the high-pressure circuit subunit (120). The high-pressure circuit subunit (120) includes a second methanol pump (121), a second heat exchanger (122), a temperature sensor (123), a first fine filter (124), a second fine filter (125), a second pressure sensor (126), and a methanol outlet valve (127); the methanol flows out of the mixing barrel (117) and then passes through the second methanol pump (121), the second heat exchanger (122), and the temperature sensor (123) in sequence before being divided into two paths. The methanol flows into the first fine filter (124) and then flows out, or flows into the second fine filter (125) and then flows out, and then passes through the second pressure sensor (126) and then flows out of the methanol outlet valve (127); The inert gas unit (200) comprises an inert gas inlet valve (210), a first pneumatic valve (220), a second pneumatic valve (230), a third pneumatic valve (240) and a fourth pneumatic valve (250); the inert gas flows into the inert gas inlet valve (210) and is divided into two paths, one path flows into the second heat exchanger (122) after passing through the first pneumatic valve (220); the other path is further divided into two paths, one path flows into the mixing barrel (117) after passing through the second pneumatic valve (230), and the other path flows into the first heat exchanger (114) after passing through the second pneumatic valve (230); the inert gas that has passed through the second pneumatic valve (230) can also flow into the discharge unit (300) through the fourth pneumatic valve (250); The methanol supply device further comprises a heating unit (400), which is connected to the methanol unit (100) and can control the outlet temperature of the methanol; the heating unit (400) comprises a heating medium box (410), a heating medium pump (420), a third heat exchanger (430) and a temperature control valve (440); the heating medium box (410) stores a heating medium and is respectively connected to the first heat exchanger (114) and the second heat exchanger (122) through the temperature control valve (440) for heat exchange; the heating medium pump (420) and the third heat exchanger (430) are connected in sequence from the output end of the heating medium box (410) and then connected to the first heat exchanger (114).

2. The methanol supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The high-pressure circuit subunit (120) further includes a second pressure regulating valve (128). After the methanol flows out of the mixing barrel (117), it can also pass through the second pressure regulating valve (128) and the second pressure sensor (126) in sequence and then flow out of the methanol outlet valve (127).

3. The methanol supply device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The discharge unit (300) includes a pneumatic diaphragm pump (310), a fifth pneumatic valve (320), a sixth pneumatic valve (330), a seventh pneumatic valve (340), a second liquid level switch (350), a first one-way valve (360), and a second one-way valve (370); the fifth pneumatic valve (320), the first one-way valve (360), the sixth pneumatic valve (330), and the seventh pneumatic valve (340) are respectively connected to the methanol inlet valve (111), the fourth pneumatic valve (250), the mixing barrel (117), and the fine filter, and then are combined into a pipeline, passed through the second liquid level switch (350), and then respectively passed through the second one-way valve (370) and the pneumatic diaphragm pump (310) and then combined again to return to the daily cabinet.

4. The methanol supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The low-pressure circuit subunit (110) further comprises a first liquid level switch (118), and the first liquid level switch (118) is connected to the mixing barrel (117).

5. A monitoring system based on the methanol supply device according to claim 3, characterized in that: include: Cleaning state mode (500), maintenance state mode (510), standby state mode (520), standby state mode (530) and operation state mode (540), as well as cleaning module (551), maintenance module (552), leakage test module (553), start module (554), stop module (555), emergency shut-off module (556) and remote supply module; In the cleaning state mode (500), the methanol inlet valve (111) and the methanol outlet valve (127) are closed, and there is no methanol in the methanol unit (100); all parameters in the monitoring system are monitored, and if there is an abnormality, an alarm is triggered; if there is no abnormality, the leakage test module (553) is turned on to execute the leakage test program; or the start module (554) is turned on to execute the action program; or the maintenance module (552) is turned on to enter the maintenance state; The maintenance state mode (510) is used for the state of the system device during maintenance. When the maintenance state mode (510) is activated, other modes cannot be activated to protect the safety of the device and maintenance personnel. In the standby mode (520), the system is isolated; when the leakage test module (553) is turned on and the standby mode (520) is entered, there is no methanol in the system; When entering the standby mode (520) from the start-stop module (555) or the emergency shut-off module (556), the system is filled with methanol; all parameters in the system are monitored, and if there is an abnormality, an alarm can be triggered; if there is no alarm, the start module (554) can be started to execute the start-up program; or the cleaning module (551) can be started to execute the cleaning program to return the system to the cleaning mode (500); In the standby mode (530), the first methanol pump (112), the second methanol pump (121) and the heating medium pump (420) are in operation, the methanol inlet valve (111) is open, and the methanol outlet valve (127) remains closed; the system is filled with methanol, and only when the temperature and pressure of the methanol outlet reach the set range can the system be ready to execute the supply command issued by the engine control system or the operator; Monitoring all parameters in the system, triggering an alarm if any anomaly is detected, and returning the system to a standby mode (520) by issuing a stop command; In the operating state mode (540), the system provides methanol fuel to the engine; in the operating state mode (540), the system can execute the startup cleaning module (551), the maintenance module (552), the leakage test module (553), the startup module (554), the stop module (555), the emergency shut-off module (556) and the remote supply module.

6. The monitoring system of the methanol supply device according to claim 5, characterized in that: in, The purge module (551) is activated to completely drain the methanol from the methanol unit (100) using an inert gas; during the process of draining the methanol, the pneumatic diaphragm pump (310) is activated, and the methanol level is monitored by the second level switch (350) to ensure that only a small amount of methanol remains in the system; Starting a maintenance module (552) can cause the system to enter a maintenance state mode (510); Starting the leakage test module (553) to perform a leakage test before methanol flows into the system to ensure that the entire system is leak-free; Start the start module (554), open the methanol inlet valve (111), and allow methanol to enter the methanol unit (100); start the pneumatic diaphragm pump (310) to exhaust the inert gas in the system; start the heating unit (400), and when the temperature and pressure of the methanol outlet reach the requirements, the system enters the standby state mode (530); Starting the stop module (555), closing the methanol inlet valve (111) and the methanol outlet valve (127), isolating the system, stopping the first methanol pump (112) and the second methanol pump (121), and the system enters the standby mode (520); Activating the emergency shutoff module (556) to abruptly shut down and isolate the system, and returning all pneumatic valves to their initial positions, and after executing the emergency shutoff procedure, the system returns to the standby mode (520); The remote supply module is commanded by the engine control system or the operation to open the methanol outlet valve (127) to provide the engine with methanol fuel of stable temperature and pressure.

Images