Slurry storage and flow system and method for removing scale

Abstract

The present application provides a slurry storage and circulation system, comprising: a slurry tank; a slurry pipeline connected to the output end of the slurry tank; a thickness sensor arranged on the inner wall of one of the slurry tank or the slurry pipeline, used for detecting the thickness of the corresponding inner wall scale and outputting thickness data; a first washing liquid tank storing a first washing liquid, the first washing liquid tank being connected to the slurry tank or the slurry pipeline corresponding to the thickness sensor; a second washing liquid tank storing a second washing liquid, the second washing liquid tank being connected to the slurry tank or the slurry pipeline corresponding to the thickness sensor, the descaling efficiency of the second washing liquid being greater than that of the first washing liquid; and a controller receiving the thickness data of the thickness sensor and controlling the first washing liquid tank to output the first washing liquid or the second washing liquid tank to output the second washing liquid according to the thickness data. The slurry storage and circulation system has good descaling effect and is fully automated, suitable for large-scale industrial production applications. The present application also includes a descaling method based on the slurry storage and circulation system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery manufacturing, and more specifically, to a slurry storage and transfer system and a descaling method for battery manufacturing. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of science and technology, electronic devices are being used more and more widely, especially mobile electronic devices, which are finding increasingly diverse applications. Almost all mobile electronic devices rely on batteries, making battery technology research and development a focus of increasing attention, with battery manufacturing technology being the core of the industry.

[0003] Common batteries, such as lithium iron phosphate batteries, have become the mainstream in the current new energy industry due to their excellent cycle performance, high safety, and green, pollution-free nature. Currently, the preparation of lithium iron phosphate mainly falls into three categories: high-temperature solid-state method, carbothermal reduction method, and hydrothermal method. The high-temperature solid-state method results in inhomogeneous phases, while the hydrothermal method requires high-temperature and high-pressure equipment, leading to higher equipment costs. Currently, mass production primarily uses the carbothermal reduction method to prepare lithium iron phosphate.

[0004] The existing process has the following defects and shortcomings in the slurry stages of premixing, grinding and spraying: scale easily forms in slurry pipes and tanks, the element ratio of materials in the scale is unbalanced, and magnetic substances are easily generated when mixed into the slurry; the degree of automation is insufficient and the pipes and tanks are difficult to clean, requiring high-pressure water gun washing and manual scraping; there are risks when manually entering the tank to clean the scale. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above, the present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a slurry storage and transfer system and a descaling method thereof. The slurry storage and transfer system provided by the present invention can automatically and intelligently prevent scaling on the inner walls of slurry equipment, thereby avoiding adverse effects on the stability of the slurry composition.

[0006] Therefore, in a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a slurry storage and transfer system, the slurry storage and transfer system comprising:

[0007] At least one slurry tank;

[0008] At least one slurry pipe, the slurry pipe being connected to the output end of the slurry tank;

[0009] At least one thickness sensor is disposed on the inner wall of one of the slurry tank or the slurry pipeline, for detecting the thickness of the scale on the corresponding inner wall and outputting thickness data;

[0010] A first washing liquid tank is used to store a first washing liquid. The first washing liquid tank is connected to the slurry tank or the slurry pipeline corresponding to the thickness sensor.

[0011] The second washing liquid tank stores a second washing liquid. The second washing liquid tank is connected to the slurry tank or the slurry pipeline corresponding to the thickness sensor. The descaling effect of the second washing liquid is greater than that of the first washing liquid.

[0012] The controller receives thickness data from the thickness sensor and controls the first washing liquid tank to output the first washing liquid or the second washing liquid tank to output the second washing liquid based on the thickness data.

[0013] Preferably, the thickness sensor is disposed on the inner wall of the slurry tank, and the slurry storage and transfer system further includes a movable annular sprayer disposed on the slurry tank. The movable annular sprayer receives the first washing liquid or the second washing liquid, and the movable annular sprayer is controlled by the controller.

[0014] Preferably, the first washing liquid tank outputs the first washing liquid through a first valve, the second washing liquid tank outputs the second washing liquid through a second valve, the first washing liquid and the second washing liquid are connected to the movable annular sprayer, and the first washing liquid and the second washing liquid are connected to the slurry pipeline through a third valve, and the first valve, the second valve and the third valve are controlled by the controller.

[0015] Preferably, the slurry storage and transfer system further includes a weight sensor disposed at the bottom of the slurry tank. The weight sensor is used to detect the weight of the corresponding slurry tank and output weight data. The controller receives the weight data from the weight sensor and controls the thickness sensor to start detection based on the weight data.

[0016] Preferably, it also includes a sewage pipe, which is connected to the slurry pipe via a fourth valve, the fourth valve being controlled by the controller.

[0017] Preferably, at least two thickness sensors are installed in the slurry pipe, spaced apart from the near end to the far end of the slurry pipe relative to the slurry tank.

[0018] Preferably, the slurry tank includes a first tank and a second tank, and the slurry pipeline includes a first transfer pipeline, which connects the output end of the first tank and the input end of the second tank.

[0019] Preferably, the first tank is a premixing tank, the second tank is a sand milling tank, the slurry tank further includes a spray slurry buffer tank, the slurry pipeline further includes a second transfer pipeline, the first transfer pipeline connects the output end of the premixing tank and the input end of the sand milling tank, and the second transfer pipeline connects the output end of the sand milling tank and the input end of the spray slurry buffer tank.

[0020] Preferably, the system also includes a spray dryer, and the slurry pipeline further includes a third transfer pipeline, which connects the output end of the spray slurry buffer tank and the input end of the spray dryer.

[0021] Preferably, the first washing solution comprises water, and the second washing solution comprises at least one of oxalic acid, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid; more preferably, the second washing solution comprises oxalic acid.

[0022] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a descaling method for a slurry storage and transfer system according to the first aspect, the descaling method comprising:

[0023] S1. Detect the thickness data of scale on the inner wall of the slurry tank, or detect the thickness data of scale on the inner wall of the slurry pipeline.

[0024] S2. Determine whether the thickness data exceeds a preset value;

[0025] S3. If so, output the first washing liquid to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry pipeline, and repeat steps S1 and S2.

[0026] S4. If the thickness data is repeatedly determined to exceed the preset value, output the second washing liquid to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry pipeline, wherein the descaling effect of the second washing liquid is greater than that of the first washing liquid.

[0027] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a descaling method for a slurry storage and transfer system according to the first aspect, the descaling method comprising:

[0028] S1', the first thickness data of scale on the inner wall of the slurry tank;

[0029] S2' Determine whether the first thickness data exceeds the first preset value;

[0030] S3' If so, output the first washing liquid to clean the corresponding slurry tank, and repeat steps S1' and S2'.

[0031] S4' If the first thickness data is repeatedly determined to exceed the first preset value, output the second washing liquid to clean the slurry tank; wherein, the descaling effect of the second washing liquid is greater than that of the first washing liquid;

[0032] S5', the second thickness data of scale buildup on the inner wall of the slurry pipeline;

[0033] S6' Determine whether the second thickness data exceeds the second preset value;

[0034] S7' If so, output the first washing liquid to clean the slurry pipeline, and repeat steps S5' and S6'.

[0035] S8' If the second thickness data is repeatedly judged to exceed the second preset value, output the second washing liquid to clean the slurry pipe.

[0036] Preferably, steps S5', S6', S7', and S8' are repeated at least twice, wherein during each repetition, step S5' detects the second thickness data of scale at different locations on the inner wall of the slurry pipe; more preferably, the repetition order is based on the positions of the slurry pipe from farthest to closest to the slurry tank.

[0037] Preferably, before step S1 or step S1', the method further includes:

[0038] S0. Detect the weight data of the slurry tank and calculate the weight change data. Determine whether the weight change data exceeds the preset change value. If so, execute step S1 or step S1'.

[0039] Preferably, in step S3, step S3', or step S7', outputting the first washing liquid to clean the slurry pipeline specifically includes: outputting the first washing liquid to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry pipeline several times.

[0040] Preferably, in step S4, step S4', or step S8', if the thickness data is repeatedly determined to exceed the preset value, a second washing solution is output to clean the slurry tank. Specifically, this includes: if the thickness data is repeatedly determined to exceed the preset value, a second washing solution is output to clean the slurry tank until the detected scale thickness data is less than the preset value.

[0041] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a descaling method for a slurry storage and transfer system according to the first aspect, the descaling method comprising:

[0042] S1”, Detect the thickness data of scale on the inner wall of the slurry tank, or detect the thickness data of scale on the inner wall of the slurry pipeline;

[0043] S2”, Determine whether the thickness data exceeds a preset value;

[0044] S3” If yes, output the first washing solution to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry pipeline, and repeat steps S1” and S2” until it is determined that the thickness data does not exceed the preset value; or, repeat steps S1” and S2” for a preset number of times, and if it is determined that the thickness data still exceeds the preset value, output the second washing solution to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry pipeline, wherein the descaling effect of the second washing solution is greater than the descaling effect of the first washing solution.

[0045] The slurry storage and transfer system provided in this invention has a simple structure. By detecting the thickness of scale buildup on the inner wall of the slurry tank or slurry pipeline, it automatically controls the cleaning process. Furthermore, it sets up a first cleaning solution and a second cleaning solution with different cleaning efficiencies to clean the slurry tank or slurry pipeline. This achieves good descaling effect and fully automated control, while saving resources and making it suitable for large-scale applications, thereby reducing costs and increasing efficiency in production and manufacturing. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of the slurry storage and transfer system provided in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of the slurry storage and transfer system provided in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of the slurry storage and transfer system provided in the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 4 A flowchart of a descaling method for a slurry storage and transfer system provided in the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 5 A flowchart of a descaling method for a slurry storage and transfer system provided in the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 6 A flowchart of a descaling method for a slurry storage and transfer system provided in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0053] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. Additionally, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention; however, those skilled in the art will recognize the applicability of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0054] Please refer to this as well. Figures 1 to 3 This invention provides a slurry storage and transfer system 100, comprising:

[0055] At least one slurry tank 10;

[0056] At least one slurry pipe 20, the slurry pipe 20 being connected to the output end of the slurry tank 10;

[0057] At least one thickness sensor 30 is disposed on the inner wall of either the slurry tank 10 or the slurry pipe 20, for detecting the thickness of the scale on the corresponding inner wall and outputting thickness data;

[0058] The first washing liquid tank 40 stores the first washing liquid, and the first washing liquid tank 40 is connected to the slurry tank 10 or the slurry pipeline 20 corresponding to the thickness sensor 30.

[0059] The second washing liquid tank 50 stores a second washing liquid. The second washing liquid tank 50 is connected to the slurry tank 10 or the slurry pipeline 20 corresponding to the thickness sensor 30. The descaling effect of the second washing liquid is greater than that of the first washing liquid.

[0060] A controller (not shown) receives thickness data from the thickness sensor 30 and controls the first washing liquid tank 40 to output the first washing liquid or the second washing liquid tank 50 to output the second washing liquid based on the thickness data.

[0061] In this embodiment, the slurry tank 10 is used to store slurry or execute a process flow. During this process, the slurry will form a certain amount of scale on the inner wall of the slurry tank 10. When the scale thickness reaches a certain level, it may detach and mix into the new slurry during subsequent storage and process flow, changing the elemental ratio of the new slurry and thus affecting the normal operation of the process flow. Similarly, the slurry pipeline 20 is the pathway for transferring slurry from the slurry tank 10 to the next process step after completing a certain process flow. The inner wall of the slurry pipeline 20 will also experience the same scaling problem as the inner wall of the slurry tank 10. In this embodiment, the thickness sensor 30 detects the thickness data of the scale, and then automatically controls the use of first and second washing solutions with different efficiencies to clean the scaled areas based on the thickness data, achieving a highly efficient automated descaling function. In addition, in this embodiment, the thickness sensor 30 is specifically an infrared detection sensor to perform infrared identification of the scale thickness on the inner wall and provide real-time feedback.

[0062] Further, please refer to Figure 1 The thickness sensor 30 includes a first thickness sensor 31 disposed on the inner wall of the slurry tank 10. The slurry storage and transfer system 100 also includes a movable annular sprayer 60 disposed on the slurry tank 10. The movable annular sprayer 60 receives the first washing liquid or the second washing liquid and is controlled by the controller. In this embodiment, a suitable movable annular sprayer 60 is provided for cleaning the slurry tank 10. When a cleaning command is received, the movable annular sprayer 60 outputs the first washing liquid or the second washing liquid and moves up and down inside the slurry tank 10 to thoroughly clean the inner wall of the slurry tank 10.

[0063] Furthermore, the first washing liquid tank 40 outputs the first washing liquid through the first valve 101, and the second washing liquid tank 50 outputs the second washing liquid through the second valve 102. The first and second washing liquids are connected to the movable annular sprayer 60, and the first and second washing liquids are connected to the slurry pipeline 20 through the third valve 103. The first valve 101, the second valve 102, and the third valve 103 are controlled by the controller. In this embodiment, by setting the first valve 101, the second valve 102, and the third valve 103, all of which are controlled by the controller, automatic control of the output of the first or second washing liquid during the aforementioned cleaning action is achieved.

[0064] Furthermore, the slurry storage and transfer system 100 also includes a weight sensor 70 disposed at the bottom of the slurry tank 10. The weight sensor 70 is used to detect the weight of the corresponding slurry tank 10 and output weight data. The controller receives the weight data from the weight sensor 70 and controls the thickness sensor 30 to start detection based on the weight data. In this embodiment, by detecting the weight of the slurry tank 10, specifically by detecting the weight change of the slurry tank 10, for example, when the weight change between two weight detections reaches the weight of the process slurry, it indicates that the slurry tank 10 has completed the sequential slurry transfer. At this time, detection and descaling are performed at the optimal time and will not affect the slurry process flow.

[0065] Furthermore, the slurry storage and transfer system 100 also includes a drain pipe 80, which is connected to the slurry pipeline 20 via a fourth valve 104, and the fourth valve 104 is controlled by the controller. In this embodiment, during the process of controlling the cleaning of the slurry tank 10 or the slurry pipeline 20, the first or second washing liquid after cleaning is discharged through the drain pipe 80. Specifically, there are two drain pipes 80: one is located at the output end near the slurry tank 10 to discharge the waste liquid from cleaning the slurry tank 10; the other is located at the end of the slurry pipeline 20 away from the slurry tank 10 to discharge the waste liquid from cleaning the slurry pipeline 20.

[0066] Furthermore, the thickness sensor 30 includes a second thickness sensor 32 disposed on the slurry pipe 20. At least two second thickness sensors 32 are disposed at intervals from the proximal to the distal end of the slurry pipe 20 relative to the slurry tank 10. In this embodiment, since the slurry pipe 20 generally has a certain length, and the degree of scaling varies at different lengths, the distal second thickness sensor 32 is activated first for automatic cleaning. During this process, the proximal end is also cleaned simultaneously. Theoretically, after the distal second thickness sensor 32 has completed its operation, the proximal second thickness sensor 32 is activated, and the detected thickness data does not require cleaning. Alternatively, even if the distal second thickness sensor 32 detects that cleaning is not required, this does not mean that cleaning is not needed at the proximal end. In this case, the proximal thickness sensor 40 still needs to be activated to detect and perform corresponding cleaning actions based on the detected thickness data to ensure the overall descaling effect.

[0067] Further, please refer to Figure 2The slurry storage and transfer system 100 includes a first tank 11 and a second tank 12 in its slurry tank body 10, and a first transfer pipe 21 in its slurry pipe 20. The first transfer pipe 21 connects the output end of the first tank 11 and the input end of the second tank 12. In this embodiment, the slurry storage and transfer system 100 includes a first tank 11, a second tank 12, and a first transfer pipe 21 connecting the first tank 11 and the second tank 12, realizing two slurry process flows and corresponding slurry transfer, and further realizing automated descaling of the equipment. In this embodiment, the first thickness sensor 31 of the thickness sensor 30 is correspondingly disposed on the inner wall of the first tank 11 and the second tank 12, and the second thickness sensor 32 of the thickness sensor 30 is correspondingly disposed on the inner wall of the first transfer pipe 21.

[0068] Further, please refer to Figure 3 The first tank 11 is a premixing tank, the second tank 12 is a grinding tank, the slurry tank 10 also includes a spray slurry buffer tank 13, and the slurry pipeline 20 also includes a second transfer pipeline 22. The first transfer pipeline 21 connects the output end of the premixing tank and the input end of the grinding tank, and the second transfer pipeline 22 connects the output end of the grinding tank and the input end of the spray slurry buffer tank 13. In this embodiment, the slurry storage and transfer system 100 specifically includes a premixing tank, a grinding tank, and a spray slurry buffer tank 13, correspondingly realizing the slurry process of premixing, grinding, and spray slurry storage, and further realizing automated descaling of the equipment. In this embodiment, the first thickness sensor 31 of the thickness sensor 30 is correspondingly installed on the inner wall of the premixing tank, the grinding tank, and the spray slurry buffer tank 13, and the second thickness sensor 32 of the thickness sensor 30 is correspondingly installed on the inner wall of the first transfer pipeline 21 and the second transfer pipeline 22.

[0069] Furthermore, the slurry storage and transfer system 100 also includes a spray dryer 95, and the slurry pipeline 20 further includes a third transfer pipeline 23, which connects the output end of the spray slurry buffer tank 13 and the input end of the spray dryer 95. In this embodiment, the slurry storage and transfer system 100 specifically includes a premixing tank, a sand milling tank, a spray slurry buffer tank 13, and a spray dryer 95, thereby realizing the process flow of premixing, sand milling, spray slurry storage, and spray drying, and further realizing automated descaling of the equipment. In this embodiment, the first thickness sensor 31 of the thickness sensor 30 is correspondingly installed on the inner wall of the premixing tank, the sand milling tank, and the spray slurry buffer tank 13, and the second thickness sensor 32 of the thickness sensor 30 is correspondingly installed on the inner wall of the first transfer pipeline 21, the second transfer pipeline 22, and the third transfer pipeline 23.

[0070] In the above-mentioned slurry storage and transfer system, during the slurry transfer process, after the premixing tank, the slurry is transferred to the sand mill tank through the slurry pipeline 20 by the homogenizing pump. After the sand mill tank, the slurry is transferred to the spray slurry buffer tank 13 through the slurry pipeline 20 by the pneumatic diaphragm pump. After the spray slurry buffer tank 13, the slurry is transferred to the spray dryer 95 through the spray dryer 20 by the pneumatic diaphragm pump.

[0071] The working process of the slurry storage and transfer system 100 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0072] After each batch of materials is premixed in the premixing tank, the slurry is transferred to the sand mill tank. Once the weight displayed in the premixing tank is below a certain set weight (indicating the end of the transfer of this batch of materials), the scale thickness sensor 31 on the inner wall of the tank will start working first. When the scale thickness sensor 31 detects a value higher than the set value, the movable annular sprayer 60 will move vertically downward from the set height while spraying water (first washing solution). After moving to the set end height, the spraying will stop, and then the sprayer will move upward back to the original position. This process is one cycle. After three spraying cycles, if the scale thickness on the inner wall of the tank is not lower than the set value, oxalic acid (second washing solution) will be sprayed until the scale thickness on the inner wall of the tank is lower than the set value, completing the cleaning of the inner wall scale. During this process, the drainage and oxalic acid solution are discharged from the drain valve 80 (indirectly flushing the pipeline).

[0073] When the scale thickness sensor 31 detects a value lower than the set value, the scale thickness sensor 32 at the far end of the pipeline starts to work. When the scale thickness sensor 32 detects a value higher than the set value, the first valve 101, the drain valve 90, and the pure water tank valve are automatically opened to start pure water flushing. If the scale on the pipeline wall is not lower than the set value after 3 flushes, the oxalic acid solution valve is automatically opened and the pure water tank valve is closed to start oxalic acid cleaning until the scale thickness sensor 32 detects a value lower than the set value.

[0074] When the scale thickness sensor 32 at the far end of the pipeline detects a value lower than the set value, the scale thickness sensor 32 at the next farthest end of the pipeline starts working. Subsequent cleaning actions are the same as described above and will not be repeated here. This process continues until all pipeline scale thickness sensors 32 have finished working.

[0075] After the above steps, the premixing tank to the sand milling tank process, including the premixing tank body and the pipelines, has completed automated cleaning. It can be understood that the automated cleaning processes for the sand milling tank to the spray slurry buffer process, and the automated cleaning processes for the spray slurry buffer to the spray dryer process, are based on the same principles and will not be elaborated further.

[0076] Further, the first cleaning solution includes clean water, and the second cleaning solution includes at least one of oxalic acid, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid; preferably, the second cleaning solution includes oxalic acid. In this embodiment, by utilizing the first and second cleaning solutions with graded cleaning effects, multiple cleaning modes can be configured when cleaning the slurry tank 10 and slurry pipeline 20. For example, clean water with lower cleaning effectiveness can be used first, and if the cleaning effect of clean water is not obvious, an acidic solution can be used for cleaning, ensuring the effect of automated descaling while saving resources.

[0077] Please refer to Figure 4 The present invention also provides a descaling method according to the above-described slurry storage and transfer system 100, the descaling method comprising:

[0078] S1. Detect the thickness data of scale on the inner wall of the slurry tank, or detect the thickness data of scale on the inner wall of the slurry pipeline.

[0079] S2. Determine whether the thickness data exceeds a preset value;

[0080] S3. If so, output the first washing liquid to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry pipeline, and repeat steps S1 and S2.

[0081] S4. If the thickness data is repeatedly determined to exceed the preset value, output the second washing liquid to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry pipeline, wherein the descaling effect of the second washing liquid is greater than that of the first washing liquid.

[0082] In this embodiment, an automated descaling control process is implemented based on the aforementioned slurry storage and transfer system 100. Specifically, based on the thickness data of the detected scale area, when the thickness data meets the preset descaling thickness (i.e., exceeds the preset value), it is determined that a descaling operation is required. The descaling operation first controls the output of a first washing liquid to clean the scaled area. After the cleaning action is completed, the thickness data of the scaled area is detected again. On the one hand, if the detected thickness data does not exceed the preset descaling thickness (i.e., is lower than the preset value), it is determined that the descaling is complete and the operation can be stopped. On the other hand, if the detected thickness data still meets the preset descaling thickness, it is determined that a further descaling operation is required. At this time, a second washing liquid is controlled to clean the descaled area. Because the cleaning efficiency of the second washing liquid is higher than that of the first washing liquid, after these two rounds of cleaning operations, the descaling effect on the scaled area can be effectively guaranteed.

[0083] Please refer to Figure 5 The present invention also provides another descaling method according to the above-described slurry storage and transfer system 100, the descaling method comprising:

[0084] S1', the first thickness data of scale on the inner wall of the slurry tank;

[0085] S2' Determine whether the first thickness data exceeds the first preset value;

[0086] S3' If so, output the first washing liquid to clean the corresponding slurry tank, and repeat steps S1' and S2'.

[0087] S4' If the first thickness data is repeatedly determined to exceed the first preset value, output the second washing liquid to clean the slurry tank; wherein, the descaling effect of the second washing liquid is greater than that of the first washing liquid;

[0088] S5', the second thickness data of scale buildup on the inner wall of the slurry pipeline;

[0089] S6' Determine whether the second thickness data exceeds the second preset value;

[0090] S7' If so, output the first washing liquid to clean the slurry pipeline, and repeat steps S5' and S6'.

[0091] S8' If the second thickness data is repeatedly judged to exceed the second preset value, output the second washing liquid to clean the slurry pipe.

[0092] In this embodiment, an automated descaling control process is implemented based on the aforementioned slurry storage and transfer system 100. Specifically, based on the thickness data of the detected scale area, when the thickness data meets the preset descaling thickness (i.e., exceeds the preset value), it is determined that a descaling operation is required. The descaling operation first controls the output of a first washing liquid to clean the scaled area. After the cleaning action is completed, the thickness data of the scaled area is detected again. On the one hand, if the detected thickness data does not exceed the preset descaling thickness (i.e., is lower than the preset value), it is determined that the descaling is complete and the operation can be stopped. On the other hand, if the detected thickness data still meets the preset descaling thickness, it is determined that a further descaling operation is required. At this time, a second washing liquid is controlled to clean the descaled area. Because the cleaning efficiency of the second washing liquid is higher than that of the first washing liquid, after these two rounds of cleaning operations, the descaling effect on the scaled area can be effectively guaranteed. The descaling method of this embodiment includes two sets of control steps: sequentially detecting and cleaning scale on the slurry tank 10 and the slurry pipeline. Each set of control steps is as described above.

[0093] Furthermore, steps S5', S6', S7', and S8' are repeated at least twice. During each repetition, step S5' detects the second thickness data of scale buildup at different locations on the inner wall of the slurry pipe. Preferably, the repetition order is based on the distance between the slurry pipe and the slurry tank, from farthest to closest. In this embodiment, the descaling method repeats steps S5', S6', S7', and S8' at least twice, corresponding to the number of second thickness sensors 32 in the slurry pipe 20. Each repetition is a detection and cleaning control process performed on one of the second thickness sensors 32. The working sequence for at least two second thickness sensors 32 is executed sequentially from the farthest end to the nearthest end of the slurry tank 10. This principle has been described in detail above and will not be repeated here.

[0094] Further, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the descaling methods of the above two embodiments, before step S1 or step S1', the method further includes: S0, detecting the weight data of the slurry tank and calculating the weight change data, determining whether the weight change data exceeds a preset change value, and if so, executing step S1 or step S1'. In this embodiment, by detecting the weight change of the slurry tank 10 in advance, it is determined that the slurry tank 10 has completed the sequential slurry flow, thereby determining the appropriate time for descaling detection and cleaning, and avoiding adverse effects on the equipment process flow.

[0095] Further, in step S3, step S3', or step S7', outputting the first washing solution to clean the slurry pipeline specifically includes: outputting the first washing solution to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry pipeline several times. In this embodiment, it can be understood that because the first washing solution is a washing solution with low cleaning power, such as water, increasing the number of cleaning times to several times, such as 2 times, 3 times, 4 times, etc., when using the first washing solution can increase the corresponding descaling effect.

[0096] Further, in step S4, step S4', or step S8', if the thickness data is repeatedly determined to exceed the preset value, a second washing solution is output to clean the slurry tank. Specifically, this includes: if the thickness data is repeatedly determined to exceed the preset value, a second washing solution is output to clean the slurry tank until the detected scale thickness data is less than the preset value. It can be understood that although the second washing solution is a highly effective cleaning solution, using a certain amount of the second washing solution can meet most descaling needs. However, in practice, there may be a few situations where a larger cleaning volume or cleaning time is required. Therefore, in this embodiment, during the cleaning process with the second washing solution, the thickness of the scale is continuously monitored, and the cleaning action of the second washing solution continues until the scale thickness is reduced to below the preset value, thereby ensuring the descaling effect.

[0097] Please refer to Figure 6 In addition, embodiments of the present invention also provide another descaling method according to the above-described slurry storage and transfer system, the descaling method comprising:

[0098] S1”, Detect the thickness data of scale on the inner wall of the slurry tank, or detect the thickness data of scale on the inner wall of the slurry pipeline;

[0099] S2”, Determine whether the thickness data exceeds a preset value;

[0100] S3” If yes, output the first washing solution to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry pipeline, and repeat steps S1” and S2” until it is determined that the thickness data does not exceed the preset value; or, repeat steps S1” and S2” for a preset number of times, and if it is determined that the thickness data still exceeds the preset value, output the second washing solution to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry pipeline, wherein the descaling effect of the second washing solution is greater than the descaling effect of the first washing solution.

[0101] In this embodiment, the difference from the aforementioned descaling method is that when the first cleaning solution is selected for cleaning, the scale thickness is repeatedly detected after each cleaning until the detected structural thickness is reduced to the allowable range, or the number of repetitions reaches a preset number, such as 3, 4, or 5 times, and the scale thickness is still not reduced to the allowable range. Then, the second cleaning solution is used for powerful descaling, which saves resources while ensuring the descaling effect.

[0102] In the aforementioned slurry storage and transfer system, the controller is specifically a programmable logic controller (PLC). The weight sensor, thickness sensor, homogenizing pump, pneumatic diaphragm pump, valves, and other components in the system are all automatically controlled by the PLC. The aforementioned descaling method is also automatically controlled by a PLC.

[0103] In summary, the slurry storage and transfer system provided by the embodiments of the present invention has a simple structure. By detecting the thickness of scale buildup on the inner wall of the slurry tank or slurry pipeline, it automatically controls the cleaning action. Furthermore, by setting up a first cleaning solution and a second cleaning solution with different cleaning efficiencies to clean the slurry tank or slurry pipeline, it can achieve good descaling effect and fully automated control, while saving resources and being suitable for large-scale applications, thereby reducing costs and increasing efficiency in production and manufacturing.

[0104] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0105] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A slurry storage and transfer system, characterized in that, The slurry storage and transfer system includes: At least one slurry tank; At least one slurry pipe, the slurry pipe being connected to the output end of the slurry tank; At least one thickness sensor is disposed on the inner wall of one of the slurry tank or the slurry pipeline, for detecting the thickness of the scale on the corresponding inner wall and outputting thickness data; A first washing liquid tank is used to store a first washing liquid. The first washing liquid tank is connected to the slurry tank or the slurry pipeline corresponding to the thickness sensor. The second washing liquid tank stores a second washing liquid. The second washing liquid tank is connected to the slurry tank or the slurry pipeline corresponding to the thickness sensor. The descaling effect of the second washing liquid is greater than that of the first washing liquid. The controller receives thickness data from the thickness sensor and controls the first washing liquid tank to output the first washing liquid or the second washing liquid tank to output the second washing liquid based on the thickness data. The controller is also used to perform the following steps: S1', the first thickness data of scale on the inner wall of the slurry tank; S2' Determine whether the first thickness data exceeds the first preset value; S3' If so, output the first washing liquid to clean the corresponding slurry tank, and repeat steps S1' and S2'. S4' If the first thickness data is repeatedly determined to exceed the first preset value, output the second washing liquid to clean the slurry tank; wherein, the descaling effect of the second washing liquid is greater than that of the first washing liquid; S5', the second thickness data of scale buildup on the inner wall of the slurry pipeline; S6' Determine whether the second thickness data exceeds the second preset value; S7' If so, output the first washing liquid to clean the slurry pipeline, and repeat steps S5' and S6'. S8' If the second thickness data is repeatedly judged to exceed the second preset value, output the second washing liquid to clean the slurry pipe.

2. The slurry storage and transfer system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness sensor is disposed on the inner wall of the slurry tank. The slurry storage and transfer system also includes a movable annular sprayer disposed on the slurry tank. The movable annular sprayer receives the first washing liquid or the second washing liquid. The movable annular sprayer is controlled by the controller.

3. The slurry storage and transfer system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first washing liquid tank outputs the first washing liquid through a first valve, the second washing liquid tank outputs the second washing liquid through a second valve, the first washing liquid and the second washing liquid are connected to the movable annular sprayer, and the first washing liquid and the second washing liquid are connected to the slurry pipeline through a third valve, and the first valve, the second valve and the third valve are controlled by the controller.

4. The slurry storage and transfer system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slurry storage and transfer system also includes a weight sensor installed at the bottom of the slurry tank. The weight sensor is used to detect the weight of the corresponding slurry tank and output weight data. The controller receives the weight data from the weight sensor and controls the thickness sensor to start detection based on the weight data.

5. The slurry storage and transfer system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a sewage pipe, which is connected to the slurry pipe via a fourth valve, which is controlled by the controller.

6. The slurry storage and transfer system according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two thickness sensors are installed in the slurry pipeline, spaced apart from the near end to the far end of the slurry tank.

7. The slurry storage and transfer system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slurry tank includes a first tank and a second tank, and the slurry pipeline includes a first transfer pipeline, which connects the output end of the first tank and the input end of the second tank.

8. The slurry storage and transfer system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first tank is a premixing tank, the second tank is a sand milling tank, the slurry tank also includes a spray slurry buffer tank, the slurry pipeline also includes a second transfer pipeline, the first transfer pipeline connects the output end of the premixing tank and the input end of the sand milling tank, and the second transfer pipeline connects the output end of the sand milling tank and the input end of the spray slurry buffer tank.

9. The slurry storage and transfer system according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a spray dryer, and the slurry pipeline further includes a third transfer pipeline, which connects the output end of the spray slurry buffer tank and the input end of the spray dryer.

10. The slurry storage and transfer system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first washing solution includes water, and the second washing solution includes at least one of oxalic acid, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid.

11. A method for descaling a slurry storage and transfer system, characterized in that, The slurry storage and transfer system includes: At least one slurry tank; At least one slurry pipe, the slurry pipe being connected to the output end of the slurry tank; At least one thickness sensor is disposed on the inner wall of one of the slurry tank or the slurry pipeline, for detecting the thickness of the scale on the corresponding inner wall and outputting thickness data; A first washing liquid tank is used to store a first washing liquid. The first washing liquid tank is connected to the slurry tank or the slurry pipeline corresponding to the thickness sensor. The second washing liquid tank stores a second washing liquid. The second washing liquid tank is connected to the slurry tank or the slurry pipeline corresponding to the thickness sensor. The descaling effect of the second washing liquid is greater than that of the first washing liquid. The controller receives thickness data from the thickness sensor and controls the first washing liquid tank to output the first washing liquid or the second washing liquid tank to output the second washing liquid based on the thickness data. The descaling method includes: S1', the first thickness data of scale on the inner wall of the slurry tank; S2' Determine whether the first thickness data exceeds the first preset value; S3' If so, output the first washing liquid to clean the corresponding slurry tank, and repeat steps S1' and S2'. S4' If the first thickness data is repeatedly determined to exceed the first preset value, output the second washing liquid to clean the slurry tank; wherein, the descaling effect of the second washing liquid is greater than that of the first washing liquid; S5', the second thickness data of scale buildup on the inner wall of the slurry pipeline; S6' Determine whether the second thickness data exceeds the second preset value; S7' If so, output the first washing liquid to clean the slurry pipeline, and repeat steps S5' and S6'. S8' If the second thickness data is repeatedly judged to exceed the second preset value, output the second washing liquid to clean the slurry pipe.

12. The descaling method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Repeat steps S5', S6', S7', and S8' at least twice, wherein during each repetition, step S5' detects the second thickness data of scale at different locations on the inner wall of the slurry pipe.

13. The descaling method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The order of repetition is based on the distance between the slurry pipeline and the slurry tank, from farthest to closest.

14. The descaling method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Before step S1', the method further includes: S0. Detect the weight data of the slurry tank and calculate the weight change data. Determine whether the weight change data exceeds the preset change value. If so, execute step S1'.

15. The descaling method according to claim 11, characterized in that, In step S3' or step S7', outputting the first washing liquid to clean the slurry pipeline specifically includes: outputting the first washing liquid to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry pipeline several times.

16. The descaling method according to claim 11, characterized in that, In step S4' or step S8', if the thickness data is repeatedly determined to exceed the preset value, a second washing solution is output to clean the slurry tank. Specifically, this includes: if the thickness data is repeatedly determined to exceed the preset value, a second washing solution is output to clean the slurry tank until the detected scale thickness data is less than the preset value.

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