Pump tanker trucks and their control and monitoring methods

Abstract

This application belongs to the technical field of tank trucks with pumps, specifically relating to a tank truck with a pump and its control and monitoring method. The tank truck with a pump includes a storage tank, a liquid unloading device, a monitoring device, a data acquisition device, and a central control device. The storage tank includes a liquid unloading pipeline. The liquid unloading device is connected to the storage tank and is used to control the opening or closing of the liquid unloading pipeline. The monitoring device is used to monitor the status of the storage tank. The data acquisition device is connected to the liquid unloading device and the monitoring device. The central control device is connected to the data acquisition device and controls the unloading device and the monitoring device to control the opening or closing of the liquid unloading pipeline. This application achieves independent control of the opening of the liquid unloading device. Liquid cannot be unloaded through the liquid unloading pipeline. Under the monitoring of the monitoring device, the liquid unloading device must be opened before the liquid unloading pipeline can be opened and liquid can be unloaded. This design can prevent the unloading device and the central control device of the tank truck with a pump from being privately modified or removed, reducing the safety risks of transporting and unloading cryogenic liquids such as liquefied natural gas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of tank trucks with pumps, specifically relating to a tank truck with a pump and its control and monitoring method. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of my country's gas industry and the increasing demand for energy year by year, especially the widespread application of clean energy, the production of cryogenic liquids such as liquefied natural gas, liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, and liquid ammonia has shown rapid growth, and the pump tank trucks for transporting cryogenic liquids such as liquefied natural gas have also developed rapidly.

[0003] When existing tank trucks equipped with pumps are unloading liquid, the central control unit authorizes the tank truck to unload liquid from legitimate small storage tanks. During unauthorized unloading, because the unauthorized unloading is not permitted, the central control unit keeps the unloading device shut down.

[0004] Authorizing tank trucks to unload liquids from legitimate small storage tanks via a central control system can, to some extent, prevent illegal unloading and ensure the safety of transporting and unloading cryogenic liquids such as liquefied natural gas. However, existing pump-equipped tank trucks are not yet effectively able to monitor unauthorized modifications and removals of unloading devices and central control systems to evade supervision and engage in illegal unloading. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a pumped tanker truck and its control and monitoring method to prevent the unloading device and central control device of the pumped tanker truck from being modified and removed without authorization, thereby reducing the safety risks of transporting and unloading cryogenic liquids such as liquefied natural gas.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a method for monitoring a pump truck, comprising:

[0007] Storage tank, including unloading pipeline;

[0008] A liquid unloading device, connected to the liquid storage tank, is used at least to control the opening or closing of the liquid unloading pipeline;

[0009] A monitoring device is used to monitor the status of the storage tank, including the liquid level or the unloading flow rate.

[0010] A data collection device is connected to the unloading device and the monitoring device;

[0011] The central control device is connected to the data acquisition device and controls the unloading device and the monitoring device through the data acquisition device, thereby controlling the opening or closing of the unloading pipeline.

[0012] Optionally, the unloading device includes an outlet valve, and the acquisition device outputs a control voltage to control the outlet valve, thereby controlling the opening or closing of the unloading pipeline.

[0013] Optionally, the monitoring device includes a flow meter, which includes a flow detection unit and an electrically controlled valve unit. The flow detection unit and the electrically controlled valve unit are disposed in the unloading pipeline, and the electrically controlled valve unit is connected to the central control device through the acquisition device.

[0014] This application also provides a control method for a tanker truck with a pump, wherein the tanker truck includes a storage tank, a unloading device, a monitoring device, and a data acquisition device. The unloading device and the monitoring device are both connected to the data acquisition device. The data acquisition device controls the opening or closing of the unloading pipeline of the storage tank through the unloading device. The data acquisition device monitors the status of the storage tank through the monitoring device, which includes one of a level gauge and a flow meter. The status of the storage tank includes the liquid level inside the tank or the unloading flow rate. The control method for the tanker truck with a pump includes:

[0015] The number of control signals acquired by the acquisition device from the monitoring device is obtained;

[0016] If the number of control signals collected by the acquisition device is less than a preset value, it is determined that the monitoring device has been modified or removed and the matter is reported to the regulatory platform.

[0017] Optionally, the control method for the tanker truck with pump includes:

[0018] The acquisition device outputs a custom control signal to the monitoring device and acquires the control signal fed back by the monitoring device.

[0019] The system determines whether the monitoring device has been modified or removed based on the control signals fed back by the monitoring device and reports this to the regulatory platform.

[0020] Optionally, the monitoring device includes a flow meter, which includes a flow detection unit and an electrically controlled valve unit. The flow detection unit and the electrically controlled valve unit are disposed in the unloading pipeline. The electrically controlled valve unit is connected to the data acquisition device. The step of outputting a custom control signal to the monitoring device through the data acquisition device includes:

[0021] The control signal, transmitted via RS485 protocol, is sent to the electrically controlled valve unit through the acquisition device.

[0022] This application also provides a method for monitoring tank trucks with pumps, wherein the tank truck includes a central control device, a data acquisition device, and a liquid unloading device. The central control device is connected to the liquid unloading device through the data acquisition device, and controls the liquid unloading device to open or close the liquid unloading pipeline of the storage tank. The method for monitoring tank trucks with pumps includes:

[0023] Obtain the offline time of the central control device;

[0024] If the offline time of the central control device is confirmed to be greater than a first preset time, it is determined that the central control device has been modified or removed and an alarm message is issued. The first preset time is greater than the average opening interval of the unloading device during the use of the pump tanker.

[0025] Optionally, the method for monitoring tank trucks with pumps includes:

[0026] If the offline time of the central control device is confirmed to be greater than the second preset time and less than the first preset time, it is determined that the central control device has been offline for a long time and an offline reminder is issued.

[0027] When the offline time of the central control device is confirmed to be greater than the third preset time and less than the second preset time, the central control device is determined to be temporarily offline and an offline reminder is issued, wherein the third preset time is greater than 0.

[0028] Optionally, the central control device includes a control unit, a positioning unit, and a communication unit. The control unit controls the communication unit to report the location information obtained by the positioning unit. Methods for confirming that the central control device is offline include:

[0029] Obtain the time when the communication unit stops reporting the location information;

[0030] If the communication unit stops reporting the location information for a period of time longer than a fourth preset time, the central control device is confirmed to be offline.

[0031] Optionally, the central control device includes a clock unit, and the method for confirming that the central control device is online includes:

[0032] Obtain the time information of the clock unit;

[0033] The status of the central control device is determined based on the time interval between the time information sent by the clock unit.

[0034] The pump-equipped tanker truck and its control and monitoring method disclosed in this application have the following beneficial effects:

[0035] In this application, the pump-equipped tanker includes a tanker body, a storage tank, an unloading device, a monitoring device, a data acquisition device, and a central control device. The unloading device is connected to the storage tank and is used to control the opening or closing of the unloading pipeline of the storage tank. The monitoring device is used to monitor the status of the storage tank. The data acquisition device is connected to the unloading device and the monitoring device. The central control device is connected to the data acquisition device and controls the unloading device and the monitoring device to control the opening or closing of the unloading pipeline. This application achieves independent control of the unloading device opening. Unloading cannot be done through the unloading pipeline. Under the monitoring of the monitoring device, the unloading device must be opened before the unloading pipeline can be opened and unloading can proceed. This design can prevent the unloading device and the central control device of the pump-equipped tanker from being privately modified or removed, reducing the safety risks of transporting and unloading cryogenic liquids such as liquefied natural gas.

[0036] Other features and advantages of this application will become apparent from the following detailed description, or may be learned in part from practice of this application.

[0037] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pump tanker truck in the embodiments of this application.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the control system of the pump truck in the embodiments of this application.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the pump truck control method in the embodiments of this application.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the method for monitoring a tanker truck with a pump truck in the embodiments of this application.

[0043] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0044] 100. Tanker truck body;

[0045] 200. Storage tank; 210. Unloading pipeline;

[0046] 300. Unloading device; 310. Discharge valve; 320. Unloading pump; 330. Unloading gun; 340. Air return gun;

[0047] 400. Monitoring device; 410. Flow meter; 411. Flow detection unit; 412. Electrically controlled valve unit; 420. Level gauge; 500. Data acquisition device;

[0048] 600. Central control device; 610. Control unit; 620. Positioning unit; 630. Communication unit; 700. Monitoring platform. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to make this application more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0050] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details are provided in the following description to give a thorough understanding of embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the technical solutions of this application can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, apparatuses, steps, etc., can be employed. In other instances, well-known methods, apparatuses, implementations, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of this application.

[0051] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the technical features involved in the various embodiments described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present application, and should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0052] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the pump-equipped tanker truck includes a tanker body 100, a storage tank 200, an unloading device 300, a monitoring device 400, a data acquisition device 500, and a central control device 600. The storage tank 200 can be used to store cryogenic liquids such as liquefied natural gas, liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, and liquid ammonia. The tanker body 100 is used to transport the storage tank 200. The unloading device 300 is connected to the storage tank 200 and is at least used to control the opening or closing of the unloading pipeline 210 for unloading. The storage tank 200 includes an unloading pipeline 210, and the unloading device 300 can be installed on the unloading pipeline 210 or at the connection between the unloading pipeline 210 and the tank body of the storage tank 200.

[0053] The monitoring device 400 is used to monitor the status of the storage tank 200. The monitoring device 400 may include a flow meter 410, a level gauge 420, a pressure transmitter, an accelerometer, and a temperature sensor. The flow meter 410 monitors the discharge flow rate of the storage tank 200, and the level gauge 420 monitors the liquid level inside the storage tank 200. The discharge volume can be indirectly measured through the flow meter 410 or the level gauge 420. The pressure transmitter can be used to monitor the pressure inside the storage tank 200, the accelerometer can be used to monitor the motion state of the storage tank 200, and the temperature sensor can be used to monitor the temperature inside the storage tank 200. The status of the storage tank 200 includes the discharge flow rate, liquid level, pressure, motion state, and temperature.

[0054] The data acquisition device 500 is connected to the unloading device 300 and the monitoring device 400. The data acquisition device 500 provides power and controls the unloading device 300 and the monitoring device 400. The central control device 600 is connected to the data acquisition device 500 and controls the unloading device 300 and the monitoring device 400, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the unloading pipeline 210. In other words, controlling the unloading device 300 to open alone will not allow unloading through the unloading pipeline 210; only when the unloading device 300 is opened under the monitoring of the monitoring device 400 can the unloading pipeline 210 be opened and unloading proceed.

[0055] When unloading liquids, existing pump-equipped tank trucks are authorized by the central control unit 600 to unload from legal small storage tanks. During illegal unloading, because the central control unit 600 lacks authorization, it keeps the unloading device 300 closed, which can, to some extent, prevent illegal unloading and ensure the safety of transporting and unloading cryogenic liquids such as liquefied natural gas. However, if the central control unit 600 is closed or removed, unauthorized opening of the unloading device 300 allows for illegal unloading, evading supervision, and existing pump-equipped tank trucks cannot effectively monitor this.

[0056] In this embodiment, the tanker truck with pump includes a tanker body 100, a storage tank 200, an unloading device 300, a monitoring device 400, a data acquisition device 500, and a central control device 600. The unloading device 300 is connected to the storage tank 200 and is used to control the opening or closing of the unloading pipeline 210 of the storage tank 200. The monitoring device 400 is used to monitor the status of the storage tank 200. The data acquisition device 500 is connected to the unloading device 300 and the monitoring device 400. The central control device 600 is connected to the data acquisition device 500 and controls the unloading device 300 and the monitoring device 400 to control the opening or closing of the unloading pipeline 210. This application achieves independent control of the unloading device 300 to open, preventing unloading through the unloading pipeline 210. Unloading can only be performed by opening the unloading device 300 under the monitoring of the monitoring device 400, allowing the unloading pipeline 210 to be opened and unloaded. This design prevents the unloading device 300 and central control device 600 of the pump tanker truck from being modified or removed without authorization, reducing the safety risks of transporting and unloading cryogenic liquids such as liquefied natural gas.

[0057] For example, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the unloading device 300 includes an outlet valve 310. The acquisition device 500 outputs a control voltage to control the outlet valve 310, thereby controlling the opening or closing of the unloading pipeline 210. Furthermore, the unloading device 300 may also include an unloading pump 320, an unloading gun 330, and a return air gun 340. The unloading pump 320 is used to pump out the liquid stored in the storage tank 200. The unloading pump 320 may include a pump body and a reversing solenoid valve for controlling pump start-up. The unloading gun 330 can be used to connect to a small storage tank for unloading, and liquid can also be added to the storage tank 200 via the unloading gun 330. The return air gun 340 is used to balance the air pressure inside the storage tank 200. The outlet valve 310 and the unloading pump 320 are voltage-controlled, for example, by 24V DC power.

[0058] The liquid discharge valve 310 controls the opening or closing of the unloading pipeline 210. The liquid discharge valve 310 is voltage-controlled, which is simple and can reduce the manufacturing cost of the pump tanker.

[0059] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the monitoring device 400 includes a flow meter 410, which includes a flow detection unit 411 and an electrically controlled valve unit 412. The flow detection unit 411 and the electrically controlled valve unit 412 are installed in the unloading pipeline 210. The electrically controlled valve unit 412 is connected to the central control device 600 via a data acquisition device 500. The central control device 600 can connect to the data acquisition device 500 via a custom RS485 protocol, and the data acquisition device 500 can connect to the electrically controlled valve unit 412 via the same custom RS485 protocol. This custom RS485 protocol is retained by the manufacturing unit and is not publicly available.

[0060] If only the discharge valve 310 and the unloading pump 320 are turned on, without turning on the flow meter 410, liquid cannot be unloaded through the unloading pipe 210. When the central control device 600 turns on the flow meter 410, the built-in electrically controlled valve unit 412 of the flow meter 410 opens, allowing the unloading pipe 210 to open and unload.

[0061] The discharge valve 310 and the unloading pump 320 are voltage-controlled, which is simple and can reduce the manufacturing cost of tank trucks with pumps. However, in the event of illegal unloading, the central control device 600 is turned off, and the discharge valve 310 and the unloading pump 320 are opened by controlling them with an external power supply, making it easy to bypass the monitoring of the central control device 600.

[0062] In this embodiment, liquid cannot be discharged through the unloading pipeline 210 without the flow meter 410 being activated, and only the discharge valve 310 and the unloading pump 320 are activated. When the central control device 600 activates the flow meter 410, the built-in electrically controlled valve unit 412 of the flow meter 410 opens, allowing the unloading pipeline 210 to open and unload. The flow meter 410 communicates and is controlled via a custom RS485 protocol, preventing unauthorized modification and removal, thus reducing the safety risks associated with the transportation and unloading of cryogenic liquids such as liquefied natural gas. Furthermore, preventing illegal unloading through the built-in valve of the flow meter 410 is simple and reduces the manufacturing cost of tank trucks equipped with pumps.

[0063] It should be noted that illegal unloading can be prevented by using a built-in valve in the flow meter 410, but it is not limited to this. The monitoring device 400 may also include a level gauge 420, which can also prevent illegal unloading, depending on the specific circumstances. Preventing illegal unloading through the level gauge 420 means that when the level gauge 420 is open, the unloading device 300 can open the unloading pipe 210 for unloading; when the level gauge 420 is closed, the unloading device 300 cannot open the unloading pipe 210 for unloading.

[0064] This application also provides a control method for a tanker truck with a pump, used to control the tanker truck with a pump. The tanker truck with a pump includes a storage tank 200, a discharge device 300, a monitoring device 400, and a data acquisition device 500. The discharge device 300 and the monitoring device 400 are both connected to the data acquisition device 500. The data acquisition device 500 controls the opening or closing of the discharge pipe 210 of the storage tank 200 through the discharge device 300. The data acquisition device 500 monitors the status of the storage tank 200 through the monitoring device 400, which includes one of a level gauge 420 and a flow meter 410. In addition, the monitoring device 400 may also include a pressure transmitter, an acceleration sensor, and a temperature sensor, depending on the specific requirements. The tanker truck with a pump also includes a central control unit 600 for executing the control method.

[0065] See Figure 3 As shown, the control method for tank trucks with pumps includes:

[0066] S110: Acquire the number of control signals from the monitoring device 400 by the acquisition device 500;

[0067] S120: If the number of control signals collected by the acquisition device 500 is less than the preset value, it is determined that the monitoring device 400 has been modified or removed and the report is submitted to the supervision platform 700.

[0068] The control signal for the level gauge 420 can be a 4-20 mA current signal, the control signal for the flow meter 410 can be a custom RS485 protocol, the signal for the pressure transmitter is a 4-20 mA current signal, and the control signal for the acceleration sensor can be a custom RS485 protocol.

[0069] The central control unit 600 is the core control unit for the entire pump truck. It authorizes the vehicle to unload liquid from designated small storage tanks. During each unloading process, it records the vehicle's geographical location, unloading information, and instrument data such as liquid level, temperature, and pressure inside the vehicle. The recorded data is then uploaded to the monitoring platform 700, which monitors the unloading information for each vehicle.

[0070] Before each unloading, the central control device 600 collects the number of control signals from the monitoring device 400 through the acquisition device 500. If the number of collected control signals is less than the preset value, it is determined that the monitoring device 400 has been modified or removed and reported to the supervision platform 700. If the number of collected control signals is greater than or equal to the preset value, it is determined that the monitoring device 400 is working normally and the pump tanker can unload normally.

[0071] In addition, the tanker truck with pump also includes a liquid unloading device 300, which includes a liquid outlet valve 310 and a liquid unloading pump 320. The data acquisition device 500 can also collect the number of control signals from the liquid unloading device 300. If the total number of control signals from the liquid unloading device 300 and the monitoring device 400 is less than a preset value, it is determined that the liquid unloading device 300 and the monitoring device 400 have been modified or removed and reported to the monitoring platform 700. If the total number of collected control signals is greater than or equal to the preset value, it is determined that the liquid unloading device 300 and the monitoring device 400 are working normally, and the tanker truck with pump can unload normally.

[0072] The system uses the number of control signals collected by the acquisition device 500 to make judgments. If several key pieces of equipment are removed, the signals collected by the acquisition device 500 will be lower than normal. The central control device 600 will automatically detect the anomaly and report it to the monitoring platform 700 for processing. The manufacturer of the pump-equipped tanker truck or the relevant regulatory agency managing the monitoring platform 700 can take action based on the information reported to the monitoring platform 700. This design prevents the unloading device 300 and the central control device 600 of the pump-equipped tanker truck from being modified or removed without authorization, reducing the safety risks of transporting and unloading cryogenic liquids such as liquefied natural gas.

[0073] In some embodiments, the method for controlling a tanker truck with a pump includes:

[0074] The acquisition device 500 outputs a custom control signal to the monitoring device 400 and acquires the control signal fed back by the monitoring device 400;

[0075] The system determines whether the monitoring device 400 has been modified or removed based on the control signals fed back by the monitoring device 400 and reports this to the regulatory platform 700.

[0076] Compared to judging by the number of control signals collected, by having the acquisition device 500 output a custom control signal to the monitoring device 400 and collect the control signal fed back by the monitoring device 400, it is possible to determine which monitoring device 400 has been privately modified or removed.

[0077] In some embodiments, the monitoring device 400 includes a flow meter 410, which includes a flow detection unit 411 and an electrically controlled valve unit 412. The flow detection unit 411 and the electrically controlled valve unit 412 are disposed in the unloading pipeline 210. The electrically controlled valve unit 412 is connected to the data acquisition device 500, and outputs a custom control signal to the monitoring device 400 through the data acquisition device 500, including:

[0078] The data acquisition device 500 sends a custom RS485 protocol control signal to the electric valve unit 412.

[0079] The flow meter 410 communicates and is controlled via a custom RS485 protocol, which prevents the flow meter 410 from being modified or removed without authorization, reducing the safety risks of transporting and unloading cryogenic liquids such as liquefied natural gas.

[0080] This application also provides a method for monitoring tank trucks equipped with pumps. The tank truck includes a central control unit 600, a data acquisition unit 500, a monitoring unit 400, and a liquid unloading device 300. The central control unit 600 is connected to the liquid unloading device 300 and the monitoring unit 400 via the data acquisition unit 500, and controls the liquid unloading device 300 and the monitoring unit 400 to open or close the liquid unloading pipeline 210 of the storage tank 200. The central control unit 600 is also communicatively connected to a monitoring platform 700, which executes the tank truck monitoring method.

[0081] See Figure 4 As shown, the monitoring methods for tank trucks with pumps include:

[0082] S210: Obtain the offline time of the central control unit 600;

[0083] S220: When it is confirmed that the offline time of the central control device 600 is greater than the first preset time T1, it is determined that the central control device 600 has been modified or removed and an alarm message is displayed. The first preset time T1 is greater than the average opening interval of the unloading device 300 in the use of the pump tanker.

[0084] During normal use, the central control device 600 of the pump-equipped tanker truck will activate periodically for unloading, etc. If the first preset time T1 is greater than the average activation interval of the unloading device 300 during the use of the pump-equipped tanker truck, that is, if the central control device 600 has not been activated for an extended period, it is determined that the central control device 600 has been modified or removed, and an alarm message is issued. The pump-equipped tanker truck manufacturer or the corresponding regulatory agency on the management and supervision platform 700 can take action based on the information reported to the supervision platform 700. This design prevents the unloading device 300 and the central control device 600 of the pump-equipped tanker truck from being modified or removed without authorization, reducing the safety risks of transporting and unloading cryogenic liquids such as liquefied natural gas.

[0085] In some embodiments, the method for monitoring tank trucks with pumps includes:

[0086] If the offline time of the central control device 600 is confirmed to be greater than the second preset time T2 and less than the first preset time T1, it is determined that the central control device 600 has been offline for a long time and an offline reminder is issued.

[0087] When the offline time of the central control device 600 is confirmed to be greater than the third preset time T3 and less than the second preset time T2, the central control device 600 is determined to be temporarily offline and an offline reminder is issued. The third preset time T3 is greater than 0.

[0088] If the third preset time T3 is greater than 0, the central control device 600 does not need to be constantly powered, reducing energy consumption and operating costs of the pump truck. If the offline time of the central control device 600 is less than T3, it indicates that the central control device 600 is in normal working condition and offline reminders are unnecessary. If the offline time of the central control device 600 is greater than the third preset time T3 but less than the second preset time T2, it is determined that the central control device 600 is temporarily offline. The monitoring platform 700 can then remind the pump truck user to periodically turn on the central control device 600. If the offline time of the central control device 600 is greater than the second preset time T2 but less than the first preset time T1, it is determined that the central control device 600 is permanently offline. The monitoring platform 700 can then remind the pump truck user to periodically turn on the central control device 600 and report the reasons for the prolonged offline status. If the offline time of the central control device 600 is greater than the first preset time T1, it is determined that the central control device 600 has been modified or removed, and an alarm message will be displayed.

[0089] Depending on the offline time of the central control device 600, the monitoring platform 700 can take different actions. On the one hand, it can remind the pump tanker manufacturer or the relevant regulatory agency that manages the monitoring platform 700 to pay attention in a timely manner. On the other hand, it can remind the pump tanker user to take timely action to avoid being identified as having privately modified or removed the central control device 600.

[0090] In some embodiments, the central control device 600 includes a control unit 610, a positioning unit 620, and a communication unit 630. The control unit 610 controls the communication unit 630 to report the location information acquired by the positioning unit 620. The control unit 610 may include a microcontroller, and the positioning unit 620 may include a satellite positioning unit 620, such as via GPS (Global Positioning System) or BDS (Beidou Navigation Satellite System). The communication unit 630 may include a communication unit 630 that communicates using mobile communication technologies such as 4G or 5G.

[0091] Methods to confirm that the central control unit 600 is offline include:

[0092] The time when communication unit 630 stops reporting location information is obtained;

[0093] When the communication unit 630 stops reporting location information for a period of time longer than the fourth preset time T4, the central control device 600 is confirmed to be offline.

[0094] By monitoring the time of the location information reported by the positioning unit 620, it is possible to determine that the central control device 600 is offline, which is more accurate. At the same time, the location information of the pump tanker can be obtained, and it is easier to detect if the central control device 600 has been privately modified or removed.

[0095] In addition, the central control unit 600 may also include a touch display unit and a remote control unit. The touch display unit is connected to the control unit 610, and the remote control unit is connected to the control unit 610 via a communication unit 630. The touch display unit can display the status of the unloading device 300 and the monitoring device 400, and control commands can also be input through the touch display unit to control the unloading device 300 and the monitoring device 400. Furthermore, the unloading device 300 and the monitoring device 400 can also be remotely controlled via the remote control unit.

[0096] In some embodiments, the central control device 600 includes a clock unit, and the method for confirming that the central control device 600 is online includes:

[0097] Obtain the time information of the clock unit;

[0098] The status of the central control device 600 is determined based on the time interval between the time information sent by the clock unit.

[0099] The clock unit can be a module built into the communication unit 630 or the control unit 610, or it can be a standalone module. The clock unit is powered by a built-in power supply and does not stop timing when the central control device 600 is off. When the central control device 600 is on, the communication unit 630 reports the location information obtained by the positioning unit 620, as well as the time information recorded by the clock unit. If the time interval between the clock unit sending time information is greater than a first preset time T1, it indicates that the central control device 600 may have been modified. If the time interval between the clock unit sending time information is less than the first preset time T1, it can be determined that the central control device 600 is not offline, has been offline for a long time, or has been offline for a short time.

[0100] In summary, this application, through the structural design, control method, and monitoring method of the pump-equipped tanker truck, combines hardware and software approaches to prevent unauthorized modification and removal of the unloading device 300 and central control device 600 of the pump-equipped tanker truck, thereby reducing the safety risks of transporting and unloading cryogenic liquids such as liquefied natural gas.

[0101] The terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0102] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "assembly," "connection," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0103] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "some embodiments," "exemplarily," 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 this application. The illustrative expressions of the above terms in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any 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.

[0104] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application. Therefore, any changes or modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of this application should fall within the scope of this patent application.

Claims

1. A pump truck, characterized in that, include: Storage tank, including unloading pipeline; A liquid unloading device, connected to the liquid storage tank, is used at least to control the opening or closing of the liquid unloading pipeline; A monitoring device is used to monitor the status of the storage tank, including the liquid level or the unloading flow rate. A data collection device is connected to the unloading device and the monitoring device, and is used to power the unloading device and the monitoring device; A central control device is connected to the data acquisition device and controls the unloading device and the monitoring device through the data acquisition device, and controls the opening or closing of the unloading pipeline. The unloading device is configured to control the opening of the unloading pipeline under the monitoring of the monitoring device. The unloading device includes an outlet valve, and the acquisition device outputs a control voltage to control the outlet valve, thereby controlling the opening or closing of the unloading pipeline; the monitoring device includes a flow meter, which includes a flow detection unit and an electrically controlled valve unit, which are installed in the unloading pipeline, and the electrically controlled valve unit is connected to the central control device through the acquisition device.

2. A control method for a tanker truck with a pump, characterized in that, The pump-equipped tanker truck control method is used to control the pump-equipped tanker truck as described in claim 1, wherein the pump-equipped tanker truck control method includes: The number of control signals acquired by the acquisition device from the monitoring device is obtained; If the number of control signals collected by the acquisition device is less than a preset value, it is determined that the monitoring device has been modified or removed and the matter is reported to the regulatory platform.

3. The control method for a tanker truck with a pump according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method for controlling tank trucks equipped with pumps includes: The acquisition device outputs a custom control signal to the monitoring device and acquires the control signal fed back by the monitoring device. The system determines whether the monitoring device has been modified or removed based on the control signals fed back by the monitoring device and reports this to the regulatory platform.

4. The control method for a tanker truck with a pump according to claim 3, characterized in that, The monitoring device includes a flow meter, which comprises a flow detection unit and an electrically controlled valve unit. The flow detection unit and the electrically controlled valve unit are disposed in the unloading pipeline. The electrically controlled valve unit is connected to the data acquisition device. The step of outputting a custom control signal to the monitoring device through the data acquisition device includes: The control signal, transmitted via RS485 protocol, is sent to the electrically controlled valve unit through the acquisition device.

5. A method for monitoring a tanker truck with a pump, characterized in that, The method for monitoring tank trucks with pumps is used to monitor tank trucks with pumps as described in claim 1, wherein the method for monitoring tank trucks with pumps includes: Obtain the offline time of the central control device; If the offline time of the central control device is confirmed to be greater than a first preset time, it is determined that the central control device has been modified or removed and an alarm message is issued. The first preset time is greater than the average opening interval of the unloading device during the use of the pump tanker.

6. The monitoring method for tank trucks with pumps according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method for monitoring tank trucks equipped with pumps includes: If the offline time of the central control device is confirmed to be greater than the second preset time and less than the first preset time, it is determined that the central control device has been offline for a long time and an offline reminder is issued. When the offline time of the central control device is confirmed to be greater than the third preset time and less than the second preset time, the central control device is determined to be temporarily offline and an offline reminder is issued, wherein the third preset time is greater than 0.

7. The monitoring method for tank trucks with pumps according to claim 5, characterized in that, The central control device includes a control unit, a positioning unit, and a communication unit. The control unit controls the communication unit to report the location information acquired by the positioning unit. Methods for confirming that the central control device is offline include: Obtain the time when the communication unit stops reporting the location information; If the communication unit stops reporting the location information for a period of time longer than a fourth preset time, the central control device is confirmed to be offline.

8. The monitoring method for tank trucks with pumps according to claim 5, characterized in that, The central control device includes a clock unit, and the method for confirming that the central control device is online includes: Obtain the time information of the clock unit; The status of the central control device is determined based on the time interval between the time information sent by the clock unit.

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