A liquid ammonia storage tank leakage monitoring and emergency response system

Abstract

This invention discloses a liquid ammonia storage tank leakage monitoring and emergency response system in the field of liquid ammonia safety protection technology. The system includes: a flange sleeve that seals and surrounds the outside of a pipe flange connection; the open portion is divided into multiple monitoring areas along the flange sleeve's axis by multiple first partitions; the inner cavity of the monitoring area is divided into a pneumatic area and a spray area by vertically arranged second partitions, with vertically formed grooves on the second partitions; the system also includes a spray component, a movable component, and a monitoring component; the flange sleeve, divided into multiple monitoring areas by multiple first partitions, provides multi-point monitoring of the pipe flange connection; it enables timely handling of leaked liquid ammonia; it allows for timely identification of the leak point and prompt remedial maintenance and repair.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of liquid ammonia safety protection, and in particular to a liquid ammonia storage tank leakage monitoring and emergency response system. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid ammonia is a colorless liquid with a strong, pungent odor. At room temperature, ammonia is gaseous, readily soluble in water and ethanol, and is toxic and extremely flammable. It can mix with air to form explosive mixtures, and will ignite and explode upon exposure to high temperatures or open flames. For ease of transportation and storage, current technology typically involves pressurizing or cooling gaseous ammonia to obtain liquid ammonia, which is then stored in liquid ammonia storage tanks. Due to the high storage pressure of liquid ammonia, leaked liquid ammonia will rapidly vaporize and spread into the surrounding space, causing serious harm to the environment and personnel.

[0003] Current technologies for monitoring and emergency response to liquid ammonia leaks include a system for handling liquid ammonia leaks, as described in Chinese Patent Publication No. CN107965676B. This system uses a liquid ammonia leak sensor to detect liquid ammonia inside a protective enclosure. The sensor then sends a signal to a control system, which activates a blower to draw ammonia gas from the top of the enclosure through evenly distributed suction hoods into a suction device. This ensures the leaked ammonia is effectively absorbed, reducing the risk. To further seal the leak area and prevent continued ammonia leakage, CN113154254B describes an emergency response device for liquid ammonia storage tank leaks. This device uses an inflatable airbag to seal the leak area, effectively preventing further ammonia leakage.

[0004] The aforementioned patent documents have shortcomings in monitoring and emergency handling of liquid ammonia leaks: In practice, it has been found that the main leak-prone areas of liquid ammonia storage tanks are various inlet and outlet valves and pipeline connection flanges that rupture due to corrosion; The existing technologies mentioned above provide partial monitoring and sealing of liquid ammonia storage tanks, but the structure is large and the cost is high. When a liquid ammonia leak occurs, it is not possible to know the leak point in time, and it is necessary to check the leak point again. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this section is to outline some aspects of embodiments of the present invention and to briefly describe some preferred embodiments. Simplifications or omissions may be made in this section, as well as in the abstract and title of the invention, to avoid obscuring the purpose of these documents; however, such simplifications or omissions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a liquid ammonia storage tank leakage monitoring and emergency response system. The flange sleeve is divided into multiple monitoring areas by multiple first partitions, enabling multi-point monitoring of the pipeline flange connection; it can promptly handle leaked liquid ammonia; it can promptly identify the location of the leak and promptly carry out remedial maintenance and repair.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a liquid ammonia storage tank leakage monitoring and emergency response system, which adopts the following technical solution: including: a flange sleeve, which seals and surrounds the outside of the pipe flange connection, the flange sleeve having an open portion on its inner circumference, the open portion being divided into multiple monitoring areas by multiple first partitions along the axis of the flange sleeve, the inner cavity of the monitoring area being divided into a long pneumatic area and a spray area by a vertically arranged second partition, the second partition having a vertically opened sliding groove;

[0008] The spraying component includes a liquid box connected to the outside of the flange sleeve, and an inlet chamber communicating with the liquid box is provided above the spraying area, with a sealing membrane provided at the bottom of the inlet chamber;

[0009] The movable component includes a movable plate slidably connected to a slide groove, wherein a force-bearing plate is provided at one end of the movable plate in the pneumatic area, and a puncturing plate for puncturing the sealing film is provided at one end of the movable plate in the spray area; the monitoring component includes a container connected to the bottom of each monitoring area, wherein the container is in communication with the spray area, and an item that changes color when exposed to alkali is placed inside the container.

[0010] Optionally, the flange sleeve is formed by a flexible collar or flexible band, and the top, bottom and outer sides of the flange sleeve are closed. The open part is a ring groove recessed along the inner side of the flange sleeve. The top, bottom and inner surfaces of the flange sleeve and the first partition plate are all in contact with the pipe flange connection.

[0011] Optionally, the liquid box is attached to the top of the flange sleeve by adhesive or bolt, the liquid box contains water, and the outlet of the liquid box is connected to the inlet chamber.

[0012] Optionally, the movable plate uses a slider that cooperates with the slide groove, and the piercing plate is provided with multiple spikes.

[0013] Optionally, a spring is connected between the force-bearing plate and the top of the inner cavity of the flange sleeve.

[0014] Optionally, the second partition is made of thermally conductive metal, and a heat-expanding airbag is fixed on the side of the second partition facing the pipe flange connection.

[0015] Optionally, the container is a transparent display bottle, the substance that changes color when exposed to alkali is phenolphthalein white powder, each monitoring area has a connection hole at the bottom, the transparent display bottle is connected to the connection hole, and the opening of the transparent display bottle is connected to the spray area.

[0016] Optionally, it also includes a controller and an alarm, with a pressure sensor fixed on each of the second partitions, the pressure sensor being electrically connected to the alarm via the controller.

[0017] Optionally, it also includes a liquid ammonia storage tank, wherein the pipe flange connection is provided on the liquid ammonia storage tank, and sealing rings are embedded at the top and bottom of the flange sleeve where it fits against the pipe flange.

[0018] In summary, the present invention has at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0019] This invention features a novel design. By using a flange sleeve to surround the pipe flange connection, it enables monitoring and emergency handling of pipe flanges prone to liquid ammonia leakage. Compared to existing methods, it occupies less space and has lower costs. The flange sleeve is divided into multiple monitoring areas by multiple first partitions, allowing for multi-point monitoring of the pipe flange connection. When a leak occurs in a certain area of ​​the pipe flange connection, the leaking liquid ammonia will move upward through the stress plate, causing the solution in the inlet chamber to fall. The solution flowing down from multiple punctures forms a water curtain, which can fully contact the leaking liquid ammonia, allowing for timely treatment. After the leaking liquid ammonia is dissolved by the spray, it flows into a container and mixes with substances that change color when exposed to alkali, turning the solution in the container red. This serves as a warning to personnel that liquid ammonia has leaked, allowing them to quickly identify the leak point and promptly carry out remedial maintenance and repairs. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the flange sleeve structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 For the present invention Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure after the liquid box in the middle is removed;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the monitoring area structure of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 4 A magnified structural diagram of part A.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Liquid ammonia storage tank; 2. Pipeline flange; 3. Flange sleeve; 301. Opening; 302. First partition; 303. Monitoring area; 303a. Pneumatic area; 303b. Spraying area; 304. Second partition; 304a. Slide groove; 305. Liquid inlet chamber; 306. Sealing membrane; 307. Movable plate; 308. Puncture plate; 309. Stress plate; 310. Spiked cone; 311. Connection hole; 4. Liquid box; 5. Spring; 6. Heated expansion air bladder; 7. Pressure sensing plate; 8. Container; 9. Sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "top / bottom," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "sleeved / connected," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] Example 1

[0031] Reference Figure 1 This invention discloses a liquid ammonia storage tank leakage monitoring and emergency response system, comprising:

[0032] Flange sleeve 3, sealingly surrounding the connection of pipe flange 2, allows for monitoring and emergency handling of easily leaking liquid ammonia. Compared to existing methods, this approach is more space-efficient and cost-effective. Specifically, the flange sleeve 3 has an opening 301 on its inner circumference, which is divided into multiple monitoring areas 303 along the axis of the flange sleeve 3 by multiple first partitions 302. These annular monitoring areas 303 divide the connection of pipe flange 2 into several regions. When a leak occurs in any area of ​​the connection, the leak point can be identified promptly for timely remediation. More specifically, each monitoring area 303 is further divided into a pneumatic zone 303a and a spray zone 303b by a vertically arranged second partition 304. The pneumatic zone 303a activates when liquid ammonia leaks at the connection of pipe flange 2; the spray zone 303b sprays the leaking liquid ammonia to effectively dilute the ammonia gas and prevent it from spreading into the environment.

[0033] It also includes a spraying component, including a liquid box 4 connected to the outside of the flange sleeve 3. An inlet chamber 305 communicating with the liquid box 4 is provided above the spraying area 303b. A sealing membrane 306 is provided at the bottom of the inlet chamber 305. The liquid box 4 contains a solution for dissolving liquid ammonia. In this embodiment, the solution is an aqueous solution. When the liquid box 4 is installed on the flange sleeve 3, the solution in the liquid box 4 will flow into the inlet chamber 305 in each monitoring area 303 and remain in the inlet chamber 305 under the restriction of the sealing membrane 306, waiting to prepare for dissolving the leaked liquid ammonia.

[0034] The second partition 304 has a vertically formed groove 304a. The movable component includes a movable plate 307 slidably connected to the groove 304a. One end of the movable plate 307 in the pneumatic zone 303a has a force-bearing plate 309, and the other end of the movable plate 307 in the spray zone 303b has a piercing plate 308 for piercing the sealing membrane 306. The movable plate 307 can move horizontally up and down on the groove 304a. Initially, the force-bearing plate 309 and the pneumatic zone 302a form a monitoring area for a section of the pipe flange 2. When liquid ammonia leaks, the enclosed area will be pressured by the leaking liquid ammonia, causing the force-bearing plate 309 to move upwards. After the force-bearing plate 309 moves upwards, it will simultaneously cause the piercing plate 308 on the other side to move upwards. The leaked liquid ammonia will enter the spray area 303b through the gap in the chute 304a. The upward movement of the puncture plate 308 will puncture the sealing membrane 306 above, causing the solution in the liquid inlet chamber 305 to fall. The solution flowing down from multiple punctures forms a water curtain, which can fully contact the leaked liquid ammonia. A spring 5 is connected between the force plate 309 and the top of the inner cavity of the flange sleeve 3. Under the action of the spring 5, when the area enclosed by the force plate 309 and the pneumatic area 302a is subjected to air pressure, the force plate 309 will overcome the elastic force of the spring 5 and move upward. After the liquid ammonia with a certain pressure is discharged from the gap in the chute 304a, the spring 5 will drive the force plate 309 to move downward again to prepare for the next liquid ammonia monitoring.

[0035] The monitoring component includes a container 8 connected to the bottom of each monitoring area 303. The container 8 is connected to the spray area 303b, and contains an alkali-sensitive substance. As is known in the art, liquid ammonia reacts with water, producing an alkaline and exothermic reaction product. By installing containers 8 containing the alkali-sensitive substance at the bottom of each monitoring area 303, when leaked liquid ammonia is dissolved by the spray, it flows into container 8 and mixes with the alkali-sensitive substance, turning the solution in container 8 red. This alerts personnel to the presence of a liquid ammonia gas leak, enabling timely maintenance and repair.

[0036] Reference Figures 2-3In detail, in this embodiment, the flange sleeve 3 is made of a flexible collar or flexible band wrapped in a ring shape. The top, bottom, and outer sides of the flange sleeve 3 are all closed. The open part 301 is a ring-shaped groove recessed along the inner side of the flange sleeve 3. The top, bottom, and inner surfaces of the flange sleeve 3 and the first partition 302 are all attached to the connection of the pipe flange 2, ensuring that each monitoring area does not affect each other, so that the leak point can be identified in time when liquid ammonia leak occurs. The top, bottom, and outer sides of the flange sleeve 3 and the first partition can all be made of rubber. When the flange sleeve 3 is in a ring shape, the second partition 304, movable plate 307, stress plate 309, and puncture plate 308 in each monitoring area will not be affected by the flexibility of the rubber material. The flange sleeve 3 is set in this way so that the pipe flange 2 can be fitted and installed, which is convenient. If the flange sleeve 3 is a flexible strip wrapped around the pipe flange 2, different specifications of flange sleeve 3 can be selected according to the size of the pipe flange 2 and wrapped around the pipe flange 2. The end of the flange sleeve 3 can be glued or bolted.

[0037] Reference Figure 1 In detail, this embodiment also includes a liquid ammonia storage tank 1, and a pipe flange 2 connection is provided on the liquid ammonia storage tank 1. The top and bottom of the flange sleeve 3 are fitted with sealing rings 9 at the pipe flange 2. In order to avoid gaps between the flange sleeve 3 and the pipe flange 2 that are prone to leakage of liquid ammonia, rubber sealing rings 9 can be fixed at the top and bottom of the flange sleeve 3 to ensure the sealing of the flange sleeve 3 on the pipe flange 2.

[0038] Reference Figure 4 In detail, in this embodiment, the liquid box 4 is connected to the top of the flange sleeve 3 by adhesive or bolt. The liquid box 4 contains water, and the outlet of the liquid box 4 is connected to the inlet chamber 305. The liquid box 4 is detachably connected to the flange sleeve 3. During installation, the multiple outlets of the liquid box 4 can be aligned with the inlet chamber 305, and then the liquid box 4 can be fixed. A certain amount of water is injected from the water inlet 401 above the liquid box 4 so that both the inlet chamber 305 and the liquid box 4 are filled with water. When spraying, the water inlet 401 can be connected to an external water tank so that the water in the liquid box 4 can meet the dissolution requirements after the liquid ammonia leaks.

[0039] In detail, in this embodiment, the movable plate 307 adopts a slider that cooperates with the slide groove 304a. The slider is in the shape of an "I" to ensure that the force plate 309 can move smoothly when it is subjected to pressure. The piercing plate 308 is provided with multiple spikes 310. The multiple spikes 310 are used to pierce the sealing film 306, so that the aqueous solution flowing out of the liquid inlet chamber 305 can form a water curtain, thereby improving the full contact and dissolution of liquid ammonia.

[0040] In detail, in this embodiment, container 8 is a transparent display bottle. The substance that changes color when exposed to alkali is phenolphthalein white powder. Each monitoring area 303 has a connection hole 311 at its bottom. The transparent display bottle is connected to the connection hole 311. The connection hole 311 can be a sealing plug or a threaded hole. The bottle mouth of the transparent display bottle is adapted to the connection hole 311 and connected to it. The opening of the transparent display bottle is connected to the spray area 303b. When liquid ammonia leaks, the solution that comes into contact with the liquid ammonia from the spray water will enter the transparent display bottle from the spray area 303b. After dissolving with the phenolphthalein white powder, the solution in the transparent display bottle turns red, which can warn the staff that there is a gas leak of liquid ammonia and enable timely maintenance and repair. An overflow port is also provided on one side of the spray area 303b to prevent the solution in the spray area 303b from being refilled.

[0041] Working principle: During use, the flange sleeve 3 surrounds the connection of the pipe flange 2, so that the connection of the pipe flange 2 is located in the area enclosed by the force plate 309 and the pneumatic area 302a. Since the flange sleeve 3 is divided into multiple monitoring areas 303 by multiple first partitions 302, the connection of the pipe flange 2 is monitored at multiple points. When a certain area of ​​the connection of the pipe flange 2 leaks, the leaking liquid ammonia will move upward through the force plate 309, causing the solution in the liquid inlet chamber 305 to fall. The solution flowing down from multiple punctures forms a water curtain, which can fully contact the leaking liquid ammonia and deal with the leaking liquid ammonia in time. After the leaking liquid ammonia is dissolved by spraying, it flows into the container 8 and mixes with the alkali-reacting substances, making the solution in the container 8 turn red, which can warn the staff that liquid ammonia has leaked. It can also help to find out where the leak point is and to repair and maintain it in time.

[0042] Example 2

[0043] Reference Figures 2-4 Based on the same concept as Embodiment 1 above, this liquid ammonia storage tank leakage monitoring and emergency response system also includes a second baffle 304 made of thermally conductive metal. A heated expansion airbag 6 is fixed to the side of the second baffle 304 facing the pipe flange 2 connection. The aqueous solution and hydraulic pressure react in the spray area 303b, and the released heat is conducted through the second baffle 304, causing the heated expansion airbag 6, which contains carbon dioxide, to expand. The inflated heated expansion airbag 6 adheres tightly to a section of the pipe flange 2 connection area enclosed by each pneumatic area 303a, sealing the area and thus sealing the leak point to prevent continuous leakage of liquid ammonia.

[0044] Example 3

[0045] Reference Figures 4-5Based on the same concept as in Embodiment 1, this liquid ammonia storage tank leakage monitoring and emergency response system also includes a controller and an alarm. Each second partition 304 is fixed with a pressure sensing element 7. The pressure sensing element 7 is electrically connected to the alarm through the controller. When liquid ammonia leaks, the enclosed area will move the force plate 309 upward under the pressure of the leaking liquid ammonia. After the force plate 309 moves upward, it will press against the pressure sensing element 7. The pressure sensing element 7 senses the liquid ammonia leak, causing the force plate 309 to move and send a signal to the controller. The controller controls the remote alarm to sound based on the received signal. The alarm reminds the remote personnel to come and handle the situation.

[0046] The above are all preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid ammonia storage tank leakage monitoring and emergency response system, characterized in that: include: A flange sleeve (3) is sealed around the outside of the connection of the pipe flange (2). The flange sleeve (3) has an open portion (301) on its inner circumference. The open portion (301) is divided into multiple monitoring areas (303) by multiple first partitions (302) along the circumference of the flange sleeve (3). The first partitions (302) are vertically arranged. The inner cavity of the monitoring area (303) is divided into a pneumatic area (303a) and a spray area (303b) by a vertically arranged second partition (304). A vertical groove (304a) is opened on the second partition (304). The spraying component includes a liquid box (4) connected to the outside of the flange sleeve (3), and an inlet chamber (305) communicating with the liquid box (4) is provided above the spraying area (303b), and a sealing membrane (306) is provided at the bottom of the inlet chamber (305). The movable component includes a movable plate (307) slidably connected to the slide groove (304a), wherein a force-bearing plate (309) is provided at one end of the movable plate (307) located in the pneumatic area (303a), and a puncturing plate (308) for puncturing the sealing film (306) is provided at one end of the movable plate (307) located in the spray area (303b). The monitoring component includes a container (8) connected to the bottom of each monitoring area (303), the container (8) being in communication with the spray area (303b), and the container (8) containing an item that changes color when exposed to alkali.

2. The liquid ammonia storage tank leakage monitoring and emergency response system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flange sleeve (3) is made of a flexible collar or flexible band and is encircled in a ring shape. The top, bottom and outer sides of the flange sleeve (3) are closed. The opening (301) is a ring-shaped groove recessed along the inner side of the flange sleeve (3). The top, bottom and inner surfaces of the flange sleeve (3) and the first partition (302) are all attached to the connection of the pipe flange (2).

3. The liquid ammonia storage tank leakage monitoring and emergency response system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid box (4) is attached to the top of the flange sleeve (3) by adhesive or bolt. The liquid box (4) contains water and the outlet of the liquid box (4) is connected to the inlet chamber (305).

4. The liquid ammonia storage tank leakage monitoring and emergency response system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The movable plate (307) employs a slider that mates with the slide groove (304a), and the piercing plate (308) is provided with a plurality of spikes (310).

5. The liquid ammonia storage tank leakage monitoring and emergency response system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A spring (5) is connected between the load-bearing plate (309) and the top of the inner cavity of the flange sleeve (3).

6. The liquid ammonia storage tank leakage monitoring and emergency response system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second partition (304) is made of thermally conductive metal, and a heat-expanding airbag (6) is fixed on the side of the second partition (304) facing the pipe flange (2) connection.

7. The liquid ammonia storage tank leakage monitoring and emergency response system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The container (8) is a transparent display bottle. The item that changes color when exposed to alkali is phenolphthalein white powder. Each monitoring area (303) has a connection hole (311) at the bottom. The transparent display bottle is connected to the connection hole (311). The opening of the transparent display bottle is connected to the spray area (303b).

8. A liquid ammonia storage tank leakage monitoring and emergency response system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: It also includes a controller and an alarm. Each of the second partitions (304) is fixed with a pressure sensor (7), which is electrically connected to the alarm via the controller.

9. The liquid ammonia storage tank leakage monitoring and emergency response system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a liquid ammonia storage tank (1), the connection of the pipeline flange (2) is set on the liquid ammonia storage tank (1), and the top and bottom of the flange sleeve (3) are fitted with sealing rings (9) at the pipe flange (2).

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