Intelligent monitoring and control system and method for nitrogen sealing of tank farm

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of nitrogen seal intelligent monitoring control system and method of tank area, it is related to tank nitrogen seal technical field.The system includes: multiple pressure transmitters, respectively set in the pressure detection port of each tank;Multiple soft sealing solenoid valves are respectively connected with the nitrogen gas inlet pipeline of each tank through a pressure reducing valve;Breather valve is respectively arranged on each tank, for pressure relief when tank pressure is high;Control system is respectively connected with each pressure transmitter, receives the pressure value collected by pressure transmitter and displays;It is also respectively connected with each soft sealing solenoid valve, controls the opening or closing of soft sealing solenoid valve;Provide human-computer interaction interface, set the pressure monitoring value of each tank independently through the human-computer interaction interface.The application can realize centralized intelligent monitoring and control to tank area nitrogen seal, optimize air supply speed, can effectively solve the existing nitrogen seal abnormality and long-term use prone problem in time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of nitrogen sealing technology for storage tanks, and particularly to an intelligent monitoring and control system and method for nitrogen sealing in storage tank areas. Background Technology

[0002] Nitrogen sealing valves are mainly used at the top of storage tanks to maintain a slight positive pressure, isolate materials from external contact, reduce material volatilization and waste, and protect the safety of the storage tank.

[0003] The existing nitrogen sealing system for storage tanks uses a mechanical micro-pressure nitrogen sealing valve to maintain nitrogen pressure in the tank. When the nitrogen pressure in the tank is lower than the nitrogen sealing pressure, it automatically replenishes the pressure to keep the tank with nitrogen for a long time. This ensures that the tank maintains a certain positive pressure during feeding, discharging, and non-operational processes, preventing air from entering the tank.

[0004] However, existing nitrogen sealing methods have the following problems:

[0005] 1. The mechanical structure of the self-operated nitrogen sealing valve is relatively complex, consisting of diaphragms / valve bodies / valve stems / pressure reducing valves / pressure reducing springs / sampling pipes of various materials. It often experiences excessively low or high pressure, which makes it difficult to detect and deal with nitrogen sealing abnormalities in a timely manner.

[0006] 2. Self-operated nitrogen sealing valves have a pure metal sealing contact surface, which poses a risk of leakage at the sealing surface;

[0007] 3. Due to the intermittent gas replenishment principle of the self-operated nitrogen sealing valve, when a large amount of nitrogen needs to be continuously replenished during continuous discharge from the storage tank, the self-operated nitrogen sealing valve cannot replenish the gas in time, which will cause air to enter the storage tank from the breather valve, thus affecting product quality.

[0008] 4. Because the self-operated nitrogen sealing valve requires nitrogen pressure for opening and closing control, the amount and speed of replenished gas are affected by the nitrogen pressure.

[0009] 5. Due to the great height of the storage tank, nitrogen sealing abnormalities cannot be detected in a timely manner; they can only be discovered and dealt with during serious abnormalities or routine inspections.

[0010] 6. Tank farms typically contain multiple tanks, and currently, each tank can only be inspected and dealt with individually during routine inspections, resulting in low work efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an intelligent monitoring and control system and method for nitrogen sealing in tank areas, which enables centralized monitoring and control of nitrogen sealing in tank areas, optimizes the gas replenishment rate, and can timely and effectively solve the abnormalities that occur in existing nitrogen sealing and the problems that are prone to occur during long-term use.

[0012] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an intelligent monitoring and control system for nitrogen sealing in tank farms, comprising:

[0013] Multiple pressure transmitters are installed at the pressure detection port of each storage tank;

[0014] Multiple soft-seal solenoid valves are connected to the nitrogen inlet pipe of each storage tank through a pressure reducing valve.

[0015] Breathing valves are installed on each storage tank to release pressure when the tank pressure is high;

[0016] The control system is connected to each pressure transmitter to receive and display the pressure values ​​collected by the pressure transmitters; it is also connected to each soft-seal solenoid valve to control the opening or closing of the soft-seal solenoid valves; and it provides a human-machine interface through which the pressure monitoring values ​​of each storage tank can be set independently.

[0017] The pressure monitoring values ​​include at least the target pressure value and the alarm pressure value; when the pressure value of a storage tank is less than or equal to the target pressure value, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve is opened to replenish gas, and when the pressure value reaches the target pressure value, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve is closed to stop replenishing gas; when the pressure value of any storage tank reaches the alarm pressure value, an alarm is triggered.

[0018] Furthermore, the target pressure value includes an upper pressure limit and a lower pressure limit; when the pressure value of a storage tank is less than or equal to the lower pressure limit, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve is opened to replenish gas, and when the pressure value is equal to the upper pressure limit, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve is closed to stop replenishing gas.

[0019] Furthermore, the pressure monitoring values ​​also include warning pressure values. When the pressure value of any storage tank reaches the warning pressure value, an alarm is issued; an audible and visual alarm is used for alarm and warning.

[0020] Furthermore, the control system includes a PLC controller. The pressure transmitter is connected to the PLC controller of the control system via a serial data bus to achieve signal feedback. The control system collects the pressure value of each storage tank in real time through the information of the signal feedback. The control system sets the pressure monitoring value of each storage tank through the human-machine interface of the PLC controller.

[0021] Furthermore, the pressure transmitter is connected to the pressure detection port of the storage tank via a manual ball valve.

[0022] Furthermore, the soft-seal solenoid valve is an explosion-proof soft-seal solenoid valve, and the pressure transmitter is an explosion-proof pressure transmitter.

[0023] Furthermore, the soft-seal solenoid valve is a DC solenoid valve with an operating voltage of less than or equal to 24V.

[0024] Secondly, this invention provides an intelligent monitoring and control method for nitrogen sealing in tank farms, comprising:

[0025] A pressure transmitter is installed at the pressure detection port of each storage tank; a pressure reducing valve and a soft-seal solenoid valve are installed on the nitrogen inlet pipe of each storage tank.

[0026] The pressure transmitter and soft-seal solenoid valve are connected to the control system; the control system includes a PLC controller and a human-machine interface, and the PLC controller controls each pressure transmitter and soft-seal solenoid valve respectively.

[0027] The control system sets the pressure monitoring values ​​for each storage tank through a PLC controller and a human-machine interface. The pressure monitoring values ​​include at least a target pressure value and an alarm pressure value. When the pressure value of a storage tank is less than or equal to the target pressure value, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve is opened to replenish gas. When the pressure value reaches the target pressure value, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve is closed to stop replenishing gas. When the pressure value of any storage tank reaches the alarm pressure value, an alarm is triggered.

[0028] Furthermore, the target pressure value includes an upper pressure limit and a lower pressure limit; when the pressure value of a storage tank is less than or equal to the lower pressure limit, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve is opened to replenish gas, and when the pressure value is equal to the upper pressure limit, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve is closed to stop replenishing gas.

[0029] Furthermore, the pressure monitoring values ​​also include warning pressure values. When the pressure value of any storage tank reaches the warning pressure value, an alarm is issued; an audible and visual alarm is used for alarm and warning.

[0030] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present invention have the following advantages:

[0031] 1. The control system receives and displays the pressure values ​​collected by the pressure transmitter, automatically monitors the nitrogen sealing pressure in real time, and can centrally and visually monitor the overall nitrogen sealing status of the tank area at any time.

[0032] 2. The air supply on / off action uses a soft-seal solenoid valve, which ensures complete on / off switching and prevents leakage;

[0033] 3. The solenoid valve does not rely on nitrogen for gas replenishment control, so it is basically unaffected by the nitrogen supply pressure. When a large amount of nitrogen needs to be replenished, it can be replenished in a timely manner, and the nitrogen pressure has almost no effect on the replenishment rate. When the pressure is insufficient, the solenoid valve continuously replenishes nitrogen, and there is no phenomenon of insufficient replenishment.

[0034] 4. The on / off structure is simple, which is achieved by using high-stability components such as PLC / pressure reducing valve / pressure transmitter / solenoid valve, resulting in a low failure rate and reducing the number of failure points.

[0035] 5. By setting the upper and lower limits of the target pressure, the frequent start and stop of the solenoid valve can be reduced while ensuring the nitrogen sealing effect;

[0036] 6. By setting warning pressure values ​​and alarm pressure values, the warning or alarm will be automatically activated immediately when the nitrogen sealing pressure is abnormal, so as to avoid the failure to detect abnormalities in time.

[0037] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and in order to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system framework of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the method in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To help those skilled in the art better understand the technical solutions of this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the description of the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0042] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0043] This invention provides an intelligent monitoring and control system and method for nitrogen sealing in tank farms, enabling centralized monitoring and control of nitrogen sealing in tank farms, optimizing gas replenishment speed, and effectively and promptly resolving anomalies in existing nitrogen sealing systems and problems that are prone to occur during long-term use.

[0044] The present application will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments.

[0045] Example 1

[0046] This embodiment provides an intelligent monitoring and control system for nitrogen sealing in tank farms, such as... Figure 1 As shown, including;

[0047] Multiple pressure transmitters 1 are installed at the pressure detection ports of each storage tank 10 (as shown in Figure 1# to N#). Explosion-proof pressure transmitters can be selected as needed.

[0048] Multiple soft-seal solenoid valves 2 are each connected to the nitrogen inlet pipe of each storage tank 10 via a pressure reducing valve 3; low-pressure DC or AC solenoid valves can be used (explosion-proof types can be selected as needed). Since they are installed in the tank area, DC solenoid valves with a low operating voltage of 24V or below are selected for the soft-seal solenoid valves. The pressure reducing valve 3 is used to limit and stabilize the inlet pressure and flow rate.

[0049] Breathing valves 4 are installed on each storage tank 10 and are used to release pressure when the pressure in the storage tank 10 is high.

[0050] The control system 5 is connected to each pressure transmitter 1 to receive and display the pressure value collected by the pressure transmitter 1; it is also connected to each soft-seal solenoid valve 2 to control the opening or closing of the soft-seal solenoid valve 2; it provides a human-machine interface through which the pressure monitoring value of each storage tank 10 can be set independently.

[0051] The pressure monitoring values ​​include at least the target pressure value and the alarm pressure value; when the pressure value of a storage tank 10 is less than or equal to the target pressure value, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve 2 is opened to replenish gas, and when the pressure value reaches the target pressure value, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve 2 is closed to stop replenishing gas; when the pressure value of any storage tank 10 reaches the alarm pressure value, an alarm is triggered.

[0052] The control system 5 receives and displays the pressure values ​​collected by the pressure transmitter 1, automatically and in real-time monitors the nitrogen sealing pressure of each storage tank 10, and can centrally monitor the overall nitrogen sealing status of the storage tank area at any time with visualization, and promptly alarm in case of abnormalities. The on / off action of the gas replenishment adopts the soft-seal solenoid valve 2, which is thorough and leak-free; the soft-seal solenoid valve 2 does not rely on nitrogen for gas replenishment control, so it is basically unaffected by the nitrogen supply pressure; when a large amount of nitrogen needs to be replenished, it can be replenished in a timely manner, and the nitrogen pressure has almost no impact on the replenishment rate; when the pressure is insufficient, the solenoid valve can continuously replenish gas, and there is no problem of insufficient gas replenishment.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the target pressure value includes an upper pressure limit and a lower pressure limit. When the pressure value of a storage tank is less than or equal to the lower pressure limit, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve is opened to replenish gas. When the pressure value equals the upper pressure limit, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve is closed to stop replenishing gas, thereby reducing the frequent start and stop of the soft-seal solenoid valve 2 while ensuring the nitrogen sealing effect.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the pressure monitoring values ​​also include a warning pressure value. When the pressure in any of the storage tanks 10 reaches the warning pressure value, a warning is issued; an audible and visual alarm 6 is used for both alarm and warning. The warning is typically triggered before the alarm, indicating an anomaly, facilitating timely problem detection and elimination of potential hazards. By setting warning and alarm pressure values, a warning or alarm is automatically activated immediately upon an abnormal nitrogen sealing pressure, preventing anomalies from going undetected.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the control system 5 includes a PLC controller. The pressure transmitter 1 is connected to the PLC controller of the control system 5 via a serial data bus (e.g., RS-485, or RS-232 or RS422). This enables signal feedback. The control system 5 collects the pressure value of each storage tank 10 in real time based on the feedback information. The control system sets the pressure monitoring value of each storage tank 10 through the human-machine interface via the PLC controller. Using highly stable components such as a PLC, pressure reducing valve, pressure transmitter, and solenoid valve for on / off switching simplifies the structure, resulting in a low maintenance failure rate and reducing potential failure points.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the pressure transmitter 1 is connected to the pressure detection port of the storage tank 10 via a manual ball valve 7. The manual ball valve 7 is used for commissioning during the installation of the pressure transmitter 1, as well as for troubleshooting and replacement of the pressure transmitter 1.

[0057] Example 2

[0058] Please see Figure 2 This embodiment provides an intelligent monitoring and control method for nitrogen sealing in tank farms, which can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 In the intelligent monitoring and control system for nitrogen sealing in the tank area shown, the method includes:

[0059] A pressure transmitter 1 is installed at the pressure detection port of each storage tank; a pressure reducing valve 3 and a soft-seal solenoid valve 2 are installed on the nitrogen inlet pipe of each storage tank.

[0060] The pressure transmitter 1 and the soft-seal solenoid valve 2 are connected to the control system 5. The control system 5 includes a PLC controller and a human-machine interface. The PLC controller controls each pressure transmitter 1 and soft-seal solenoid valve 2 respectively.

[0061] The control system 5 sets the pressure monitoring value of each storage tank 10 through the human-machine interface via the PLC controller. The pressure monitoring value includes at least the target pressure value and the alarm pressure value. When the pressure value of a storage tank 10 is less than or equal to the target pressure value, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve 2 is opened to replenish gas. When the pressure value reaches the target pressure value, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve is closed to stop replenishing gas. When the pressure value of any storage tank 10 reaches the alarm pressure value, an alarm is triggered.

[0062] By receiving and displaying the pressure value collected by pressure transmitter 1, the nitrogen sealing pressure of each storage tank 10 can be automatically monitored in real time. The overall nitrogen sealing status of the storage tank area can be monitored in a visual and centralized manner at any time, and an alarm can be set in time when abnormalities occur.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the target pressure value includes an upper pressure limit and a lower pressure limit. When the pressure value of a storage tank 10 is less than or equal to the lower pressure limit, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve 2 is opened to replenish gas. When the pressure value equals the upper pressure limit, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve is closed to stop gas replenishment, thereby reducing the frequent opening and stopping of the soft-seal solenoid valve 2 while ensuring the nitrogen sealing effect. When the pressure in the storage tank 10 is high, pressure is released through the breather valve 4.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the pressure monitoring values ​​also include a warning pressure value. When the pressure in any storage tank reaches the warning pressure value, an early warning is issued. The warning is typically triggered before an alarm, indicating an anomaly, facilitating timely problem detection and hazard elimination. An audible and visual alarm 6 is used for alarm and warning purposes. Different sounds, lights, or combinations of sounds and lights can be used to distinguish between alarms and warnings as needed. For example, a flashing yellow light can be used for a warning, while a flashing red light combined with an alarm sound can be used for an alarm, allowing personnel to quickly assess the situation and take appropriate action.

[0065] This invention receives and displays pressure values ​​collected by a pressure transmitter through a control system, automatically monitoring nitrogen sealing pressure in real time. It allows for centralized and visual monitoring of the overall nitrogen sealing status of the storage tank area at any time. The gas replenishment operation uses a soft-seal solenoid valve, ensuring thorough switching without leakage. Since the solenoid valve does not rely on nitrogen for replenishment control, it is largely unaffected by nitrogen supply pressure. When a large amount of nitrogen needs to be replenished, it can be replenished promptly, with nitrogen pressure having almost no impact on the replenishment rate. When the pressure is insufficient, the solenoid valve continuously replenishes gas, eliminating the possibility of insufficient replenishment. The use of highly stable components such as a PLC, pressure reducing valve, pressure transmitter, and solenoid valve for switching simplifies the structure, resulting in a low failure rate and fewer potential points of failure. By setting upper and lower limits for the target pressure, the frequent start-stop of the solenoid valve can be reduced while ensuring the nitrogen sealing effect. By setting warning and alarm pressure values, an automatic warning or alarm is activated immediately when the nitrogen sealing pressure is abnormal, preventing undetected anomalies.

[0066] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that the specific embodiments described are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Equivalent modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the spirit of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A smart monitoring and control system for nitrogen sealing in tank farms, characterized in that, include: Multiple pressure transmitters are installed at the pressure detection port of each storage tank; Multiple soft-seal solenoid valves are connected to the nitrogen inlet pipe of each storage tank through a pressure reducing valve. Breathing valves are installed on each storage tank to release pressure when the tank pressure is high; The control system is connected to each pressure transmitter to receive and display the pressure values ​​collected by the pressure transmitters. Each pressure transmitter is connected to a soft-seal solenoid valve to control its opening or closing. A human-machine interface is provided, through which the pressure monitoring value of each tank can be set independently. The control system includes a PLC controller, and the pressure transmitter is connected to the PLC controller of the control system via a serial data bus to achieve signal feedback. The control system collects the pressure value of each tank in real time through the information of the signal feedback, and sets the pressure monitoring value of each tank through the PLC controller on the human-machine interface. The pressure monitoring values ​​include at least the target pressure value and the alarm pressure value; when the pressure value of a storage tank is less than or equal to the target pressure value, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve is opened to replenish gas, and when the pressure value reaches the target pressure value, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve is closed to stop replenishing gas; when the pressure value of any storage tank reaches the alarm pressure value, an alarm is triggered. The target pressure value includes an upper pressure limit and a lower pressure limit. When the pressure value of a storage tank is less than or equal to the lower pressure limit, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve is opened to replenish gas. When the pressure value is equal to the upper pressure limit, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve is closed to stop replenishing gas.

2. The intelligent monitoring and control system for nitrogen sealing in tank farms according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure monitoring values ​​also include warning pressure values. When the pressure value of any storage tank reaches the warning pressure value, an alarm is issued; an audible and visual alarm is used for alarm and warning.

3. The intelligent monitoring and control system for nitrogen sealing in tank farms according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure transmitter is connected to the pressure detection port of the storage tank via a manual ball valve.

4. The intelligent monitoring and control system for nitrogen sealing in tank farms according to claim 1, characterized in that: The soft-seal solenoid valve is an explosion-proof soft-seal solenoid valve, and the pressure transmitter is an explosion-proof pressure transmitter.

5. A smart monitoring and control system for nitrogen sealing in tank farms according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The soft-seal solenoid valve is a DC solenoid valve with an operating voltage of less than or equal to 24V.

6. A method for intelligent monitoring and control of nitrogen sealing in tank farms, characterized in that, include: A pressure transmitter is installed at the pressure detection port of each storage tank. A pressure reducing valve and a soft-seal solenoid valve are installed on the nitrogen inlet pipe of each storage tank. The pressure transmitter and soft-seal solenoid valve are connected to the control system; the control system includes a PLC controller and a human-machine interface, and the PLC controller controls each pressure transmitter and soft-seal solenoid valve respectively. The control system sets the pressure monitoring values ​​for each storage tank through a PLC controller and a human-machine interface. The pressure monitoring values ​​include at least a target pressure value and an alarm pressure value. When the pressure value of a storage tank is less than or equal to the target pressure value, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve is opened to replenish gas. When the pressure value reaches the target pressure value, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve is closed to stop replenishing gas. When the pressure value of any storage tank reaches the alarm pressure value, an alarm is triggered. The target pressure value includes an upper pressure limit and a lower pressure limit; when the pressure value of a storage tank is less than or equal to the lower pressure limit, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve is opened to replenish gas, and when the pressure value is equal to the upper pressure limit, the corresponding soft-seal solenoid valve is closed to stop replenishing gas.

7. The intelligent monitoring and control method for nitrogen sealing in tank farms according to claim 6, characterized in that: The pressure monitoring values ​​also include warning pressure values. When the pressure value of any storage tank reaches the warning pressure value, an alarm is issued; an audible and visual alarm is used for alarm and warning.

Images