A leak plugging device and method for a molten salt storage tank

By designing layered components and sealing frames within the molten salt storage tank, plugging and maintenance can be performed without interrupting operation in the event of a leak, thus improving the efficiency of the equipment.

CN118723362BActive Publication Date: 2026-06-26SHANGHAI BOILER WORKS CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SHANGHAI BOILER WORKS CO LTD
Filing Date
2024-08-05
Publication Date
2026-06-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing molten salt storage tanks need to be shut down for sealing and repair after a leak, resulting in low equipment efficiency.

Method used

The tank is divided into multiple spaces using a layered component. Leaks are sealed using sealing frames and plugging frames, and the sealing effect is enhanced by pressurization.

Benefits of technology

It enables plugging and repair without affecting the normal use of equipment in the event of a leak, thus improving the efficiency of equipment use.

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Abstract

The present application relates to the field of molten salt storage tank, and particularly relates to a leakage plugging device and plugging method for molten salt storage tank, comprising a tank body, a supporting seat is installed below the tank body, and the tank body is used for storing molten salt. The present application is characterized in that the storage space in the tank body is divided into multiple groups by the cross installation of the connecting plate and the partition plate. When leakage occurs on the surface of the tank body, only the molten salt in one group of space needs to be transferred, and then the space is moved to the leakage position. At this time, the sealing frame drives the plugging frame to move and fit the leakage position on the surface of the tank body by rotating the nut along the bolt, so that the carbon steel spring can firmly fix the plugging frame, and at the same time, the sealing frame forms a sealed space with the surface of the tank body. At this time, the plugging effect of the plugging frame is enhanced by increasing the air pressure in the space, so that the plugging effect of the plugging frame is enhanced. In this way, the tank body can be plugged and repaired under normal storage conditions, thereby improving the use efficiency of the equipment.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of molten salt storage tanks, and more specifically to a leakage sealing device and sealing method for molten salt storage tanks. Background Technology

[0002] Molten salt storage tanks are primarily used to store molten liquid salts. These molten salts typically possess characteristics such as high boiling point, low viscosity, low vapor pressure, and excellent volumetric heat, making them excellent at heat storage and transfer. Molten salt storage tanks play a crucial role in storing and transferring heat in solar thermal power generation, thermal energy utilization, nuclear power generation, and chemical production processes.

[0003] Chinese invention patent application CN117819069A discloses a molten salt storage tank structure, comprising: a first molten salt storage tank having a first inlet and a first outlet, the first outlet being lower than the first inlet; a second molten salt storage tank having a second inlet, the sum of the volumes of the first and second molten salt storage tanks satisfying a predetermined volume requirement; a molten salt return pipe for conveying molten salt, the molten salt return pipe being connected to the first inlet; an intermediate transmission pipe assembly, the inlet end of the intermediate transmission pipe assembly being connected to the first outlet, and the outlet end of the intermediate transmission pipe assembly being connected to the second inlet; a molten salt pump, the inlet of the molten salt pump being disposed inside the second molten salt storage tank; and a molten salt outlet pipe for outputting molten salt, the molten salt outlet pipe being connected to the outlet of the molten salt pump. The molten salt storage tank structure provided by this invention reduces the risk caused by uneven expansion at the bottom of the molten salt storage tank.

[0004] Existing molten salt storage tanks are prone to damage and leakage during use due to the long-term storage of high-temperature molten salt inside. After a leak occurs, all the molten salt stored inside must be transferred and stored before the equipment can be shut down and repaired. This sealing method is inefficient and also affects the normal operation of the molten salt storage tank.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to invent a leakage sealing device and sealing method for molten salt storage tanks to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a leak sealing device and method for molten salt storage tanks. By dividing the tank body into multiple groups of spaces for storing molten salt, when a leak occurs, only the molten salt in one group of spaces needs to be transferred and this group of spaces moved to the leak point. At this time, the sealing frame drives the plugging frame to seal the leak point. Simultaneously, by pressurizing the sealing frame, the sealing effect is enhanced. This solves the problem in the prior art that the storage tank needs to be shut down for sealing and maintenance, which reduces the efficiency of the equipment.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a leakage sealing device for a molten salt storage tank, comprising a tank body, wherein a support base is installed below the tank body, and the tank body is used to store molten salt;

[0008] Layered components, installed inside the tank, are used to divide the tank into multiple spaces;

[0009] A sealing assembly, located on one side of the tank, is used to seal any leaks in the tank.

[0010] A fixing component, located on one side of the tank, is used to fix the sealing component.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the layered component includes an output pipe, which is connected through to one side of the tank body and three sets are installed in sequence. One side of each of the three sets of output pipes is connected to a molten salt pump pipeline, and the opposite side is provided with three corresponding sets of input pipes.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a motor is installed on the top of the tank, and a connecting shaft is installed at the output end of the motor, and the connecting shaft is rotatably connected to the inside of the tank.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, connecting plates are sequentially sleeved and fixed on the connecting shaft, and three sets of partitions are connected through the three sets of connecting plates. The partitions and connecting plates are arranged in a cross configuration, and the connecting plates and partitions are connected to the inner wall of the tank in a sealed sliding manner. The three sets of connecting plates and three sets of partitions divide the tank into upper, middle and lower spaces, and each of the three spaces is divided into three smaller spaces. The lowest point of each of the three spaces is located below the three output pipes (201), and the three opposing input pipes are at the same horizontal level as the highest point of the three spaces.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, bolts are welded in a rectangular pattern on one side of the tank body, and each group of bolts is installed around the leakage point of the tank body. A sealing frame is provided on one side of the tank body, and multiple sets of connecting holes are opened at the edge of the sealing frame, and the connecting holes pass through the corresponding bolts.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a nut is screwed onto the bolt, and one side of the nut is in contact with one side of the sealing frame. A valve is connected through one side of the sealing frame, and a rubber sealing ring is fixedly connected to the edge of the sealing frame away from the nut.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing assembly includes a cavity, which is formed on the inner wall of the sealing frame and has several sets of such cavities. A limiting plate is fitted and connected inside the cavity, and a carbon steel spring is fitted and connected to one side of the limiting plate, with the other side of the carbon steel spring fitting against the inner wall of the cavity.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a push rod is connected to the side of the limiting plate away from the carbon steel spring, and the push rod is connected through the inner wall of the cavity. A fixing plate is installed on one side of the push rod, and a sealing frame is installed on one side of the fixing plate by screws.

[0018] A method for sealing leaks in a molten salt storage tank includes a leak sealing device for a molten salt storage tank as described above, and the specific processing steps are as follows:

[0019] S1: When the tank leaks, it is necessary to determine the location and size of the leak. Once the above conditions are determined, the molten salt pump will pump out the lava from one of the spaces inside the tank at the height of the leak, and the space will be moved to the leak location as the motor rotates.

[0020] S2: At this time, the leak is cooled down by external physical cooling methods, and the bolts are welded to the surrounding area of ​​the wound by manual welding. The appropriate sealing frame is selected according to the size of the wound, and the sealing frame is installed with each set of fixing plates in the sealing frame according to the location of the wound.

[0021] S3: Finally, by using bolts and nuts, the sealing frame is brought closer to the tank body, so that the sealing frame is close to the leak on the surface of the tank body, and finally the sealing frame and the tank body are fitted together. Finally, air is injected into the sealing frame through the air valve, thereby completing the sealing of the surface of the tank body.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the technical effects and advantages provided by the present invention in the above technical solution are as follows:

[0023] By cross-installing connecting plates and partitions, the storage space inside the tank is divided into multiple groups. When a leak occurs on the surface of the tank, the molten salt in one group is transferred and then moved to the leak point. At this time, the nut is rotated along the bolt, causing the sealing frame to move towards the leak point on the tank surface and fit together. The carbon steel spring can firmly fix the sealing frame, and at the same time, the sealing frame and the tank surface will form a sealed space. By increasing the air pressure in this space, the sealing effect of the sealing frame is enhanced. In this way, the tank can be sealed and repaired under normal storage conditions, thereby improving the efficiency of equipment use. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0025] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing frame structure of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the tank body planing structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fixed disk layout structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the planed structure of the sealing frame of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle;

[0031] Figure 7 For the present invention Figure 5 Enlarged structural diagram at point B.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0033] 001. Tank body; 002. Layered assembly; 003. Fixing assembly; 004. Sealing assembly; 101. Support base; 201. Output pipe one; 202. Motor; 203. Connecting shaft; 204. Connecting plate; 205. Partition plate; 301. Bolt; 302. Sealing frame; 303. Connecting hole; 304. Nut; 305. Valve; 306. Rubber sealing ring; 401. Cavity; 402. Limiting plate; 403. Carbon steel spring; 404. Push rod; 405. Fixing plate; 406. Sealing frame. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] This invention provides, for example Figure 1-7 The leak sealing device for a molten salt storage tank shown includes a tank body 001, a support base 101 installed below the tank body 001, and the tank body 001 is used to store molten salt.

[0036] Layered component 002 is disposed inside tank 001 and is used to divide the tank 001 into multiple spaces;

[0037] The sealing component 004 is located on one side of the tank 001 and is used to seal any leaks in the tank 001.

[0038] Fixing component 003 is located on one side of tank body 001 and is used to fix sealing component 004.

[0039] Furthermore, in the above structure, the layered component 002 includes an output pipe 201, which is connected to one side of the tank 001 and is installed in three sets in sequence. One side of the three sets of output pipes 201 is connected to the molten salt pump pipeline, and the opposite side is provided with three corresponding sets of input pipes.

[0040] The molten salt inside the tank 001 can be transported to the outside of the tank 001 through three sets of output pipes 201, and the molten salt can be input into the tank 001 for storage through the opposite input pipes.

[0041] Furthermore, in the above structure, a motor 202 is installed on the top of the tank 001, and a connecting shaft 203 is installed at the output end of the motor 202, and the connecting shaft 203 is rotatably connected to the inside of the tank 001.

[0042] The motor 202 can drive the connecting shaft 203 to rotate.

[0043] Furthermore, in the above structure, connecting plates 204 are sequentially sleeved and fixed on the connecting shaft 203. Three sets of partitions 205 are connected through the three sets of connecting plates 204. The partitions 205 and connecting plates 204 are arranged in a cross configuration. The connecting plates 204 and partitions 205 are connected to the inner wall of the tank 001 in a sealed sliding connection. The three sets of connecting plates 204 and three sets of partitions 205 divide the tank 001 into three spaces: upper, middle and lower. Each of the three spaces is further divided into three smaller spaces. The lowest point of each of the three spaces is located below the three output pipes (201). The three opposing input pipes are at the same horizontal level as the highest point of the three spaces.

[0044] Through the cross-installation design of three sets of partitions 205 and three sets of connecting plates 204, three sets of spaces are set at three different heights inside the tank 001, thus forming nine sets of spaces inside the tank 001. Each set of spaces is used to store molten salt, and the position of each set of spaces will change as the connecting shaft 203 rotates. When conveying and input are required, the position of the space needs to be rotated and adjusted in sequence to the position of the output pipe 201 and the conveying pipe.

[0045] Furthermore, in the above structure, bolts 301 are welded in a rectangular pattern on one side of the tank body 001, and each group of bolts 301 is installed around the leakage point of the tank body 001. A sealing frame 302 is provided on one side of the tank body 001, and multiple sets of connecting holes 303 are opened at the edge of the sealing frame 302. The connecting holes 303 penetrate the corresponding bolts 301.

[0046] The sealing frame 302 can be fixed to one side of the tank body 001 by the cooperation of bolt 301 and connecting hole 303.

[0047] Furthermore, in the above structure, a nut 304 is screwed onto the bolt 301, and one side of the nut 304 is in contact with one side of the sealing frame 302. A valve 305 is connected through one side of the sealing frame 302, and a rubber sealing ring 306 is fixedly connected to the edge of the sealing frame 302 away from the nut 304.

[0048] By tightening the nut 304, the sealing frame 302 is brought into contact with the surface of the tank body 001. Under the action of the rubber sealing ring 306, the space inside the sealing frame 302 is isolated from the outside. Furthermore, the air valve 305 can pressurize the inside of the sealing frame 302, thereby ensuring that the internal air pressure is greater than the external air pressure.

[0049] Furthermore, in the above structure, the sealing component 004 includes a cavity 401, which is opened on the inner wall of the sealing frame 302 and has several sets. A limiting plate 402 is attached to the cavity 401, and a carbon steel spring 403 is attached to one side of the limiting plate 402, and one side of the carbon steel spring 403 is attached to the inner wall of the cavity 401.

[0050] The carbon steel spring 403 can keep the limiting plate 402 in position within the cavity 401.

[0051] Furthermore, in the above structure, a push rod 404 is connected to the side of the limiting plate 402 away from the carbon steel spring 403, and the push rod 404 is connected through the inner wall of the cavity 401. A fixing plate 405 is installed on one side of the push rod 404, and a sealing frame 406 is installed on one side of the fixing plate 405 by screws.

[0052] The connection between the fixing plate 405 and the sealing frame 406 allows the sealing frame 406 to be replaced according to the size of the wound.

[0053] A method for sealing leaks in molten salt storage tanks includes the aforementioned leak sealing device for molten salt storage tanks, and the specific processing steps are as follows:

[0054] S1: When tank 001 leaks, it is necessary to determine the location and size of the leak. Once the above conditions are determined, one of the spaces inside the tank 001 at the corresponding height of the leak will be emptied of the lava inside by a molten salt pump. As the motor 202 rotates, this space will be moved to the leak location.

[0055] S2: At this time, the leak is cooled by external physical cooling methods, and the bolts 301 are welded to the surrounding area of ​​the wound by manual welding. The appropriate sealing frame 406 is selected according to the size of the wound, and the sealing frame 406 is installed with each set of fixing plates 405 in the sealing frame 302 according to the location of the wound.

[0056] S3: Finally, by using bolts 301 and nuts 304, the sealing frame 302 is brought closer to the tank 001, so that the sealing frame 406 is brought closer to the leak on the surface of the tank 001, and finally the sealing frame 302 and the tank 001 are fitted together. Finally, air is injected into the sealing frame 302 through the air valve 305, thereby completing the sealing of the surface of the tank 001.

[0057] like Figure 1-7 As shown, bolts 301 are welded to the periphery of the wound by manual welding. Then, the sealing frame 406 and sealing frame 302 are connected, and the connecting hole 303 is fitted onto bolts 301 and nuts 304 are tightened. This allows the sealing frame 406 to fit snugly against the wound and completely cover it. Simultaneously, the sealing frame 302 can compress the carbon steel spring 403 through the inner wall of the cavity 401, ensuring a firm fit between the sealing frame 406 and the surface of the tank 001. As the nut 304 is continuously tightened, the sealing frame 302 causes the rubber sealing ring 306 to adhere to the surface of the tank 001. At this time, the air valve 305 pressurizes the space formed by the sealing frame 302, making the internal air pressure greater than the external air pressure, thereby improving the stability of the sealing by the sealing frame 406. This completes the sealing of the tank 001. Furthermore, due to the layered component 002 structure, molten salt can continue to be stored in the remaining space during sealing, ensuring that the normal use of the tank 001 is not affected during the sealing and maintenance process.

[0058] The foregoing has only described certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention by way of illustration. Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art can modify the described embodiments in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing drawings and descriptions are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A leak sealing device for a molten salt storage tank, comprising a tank body (001), characterized in that: A support base (101) is installed below the tank (001), and the tank (001) is used to store molten salt; A layered component (002) is disposed inside the tank (001) to divide the tank (001) into multiple spaces; A sealing assembly (004) is disposed on one side of the tank (001) and is used to seal any leaks in the tank (001); A fixing component (003) is disposed on one side of the tank body (001) and is used to fix the sealing component (004). The layered component (002) includes an output pipe (201), which is connected to one side of the tank (001) and has three sets installed in sequence. One side of each of the three sets of output pipes (201) is connected to a molten salt pump pipe, and the opposite side has three corresponding input pipes. A motor (202) is installed on the top of the tank (001). A connecting shaft (203) is installed at the output end of the motor (202), and the connecting shaft (203) is rotatably connected to the inside of the tank (001). Connecting plates (204) are sequentially sleeved and fixed on the connecting shaft (203). Three sets of partitions (205) are connected through the connecting plate (204) and the partitions (205) are arranged in a cross manner with the connecting plate (204). The connecting plate (204) and the partitions (205) are connected to the inner wall of the tank (001) in a sealed sliding connection. The three sets of connecting plates (204) and the three sets of partitions (205) divide the tank (001) into three spaces: upper, middle and lower. Each of the three spaces is divided into three small spaces. The lowest point of the three spaces is located below the three sets of output pipes (201). The three sets of input pipes facing each other are at the same horizontal position as the highest point of the three spaces.

2. The leakage sealing device for a molten salt storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tank body (001) has bolts (301) welded in a rectangular pattern on one side, and each set of bolts (301) is installed around the leakage point of the tank body (001). A sealing frame (302) is provided on one side of the tank body (001), and multiple sets of connecting holes (303) are opened at the edge of the sealing frame (302). The connecting holes (303) pass through the corresponding bolts (301).

3. A leakage sealing device for a molten salt storage tank according to claim 2, characterized in that: A nut (304) is screwed onto the bolt (301), and one side of the nut (304) is in contact with one side of the sealing frame (302). A valve (305) is connected through one side of the sealing frame (302), and a rubber sealing ring (306) is fixedly connected to the edge of the sealing frame (302) away from the nut (304).

4. A leakage sealing device for a molten salt storage tank according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sealing assembly (004) includes a cavity (401), which is opened on the inner wall of the sealing frame (302) and has several sets thereon. A limiting plate (402) is attached to the cavity (401), and a carbon steel spring (403) is attached to one side of the limiting plate (402), and one side of the carbon steel spring (403) is attached to the inner wall of the cavity (401).

5. A leakage sealing device for a molten salt storage tank according to claim 4, characterized in that: The limiting plate (402) is connected to a push rod (404) on the side away from the carbon steel spring (403), and the push rod (404) is connected through the inner wall of the cavity (401). A fixing plate (405) is installed on one side of the push rod (404), and a sealing frame (406) is installed on one side of the fixing plate (405) by screws.

6. A method for sealing leaks in a molten salt storage tank, applied to the leak sealing device for a molten salt storage tank as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The specific processing steps are as follows: S1: When the tank (001) leaks, it is necessary to determine the location and size of the leak. Once the above situation is determined, one of the spaces in the internal space of the tank (001) corresponding to the height of the leak will be emptied of the lava inside by a molten salt pump, and as the motor (202) rotates, this space will be moved to the wound. S2: At this time, the leak is cooled by external physical cooling methods, and the bolts (301) are welded to the surrounding area of ​​the wound by manual welding. The appropriate sealing frame (406) is selected according to the size of the wound, and the sealing frame (406) and the fixing plates (405) in the sealing frame (302) are installed according to the location of the wound. S3: Finally, by using the bolts (301) and nuts (304), the sealing frame (302) is brought closer to the tank body (001), so that the sealing frame (406) is brought closer to the leak on the surface of the tank body (001), and finally the sealing frame (302) and the tank body (001) are fitted together. Finally, air is injected into the sealing frame (302) through the valve (305), thereby completing the sealing of the surface of the tank body (001).