An alarm system and method based on monitoring the loading flow of a tank truck

Abstract

The application provides an alarm system and method based on monitoring tank truck loading flow, which comprises a mass flowmeter for metering and outputting a loading flow signal; a batch controller connected with the mass flowmeter through a signal cable and used for outputting a first alarm signal according to the flow signal output by the mass flowmeter and a preset judgment flow; a loading controller connected with the batch controller through a network and used for outputting a second alarm signal according to the first alarm information output by all batch controllers and an alarm trigger factor; and a SCADA system controller connected with the loading controller through the network and used for prompting an operator to perform operation control according to the second alarm signal so as to avoid accidents. The technical scheme solves the technical problems of damage of pumps, valves and other devices and occurrence of oil overflow accidents caused by untimely fault discovery in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of tanker alarm technology, and more particularly to an alarm system and method based on monitoring the loading flow of tankers. Background Technology

[0002] During the loading process of tank trucks, abnormal situations may occur, such as malfunction of the loading pump, failure of the mass flow meter sensor on the loading arm (a term used in oil and gas storage and transportation, referring to a position where adjacent loading arms can reach the tank truck and perform loading and unloading, and the two adjacent loading arms can operate freely without affecting each other and can work simultaneously), failure of the mass flow meter transmitter on the loading arm, failure of the mass flow meter signal line on the loading arm, and failure of the flow regulating valve. If the zero flow caused by these abnormal situations is not detected in time and measures are not taken to deal with them, it may lead to damage to equipment such as loading pumps and flow regulating valves, and may even lead to serious accidents such as tank truck overflow. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides an alarm system based on monitoring the loading flow of tank trucks to solve the technical problems of damage to pumps, valves and other equipment caused by untimely fault detection in the prior art, as well as the occurrence of oil spill accidents.

[0004] This invention provides an alarm system based on monitoring the loading flow rate of tank trucks. The system includes: a mass flow meter for measuring and outputting the loading flow rate signal; a batch controller connected to the mass flow meter via a signal cable for outputting a first alarm signal based on the flow rate signal output by the mass flow meter and a preset judgment process; a loading controller connected to the batch controller via a network for outputting a second alarm signal based on the first alarm information output by all batch controllers and alarm triggering factors; and a SCADA system controller connected to the loading controller via a network for prompting the operator to perform operational control based on the second alarm signal to prevent accidents.

[0005] Furthermore, the alarm triggering factors include batch controller device status, flow meter signal, current loading stage, valve status, and pump status.

[0006] Furthermore, the batch controller also acquires relevant instrument information for the vehicle via a signal cable.

[0007] Furthermore, the vehicle-mounted related instrument information includes the left and right coil voltages, vibration tube frequency, and gain.

[0008] Furthermore, the system includes several mass flow meters and several batch controllers, with each mass flow meter and batch controller corresponding to another, and the batch controllers are connected to the loading controller.

[0009] Furthermore, the SCADA system controller is connected to a display device, which sends prompts to the operator to perform operation control.

[0010] This invention also provides an alarm method based on monitoring the loading flow rate of tank trucks, characterized in that the method includes: Step 1, a mass flow meter measures and outputs a loading flow rate signal; Step 2, a batch controller outputs a first alarm signal based on the flow rate signal and a preset judgment process; Step 3, a loading controller outputs a second alarm signal based on the first alarm information output by all batch controllers and alarm triggering factors; Step 4, a SCADA system controller prompts the operator to perform operational control based on the second alarm signal to prevent accidents.

[0011] Furthermore, the preset judgment process is as follows: Step 21, start the loading process; Step 22, check whether the working status is normal according to the left and right coil voltage, vibration tube frequency, and gain parameters. If yes, proceed to step 23; otherwise, proceed to step 24; Step 23, when the flow signal received by the batch controller is less than the preset value A and the duration exceeds T, proceed to step 24; Step 24, output the first alarm signal.

[0012] Furthermore, the method for setting the preset value A in step 24 is as follows: Step 241, fill the mass flow meter with liquid medium; Step 242, close the shut-off valves at both ends of the mass flow meter, and after a settling time period L, read the zero-point offset value currently displayed by the mass flow meter; Step 243, obtain the corresponding actual flow rate according to the zero-point offset value, set the preset value A, and A is not less than the actual flow rate.

[0013] This invention provides an alarm system and method based on monitoring the loading flow rate of tank trucks. The technical solution measures and outputs the loading flow rate signal to a batch controller through a mass flow meter. The batch controller then outputs a first alarm signal to the loading controller according to a preset judgment process. The loading controller then outputs a second alarm signal to the SCADA system controller based on alarm triggering factors. Finally, the SCADA system controller prompts the operator to perform operation control. The technical solution solves the problem of untimely detection of problems in the prior art, which leads to damage to equipment such as pumps and valves, as well as oil spill accidents. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an alarm system based on monitoring the loading flow of tank trucks, provided by the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart of an alarm method based on monitoring the loading flow of tank trucks provided by the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the preset judgment process provided by the present invention; Figure 4This is a flowchart of the method for setting the preset value A provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0015] 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. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0016] Device Example: This invention provides an alarm system based on monitoring the loading flow rate of tank trucks. The system includes a mass flow meter, a batch controller, a loading controller, and a SCADA system controller, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0017] A mass flow meter, also known as a Coriolis mass flow meter, is a measuring device that measures the mass of a fluid by sensing the Coriolis force generated by the interaction between the flowing fluid and a vibrating tube. The mass flow meter is located on the liquid pipeline in the loading arm and is responsible for measuring and outputting the actual flow signal at the loading point.

[0018] A batch controller, also known as a batch control unit, is an independent batch control terminal that receives valve and instrument information from the loading arm. It controls the loading flow rate through preset logic, enabling both automatic and manual loading operations. The batch controller is connected to a mass flow meter via a signal cable and outputs a first alarm signal based on the flow rate signal output by the mass flow meter and a preset judgment process. The batch controller also acquires loading-related instrument information via the signal cable, including left and right coil voltages, vibrating tube frequency, and gain. Typically, the alarm system based on monitoring tank truck loading flow provided by this invention includes several mass flow meters and several batch controllers, with a one-to-one correspondence between the mass flow meters and batch controllers.

[0019] The loading controller, connected to the batch controllers via a network, outputs a second alarm signal based on the first alarm information and alarm triggering factors output by all batch controllers. The loading controller is a component of the quantitative loading control system, which is used to achieve automatic quantitative loading and accurate metering of various liquid material storage tanks. This system includes a host computer management layer, a control layer, and a field instrumentation layer. The alarm triggering factors include batch controller device status, flow meter signals, current loading stage, valve status, and pump status. As described above, the system includes several batch controllers, all connected to the loading controller. The first alarm signals and other relevant information output by each batch controller are also sent to the loading controller for aggregation and analysis.

[0020] The SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system controller connects to the loading controller via the existing production network. It is used to prompt operators to take control actions based on a second alarm signal to prevent accidents. The SCADA system controller is typically located in the central control room cabinet, where operators also stand. The SCADA system controller is connected to display devices (such as a central display screen) in the central control room, sending prompts such as pop-ups and voice messages to prompt operators to take control actions. This effectively and promptly detects zero-flow faults, preventing damage to pumps, valves, and other equipment caused by zero flow during loading, and also significantly reducing the occurrence of oil spill accidents.

[0021] This invention provides an alarm system based on monitoring the loading flow of tank trucks. The system outputs the actual loading flow signal to the batch controller via a mass flow meter. The batch controller then outputs a first alarm signal to the loading controller according to a preset judgment process. The loading controller then outputs a second alarm signal to the SCADA system controller based on alarm triggering factors. Finally, the SCADA system controller prompts the operator to perform operation control. This technical solution solves the problem of untimely detection of problems in existing technologies, which leads to damage to equipment such as pumps and valves, as well as oil spill accidents.

[0022] Method Example: This invention provides an alarm method based on monitoring the loading flow of tank trucks, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the steps of this method are as follows.

[0023] Step 1: The mass flow meter measures and outputs the loading flow signal; A mass flow meter, also known as a Coriolis mass flow meter, is a measuring device that measures the mass of a fluid by sensing the Coriolis force generated by the interaction between the flowing fluid and a vibrating tube. The mass flow meter is located on the liquid pipeline in the loading arm and is responsible for measuring and outputting the actual flow signal at the loading point.

[0024] Step 2: The batch controller outputs the first alarm signal based on the flow signal and the preset judgment process; A batch controller, also known as a batch control unit, is an independent batch control terminal that receives valve and instrument information from the loading arm. It controls the loading flow rate through preset logic, enabling both automatic and manual loading operations. The batch controller is connected to a mass flow meter via a signal cable and outputs a first alarm signal based on the flow rate signal output by the mass flow meter and a preset judgment process. The batch controller also acquires loading-related instrument information via the signal cable, including left and right coil voltages, vibrating tube frequency, and gain. Typically, the alarm system based on monitoring tank truck loading flow provided by this invention includes several mass flow meters and several batch controllers, with a one-to-one correspondence between the mass flow meters and batch controllers.

[0025] like Figure 3 As shown, the preset judgment process steps are as follows.

[0026] Step 21: Start the loading process; The on-site working condition is that after the loading process begins, that is, the operator presses the start button on the batch controller, the loading process starts.

[0027] Step 22: Check whether the working status is normal based on the voltage of the left and right coils, the frequency of the vibrating tube, and the gain parameters. If yes, proceed to step 23; otherwise, proceed to step 24. The voltage of the left and right coils, the frequency of the vibrating tube, the gain, and other parameters are all key diagnostic parameters for flow rate, which can be used to detect whether the tanker truck is operating normally.

[0028] Step 23: When the flow signal received by the batch controller is less than the preset value A and the duration exceeds T, proceed to step 24; like Figure 4 As shown, the method for setting the preset value A is as follows.

[0029] Step 241: Fill the mass flow meter with the liquid medium; Step 242: Close the shut-off valves at both ends of the mass flow meter, and after a settling period of time L, read the zero offset value currently displayed by the mass flow meter. The time period L mentioned here can be adjusted according to specific circumstances such as the liquid medium and vehicle model, so that the displayed zero offset value no longer changes. It is usually set to 5 minutes.

[0030] Step 243: Obtain the corresponding actual flow rate based on the zero offset value, set a preset value A, and A is not less than the actual flow rate.

[0031] After the above steps, the offset value of the mass flow meter can be obtained. In other words, there is a certain difference between the actual flow rate and the signal value output by the mass flow meter. Therefore, when a preset value A is set to be no less than the actual flow rate, the preset value A is closer to zero flow, and the judgment result is more accurate.

[0032] Step 24: Output the first alarm signal.

[0033] As mentioned above, the batch controller will output the first alarm signal in two situations: First, when the critical flow diagnostic parameters are abnormal, such as the voltage of the left and right coils, the frequency of the vibrating tube, and the gain, it indicates that the tanker truck's operating status is abnormal, thus requiring the output of the first alarm signal; Second, when the critical flow diagnostic parameters are abnormal, if the flow signal received by the batch controller is less than the preset value A, and this continues for a period of time... Step 3: The loading controller outputs a second alarm signal based on the first alarm information and alarm triggering factors output by all batch controllers; The loading controller, connected to the batch controllers via a network, outputs a second alarm signal based on the first alarm information and alarm triggering factors output by all batch controllers. The loading controller is a component of the quantitative loading control system, which is used to achieve automatic quantitative loading and accurate metering of various liquid material storage tanks. This system includes a host computer management layer, a control layer, and a field instrumentation layer. The alarm triggering factors include batch controller device status, flow meter signals, current loading stage, valve status, and pump status. As mentioned above, the system includes several batch controllers, all connected to the loading controller. The first alarm signals and other relevant information output by each batch controller are also sent to the loading controller for aggregation and analysis. The loading controller is located in the control room cabinets and controls the automatic loading process.

[0034] Step 4: Based on the second alarm signal, the SCADA system controller prompts the operator to perform operational control to prevent accidents.

[0035] The SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system controller connects to the loading controller via the existing production network. It is used to prompt operators to take control actions based on a second alarm signal to prevent accidents. The SCADA system controller is typically located in the central control room cabinet, where operators also stand. The SCADA system controller is connected to display devices (such as a central display screen) in the central control room, sending prompts such as pop-ups and voice messages to prompt operators to take control actions. This effectively and promptly detects zero-flow faults, preventing damage to pumps, valves, and other equipment caused by zero flow during loading, and also significantly reducing the occurrence of oil spill accidents.

[0036] This invention provides an alarm method based on monitoring the loading flow of tank trucks. The method outputs the actual loading flow signal from a mass flow meter to a batch controller. The batch controller then outputs a first alarm signal to the loading controller according to a preset judgment process. The loading controller then outputs a second alarm signal to the SCADA system controller based on alarm triggering factors. Finally, the SCADA system controller prompts the operator to perform operation control. This technical solution solves the problem of untimely detection of problems in existing technologies, which leads to damage to equipment such as pumps and valves, as well as oil spill accidents.

[0037] In summary, the embodiments of the present invention provide an alarm system and method based on monitoring the loading flow of tank trucks. This technical solution uses an edge controller, i.e., a batch controller, located closest to the instrument side on site to perform zero flow alarm judgment, which can detect zero flow fault status more promptly and is more stable and reliable. It can also avoid damage to pumps, valves and other equipment caused by zero flow during loading, and also greatly reduce the occurrence of oil spill accidents. In addition, it utilizes the existing production network to enable data interaction between independent systems.

[0038] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for using a tank truck loading flow alarm system, the system comprising: Mass flow meter, used to measure and output loading flow signal; A batch controller, connected to a mass flow meter via a signal cable, outputs a first alarm signal based on the flow signal output by the mass flow meter and a preset judgment process. A loading controller, connected to the batch controller via a network, outputs a second alarm signal based on the first alarm information output by all batch controllers and alarm triggering factors. A SCADA system controller, connected to the loading controller via a network, prompts the operator to perform operational control based on the second alarm signal to prevent accidents. The batch controller also acquires loading-related instrument information via a signal cable. This loading-related instrument information includes left and right coil voltages, vibrating tube frequency, and gain. The method comprises: Step 1: The mass flow meter measures and outputs the loading flow signal; Step 2: The batch controller outputs a first alarm signal based on the flow signal and a preset judgment process. The preset judgment process is as follows: Step 21: Start the loading process; Step 22: Check whether the mass flow meter is working properly based on the voltage of the left and right coils, the frequency of the vibrating tube, and the gain parameters. If it is, proceed to step 23; otherwise, proceed to step 24. Step 23: When the flow signal received by the batch controller is less than the preset value A, and the duration exceeds T, proceed to step 24. The method for setting the preset value A is as follows: Step 231: Fill the mass flow meter with the liquid medium; Step 232: Close the shut-off valves at both ends of the mass flow meter, and after a settling period of time L, read the zero offset value currently displayed by the mass flow meter; Step 233: Obtain the corresponding actual flow rate based on the zero offset value, set a preset value A, and A shall not be less than the actual flow rate; Step 24: Output the first alarm signal; Step 3: The loading controller outputs a second alarm signal based on the first alarm information and alarm triggering factors output by all batch controllers; Step 4: Based on the second alarm signal, the SCADA system controller prompts the operator to perform operational control to prevent accidents.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The alarm triggering factors include batch controller device status, flow meter signal, current loading stage, valve status, and pump status.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system includes several mass flow meters and several batch controllers, with each mass flow meter and batch controller corresponding to another. The batch controllers are connected to the loading controller.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The SCADA system controller is connected to the display device, which sends prompts to the operator to perform operation control.

Images