Process or storage tank with dual measurement device and method of operation thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a process or storage tank comprising: a liquid, slurry, gas or mixture thereof; a conduit in fluid communication with the tank or inside the tank; and a first device (9) for measuring configured for measuring a first process or storage condition of the liquid, slurry, gas or mixture thereof, the first process or storage condition being selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, vibration, viscosity, water content, solids content, solids size, solids shape, solids roughness and liquid level, wherein the conduit or the device for measuring is configured for removably integrating a second device (4) for measuring a second process or storage condition selected from the same group as mentioned above when a process or storage is ongoing inside the tank and when the first device for measuring is inside the process or storage tank. The present disclosure further relates to a corresponding method and to a method for correspondingly retrofitting a process or storage tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of process tanks or storage tanks with dual measuring devices. Background Technology

[0002] Measurement is a critical aspect of ensuring proper control or safety in production processes, i.e., preventing decomposition in storage, buffering, or holding tanks. Various measuring devices exist, particularly sensors based on various technologies, for determining conditions such as temperature, pressure, and vibration. Without indications from such measuring devices, neither production processes nor safe storage can be controlled.

[0003] The nitrate phosphate process (which enables the production of NPK fertilizer) is an example of a multi-step process that requires control of process conditions at each step. Specifically, temperature and pressure need to be controlled.

[0004] The nitrophosphate process comprises six main steps. In the first step (digestion step), the phosphate rock is digested in nitric acid at a temperature of 65°C, producing a digestate. In the second step (crystallization step), calcium nitrate tetrahydrate crystallizes from the digestate, producing a crystal slurry. In the third step (separation step), the crystallized calcium nitrate is separated by techniques such as filtration or centrifugation, thus separating the calcium nitrate tetrahydrate crystals from the liquid of the crystal slurry (referred to as the mother liquor). In the fourth step (neutralization step), the mother liquor is neutralized to a pH of approximately 5.8 using ammonia. In the fifth step (granulation), the neutralized mother liquor is granulated into the final product (e.g., for use as an NPK fertilizer). Potassium salt may be added during the neutralization process or added to the neutralized mother liquor. When granulation is performed by pelleting, an evaporation step is performed before the addition of potassium salt to achieve a sufficiently low water content for pelleting. In the sixth step (coating step), the particles may subsequently be coated, for example, with a coating agent adapted to reduce hygroscopicity and thus to ensure appropriate physical properties for the particles.

[0005] Therefore, during the NPK process, it is also necessary to measure the pH at the neutralization step and to measure the composition of the slurry by vibration measurement during the crystallization step in order to ensure proper crystal growth.

[0006] Existing technology DE102018112913A1 relates to a sensor for detecting flow noise and / or temperature in a pipeline. According to the invention, the sensor is provided with a contact surface that is externally supported to the pipeline in the use position, and the sensor is securely held in the use position on the pipeline using a pipe-wrap clamp or flexible band.

[0007] CN215639594U discloses a high-accuracy triaxial temperature-vibration composite sensor, relating to the field of signal detection technology. While simultaneously detecting the vibration and temperature signals of the object being detected, the vibration detection device has the advantages of simple and compact structure, ease of assembly and debugging, and the vibration detection direction of the sensor is adjustable. The temperature-vibration composite sensor includes a lower base; an annular mounting cavity is formed in the lower base, and the mounting base is arranged within the annular mounting cavity; the mounting base is rotatable within the annular mounting cavity; a sleeve is fitted onto the outer side of the mounting base, and a locking nut is fitted onto the outer side of the sleeve, the lower end of the locking nut being threadedly connected to the upper end of the lower base, and the mounting base is tightly pressed into the annular mounting cavity; a temperature sensor probe is connected to the bottom of the mounting base, a signal processing chip is arranged at the upper end of the mounting base, and a MEMS acceleration chip is arranged on the signal processing chip. This application is used to improve the performance of the temperature-vibration composite sensor.

[0008] CN215573123U discloses a temperature-vibration composite sensor based on a MEMS accelerator chip, relating to the field of signal detection technology. The vibration and temperature signals of the object to be detected can be detected simultaneously, and the device has the advantages of simple and compact structure, as well as ease of assembly and debugging. The temperature-vibration composite sensor includes a sensor housing, a temperature sensor probe, a MEMS accelerator chip, and a signal processing chip; a sensor mounting cavity with left and right connections is arranged in the sensor housing, and a sensor mounting base is arranged in the mounting cavity, connected to an opening at the left end of the sensor housing, and a sensor cover is arranged at an opening at the right end of the sensor housing; the temperature sensor probe is connected to the left end of the sensor mounting base, the signal processing chip is arranged at the right end of the sensor mounting base, and the MEMS accelerator chip is arranged on the signal processing chip; a wire outlet is provided at the bottom of the mounting cavity, and the wire outlet is connected to a wire outlet connector. This application is used to improve the performance of temperature-vibration composite sensors.

[0009] CN112729399A discloses a liquid-gas pressure and liquid-gas vibration sensor and its fabrication method. The pressure detection module includes a hydraulic pressure chamber, a Bourdon tube, and a first fiber Bragg grating sensor. The first fiber Bragg grating sensor is arranged on the Bourdon tube, which is located outside and communicates with the hydraulic pressure chamber, and a through-hole is formed within the hydraulic pressure chamber. The vibration detection module includes an outer protective housing, a vibration component, and a second fiber Bragg grating sensor. The second fiber Bragg grating sensor is arranged on the vibration component, which is housed within the outer protective housing. The vibration detection module is fixedly connected to the pressure detection module. This sensor can monitor both nearshore water pressure and the impact vibration effect of seawater on wave walls and impact dams, achieving a multi-purpose application. The printing ink is manufactured using a 3D fused deposition modeling method, featuring an integrated structure and shortened processing cycle.

[0010] However, existing technologies do not address the possibility of incorporating a second measuring device while a chemical process or storage of chemicals is underway in a tank. The flexibility to make such a combination without disrupting the process or storage—that is, without having to empty the tank and thus stop the process or interrupt storage—is crucial: depending on how the process or storage is conducted, which second process or storage condition needs to be modified without having to replace the defined dual measuring device with another defined dual measuring device.

[0011] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a solution for achieving the aforementioned flexibility. Summary of the Invention

[0012] In one aspect of this disclosure, a process tank or storage tank is disclosed. The process tank or storage tank includes: The liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof inside the tank; A conduit in fluid communication with the tank or a conduit inside the tank; and A first measuring device is configured to measure the first process or storage conditions of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof, the first process or storage conditions being selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, vibration, pH, viscosity, water content, solid content, solid size, solid shape, solid roughness, and liquid level. The system is characterized in that the conduit or the first measuring device (also referred to herein as the measuring device) is configured to removably integrate a second measuring device for measuring the second process or storage conditions of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof, selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, vibration, pH, viscosity, water content, solid content, solid size, solid shape, solid roughness, and liquid level.

[0013] The inventors have realized that it is unnecessary to have a device for measuring two process or storage conditions. All that is needed is a conduit or a measuring device to determine the suitability of the two conditions. Therefore, the (first) measuring device is designed such that when the process or storage of the substance is taking place in a tank where the conditions are to be measured, at least one second device for measuring the process or storage conditions can be integrated into the conduit or into the (first) device for measuring another process condition.

[0014] Therefore, the system of this disclosure does not require disruption of the process or storage for the integration of additional measuring devices. This means that there is no need to empty the process tank or storage tank to insert a second measuring device or insert a new core to support the second measuring device.

[0015] Furthermore, the second measuring device can be conveniently selected by the operator based on the specific process or storage conditions. The operator can also switch between two different second measuring devices without interfering with the process or storage. Therefore, the operator can obtain all information related to the first process or storage conditions, as well as information regarding two different second process and storage conditions within a defined time period. In other words, the system of this disclosure presents the required flexibility to measure relevant information while optimizing production load or storage safety.

[0016] In one embodiment of the tank according to this disclosure, the first means for measuring includes a support or core, such as a metal sheath, and the second means for measuring is removably integrated into or attached to the support or core.

[0017] In one embodiment of the tank according to this disclosure, the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof is nitrate phosphate digestion solution, nitrate phosphate crystal slurry, nitrate phosphate mother liquor, or finished fertilizer liquid for evaporation or granulation.

[0018] In one embodiment of the tank according to this disclosure, the first process or storage condition is temperature, and the second process or storage condition is pressure or liquid level.

[0019] In one embodiment of the tank according to this disclosure, the first device for measurement is a thermocouple or a resistance temperature probe, and the second device for measurement is a piezoresistive pressure probe or a Pitot tube pressure probe.

[0020] In one embodiment of the can according to this disclosure, the can further includes: A collection box, used to collect data from either the first measuring device or the second measuring device; and A processing device for processing the data collected by the collection box.

[0021] In one embodiment of the tank according to this disclosure, the first process or storage condition is temperature, the second process or storage condition is vibration, and the system further includes: Data collection box, used to collect vibration data; and A processing device for processing the vibration data so that the composition of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof inside the process tank or storage tank is determined.

[0022] In one aspect of this disclosure, a method is disclosed for measuring two process or storage conditions of a liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof in a process tank or storage tank. The method includes the following steps: a) Measuring first process or storage conditions of a liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof inside a process tank or storage tank using a first measuring device, said process tank or storage tank comprising: The liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof; A conduit in fluid communication with the tank or a conduit inside the tank; and The first measuring device is configured to measure the first process or storage conditions selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, pH, vibration, viscosity, water content, solid content, solid size, solid shape, solid roughness, and liquid level. The method is characterized by further including the following steps: b) A second device for measuring a second process or storage condition of a liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof is removably integrated into the conduit or into the first device for measurement, the second process or storage condition being selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, vibration, pH, viscosity, water content, solid content, solid size, solid shape, solid roughness, and liquid level; and c) Measure the second process or storage conditions using the second measuring device.

[0023] In one embodiment of the method according to this disclosure, the first device for measurement includes a support or core, such as a metal sheath, and step b) is performed by removably integrating or attaching the second device for measurement to the support or core.

[0024] In one embodiment of the method according to this disclosure, the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof is a nitrate phosphate digestion solution, a nitrate phosphate crystal slurry, a nitrate phosphate mother liquor, or a finished fertilizer liquid to be evaporated or granulated.

[0025] In one embodiment of the method according to this disclosure, the method further includes the following steps: d) Collect the data measured in step a) or step c) in a collection box; and e) The data collected in step d) is processed in a processing unit to determine the third process or storage conditions.

[0026] In one embodiment of the method according to this disclosure, the first process or storage condition measured in step b) is temperature, and: The second process or storage condition measured in step c) is pressure; The second process or storage condition measured in step c) is the liquid level; or The second process or storage condition measured in step c) is vibration. More specifically, vibration data is collected in step d) and processed in step e) such that the composition of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof inside the process tank or storage tank is determined.

[0027] In one aspect of this disclosure, the use of the process tank or storage tank of this disclosure for performing the methods of this disclosure is disclosed.

[0028] In one aspect of this disclosure, a method is disclosed for modifying a process tank or storage tank comprising the following: Liquids, slurries, gases, or mixtures thereof; A conduit in fluid communication with the tank or a conduit inside the tank; and Apparatus for measuring the process or storage conditions of a liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof.

[0029] The method includes the following steps: Remove the measuring device; and A first device for measuring a first process or storage condition of a liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof, selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, pH, vibration, viscosity, water content, solid content, solid size, solid shape, solid roughness, and liquid level, and the first device for measurement is configured to be removably integrated with a second device for measuring a second process or storage condition of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof, selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, vibration, pH, viscosity, water content, solid content, solid size, solid shape, solid roughness, and liquid level, when the process or storage is carried out inside the process tank or storage tank and when the first device for measurement is inside the process tank or storage tank.

[0030] In one embodiment of the method for modification according to this disclosure, the first measuring device includes a support or core, such as a metal sheath, the second measuring device is removably integrated or attached to the support or core, and the data generated by the first or second measuring device is processable by a processing device to determine a third process or storage condition for the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof, such that the method further includes the following steps: An integrated data box for collecting data from either the first or second measuring device; and An integrated processing device is used to process the data collected by the data box, thereby determining the third process or storage conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] manual Throughout the description and claims of this application, the word "comprising" and its variations mean "including but not limited to," and are not intended (and do not) exclude other parts, additions, components, integrals, or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this disclosure, unless the context requires otherwise, the singular reference includes the plural. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, unless the context requires otherwise, this disclosure will be understood to consider both the plural and the singular.

[0033] Features, integrals, properties, compounds, chemical portions, or groups described in conjunction with specific aspects, embodiments, or examples of this disclosure shall be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment, or example described herein, unless incompatible therewith. All features of the features disclosed in this disclosure (including the description, claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process disclosed herein may be combined in any combination, except for combinations in which at least some of the features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. This disclosure is not limited to the details of any of the foregoing embodiments. This disclosure extends to any novel feature or combination of novel features disclosed in the features disclosed in this disclosure (including the description, claims, abstract, and drawings), or to any novel step or combination of novel steps of any method or process disclosed herein.

[0034] The numerical values ​​listed with the aid of the accompanying figures include all values ​​and fractions within these ranges, as well as the referenced endpoint values. The terms “range from… to…” or “within the range of… to…” or “up to”, used when referring to a range of measurable values ​​(such as parameters, quantities, time periods, etc.), are intended to include the limits associated with the disclosed range.

[0035] When the term “about” is applied to a particular value or range, that value or range is interpreted as being as accurate as the method used to measure that value or range. As defined herein, a slurry is a semi-liquid mixture of particles.

[0036] In one aspect of this disclosure, a process tank or storage tank is disclosed. The process tank or storage tank includes: a liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof (within the tank); a conduit in fluid communication with the tank or a conduit inside the tank; and a first measuring device configured to measure first process or storage conditions of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof, wherein the first process or storage conditions are selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, pH, vibration, viscosity, water content, solid content, solid size, solid shape, solid roughness, and liquid level. The system is characterized in that the conduit or the (first) measuring device is configured to removably integrate a second measuring device when the process or storage is being carried out inside the process tank or storage tank and when the first measuring device is inside the process tank or storage tank, wherein the second measuring device is configured to measure a second process or storage condition of the liquid, slurry, gas or mixture thereof, wherein the second process or storage condition is selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, vibration, pH, viscosity, water content, solid content, solid size, solid shape, solid roughness and liquid level.

[0037] The inventors have realized that it is unnecessary to have a device for measuring two process or storage conditions, or in other words, for first and second measuring devices to be permanently fixed to a tank or conduit. All that is needed is a conduit or a measuring device to measure the suitability of the two conditions. Therefore, the measuring device is designed such that it includes a first measuring device for measuring process or storage conditions, and that a second measuring device for measuring process or storage conditions can be integrated into the conduit or into the first measuring device without interrupting the process or storage while the process or storage of the substance is taking place in the tank where the conditions are to be measured.

[0038] Therefore, the system disclosed herein does not require disruption to the process or storage for the integration of additional measuring devices. This means that new cores can be inserted without emptying the process tank or storage tank.

[0039] Furthermore, the second measuring device can be conveniently selected by the operator based on the specific process or storage conditions. The operator can also switch between two different second measuring devices without interfering with the process or storage. Therefore, the operator can, for example, acquire all information related to the first process or storage conditions of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof in a continuous manner, and in addition, can acquire information for two different second process or storage conditions of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof within a defined time period by introducing and / or replacing the second measuring device without interrupting the process or storage. In other words, the system of this disclosure presents improved flexibility, enabling the measurement of relevant information while optimizing production load or storage safety.

[0040] In one embodiment of the tank according to this disclosure, the first means for measuring includes a support or core, such as a metal sheath, and the second means for measuring is removably integrated into or attached to the support or core.

[0041] Advantageously, a second device for measuring second process or storage conditions is integrated using an external support or core (such as a metal sheath) of the tank. This support or core is easily accessible and provides a safe location and optimal surface for integrating the second device for measurement, such that the second device then provides a signal with acceptable quality.

[0042] It is worth noting that regardless of whether the conduits on the outside of the tank also include parts inside the tank, such as heat exchangers, they provide a favorable location for integrating a second device for measurement.

[0043] In one embodiment of the tank according to this disclosure, the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof is nitrate phosphate digestion solution, nitrate phosphate crystal slurry, nitrate phosphate mother liquor, or finished fertilizer liquid for evaporation or granulation.

[0044] As mentioned above, the nitrate phosphate process is a multi-step process that requires the measurement of several process conditions. Specifically, the digestion, evaporation, and granulation steps all require the measurement of temperature or pressure. The neutralization step further requires pressure and pH measurements, while the crystallization step further requires the measurement of liquid level and the determination of the composition of the slurry inside the crystallizer, which can be determined by measuring vibrations in the slurry. Therefore, the system disclosed herein is particularly suitable for use in the nitrate phosphate process.

[0045] In addition, it is beneficial to obtain information about the solids content during the digestion step in order to determine the amount of phosphate rock actually digested in acid and the amount of insoluble matter.

[0046] In addition, obtaining information on viscosity and particle size determination (i.e., solids content, size, shape, and roughness) during the neutralization step is particularly advantageous. Information on water content is also very useful for planning evaporation and determining how much water to evaporate.

[0047] In one embodiment of the tank according to this disclosure, the first process or storage condition for the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof is temperature, and the second process or storage condition for the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof is pressure or level.

[0048] Several processes (such as, but not limited to, the neutralization step in a nitrate phosphate process) require measurement of both temperature and pressure inside the neutralization tank when performed at pressures above atmospheric pressure. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous to use a system of this disclosure capable of measuring both conditions (temperature and pressure). In one embodiment of a process tank or storage tank according to this disclosure, the first process or storage condition is temperature, and the second process or storage condition is level or vibration.

[0049] Alternatively, simultaneously measuring temperature and liquid level is particularly beneficial, for example, during the crystallization of nitrate phosphate, during which the temperature must be ensured to be within the range for calcium nitrate crystallization, and the liquid level must be monitored as crystals form. Furthermore, knowing the temperature of the liquid and the available volume is especially useful in storage tanks containing liquids to be transferred.

[0050] In one embodiment of the tank according to this disclosure, the first device for measurement is a thermocouple or a resistance temperature probe, and the second device for measurement is a piezoresistive pressure probe or a Pitot tube pressure probe.

[0051] Piezoresistive pressure probes offer the advantage of small size while allowing for the measurement of a wide range of pressure conditions. Furthermore, piezoresistive probes are capable of very accurate measurements and remain stable even when process conditions, including pressure, change.

[0052] Pitot tubes offer the advantage of ease of handling due to their small size. They can also be easily used in a very wide range of existing systems and provide low pressure loss, thereby minimizing disruption to the process, as well as minimizing friction loss due to the absence of moving parts.

[0053] Thermocouples offer the benefit of accurate measurements over a wide operating range, including extremely high temperatures, meaning they can be used in harsh environments. In addition, they provide fast response and highly repeatable results due to their very short response time. Temperature resistance probes offer the same advantages listed for thermocouples, and also have a long lifespan.

[0054] In one embodiment of the can according to this disclosure, the can further includes: A collection box or acquisition box used to collect data from a first measuring device or a second measuring device; and A processing device for processing the data collected by the collection box.

[0055] In the absence of sensors available for directly measuring the first or second process or storage conditions of liquids, slurries, gases, or mixtures thereof, an alternative is to measure conditions that can be used to determine the target conditions. In this case, after storing the data acquired by the first or second measuring device, the data may subsequently be processed, for example, by software running an algorithm, to calculate the target process or storage conditions.

[0056] In one embodiment of the tank according to this disclosure, the first process or storage condition for the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof is temperature, the second process or storage condition for the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof is vibration, and the system further includes: Data collection box or acquisition box, used to collect vibration data; and A processing device for processing the vibration data so that the composition of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof inside the process tank or storage tank is determined.

[0057] As mentioned above, obtaining information about the composition of the contents of the tank during the crystallization and neutralization steps of the nitrate phosphate process is particularly useful. It is advantageous to determine this composition by analyzing vibrations inside the tank. By storing the vibration data and subsequently processing the data through software running algorithms, it is possible to quantify each component of interest within the tank.

[0058] One aspect of this disclosure discloses a method for measuring two process or storage conditions of a liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof in a process tank or storage tank. The method includes the steps of: a) measuring a first process or storage condition of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof inside the process tank or storage tank using a first measuring device; wherein the process tank or storage tank further includes a conduit in fluid communication with the tank or a conduit inside the tank; and wherein the first process or storage condition is selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, vibration, pH, viscosity, water content, solid content, solid size, solid shape, solid roughness, and liquid level.

[0059] The method is characterized by further comprising the following steps: b) removably integrating a second device for measuring a second process or storage condition of a liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof into the conduit or into the first device for measurement, wherein the second process or storage condition is selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, pH, vibration, viscosity, water content, solid content, solid size, solid shape, solid roughness, and liquid level; and c) measuring the second process or storage condition using the second device for measurement.

[0060] The inventors have realized that it is unnecessary to have a device for measuring two process or storage conditions. All that is needed is a conduit or a measuring device to determine the suitability of the two conditions. Therefore, the measuring device is designed such that, while the process or storage of the substance is taking place in the tank where the conditions are to be measured, at least one device for measuring the process or storage conditions can be integrated into the conduit or into a device for measuring another process condition.

[0061] Therefore, the method disclosed herein does not require disruption to the process or storage for the addition of measurement devices to be integrated. This means that new cores can be inserted without emptying process tanks or storage tanks.

[0062] Furthermore, the second measuring device can be conveniently selected by the operator based on the specific process or storage conditions. The operator can also switch between two different second measuring devices without interfering with the process or storage. Therefore, the operator can obtain all information related to the first process or storage conditions for the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof within a defined time period, as well as information for two different second process or storage conditions for the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof. In other words, the method of this disclosure presents the required flexibility to measure relevant information while optimizing production load or storage safety.

[0063] In one embodiment of the method according to this disclosure, the first device for measurement includes a support or core, such as a metal sheath, and step b) is performed by removably integrating or attaching the second device for measurement to the support or core.

[0064] Advantageously, a second device for measuring second process or storage conditions is integrated using an external support or core (such as a metal sheath) of the tank. This support or core is easily accessible and provides a safe location and optimal surface for integrating the second device for measurement, such that the second device then provides a signal with acceptable quality.

[0065] It is worth noting that regardless of whether the conduits on the outside of the tank also include parts inside the tank, such as heat exchangers, they provide a favorable location for integrating a second device for measurement.

[0066] In one embodiment of the method according to this disclosure, the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof is a nitrate phosphate digestion solution, a nitrate phosphate crystal slurry, a nitrate phosphate mother liquor, or a finished fertilizer liquid to be evaporated or granulated.

[0067] As mentioned above, the nitrate phosphate process is a multi-step process that requires the measurement of several process conditions. Specifically, the digestion, neutralization, evaporation, and granulation steps all require the measurement of both temperature and pH. The neutralization step further requires pressure and pH measurements, while the crystallization step further requires the measurement of liquid level and the determination of the composition of the slurry inside the crystallizer, which can be determined by measuring vibrations within the slurry. Therefore, the method disclosed herein is particularly suitable for application to the nitrate phosphate process.

[0068] In addition, it is beneficial to obtain information about the solids content during the digestion step in order to determine the amount of phosphate rock actually digested in acid and the amount of insoluble matter.

[0069] In addition, obtaining information on viscosity and particle size determination (i.e., solids content, size, shape, and roughness) during the neutralization step is particularly advantageous. Information on water content is also very useful for planning evaporation and determining how much water to evaporate.

[0070] In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further includes the steps of: d) collecting the data measured in step a) or c) in a collection box or acquisition box; and e) processing the data collected in step d) in a processing device to determine a third process or storage condition.

[0071] In the absence of sensors available for direct measurement of the first or second process or storage conditions, an alternative is to measure conditions that can be used to determine the target conditions. In this case, after storing the data acquired by the first or second measuring device, the data may subsequently be processed, for example, by software running an algorithm, to calculate the target process or storage conditions.

[0072] In one embodiment of the method according to this disclosure, the first process or storage condition for the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof measured in step b) is temperature, and the second process or storage condition for the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof measured in step c) is pressure; the second process or storage condition measured in step c) is liquid level; or the second process or storage condition measured in step c) is vibration, and vibration data is collected in step d) and processed in step e) such that the composition of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof inside the process or storage tank is determined.

[0073] Several processes (such as, but not limited to, the neutralization step in a nitrate phosphate process) require measurement of both temperature and pressure inside the neutralization tank when performed at pressures above atmospheric pressure. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous to use a system of this disclosure capable of measuring both conditions (temperature and pressure). In one embodiment of a process tank or storage tank according to this disclosure, the first process or storage condition is temperature, and the second process or storage condition is level or vibration.

[0074] Alternatively, simultaneously measuring temperature and liquid level is particularly beneficial, for example, during the crystallization of nitrate phosphate, during which the temperature must be ensured to be within the range for calcium nitrate crystallization, and the liquid level must be monitored as crystals form. Furthermore, knowing the temperature of the liquid and the available volume is especially useful in storage tanks containing liquids to be transferred.

[0075] Furthermore, obtaining information about the composition of the contents of the tank during the crystallization and neutralization steps of the nitrate phosphate process is particularly useful. It is advantageous to determine this composition by analyzing vibrations inside the tank. By storing the vibration data and subsequently processing the data through software that runs algorithms, it is possible to quantify each component of interest within the tank.

[0076] In one aspect of this disclosure, the use of the process tank or storage tank of this disclosure for performing the methods of this disclosure is disclosed.

[0077] In one aspect of this disclosure, a method is disclosed for converting a process tank or storage tank comprising: a liquid, slurry, gas, or a mixture thereof; a conduit in fluid communication with the tank or a conduit inside the tank; and a measuring device configured to measure the process or storage conditions of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof. The method includes the steps of: removing the measuring device; and integrating a first device for measuring a first process or storage condition of a liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof, wherein the first process or storage condition is selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, vibration, pH, viscosity, water content, solid content, solid size, solid shape, solid roughness, and liquid level, and the first measuring device is configured to removably integrate a second device for measuring a second process or storage condition of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof, wherein the second process or storage condition is selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, vibration, pH, viscosity, water content, solid content, solid size, solid shape, solid roughness, and liquid level, when the process or storage is being carried out inside the process tank or storage tank and when the first measuring device is inside the process tank or storage tank.

[0078] In one embodiment of the method for modification according to this disclosure, the first measuring device includes a support or core, such as a metal sheath, the second measuring device is removably integrated or attached to the support or core, and the data generated by the first or second measuring device is processable by a processing device to determine a third process or storage condition, such that the method further includes the steps of: integrating a data box for collecting data from the first or second measuring device; and integrating a processing device for processing the data collected from the data box to determine the third process or storage condition.

[0079] Example Referring to Figure 1, a process tank is used to store liquid, including reactor wall 1 and a mixture of nitric acid, phosphoric acid, calcium nitrate, and water, inside a vessel by reacting phosphate rock with acid at a temperature ranging from 0°C to 70°C and a pressure ranging from 1 atmosphere to 10 bar. The temperature of the reaction in the process tank is controlled by using thermocouple 9, which is connected to reactor wall 1 via housing connector 7 and connected to data acquisition box 11 via cable 10. Thermocouple 9 is protected by being inserted into housing 6, which is connected to outer housing 5 of thermocouple 9. Housing connector 7 is fastened to outer housing 5 by a tight-fitting fastening device 8.

[0080] While the reaction is in progress in the process tank, the vibration sensor 4 is attached to the outer casing 5 of the thermocouple 9 and connected to the second data acquisition box 2 via the cable 3.

[0081] Vibration is correlated with the metal casing 5 of a thermocouple 9 embedded in the liquid by attaching a vibration sensor 4. The vibration acquired by the data acquisition box 2 is analyzed by computer software to determine the properties of the fluid in the reactor.

[0082] Table 1. List of Figure Labels

Claims

1. A process tank or storage tank, comprising: Liquids, slurries, gases, or mixtures thereof; A conduit in fluid communication with the tank or a conduit inside the tank; and A first measuring device is configured to measure a first process or storage condition of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof, the first process or storage condition being selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, pH, vibration, viscosity, water content, solid content, solid size, solid shape, solid roughness, and liquid level. When a process or storage is being carried out inside the process tank or storage tank and when the first measuring device is inside the process tank or storage tank, the first measuring device is configured to removably integrate a second measuring device, wherein the second measuring device is configured to measure a second process or storage condition of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof, the second process or storage condition being selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, vibration, pH, viscosity, water content, solid content, solid size, solid shape, solid roughness, and liquid level; The first measuring device includes a support or core, and the second measuring device can be removably integrated into or attached to the support or core.

2. The process tank or storage tank according to claim 1, wherein the support or core is a metal sheath.

3. The process tank or storage tank according to claim 1, wherein the liquid, slurry, gas or mixture thereof is nitrate phosphate digestion solution, nitrate phosphate crystal slurry, nitrate phosphate mother liquor or finished fertilizer liquid for evaporation or granulation.

4. The process tank or storage tank according to claim 1, wherein the first process or storage condition is temperature, and wherein the second process or storage condition is pressure or liquid level.

5. The process tank or storage tank according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first device for measurement is a thermocouple or a resistance temperature probe, and wherein the second device for measurement is a piezoresistive pressure probe or a Pitot tube pressure probe.

6. The process tank or storage tank according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: A collection box for collecting data from the first measuring device and / or the second measuring device; and A processing device for processing the data collected by the collection box.

7. The process tank or storage tank according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first process or storage condition is temperature, and wherein the second process or storage condition is vibration, and wherein the system further comprises: Data collection box, used to collect vibration data; and A processing device for processing the vibration data to determine the composition of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof inside the process tank or storage tank.

8. A method for measuring two process or storage conditions of a liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof in a process tank or storage tank, the method comprising the steps of: a) Measuring first process or storage conditions of a liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof in a process tank or storage tank using a first measuring device, said process tank or storage tank comprising: The liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof; A conduit in fluid communication with the tank or a conduit inside the tank; and The first measuring device is configured to measure the first process or storage conditions selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, vibration, pH, viscosity, water content, solid content, solid size, solid shape, solid roughness, and liquid level. The method further includes the following steps: b) When a process or storage is being carried out inside the process tank or storage tank and when the first measuring device is inside the process tank or storage tank, a second measuring device is removably integrated into the first measuring device, wherein the second measuring device is configured to measure a second process or storage condition of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof, the second process or storage condition being selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, pH, vibration, viscosity, water content, solid content, solid size, solid shape, solid roughness, and liquid level; and c) Using the second measuring device to measure the second process or storage conditions; wherein the first measuring device includes a support or core, and wherein step b) is performed by removably integrating or attaching the second measuring device to the support or core.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the support or core is a metal sheath.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the liquid, slurry, gas or mixture thereof is nitrate phosphate digestion solution, nitrate phosphate crystal slurry, nitrate phosphate mother liquor or finished fertilizer liquid to be evaporated or granulated.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the first process or storage condition measured in step a) is temperature, and wherein: The second process or storage condition measured in step c) is pressure; The second process or storage condition measured in step c) is the liquid level; or The second process or storage condition measured in step c) is vibration.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the method further comprises the following steps: d) Collect the data measured in step a) or step c) in a collection box; as well as e) The data collected in step d) is processed in a processing device to determine a third process or storage condition.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the second process or storage condition measured in step c) is vibration, and wherein vibration data is collected in step d) and the vibration data collected in step e) is processed such that the composition of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof inside the process tank or storage tank is determined.

14. The process tank or storage tank according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is used for performing the method according to any one of claims 8 to 13.

15. A method for converting a process tank or storage tank comprising the following into a process tank or storage tank according to any one of claims 1 to 7: The following items include: Liquids, slurries, gases, or mixtures thereof; A conduit in fluid communication with the tank or a conduit inside the tank; and Apparatus for measuring the process or storage conditions of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof; The method includes the following steps: Remove the measuring device; as well as An integrated first measuring device is configured to measure a first process or storage condition of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof, selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, pH, vibration, viscosity, water content, solid content, solid size, solid shape, solid roughness, and liquid level; and is configured to removably integrate a second measuring device when the process or storage is being carried out inside the process tank or storage tank and when the first measuring device is inside the process tank or storage tank, wherein the second measuring device is configured to measure a second process or storage condition of the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof, selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, pH, vibration, viscosity, water content, solid content, solid size, solid shape, solid roughness, and liquid level. The first measuring device includes a support or core, and the second measuring device can be removably integrated into or attached to the support or core.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the support or core is a metal sheath.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the data generated by the first measuring device or the second measuring device is processable by a processing device to determine a third process or storage condition for the liquid, slurry, gas, or mixture thereof, such that the method further comprises the following steps: An integrated data box for collecting data from either the first device for measurement or the second device for measurement; as well as An integrated processing device is used to process the data collected by the data box, thereby determining a third process or storage condition.

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