Free water remover liquid level meter floating ball automatic throwing device and free water remover liquid level meter floating ball automatic throwing method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of crude oil dehydration, in particular to a free water remover liquid level meter floating ball automatic putting device and method. According to the device, a controller is connected with a driving mechanism, and the driving mechanism is connected with an executing mechanism; the driving mechanism is mounted at an opening in the upper part of a tank body of the free water remover through a sealing flange, and the executing mechanism is positioned in the tank body; a liquid level meter floating ball sensor is arranged in the tank body, and a replacement floating ball is arranged on the liquid level meter floating ball sensor close to the top in a sleeving manner; one end of the execution mechanism is located below the replacement floating ball; the controller is used for controlling the driving mechanism to start or stop, and the driving mechanism is used for driving the executing mechanism to move away from the lower portion of the replacement floating ball. The problems that after a liquid level meter floating ball in an existing free water remover is damaged, due to the fact that the interior of a tank is a closed pressure container, when the floating ball is replaced, pressure relief, desilting and other operations need to be conducted firstly, the labor intensity is increased, the maintenance cost is increased, the maintenance time is shortened, the production efficiency is reduced, and potential safety hazards exist in the pressure relief process are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of crude oil dehydration, and particularly relates to an automatic feeding device and method for the float of a liquid level gauge of a free water knockout Background Art

[0002] In the crude oil dehydration process of oilfield stations and depots, a free water knockout is an important production pressure vessel. The monitoring, adjustment, and control of its oil-water interface parameters are directly related to the dehydration effect, and the interface position is determined by the float of the liquid level gauge. During operation, once the float of the liquid level gauge is damaged, the oil-water interface in the pressure vessel cannot be monitored, affecting the dehydration effect. Since the free water knockout belongs to a pressure vessel operating in a closed state, during the maintenance of the liquid level instrument, if the float of the liquid level gauge is damaged, the free water knockout must be shut down, and the pressure vessel must be dredged before the replacement can be carried out. This not only has a large labor intensity, a long maintenance time, but also poses potential safety hazards, increases the input of dredging costs, seriously affects the stable operation of production, and brings great inconvenience to safety production management. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides an automatic feeding device and method for the float of a liquid level gauge of a free water knockout, so as to solve the problems that after the float of the liquid level gauge in the existing free water knockout is damaged, due to the tank being a closed pressure vessel, operations such as pressure relief and dredging need to be carried out first when replacing the float, resulting in an increase in labor intensity, maintenance costs, and maintenance time, a decrease in production efficiency, and potential safety hazards during the pressure relief process.

[0004] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic feeding device for the float of a liquid level gauge of a free water knockout, including: a driving mechanism, an execution mechanism, and a controller; The controller is connected to the driving mechanism, and the driving mechanism is connected to the execution mechanism; The driving mechanism is installed at the opening above the tank body of the free water knockout through a sealing flange, and the execution mechanism is inside the tank body of the free water knockout; A liquid level gauge float sensor is provided inside the tank, and a replacement float is sleeved on the liquid level gauge float sensor near the top position; One end of the execution mechanism is below the replacement float; The controller is used to control the driving mechanism to start or stop, and the driving mechanism is used to drive the execution mechanism to move away from below the replacement float.

[0005] Preferably, the driving mechanism includes: an explosion-proof actuator; The explosion-proof actuator is connected to the controller; The explosion-proof actuator is fixed at the top of the opening of the sealing flange; The output end of the explosion-proof actuator is connected to the actuator mechanism inside the tank, and the explosion-proof actuator is used to drive one end of the actuator mechanism to rotate horizontally.

[0006] Preferably, the actuator mechanism includes: an actuator connecting rod and an actuator frame; The actuator connecting rod is vertically arranged inside the tank, the top end of the actuator connecting rod is inserted into the opening on the sealing flange and is connected to the driving mechanism; The actuator frame is horizontally arranged inside the tank, one end of the actuator frame is below the replacement floating ball and is in contact with the bottom of the replacement floating ball, and the other end of the actuator frame is connected to the actuator connecting rod; The length of the actuator frame does not exceed the distance between the liquid level gauge floating ball sensor and the actuator connecting rod.

[0007] Preferably, the actuator frame and the actuator connecting rod are made of stainless steel.

[0008] Preferably, it further includes: an anti-static protective layer: The anti-static protective layer is arranged outside the actuator frame and the actuator connecting rod; Wherein, the material of the anti-static protective layer is: silica gel.

[0009] Preferably, it further includes: a sealing ring; An annular groove is arranged on the outer side wall of the part of the actuator connecting rod inside the opening of the sealing flange, the sealing ring is installed inside the annular groove, and the sealing ring is in contact with the inner side wall of the opening of the sealing flange.

[0010] Preferably, it further includes: a wrench; An inner hexagonal groove is arranged at the top of the explosion-proof actuator, and one end of the wrench is shaped to match the inner hexagonal groove; The wrench is used to insert one end of the wrench into the inner hexagonal groove if the controller cannot control the explosion-proof actuator to start, and drive the explosion-proof actuator and the actuator mechanism to move through the wrench.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for automatically placing the floating ball of the free water knockout liquid level gauge is provided, including: Install the automatic placement device for the floating ball of the free water knockout liquid level gauge in the free water knockout; When the controller detects that the original liquid level floating ball in the free water knockout is damaged, the controller controls the driving mechanism to start. After the driving mechanism starts, it drives one end of the actuator mechanism to move horizontally to a predetermined position and then stops; During the movement of the actuator, when one end of it moves away from the lower part of the replacement float, the replacement float slides down along the top of the float sensor of the liquid level gauge until it falls into the oil-water interface position in the oil-water mixture in the free water knockout tank, completing the automatic placement of the float of the free water knockout liquid level gauge.

[0012] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: The present invention provides an automatic placement device and method for the float of a free water knockout liquid level gauge. By setting a replacement float on the float sensor of the liquid level gauge and fixing the replacement float through an actuator, when replacing, the driving mechanism drives the actuator to move to release the replacement float, so as to realize the safe and rapid automatic placement of the replacement float, timely replace the damaged float, and there is no need to stop operation for maintenance and dredging after the liquid level float is damaged, thus achieving the purpose of improving work efficiency, reducing production costs and labor intensity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings herein are incorporated into the specification and constitute a part of this specification. These drawings show embodiments consistent with the present invention and, together with the specification, are used to explain the technical solutions of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 1 FIG. shows a structural schematic diagram of an automatic placement device for the float of a free water knockout liquid level gauge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] In the figure, 1 - explosion-proof actuator, 2 - sealing flange, 3 - actuator connecting rod, 4 - actuator frame, 5 - float sensor of the liquid level gauge, 6 - replacement float, 7 - fixing pin. EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The following will detail various exemplary embodiments, features and aspects of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote elements having the same or similar functions. Although various aspects of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, the drawings do not have to be drawn to scale unless otherwise specified.

[0017] The special word "exemplary" herein means "serving as an example, an embodiment or illustrative". Any embodiment described as "exemplary" here does not have to be construed as superior to or better than other embodiments.

[0018] The term "and / or" herein is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the term "at least one" herein means any one of a plurality or any combination of at least two of a plurality. For example, including at least one of A, B, and C can represent including any one or more elements selected from the set composed of A, B, and C.

[0019] In addition, to better illustrate the present invention, numerous specific details are given in the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention can also be implemented without some specific details. In some instances, methods, means, elements, and circuits well-known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail so as to highlight the gist of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 1 Fig. shows a schematic structural diagram of an automatic feeding device for a float of a liquid level gauge of a free water knockout. As Figure 1 shown, an automatic feeding device for a float of a liquid level gauge of a free water knockout includes: a driving mechanism, an actuating mechanism, and a controller; the controller is connected to the driving mechanism, and the driving mechanism is connected to the actuating mechanism; the driving mechanism is installed at the opening above the tank body of the free water knockout through a sealing flange 2, and the actuating mechanism is inside the tank body of the free water knockout; a liquid level gauge float sensor 5 is arranged inside the tank body, and a replacement float 6 is sleeved on the liquid level gauge float sensor 5 near the top position; one end of the actuating mechanism is below the replacement float 6; the controller is used to control the driving mechanism to start or stop, and the driving mechanism is used to drive the actuating mechanism to move away from below the replacement float 6.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid level gauge float sensor 5 is installed inside the tank body of the free water knockout. The body of the liquid level gauge float sensor 5 is columnar and is vertically arranged inside the tank body. The float that cooperates with it to detect the oil-water liquid level is sleeved outside the body of the liquid level gauge float sensor 5 and can slide up and down along it. The float is a metal hollow sphere and is filled with materials such as fine sand inside. The density of the float needs to be greater than that of the oil and less than that of the water. In this way, when detecting the oil and water, the float will be at the boundary of the oil-water interface in the tank body, and there is an electromagnetic coil inside the liquid level float sensor. After being energized, the position of the oil-water interface can be obtained according to the electrical signal values corresponding to different positions of the float on it.

[0022] The replacement float 6 is sleeved outside the body of the liquid level gauge float sensor 5. The initial position is above the original float on it and is close to the top of the liquid level gauge float sensor 5. The initial position of one end of the actuating mechanism is below the replacement float 6, so as to hold the replacement float 6 and prevent it from sliding down along the body of the float sensor, and keep it in the initial position. When the original float is in use, the replacement float 6 remains stationary in the initial position, so it will not affect the liquid level detection of the liquid level gauge float sensor 5.

[0023] When the original floating ball used in the free water knockout tank body is damaged, the controller sends a signal to control the driving mechanism to start. After the driving mechanism starts, it drives the actuator to move away from the replacement floating ball 6. When one end of the actuator completely moves out from the bottom of the replacement floating ball 6, the replacement floating ball 6 slides down along the body of the liquid level gauge floating ball sensor 5 due to the loss of support at the bottom and falls into the oil-water mixture in the tank body to replace the original floating ball for liquid level detection.

[0024] In the present invention, the driving mechanism includes: an explosion-proof actuator 1; the explosion-proof actuator 1 is connected to the controller; the explosion-proof actuator 1 is fixed at the top of the opening on the sealing flange 2; the output end of the explosion-proof actuator 1 is connected to the actuator in the tank body, and the explosion-proof actuator 1 is used to drive one end of the actuator to rotate horizontally.

[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the explosion-proof actuator 1 is installed at the opening of the sealing flange 2 and seals the opening, thereby ensuring the tightness inside the tank body. The output shaft of the explosion-proof actuator 1 is connected to the other end of the actuator. When it is necessary to insert the floating ball, the controller controls the explosion-proof actuator 1 to start, and its output shaft rotates to drive one end of the actuator in the tank body to move horizontally to a predetermined position and then stop. Among them, the position of one end of the actuator cannot exceed the liquid level gauge floating ball sensor 5 to prevent it from being stuck by the liquid level gauge floating ball sensor 5 during horizontal movement.

[0026] In the present invention, the actuator includes: an actuator connecting rod 3 and an actuator frame 4; the actuator connecting rod 3 is vertically arranged in the tank body, the top end of the actuator connecting rod 3 is inserted into the opening inside the sealing flange 2 and is connected to the driving mechanism; the actuator frame 4 is horizontally arranged in the tank body, one end of the actuator frame 4 is below the replacement floating ball 6 and is in contact with the bottom of the replacement floating ball 6, and the other end of the actuator frame 4 is connected to the actuator connecting rod 3; the length of the actuator frame 4 does not exceed the distance between the liquid level gauge floating ball sensor 5 and the actuator connecting rod 3.

[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the body of the actuator connecting rod 3 is a cylinder, the top end is inserted into the opening inside the sealing flange 2 and is in close fit with the inner wall of the opening; the actuator frame 4 includes a sleeve and two brackets. The sleeve is sleeved outside the actuator connecting rod 3 and is connected to the side wall of the actuator connecting rod 3 near the bottom end through a fixing pin 7. The two brackets are horizontally and parallelly arranged. One end of the bracket supports the replacement floating ball 6 at the bottom, and the other end is connected to the sleeve. There is a certain distance between the two brackets, so that the replacement floating ball 6 can be more stably seated on the brackets, preventing the replacement floating ball 6 from slipping and falling from one side of the bracket when the actuator connecting rod 3 rotates slightly.

[0028] When it is necessary to insert and replace the floating ball 6, the controller controls the explosion-proof actuator 1 to start and drive the actuating connecting rod 3 to rotate along its axis. The actuating connecting rod 3 drives the sleeve of the actuating frame 4 to rotate, thereby driving one end of the two brackets to rotate horizontally. When one end of the two brackets rotates away from the replacement floating ball 6, the unsupported replacement floating ball 6 falls downward into the oil-water mixture.

[0029] In the present invention, the actuating frame 4 and the actuating connecting rod 3 are made of stainless steel.

[0030] In the embodiment of the present invention, since the actuating frame 4 and the actuating connecting rod 3 are long-term inside the oil-water mixture tank body, using stainless steel material can prevent corrosion and extend their service life.

[0031] In the present invention, it further includes: an anti-static protective layer: the anti-static protective layer is provided on the outside of the actuating frame 4 and the actuating connecting rod 3; wherein, the material of the anti-static protective layer is: silica gel.

[0032] In the embodiment of the present invention, since the tank body of the free water separator is filled with crude oil, water and flammable gas, therefore, during use, in order to prevent static electricity generated by the metal actuating frame 4 and the actuating connecting rod 3 during movement from causing safety accidents such as combustion and explosion, the outside of the actuating frame 4 and the actuating connecting rod 3 is wrapped with a silica gel layer, thereby ensuring safe operation.

[0033] In the present invention, it further includes: a sealing ring; an annular groove is provided on the outer side wall of the part of the actuating connecting rod 3 inside the opening of the sealing flange 2, and the sealing ring is installed inside the annular groove, and the sealing ring contacts the inner side wall of the opening of the sealing flange 2.

[0034] In the embodiment of the present invention, the sealing ring is used to seal between the actuating connecting rod 3 and the inner wall of the opening of the sealing flange 2, preventing gas or liquid in the tank body from entering the explosion-proof actuator 1 or leaking to the outside of the tank body through the gap between the sealing flange 2 and the actuating connecting rod 3.

[0035] In the present invention, it further includes: a wrench; an internal hexagonal groove is provided at the top of the explosion-proof actuator 1, and one end of the wrench is shaped to match the internal hexagonal groove; the wrench is used to insert one end of the wrench into the internal hexagonal groove if the controller cannot control the explosion-proof actuator 1 to start, and drive the explosion-proof actuator 1 and the actuating mechanism to move through the wrench.

[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, if the controller fails to start the explosion-proof actuator 1 through remote control for replacing the floating ball 6, the top cover of the explosion-proof actuator 1 can be opened, a wrench can be inserted into the hexagon socket, and the output shaft of the explosion-proof actuator 1 can be manually rotated through the wrench to drive the actuating link 3 to rotate, thereby driving the actuating frame 4 to rotate, and realizing the replacement and delivery of the floating ball 6.

[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, there can be multiple replacement floating balls 6 and the actuating mechanisms cooperating with them. The multiple replacement floating balls 6 are sequentially sleeved on the float sensor 5 of the liquid level gauge, and then cooperate with the actuating link 3 and the actuating frame 4 capable of multi-stage rotation, thereby realizing the multiple replacement and input of the floating balls 6.

[0038] The present invention also provides a method for automatically delivering the float of the free water knockout liquid level gauge, including: installing the automatic delivery device for the float of the free water knockout liquid level gauge in the free water knockout; when the controller detects that the original liquid level float in the free water knockout is damaged, the controller controls the driving mechanism to start. After the driving mechanism starts, it drives one end of the actuating mechanism to move horizontally to a predetermined position and then stop; during the movement of the actuating mechanism, when one end of it moves to a position below and away from the replacement floating ball 6, the replacement floating ball 6 slides down along the top end of the float sensor 5 of the liquid level gauge until the replacement floating ball 6 falls into the oil-water interface position in the oil-water mixture in the free water knockout tank body, completing the automatic delivery of the float of the free water knockout liquid level gauge.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined position is the position where the actuating frame 4 rotates 90 degrees with the connection part with the actuating link 3 as the axis and one end of it rotates from the initial position. After the float of the original free water knockout liquid level gauge is damaged, the float will sink and lose the function of monitoring the oil-water interface. At this time, the automatic delivery device for the float of the free water knockout liquid level gauge starts to work. The specific process is as follows: the controller sends a signal to control the explosion-proof actuator 1 to start. After the explosion-proof actuator 1 starts, it starts to act, and it will drive the actuating link 3 to rotate 90 degrees along the axis within 15 seconds. The actuating link 3 acts synchronously and drives the actuating frame 4 to rotate 90 degrees in the horizontal direction synchronously; after one end of the actuating frame 4 moves away from the replacement floating ball 6, the replacement floating ball 6 drops to the working position and starts to work instead of the old liquid level gauge float, and the monitoring of the oil-water interface in the free water knockout returns to normal.

[0040] It can be understood that the above-mentioned various embodiments mentioned in the present invention can be combined with each other to form a combined embodiment without violating the principle logic. Due to space limitations, the present invention will not be elaborated further.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller may be a user equipment (UE), a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device, a computing device, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, etc.

[0042] Those skilled in the art can understand that in the above embodiments of the specific implementation manners, the writing order of each step does not mean a strict execution order that constitutes any limitation on the implementation process, and the specific execution order of each step should be determined according to its function and possible internal logic.

[0043] The present invention has the advantages of simple structure, low manufacturing cost, convenient installation and use, and simple operation. By cooperating with the actuator 1 to actuate the actuator mechanism, the rapid replacement of the floating ball 6 is realized. Without changing the original structure of the free water knockout drum, it only needs to set an opening on the sealing flange 2 at the top of its tank body for installation. By setting the actuating connecting rod 3 and the actuating frame 4 made of stainless steel material, and setting a silica gel layer on its exterior, the service life is extended while ensuring the operation safety. The actuating switch of the explosion-proof actuator 1 is divided into two modes: manual opening and automatic opening. When manually opening, use the supporting wrench to rotate the switch to make the actuating connecting rod 3 work to control the liquid level floating ball for feeding; when automatically opening, send a signal through the controller to execute the work and control the liquid level floating ball for feeding, which is convenient and fast.

[0044] The automatic feeding device and method for the liquid level gauge floating ball of the free water knockout drum of the present invention realize the rapid and safe automatic feeding of the liquid level gauge floating ball of the free water knockout drum, timely take over the damaged floating ball to continue working, and avoid the occurrence of phenomena such as shutdown for maintenance and silt cleaning after the liquid level floating ball is damaged, ensuring the stable and safe operation of production.

[0045] The various embodiments of the present invention have been described above. The above description is exemplary and not exhaustive, and is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in the technical field without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The selection of the terms used herein is intended to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications, or improvements to the technology in the market, or to enable other ordinary skilled persons in the technical field to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An automatic floating ball feeding device for the liquid level gauge of a free water eliminator, characterized in that Including: A driving mechanism, an actuating mechanism, and a controller; The controller is connected to the driving mechanism, and the driving mechanism is connected to the actuating mechanism; The driving mechanism is installed above the opening of the tank body of the free water knockout through a sealing flange (2), and the actuating mechanism is inside the tank body of the free water knockout; A liquid level gauge float sensor (5) is arranged inside the tank body, and a replacement float (6) is sleeved on the liquid level gauge float sensor (5) near the top position; One end of the actuating mechanism is below the replacement float (6); The controller is used to control the driving mechanism to start or stop, and the driving mechanism is used to drive the actuating mechanism to move away from below the replacement float (6).

2. The automatic floating ball feeding device for the liquid level gauge of the free water eliminator according to claim 1, wherein The driving mechanism includes: an explosion-proof actuator (1); The explosion-proof actuator (1) is connected to the controller; The explosion-proof actuator (1) is fixed at the top of the opening on the sealing flange (2); The output end of the explosion-proof actuator (1) is connected to the actuating mechanism inside the tank body, and the explosion-proof actuator (1) is used to drive one end of the actuating mechanism to rotate horizontally.

3. The automatic floating ball feeding device for the free water eliminator liquid level gauge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The actuating mechanism includes: an actuating connecting rod (3) and an actuating frame (4); The actuating connecting rod (3) is vertically arranged inside the tank body, and the top end of the actuating connecting rod (3) is inserted into the opening inside the sealing flange (2) and is connected to the driving mechanism; The actuating frame (4) is horizontally arranged inside the tank body, one end of the actuating frame (4) is below the replacement float (6) and is in contact with the bottom of the replacement float (6), and the other end of the actuating frame (4) is connected to the actuating connecting rod (3); The length of the actuating frame (4) does not exceed the distance between the liquid level gauge float sensor (5) and the actuating connecting rod (3).

4. The automatic feeding device for the liquid level gauge float of the free water knockout according to claim 3, characterized in that: The actuating frame (4) and the actuating connecting rod (3) are made of stainless steel.

5. The automatic floating ball feeding device for the liquid level gauge of the free water eliminator according to claim 4, characterized in that, It further includes: antistatic Protective layer: The antistatic protective layer is arranged outside the actuating frame (4) and the actuating connecting rod (3); Wherein, the material of the antistatic protective layer is: silicone.

6. The automatic floating ball feeding device for the free water eliminator liquid level gauge according to claim 3, characterized in that, It further includes: Sealing ring; An annular groove is arranged on the outer side wall of the part of the actuating connecting rod (3) inside the opening of the sealing flange (2), and the sealing ring is installed inside the annular groove, and the sealing ring is in contact with the inner side wall of the opening of the sealing flange (2).

7. The automatic floating ball feeding device for the liquid level gauge of the free water eliminator according to claim 2, characterized in that, It further includes: Wrench; An inner hexagonal groove is arranged at the top of the explosion-proof actuator (1), and one end of the wrench is matched with the inner hexagonal groove in shape; The wrench is used to insert one end of the wrench into the inner hexagonal groove if the controller cannot control the explosion-proof actuator (1) to start, and drive the explosion-proof actuator (1) and the actuating mechanism to move through the wrench.

8. A method for automatically placing the float of a free water knockout liquid level gauge, characterized in that, Including: Installing the automatic feeding device for the liquid level gauge float of the free water knockout into the free water knockout; When the controller detects that the original liquid level float in the free water knockout is damaged, the controller controls the driving mechanism to start. After the driving mechanism starts, it drives one end of the actuating mechanism to move horizontally to a predetermined position and then stop; During the movement of the actuating mechanism, when one end of it moves below the replacement float (6) away from it, the replacement float (6) slides down along the top of the liquid level gauge float sensor (5) until the replacement float (6) falls into the oil-water interface position in the oil-water mixture in the free water knockout tank, completing the automatic placement of the liquid level gauge float of the free water knockout.

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