Geothermal hot spring gas-liquid collection and in-situ measurement device and method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a geothermal hot spring gas-liquid collection and in-situ measurement device and method, and the device comprises a box body, a gas-liquid capturing unit, a gas-liquid separation unit, a liquid storage unit and a gas condensation unit which are connected with the gas-liquid separation unit, a gas storage unit connected with the gas condensation unit, an in-situ parameter measurement unit and a control unit. The box body is provided with a collection port, a gas outlet and a water outlet which are used for collection of the gas-liquid trapping unit, the liquid storage unit is connected with the water outlet through a pipeline, the gas storage unit is connected with the gas outlet through a pipeline, the in-situ parameter measurement unit is used for data measurement of a sample, and the control unit is used for collecting the data of the sample; the integrated design is adopted, trapping, separating, condensing and measuring modules are integrated into a portable box body, pipeline connection is reduced, the operation time is shortened, and the leakage risk is reduced; in addition, a hydrophobic microporous membrane gas-liquid separation mechanism is adopted, and efficient gas-liquid separation is realized by using a hydrophobic porous material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of geothermal hot spring sampling devices, and particularly relates to a device and method for collecting and in-situ measuring gas and liquid in geothermal hot springs. Background Art

[0002] Existing hot spring gas-liquid collection technologies mainly capture gas by immersing a gas hood or sampling cylinder into the liquid surface, and achieve gas-liquid separation by combining an electromagnet, a vacuum pump or a mechanical valve (such as a ring magnet linked to control the water inlet or gravity separation by a vacuum pump), and use compression refrigeration, a spiral air delivery pipe freeze-drying method or a water seal method for condensation and dehumidification to improve the analysis accuracy. In terms of safety protection, it relies on linear drive components, a handheld rod or a rubber hose to achieve remote operation and terrain adaptation. At the same time, multi-depth synchronous sampling is supported by a telescopic rod, a traction rope or a layered sampling cylinder. Some devices optimize portability through a non-powered design and miniaturized components.

[0003] However, the existing technologies have significant defects: the operation process is complex, requiring frequent manual adjustment of valves or replacement of collection bottles, with low efficiency and easy introduction of errors; the gas-liquid separation efficiency is insufficient, and residual droplets in gravity or electromagnetic separation cause gas pollution, and the condensation unit has high energy consumption and is difficult to operate in the wild for a long time; the in-situ measurement function is lacking, and key parameters such as temperature, pressure, and pH rely on laboratory remeasurement, and the samples are prone to distortion during transportation; the safety is poor, there is no real-time monitoring and automatic pressure relief in the high-pressure environment, and the risk of explosion is high; the portability is insufficient, and large condensation components or fixed brackets are difficult to adapt to complex terrains; precision components (solenoid valves, compressors) are easily damaged by water vapor corrosion or high temperature, with high maintenance costs and short service lives. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a device and method for collecting and in-situ measuring gas and liquid in geothermal hot springs, aiming to improve the efficiency of gas-liquid collection and measurement.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following solutions:

[0006] A device for collecting and in-situ measuring gas and liquid in geothermal hot springs includes a box body, a gas-liquid capture unit, a gas-liquid separation unit, a liquid storage unit, a gas condensation unit, a gas storage unit, an in-situ parameter measurement unit, and a control unit, which are arranged in the box body and connected in sequence. The box body is provided with a collection port, an air outlet, and a water outlet for the gas-liquid capture unit to collect. The liquid storage unit is connected to the water outlet through a pipeline, the gas storage unit is connected to the air outlet through a pipeline, the in-situ parameter measurement unit is used for measuring sample data, and the control unit is used for collecting sample data.

[0007] Preferably, the gas-liquid trapping unit includes a water pump, a collecting pipe, and a gas collecting hood provided on the collecting pipe. The collecting pipe extends out of the box body through the collecting port, and one end of the collecting pipe away from the gas collecting hood is connected to the gas-liquid separation unit.

[0008] Preferably, a double-layer stainless steel filter screen is provided in the collecting pipe.

[0009] Preferably, the gas-liquid separation unit includes a gas-liquid separation cavity, a piston and a hydrophobic microporous membrane provided in the gas-liquid separation cavity. A first water inlet, a second water inlet, and an air inlet are respectively provided on the gas-liquid separation cavity. Both the first water inlet and the second water inlet are provided below the hydrophobic microporous membrane, and the air inlet is provided above the hydrophobic microporous membrane. A hose is provided on the hydrophobic microporous membrane and communicated with the air inlet. The first water inlet is communicated with the gas-liquid trapping unit, and the second water inlet is communicated with the liquid storage unit.

[0010] Preferably, the gas condensation unit includes a spiral copper tube with two ends respectively connected to the air inlet and the gas storage unit, a semiconductor integrated cold plate, and a PID control system.

[0011] Preferably, the in-situ parameter measurement unit includes a temperature sensor provided in the gas collecting hood, a pressure sensor provided in the gas-liquid separation cavity and the spiral copper tube, a glass electrode pH sensor, and a four-electrode conductivity sensor.

[0012] Preferably, the gas storage unit includes a liquid storage tank, and the liquid storage tank is respectively connected to the spiral copper tube and the air outlet.

[0013] Preferably, the control unit includes an integrated sensor network and a terminal. The integrated sensor network is used to collect the real-time data of the temperature sensor, the pressure sensor, the glass electrode pH sensor, and the four-electrode conductivity sensor and wirelessly transmit it to the terminal through a LoRa module.

[0014] A method for collecting gas-liquid and in-situ measurement of geothermal hot springs includes the following steps:

[0015] Immerse the gas collecting hood below the hot spring liquid level and start the in-situ parameter measurement unit to ensure the initial pressure is safe;

[0016] After the gas-liquid mixture intercepts solid impurities through the double-layer stainless steel filter screen, it enters the gas-liquid separation cavity. The surface tension effect and pore size screening effect of the hydrophobic microporous membrane are used to achieve gas-liquid separation. The gas enters the gas storage unit after condensation and dehumidification by the semiconductor refrigeration sheet and the spiral copper tube, and the liquid enters the liquid storage tank;

[0017] The integrated sensor network collects data in real time and wirelessly transmits it to the terminal through a LoRa module.

[0018] Preferably, each part structure of the geothermal hot spring gas-liquid collection and in-situ measurement device is modularly arranged.

[0019] The present invention has achieved the following technical effects compared with the prior art:

[0020] 1. Integrated design: Integrate the gas-liquid capture, separation, condensation, and measurement modules into a portable box, reduce external pipeline connections, reduce the leakage risk, and simplify the operation process;

[0021] 2. Hydrophobic microporous membrane gas-liquid separator: Utilize the surface tension effect and pore size screening effect of the hydrophobic porous material polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to allow gas to pass through while blocking liquid, replacing traditional vacuum pumps or solenoid valves, and solving the problems of low separation efficiency and high energy consumption;

[0022] 3. Semiconductor refrigeration and adaptive temperature control: Combine a semiconductor refrigeration chip with a spiral copper tube, and dynamically adjust the refrigeration power through a PID algorithm (the lowest temperature is 0 °C), achieving a gas humidity ≤ 5% with low energy consumption (power ≤ 100W), overcoming the defects of high energy consumption of traditional compressors and insufficient passive condensation efficiency;

[0023] 4. Multi-parameter in-situ measurement system: Integrate temperature (PT100), pressure (piezoelectric sensor), pH (glass electrode), and conductivity sensors, collect data in real-time and wirelessly transmit it through the LoRa module, eliminating the risk of laboratory retest delay and sample distortion;

[0024] 5. Modular safety and maintenance design: Equipped with a piezoelectric pressure sensor and an automatic pressure relief valve to achieve real-time safety monitoring. At the same time, components such as filters and batteries support quick replacement and backwashing, reducing maintenance costs and extending the equipment life. Description of the Drawings

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0026] Attached Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0027] Attached Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the gas-liquid separation unit of the present invention;

[0028] Among them, 1. gas hood; 2. one-way valve; 3. battery; 4. liquid storage unit; 5. gas condensation unit; 6. gas storage unit; 7. air outlet; 8. water outlet; 9. box body; 10. gas-liquid capture unit; 11. gas-liquid separation unit; 12. control unit; 13. gas-liquid separation cavity; 14. piston; 15. hydrophobic microporous membrane; 16. hose; 17. first water inlet; 18. second water inlet; 19. air inlet. Specific embodiments

[0029] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0030] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a geothermal hot spring gas-liquid collection and in-situ measurement device and method, aiming to improve the efficiency of gas-liquid collection and measurement.

[0031] To make the above objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0032] Refer to Figures 1 to 2 , a geothermal hot spring gas-liquid collection and in-situ measurement device, including a box body, a gas-liquid capture unit, a gas-liquid separation unit, a liquid storage unit and a gas condensation unit that are sequentially connected in the box body, a gas storage unit, an in-situ parameter measurement unit, and a control unit that are respectively connected to the gas-liquid separation unit. The box body is provided with a collection port, an air outlet, and a water outlet for the gas-liquid capture unit to collect. The liquid storage unit is connected to the water outlet through a pipeline, the gas storage unit is connected to the air outlet through a pipeline, the in-situ parameter measurement unit is used for data measurement of the sample, and the control unit is used for collecting data of the sample; the present invention integrates gas-liquid capture, separation, condensation, and measurement modules into a portable box body, reduces external pipeline connections, reduces leakage risks, and simplifies the operation process.

[0033] Furthermore, the gas-liquid capture unit includes a water pump, a collection pipe, and a gas collection hood provided on the collection pipe. The collection pipe extends out of the box body through the collection port. One end of the collection pipe away from the gas collection hood is connected to the gas-liquid separation cavity, and the gas-liquid separation cavity is respectively connected to the liquid storage unit and the gas condensation unit. After the device is started, the wide-mouth gas collection hood made of heat-resistant alloy is immersed below the hot spring liquid level through a telescopic rod (the depth is adjustable, usually 0.3 - 1.5 m), and a micro diaphragm pump connected thereto is used to capture the mixed fluid containing gas (such as CO2, CH4, He, H2, etc.) and liquid (hot spring water). The gas-liquid mixture first passes through a built-in double-layer stainless steel filter screen (pore size 50 μm) to intercept solid particles (such as sulfur precipitation, rock debris, etc.) to ensure that the subsequent units are not blocked or polluted. The filtered clean gas-liquid flow enters the gas-liquid shunt cavity, which adopts a piston design and uses a hydrophobic porous material (PTFE) to achieve non-powered gas-liquid separation.

[0034] Reference Figure 2 , the gas-liquid separation unit includes a gas-liquid separation cavity, a piston and a hydrophobic microporous membrane provided in the gas-liquid separation cavity. The gas-liquid separation cavity is respectively provided with a first water inlet, a second water inlet and an air inlet. The first water inlet and the second water inlet are both provided below the hydrophobic microporous membrane, and the air inlet is provided above the hydrophobic microporous membrane. A hose is provided on the hydrophobic microporous membrane and communicated with the air inlet. The first water inlet is communicated with the gas-liquid capture unit, and the second water inlet is communicated with the liquid storage unit; the gas-liquid separation mechanism of the water microporous membrane: utilize the surface tension effect and pore size screening effect of the hydrophobic porous material (PTFE) to allow gas to pass through while blocking liquid. This process does not rely on a vacuum pump or a solenoid valve, significantly reducing energy consumption and avoiding liquid droplet residues in traditional separation technologies. The separated gas enters the gas condensation unit, and the liquid enters the liquid storage tank through a corrosion-resistant silica gel hose that can only flow unidirectionally.

[0035] Furthermore, the gas condensation unit includes a spiral copper pipe, a semiconductor integrated cold plate and a PID control system with both ends respectively connected to the gas-liquid separation cavity and the gas storage unit; after the gas enters the condensation unit, it first flows through the spiral copper pipe. This unit integrates a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) and a PID temperature control algorithm. By adjusting the direction and intensity of the current, the surface temperature of the copper pipe can be accurately controlled within the range of 0 °C to room temperature. In a low-temperature environment, the water vapor in the gas quickly condenses into liquid water and flows along the pipe wall into the liquid storage tank, and the dry gas (humidity ≤ 5%) enters the gas storage unit through the air outlet. Compared with traditional compression refrigeration, the refrigeration power of the thermoelectric cooler is only 80 - 100 W, and it supports adaptive adjustment: when it is detected that the inlet gas temperature is higher than 60 °C, the system automatically increases the refrigeration power to ensure efficient dehumidification in a high-temperature environment.

[0036] Further, the in-situ parameter measurement unit includes a temperature sensor disposed in the gas collection hood, a pressure sensor disposed in the gas-liquid separation cavity and the spiral copper tube, a glass electrode pH sensor, and a four-electrode conductivity sensor.

[0037] Among them, the temperature sensor is a PT100 platinum resistance sensor (accuracy ±0.1°C) embedded in the gas collection hood and the liquid storage tank to monitor the temperature of the hot spring liquid level and the real-time temperature of the sample; the pressure sensor is a piezoelectric pressure sensor (range 0-2MPa, accuracy ±0.5%) to real-time feedback the internal pressure of the system, and trigger the automatic pressure relief valve when over-limit to avoid the risk of explosion; the glass electrode pH sensor and the four-electrode conductivity sensor respectively measure the pH value of the liquid (range 0-14, accuracy ±0.05) and the conductivity (range 0-200mS / cm); the gas density is inverted through humidity and pressure data, and the gas concentration is estimated by combining with a preset database (such as the H2S saturated vapor pressure model). All data is transmitted to the mobile terminal (such as a tablet computer or a mobile phone) through the LoRa wireless module, supporting on-site rapid decision-making or remote expert collaborative analysis.

[0038] The device is equipped with a 48V / 12Ah high-energy density lithium battery pack, and the battery life is ≥8 hours. The control system dynamically monitors the battery power, and triggers an audible and visual alarm and starts the low-power mode when it is lower than 20%. The pressure sensor and the pressure relief valve form a double safety protection: when the system pressure exceeds 1.5MPa (the threshold value can be customized), the pressure relief valve opens instantly to release the excessive pressure, and at the same time the central control system records the event log for subsequent analysis. The filter screen supports reverse flushing, and can be reused after removing the blocked particles, significantly reducing the consumable cost.

[0039] The box body adopts lightweight materials (total weight <10kg) and a waterproof and corrosion-proof shell, adapting to the extreme environment of 0°C to 100°C. Each functional module (such as the filter screen, battery, sensor) supports quick plug-and-play replacement, and maintenance can be completed without professional tools. For example, when the performance of the semiconductor refrigeration sheet decreases due to long-term use, the user can directly disassemble the outer shell of the condensation unit and replace the standardized refrigeration module, which takes no more than 5 minutes.

[0040] A method for collecting and in-situ measuring geothermal hot spring gas-liquid includes the following steps:

[0041] The gas collection hood is immersed below the hot spring liquid level, and the in-situ parameter measurement unit is started to ensure the initial pressure safety;

[0042] After the gas-liquid mixture intercepts solid impurities through the double-layer stainless steel filter screen, it enters the gas-liquid separation cavity. The gas-liquid separation is realized by using the surface tension effect and pore size screening effect of the hydrophobic microporous membrane. The gas enters the gas storage unit after condensation and dehumidification by the semiconductor refrigeration sheet and the spiral copper tube, and the liquid enters the liquid storage tank;

[0043] The integrated sensor network collects data in real time and wirelessly transmits it to the terminal through the LoRa module.

[0044] Adaptations made according to actual requirements are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of the present invention, the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms. Therefore, from any point of view, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the above description. Therefore, all changes falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalent elements of the claims are intended to be embraced within the invention. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claims involved.

Claims

1. A geothermal hot spring gas-liquid collection and in-situ measurement device, characterized in that, It includes a box body, a gas-liquid trapping unit, a gas-liquid separation unit, a liquid storage unit and a gas condensation unit which are arranged in the box body and connected in sequence, a gas storage unit, an in-situ parameter measurement unit and a control unit which are respectively connected to the gas-liquid separation unit. An acquisition port, an air outlet and a water outlet for the gas-liquid trapping unit to collect are arranged on the box body. The liquid storage unit is connected to the water outlet through a pipeline, and the gas storage unit is connected to the air outlet through a pipeline. The in-situ parameter measurement unit is used for measuring sample data, and the control unit is used for collecting sample data.

2. The geothermal hot spring gas-liquid collection and in-situ measurement device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas-liquid trapping unit includes a water pump, a collection pipe and a gas collection hood arranged on the collection pipe. The collection pipe extends out of the box body through the acquisition port, and one end of the collection pipe far from the gas collection hood is connected to the gas-liquid separation unit.

3. The geothermal hot spring gas-liquid collection and in-situ measurement device according to claim 2, wherein A double-layer stainless steel filter screen is arranged in the collection pipe.

4. The geothermal hot spring gas-liquid collection and in-situ measurement device according to claim 3, characterized in that The gas-liquid separation unit includes a gas-liquid separation cavity, a piston and a hydrophobic microporous membrane arranged in the gas-liquid separation cavity. A first water inlet, a second water inlet and an air inlet are respectively arranged on the gas-liquid separation cavity. The first water inlet and the second water inlet are both arranged below the hydrophobic microporous membrane, and the air inlet is arranged above the hydrophobic microporous membrane. A hose is arranged on the hydrophobic microporous membrane and communicated with the air inlet. The first water inlet is communicated with the gas-liquid trapping unit, and the second water inlet is communicated with the liquid storage unit.

5. The geothermal hot spring gas-liquid collection and in-situ measurement device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The gas condensation unit includes a spiral copper tube with two ends respectively connected to the air inlet and the gas storage unit, a semiconductor integrated cold plate and a PID control system.

6. The geothermal hot spring gas-liquid collection and in-situ measurement device according to claim 5, characterized in that The in-situ parameter measurement unit includes a temperature sensor arranged in the gas collection hood, a pressure sensor arranged in the gas-liquid separation cavity and the spiral copper tube, a glass electrode pH sensor and a four-electrode conductivity sensor.

7. The geothermal hot spring gas-liquid collection and in-situ measurement device according to claim 6, wherein, The gas storage unit includes a liquid storage tank which is respectively connected to the spiral copper tube and the air outlet.

8. The geothermal hot spring gas-liquid collection and in-situ measurement device according to claim 7, wherein The control unit includes an integrated sensor network and a terminal. The integrated sensor network is used for collecting the real-time data of the temperature sensor, the pressure sensor, the glass electrode pH sensor and the four-electrode conductivity sensor and wirelessly transmitting them to the terminal through a LoRa module.

9. A method for collecting and in-situ measuring geothermal hot spring gas and liquid, characterized in that, Applying the geothermal hot spring gas-liquid collection and in-situ measurement device according to any one of claims 1-8, it includes the following steps: The gas collection hood is immersed below the hot spring liquid surface, and the in-situ parameter measurement unit is started to ensure the initial pressure safety; After the gas-liquid mixture intercepts solid impurities through the double-layer stainless steel filter screen, it enters the gas-liquid separation cavity. The gas-liquid separation is realized by using the surface tension effect and pore size screening effect of the hydrophobic microporous membrane. The gas enters the gas storage unit after being condensed and dehumidified by the semiconductor cold plate and the spiral copper tube, and the liquid enters the liquid storage tank; The integrated sensor network collects data in real time and wirelessly transmits it to the terminal through the LoRa module.

10. The geothermal hot spring gas-liquid collection and in-situ measurement method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each part structure of the geothermal hot spring gas-liquid collection and in-situ measurement device is modularly arranged.

Images