Automatic metering and detecting device for loading capacity of railway tank car

Abstract

The invention relates to an automatic metering and detecting device for loading capacity of a railway tank car, and belongs to the technical field of metering and detecting of Internet of Things. The detection device comprises a sensor unit, a communication unit, a main control unit, a storage unit and a power supply unit, the sensor unit completes automatic measurement of the liquid level of the railway tank car in the container, the internal and external temperature of the container and the internal and external pressure parameters of the container, and on-site operation of operators is not needed. Potential safety hazards of dangerous goods are identified, technical guarantee is provided for safe transportation, and measurement errors caused by manual misoperation are avoided. Data needed by loading capacity metering detection are stored in the device in an electronic mode, data interaction is achieved in combination with the communication unit, loading capacity metering can be rapidly completed, and the problems of wrong reading, missing reading and loss of paper records are avoided. The liquid level sensor detects the liquid level state in the loading process and assists quantitative loading.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of Internet of Things measurement and detection, and in particular relates to an automatic measurement and detection device for the loading capacity of a railway tank car. Background Art

[0002] The loading capacity of rail tank cars is an important basis for settlement between trading parties. If measurement and testing are inaccurate and ineffective, it will seriously damage the economic interests of enterprises. Rail tank cars are the primary means of transport for rail tank cars. With the development of containerized transportation, tank containers play an increasingly important role in rail tank car transportation. Currently, the loading capacity of rail tank cars and tank containers is measured and tested on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis. Metering personnel from both sides of the trade, such as petroleum and petrochemical enterprises, must measure parameters such as liquid level, temperature, and density at the shipping and receiving sites and copy the volume table to complete the loading capacity measurement and testing operation.

[0003] Traditional load measurement and detection devices are generally composed of multiple independent devices such as a depth gauge, glass thermometer, and density measuring barrel. They rely on operators to visually read and record, with low levels of automation and informationization, and are susceptible to human error. Information such as vehicle numbers and volume table numbers are manually copied, which is a cumbersome process and carries the risk of mis-copying, omissions, and loss of paper records. It is also not conducive to enterprise information management. On the other hand, quantitative loading is roughly based on empirical data based on vehicle models, and overloading and underloading problems occasionally occur. Furthermore, it is difficult to grasp the safety status of dangerous goods during transportation, and if an accident occurs, it is difficult to deal with it in a timely manner. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the problems existing in the above-mentioned background technology, the present invention proposes an automatic metering and detection device for the loading capacity of railway tank cars to solve the problems that traditional loading capacity metering and detection devices rely on visual reading and recording by operators, resulting in low automation and informationization levels of loading capacity measurement and susceptibility to human errors.

[0005] The embodiment of the present invention is achieved as follows: An embodiment of the present invention provides an automatic measurement and detection device for the loading capacity of a railway tank car, comprising a sensor unit, a communication unit, a main control unit, a storage unit, and a power supply unit electrically connected to each other; The sensor unit is used to obtain measurement parameters, including the actual height of the liquid level of the container, the air temperature inside the container, the atmospheric environment temperature outside the container, the air pressure inside the container, and the external atmospheric environment pressure outside the container; The storage unit is used to store the load measurement calculation program, measurement parameters, basic information data and load measurement test result data; The power supply unit is used to provide power; The communication unit is used to receive measurement parameters, basic information data and load measurement test result data and send the received information data to external devices, back-end platforms and storage units; The main control unit is used to coordinate and control the sensor unit, communication unit, storage unit and power supply unit.

[0006] As an alternative to the above embodiment, the sensor unit includes a liquid level sensor, an internal air temperature sensor, an external atmospheric environment temperature sensor, an internal air pressure sensor, and an external atmospheric environment pressure sensor.

[0007] As an optional solution to the above embodiment, the communication unit is communicatively connected to the storage unit via local communication; the communication unit is communicatively connected to the external device and the back-end platform via remote communication; when the communication unit fails to establish a communication connection with the external device or the back-end platform, the received information data is temporarily stored in the storage unit, and after the communication unit restores the communication connection, it is transmitted to the external device or the back-end platform.

[0008] As an optional solution of the above embodiment, the basic information data includes vehicle number, volume table, total height inside the container, volume correction coefficient, air buoyancy correction coefficient and density table.

[0009] As an optional solution of the above embodiment, the load measurement detection result data includes the volume and mass of the liquid in the container.

[0010] As an alternative to the above embodiment, the liquid level sensor is a non-contact liquid level sensor that measures the empty height of the liquid in the container and directly calculates the actual height of the liquid in the container based on the total height data of the container stored in the storage unit.

[0011] As an optional solution of the above embodiment, the power supply unit is designed to be built-in, and the power supply unit is a non-rechargeable battery.

[0012] As an optional solution of the above embodiment, the main control unit controls the sensor unit, the communication unit, the storage unit and the power supply unit to wake up from the sleep state periodically and execute according to the set workflow.

[0013] As an optional solution of the above embodiment, setting the workflow includes: Step 1: The main control unit wakes up at a scheduled time; Step 2: The main control unit starts the power supply unit function, starts the sensor unit to obtain measurement parameters, and starts the communication unit to transmit the obtained measurement parameters to the storage unit for storage through local communication; Step 3: The main control unit reads the volume table in the storage unit to obtain and calculate the volume of the liquid in the container at the current temperature; Step 4: The main control unit reads the standard density of the liquid in the storage unit and calculates the mass of the liquid in the container at 20°C; Step 5: The main control unit generates a data packet by matching the volume and mass of the liquid in the container with the vehicle number of the vehicle carrying the current container, and activates the communication unit to transmit the data packet to the storage unit, external device, and back-end platform; Step 6: The main control unit controls all units to enter a dormant state and wait for the next wake-up.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. The present invention provides an automatic measurement and detection device for the loading capacity of a railway tank car. The sensor unit automatically measures the liquid level in the container, the internal and external temperatures of the container, and the internal and external pressure parameters of the container. No on-site operator operation is required, which significantly reduces workload and avoids measurement errors introduced by human error. The data required for loading capacity measurement and detection is electronically stored in the device. Combined with the communication unit, data exchange is achieved, allowing for rapid completion of loading capacity measurement and avoiding problems such as miscopying, omissions, and loss of paper records. The liquid level sensor detects the liquid level during loading and assists in quantitative loading. The internal air temperature sensor and internal air pressure sensor detect the temperature and pressure of dangerous goods during transportation, identifying safety hazards of dangerous goods and providing technical support for safe transportation. In summary, the automatic measurement and detection device for the loading capacity of railway tank cars can automatically measure the liquid level, temperature, pressure, and other information of railway tank cars during the loading, measurement, and transportation processes, and manage railway tank cars through information technology throughout the entire process, providing technical support for ensuring transportation safety, promoting fair and just trade, and promoting refined enterprise management.

[0015] The present invention provides an automatic metering and detection device for the loading capacity of a railway tank car, which adopts an integrated design and a built-in power supply unit. The power supply unit uses a non-rechargeable, high-energy-density and high-safety battery. The battery capacity meets the requirements of long-term use throughout the year or for several years, and can be replaced during the inspection and maintenance of the carrying container. It has a wide temperature range and can supply power normally under different climatic conditions throughout the year in various parts of my country. The power supply unit has no external power supply, communication and other interfaces and can be used in complex environments such as explosive gas environments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below 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 inventive work. The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent through the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals indicate the same parts throughout the drawings. The drawings are not intentionally scaled to their actual sizes, and the focus is on illustrating the main purpose of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 1 The figure is a structural schematic diagram of an automatic metering and detecting device for the loading capacity of a railway tank car according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 The present invention is a flow chart showing the workflow of an automatic measurement and detection device for the loading capacity of a railway tank car.

[0019] Among them, 1. sensor unit; 11. liquid level sensor; 12. internal air temperature sensor; 13. external atmospheric temperature sensor; 14. internal air pressure sensor; 15. external atmospheric pressure sensor; 16.; 2. communication unit; 3. main control unit; 4. storage unit; 5. power supply unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the drawings herein can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0021] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but rather merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined or explained in subsequent drawings.

[0023] Please refer to Figure 1As shown, the present invention provides an automatic metering and detecting device for the loading amount of a railway tank car, comprising a sensor unit 1, a communication unit 2, a main control unit 3, a storage unit 4 and a power supply unit 5 electrically connected to each other.

[0024] The sensor unit 1 is used to obtain measurement parameters, including the actual height of the liquid level in the container, the air temperature inside the container, the atmospheric environment temperature outside the container, the air pressure inside the container, and the external atmospheric environment pressure outside the container.

[0025] The storage unit 4 is used to store the load measurement calculation program, measurement parameters, basic information data and load measurement detection result data.

[0026] Power supply unit 5 is used to provide power. Specifically, the entire railway tank car load automatic metering and detection device adopts an integrated design, with power supply unit 5 built-in. Power supply unit 5 uses a non-rechargeable, high-energy-density, and highly safe battery. The battery capacity meets the requirements of long-term use throughout the year or for several years, and can be replaced during the maintenance of the load container. It has a wide temperature range and can normally provide power under different climate conditions throughout my country throughout the year. Power supply unit 5 has no external power supply, communication, or other interfaces, and can be used in complex environments such as explosive gas environments.

[0027] The communication unit 2 is used to receive measurement parameters, basic information data and load measurement detection result data and send the received information data to external devices, back-end platforms and storage units 4.

[0028] The main control unit 3 is used to coordinate and control the sensor unit 1 , the communication unit 2 , the storage unit 4 and the power supply unit 5 .

[0029] As an alternative to the above embodiment, the sensor unit 1 includes a liquid level sensor 11 , an internal air temperature sensor 12 , an external atmospheric temperature sensor 13 , an internal air pressure sensor 14 , and an external atmospheric pressure sensor 15 .

[0030] As an optional solution to the above embodiment, the communication unit 2 is communicatively connected to the storage unit 4 via local communication; the communication unit 2 is communicatively connected to the external device and the back-end platform via remote communication; when the communication unit 2 fails to establish a communication connection with the external device or the back-end platform, the received information data is temporarily stored in the storage unit 4, and after the communication unit 2 restores the communication connection, it is transmitted to the external device or the back-end platform.

[0031] As an optional solution of the above embodiment, the basic information data includes vehicle number, volume table, total height inside the container, volume correction coefficient, air buoyancy correction coefficient and density table.

[0032] As an optional solution of the above embodiment, the load measurement detection result data includes the volume and mass of the liquid in the container.

[0033] As an alternative to the above embodiment, the liquid level sensor 11 is a non-contact liquid level sensor 11. The non-contact liquid level sensor 11 measures the empty height of the liquid in the container and directly calculates the actual height of the liquid in the container in combination with the total height data of the container stored in the storage unit 4.

[0034] Main control unit 3 periodically wakes up sensor unit 1 and controls liquid level sensor 11 to monitor the liquid level during loading and transportation. Main control unit 3 also controls internal air temperature sensor 12 and internal air pressure sensor 14 to monitor the temperature and pressure of dangerous goods during loading and transportation, identifying potential safety hazards and providing technical support for safe transportation.

[0035] An automatic metering and detection device for the loading capacity of a railway tank car in the present invention is arranged in a tank car or a tank container. The sensor unit 1 automatically measures the liquid level of the railway tank car in the container, the internal and external temperature of the container, and the internal and external pressure parameters of the container. There is no need for on-site operation by an operator, the work intensity is greatly reduced, and measurement errors introduced by human error are avoided. The data required for loading capacity metering and detection are stored in the device in an electronic manner, and data interaction is achieved in combination with the communication unit 2. The loading capacity metering can be completed quickly, avoiding the problem of miscopying, omission, and loss of paper records. The automatic metering and detection device for the loading capacity of a railway tank car can automatically measure the liquid level, temperature, pressure and other information of the railway tank car during the loading process, metering process and transportation process, and manage the railway tank car through information technology throughout the entire process, providing technical support for ensuring transportation safety, promoting trade fairness and justice, and promoting refined management of enterprises.

[0036] As an optional solution of the above embodiment, the main control unit 3 controls the sensor unit 1, the communication unit 2, the storage unit 4 and the power supply unit 5 to wake up from the sleep state periodically and execute according to the set workflow.

[0037] As an alternative to the above embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, setting the workflow includes: Step 1, the main control unit 3 wakes up at a fixed time; Step 2: The main control unit 3 starts the power supply unit 5, starts the sensor unit 1 to obtain measurement parameters, and starts the communication unit 2 to transmit the obtained measurement parameters to the storage unit 4 for storage via local communication; Step 3: The main control unit 3 reads the volume table in the storage unit 4 to obtain and calculate the volume of the liquid in the container at the current temperature; Step 4: The main control unit 3 reads the standard density of the liquid in the storage unit 4 and calculates the mass of the liquid in the container at 20° C. Step 5. The main control unit 3 forms a data packet by corresponding the volume and mass of the liquid in the container with the vehicle number of the vehicle carrying the current container, and starts the communication unit 2 to transmit the data packet to the storage unit 4, the external device and the back-end platform; specifically, when the communication unit 2 fails to establish a communication connection with the external device or the back-end platform, the received information data is temporarily stored in the storage unit 4, and after the communication unit 2 restores the communication connection, it is transmitted to the external device or the back-end platform.

[0038] Step 6: The main control unit 3 controls all units to enter a dormant state and wait for the next wake-up.

[0039] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic measuring and detecting device for the loading capacity of a railway tank car, characterized in that: It includes a sensor unit, a communication unit, a main control unit, a storage unit and a power supply unit that are electrically connected to each other; The sensor unit is used to obtain measurement parameters, including the actual height of the liquid level of the container, the air temperature inside the container, the atmospheric environment temperature outside the container, the air pressure inside the container, and the external atmospheric environment pressure outside the container; The storage unit is used to store load measurement calculation program, measurement parameters, basic information data and load measurement test result data; The power supply unit is used to provide power; The communication unit is used to receive measurement parameters, basic information data and load measurement test result data and send the received information data to the external device, the back-end platform and the storage unit; The main control unit is used to coordinate and control the sensor unit, the communication unit, the storage unit and the power supply unit.

2. The automatic measuring and detecting device for the loading capacity of a railway tank car according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The sensor unit includes a liquid level sensor, an internal air temperature sensor, an external atmospheric environment temperature sensor, an internal air pressure sensor, and an external atmospheric environment pressure sensor.

3. The automatic measuring and detecting device for the loading capacity of a railway tank car according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The communication unit is connected to the storage unit through local communication; the communication unit is connected to the external device and the back-end platform through remote communication; when the communication unit fails to establish a communication connection with the external device or the back-end platform, the received information data is temporarily stored in the storage unit, and after the communication unit restores the communication connection, it is transmitted to the external device or the back-end platform.

4. The automatic measuring and detecting device for the loading capacity of a railway tank car according to claim 2, characterized in that: The basic information data includes vehicle number, capacity table, total height inside the container, volume correction coefficient, air buoyancy correction coefficient and density table.

5. The automatic measuring and detecting device for the loading capacity of a railway tank car according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The load measurement test result data includes the volume and mass of the liquid in the container.

6. The automatic measuring and detecting device for the loading amount of a railway tank car according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid level sensor is a non-contact liquid level sensor.

7. The automatic measuring and detecting device for the loading amount of a railway tank car according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The power supply unit is designed to be built-in and is a non-rechargeable battery.

8. The automatic measuring and detecting device for the loading amount of a railway tank car according to claim 4 is characterized in that: The main control unit controls the sensor unit, the communication unit, the storage unit and the power supply unit to wake up from the sleep state periodically and execute according to the set workflow.

9. The automatic measuring and detecting device for the loading amount of a railway tank car according to claim 8, characterized in that: The setting workflow includes: Step 1: The main control unit wakes up at a scheduled time; Step 2: The main control unit starts the power supply unit function, starts the sensor unit to obtain measurement parameters, and starts the communication unit to transmit the obtained measurement parameters to the storage unit for storage through local communication; Step 3: The main control unit reads the volume table in the storage unit to obtain and calculate the volume of the liquid in the container at the current temperature; Step 4: The main control unit reads the standard density of the liquid in the storage unit and calculates the mass of the liquid in the container at 20°C; Step 5: The main control unit generates a data packet by matching the volume and mass of the liquid in the container with the vehicle number of the vehicle carrying the current container, and activates the communication unit to transmit the data packet to the storage unit, external device, and back-end platform; Step 6: The main control unit controls all units to enter a dormant state and wait for the next wake-up.

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