Tunnel water curtain flexible blocking system and method suitable for low-temperature environment

Abstract

The invention discloses a tunnel water curtain flexible blocking system and method suitable for a low-temperature environment. The tunnel water curtain flexible blocking system comprises a water supply unit, a detection unit, a control unit and a water curtain generation unit. The water supply unit comprises a pure water storage tank and an anti-freezing liquid storage tank; the detection unit comprises a temperature sensor used for detecting the environment temperature. The control unit is used for conveying pure water or an anti-freezing solution to the water curtain generation unit according to the starting instruction and the real-time environment temperature; and the water curtain generation unit generates a water curtain by using pure water or an anti-freezing solution. The low-temperature anti-freezing operation of the tunnel water curtain can be realized, and the operation stability and applicability are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tunnel water curtains, and specifically to a flexible water curtain barrier system and method suitable for low-temperature environments. Background Technology

[0002] The tunnel water curtain system is based on the principle of water curtain imaging. A high-pressure water pump sprays water onto a specially designed nozzle array, forming a uniform water curtain film. Combined with projection technology, a holographic three-dimensional image is projected onto the water curtain, achieving a flexible barrier against traffic. This system has advantages such as safety, environmental friendliness, and reusability, and has broad application prospects in tunnel traffic management.

[0003] However, since the freezing point of water is 0°C, the water in the water curtain system will freeze in low-temperature environments, causing nozzle blockage, pipe rupture, and equipment damage, thus rendering the entire system inoperable. In particular, some regions experience sub-zero temperatures year-round, with extreme low temperatures reaching below -30°C, making it impossible for existing flexible tunnel water curtain systems to operate normally in these areas.

[0004] Therefore, to solve the above problems, a new flexible barrier system and method for tunnel water curtain is needed, which can achieve low-temperature antifreeze operation of tunnel water curtain and improve the stability and applicability of operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this invention is to overcome the defects in the prior art and provide a flexible barrier system and method for tunnel water curtains suitable for low-temperature environments, which can realize the low-temperature antifreeze operation of tunnel water curtains and improve the stability and applicability of operation.

[0006] The present invention provides a flexible tunnel water curtain barrier system suitable for low-temperature environments, comprising a water supply unit, a detection unit, a control unit, and a water curtain generating unit;

[0007] The water supply unit includes a pure water storage tank and an antifreeze storage tank; the detection unit includes a temperature sensor for detecting ambient temperature; the control unit is used to supply pure water or antifreeze to the water curtain generating unit according to the start command and the real-time ambient temperature; the water curtain generating unit uses pure water or antifreeze to generate a water curtain.

[0008] Furthermore, the control unit includes a high-pressure water pump and a main control valve; the water curtain generating unit includes a water curtain generator;

[0009] The outlet of the pure water storage tank and the outlet of the antifreeze storage tank are connected to the inlet of the high-pressure water pump via a three-way solenoid valve; the outlet of the high-pressure water pump is connected to the inlet of the main control valve; and the outlet of the main control valve is connected to the water curtain generator.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes an automatic venting unit; the automatic venting unit includes a high-pressure jet switching valve and a venturi tube;

[0011] The inlet of the high-pressure jet flow switch valve is connected to the connecting pipeline between the high-pressure water pump and the main control valve; the outlet of the high-pressure jet flow switch valve is connected to the drive port of the venturi tube; the suction port of the venturi tube is connected to the outlet of the drain valve; and the inlet of the drain valve is connected to the connecting pipeline between the main control valve and the water curtain generator.

[0012] Furthermore, the vent valve is located at the lowest end of the connecting pipeline between the main control valve and the water curtain generator.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a blockage handling unit; the blockage handling unit includes a pressure sensor and a flow sensor installed on the connecting pipeline between the main control valve and the water curtain generator;

[0014] The control unit is also used to identify blockages based on pressure and flow rate, and to increase the water supply pressure by adjusting the operating power of the high-pressure water pump, thereby creating a high-pressure impact flow to flush away the blockages.

[0015] A control method for flexible barrier using the aforementioned tunnel water curtain flexible barrier system includes:

[0016] If the ambient temperature is greater than Upon receiving the start command, it enters pure water mode:

[0017] The high-pressure water pump draws only pure water from the pure water storage tank, allowing the pure water to enter the water curtain generator and thus form a water curtain.

[0018] If the ambient temperature is not greater than Upon receiving the start command, it enters antifreeze mode:

[0019] The high-pressure water pump only draws antifreeze from the antifreeze storage tank, allowing the antifreeze to enter the water curtain generator and thus form a water curtain.

[0020] If the ambient temperature drops to [a certain value] when running in pure water mode, [the situation is as follows]. The following operations will then be performed:

[0021] Close the main control valve and open the vent valve to connect the pipeline to the suction port of the venturi tube.

[0022] Open the high-pressure jet flow switch valve and use the high-pressure water pump to guide the high-pressure fluid to the drive port of the venturi tube;

[0023] The strong negative pressure generated at the suction port of the venturi tube draws all the residual pure water in the pipeline to the outlet end of the venturi tube, thus achieving the emptying operation.

[0024] After confirming that the venting is complete, close the high-pressure jet switch valve and the vent valve in sequence;

[0025] Then switch to antifreeze mode.

[0026] Furthermore, during operation in any mode, congestion is handled according to the following method:

[0027] After the initial commissioning or each fluid change, under stable operating conditions, record the normal flow rate Qb and pressure Pb at this time and set them as the healthy baseline.

[0028] During each startup operation, real-time flow rate Qr and real-time pressure Pr are continuously uploaded to the control unit;

[0029] If the following condition is met: Pr - Pb > Pb 15% and Qb-Qr>Qb If the percentage is 10%, it indicates a blockage in the pipes or nozzles.

[0030] Adjust the operating power of the high-pressure water pump to increase the water supply pressure, form a high-pressure impact flow, maintain high-pressure flushing for several seconds to tens of seconds, and use water power to flush away the blockage;

[0031] Monitor the flow and pressure again. If they return to normal, record the event and continue operation in mode. If the blockage persists, repeat the above process and issue a maintenance alarm signal.

[0032] Furthermore, if the preset time has elapsed or the humidity in the pipeline has decreased below the threshold, then the purging process is confirmed to be complete.

[0033] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention discloses a flexible tunnel water curtain barrier system and method suitable for low-temperature environments. It employs a dual-tank structure, combined with intelligent switching control and antifreeze ratio, flexibly switching between pure water and antifreeze modes based on real-time temperature and environmental patterns to ensure stable operation under extreme low-temperature conditions. Through integrated Venturi tube negative pressure venting, residual liquid in the pipeline is thoroughly removed after mode switching, fundamentally eliminating the risk of freezing. Simultaneously, through nozzle blockage diagnosis based on real-time flow and pressure monitoring, abnormalities are automatically identified and adaptive high-pressure flushing is triggered, effectively ensuring smooth nozzle flow and long-term system reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water curtain flexible barrier system of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, as shown in the figures:

[0037] This embodiment discloses a flexible water curtain barrier system for tunnels suitable for low-temperature environments, including a water supply unit, a detection unit, a control unit, and a water curtain generating unit;

[0038] The water supply unit includes a pure water storage tank and an antifreeze storage tank; the detection unit includes a temperature sensor for detecting ambient temperature; the control unit is used to supply pure water or antifreeze to the water curtain generating unit according to the start command and the real-time ambient temperature; the water curtain generating unit uses pure water or antifreeze to generate a water curtain.

[0039] This invention adopts a dual-tank design (pure water tank and antifreeze tank) and integrates an intelligent flexible barrier system driven by ambient temperature, seasonal patterns, and task modes. It can automatically and seamlessly switch between pure water mode and antifreeze mode according to the external environment and internal instructions, ensuring absolute safety under extreme low temperatures while also taking into account the functionality and applicability of daily drills and emergency control. It achieves the application needs of summer (using pure water) and winter (using antifreeze) as well as the convenience of function switching.

[0040] In this embodiment, the control unit includes a high-pressure water pump and a main control valve; the water curtain generating unit includes a water curtain generator; wherein, in order to achieve the water curtain effect, the water curtain generating unit also includes a projector for projection, which will not be described in detail here.

[0041] The outlets of the pure water storage tank and the antifreeze storage tank are connected to the inlet of the high-pressure water pump via a three-way solenoid valve; the outlet of the high-pressure water pump is connected to the inlet of the main control valve; and the outlet of the main control valve is connected to the water curtain generator. The three-way solenoid valve is an inlet / outlet solenoid valve, allowing switching between different channels by energizing or de-energizing it.

[0042] The three-way solenoid valve enables optional connection of the outlet of the pure water tank and the antifreeze tank to the high-pressure water pump, making the switching between different liquid supply modes simpler and more efficient; the high-pressure water pump provides stable power, ensuring that pure water or antifreeze can be delivered quickly and stably under different environmental conditions; the setting of the main control valve further improves the safety and controllability of the system operation.

[0043] In this embodiment, an automatic venting unit is also included; the automatic venting unit includes a high-pressure jet switching valve and a venturi tube;

[0044] The inlet of the high-pressure jet flow switch valve is connected to the connecting pipeline between the high-pressure water pump and the main control valve; the outlet of the high-pressure jet flow switch valve is connected to the drive port of the venturi tube; the suction port of the venturi tube is connected to the outlet of the drain valve; and the inlet of the drain valve is connected to the connecting pipeline between the main control valve and the water curtain generator.

[0045] An automatic venting unit was constructed by introducing a high-pressure jet flow switching valve and a venturi tube between the high-pressure water pump and the main control valve. Utilizing the strong negative pressure generated by the venturi tube under high-pressure flow, residual liquid in the pipeline can be efficiently sucked out and discharged through the venting valve, thus preventing residual liquid retention after switching between pure water mode and antifreeze mode. This design not only effectively eliminates pipeline damage caused by freezing but also improves the system's stability and long-term reliability under extreme low-temperature conditions, ensuring the safe operation and applicability of the water curtain system.

[0046] In this embodiment, the drain valve is located at the lowest end of the connecting pipeline between the main control valve and the water curtain generator. By placing the drain valve at the lowest end of the pipeline between the main control valve and the water curtain generator, residual liquid can be collected and discharged in a timely manner at the lowest point, ensuring that no liquid remains inside the pipeline. This design is simple in structure, drains thoroughly, and can further effectively avoid damage caused by residual water freezing.

[0047] In this embodiment, a blockage handling unit is also included; the blockage handling unit includes a pressure sensor and a flow sensor disposed on the connecting pipeline between the main control valve and the water curtain generator; the pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure on the pipeline, and the flow sensor is used to detect the flow rate on the pipeline;

[0048] The control unit is also used to identify blockages based on pressure and flow rate, and to increase the water supply pressure by adjusting the operating power of the high-pressure water pump, thereby creating a high-pressure impact flow to flush away the blockages.

[0049] By installing pressure and flow sensors on the pipeline between the main control valve and the water curtain generator, real-time monitoring of the water supply status is achieved, enabling rapid identification of abnormal operating conditions such as nozzle or pipeline blockage. Upon detecting a blockage, the control unit intelligently adjusts the operating power of the high-pressure water pump, instantly increasing the water supply pressure to create a high-pressure impact flow that flushes and removes the blockage. This design achieves automatic blockage diagnosis and self-cleaning functions, effectively reducing manual maintenance, ensuring the continuity and stability of the water curtain spray, and further improving the system's intelligence level and long-term reliability.

[0050] The present invention also relates to a control method for flexible barrier using the tunnel water curtain flexible barrier system described in the above embodiments, comprising:

[0051] If the ambient temperature is greater than 4°C and a start command is received, the system will enter pure water mode.

[0052] The high-pressure water pump only draws pure water from the pure water storage tank, allowing the pure water to enter the water curtain generator and thus form a water curtain; the start-up commands include drill and emergency start-up commands.

[0053] If the ambient temperature is no higher than 4°C and a start command is received, the system will enter antifreeze mode.

[0054] The high-pressure water pump only draws antifreeze from the antifreeze storage tank, allowing the antifreeze to enter the water curtain generator and thus form a water curtain.

[0055] In pure water mode, the ambient temperature is monitored in real time. If the ambient temperature drops below 0°C, the following actions are taken:

[0056] Close the main control valve and open the vent valve to connect the pipeline to the suction port of the venturi tube.

[0057] Open the high-pressure jet flow switch valve and use the high-pressure water pump to bring the high-pressure fluid (pure water) to the drive port of the venturi tube;

[0058] The strong negative pressure generated at the suction port of the Venturi tube draws all the residual pure water in the pipeline to the outlet end of the Venturi tube, thus achieving the emptying operation; a collection tank can be installed at the outlet end to collect the liquid.

[0059] After confirming that the purging is complete, close the high-pressure jet valve and the purging valve in sequence; then enter antifreeze mode. The purging is considered complete if a preset time has elapsed or the humidity in the pipeline drops below a threshold. The preset time and humidity threshold can be set according to actual operating conditions, and will not be elaborated further here. By introducing a dual determination mechanism of preset time and humidity threshold, it is possible to more accurately confirm whether there is absolutely no liquid residue in the pipeline after the purging operation, avoiding pipeline rupture or nozzle blockage caused by residual liquid freezing, and improving the reliability and adaptability of the purging judgment.

[0060] By introducing a venturi tube negative pressure evacuation system as a crucial antifreeze feature, the industry-wide problem of traditional gravity evacuation or electric heating methods failing to completely drain stagnant water from low points and ends of pipelines has been completely solved. Before and after switching between pure water and antifreeze modes, it actively generates negative pressure, acting like a "straw" to completely evacuate residual liquid from the pipeline network, fundamentally eliminating the risk of pipeline cracking due to residual liquid freezing.

[0061] In this embodiment, during operation in any mode, congestion is handled according to the following method:

[0062] After the initial commissioning or each fluid change, under stable operating conditions, record the normal flow rate Qb and pressure Pb at this time and set them as the healthy baseline.

[0063] During each startup operation, real-time flow rate Qr and real-time pressure Pr are continuously uploaded to the control unit;

[0064] If the following condition is met: Pr - Pb > Pb 15% and Qb-Qr>Qb If the percentage is 10%, it indicates a blockage in the pipes or nozzles.

[0065] Adjust the operating power of the high-pressure water pump to increase the water supply pressure, form a high-pressure impact flow, maintain high-pressure flushing for several seconds to tens of seconds, and use water power to flush away the blockage;

[0066] Monitor the flow and pressure again. If they return to normal, record the event and continue operation in mode. If the blockage persists, repeat the above process and issue a maintenance alarm signal.

[0067] Intelligent diagnosis of pipe and nozzle blockage is achieved by introducing a baseline comparison method. After initial commissioning or fluid replacement, the system establishes a healthy baseline for flow and pressure. During subsequent operation, real-time flow and pressure data are continuously collected and compared with the baseline. When a significant deviation is detected, the blockage situation can be accurately determined. Upon identifying the anomaly, the control unit automatically increases the power of the high-pressure water pump, briefly creating a high-pressure impact flow to flush away and remove the blockage. After flushing, the data is checked again to confirm the effectiveness.

[0068] If the blockage is cleared, the system can record and resume normal operation; if the problem persists, it will repeat flushing and issue a maintenance alarm in a timely manner. This solution enables rapid diagnosis and self-repair of blockages, reduces manual inspection and maintenance intervention, and significantly improves the long-term stability and reliability of the system in complex environments.

[0069] Finally, after the pure water mode or antifreeze mode operation ends, the system shuts down the pumps and valves in use according to the preset program, resets to the standby monitoring state, and the control unit records and stores the data such as the mode, duration, diagnostic events, and alarm information of this operation to form an operation and maintenance log.

[0070] It should be noted that the control unit includes a controller; among them, the switching or starting / stopping of devices such as three-way solenoid valves, high-pressure water pumps, main control valves, vent valves, and high-pressure jet flow switching valves can all be controlled by a controller (such as a PLC, microcontroller, or industrial computer). Specifically, for solenoid valves (three-way solenoid valves, main control valves, vent valves, and high-pressure jet flow switching valves), as long as a corresponding electrical signal (such as DC or AC) is provided, the electromagnet will actuate to open or close; for high-pressure water pumps, starting / stopping or pressure regulation is achieved through contactors or frequency converters. Through the above control, the entire flexible barrier's automated operation is realized, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0071] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible water curtain barrier system for tunnels in low-temperature environments, characterized in that: It includes a water supply unit, a detection unit, a control unit, and a water curtain generating unit; The water supply unit includes a pure water storage tank and an antifreeze storage tank; the detection unit includes a temperature sensor for detecting ambient temperature; the control unit is used to supply pure water or antifreeze to the water curtain generating unit according to the start command and the real-time ambient temperature; the water curtain generating unit uses pure water or antifreeze to generate a water curtain.

2. The flexible water curtain barrier system for tunnels in low-temperature environments according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit includes a high-pressure water pump and a main control valve; the water curtain generating unit includes a water curtain generator. The outlet of the pure water storage tank and the outlet of the antifreeze storage tank are connected to the inlet of the high-pressure water pump via a three-way solenoid valve; the outlet of the high-pressure water pump is connected to the inlet of the main control valve; and the outlet of the main control valve is connected to the water curtain generator.

3. The flexible water curtain barrier system for tunnels in low-temperature environments according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes an automatic venting unit; the automatic venting unit includes a high-pressure jet switching valve and a venturi tube; The inlet of the high-pressure jet flow switch valve is connected to the connecting pipeline between the high-pressure water pump and the main control valve; the outlet of the high-pressure jet flow switch valve is connected to the drive port of the venturi tube; the suction port of the venturi tube is connected to the outlet of the drain valve; and the inlet of the drain valve is connected to the connecting pipeline between the main control valve and the water curtain generator.

4. The flexible water curtain barrier system for tunnels in low-temperature environments according to claim 3, characterized in that: The drain valve is located at the lowest end of the connecting pipeline between the main control valve and the water curtain generator.

5. The flexible water curtain barrier system for tunnels in low-temperature environments according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a blockage handling unit; the blockage handling unit includes a pressure sensor and a flow sensor installed on the connecting pipeline between the main control valve and the water curtain generator; The control unit is also used to identify blockages based on pressure and flow rate, and to increase the water supply pressure by adjusting the operating power of the high-pressure water pump, thereby creating a high-pressure impact flow to flush away the blockages.

6. A control method for flexible barrier using the tunnel water curtain flexible barrier system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: include: If the ambient temperature is greater than Upon receiving the start command, it enters pure water mode: The high-pressure water pump draws only pure water from the pure water storage tank, allowing the pure water to enter the water curtain generator and thus form a water curtain. If the ambient temperature is not greater than Upon receiving the start command, it enters antifreeze mode: The high-pressure water pump only draws antifreeze from the antifreeze storage tank, allowing the antifreeze to enter the water curtain generator and thus form a water curtain. If the ambient temperature drops to [a certain value] when running in pure water mode, [the situation is as follows]. The following operations will then be performed: Close the main control valve and open the vent valve to connect the pipeline to the suction port of the venturi tube. Open the high-pressure jet flow switch valve and use the high-pressure water pump to guide the high-pressure fluid to the drive port of the venturi tube; The strong negative pressure generated at the suction port of the venturi tube draws all the residual pure water in the pipeline to the outlet end of the venturi tube, thus achieving the emptying operation. After confirming that the venting is complete, close the high-pressure jet switch valve and the vent valve in sequence; Then switch to antifreeze mode.

7. The flexible water curtain barrier method for tunnels in low-temperature environments according to claim 6, characterized in that: During operation in any mode, congestion is handled as follows: After the initial commissioning or each fluid change, under stable operating conditions, record the normal flow rate Qb and pressure Pb at this time and set them as the healthy baseline. During each startup operation, real-time flow rate Qr and real-time pressure Pr are continuously uploaded to the control unit; If the following condition is met: Pr - Pb > Pb 15% and Qb-Qr>Qb If the percentage is 10%, it indicates a blockage in the pipes or nozzles. Adjust the operating power of the high-pressure water pump to increase the water supply pressure, form a high-pressure impact flow, maintain high-pressure flushing for several seconds to tens of seconds, and use water power to flush away the blockage; Monitor the flow and pressure again. If they return to normal, record the event and continue operation in mode. If the blockage persists, repeat the above process and issue a maintenance alarm signal.

8. The flexible water curtain barrier method for tunnels in low-temperature environments according to claim 6, characterized in that: If the preset time has elapsed or the humidity in the pipeline has decreased below the threshold, then the purging process is confirmed to be complete.

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