Pipeline compensator, ship desulfurization system and ship

Abstract

The invention provides a pipeline compensator, a ship desulfurization system and a ship. The pipeline compensator comprises a water sealing pipe and an upper connecting pipe. The water sealing pipe comprises a first flange part, an inner pipe part, an outer pipe part and an annular sealing part. The first flange part is located at one end of the water sealing pipe. The outer pipe part is arranged outside the inner pipe part in a sleeving mode. The outer tube portion is spaced apart from the inner tube portion. The annular sealing part is connected between the outer pipe part and the inner pipe part. And the inner pipe part, the outer pipe part and the annular sealing part are enclosed to form a water seal tank. And the notch of the water seal tank is back to the first flange part. The upper connecting pipe comprises a pipe body and a second flange part. The second flange portion is connected to one end of the pipe body. The second flange part is suitable for being connected to an external pipe. In the assembled state that the upper connecting pipe is assembled to the water sealing pipe, the end, away from the second flange part, of the pipe body is located in the water sealing groove, the pipe body is separated from the annular sealing part, and the pipe body is separated from the inner pipe part and the outer pipe part. According to the invention, pipeline compensation is carried out in a self-adaptive manner according to the expansion deformation of the desulfurization tower.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the technical field of ship exhaust gas treatment, and more specifically to a pipeline compensator, a ship desulfurization system, and a ship. Background Technology

[0002] Ships, as vital maritime transport vehicles, have facilitated global trade, but have also generated substantial emissions of air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). These emissions not only negatively impact air quality but also pose potential threats to human health and the environment. In 2015, the IMO formally adopted amendments to the MARPOL Convention, setting a global sulfur limit of 0.50% by 2020 and specifying a limit of 0.10% for Emission Control Areas (ECAs). Therefore, the shipping industry needs to take effective measures to reduce emissions to meet environmental regulations.

[0003] Ships primarily employ wet desulfurization (WDS) technology, which includes three types: separate, closed, and hybrid. The emission mode is automatically adjusted according to the navigation area. Ships using wet WDS require the installation of desulfurization towers. When a ship enters an area where the discharge of desulfurization wastewater is prohibited, the water spraying inside the desulfurization tower stops. At this time, the tower temperature rises, causing thermal expansion. Corrugated pipes are commonly used as compensators for pipeline deformation due to temperature changes. However, when a ship enters an area where the discharge of desulfurization wastewater is permitted, the water spraying inside the desulfurization tower resumes. The sulfur dioxide in the flue gas reacts with the water to produce an acidic liquid, causing the corrugated pipes to corrode in this acidic environment. Simultaneously, because the corrugated pipe walls are very thin, the repeated dimensional changes required to accommodate pipeline deformation accelerate the corrosion of the corrugated pipe walls.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide a pipeline compensator, a marine desulfurization system, and a vessel to at least partially solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The summary section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This summary section is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0006] To at least partially solve the above problems, a first aspect of this disclosure provides a pipeline compensator for a ship desulfurization system, the pipeline compensator comprising: A water seal pipe extends along a first extending direction. The water seal pipe includes a first flange, an inner pipe, an outer pipe, and an annular sealing portion. The first flange is located at one end of the water seal pipe and is used to connect to the outlet of the desulfurization tower. The outer pipe is sleeved outside the inner pipe and the outer pipe is spaced apart from the inner pipe in a direction perpendicular to the first extending direction. The annular sealing portion connects the outer pipe and the inner pipe. The inner pipe, the outer pipe, and the annular sealing portion together form a water seal groove suitable for containing liquid. The opening of the water seal groove faces away from the first flange. The upper nozzle includes a pipe body and a second flange. The pipe body extends along a second extending direction, and the second flange is connected to one end of the pipe body. The second flange is adapted to connect to an outer nozzle, and the upper nozzle is adapted to connect to the hull structure. In the assembled state where the upper pipe is assembled to the water seal pipe, the first extension direction is consistent with the second extension direction, the end of the pipe body away from the second flange is located in the water seal groove, the pipe body is spaced apart from the annular sealing part along the first extension direction, and the pipe body is spaced apart from the inner pipe part and the outer pipe part respectively along a direction perpendicular to the first extension direction.

[0007] According to the pipeline compensator of the first aspect of this disclosure, when applied to a ship desulfurization system, by injecting a liquid such as water into the water seal tank and ensuring the liquid level is higher than the lower end face of the upper connecting pipe, leakage of flue gas from between the upper connecting pipe and the water seal pipe can be prevented, thus achieving the purpose of water sealing. When the desulfurization tower expands due to heat, the outer connecting pipe body is spaced apart from the inner and outer pipe sections, allowing it to accommodate radial deformation along the outlet of the desulfurization tower. Because the outer pipe body is spaced apart from the annular sealing section, the water seal pipe has sufficient space to move axially with the desulfurization tower, thereby accommodating axial deformation of the outlet of the desulfurization tower. Specifically, when a ship enters an area where the discharge of desulfurization wastewater is prohibited, water spraying stops in the desulfurization tower. At this time, the temperature of the desulfurization tower rises, and the desulfurization tower expands upward. Due to the gap between the annular sealing section of the water seal pipe and the upper connecting pipe, the water seal pipe is allowed to expand axially with the desulfurization tower, thus providing compensation. Compared to technical solutions using corrugated pipes as pipeline compensators, the pipeline compensator in this technical solution is less prone to fatigue damage due to repeated expansion and deformation of the desulfurization tower. It is also suitable for enhancing corrosion resistance by increasing wall thickness, thereby extending its service life. Furthermore, the pipeline compensator disclosed herein has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, and helps reduce costs.

[0008] Optionally, the distance between the end of the inner tube portion away from the first flange portion and the first flange portion is less than the distance between the end of the outer tube portion away from the first flange portion and the first flange portion.

[0009] Optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the upper connecting pipe is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the water seal pipe; and / or The inner tube is parallel to the outer tube.

[0010] Optionally, along the first extending direction, the inner tube portion, the outer tube portion, and the annular sealing portion are all spaced apart from the first flange portion; The water seal pipe also includes a connecting pipe section, which is connected between the annular sealing section and the first flange section.

[0011] Optionally, the connecting pipe portion is configured as a tubular structure extending from the inner pipe portion along the first extending direction to the first flange portion.

[0012] Optionally, the pipe body includes a first pipe segment, a transition pipe segment, and a second pipe segment arranged sequentially along the second extending direction. The first pipe segment is connected to the second pipe segment through the transition pipe segment. The second flange is connected to the end of the first pipe segment away from the second pipe segment. In a plane perpendicular to the second extending direction, the orthographic projection of the first pipe segment is located inside the orthographic projection of the second pipe segment. In the assembled state where the upper pipe is assembled to the water seal pipe, at least a portion of the second pipe section is located in the water seal trough.

[0013] Optionally, in the assembled state where the upper connecting pipe is assembled to the water seal pipe, in a plane perpendicular to the first extension direction, the orthographic projection of the first pipe segment coincides with the orthographic projection of the inner pipe portion; and / or The first pipe segment is parallel to the second pipe segment.

[0014] Optionally, the upper pipe also includes a pipe support located outside the pipe body, the pipe support being connected to the pipe body and adapted to be connected to the hull structure.

[0015] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a ship desulfurization system, the ship desulfurization system comprising: The aforementioned pipeline compensator; A liquid level sensor is provided, corresponding to the water seal tank, for detecting the liquid level value of the water seal tank; A liquid storage container for storing a liquid suitable for replenishing the water seal tank; An electric valve, which is connected to the liquid storage container and the water seal tank via a pipeline; A controller, communicatively connected to the level sensor and the electric valve, is configured to control the opening and closing state of the electric valve based on the level value detected by the level sensor.

[0016] According to the ship desulfurization system of the second aspect of this disclosure, by applying the aforementioned pipeline compensator, the compensation requirements for thermal expansion and deformation of the desulfurization tower can be met. A liquid level sensor can be installed to monitor the liquid level in the water seal tank. The controller can automatically control the opening or closing of the electric valve based on the liquid level value monitored by the liquid level sensor. When the electric valve is open, the storage container can supply liquid to the water seal tank. When the electric valve is closed, the storage container stops supplying liquid to the water seal tank. Therefore, by employing the above-mentioned technical means, the purpose of automatic liquid replenishment to the water seal tank can be achieved, meeting the requirements of intelligent control.

[0017] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a vessel, said vessel comprising: A desulfurization tower having an outlet and an outlet flange corresponding to the outlet; A hull structure, a portion of which is located above the desulfurization tower; External takeover; and In the aforementioned pipeline compensator or the aforementioned ship desulfurization system, the water seal pipe is located above the desulfurization tower, the first flange is connected to the outlet flange, the second flange is connected to one end of the external pipe, and the pipeline support is connected to the hull structure.

[0018] According to the third aspect of this disclosure, the ship, by applying the aforementioned pipeline compensator, can meet the pipeline compensation requirements for thermal expansion and deformation of the desulfurization tower. By applying the aforementioned ship desulfurization system, not only can the pipeline compensation requirements for thermal expansion and deformation of the desulfurization tower be met, but also automated fluid replenishment of the pipeline compensator can be achieved, which is beneficial to improving the ship's ability to maintain stable and reliable operation over a longer period. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The following drawings, which illustrate embodiments of this disclosure, are incorporated herein by reference as part of this disclosure and are used to understand this disclosure. The drawings show embodiments of this disclosure and their descriptions, serving to explain the principles of this disclosure. In the drawings, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a pipeline compensator and a desulfurization tower in an assembled state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, schematically showing a portion of the desulfurization tower outlet. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a top view of the pipeline compensator and desulfurization tower in their assembled state. Figure 3 For along Figure 2 The sectional view cut by line AA in the middle; Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of the pipeline compensator and desulfurization tower in their assembled state; and Figure 5 This is a connection diagram of the controller, electric valve, liquid level sensor, liquid storage container, and water seal pipe.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 110: Pipeline compensator 120: Water seal pipe 121: First flange section 122: Internal Affairs Department 123: Ministry of Foreign Affairs 124: Annular sealing part 125: Water seal tank 126: Connecting pipe section 127: Water Supply Connection Department 130: Take over 131: Tube body 131a: First pipe section 131b: Transition section 131c: Second pipe section 132: Second flange section 133: Pipe support 140: Liquid level sensor 150: Electric valve 160: Controller 170: Desulfurization tower 171: Export flange 180: Liquid storage container D1: First extension direction D2: Second extension direction Detailed Implementation

[0021] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of this disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of this disclosure may be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described to avoid confusion with embodiments of this disclosure.

[0022] To fully understand the embodiments of this disclosure, a detailed structure will be presented in the following description. It is obvious that the implementation of the embodiments of this disclosure is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0023] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is intended only to describe particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. When the terms “comprising” and / or “including” are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0024] Ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” used in this disclosure are merely identifiers and have no other meaning, such as a specific order. Furthermore, for example, the term “first component” does not imply the existence of a “second component,” nor does the term “second component” imply the existence of a “first component.” It should be noted that the terms “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” and similar expressions used in this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0025] The terms “center,” “parallel,” “perpendicular,” “aligned,” and “symmetrical” used in this disclosure are not necessarily precise, but may include typical engineering tolerances.

[0026] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate representative embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0027] Ships, as vital maritime transport vehicles, have facilitated global trade, but have also generated substantial emissions of air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). These emissions not only negatively impact air quality but also pose potential threats to human health and the environment. In 2015, the IMO formally adopted amendments to the MARPOL Convention, setting a global sulfur limit of 0.50% by 2020 and specifying a limit of 0.10% for Emission Control Areas (ECAs). Therefore, the shipping industry needs to take effective measures to reduce emissions to meet environmental regulations.

[0028] Ships primarily employ wet desulfurization (WDS) technology, which includes three types: separate, closed, and hybrid. The emission mode is automatically adjusted according to the navigation area. Ships using wet WDS require the installation of desulfurization towers. When a ship enters an area where the discharge of desulfurization wastewater is prohibited, the water spraying inside the desulfurization tower stops. At this time, the tower temperature rises, causing thermal expansion. Corrugated pipes are commonly used as compensators for pipeline deformation due to temperature changes. However, when a ship enters an area where the discharge of desulfurization wastewater is permitted, the water spraying inside the desulfurization tower resumes, resulting in the introduction of large amounts of seawater or alkaline scrubbing water into the flue gas. The sulfur dioxide in the flue gas reacts with the water to produce an acidic liquid, placing the corrugated pipes in an acidic environment. Simultaneously, due to the very thin wall of the corrugated pipe, the repeated changes in its axial and radial dimensions to accommodate pipeline deformation accelerate corrosion of the pipe wall, leading to short-term pipe wall penetration and posing a significant risk to ship operation.

[0029] To meet the compensation requirements for pipeline deformation in the desulfurization system while avoiding the risks of corrosion, a pipeline compensation structure that combines pipeline compensation, acid corrosion resistance, seawater resistance, and high temperature resistance is needed.

[0030] Against this backdrop, this disclosure proposes a water-seal-based pipeline compensator solution to at least partially address the aforementioned problems. This disclosure provides a pipeline compensator, a marine desulfurization system, and a vessel. See below for further details. Figures 1 to 5 The examples shown provide a detailed description of a pipeline compensator, a marine desulfurization system, and a ship according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0031] See Figures 1 to 4 This disclosure provides a pipeline compensator 110. The pipeline compensator 110 is used in a marine desulfurization system. The pipeline compensator 110 includes a water seal pipe 120 and an upper connecting pipe 130.

[0032] A water seal pipe 120 extends along a first extending direction D1. The water seal pipe 120 includes a first flange portion 121, an inner pipe portion 122, an outer pipe portion 123, and an annular sealing portion 124. The first flange portion 121 is located at one end of the water seal pipe 120. The first flange portion 121 is used to connect to the outlet of the desulfurization tower 170. The outer pipe portion 123 is fitted over the inner pipe portion 122, and the outer pipe portion 123 and the inner pipe portion 122 are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the first extending direction D1. The annular sealing portion 124 connects the outer pipe portion 123 and the inner pipe portion 122. The inner pipe portion 122, the outer pipe portion 123, and the annular sealing portion 124 enclose a water seal tank 125 suitable for containing liquid. The opening of the water seal tank 125 faces away from the first flange portion 121.

[0033] The upper nozzle 130 includes a pipe body 131 and a second flange 132. The pipe body 131 extends along a second extending direction D2. The second flange 132 is connected to one end of the pipe body 131. The second flange 132 is adapted to connect to an outer nozzle. The upper nozzle 130 is adapted to connect to the hull structure.

[0034] In the assembled state where the upper pipe 130 is assembled to the water seal pipe 120, the first extension direction D1 is consistent with the second extension direction D2, the end of the pipe body 131 away from the second flange 132 is located in the water seal groove 125, the pipe body 131 is spaced apart from the annular sealing part 124 along the first extension direction D1, and the pipe body 131 is spaced apart from the inner pipe part 122 and the outer pipe part 123 respectively along the direction perpendicular to the first extension direction D1.

[0035] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the pipeline compensator 110, when applied to a ship desulfurization system, prevents flue gas from leaking outward between the upper pipe 130 and the water seal pipe 120 by injecting a liquid such as water into the water seal tank 125 and ensuring the liquid level is higher than the lower end face of the upper pipe 130, thus achieving the purpose of water sealing. When the desulfurization tower 170 expands due to heat, since the pipe body 131 of the outer pipe is spaced apart from the inner pipe portion 122 and the outer pipe portion 123 respectively, it can adapt to the deformation in the radial direction of the outlet portion of the desulfurization tower 170. Since the pipe body 131 of the outer pipe portion 123 is spaced apart from the annular sealing portion 124, the water seal pipe 120 has corresponding movement space when it moves with the axial deformation of the desulfurization tower 170, thereby adapting to the axial deformation of the outlet portion of the desulfurization tower 170. Specifically, when a ship enters an area where the discharge of desulfurization wastewater is prohibited, water spraying stops inside the desulfurization tower 170. At this time, the temperature of the desulfurization tower 170 rises, and the tower expands upward. Due to the gap between the annular sealing part 124 of the water seal pipe 120 and the upper connecting pipe 130, the water seal pipe 120 is allowed to expand axially along the desulfurization tower 170, thus providing compensation. Compared with the technical solution using a corrugated pipe as the pipeline compensator 110, the pipeline compensator 110 in this technical solution can adaptively compensate for the expansion and deformation of the desulfurization tower 170, and is less prone to fatigue damage due to repeated expansion and deformation of the tower 170. Furthermore, the pipeline compensator 110 of this disclosure is also suitable for enhancing corrosion resistance by increasing the wall thickness, thereby extending its service life. Moreover, the pipeline compensator 110 of this disclosure has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, and helps reduce costs.

[0036] See Figure 3In some embodiments, the distance between the end of the inner pipe 122 away from the first flange 121 and the first flange 121 is less than the distance between the end of the outer pipe 123 away from the first flange 121 and the first flange 121. When the pipeline compensator 110 is not in operation, because the pressure inside the water seal pipe 120 is balanced or nearly balanced with the external atmospheric pressure, the liquid level inside the upper connecting pipe 130 in the water seal tank 125 is the same as the liquid level outside the upper connecting pipe 130 in the water seal tank 125. When the pipeline compensator 110 is in operation, because the pressure inside the water seal pipe 120 is greater than the external pressure, the liquid level inside the upper connecting pipe 130 in the water seal tank 125 will be lower than the liquid level outside the upper connecting pipe 130. By adopting this technical means, the requirement of higher liquid levels on the outside and lower liquid levels on the inside of the upper connecting pipe 130 during operation can be met, thereby further improving the water seal effect.

[0037] See Figure 2 In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the upper pipe 130 is the same as that of the water seal pipe 120. This helps to maintain the consistency of the gaps between the upper pipe 130 and the water seal pipe 120, thereby improving the consistency of the water seal effect.

[0038] Optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the upper pipe 130 and the cross-sectional shape of the water seal pipe 120 are both circular.

[0039] Optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the upper pipe 130 and the cross-sectional shape of the water seal pipe 120 are both square.

[0040] Optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the upper pipe 130 and the cross-sectional shape of the water seal pipe 120 are both shapes other than circular and square.

[0041] In some embodiments, the inner tube portion 122 is parallel to the outer tube portion 123. This arrangement simplifies the structure of the water seal pipe 120 and further reduces manufacturing difficulty.

[0042] Optionally, both the inner tube 122 and the outer tube 123 are tubular structures that extend in a straight line and have a constant or substantially constant cross-sectional area.

[0043] In some other embodiments, the inner tube portion 122 may not be parallel to the outer tube portion 123. The inner tube portion 122 and the outer tube portion 123 may also have different shapes. For example, the inner tube portion 122 may be constructed as a tubular structure extending in a straight line with a constant cross-sectional area, while the outer tube portion 123 may be constructed as a tubular structure with a varying cross-section.

[0044] See Figure 3In some embodiments, along the first extending direction D1, the inner pipe portion 122, the outer pipe portion 123, and the annular sealing portion 124 are all spaced apart from the first flange portion 121. The water seal pipe 120 also includes a connecting pipe portion 126. The connecting pipe portion 126 connects the annular sealing portion 124 and the first flange portion 121. By providing the connecting pipe portion 126, the distance between the assembly of the inner pipe portion 122, the outer pipe portion 123, and the annular sealing portion 124 and the first flange portion 121 along the first extending direction D1 can be increased, thereby increasing the operating space required for the first flange portion 121 during assembly, and thus improving the flexibility and assembly efficiency of the water seal pipe 120 in the desulfurization tower 170.

[0045] Continue reading Figure 3 Furthermore, the connecting pipe portion 126 is configured as a tubular structure extending from the inner pipe portion 122 along the first extending direction D1 to the first flange portion 121. In other words, in a plane perpendicular to the first extending direction D1, the orthographic projection of the connecting pipe portion 126 coincides with the orthographic projection of the inner pipe portion 122. This improves the integrity of the connecting pipe portion 126 and the inner pipe portion 122, facilitates the design of the inner surface of the connecting pipe portion 126 and the inner surface of the inner pipe portion 122 to be flush, thereby maintaining the consistency of flow resistance in various parts of the water seal pipe 120, and also helps to prevent or reduce the deposition of solid particles such as soot on the inner surface of the water seal pipe 120.

[0046] See Figure 3 In some embodiments, the pipe body 131 includes a first pipe section 131a, a transition pipe section 131b, and a second pipe section 131c arranged sequentially along a second extension direction D2. The first pipe section 131a is connected to the second pipe section 131c via the transition pipe section 131b. A second flange 132 is connected to the end of the first pipe section 131a away from the second pipe section 131c. In a plane perpendicular to the second extension direction D2, the orthographic projection of the first pipe section 131a is located inside the orthographic projection of the second pipe section 131c. In the assembled state where the upper pipe 130 is assembled to the water seal pipe 120, at least a portion of the second pipe section 131c is located in the water seal groove 125. This arrangement helps to reduce the difference in cross-sectional area between the inner pipe section 122 and the first pipe section 131a, thereby reducing the flow resistance difference between the inner pipe section 122 and the first pipe section 131a, and thus improving the smoothness of flue gas flow through the pipeline compensator 110.

[0047] Optionally, with the upper pipe 130 assembled to the water seal pipe 120, in a plane perpendicular to the first extension direction D1, the orthographic projection of the first pipe segment 131a coincides with the orthographic projection of the inner pipe section 122. In other words, the cross-sectional area and cross-sectional shape of the first pipe segment 131a are consistent with those of the inner pipe section 122. When both the first pipe segment 131a and the inner pipe section 122 have circular cross-sectional shapes, the inner diameter of the first pipe segment 131a is the same as the inner diameter of the inner pipe section 122. This helps to maintain consistent flow resistance between the first pipe segment 131a and the inner pipe section 122, thereby hindering flue gas flow due to changes in flow resistance, and further improving the smoothness of flue gas flow through the pipeline compensator 110.

[0048] Optionally, the first pipe section 131a is parallel to the second pipe section 131c. This simplifies the structure of the top pipe 130, reduces manufacturing difficulty, and helps improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0049] See Figures 1 to 4 In some embodiments, the upper pipe 130 further includes a pipe support 133. The pipe support 133 is located outside the pipe body 131. The pipe support 133 is connected to the pipe body 131 and is adapted to be connected to the hull structure. By providing the pipe support 133, it is convenient to connect the upper pipe 130 to the hull structure.

[0050] Optionally, bolt holes are provided at corresponding positions on the pipe support 133 and the hull structure. The pipe support 133 is connected to the hull structure by bolts and nuts.

[0051] Optionally, the pipe support 133 is welded to the pipe body 131.

[0052] Optionally, the first flange portion 121 and the second flange portion 132 described above are flanges. The flanges have flange holes. The flange holes are suitable for inserting bolts.

[0053] In this application, the water seal pipe 120 and the upper pipe 130 are made of double-sided stainless steel 2205, 2507 or super austenitic stainless steel 254SMO, etc.

[0054] See Figures 1 to 5 The present disclosure provides a marine desulfurization system. The marine desulfurization system includes the aforementioned pipeline compensator 110, liquid level sensor 140, liquid storage container 180, electric valve 150, and controller 160.

[0055] A level sensor 140 is correspondingly installed in the water seal tank 125 to detect the level value of the water seal tank 125. A storage container 180 is used to store liquid suitable for replenishing the water seal tank 125. An electric valve 150 is connected to the storage container 180 and the water seal tank 125 via piping. A controller 160 is communicatively connected to the level sensor 140 and the electric valve 150. The controller 160 is configured to control the opening and closing state of the electric valve 150 based on the level value detected by the level sensor 140.

[0056] According to the ship desulfurization system of the present disclosure, by applying the aforementioned pipeline compensator 110, the compensation requirements for thermal expansion and deformation of the desulfurization tower 170 can be met. A liquid level sensor 140 is installed to monitor the liquid level in the water seal tank 125. The controller 160 can automatically control the electric valve 150 to open or close based on the liquid level value monitored by the liquid level sensor 140. When the electric valve 150 is open, the liquid storage container 180 can supply liquid to the water seal tank 125. When the electric valve 150 is closed, the liquid storage container 180 stops supplying liquid to the water seal tank 125. Therefore, by employing the above-described technical means, the automatic replenishment of the water seal tank 125 can be achieved, meeting the requirements of intelligent control.

[0057] Optionally, the controller 160 is configured to determine whether to open or close the electric valve 150 based on preset liquid level parameters and the liquid level value detected by the liquid level sensor 140. Specifically, the controller 160 has preset minimum liquid level and working liquid level values. When the controller 160 compares the detected liquid level value with the minimum liquid level value and determines that the detected liquid level value is equal to the minimum liquid level value, the controller 160 controls the electric valve 150 to open, allowing the liquid in the storage container 180 to flow to the water seal tank 125, thereby replenishing the liquid. During the replenishment process, the liquid level sensor 140 monitors in real time or periodically according to preset intervals to obtain the actual liquid level value. When the actual liquid level value reaches the working liquid level value, the controller 160 controls the electric valve 150 to close, thereby stopping the replenishment.

[0058] Optionally, when the actual liquid level value monitored by the liquid level sensor 140 is equal to the minimum liquid level value, the liquid level in the portion of the water seal tank 125 located between the inner pipe section 122 and the upper pipe section 130 reaches the lower end of the upper pipe section 130.

[0059] See Figure 1 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the water seal pipe 120 further includes a water supply connection 127. The water supply connection 127 is used to connect the aforementioned electric valve 150 and the liquid storage container 180 via a pipeline.

[0060] See Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4This disclosure provides an embodiment of a vessel. The vessel includes a desulfurization tower 170, a hull structure (not shown), an external nozzle (not shown), and the aforementioned pipe compensator 110 or the aforementioned vessel desulfurization system. The desulfurization tower 170 has an outlet and an outlet flange 171 corresponding to the outlet. A portion of the hull structure is located above the desulfurization tower 170. A water seal pipe 120 is located above the desulfurization tower 170. A first flange portion 121 is connected to the outlet flange 171. A second flange portion 132 is connected to one end of the external nozzle. A pipe support 133 is connected to the hull structure.

[0061] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, the ship can meet the pipeline compensation requirements for thermal expansion and deformation of the desulfurization tower 170 by applying the above-described pipeline compensator 110. By applying the above-described ship desulfurization system, not only can the pipeline compensation requirements for thermal expansion and deformation of the desulfurization tower 170 be met, but also the automatic replenishment of liquid to the pipeline compensator 110 can be achieved, which is beneficial to improving the ship's performance in maintaining stable and reliable operation for a longer period of time.

[0062] The installation method of the pipeline compensator 110 on a ship is as follows: After the desulfurization tower 170 is installed, the water seal pipe 120 is placed at the outlet of the desulfurization tower 170 and tightened and sealed with bolts, nuts, and gaskets. Then, the upper connecting pipe 130 is installed and fixed to the ship's hull structure. The relative position between the upper connecting pipe 130 and the water seal pipe 120 is determined according to the application requirements design drawings, ensuring that a gap of more than 30mm is maintained between the upper connecting pipe 130 and the water seal pipe 120 at the maximum expansion position. The axial tolerance is ±5mm, and the radial tolerance is ±2mm. After the pipeline compensator 110 is installed, the external connecting pipe connected to the upper connecting pipe 130 is installed, and finally, the level sensor 140, the electric valve 150, and the corresponding pipelines are installed.

[0063] The pipeline compensator 110, the marine desulfurization system, and the ship disclosed herein have the following beneficial effects: (1) The problem of compensating for the thermal expansion of the pipeline at the desulfurization tower 170 of the desulfurization system was solved. When the ship enters an area where the discharge of desulfurization wastewater is not allowed, the water spraying in the desulfurization tower 170 stops. At this time, the temperature of the desulfurization tower 170 rises, and the desulfurization tower 170 will expand upward and radially outward. Since there is a gap in the pipe wall in the water seal pipe 120, the water seal pipe 120 is allowed to expand freely with the desulfurization tower 170, which plays the role of a compensator.

[0064] (2) This invention solves the problem of corrosion damage caused by conventional corrugated pipes in desulfurization systems. Because the desulfurization tower 170 is located in a complex environment with high temperature, high sulfur content, and high salinity, conventional corrugated pipes, due to repeated expansion and contraction, require thinner walls and are frequently corroded after a period of use, posing risks to ship operation and increasing maintenance costs. The pipe compensator 110 used in this invention requires minimal deformation. For example, the water seal pipe 120 moves upward along with the outlet of the desulfurization tower 170 during its upward expansion. The deformation of the water seal pipe 120 during radial expansion at the outlet of the desulfurization tower 170 is relatively small and negligible compared to the upward displacement of the desulfurization tower 170. Using thicker double-sided stainless steel 2205, 2507, or super austenitic stainless steel 254SMO solves the corrosion problem while meeting the pipe compensation requirements.

[0065] (3) The technical solution disclosed herein has low manufacturing cost, does not require complex manufacturing processes and equipment, has a small amount of welding work, and has high product quality stability.

[0066] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Terms such as “setup” appearing herein can refer to either a component being directly attached to another component or a component being attached to another component via an intermediary. A feature described in one embodiment herein may be applied, alone or in combination with other features, to another embodiment, unless that feature is not applicable in that other embodiment or is otherwise stated.

[0067] This disclosure has been described through the above embodiments; however, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this disclosure to the described embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this disclosure, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A pipe compensator for a ship desulfurization system, characterized in that, The pipeline compensator comprises: a water seal pipe, which is arranged to extend along a first extension direction, the water seal pipe comprising a first flange portion, an inner pipe portion, an outer pipe portion, and a ring-shaped sealing portion, the first flange portion being located at one end of the water seal pipe and configured to be connected to an outlet of a desulfurization tower, the outer pipe portion being sleeved outside the inner pipe portion, and the outer pipe portion being spaced apart from the inner pipe portion along a direction perpendicular to the first extension direction, the ring-shaped sealing portion being connected between the outer pipe portion and the inner pipe portion, the inner pipe portion, the outer pipe portion, and the ring-shaped sealing portion enclosing a water seal groove adapted to contain liquid, an opening of the water seal groove facing away from the first flange portion; and an upper connecting pipe, which comprises a pipe body and a second flange portion, the pipe body being arranged to extend along a second extension direction, the second flange portion being connected to one end of the pipe body and adapted to be connected to an external connecting pipe, the upper connecting pipe being adapted to be connected to a ship structure, in an assembled state in which the upper connecting pipe is assembled to the water seal pipe, the first extension direction coincides with the second extension direction, one end of the pipe body away from the second flange portion is located in the water seal groove, the pipe body is spaced apart from the ring-shaped sealing portion along the first extension direction, and the pipe body is spaced apart from the inner pipe portion and the outer pipe portion along a direction perpendicular to the first extension direction, respectively.

2. The pipeline compensator according to claim 1, wherein a distance between one end of the inner pipe portion away from the first flange portion and the first flange portion is less than a distance between one end of the outer pipe portion away from the first flange portion and the first flange portion.

3. The pipeline compensator according to claim 1, wherein a shape of a cross section of the upper connecting pipe is the same as a shape of a cross section of the water seal pipe; and / or the inner pipe portion is parallel to the outer pipe portion.

4. The pipeline compensator according to claim 1, wherein in the first extension direction, the inner pipe portion, the outer pipe portion, and the ring-shaped sealing portion are all spaced apart from the first flange portion; the water seal pipe further comprises a connecting pipe portion connected between the ring-shaped sealing portion and the first flange portion.

5. The pipeline compensator according to claim 4, wherein the connecting pipe portion is configured to be a tubular structure extending from the inner pipe portion to the first flange portion along the first extension direction.

6. The pipeline compensator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pipe body comprises a first pipe segment, a transition pipe segment, and a second pipe segment arranged in sequence along the second extension direction, the first pipe segment being connected to the second pipe segment through the transition pipe segment, the second flange portion being connected to one end of the first pipe segment away from the second pipe segment, and a projection of the first pipe segment in a plane perpendicular to the second extension direction is located inside a projection of the second pipe segment in the plane, in the assembled state in which the upper connecting pipe is assembled to the water seal pipe, at least part of the second pipe segment is located in the water seal groove.

7. The pipeline compensator according to claim 6, wherein In the assembled state of the upper connection piece to the water seal pipe, a front projection of the first pipe section coincides with a front projection of the inner pipe portion in a plane perpendicular to the first extension direction; and / or The first pipe section is parallel to the second pipe section.

8. The pipe compensator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The upper connection piece further comprises a pipe support, which is located outside the pipe body, which is connected to the pipe body and which is adapted to be connected to the ship structure.

9. A ship desulfurization system characterized by, The ship desulfurization system comprises: The pipe compensator according to any one of claims 1 to 8; A liquid level sensor, which is arranged corresponding to the water seal tank, for detecting a liquid level value of the water seal tank; A liquid storage container, which is used for storing liquid suitable for supplementing the water seal tank; An electric valve, which is connected to the liquid storage container and the water seal tank through a pipe; A controller, which is communicatively connected to the liquid level sensor and the electric valve, and which is configured to control an opening and closing state of the electric valve according to the liquid level value detected by the liquid level sensor.

10. A vessel characterised in that, The ship comprises: A desulfurization tower having an outlet and an outlet flange corresponding to the outlet; A ship structure, a part of which is located above the desulfurization tower; An external connection pipe; and The pipe compensator according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the ship desulfurization system according to claim 9, the water seal pipe is located above the desulfurization tower, the first flange portion is connected to the outlet flange, the second flange portion is connected to one end of the external connection pipe, and the pipe support is connected to the ship structure.

Images