Methanol fuel unloading, storage and fixed level supply device

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of methanol fuel storage and supply, and relates to a methanol fuel unloading storage and fixed level supply device. The present application comprises a methanol fuel unloading module, a methanol storage module, a methanol fuel supply module, a methanol discharge and recovery module, a nitrogen protection module and a nitrogen purge module. The methanol storage module is arranged on the ground, the methanol fuel supply module is arranged above the high platform, and the discharge and recovery module is arranged at the lowest point underground. The unloading module delivers fuel to the storage tank or the process tank through the redundant parallel pump group, the supply module controls the constant liquid level of the process tank through the interlocking control of the liquid level sensor and the regulating valve, the discharge module collects residual methanol and automatically pumps it back to the storage tank, the nitrogen protection module continuously seals the top of each container with nitrogen, and the nitrogen purge module is used for pipeline inerting after unloading. The present application has high integration, small space occupation, precise constant liquid level supply of methanol fuel, and ensures continuous, safe and reliable supply.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of methanol fuel storage and supply technology, and relates to a methanol fuel unloading storage and fixed liquid level supply device. Background Technology

[0002] The shipbuilding industry is accelerating its transformation and upgrading towards green and low-carbon technologies. As the core of marine power, the research and development of methanol-fueled engines for marine low-speed engines has become a key focus of the industry's technological breakthroughs. During engine bench testing, a stable, reliable, and safe methanol fuel supply system is required to simulate real-ship operating conditions and meet the fluid requirements for continuous engine operation.

[0003] Existing methanol fuel storage and supply systems typically suffer from the following technical problems: First, functional modules are relatively dispersed, with unloading, storage, supply, and venting / recovery often being set up independently, leading to equipment redundancy, large footprint, and high construction investment. Second, the liquid level control at the supply end is unstable, making it difficult to achieve a constant liquid level supply, affecting the continuity of engine bench testing and the stability of the fuel pump pressure. Third, as methanol is a flammable and toxic medium, the system lacks adequate measures for collecting and recovering residual methanol during maintenance, venting, or accident conditions, posing safety and environmental hazards. Fourth, the system lacks effective inert gas protection and purging design, making it prone to forming explosive mixtures upon contact with air, resulting in high safety risks.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a methanol fuel unloading storage and fixed liquid level supply device that is highly integrated, occupies little space, has precise liquid level control, and is safe and environmentally friendly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems of low integration, large space occupation, inaccurate liquid level control, and safety hazards in existing methanol fuel unloading storage and fixed liquid level supply systems, this invention proposes a methanol fuel unloading storage and fixed liquid level supply device, comprising: a methanol fuel unloading module, a methanol storage module, a methanol fuel supply module, a methanol release and recovery module, a nitrogen protection module, and a nitrogen purging module.

[0006] The methanol fuel unloading module transports methanol fuel from the tanker truck to the methanol storage module via pipeline, completing the methanol fuel storage. The methanol fuel unloading module also transports methanol fuel from the tanker truck to the methanol fuel supply module via pipeline for initial replenishment or emergency supply. Methanol fuel in the methanol storage module is then sent to the methanol fuel supply module via pipeline to maintain a constant liquid level in the methanol fuel supply module, meeting the continuous fluid requirements of the engine test bench. The methanol release and recovery module is connected to the methanol fuel unloading module, methanol storage module, and methanol fuel supply module via pipeline to collect residual methanol during maintenance or venting. The methanol release and recovery module then returns the collected methanol to the methanol storage module via pipeline, achieving methanol recycling and reuse.

[0007] The nitrogen protection module is connected to the top of the methanol storage module, methanol fuel supply module, and methanol release and recovery module via pipelines to provide continuous nitrogen sealing protection.

[0008] The nitrogen purging module is connected to the methanol fuel unloading module via a pipeline and is used for pipeline purging and inerting after unloading.

[0009] Wherein: the methanol storage module is located on the ground; the methanol fuel supply module is located on a high platform above the methanol storage module; and the methanol release and recovery module is located underground below the methanol storage module.

[0010] According to the methanol fuel unloading, storage, and fixed-level supply device described above, the methanol fuel unloading module includes: a methanol unloading arm; the methanol unloading arm is connected to the outlet end of the tank truck, and the outlet end of the tank truck is sequentially connected to a tank truck loading arm interface valve and a methanol pipeline inlet valve via pipelines; the outlet end of the methanol pipeline inlet valve is connected to a filling pipeline valve; the tank truck is connected to a methanol gas phase inlet valve; the methanol gas phase inlet valve is connected to a methanol storage module and a methanol fuel supply module respectively;

[0011] The outlet ends of the filling pipeline valves are respectively connected to the storage tank outlet valve, the fifth pipeline exhaust valve, the eighth valve, and the fourth methanol conveying and unloading pump;

[0012] The outlet end of the fifth pipeline exhaust valve is sequentially connected to the sixth pipeline exhaust valve, the observation mirror, and the seventh pipeline exhaust valve; the outlet end of the seventh pipeline exhaust valve is connected to the methanol storage module and the methanol fuel supply module, respectively.

[0013] The outlet end of the storage tank outlet valve is connected to the outlet valve of the forty-second storage tank; the outlet end of the outlet valve of the forty-second storage tank is connected to the methanol storage module.

[0014] The outlet of the eighth valve is connected to the exhaust valve of the tenth pipeline and the third methanol conveying and unloading pump, respectively; the outlet of the exhaust valve of the tenth pipeline is connected to the fourth methanol conveying and unloading pump.

[0015] A pump outlet pressure gauge valve and a ninth pump valve are installed between the third methanol conveying and unloading pump and the fourth methanol conveying and unloading pump;

[0016] The exhaust valve on the tenth pipeline is connected to the methanol release and recovery module.

[0017] According to the methanol fuel unloading storage and fixed liquid level supply device described above, the methanol storage module includes a methanol storage tank; a fourth liquid level sensor, a seventh pneumatic valve, and a tenth pneumatic valve are connected to the methanol storage tank.

[0018] One end of the tenth pneumatic valve is connected to the forty-sixth manual valve; one end of the forty-sixth manual valve is connected to the methanol fuel unloading module and the methanol fuel supply module respectively.

[0019] The methanol storage tank is connected to the tank truck via a methanol vapor port valve.

[0020] According to the methanol fuel unloading storage and fixed liquid level supply device described above, the methanol fuel supply module includes a methanol fuel process tank; the methanol fuel process tank is connected to a twelfth liquid level sensor, a twentieth liquid level switch, a thirteenth liquid level switch, and a twentieth manual valve; one end of the twentieth manual valve is connected to a twentieth manual valve; the other end of the twentieth manual valve is connected to a twelfth regulating valve, a twentieth manual valve, and a twentieth manual valve respectively.

[0021] One end of the 25th manual valve is connected to the 54th and 27th manual valves respectively; one end of the 54th manual valve is connected to the 55th manual valve; one end of the 55th manual valve is connected to the 21st manual valve; one end of the 21st manual valve is connected to the 14th pneumatic valve, the 23rd manual valve, and the 24th manual valve; one end of the 14th pneumatic valve is connected to the 54th manual valve; the 23rd manual valve is connected to the 46th manual valve; one end of the 24th manual valve is connected to one end of the 23rd manual valve.

[0022] The methanol fuel process tank is connected to the tank truck via a methanol gas phase inlet valve.

[0023] According to the methanol fuel unloading storage and fixed liquid level supply device described above, the methanol release and recovery module includes: a methanol low-level discharge tank; the methanol low-level discharge tank is respectively connected to: a 26th liquid level switch, a 27th liquid level switch, and a methanol low-level tank venting pump; one end of the 26th liquid level switch is connected to the methanol fuel process tank; one end of the methanol low-level tank venting pump is connected to a 57th manual valve.

[0024] According to the methanol fuel unloading storage and fixed liquid level supply device described above, the nitrogen purging module includes a nitrogen purging valve for the unloading pipeline; the nitrogen purging valve for the unloading pipeline is connected to the outlet of the methanol pipeline inlet valve.

[0025] According to the methanol fuel unloading storage and fixed liquid level supply device described above, the nitrogen protection module is respectively installed on the top of the methanol storage tank, the top of the methanol fuel process tank and the top of the methanol low-level emission tank.

[0026] According to the methanol fuel unloading storage and fixed liquid level supply device described above, the methanol fuel supply module further includes a twelfth liquid level sensor, a twenty-eighth liquid level switch and a thirteenth liquid level switch; the twelfth liquid level sensor is used to monitor the liquid level in the methanol fuel process tank in real time and feed it back to the control system. By adjusting the opening of the twelfth regulating valve and the fourteenth pneumatic valve, the amount of methanol fuel replenishment is controlled so that the liquid level is maintained within the set range.

[0027] According to the methanol fuel unloading, storage, and fixed liquid level supply device described above, the third methanol conveying and unloading pump and the fourth methanol conveying and unloading pump in the methanol fuel unloading module are redundantly connected in parallel; when methanol fuel is added to the methanol storage module or delivered to the methanol fuel supply module, the two pumps can be started simultaneously or serve as backups for each other to meet the reliability requirements of continuous liquid supply in the system.

[0028] According to the methanol fuel unloading, storage, and fixed-level supply device described above, in the methanol discharge and recovery module, the methanol low-level discharge tank is located at the lowest point of the overall pipeline of the device, and its inlet end is connected to the lowest discharge port of the methanol fuel unloading module, the methanol storage module, and the methanol fuel supply module through the discharge pipeline respectively; the methanol low-level discharge tank is equipped with a twenty-sixth liquid level switch and a twenty-seventh liquid level switch. When the liquid level reaches the high-level set value, the methanol low-level tank venting pump is started to pump the collected residual methanol back to the methanol storage module.

[0029] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0030] 1. Integrated Structure Saves Investment and Space. This invention integrates six functional modules—methanol fuel unloading, storage, supply, venting and recovery, nitrogen protection, and purging—into one unit, enabling flexible switching between modules through pipelines and valve groups. Compared to the dispersed arrangement and redundant equipment in existing technologies, this invention achieves multi-purpose use for the feed pump, which can be used for both tank truck unloading and replenishing process tanks, significantly reducing the number of equipment and floor space required, lowering construction investment, and improving tank area space utilization.

[0031] 2. Constant Liquid Level Supply Ensures Test Accuracy. This invention incorporates a methanol fuel process tank within the methanol fuel supply module, and is equipped with a liquid level sensor and regulating valve for interlocked control. The twelfth liquid level sensor monitors the liquid level in real time, and the control system automatically adjusts the start / stop of the feed pump and the opening of the regulating valve to maintain the liquid level in the process tank within the set range. Compared to existing technologies where the liquid level at the supply end fluctuates significantly, this invention achieves a fixed liquid level supply, effectively ensuring stable static pressure before the fuel pump during engine bench testing, and improving the accuracy and reliability of test data.

[0032] 3. Fully Enclosed Discharge and Recycling Enhances Environmental Safety. This invention incorporates a methanol discharge and recycling module, placing the low-level methanol discharge tank at the lowest point of the system's piping, connected to the lowest discharge port of each module via discharge pipelines. During maintenance or venting, residual methanol flows by gravity into the low-level tank, where a level switch automatically controls the venting pump to return it to the storage tank for reuse. Compared to existing technologies where residual methanol is directly discharged or incompletely collected, this invention achieves fully enclosed, automated discharge and recycling, eliminating the risk of methanol leakage and preventing environmental pollution and resource waste.

[0033] 4. Dual Safety Principles: Nitrogen Protection and Purge. This invention features independent nitrogen protection and purging modules. The nitrogen protection module continuously provides a slightly positive pressure nitrogen seal to the top gas phase space of the methanol storage tank, methanol fuel process tank, and methanol low-level emission tank, effectively isolating air and preventing methanol from evaporating and forming an explosive mixture. After unloading, the nitrogen purging module performs multiple inerting purgings on the unloading pipeline to ensure no residual methanol remains. These dual nitrogen protection measures significantly enhance the intrinsic safety level of the system during storage, operation, and maintenance.

[0034] 5. Redundant pump setup ensures continuous liquid supply. This invention employs a redundant parallel configuration of a third and fourth methanol delivery pump in the methanol fuel unloading module. When adding liquid to the storage tank or replenishing the process tank, the two pumps can operate simultaneously or serve as backups for each other. If one pump fails, the other can seamlessly take over, ensuring uninterrupted liquid supply. Compared to existing single-pump configurations that shut down upon failure, this invention significantly improves system reliability and continuous operation, making it particularly suitable for critical scenarios such as engine bench testing where interrupted liquid supply is unacceptable. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a simplified structural diagram of a methanol fuel unloading, storage, and fixed liquid level supply device according to the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a methanol fuel unloading, storage, and fixed liquid level supply device according to the present invention.

[0037] In the diagram: 100 - Methanol fuel unloading module, 200 - Methanol storage module, 300 - Methanol fuel supply module, 400 - Methanol venting and recovery module, 500 - Nitrogen protection module, 600 - Nitrogen purging module, X40205 - Methanol unloading arm, V60522 - Tank truck arm interface valve, V40201 - Methanol pipeline inlet valve, V40203 - Refueling pipeline valve, V40253 - Methanol gas phase inlet valve, V40204 - Storage tank outlet valve, V40205 - Fifth pipeline vent valve Door, V40208 - Eighth valve, P40204 - Fourth methanol conveying and unloading pump, V40206 - Sixth pipeline vent valve, SP40201 - Inspector, V40207 - Seventh pipeline vent valve, V40242 - Forty-second storage tank outlet valve, V40210 - Tenth pipeline vent valve, P40203 - Third methanol conveying and unloading pump, V40211 - Pump outlet pressure gauge valve, V40213 - Ninth pump valve, T40201 - Methanol storage tank, LT04 - Fourth liquid level sensor UV07 - Seventh pneumatic valve, UV10 - Tenth pneumatic valve, V40246 - Forty-sixth manual valve, T40202 - Methanol fuel process tank, LT12 - Twelfth level sensor, LS28 - Twenty-eighth level switch, LS13 - Thirteenth level switch, V40228 - Twenty-eighth manual valve, V40227 - Twenty-seventh manual valve, LCV12 - Twelfth regulating valve, V40225 - Twenty-fifth manual valve, V40226 - Twenty-sixth manual valve, V402 54 - Fifty-fourth manual valve, V40255 - Fifty-fifth manual valve, V40221 - Twenty-first manual valve, PCV14 - Fourteenth pneumatic valve, V40223 - Twenty-third manual valve, VE40206 - Methanol low-level discharge tank, LS26 - Twenty-sixth level switch, LS27 - Twenty-seventh level switch, P40207 - Methanol low-level tank venting pump, V40257 - Fifty-seventh manual valve, V40202 - Unloading pipeline purging nitrogen valve, XS25 - Static grounding device. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown: A methanol fuel unloading, storage and fixed liquid level supply device according to this embodiment includes a methanol fuel unloading module 100, a methanol storage module 200, a methanol fuel supply module 300, a methanol release and recovery module 400, a nitrogen protection module 500 and a nitrogen purging module 600.

[0040] The methanol fuel unloading module 100 transports methanol fuel from the tanker truck to the methanol storage module 200 via pipeline, completing the methanol fuel storage. The methanol fuel unloading module 100 also transports methanol fuel from the tanker truck to the methanol fuel supply module 300 via pipeline for initial replenishment or emergency supply. Methanol fuel in the methanol storage module 200 is sent to the methanol fuel supply module 300 via pipeline to maintain a constant liquid level in the methanol fuel supply module 300, meeting the continuous liquid requirements of the engine test bench. The methanol release and recovery module 400 is connected to the methanol fuel unloading module 100, the methanol storage module 200, and the methanol fuel supply module 300 via pipeline to collect residual methanol during maintenance or venting. The methanol release and recovery module returns the collected methanol to the methanol storage module 200 via pipeline, realizing methanol recycling and reuse.

[0041] The nitrogen protection module 500 is connected to the top of the methanol storage module 200, the methanol fuel supply module 300, and the methanol release and recovery module 400 via pipelines to provide continuous nitrogen sealing protection.

[0042] The nitrogen purging module 600 is connected to the methanol fuel unloading module 100 via pipeline for purging and inerting the pipeline after unloading.

[0043] The methanol storage module 200 is located on the ground; the methanol fuel supply module 300 is located on a high platform above the methanol storage module 200; and the methanol release and recovery module 400 is located underground below the methanol storage module 200.

[0044] The methanol fuel unloading module 100 is used to transfer methanol fuel from the tanker truck to the methanol storage module 200 for storage, or directly to the methanol fuel supply module 300 for initial replenishment or emergency supply. This module includes a methanol unloading arm X40205, which is reliably connected to the tanker truck's outlet during unloading. The tanker truck's outlet is connected in sequence via pipelines to a tanker truck arm interface valve V60522 and a methanol pipeline inlet valve V40201. The outlet of the methanol pipeline inlet valve V40201 is connected to a refueling pipeline valve V40203. The tanker truck is also connected to a methanol vapor phase inlet valve V40253, which is connected to both the methanol storage module 200 and the methanol fuel supply module 300. This valve is used to balance the vapor phase pressure between the tanker truck and the storage tank during unloading, achieving a closed-loop unloading process.

[0045] The outlet of filling pipeline valve V40203 is connected to the storage tank outlet valve V40204, the fifth pipeline vent valve V40205, the eighth valve V40208, and the fourth methanol conveying and unloading pump P40204. The outlet of the fifth pipeline vent valve V40205 is connected to the sixth pipeline vent valve V40206, the observation mirror SP40201, and the seventh pipeline vent valve V40207. The outlet of the seventh pipeline vent valve V40207 is connected to the methanol storage module 200 and the methanol fuel supply module 300. The outlet of the storage tank outlet valve V40204 is connected to the forty-second storage tank outlet valve V40242, which is connected to the methanol storage module 200. The outlet of the eighth valve V40208 is connected to the tenth pipeline vent valve V40210 and the third methanol conveying and unloading pump P40203. The outlet end of the tenth pipeline vent valve V40210 is connected to the fourth methanol conveying and unloading pump P40204. Pump outlet pressure gauge valve V40211 and ninth pump valve V40213 are installed between the third methanol conveying and unloading pump P40203 and the fourth methanol conveying and unloading pump P40204 to monitor the pump outlet pressure and achieve parallel control of the two pumps. The tenth pipeline vent valve V40210 is also connected to the methanol venting and recovery module 400 to vent gas from the pump.

[0046] The methanol storage module 200, used for long-term storage of methanol fuel, includes a methanol storage tank T40201. The methanol storage tank T40201 is located on the ground and is connected to a fourth liquid level sensor LT04, a seventh pneumatic valve UV07, and a tenth pneumatic valve UV10. One end of the tenth pneumatic valve UV10 is connected to a twenty-sixth manual valve V40246, which in turn connects to both the methanol fuel unloading module 100 and the methanol fuel supply module 300, enabling on / off control of the tank and external pipelines. The methanol storage tank T40201 is connected to the tank truck via a methanol vapor phase inlet valve V40253 to ensure vapor phase balance during unloading.

[0047] The methanol fuel supply module 300 is located on a raised platform above the methanol storage module 200, approximately 2 meters above the ground, and is used to provide a constant level of methanol fuel to the engine test bench. This module includes a methanol fuel process tank T40202. The methanol fuel process tank T40202 is connected to the twelfth level sensor LT12, the twenty-eighth level switch LS28, the thirteenth level switch LS13, and the twenty-eighth manual valve V40228. One end of the twenty-eighth manual valve V40228 is connected to the twenty-seventh manual valve V40227, and the other end is connected to the twelfth regulating valve LCV12, the twenty-fifth manual valve V40225, and the twenty-sixth manual valve V40226. One end of the twenty-fifth manual valve V40225 is connected to the fifty-fourth manual valve V40254 and the twenty-seventh manual valve V40227. One end of the 54th manual valve V40254 is connected to the 55th manual valve V40255, and one end of the 55th manual valve V40255 is connected to the 21st manual valve V40221. One end of the 21st manual valve V40221 is connected to the 14th pneumatic valve PCV14 and the 23rd manual valve V40223. One end of the 14th pneumatic valve PCV14 is connected to the 54th manual valve V40254. The 23rd manual valve V40223 is connected to the 46th manual valve V40246. The methanol fuel process tank T40202 is connected to the tank truck through the methanol gas phase port valve V40253 for gas phase balance.

[0048] The methanol release and recovery module 400 is located underground below the methanol storage module 200, at the lowest point of the entire unit. It is used to collect residual methanol during maintenance or venting and to recycle it. This module includes a methanol low-level discharge tank VE40206. The methanol low-level discharge tank VE40206 is connected to the 26th level switch LS26, the 27th level switch LS27, and the methanol low-level tank venting pump P40207. One end of the 26th level switch LS26 is connected to the methanol fuel process tank T40202, used to introduce methanol discharged from the process tank into the low-level tank. One end of the methanol low-level tank venting pump P40207 is connected to the 57th manual valve V40257. When the liquid level in the low-level tank reaches the set value, the venting pump automatically starts, pumping methanol back to the methanol storage tank T40201.

[0049] The nitrogen protection module 500 is connected via pipelines to the tops of the methanol storage tank T40201, the methanol fuel process tank T40202, and the methanol low-level emission tank VE40206, providing continuous micro-positive pressure nitrogen sealing protection to isolate air and prevent methanol from evaporating and forming an explosive mixture, while also preventing humid air from entering and causing methanol deterioration. The nitrogen purging module 600 includes a nitrogen purging valve V40202 for the unloading pipeline, which is connected to the outlet of the methanol pipeline inlet valve V40201. After unloading, nitrogen is introduced through this valve to inertify and purge the unloading pipeline, ensuring no residual methanol remains and guaranteeing operational safety.

[0050] This embodiment of a methanol fuel unloading, storage, and fixed-level supply device involves the following steps: During methanol fuel refueling, the third methanol conveying and unloading pump P40203 and the fourth methanol conveying and unloading pump P40204 pump methanol fuel from the tank truck into the methanol storage tank T40201; during fuel consumption, the third methanol conveying and unloading pump P40203 and the fourth methanol conveying and unloading pump P40204 transport the methanol fuel from the storage tank T40201 to the methanol fuel process tank T40202. The third methanol conveying and unloading pump P40203, the fourth methanol conveying and unloading pump P40204, the twelfth regulating valve LCV12, and the fourteenth pneumatic valve PCV14 ensure timely replenishment of methanol in the methanol fuel process tank T40202 to maintain a constant liquid level. The methanol low-level discharge tank VE40206 is equipped with a 26th level switch LS26, a 27th level switch LS27, and a methanol low-level tank venting pump P40207 to discharge methanol from VE40206 to the methanol storage tank T40201 for recycling. The methanol fuel process tank T40202 features a methanol fuel engine backflushing fuel compartment and a 13th level switch LS13 to achieve static separation of oil-containing methanol fuel. An electrostatic grounding device XS25 is installed at the methanol unloading point. The methanol unloading arm X40205 is located in the tank area unloading zone for connection to methanol tank trucks. The third methanol conveying and unloading pump P40203 and the fourth methanol conveying and unloading pump P40204 employ a dual-pump redundancy structure for adding methanol fuel to the methanol storage tank T40201 and replenishing methanol fuel to the methanol fuel process tank T40202. The twelfth regulating valve LCV12 and the fourteenth pneumatic valve PCV14 supply methanol fuel to the process tank T40202 quantitatively based on fuel consumption according to their opening degrees. The methanol storage tank T40201 is located on the tank farm floor and is used to store methanol fuel. The methanol fuel process tank T40202 is located on a platform 2 meters above the ground and is used to store methanol consumed by the methanol supply unit, connected to the methanol supply unit via pipeline. The methanol storage tank T40201 is equipped with the twelfth level sensor LT12, the twenty-eighth level switch LS28, and the thirteenth level switch LS13. The structure of the methanol fuel process tank T40202 meets the fuel supply process requirements of the methanol fuel engine. The methanol low-level emission tank VE40206 is located underground in the tank farm at the lowest point of the system and is used to store equipment, pipelines, and residual methanol fuel in the tank during maintenance. The methanol low-level tank venting pump P40207 is connected to the methanol low-level discharge tank VE40206, used to discharge and collect methanol from the methanol low-level discharge tank VE40206 or pump it to the methanol storage tank T40201 for reuse. The methanol pipeline is used to connect system components to meet process requirements, while the nitrogen pipeline is used to introduce external nitrogen into the unit, serving as a nitrogen seal for the storage tank's vapor space, inerting and purging the filling pipeline, and providing power for the venting pump. This indirectly protects system safety and prevents toxic methanol vapors from evaporating into the atmosphere and polluting the environment.

[0051] The working process of a methanol fuel unloading, storage, and fixed liquid level supply device in this embodiment is as follows:

[0052] Unloading methanol fuel involves the following steps:

[0053] First, park the tanker truck near the unloading arm, reliably connect the methanol unloading arm X40205 to the tanker truck's fuel outlet, connect the gas phase pipeline to the tanker truck's gas phase interface, and connect the static grounding device XS25 to the tanker truck's static discharge device.

[0054] Secondly, after verifying that the connections are correct, open the tank truck outlet valve. After checking for leaks, open the tank truck arm interface valve V60522, the methanol pipeline inlet valve V40201, and the methanol gas phase inlet valve V40253 in sequence.

[0055] Next, open the fifth pipeline vent valve V40205 and the seventh pipeline vent valve V40207 outside the pump room. After liquid is observed in the observation mirror SP40201, close the fifth pipeline vent valve V40205 and the seventh pipeline vent valve V40207.

[0056] Then, open the seventh pipeline exhaust valve V40207 on the pump outlet pipeline in the pump room. When there is liquid in the glass observation mirror SP40201, close the seventh pipeline exhaust valve V40207.

[0057] Next, after confirming that all preparations are complete, start the third methanol conveying and unloading pump P40203 and the fourth methanol conveying and unloading pump P40204, while observing the pump operation.

[0058] After unloading is completed, shut down the third methanol conveying and unloading pump P40203 and the fourth methanol conveying and unloading pump P40204, close the loading arm interface valve V60522 and the methanol gas phase port valve V40253, and close the tank truck outlet valve.

[0059] Finally, after the methanol fuel is unloaded, the methanol unloading pipeline must be purged and inerted: remotely or manually close the vent valve V40210 on the tenth pipeline and the vent valve V40207 on the seventh pipeline on the methanol storage tank T40201; open the fifty-fourth manual valve V40254; and open the twenty-seventh manual valve V40227 on the methanol fuel process box T40202; close the pump outlet pressure gauge valve V40211 and the vent valve V40207 on the seventh pipeline to prevent nitrogen from impacting and damaging the pressure gauge during purging; and open the nitrogen purging valve V40 on the unloading pipeline. 202. The unloading pipeline is purged and inerted. To ensure that the pipeline is clean, it needs to be purged 3 times, with each purging and inerting time of 1 minute and a 2-minute interval before the next purging. During the first purging and inerting, the unloading arm should be raised to ensure that the residual methanol in the unloading arm can be purged. After purging, close the nitrogen purging valve V40202 of the unloading pipeline, close the valve V40203 of the refueling pipeline, close the 27th manual valve V40227 of the methanol fuel process tank T40202, and open the pump outlet pressure gauge valve V40211 and the seventh pipeline exhaust valve V40207.

[0060] Methanol fuel supply includes the following steps:

[0061] First, check and confirm that the manual valves in the pipeline are in the correct open / closed state: the 42nd tank outlet valve V40242 and the tank outlet valve V40204 are in the open state; the 8th valve V40208 and the 9th pump valve V40213 are in the open state; the 21st manual valve V40221, the 23rd manual valve V40223, and the 26th manual valve V40246 are in the open state; the 54th manual valve V40254, the 25th manual valve V40225, and the 28th manual valve V40228 are in the open state; and the 24th manual valve V40224 and the 27th manual valve V40227 are in the closed state.

[0062] Secondly, check and confirm that the methanol pump is full. If the methanol pump is not full, necessary venting is required. Venting method: After opening all valves between the third methanol unloading pump P40203, the fourth methanol unloading pump P40204 and the methanol storage tank T40201, open the sixth pipeline vent valve V40206. When liquid is observed in the sight glass SP40201, close the fifth pipeline vent valve V40205. At this time, the venting is completed, and the third methanol unloading pump P40203 and the fourth methanol unloading pump P40204 are full of methanol.

[0063] Next, confirm that the compressed air supply to the fourteenth pneumatic valve PCV14, the tenth pneumatic valve UV10, and the seventh pneumatic valve UV07 is normal.

[0064] Then, confirm that the fourth liquid level sensor LT04 and the twelfth liquid level sensor LT12 are working properly.

[0065] Finally, after all preparations are completed, start the third methanol conveying and unloading pump P40203 and the fourth methanol conveying and unloading pump P40204 to replenish methanol fuel to the fixed liquid level of the methanol fuel process tank T40202 for consumption by the methanol engine.

[0066] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A methanol fuel unloading, storage, and fixed-level supply device, characterized in that, include: Methanol fuel unloading module (100), methanol storage module (200), methanol fuel supply module (300), methanol release and recovery module (400), nitrogen protection module (500) and nitrogen purging module (600); The methanol fuel unloading module (100) transports methanol fuel from the tanker truck to the methanol storage module (200) via pipeline, completing the storage of methanol fuel; the methanol fuel unloading module (100) transports methanol fuel from the tanker truck to the methanol fuel supply module (300) via pipeline for initial replenishment or emergency supply; the methanol fuel in the methanol storage module (200) is sent to the methanol fuel supply module (300) via pipeline to maintain a constant liquid level in the methanol fuel supply module (300) to meet the continuous liquid requirements of the engine test bench; the methanol release and recovery module (400) is connected to the methanol fuel unloading module (100), the methanol storage module (200), and the methanol fuel supply module (300) via pipeline to collect residual methanol during maintenance or venting; the methanol release and recovery module sends the collected methanol back to the methanol storage module (200) via pipeline to realize methanol recovery and reuse; The nitrogen protection module (500) is connected to the top of the methanol storage module (200), the methanol fuel supply module (300), and the methanol release and recovery module (400) via pipelines to provide continuous nitrogen sealing protection. The nitrogen purging module (600) is connected to the methanol fuel unloading module (100) via a pipeline for purging and inerting the pipeline after unloading. Wherein: the methanol storage module (200) is located on the ground; the methanol fuel supply module (300) is located on a high platform above the methanol storage module (200); and the methanol release and recovery module (400) is located underground below the methanol storage module (200).

2. The methanol fuel unloading storage and fixed liquid level supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The methanol fuel unloading module (100) includes: a methanol unloading arm (X40205); the methanol unloading arm (X40205) is connected to the outlet end of the tank truck, and the outlet end of the tank truck is connected in sequence to a tank truck loading arm interface valve (V60522) and a methanol pipeline inlet valve (V40201) via pipelines; the outlet end of the methanol pipeline inlet valve (V40201) is connected to a refueling pipeline valve (V40203); the tank truck is connected to a methanol gas phase inlet valve (V40253); the methanol gas phase inlet valve (V40253) is connected to a methanol storage module (200) and a methanol fuel supply module (300) respectively; The outlet end of the filling pipeline valve (V40203) is connected to the storage tank outlet valve (V40204), the fifth pipeline exhaust valve (V40205), the eighth valve (V40208), and the fourth methanol conveying and unloading pump (P40204). The outlet end of the fifth pipeline exhaust valve (V40205) is sequentially connected to the sixth pipeline exhaust valve (V40206), the observation mirror (SP40201), and the seventh pipeline exhaust valve (V40207); the outlet end of the seventh pipeline exhaust valve (V40207) is connected to the methanol storage module (200) and the methanol fuel supply module (300) respectively. The outlet end of the storage tank outlet valve (V40204) is connected to the outlet valve of the forty-second storage tank (V40242); the outlet end of the forty-second storage tank outlet valve (V40242) is connected to the methanol storage module (200); The outlet of the eighth valve (V40208) is connected to the tenth pipeline exhaust valve (V40210) and the third methanol conveying and unloading pump (P40203) respectively; the outlet of the tenth pipeline exhaust valve (V40210) is connected to the fourth methanol conveying and unloading pump (P40204). A pump outlet pressure gauge valve (V40211) and a ninth pump valve (V40213) are installed between the third methanol conveying and unloading pump (P40203) and the fourth methanol conveying and unloading pump (P40204). The tenth pipeline exhaust valve (V40210) is connected to the methanol release and recovery module (400).

3. The methanol fuel unloading, storage, and fixed-level supply device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The methanol storage module (200) includes a methanol storage tank (T40201); the methanol storage tank (T40201) is connected to a fourth liquid level sensor (LT04), a seventh pneumatic valve (UV07), and a tenth pneumatic valve (UV10). The tenth pneumatic valve (UV10) is connected to the forty-sixth manual valve (V40246) at one end; the forty-sixth manual valve (V40246) is connected to the methanol fuel unloading module (100) and the methanol fuel supply module (300) at the other end. The methanol storage tank (T40201) is connected to the tank truck via the methanol gas phase valve (V40253).

4. The methanol fuel unloading storage and fixed liquid level supply device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The methanol fuel supply module (300) includes a methanol fuel process tank (T40202); the methanol fuel process tank (T40202) is connected to the twelfth level sensor (LT12), the twenty-eighth level switch (LS28), the thirteenth level switch (LS13), and the twenty-eighth manual valve (V40228); one end of the twenty-eighth manual valve (V40228) is connected to the twenty-seventh manual valve (V40227); the other end of the twenty-eighth manual valve (V40228) is connected to the twelfth regulating valve (LCV12), the twenty-fifth manual valve (V40225), and the twenty-sixth manual valve (V40226), respectively. One end of the 25th manual valve (V40225) is connected to the 54th manual valve (V40254) and the 27th manual valve (V40227); one end of the 54th manual valve (V40254) is connected to the 55th manual valve (V40255); one end of the 55th manual valve (V40255) is connected to the 21st manual valve (V40221); one end of the 21st manual valve (V40221) is connected to the 14th pneumatic valve (PCV14), the 23rd manual valve (V40223), and the 24th manual valve (V40224); one end of the 14th pneumatic valve (PCV14) is connected to the 54th manual valve (V40254); the 23rd manual valve (V40223) is connected to the 46th manual valve (V40246); one end of the 24th manual valve (V40224) is connected to one end of the 23rd manual valve (V40223). The methanol fuel process tank (T40202) is connected to the tank truck via the methanol gas phase valve (V40253).

5. A methanol fuel unloading, storage, and fixed-level supply device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The methanol release and recovery module (400) includes: a methanol low-level discharge tank (VE40206); the methanol low-level discharge tank (VE40206) is respectively connected to: a 26th level switch (LS26), a 27th level switch (LS27), and a methanol low-level tank venting pump (P40207); one end of the 26th level switch (LS26) is connected to the methanol fuel process tank (T40202); one end of the methanol low-level tank venting pump (P40207) is connected to a 57th manual valve (V40257).

6. The methanol fuel unloading storage and fixed liquid level supply device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The nitrogen purging module (600) includes a nitrogen purging valve (V40202) for the unloading pipeline; the nitrogen purging valve (V40202) for the unloading pipeline is connected to the outlet of the methanol pipeline inlet valve (V40201).

7. A methanol fuel unloading, storage, and fixed-level supply device according to claim 6, characterized in that: Nitrogen protection modules (500) are respectively installed on the top of the methanol storage tank (T40201), the top of the methanol fuel process tank (T40202), and the top of the methanol low-level emission tank (VE40206).

8. A methanol fuel unloading, storage, and fixed-level supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The methanol fuel supply module (300) also includes a twelfth level sensor (LT12), a twenty-eighth level switch (LS28), and a thirteenth level switch (LS13). The twelfth level sensor (LT12) is used to monitor the level in the methanol fuel process tank (T40202) in real time and feed it back to the control system. By adjusting the opening of the twelfth regulating valve (LCV12) and the fourteenth pneumatic valve (PCV14), the amount of methanol fuel supplied is controlled so that the level is maintained within the set range.

9. A methanol fuel unloading, storage, and fixed-level supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third methanol unloading pump (P40203) and the fourth methanol unloading pump (P40204) in the methanol fuel unloading module (100) are redundantly connected in parallel. When methanol fuel is added to the methanol storage module (200) or delivered to the methanol fuel supply module (300), the two pumps can be started simultaneously or used as backups for each other to meet the reliability requirements of continuous liquid supply in the system.

10. A methanol fuel unloading, storage, and fixed-level supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the methanol release and recovery module (400), the methanol low-level discharge tank (VE40206) is located at the lowest point of the overall pipeline of the device. Its inlet end is connected to the lowest discharge port of the methanol fuel unloading module (100), the methanol storage module (200), and the methanol fuel supply module (300) through the discharge pipeline. The methanol low-level discharge tank (VE40206) is equipped with a twenty-sixth liquid level switch (LS26) and a twenty-seventh liquid level switch (LS27). When the liquid level reaches the high level set value, the methanol low-level tank venting pump (P40207) is started to pump the collected residual methanol back to the methanol storage module (200).

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