Sulfuric acid tank truck liquid loading auxiliary buoy based on camera
By designing a camera-based auxiliary buoy for loading sulfuric acid tank trucks, and combining the buoyancy displacement of the float and the display of the color ring with the camera, the risk of spillage and insufficient manual monitoring during the loading process of sulfuric acid tank trucks are solved, and automatic alarm and efficient and safe liquid level control are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423155202.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-28
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-20
AI Technical Summary
The loading process of sulfuric acid tank trucks carries the risk of spillage, and outdated manual monitoring methods result in insufficient safety and ease of operation, failing to meet the needs for efficient and safe transportation and storage.
Design a camera-based auxiliary buoy for loading sulfuric acid tankers, including a tray, float, color ring, and bottom buoy. By combining the buoyancy displacement of the float and the top color ring with the camera's object detection, an automatic alarm is triggered when the liquid level approaches overflow, avoiding the passive method of manual monitoring.
It enables automatic alarms when the liquid level is close to overflowing, reducing health risks to operators and equipment corrosion accidents, improving operational efficiency and safety, and reducing the possibility of false alarms.
Smart Images

Figure CN223485262U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of hazardous liquid storage and transportation technology, specifically a camera-based auxiliary buoy for loading sulfuric acid tank trucks. Background Technology
[0002] Sulfuric acid with a concentration of 98% or higher (concentrated sulfuric acid) is a highly corrosive chemical substance widely used in industrial production and is a crucial basic material for national industrial development, with enormous demand. Sulfuric acid is typically transported by tanker trucks, which are sealed steel containers, shaped like horizontal cylinders. The top of the tank usually has two filling ports, located at the front and rear ends, with a diameter generally between 25 and 35 centimeters. Loading of sulfuric acid typically employs a platform filling method, where a high-level tank mounted on a platform and a stainless steel acid-conducting pipe are used. Valves control the flow rate of the sulfuric acid, introducing the liquid into the tank.
[0003] The existing technology for loading sulfuric acid tank trucks has the following shortcomings:
[0004] 1. There is a risk of overflow during the filling process.
[0005] Because sulfuric acid is extremely corrosive, improper control of the filling volume can cause it to overflow from the filling port, resulting in severe corrosion of the tanker truck's exterior. Furthermore, the spilled sulfuric acid can directly harm on-site personnel, potentially leading to a serious safety accident.
[0006] 2. Outdated manual monitoring methods
[0007] Currently, during the loading of sulfuric acid, operators need to stand on top of the tanker truck and visually observe the liquid level to determine changes in the amount being added. This method not only requires workers to remain in the dangerous area on top of the tanker truck for extended periods, but also to work in an environment filled with acidic gases, which is detrimental to their health and poses safety hazards such as falls from heights.
[0008] Therefore, existing technologies still have significant room for improvement in terms of safety and ease of operation during sulfuric acid loading. These issues increase the complexity and danger of the operation, and cannot fully meet the industrial production demand for efficient, safe, and reliable sulfuric acid transportation and storage equipment.
[0009] Although some companies have deployed high-definition cameras on their loading platforms for remote monitoring of liquid loading, traditional cameras can only provide passive image previews and cannot actively detect changes in liquid level or issue warnings. Operators still need to judge the liquid level by observing the video feed, resulting in low operational efficiency and a high risk of human error. Utility Model Content
[0010] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a camera-based auxiliary buoy for loading sulfuric acid tankers, which avoids safety issues arising from manual inspection during the filling process.
[0011] The present invention provides a camera-based auxiliary buoy for loading sulfuric acid tank trucks, which includes a camera, a tray, a float, a color ring, and a bottom float. The tray has a sleeve at its center, and the float can slide up and down along the tray. The upper part of the float has a color ring that can be recognized by the camera. The bottom of the float has a bottom float.
[0012] In one embodiment of the aforementioned buoy, the tray is disc-shaped, with multiple trapezoidal observation holes spaced at fixed intervals around the center.
[0013] In one embodiment of the aforementioned buoy, the color rings are multi-ringed differential color rings, which are alternating in two colors and multiple layers.
[0014] In one embodiment of the above-mentioned buoy, a buoy cap is fitted onto the top of the float rod, the outer diameter of which is larger than the inner diameter of the sleeve.
[0015] In one embodiment of the above-mentioned buoy, the buoy sphere at the bottom is a hollow, closed spherical column.
[0016] In one embodiment of the above-mentioned buoy, the tray, float, color ring, top cap, and bottom buoy are all made of UPVC acid-resistant material.
[0017] In one embodiment of the above-mentioned buoy, the tray has a diameter of 43cm and the sleeve is 20cm long.
[0018] In one embodiment of the above-mentioned buoy, the float rod is 60cm long.
[0019] In one embodiment of the above-mentioned buoy, the diameter of the buoy sphere is cm and the length is 15cm.
[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0021] 1. By combining the buoyancy displacement of the float and the display of the top color ring with the object detection function of the camera, an automatic alarm is realized when the liquid level is close to overflow; this effectively avoids the passive method of traditional manual monitoring, reduces the health risks of operators being exposed to acidic gases for a long time, and reduces equipment corrosion and safety accidents caused by liquid overflow.
[0022] 2. The buoy adopts a structure with a round tray and a float in the middle. The hollow buoy at the bottom of the float increases buoyancy, making it stable, easy to use, and not affecting handling and reuse.
[0023] 3. The multi-ring color difference design at the top can avoid false alarms. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a front view structural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A top-view structural diagram.
[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the state during use in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The relevant technical solutions will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the camera-based auxiliary buoy for loading sulfuric acid tankers disclosed in this embodiment includes a tray 1, a float 2, a color ring 3, a top cap 4, and a bottom float 5.
[0029] The tray 1 is disc-shaped with a diameter of 43cm. A 20cm long sleeve is located in the center to accommodate and limit the float. Multiple regular trapezoidal observation holes are arranged around the center at fixed intervals on the tray for manual observation when necessary. In use, the tray is placed flat on the filling port of the acid tanker truck, supporting the float and providing a seal to prevent spills.
[0030] The float 2 is a rod-shaped structure with a length of 60cm. It can slide up and down along the sleeve of the tray 1. Normally, it hangs down naturally under the action of gravity. When the liquid level rises and applies buoyancy to the float, the float gradually rises.
[0031] The upper part of the float 2 is equipped with multiple color rings 3, which are designed to be two-color alternating and multi-layered.
[0032] In this embodiment, there are four layers of alternating red and yellow color rings, which are used to make the float visible when it rises, thereby improving the camera's recognition accuracy and reducing the possibility of false alarms.
[0033] The top cap 4 is fitted onto the top of the float 2, and its outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the tray sleeve. The top cap is used to prevent the float from slipping out of the tray sleeve, ensuring the stability and reliability of the device in operation.
[0034] The bottom buoy 5 is a hollow, closed spherical cylinder with a diameter of 12cm and a length of 15cm, and is set at the bottom of the float 2. This buoy increases the buoyancy-bearing surface of the float, ensuring that the float can be stably lifted when the liquid level rises, thereby achieving reliable displacement.
[0035] All of the above-mentioned components of this buoy are preferably made of UPVC acid-resistant material.
[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the specific steps for using this buoy to assist acid tanker trucks in refueling operations are as follows:
[0037] 1. First, the camera is calibrated with a target object so that it can recognize the color ring as a specific target object; once the calibration is completed, the camera can accurately sense the movement and appearance of the color ring.
[0038] 2. Sulfuric acid tank trucks usually have two top filling ports, but only one is generally used when loading acid. Before operation, the acid delivery pipe should be inserted into one of the filling ports, then the cap of the other filling port should be opened, and the float should be placed flat on the filling port. At this time, there is no acid in the tank, and the float will hang down naturally under the action of gravity. The colored ring on the upper part of the float will be blocked by the sleeve and cannot be seen.
[0039] 3. During the acid injection process, the sulfuric acid level gradually rises; when the level touches the float at the bottom of the float rod, the buoyancy force on the float rod gradually exceeds its own weight, and it slowly rises with the level of the liquid.
[0040] 4. As the float rises, the color ring at the top becomes visible and is captured by the camera, immediately triggering an alarm to the operator, reminding them to close the valve in time to stop refueling and prevent liquid spillage. The use of alternating two-color, multi-layered color rings avoids false alarms caused by similar colors from other objects.
[0041] 5. After the acid injection operation is completed, remove the buoy and clean it with water or other appropriate methods to ensure that there is no residual sulfuric acid on the surface before reuse.
[0042] The advantages of using this buoy are:
[0043] 1. By combining the buoyancy displacement of the float and the display of the top color ring with the object detection function of the camera, an automatic alarm is realized when the liquid level is close to overflow; this effectively avoids the passive method of traditional manual monitoring, reduces the health risks of operators being exposed to acidic gases for a long time, and reduces equipment corrosion and safety accidents caused by liquid overflow.
[0044] 2. The buoy adopts a structure with a round tray and a float in the middle. The hollow buoy at the bottom of the float increases buoyancy, making it stable, easy to use, and not affecting handling and reuse.
[0045] 3. The multi-ring color difference design at the top enhances the camera's recognition accuracy and avoids false alarms.
[0046] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Although detailed descriptions have been provided with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A camera-based auxiliary buoy for loading sulfuric acid tankers, comprising a camera, characterized in that: It also includes a tray, a float, a color ring, and a buoy; the tray has a sleeve in the center, and the float can slide up and down along the tray; the upper part of the float has a color ring that can be recognized by the camera; the bottom of the float has a buoy.
2. The camera-based auxiliary buoy for loading sulfuric acid tankers as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The tray is disc-shaped, with multiple trapezoidal observation holes spaced at fixed intervals around the center.
3. The camera-based auxiliary buoy for loading sulfuric acid tankers as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The color wheel is a multi-turn differential color wheel, which consists of alternating two colors and multiple layers.
4. The camera-based auxiliary buoy for loading sulfuric acid tankers as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the float is fitted with a top cap, the outer diameter of which is larger than the inner diameter of the sleeve.
5. The camera-based auxiliary buoy for loading sulfuric acid tankers as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The buoy at the bottom is a hollow, closed spherical column.
6. The camera-based auxiliary buoy for loading sulfuric acid tankers as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The tray, float, color ring, top cap, and bottom float are all made of UPVC acid-resistant material.
7. The camera-based auxiliary buoy for loading sulfuric acid tankers as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The tray has a diameter of 43cm and a sleeve length of 20cm.
8. The camera-based auxiliary buoy for loading sulfuric acid tankers as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The float is 60cm long.
9. The camera-based auxiliary buoy for loading sulfuric acid tankers as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The diameter of the buoy is cm and the length is 15cm.