Fixing and protecting device for LNG wharf strain sensor

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of fixing and protecting devices for wharf bridge strain monitoring sensors, and particularly discloses a fixing and protecting device for an LNG wharf strain sensor. The fixing and protecting device is used for solving the problem that a fixing and protecting device of a strain sensor which meets the anti-explosion requirement and can be used in the seaside environment is lacked currently. Comprising an installation panel, an explosion-proof box frame and an explosion-proof box cover, the periphery of the installation panel is fixedly provided with a fixing support, the symmetric axes of transverse plates of every two adjacent fixing supports are perpendicular to each other, and the symmetric axes of transverse plates of every two opposite fixing supports coincide with each other; the free end of the first vertical plate of the fixing support is provided with a sensor channel with a top opening. Each side face of the explosion-proof box frame is connected with the second vertical plate of the fixing support at the corresponding position through screws. According to the utility model, the two strain sensors are ensured to be in a vertical relationship after being installed, and the strain sensors are ensured to continuously and normally work in a seaside environment, so that the explosion-proof safety requirement is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of fixing and protection devices for strain monitoring sensors at wharfs and bridges, and particularly relates to a fixing and protection device for strain sensors at LNG terminals. Background Technology

[0002] An LNG terminal is a facility specifically designed for receiving, storing, and regasifying liquefied natural gas (LNG). It typically includes unloading areas, storage tanks, regasification units, and outlets connected to pipelines or ships. These facilities ensure the efficient transportation and supply of natural gas, which is crucial for energy security. As a key node in LNG receiving, the terminal is responsible not only for the safe and efficient unloading of LNG transported from oceans to storage facilities but also serves as a vital link connecting ships to onshore natural gas pipeline networks. Among these, the terminal bridges, as the main load-bearing structure of the LNG transportation pipeline network, require particularly high structural stability.

[0003] Because the main structure of the LNG terminal bridge is subjected to wave loads, wind loads, and the impact of ships berthing year-round, the stress level of the main structure is a crucial indicator for structural health monitoring, necessitating the use of surface strain gauges. Stress monitoring of the main structure of the terminal bridge utilizes vibrating wire surface strain gauges. When the internal stress of the measured structure changes, the surface strain gauge synchronously senses the deformation. This deformation is transmitted to the vibrating wire through the front and rear end supports, and then transformed into a change in the wire's stress, thereby altering the wire's vibration frequency. By exciting the vibrating wire with an electromagnetic coil and measuring its vibration frequency, the strain within the measured structure can be determined.

[0004] Currently, mutually perpendicular surface strain gauges (also known as strain sensors) are used to measure stress changes in the main structure of bridges in two directions, providing more comprehensive and accurate data for the health monitoring of terminal structural components. However, due to the coastal location of the measurement environment, environmental factors such as sunlight, high temperatures, strong winds, and seawater corrosion may damage the strain sensors and affect their measurement results. Furthermore, LNG terminals have high requirements for fire prevention, flame protection, and explosion protection, necessitating the use of explosion-proof equipment for the health monitoring of the terminal bridge's main structure. Based on these issues, there is an urgent need for a fixing and protection device for strain sensors that meets explosion-proof requirements and can be used in coastal environments. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a fixing and protection device for strain sensors at LNG terminals, effectively solving the current problem of a lack of fixing and protection devices for strain sensors that meet explosion-proof requirements and can be used in coastal environments.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a fixing and protection device for strain sensors at LNG terminals, including a rectangular mounting panel for fixing the strain sensor, an explosion-proof box frame and an explosion-proof box cover, one side of the front end of the explosion-proof box frame is connected to the explosion-proof box cover pivot, and the lower side of the explosion-proof box frame is provided with a pipeline connection port.

[0007] Each of the four sides of the mounting panel is fixed with a bracket. The bracket includes a first vertical plate, a second vertical plate, and a horizontal plate. The bottom surface of the horizontal plate is connected to the mounting panel. The axis of symmetry of the horizontal plate is perpendicular to the corresponding edge of the mounting panel. The first vertical plate and the horizontal plate are perpendicularly connected at their inner ends to the mounting panel. The bottom surface of the second vertical plate is perpendicularly connected to the top surface of the horizontal plate, and the connection point between them is located between the first vertical plate and the edge of the mounting panel. The axes of symmetry of the horizontal plates of two adjacent brackets are perpendicular, and the axes of symmetry of the horizontal plates of two opposing brackets coincide.

[0008] The free end of the first vertical plate is provided with a sensor channel with a top opening. Both sides of the sensor channel are provided with sensor fixing holes. The end of the horizontal plate located outside the mounting panel is provided with a device fixing hole. The second vertical plate is provided with explosion-proof box frame fixing holes. Each side of the explosion-proof box frame is connected to the second vertical plate at the corresponding position through explosion-proof box frame fixing hole screws.

[0009] Furthermore, the outer edge of the mounting panel that contacts the monitoring structure is provided with a rectangular first sealing ring groove, the outer edge of the mounting panel that contacts the explosion-proof box frame is provided with a rectangular second sealing ring groove, the outer edge of the inner side of the explosion-proof box cover is provided with a rectangular third sealing ring groove, and a fourth sealing ring groove is provided on the explosion-proof box frame at a position corresponding to the third sealing ring groove.

[0010] The first sealing ring groove is provided with a first sealing ring for sealing between the mounting panel and the monitoring structure, the second sealing ring groove is provided with a second sealing ring for sealing between the mounting panel and the explosion-proof box frame, and the third sealing ring groove is provided with a third sealing ring for sealing between the explosion-proof box cover and the explosion-proof box frame.

[0011] Furthermore, the distance between the two sides of the top opening of the sensor channel is less than the diameter of the strain sensor.

[0012] Furthermore, the end of the horizontal plate located outside the mounting panel is dovetail-shaped.

[0013] Furthermore, the explosion-proof box frame is provided with screw mounting holes at positions corresponding to the fixing holes of the explosion-proof box frame.

[0014] Furthermore, the first sealing ring, the second sealing ring, and the third sealing ring are all made of fluororubber.

[0015] Furthermore, both the explosion-proof box frame and the explosion-proof box cover are made of thickened aluminum alloy.

[0016] Furthermore, the explosion-proof box frame is a cuboid with openings at the front and back. The left side of the explosion-proof box cover is connected to the left side of the front end of the explosion-proof box frame via a pivot, and the right side of the explosion-proof box cover is connected to the right side of the front end of the explosion-proof box frame via screws.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial technical effects of this utility model are:

[0018] (1) This utility model ensures that the two strain sensors are perpendicular to each other during installation by fixing the position of the fixed bracket on the fixed mounting panel and ensuring that the symmetrical axes of the horizontal plates of the two adjacent fixed brackets are perpendicular and coincide with the symmetrical axes of the horizontal plates of the two fixed brackets. This ensures that the measured data can reflect the stress changes of the monitored structure in two directions.

[0019] (2) This utility model is assembled first and then fixed to the monitoring structure, which effectively reduces the installation process, standardizes the installation steps, and reduces the amount of installation work. This utility model is fixed to the monitoring structure using expansion bolts and anchoring adhesive, which reduces the number of holes to be drilled on the monitoring structure while ensuring the fixing strength, thus avoiding damage to the monitoring structure.

[0020] (3) By adopting a three-layer sealing ring, explosion-proof box frame and explosion-proof box cover protection, this utility model can effectively prevent strain sensors from being damaged in rain, wind, waves, corrosion and light environment, and can meet the safety requirements of explosion-proof and fire-proof.

[0021] (4) This utility model connects one side of the explosion-proof box frame and the explosion-proof box cover with a rotating shaft, and connects the other side of the explosion-proof box frame and the explosion-proof box cover with screws. On the one hand, it is convenient to open and close the explosion-proof box, and on the other hand, it is convenient to connect the wiring and the debugging, replacement and maintenance of the strain sensor.

[0022] In summary, this invention helps ensure that the two strain sensors are perpendicular to each other after installation, enabling the measurement of stress changes in both directions; it helps ensure that the strain sensors are not affected by wind, waves, rain, strong light, corrosion, etc., and can continue to work normally, meeting the safety requirements of explosion-proof, fire-proof, and dust-proof; it helps reduce the number of processes on the surface of the monitoring structure, reducing the number of holes while ensuring installation strength, and avoiding damage to the monitoring structure. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the mounting panel.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of the explosion-proof box frame and the explosion-proof box cover.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the strain sensor.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: Strain sensor - 1; Mounting panel - 2; Explosion-proof box frame - 3; Explosion-proof box cover - 4; Pipeline connection port - 5; First vertical plate - 6; Second vertical plate - 7; Horizontal plate - 8; Sensor channel - 9; Sensor mounting hole - 10; Wiring plug - 11; Device mounting hole - 12; Explosion-proof box frame mounting hole - 13; Screw mounting hole - 14; Second sealing ring groove - 15; Third sealing ring groove - 16; Fourth sealing ring groove - 17; Plug threaded fastener - 18; Pipeline connector - 19. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Example 1: As Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the fixing and protection device for strain sensors at LNG terminals includes a rectangular mounting panel 2 for positioning and fixing the strain sensor 1, a cuboid explosion-proof frame 3 with openings at the front and back, and an explosion-proof cover 4 for closing the front opening of the explosion-proof frame 3. The left side of the front end of the explosion-proof frame 3 is pivotally connected to the explosion-proof cover 4, and a pipeline connection port 5 is provided on the lower side of the explosion-proof frame 3. In this embodiment, the right side of the front end of the explosion-proof frame 3 is screwed to the explosion-proof cover 4. That is, when the explosion-proof cover 4 completely covers the front opening of the explosion-proof frame 3, the explosion-proof frame 3 and the explosion-proof cover 4 are fixedly connected by screws. When it is necessary to open the explosion-proof cover 4, the screws can be loosened.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, the explosion-proof enclosure frame 3 and the explosion-proof enclosure cover 4 are connected by a pivot, which serves two purposes: firstly, it allows for quick positioning and connection; secondly, it avoids the inconvenience of disassembly, separation, and reassembly during later wiring and equipment replacement and commissioning. The use of the explosion-proof enclosure frame 3 and the explosion-proof enclosure cover 4 protects the strain sensor 1 from the effects of wind, waves, rain, corrosion, strong light, dust, and other factors, ensuring the strain sensor 1 functions normally and extending its service life. Furthermore, both the explosion-proof enclosure frame 3 and the explosion-proof enclosure cover 4 are made of thickened aluminum alloy, providing explosion-proof, corrosion-proof, and rainproof performance, effectively protecting the internal equipment and wiring while meeting the safety requirements of LNG terminals, as well as explosion-proof and fire-resistant safety requirements.

[0030] like Figure 2As shown, a fixing bracket is fixed around each of the four sides of the mounting panel 2. The fixing bracket includes a first vertical plate 6, a second vertical plate 7, and a horizontal plate 8. The bottom end of the horizontal plate 8 is connected to the mounting panel 2. The end of the horizontal plate 8 located on the outer side of the mounting panel 2 is dovetail-shaped. The axis of symmetry of the horizontal plate 8 is perpendicular to the corresponding edge of the mounting panel 2.

[0031] The first vertical plate 6 and the horizontal plate 8 are perpendicularly connected at one end located inside the mounting panel 2. The bottom surface of the second vertical plate 7 is perpendicularly connected to the top surface of the horizontal plate 8, and the connection point between them is located between the edges of the first vertical plate 6 and the mounting panel 2. The axes of symmetry of the horizontal plates 8 of two adjacent fixed supports are perpendicular, and the axes of symmetry of the horizontal plates 8 of two opposing fixed supports coincide. The free end of the first vertical plate 6 is provided with a sensor channel 9 with a top opening, and sensor fixing holes 10 are provided on both sides of the sensor channel 9. In order to achieve the effect of positioning and pre-fixing the strain sensor 1, in this embodiment, the distance between the two sides of the top opening of the sensor channel 9 is smaller than the diameter of the strain sensor 1.

[0032] During actual installation, first insert the first strain sensor through the sensor channel 9 of one fixed bracket until it passes through the sensor channel 9 on the opposite fixed bracket, then screw the screw into the sensor mounting hole 10. Then install the second strain sensor onto the remaining fixed brackets in the same way. After adjusting the wiring plugs 11 of both strain sensors 1 to a convenient wiring position, then fully tighten both strain sensors 1.

[0033] Because the mounting brackets for the first strain sensor and the second strain sensor are perpendicular, the two strain sensors 1 mounted on the mounting brackets are also perpendicular, effectively avoiding the problem of not being able to guarantee the perpendicularity of the two strain sensors 1 when they are installed separately. With the two strain sensors 1 mounted on the mounting brackets, subsequent installation only requires fixing the mounting panel 2 to the monitoring structure, effectively reducing the complexity of the installation and ensuring its reliability and stability.

[0034] A device fixing hole 12 is provided at one end of the horizontal plate 8 located on the outer side of the mounting panel 2. An expansion bolt passes through the device fixing hole 12 to connect the mounting panel 2 to the monitoring structure. Since the end of the horizontal plate 8 where the device fixing hole 12 is located is dovetail-shaped, the contact area between the mounting panel 2 and the monitoring structure can be increased, thereby improving the stability of the connection.

[0035] The second vertical plate 7 is provided with explosion-proof box frame fixing holes 13. The explosion-proof box frame 3 is provided with screw mounting holes 14 at the corresponding positions of the explosion-proof box frame fixing holes 13. Each side of the explosion-proof box frame 3 is connected to the second vertical plate 7 at the corresponding positions by screws passing through the screw mounting holes 14 and the explosion-proof box frame fixing holes 13 in sequence.

[0036] In this embodiment, to further prevent the strain sensor 1 from being damaged by rain, waves, corrosion, and sunlight, a three-layer sealing ring protection method is adopted, namely, sealing between the mounting panel 2 and the monitoring structure surface, between the mounting panel 2 and the explosion-proof box frame 3, and between the explosion-proof box frame 3 and the explosion-proof box cover 4. Specifically, the outer edge of the surface of the mounting panel 2 that contacts the monitoring structure is provided with a rectangular first sealing ring groove; the outer edge of the surface of the mounting panel 2 that contacts the explosion-proof box frame 3 is provided with a rectangular second sealing ring groove 15; the outer edge of the inner side of the explosion-proof box cover 4 is provided with a rectangular third sealing ring groove 16; and a fourth sealing ring groove 17 is provided on the explosion-proof box frame 3 at a position corresponding to the third sealing ring groove 16. The first sealing ring groove contains a first sealing ring for sealing between the mounting panel 2 and the monitoring structure; the second sealing ring groove 15 contains a second sealing ring for sealing between the mounting panel 2 and the explosion-proof box frame 3; and the fourth sealing ring groove 17 contains a third sealing ring for sealing between the explosion-proof box cover 4 and the explosion-proof box frame 3. In this embodiment, the first sealing ring, the second sealing ring, and the third sealing ring are all made of fluororubber. The use of fluororubber for the sealing rings makes them better suited for coastal environments, and they have a longer service life than traditional rubber sealing rings, minimizing the need for sealing ring replacement.

[0037] like Figure 4 As shown, the equipment cable on strain sensor 1 has a connector 11 and a threaded fastener 18. The external equipment cable is housed in an explosion-proof flexible conduit and enters the explosion-proof enclosure 3 through a pipe connection port 5 located on the lower side of the enclosure 3. The connector 11 on strain sensor 1 and the connector on the equipment cable in the explosion-proof flexible conduit cooperate to avoid misalignment of the four wires and short circuits during wiring, and saves time.

[0038] The plug threaded fastener 18 has internal threads, while the outer walls of the wiring plug 11 on the strain sensor 1 and the wiring plug on the equipment line in the explosion-proof flexible hose both have external threads. The plug threaded fastener 18 securely fastens the joint between the explosion-proof flexible hose and the strain sensor 1 through the internal and external threads, thereby ensuring wiring strength and preventing loosening or disconnection at the connection point. Furthermore, a pipeline connector 19 is provided at the pipeline connection port 5 for securing the explosion-proof flexible hose, ensuring the reliability of the connection between the explosion-proof flexible hose and this invention, while also facilitating quick connection and reducing construction time.

[0039] The installation process of this utility model is as follows: (1) First, fix the first strain sensor and the second strain sensor to the sensor channel 9 of the mounting panel 2; (2) Then, install the third sealing ring into the fourth sealing ring groove 17 of the explosion-proof box frame 3, connect the explosion-proof box cover 4 to the rotating shaft of the explosion-proof box frame 3, and when the explosion-proof box cover 4 rotates around the rotating shaft to completely cover the front opening of the explosion-proof box frame 3, the third sealing ring is inserted into the third sealing ring groove 16, and the explosion-proof box frame 3 and the explosion-proof box cover 4 can fit tightly together. At this time, the explosion-proof box frame 3 and the explosion-proof box cover 4 are pre-tightened with screws; (3) Install the second sealing ring into the second sealing ring groove 15 of the mounting panel 2, and connect each side of the explosion-proof box frame 3 to the second vertical plate 7 at the corresponding position with screws in sequence through the screw mounting hole 14 and the explosion-proof box frame fixing hole 13; (4) Finally, install the first sealing ring into the first sealing ring groove of the mounting panel 2. Thus, the assembly work of this utility model is completed. (5) Fix the assembled utility model to the selected monitoring point through the device fixing hole 12 and expansion bolts. When fixing, first drill holes in the monitoring structure at the positions corresponding to the device fixing hole 12, then clean the drilled holes with a wire brush and a dust blower, fill with anchoring adhesive, and then fix with expansion bolts. This fixing method can effectively prevent the utility model from detaching from the monitoring structure later. (6) Unscrew the screws connecting the explosion-proof box frame 3 and the explosion-proof box cover 4, and insert the explosion-proof flexible hose with the external equipment line into the explosion-proof box frame 3 through the pipeline connection port 5. Use the pipeline connector 19 to tighten the explosion-proof flexible hose. Then, connect the wiring plug 11 on the strain sensor 1 and the wiring plug on the equipment line in the explosion-proof flexible hose, and tighten the joint between the explosion-proof flexible hose and the strain sensor 1 with the plug thread fastener 18. After the wiring is completed, close the explosion-proof box cover 4. At this point, the installation and wiring of the utility model is completed.

[0040] Of course, the above description is not intended to limit the present utility model, and the present utility model is not limited to the examples given above. Any changes, modifications, additions or substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present utility model should also fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A device for fixing and protecting strain sensors at LNG terminals, characterized in that, It includes a rectangular mounting panel for fixing the strain sensor, an explosion-proof box frame, and an explosion-proof box cover. One side of the front end of the explosion-proof box frame is connected to the explosion-proof box cover by a pivot, and the lower side of the explosion-proof box frame is provided with a pipeline connection port. Each of the four sides of the mounting panel is fixed with a fixed bracket. The fixed bracket includes a first vertical plate, a second vertical plate, and a horizontal plate. The bottom end of the horizontal plate is connected to the mounting panel. The axis of symmetry of the horizontal plate is perpendicular to the corresponding edge of the mounting panel. The first vertical plate and the end of the horizontal plate located inside the mounting panel are perpendicularly connected. The bottom end of the second vertical plate is perpendicularly connected to the top end of the horizontal plate, and the connection position between the two is located between the edge of the first vertical plate and the mounting panel. The axes of symmetry of the horizontal plates of two adjacent fixed brackets are perpendicular, and the axes of symmetry of the horizontal plates of two opposite fixed brackets coincide. The free end of the first vertical plate is provided with a sensor channel with a top opening. Both sides of the sensor channel are provided with sensor fixing holes. The end of the horizontal plate located outside the mounting panel is provided with a device fixing hole. The second vertical plate is provided with explosion-proof box frame fixing holes. Each side of the explosion-proof box frame is connected to the second vertical plate at the corresponding position through explosion-proof box frame fixing hole screws.

2. The fixing and protection device for strain sensors at LNG terminals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer edge of the mounting panel that contacts the monitoring structure is provided with a rectangular first sealing ring groove, the outer edge of the mounting panel that contacts the explosion-proof box frame is provided with a rectangular second sealing ring groove, the outer edge of the inner side of the explosion-proof box cover is provided with a rectangular third sealing ring groove, and a fourth sealing ring groove is provided on the explosion-proof box frame at a position corresponding to the third sealing ring groove. The first sealing ring groove is provided with a first sealing ring for sealing between the mounting panel and the monitoring structure, the second sealing ring groove is provided with a second sealing ring for sealing between the mounting panel and the explosion-proof box frame, and the third sealing ring groove is provided with a third sealing ring for sealing between the explosion-proof box cover and the explosion-proof box frame.

3. The fixing and protection device for strain sensors at LNG terminals according to claim 2, characterized in that, The distance between the two sides of the top opening of the sensor channel is less than the diameter of the strain sensor.

4. The fixing and protection device for strain sensors at LNG terminals according to claim 3, characterized in that, The end of the horizontal plate located on the outside of the mounting panel is dovetail-shaped.

5. The fixing and protection device for strain sensors at LNG terminals according to claim 4, characterized in that, The explosion-proof box frame is provided with screw mounting holes at positions corresponding to the fixing holes of the explosion-proof box frame.

6. The fixing and protection device for strain sensors at LNG terminals according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first sealing ring, the second sealing ring, and the third sealing ring are all made of fluororubber.

7. The fixing and protection device for strain sensors at LNG terminals according to claim 6, characterized in that, Both the explosion-proof box frame and the explosion-proof box cover are made of thickened aluminum alloy.

8. The fixing and protection device for strain sensors at LNG terminals according to claim 7, characterized in that, Place The explosion-proof enclosure frame is a cuboid with openings at the front and back. The left side of the explosion-proof enclosure cover is connected to the left side of the front end of the explosion-proof enclosure frame via a pivot. The right side of the explosion-proof box cover is connected to the right side of the front end of the explosion-proof box frame by screws.

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