Buffer tank for recovering flash steam
By incorporating a wave structure and scraper assembly on the inner side of the buffer tank, combined with a level gauge and valve control, the problems of poor gas-liquid separation and liquid accumulation in traditional buffer tanks are solved, achieving efficient gas-liquid separation and a stable recovery process.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520338693.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-02
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-02-28
AI Technical Summary
Traditional buffer tanks have a simple internal structure, poor gas-liquid separation effect, and are prone to liquid accumulation when preparing flash vapor, which affects the stability and safety of the volume and recovery process. In addition, they lack effective liquid level monitoring and control methods.
The buffer tank features a wave-like structure on its inner side to increase the gas-liquid contact area. Combined with a scraper assembly, it prevents liquid accumulation. Equipped with a level gauge and valve control system, it enables automatic level monitoring and control.
It improves gas-liquid separation efficiency, ensures the stability and safety of the buffer tank volume, provides stable pressure and flow conditions, and creates favorable conditions for subsequent recycling and treatment.
Smart Images

Figure CN223622507U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical fields:
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of buffer tank technology, specifically to a buffer tank for recovering flash vapor. Background technology:
[0002] Flash vapor (also known as flash steam or flash gas) is a common byproduct in chemical industrial processes. Flash vapor usually contains useful components such as recoverable light hydrocarbons, but due to its large pressure and temperature fluctuations, direct discharge not only wastes resources but also pollutes the environment.
[0003] Currently, flash vapor recovery commonly utilizes the volumetric buffering effect of buffer tanks to stabilize the pressure and flow rate of flash vapor, creating favorable conditions for subsequent recovery and treatment. However, traditional buffer tanks have the following shortcomings: simple internal structure and poor gas-liquid separation; easy accumulation of liquid inside the tank, leading to a reduction in effective volume and affecting the buffering effect; and lack of effective liquid level monitoring and control methods, making it difficult to ensure the stability and safety of the recovery process. Utility Model Content:
[0004] To address these shortcomings, this invention provides a buffer tank for flash vapor recovery, overcoming the following deficiencies of existing buffer tanks: simple internal structure and poor gas-liquid separation; easy accumulation of liquid inside the tank, leading to a reduction in effective volume and affecting buffering performance; and lack of effective liquid level monitoring and control methods, making it difficult to ensure the stability and safety of the recovery process.
[0005] This utility model is implemented by the following technical solution:
[0006] A buffer tank system for recovering flash vapor includes: a buffer tank with an inlet pipe fixedly connected to one side of its bottom and a drain pipe fixedly connected to the other side, the drain pipe being disposed at the lower end of the inlet pipe; an outlet pipe fixedly connected to one side of the top of the buffer tank; an inner corrugated surface structure disposed on the inner side of the buffer tank; and a scraper assembly slidably disposed inside the buffer tank, the side of which is in close contact with the inner side of the buffer tank.
[0007] Preferably, it also includes: a level gauge, which is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the buffer tank and installed at the lower end of the air inlet pipe, for monitoring the liquid level.
[0008] Preferably, valves are fixed on the air inlet pipe, air outlet pipe, and drain pipe respectively to control the entry and exit of gas and the discharge of liquid.
[0009] Preferably, the scraper assembly includes: a scraper ring with an inverted trapezoidal cross-section; a rubber plate fixedly connected to the side of the scraper ring and tightly fitted to the inner side of the buffer tank; and a sliding assembly fixedly connected to the top of the scraper ring for driving the scraper assembly to move within the buffer tank.
[0010] Preferably, the drive assembly includes: two electric push rods symmetrically arranged on the top of the buffer tank, with their output ends inserted into the buffer tank and fixedly connected to the top surface of the scraper ring; and a sealing ring disposed at the contact point between the output end of the electric push rod and the side wall of the buffer tank, and fixedly connected to the side wall of the buffer tank to prevent gas leakage.
[0011] The advantages of this invention are: the corrugated surface structure on the inner side of the buffer tank increases the gas-liquid contact area, prolongs the gas residence time, and improves the gas-liquid separation efficiency. The scraper assembly effectively prevents liquid accumulation on the inner wall of the tank, ensuring the continuity and stability of gas-liquid separation. The volumetric buffering effect of the buffer tank can effectively stabilize the pressure and flow rate of flash vapor, creating favorable conditions for subsequent recovery and treatment. Attached image description:
[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure described in this utility model;
[0014] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the present invention.
[0015] In the diagram: 1. Buffer tank; 2. Inlet pipe; 3. Outlet pipe; 4. Drain pipe; 5. Scraper ring; 6. Rubber plate; 7. Electric push rod. Detailed implementation method:
[0016] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0017] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a buffer tank for recovering flash vapor.
[0018] The buffer tank 1 has a cylindrical body with an internal corrugated surface structure to increase the gas-liquid contact area and improve gas-liquid separation efficiency. It also prolongs the residence time of gas within the tank, promoting the settling of liquid droplets in the flash vapor. Furthermore, it enhances the structural strength of the tank, improving safety.
[0019] The inlet pipe 2 is located on one side of the bottom of the buffer tank 1 and is used to introduce flash vapor into the tank. The inlet pipe 2 injects gas into the tank at a certain speed, promoting gas-liquid mixing and separation.
[0020] The drain pipe 4 is located at the lower end of the air inlet pipe 2 and is used to drain the liquid accumulated in the tank.
[0021] The gas outlet pipe 3 is located on one side of the top of the buffer tank 1 and is used to output the treated gas to the subsequent recovery device.
[0022] The level gauge is fixedly connected to the inner wall of buffer tank 1 and is located at the lower end of the air inlet pipe. It is used to monitor the liquid level in the tank in real time. The level gauge can be a radar level gauge or a float level gauge, etc.
[0023] Electric valves are fixed on the air inlet pipe 2, air outlet pipe 3 and drain pipe 4 respectively. They can be connected to the level gauge and control system to realize automatic control of the liquid level, or they can be controlled manually.
[0024] When the liquid level reaches the set upper limit, the drain pipe valve 4 will discharge the liquid.
[0025] When the liquid level drops to the set lower limit, the drain pipe valve 4 closes to prevent gas leakage.
[0026] To prevent liquid buildup on the inner wall of the tank, which would affect the gas-liquid separation effect, a scraper ring 5 is also installed. Its cross-section is an inverted trapezoid, and it can be made of wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials. The scraper ring 5 fits tightly against the inner wall of the buffer tank 1, and a rubber plate 6 is fixed to its outer edge. The elasticity of the rubber plate 6 allows it to change shape according to the inner wall of the buffer tank 1, ensuring a tight fit with the inner surface of the buffer tank 1 and further enhancing the scraping effect.
[0027] Two electric push rods 7 are symmetrically arranged on the top of the buffer tank, and their output ends are inserted into the tank and fixedly connected to the top of the scraper ring.
[0028] Sealing ring: Located at the contact point between the output end of the electric push rod and the side wall of the buffer tank, it is fixedly connected to the side wall of the buffer tank to prevent gas leakage.
[0029] The electric push rod 7 is activated periodically, which drives the scraper ring 5 to reciprocate along the inner wall of the tank, scraping away the liquid accumulated on the inner wall of the tank and allowing it to flow into the bottom of the tank, and finally be discharged through the drain pipe 4.
[0030] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A buffer tank system for recovering flash vapor, characterized in that, include: The buffer tank has an air inlet pipe fixedly connected to one side of its bottom and a drain pipe fixedly connected to the other side, with the drain pipe located at the lower end of the air inlet pipe. The vent pipe is fixedly connected to the top side of the buffer tank; The inner side has a corrugated surface structure, which is set on the inner side of the buffer tank; The scraper assembly is slidably disposed inside the buffer tank, with its side surface tightly fitted to the inner side surface of the buffer tank.
2. The buffer tank system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The level gauge is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the buffer tank and installed at the lower end of the air inlet pipe to monitor the liquid level.
3. The buffer tank system according to claim 2, characterized in that: Valves are fixed to the air inlet pipe, air outlet pipe, and drain pipe to control the entry and exit of gas and the discharge of liquid.
4. The buffer tank system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The scraper assembly includes: The scraper ring has an inverted trapezoidal cross-section; The rubber sheet is fixedly connected to the side of the scraper ring and fits tightly against the inner side of the buffer tank. A sliding assembly, fixedly connected to the top of the scraper ring, is used to drive the scraper assembly to move within the buffer tank.
5. The buffer tank system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The driving component includes: Two electric push rods are symmetrically arranged on the top of the buffer tank, and their output ends are inserted into the buffer tank and fixedly connected to the top surface of the scraper ring. A sealing ring is installed at the contact point between the output end of the electric push rod and the side wall of the buffer tank, and is fixedly connected to the side wall of the buffer tank to prevent gas leakage.