Liquid level detection system
By combining a level gauge with a camera, the liquid level in the storage tank can be monitored in real time and an alert can be issued when it falls below the warning value. This solves the problem of insufficient liquid level monitoring in the cooling system and improves management efficiency and system stability.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520254211.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-02-18
AI Technical Summary
In existing cooling systems, the cooling water level monitoring lacks real-time monitoring and alarm functions, leading to excessive or depleted cooling water consumption and affecting the normal operation of the system.
The system combines a liquid level tube with a camera. The camera captures liquid level information through a monitoring system, and the controller determines the liquid level in the storage tank. When the liquid level falls below the warning value, a warning signal is issued.
It enables real-time monitoring and alarm of liquid level, improves management efficiency, reduces the risk of leakage, ensures normal operation of the cooling system, and reduces labor costs.
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Figure CN223769592U_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The utility model relates to liquid level detection technical field, concretely relates to a kind of liquid level detection system using image extraction liquid level to detect. BACKGROUND
[0002] In process requirements, cooling system is usually configured, cooling water is stored in the liquid storage tank of Chiller, and white iron pipe is used to transport cooling pipeline. In the manufacturing process, cracks or damage may occur in the liquid storage tank, water pipe and joint, causing cooling water to leak from the cooling pipeline, resulting in excessive consumption of cooling water. If cooling water is not added or replaced in time, the cooling water will be reduced or even exhausted. The operator needs to avoid the phenomenon of low liquid level and fully add cooling water. If the liquid level of cooling water is found to be too low, check and repair immediately to ensure that the cooling system can operate normally.
[0003] Therefore, the industry urgently needs a liquid level detection system that can provide real-time monitoring and alarm functions for liquid level detection to solve the various difficulties and deficiencies encountered in the above background technology. INVENTION CONTENTS
[0004] In view of the above problems, the purpose of the utility model is to provide a liquid level detection system, which uses a liquid level pipe connected with the liquid storage tank, extracts the liquid level image of the liquid level pipe with a shooting device, and judges the liquid level height loss condition of the liquid storage tank according to the liquid level image with a controller. When the liquid level height of the liquid storage tank is lower than the warning value, a warning signal is sent to provide warning, so that the liquid level loss can be monitored at any time, and the efficiency of alarm management can be greatly improved.
[0005] In order to achieve the above purpose, the utility model provides a liquid level detection system for detecting the liquid level height of a liquid storage tank, which comprises a liquid level pipe, a shooting device and a controller. The liquid level pipe is connected with the liquid storage tank, and the liquid level height in the liquid level pipe is the same as the liquid level height of the liquid storage tank. The shooting device is arranged in the direction of shooting towards the liquid level pipe to extract a liquid level image of the liquid level pipe. The controller is electrically connected with the shooting device, and the controller comprises a main control module and a communication transmission module. The main control module is electrically connected with the communication transmission module and the shooting device respectively. The main control module receives the liquid level image to judge whether the liquid level height of the liquid storage tank is lower than a preset warning value according to the liquid level image. If so, a warning signal is sent through the communication transmission module.
[0006] Optionally, the aforementioned liquid level detection system further comprises a monitoring system, which is communicatively connected with the communication transmission module to receive the warning signal and warn that there is a risk of low liquid level in the liquid storage tank according to the warning signal.
[0007] Optionally, the main control module calculates and processes a liquid level information according to the liquid level image, and transmits the liquid level information to the monitoring system by optical signal conversion and communication transmission module.
[0008] Optionally, the communication mode between the monitoring system and the communication transmission module is wired communication.
[0009] Optionally, the wired communication mode is 4mA-20mA output signal.
[0010] Optionally, the shooting device comprises a lens box, a lens and a light supplement lamp, the lens is arranged on the lens box and is parallel to the liquid level position of the liquid level tube, and the light supplement lamp is arranged on the lens box and emits light source towards the liquid level position of the liquid level tube.
[0011] Optionally, the light source emitted by the light supplement lamp is red light source.
[0012] Optionally, the shooting device has double lenses arranged vertically on the lens box, and the center line between the double lenses is aligned with the liquid level position of the liquid level tube.
[0013] Optionally, the shooting device further comprises a mounting member arranged on one side of the controller and used for fixing the lens box.
[0014] Optionally, the fixing mode between the mounting member and the lens box is magnetic attraction type fixing.
[0015] Optionally, the controller further comprises a power module electrically connected with the main control module and the shooting device to provide power.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the technical scheme of the utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:
[0017] The liquid level detection system provided by the utility model utilizes the liquid level tube communicated with the liquid storage tank, extracts the liquid level image of the liquid level tube by the shooting device, judges the liquid level height loss condition of the liquid storage tank according to the liquid level image by the controller, and when the liquid level height of the liquid storage tank is lower than the warning value, a warning signal is sent to provide warning, so that the liquid level loss can be monitored at any time, the efficiency of alarm management is greatly improved, the risk of liquid leakage is effectively reduced, and the normal operation of the cooling system is ensured.
[0018] The liquid level detection system of the utility model can remotely monitor the liquid level loss, improve the operation convenience, is convenient and simple to assemble, disassemble and maintain, can reduce the personnel operation, and reduces the labor cost.
[0019] The purpose, technical content, characteristics and effects of the utility model can be more easily understood by the specific embodiments combined with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a photographed liquid level image of a liquid level detection system according to a first embodiment of the present application.
[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an appearance of a liquid level detection system according to the first embodiment of the present application.
[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a lens side of a liquid level detection system according to the first embodiment of the present application.
[0023] Figure 4 A circuit structure block diagram of a liquid level detection system according to the first embodiment of the present application.
[0024] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an appearance of a liquid level detection system according to a second embodiment of the present application.
[0025] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a lens side of a liquid level detection system according to the second embodiment of the present application.
[0026] Figure 7 A curve diagram of a liquid level difference signal detected by a liquid level detection system according to an embodiment of the present application.
[0027] Figure 8A A curve diagram of a liquid level height detected by a liquid level detection system according to an embodiment of the present application for a first water chiller.
[0028] Figure 8B A schematic diagram of a polygon area representing a liquid leakage amount according to Figure 8A .
[0029] Figure 9A A curve diagram of a liquid level height detected by a liquid level detection system according to an embodiment of the present application for a second water chiller.
[0030] Figure 9B A schematic diagram of a liquid leakage amount area calculation method according to Figure 9A .
[0031] In the drawings:
[0032] 2: liquid storage tank;
[0033] 3: working liquid;
[0034] 10: liquid level tube;
[0035] 20: photographing device;
[0036] 21: Lens box;
[0037] 22: Shot;
[0038] 23: Fill light;
[0039] 24: Installation components;
[0040] 25: Lens;
[0041] 26: Lens;
[0042] 30: Controller;
[0043] 31: Main control module;
[0044] 32: Communication transmission module;
[0045] 33: Power supply module;
[0046] 40: Monitoring system;
[0047] A: Liquid level position;
[0048] B: Liquid level difference signal;
[0049] C, D: Polygons;
[0050] a, b, c: Curves; Detailed Implementation
[0051] Embodiments of this utility model will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals represent the same or similar components in the drawings and description. In the drawings, shapes and thicknesses may be exaggerated for simplicity and convenience. It is understood that components not specifically shown in the drawings or described in the description are forms known to those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications based on the content of this utility model.
[0052] The technical solutions adopted in the embodiments of this utility model are used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are therefore only examples. Unless otherwise specified, they should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. In the description of the specification, many specific details are provided to give the reader a more complete understanding of this utility model; however, this utility model may still be implemented even if some or all of the specific details are omitted. Furthermore, well-known steps or components are not described in the details to avoid unnecessarily limiting this utility model. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be arbitrarily combined with each other. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this utility model have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains.
[0053] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 . Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a liquid level detection system provided in the first embodiment of this utility model, showing the captured liquid level image. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the liquid level detection system provided in the first embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the lens side of the liquid level detection system provided in the first embodiment of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a circuit block diagram of the liquid level detection system provided in the first embodiment of the present invention. The liquid level detection system is used to detect, for example, the liquid level height of the liquid storage tank 2 in a cooling tower in a cooling system. The liquid level detection system in this embodiment mainly consists of a liquid level pipe 10, a camera 20, a controller 30, and a monitoring system 40 that can be installed in conjunction with it.
[0054] The level pipe 10 is located on one side of the storage tank 2 (see...). Figure 1 Furthermore, both the upper and lower ends of the level tube 10 are connected to the storage tank 2, which stores working liquid 3, such as cooling water. Utilizing the principle of water connecting pipes, when the water is in a container connected at the bottom (called a connecting pipe), the water surface must be on the same plane when the liquid surface is still. In other words, the liquid level in the level tube 10 is the same as the liquid level in the storage tank 2.
[0055] The imaging device 20 is positioned to capture images of the liquid level tube 10. In this embodiment, the imaging device 20 includes a lens housing 21, a lens 22, and a supplementary light 23. The lens 22 is mounted on the lens housing 21 and is parallel to the liquid level position A of the liquid level tube 10. The range of the image captured by the lens 22 is related to the shooting distance and the focal length of the lens 22, and can be selected according to actual needs. For example, if a large area needs to be monitored, it is recommended to choose a lens 22 with a smaller focal length. In this embodiment, the lens 22 of the imaging device 20 is about 6.5 cm away from the liquid level tube 10, and the range of the image that can be captured is about 2 cm above and below the liquid level position A, for a total height range of about 4 cm. The supplementary light 23 is mounted on the lens housing 21 and emits a light source towards the liquid level position A of the liquid level tube 10. In this embodiment, the light emitted by the supplementary light 23 is a red light source. Since red light has the longest wavelength and better penetrating power, it exhibits excellent light transmission and minimal glare within the lens housing 21, thus ensuring that the liquid level calculation remains unaffected.
[0056] In this embodiment, the shooting device 20 has a mounting bracket 24 on one side of the controller 30 (see...). Figure 2 and Figure 3The lens box 21 is fixed to the top of the mounting component 24, and the fixing method between the mounting component 24 and the lens box 21 can be magnetic. The controller 30 includes a main control module 31, a communication transmission module 32, and a power module 33 (see...). Figure 4 The power module 33 is electrically connected to the main control module 31 and the imaging device 20 to provide power. The main control module 31 is electrically connected to the communication transmission module 32, the power module 33, and the imaging device 20 to perform various operations. The main control module 31 receives the liquid level image extracted by the imaging device 20. The main control module 31 can calculate and process the liquid level information based on the liquid level image, and send the liquid level information to the monitoring system 40 through the communication transmission module 32 via optical signal conversion. The main control module 31 can also determine whether the liquid level of the storage tank 2 is lower than the preset warning value based on the liquid level image. If so, it sends a warning signal to the monitoring system 40 through the communication transmission module 32.
[0057] The monitoring system 40 is connected to the communication transmission module 32 to receive and store the aforementioned liquid level information and warning signals, and to alert the storage tank 2 of the risk of a low liquid level based on the warning signals. In this embodiment of the invention, the communication method between the monitoring system 40 and the communication transmission module 32 can be wired communication. Wired communication can utilize a signal output line for signal transmission, for example, outputting signals at 4mA to 20mA.
[0058] Please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 . Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the liquid level detection system provided in the second embodiment of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the lens side of the liquid level detection system provided in the second embodiment of this utility model. To cooperate with the cooling system having dual pipelines, the imaging device 20 of the liquid level detection system in this embodiment has two lenses (including lenses 25 and 26) vertically mounted on the lens housing 21, with the center line between the two lenses aligned with the liquid level position of the liquid level tube 10. The lenses 25 and 26 of the imaging device 20 in this embodiment are approximately 6.5 cm away from the liquid level tube 10, and the area of the image that can be captured is approximately 4 cm above and below the liquid level position, for a total height range of approximately 8 cm, which is sufficient for monitoring.
[0059] In an embodiment of this utility model, the liquid level detection system can selectively set a warning value for the liquid level height of the storage tank according to the client's needs. The main control module will determine whether the liquid level height of the storage tank is lower than the preset warning value based on the liquid level image extracted by the imaging device. Once the liquid level height of the storage tank is lower than the warning value, the main control module will send a warning signal to the monitoring system through the communication transmission module. The monitoring system will warn of the low liquid level situation, allowing the management personnel to directly discover and properly handle the situation through the monitoring system.
[0060] In an embodiment of this invention, the liquid level detection system can use a controller to convert liquid level information into a current signal for output. The lens is positioned at the liquid level height of the liquid level tube, establishing a standard output current, such as 12 mA, as a reference. This system works with a client to monitor whether the liquid level is below a warning height and trigger an alarm. In another embodiment of this invention, management personnel can monitor liquid level loss through the monitoring system, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the presence of the liquid level difference signal B can be observed, where the three curves a, b, and c represent the liquid level signals of different water level lines. Furthermore, the liquid level detection system of this embodiment can perform point monitoring through a monitoring system to ensure the establishment of an alarm mechanism for liquid level loss. As shown in Table 1, the monitoring points represent the corresponding liquid level positions of each water level line, while the current values represent the corresponding monitoring values for each monitoring point.
[0061] Table 1. Correspondence between monitoring points and current values
[0062] Monitoring point Current value (milliampere) 8 20 7 18 5 16 5 14 4 12 3 10 2 8 1 6 0 4
[0063] In addition, such as Figure 8A The figure shown is a graph of the liquid level height detected by the liquid level detection system of the present invention for the first chiller. The embodiments of the present invention can be based on... Figure 8A The leakage rate is calculated by determining the height of the drop in liquid level. The leakage rate is calculated by... Figure 8B The area of polygon C is calculated as 65 * 16 * 0.2 = 208 cm². 3 That is, 208cc, as shown in Table 2, which lists the relative relationship between the monitored current value, leakage volume and liquid level drop height.
[0064] Table 2. Relative Relationship between Current Value, Leakage Volume, and Liquid Level Drop Height
[0065]
[0066]
[0067] like Figure 9A The image shows a graph of the liquid level height detected by the liquid level detection system provided in an embodiment of this utility model for a second chiller. The embodiment of this utility model can be based on... Figure 9A The leakage rate is calculated by determining the height of the drop in liquid level. The leakage rate is calculated by... Figure 9B The area of polygon D is calculated as 64 * 19 * 0.2 = 243 cm². 3 That is, 243cc, as shown in Table 3, which lists the relative relationship between the monitored current value, leakage volume and liquid level drop height.
[0068] Table 3. Relative Relationship between Current Value, Leakage Volume, and Liquid Level Drop Height
[0069] Current value (mA) Leakage amount (liter) Leakage amount (kilogram) Liquid level drop height (cm) 0.3 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.5 0.4 0.7 0.3 1.0 0.7 1.3 0.6 1.5 1.29 2.2 1.0 2.0 1.6 2.8 1.3 2.5 1.9 3.5 1.6 3.0 2.3 4.2 1.9
[0070] In the above embodiment, the minimum detection height is 0.2cm. Whenever the liquid level in the liquid level tube drops by 0.2cm, the amount of liquid level loss will be displayed to the client.
[0071] In summary, the liquid level detection system provided by this invention utilizes a liquid level pipe connected to the storage tank. An image capture device extracts the liquid level image from the pipe, and the controller uses this image to determine the liquid level loss in the storage tank. When the liquid level falls below a warning value, an alarm signal is issued, providing a warning. This allows for real-time monitoring of liquid level loss, significantly improving alarm management efficiency, effectively reducing the risk of leakage, and ensuring the normal operation of the cooling system. Furthermore, the liquid level detection system of this invention allows for remote monitoring of liquid level loss, improving operational convenience. Installation, removal, and maintenance are also convenient and simple, reducing manpower and lowering labor costs.
[0072] Although the present invention has been described in detail through the preferred embodiments above, it should be understood that the above description should not be considered as a limitation of the present invention. Various modifications and substitutions to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A liquid level detection system for detecting the liquid level height of a storage tank, characterized in that, The liquid level detection system comprises: a liquid level tube, which is in communication with the liquid storage tank, and the liquid level height in the liquid level tube is the same as that of the liquid storage tank; a shooting device, which is arranged in a direction facing the liquid level tube to extract a liquid level image of the liquid level tube; and a controller, which is electrically connected to the shooting device, and the controller comprises a main control module and a communication transmission module, the main control module is electrically connected to the communication transmission module and the shooting device respectively, the main control module receives the liquid level image to determine whether the liquid level height of the liquid storage tank is lower than a preset warning value according to the liquid level image, and if so, a warning signal is sent through the communication transmission module.
2. The liquid level detection system of claim 1, wherein Further comprising a monitoring system, which is in communication connection with the communication transmission module to receive the warning signal and warn that there is a risk of too low liquid level in the liquid storage tank according to the warning signal.
3. The liquid level detection system of claim 2, wherein The main control module further calculates and processes a liquid level information according to the liquid level image, and transmits the liquid level information to the monitoring system through the communication transmission module by optical signal conversion.
4. The liquid level detection system of claim 2, wherein The communication mode between the monitoring system and the communication transmission module is wired communication.
5. The liquid level detection system of claim 4, wherein, The wired communication mode is 4mA-20mA output signal.
6. The liquid level detection system of claim 1, wherein, The shooting device comprises a lens box, a lens and a light supplement lamp, the lens is arranged on the lens box and is parallel to the liquid level position of the liquid level tube, and the light supplement lamp is arranged on the lens box and emits light source towards the liquid level position of the liquid level tube.
7. The liquid level detection system of claim 6, wherein The light source emitted by the light supplement lamp is red light source.
8. The liquid level detection system of claim 6, wherein, The shooting device has double lenses arranged vertically on the lens box, and the center line between the double lenses is aligned with the liquid level position of the liquid level tube.
9. The liquid level detection system of claim 6, wherein, The shooting device further comprises a mounting member, which is arranged on one side of the controller and is used for fixing the lens box.
10. The liquid level detection system of claim 9, wherein, The fixing mode between the mounting member and the lens box is magnetic attraction type.
11. The liquid level detection system of claim 1, wherein, The controller further comprises a power module, which is electrically connected to the main control module and the shooting device to provide power.