Heat tracing device for liquid level meter of steam turbine condenser
By using condensate water in the condenser as a heat source, and pumping the condensate to the level gauge and pressure tapping pipe, combined with spirally wound thin-walled metal heat tracing pipe and insulation layer, the problem of inaccurate level gauge measurement in low-temperature environment is solved, and the stability of the level gauge and the stable operation of the device are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520415446.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-11
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, liquid level measuring devices are prone to inaccurate measurements in winter or when the ambient temperature is low, leading to unstable operation of the device and affecting equipment operation. Existing technologies cannot effectively solve the stability problem of liquid level measuring devices.
Condensate from the condenser is used as a heat source. The condensate is pumped to the level gauge and pressure tap for heat tracing. The heat utilization efficiency is improved by spirally wound thin-walled metal heat tracing pipes and insulation layers, and boiling of water in the level gauge and pressure tap is prevented.
Stable level measurement was achieved in low-temperature environments, preventing freezing and boiling of water in the level gauge and pressure tapping pipe, thus ensuring the accuracy of level measurement and the stable operation of the device.
Smart Images
Figure CN223841266U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat tracing technology, specifically to a heat tracing device for a steam turbine condenser level gauge. Background Technology
[0002] A steam turbine is a rotating power unit that converts the thermal energy of steam into mechanical energy, and it is widely used in power generation, industrial drives, and other fields. The steam turbine condenser, as a crucial component of the steam turbine, plays a vital role in the operation of a condensing steam turbine. The liquid level within the condenser is a critical operational monitoring data point in industrial production, directly affecting the stable and efficient operation of the steam turbine. Distortions in liquid level measurement can cause fluctuations in equipment operation, or even lead to turbine impeller damage and equipment shutdown.
[0003] In industrial applications, level gauges are typically installed on the condenser water tank to measure the condensate level within the condenser. The level gauge is connected to the condenser water tank via a pressure tap. After being cooled by a water cooler, the condensate in the condenser is in a saturated state, with a cooling water temperature of approximately 30–40°C. In winter or when ambient temperatures are low, the stagnant condensate in the level gauge is highly susceptible to freezing, leading to inaccurate level measurements. If electric or steam heating is used directly, the low pressure within the condenser (5–10 kPaA), coupled with the fact that water's boiling point is 35–45°C and its freezing point is -0.1°C, means that improper control can easily cause the water in the level gauge and pressure tap to boil, affecting the accuracy of the measurement. Therefore, currently, the level gauges in turbine condensers can only be insulated and protected from freezing using simple insulation cotton wrapping, which offers poor freeze resistance. Utility Model Content
[0004] To solve the above problems, this utility model provides a heat tracing device for a steam turbine condenser level gauge.
[0005] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is:
[0006] A heat tracing device for a steam turbine condenser level gauge includes a heat tracing pipe and a condensate pump. The inlet of the condensate pump is connected to the condenser water tank and is used to extract condensate from the water tank and send it to the deaerator for recycling. One end of the heat tracing pipe is connected to the outlet of the condensate pump and the other end extends to the level gauge for heat tracing of the level gauge and the level gauge pressure tap.
[0007] This application utilizes condensate in the condenser as a heat source. The temperature and pressure of the heat source are the same as those of the condensate in the condenser, which will not cause the water in the level gauge and pressure tapping pipe to boil, thus ensuring the stability of the level gauge measurement.
[0008] Furthermore, the heat tracing pipe, after passing through a level gauge and its pressure tap, is connected to the sealing water inlet of the condenser pressure relief valve. The condensate in the heat tracing pipe, after being cooled, is used as the sealing water for the condenser pressure relief valve, reducing water waste.
[0009] Furthermore, the heat tracing pipe is spirally wound around the upper and lower pressure pipes. A first insulation layer is provided on the outside of the lower pressure pipe and the heat tracing pipe, and a second insulation layer is provided on the outside of the upper pressure pipe and the heat tracing pipe. This improves heat tracing efficiency and reduces heat loss.
[0010] Furthermore, the heat tracing pipe is placed close to the side of the level gauge, and a third insulation layer is provided on the outside of the heat tracing pipe and the level gauge. A window is provided on the third insulation layer to expose the level gauge reading. This improves heat tracing efficiency and reduces heat loss.
[0011] Furthermore, the diameter of the heat tracing pipe is DN30-50mm. This ensures effective heat tracing while reducing water waste.
[0012] Furthermore, the heat tracing pipe is a thin-walled metal pipe, which improves heat tracing efficiency.
[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Without adding an external heat source, it utilizes the condensate at a certain temperature at the outlet of the condensate pump to heat the condenser level gauge, making full use of its own heat source while ensuring the stability of the level gauge measurement. The process is simple to manufacture, low in cost, requires minimal on-site construction, and is easy to install. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a heat tracing device for a steam turbine condenser level gauge. Detailed Implementation
[0015] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solution of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and a preferred embodiment.
[0016] See Figure 1 A heat tracing device for a steam turbine condenser level gauge includes a heat tracing pipe 2 and a condensate pump 1. The inlet of the condensate pump 1 is connected to the condenser water tank 10 and is used to extract condensate from the water tank and send it to the deaerator for recycling. One end of the heat tracing pipe 2 is connected to the outlet of the condensate pump, and the other end extends to the level gauge 3 for heat tracing of the level gauge and the level gauge pressure tap. After passing through the level gauge and the level gauge pressure tap, the heat tracing pipe 2 is connected to the sealing water inlet of the condenser pressure relief valve 20.
[0017] In this embodiment, the condenser is equipped with two condensate pumps 1, one in operation and one on standby. The heat tracing pipe 2 is connected to the outlet main of the two condensate pumps 1 through a valve, ensuring that either condensate pump can provide a heat source for heat tracing.
[0018] The upper end of the level gauge 3 is connected to the gas phase inside the water tank through the upper pressure pipe 31, and the lower end is connected to the liquid phase inside the water tank through the lower pressure pipe 32. The level gauge 3 can be a magnetic level gauge or a float level gauge.
[0019] The preferred heat tracing pipe 2 is made of thin-walled stainless steel with a diameter of DN30-50, which is corrosion resistant and has high thermal conductivity.
[0020] The heat tracing pipe 2 is spirally wound around the upper pressure-feeding pipe 31 and the lower pressure-feeding pipe 32. An insulation layer is provided on the outside of the heat tracing pipe. This insulation layer is based on existing technology; for example, a rock wool pipe shell can be used as the insulation layer, with an aluminum cladding covering its outer surface as a protective layer. The inner diameter of the rock wool pipe shell is selected based on the diameters of the heat tracing pipe and the pressure-feeding pipe, ensuring a tight wrapping around the heat tracing pipe. The spiral pitch of the heat tracing pipe 2 winding around the pressure-feeding pipe is calculated based on heat balance, ensuring that the provided heat tracing does not cause condensation of the liquid inside the pressure-feeding pipe. This calculation method is existing technology.
[0021] The heat tracing pipe of the level gauge is fitted to the level gauge itself, and then an insulation layer is installed on the outside of the level gauge and the heat tracing pipe. For easy observation, a window is made in the insulation layer of the level gauge to expose the level reading. The insulation layer of the level gauge can be made of rock wool board, which is cut to the appropriate size according to the shape of the level gauge and then wrapped around the outside of the level gauge and the heat tracing pipe. The outer surface of the insulation layer of the level gauge is also covered with aluminum foil as a protective layer.
[0022] To reduce heat loss of the heat tracing medium, an insulation layer and a protective layer can also be installed on the outer surface of the heat tracing pipe 2.
[0023] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present utility model, and these improvements and modifications are also within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A heat tracing device for a steam turbine condenser level gauge, characterized in that, It includes a heat tracing pipe and a condensate pump. The inlet of the condensate pump is connected to the condenser water tank and is used to extract the condensate from the water tank and send it to the deaerator for recycling. One end of the heat tracing pipe is connected to the outlet of the condensate pump and the other end extends to the level gauge for heat tracing of the level gauge and the level gauge pressure tap.
2. The heat tracing device for a steam turbine condenser level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat tracing pipe passes through the level gauge and the level gauge pressure tap and is connected to the sealing water inlet of the condenser pressure relief valve.
3. The heat tracing device for a steam turbine condenser level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat tracing pipe is spirally wound around the upper pressure pipe and the lower pressure pipe. The lower pressure pipe and the heat tracing pipe are provided with a first insulation layer, and the upper pressure pipe and the heat tracing pipe are provided with a second insulation layer.
4. The heat tracing device for a steam turbine condenser level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat tracing pipe is close to the side of the level gauge, and a third insulation layer is provided on the outside of the heat tracing pipe and the level gauge. A window is provided on the third insulation layer to expose the level gauge reading.
5. A heat tracing device for a steam turbine condenser level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the heat tracing pipe is DN30-50mm.
6. A heat tracing device for a steam turbine condenser level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat tracing pipe is a thin-walled metal pipe.