Skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device and nitrogen sealing system comprising same

Abstract

The utility model relates to a skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device and a nitrogen sealing system comprising the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device. The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device comprises: a first nitrogen supply valve comprising an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being fluidly connected to a nitrogen supply source to receive nitrogen from the nitrogen supply source, the first nitrogen supply valve outputting nitrogen at a target nitrogen sealing pressure at the outlet; a first shut-off valve; a first pipe that fluidly connects the first shut-off valve to an outlet of the first nitrogen supply valve; and a second conduit fluidly connecting the at least one tank to the first conduit between the first nitrogen supply valve and the first shut-off valve. When the pressure in the first pipeline is lower than the target nitrogen sealing pressure, the outlet of the first nitrogen supply valve automatically outputs nitrogen to the first pipeline, and when the pressure in the first pipeline is higher than a first threshold value or lower than first negative pressure, the first stop valve is opened under the control of the controller; at least one part of the nitrogen is exhausted from the first pipeline or ambient gas is allowed to enter the first pipeline correspondingly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device and a nitrogen sealing system including the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device. The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device is configured to nitrogen seal liquids containing at least one storage tank. Background Technology

[0002] Edible oils are mainly composed of glycerol and fatty acids, which are highly susceptible to oxidation and rancidity, affecting taste, destroying nutritional value, and producing harmful components. Currently, there are three main anti-oxidation technologies used in the edible oil industry: adding TBHQ antioxidants, adding vitamin E (both natural and synthetic), and using nitrogen-sealing preservation technology. Adding TBHQ antioxidants has excellent antioxidant effects, effectively combating bacteria, mold, and yeast, thus enhancing the preservation of high-oil-content foods. Vitamin E also has antioxidant properties, although less potent than TBHQ; however, as a natural antioxidant, it alleviates consumer concerns about synthetic additives. Nitrogen-sealing preservation technology utilizes the inert nature of nitrogen, its non-volatile nature, and its ability to isolate the oil from air to achieve preservation. The advantage of nitrogen-sealing preservation technology for edible oils is that it does not contain any artificial chemically synthesized ingredients.

[0003] Currently, nitrogen blanketing technology faces two main problems. First, the nitrogen blanketing system's components, such as the nitrogen blanketing valve, nitrogen release valve, breather valve, and emergency release valve, are installed separately, often requiring numerous openings in the tank top. This not only increases the number of potential leaks but also complicates the tank design by incorporating more unpredictable factors, making the stress on the tank more complex and compromising its safety. It also hinders equipment installation, maintenance, and repair. Optimizing and integrating these components, simplifying the process, and creating a skid-mounted system that can be installed and tested in the factory before being deployed to the site would represent significant progress. Second, current nitrogen blanketing systems lack intelligent monitoring, remote control, and emergency response capabilities, and their safety and environmental friendliness need improvement.

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides an improved skid-mounted nitrogen blanketing device, which can be installed in the bottom area of ​​a storage tank, making installation, inspection, and maintenance more convenient. Furthermore, this invention also provides a nitrogen blanketing system including this skid-mounted nitrogen blanketing device. Utility Model Content

[0005] In one aspect, a skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device is provided, the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device being configured to nitrogen seal a liquid contained in at least one storage tank, and the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device comprising:

[0006] A first nitrogen supply valve includes an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of the first nitrogen supply valve being connected in circulation to a nitrogen supply source to receive nitrogen from the nitrogen supply source, wherein the first nitrogen supply valve is configured to output nitrogen at a target nitrogen sealing pressure at the outlet of the first nitrogen supply valve.

[0007] First shut-off valve;

[0008] A first conduit is configured to connect the first shut-off valve to the outlet of the first nitrogen supply valve in a circulating manner;

[0009] A second conduit configured to connect the at least one storage tank in circulation to the first conduit between the first nitrogen supply valve and the first shut-off valve; and

[0010] A controller, which is wirelessly connected to the first shut-off valve, controls the opening and closing of the first shut-off valve;

[0011] The feature is that the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device is configured such that when the pressure in the first pipeline is lower than the target nitrogen sealing pressure, the outlet of the first nitrogen supply valve automatically outputs nitrogen to the first pipeline, and when the pressure in the first pipeline is higher than a first threshold or lower than a first negative pressure, the first shut-off valve opens under the control of the controller to accordingly discharge at least a portion of the nitrogen from the first pipeline or allow ambient gas to enter the first pipeline.

[0012] On the other hand, a nitrogen blanketing system is provided, comprising:

[0013] At least one storage tank containing liquid;

[0014] A nitrogen supply source configured to output nitrogen at a first pressure; and

[0015] The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device described above is configured to be connected in a circulating manner between the at least one storage tank and the nitrogen supply source to nitrogen seal the liquid in the at least one storage tank.

[0016] The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device and nitrogen sealing system disclosed in this article provide a simpler way to help customers digitize nitrogen sealing of storage tanks without modifying existing tank structures to add sensors, and are easier to maintain and operate.

[0017] These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts in all figures, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device and a nitrogen sealing system including the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device according to the present invention is shown as an example. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Referring now to prior art embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. This detailed description uses numerals and letters to denote features in the drawings. Similar or analogous reference numerals in the drawings and specification are used to denote similar or analogous parts of the present invention.

[0021] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the relative directions of fluid flow within a fluid path. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid flows, and "downstream" refers to the direction to which the fluid flows.

[0022] As used in this article, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the position or importance of an independent component.

[0023] Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms “connection,” “link,” “fixation,” etc., refer to direct connection, link, or fixation, as well as indirect connection, link, or fixation through one or more intermediate components or features.

[0024] As used throughout the specification and claims, approximate language is used to modify any quantitative expression that may be altered without causing a change in the essential function it relates to. Therefore, values ​​modified by one or more terms such as “approximately” are not limited to specified exact values. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value, or the precision of the method or machine used to construct or manufacture the component and / or system.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device and a nitrogen sealing system including the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device according to the present invention is shown as an example. The nitrogen sealing system may include at least one storage tank 5, which may contain liquid; a nitrogen supply source 15, which may be configured to output nitrogen at a first pressure; and a skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device 1, which may be configured to be circulatingly connected between at least one storage tank 5 and the nitrogen supply source 15 to nitrogen seal the liquid in at least one storage tank 5.

[0026] The liquid in at least one storage tank 5 may be edible oil, such as coconut oil. The design pressure range of at least one storage tank 5 may be 100 kPa. The internal temperature of at least one storage tank 5 may be approximately 90°C. The maximum discharge flow rate of at least one storage tank 5 may be approximately 3-5 m³ / h. 3 The discharge port diameter can be approximately 50mm, and the maximum feed flow rate can be approximately 7-10m³ / h. 3 / h, and the feed inlet diameter can be approximately 50mm.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device 1 may include a first nitrogen supply valve 10, which includes an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of the first nitrogen supply valve 10 being flowably connected to a nitrogen supply source 15 to receive nitrogen from the nitrogen supply source 15, wherein the first nitrogen supply valve 10 may be configured to output nitrogen at a target nitrogen sealing pressure at the outlet of the first nitrogen supply valve 10; a first shut-off valve 20; a first conduit 22, which may be configured to flowably connect the first shut-off valve 20 to the outlet of the first nitrogen supply valve 10; a second conduit 23, which may be configured to flowably connect at least one storage tank 5 to the first conduit 22 between the first nitrogen supply valve 10 and the first shut-off valve 20; and a controller 100, which is wirelessly communicatively coupled to the first shut-off valve 20 to control the opening and closing of the first shut-off valve 20. The first nitrogen supply valve 10 may be mechanical, and the first shut-off valve 20 may be a pneumatic ball valve. The controller 100 may be a PLC automatic control system with an HMI touch screen.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device 1 may be configured such that when the pressure in the first pipeline 22 is lower than the target nitrogen sealing pressure, the outlet of the first nitrogen supply valve 10 automatically outputs nitrogen to the first pipeline 22, and when the pressure in the first pipeline 22 is higher than a first threshold or lower than a first negative pressure, the first shut-off valve 20 opens under the control of the controller 100 to accordingly discharge at least a portion of the nitrogen from the first pipeline 22 to a safe area or allow ambient gas (e.g., air) to enter the first pipeline 22.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the second conduit 23 may be configured to be circumferentially connected to the top of at least one storage tank 5.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device 1 may further include a breather valve 25, which is mounted on the first pipe 22 and configured to automatically open when the pressure in the first pipe 22 is higher than a second threshold or lower than a second negative pressure, to accordingly discharge at least a portion of nitrogen gas from the first pipe 22 or allow ambient gas to enter the first pipe 22, wherein the second threshold is higher than the first threshold and the second negative pressure is lower than the first negative pressure. The breather valve 25 may be mechanical. As a mechanical breather valve, the breather valve 25 provides a second layer of safety; when the first shut-off valve 20 fails, the breather valve 25 ensures timely pressure release to ensure the safety of the storage tank.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the target nitrogen sealing pressure may be approximately 2 kPa, the first threshold may be approximately 5 kPa, the first negative pressure may be approximately -0.5 kPa, the second threshold may be approximately 7 kPa, and the second negative pressure may be approximately -1 kPa.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device 1 may further include a first pressure gauge 30, which is mounted on the first conduit 22 and configured to display the nitrogen pressure in the first conduit 22.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device 1 may further include a pressure transmitter 35 mounted on the first pipe 22 and configured to detect the nitrogen pressure in the first pipe 22, wherein the controller 100 is wirelessly communicatively connected to the pressure transmitter 35 to receive the nitrogen pressure detected by the pressure transmitter 35.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device 1 may further include a first hand valve 40 which is connected in circulation to the first conduit 22 and configured to manually discharge at least a portion of the condensate from the first conduit 22 via the first hand valve 40.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device 1 may further include a second hand valve 45, which is installed directly downstream of the nitrogen supply source 15 and configured to manually control the fluid connection between the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device 1 and the nitrogen supply source 15.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device 1 may further include a second shut-off valve 50, which is installed downstream of the second hand valve 45, and the controller 100 is wirelessly connected to the second shut-off valve 50 to control the opening and closing of the second shut-off valve 50, thereby remotely controlling the fluid connection between the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device 1 and the nitrogen supply source 15.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device 1 may further include a second nitrogen supply valve 55 installed downstream of the second shut-off valve 50, which includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the second nitrogen supply valve 55 is circulatingly connected to the second shut-off valve 50 to receive nitrogen from a nitrogen supply source 15, wherein the nitrogen supply source 15 is configured to output nitrogen at a first pressure, and the second nitrogen supply valve 55 is configured to output nitrogen at a second pressure at its outlet, wherein the second pressure is lower than the first pressure and higher than the target nitrogen sealing pressure.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device 1 may further include a one-way valve 60 installed directly upstream of the first nitrogen supply valve 10, thereby defining a third conduit 62 between the second nitrogen supply valve 55 and the one-way valve 60, and the one-way valve 60 is configured to prevent nitrogen from flowing back from the first conduit 22 to the nitrogen supply source 15.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device 1 may further include a pressure relief valve 65 installed on a third conduit 62 between the second nitrogen supply valve 55 and the check valve 60, and configured to automatically open when the pressure in the third conduit 62 is higher than a third threshold, to discharge at least a portion of the nitrogen gas therefrom, wherein the third threshold is higher than a second pressure. The pressure relief valve 65 may be a pneumatic ball valve.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the first pressure may be approximately 500 kPa to 1000 kPa, the second pressure may be approximately 500 kPa, and the third threshold may be approximately 690 kPa.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device 1 may further include a second pressure gauge 70 mounted on a third conduit 62 between the second nitrogen supply valve 55 and the check valve 60, and configured to display the nitrogen pressure in the third conduit 62.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device 1 may further include a filter 75 installed in a third conduit 62 between the second nitrogen supply valve 55 and the one-way valve 60, and configured to coarsely filter the nitrogen supplied in the third conduit 62.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device 1 may further include a filter 80 installed downstream of the filter screen 75 in a third conduit 62 between the second nitrogen supply valve 55 and the one-way valve 60, and configured to finely filter the nitrogen supplied in the third conduit 62.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device 1 may further include a flow transmitter 85 mounted on a third conduit 62 between the second nitrogen supply valve 55 and the check valve 60, and configured to detect the nitrogen flow rate in the third conduit 62, wherein the controller 100 is wirelessly communicatively connected to the flow transmitter 85 to receive the detected nitrogen flow rate.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the first shut-off valve 20, the second nitrogen supply valve 55, the pressure transmitter 35, and the flow transmitter 85 can be communicatively connected to the wireless communication system 110 via the wireless signal transmitter 105, and then communicatively connected to the cloud 115 and the controller 100 to output reports and alarms, thereby achieving remote control.

[0046] The solution provided by this utility model has, but is not limited to, the following advantages:

[0047] As a skid-mounted device, it can be installed in the bottom area of ​​the storage tank, making installation, inspection and maintenance more convenient;

[0048] High-quality mechanical nitrogen supply valves and breather valves are selected;

[0049] The self-controlled pneumatic ball valve can respond and act quickly to nitrogen sealing pressure, and the actuation pressure setting of the pneumatic ball valve can be easily adjusted on the HMI touch screen of the PLC automatic control system;

[0050] Mechanical nitrogen blanketing valves and self-regulating pneumatic ball valves provide dual protection for nitrogen blanketing storage tanks;

[0051] The wireless remote monitoring system monitors nitrogen sealing pressure, nitrogen flow and cumulative usage, valve position, alarm prompts, and other information in real time. The data can be recorded and downloaded, and the equipment operating status is clear at a glance, helping owners improve the level of digital management of tank farms.

[0052] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the present invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Instead, the present invention may be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not previously described but consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, while various embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be understood that aspects of the present invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as limited by the foregoing description, but only by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) configured to nitrogen seal a liquid contained in at least one storage tank (5), and the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) comprising: A first nitrogen supply valve (10) includes an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of the first nitrogen supply valve (10) being connected in circulation to a nitrogen supply source (15) to receive nitrogen from the nitrogen supply source (15), wherein the first nitrogen supply valve (10) is configured to output nitrogen at a target nitrogen sealing pressure at the outlet of the first nitrogen supply valve (10). First shut-off valve (20); A first conduit (22) is configured to connect the first shut-off valve (20) in a circulating manner to the outlet of the first nitrogen supply valve (10); A second conduit (23) configured to connect the at least one storage tank (5) in circulation to the first conduit (22) between the first nitrogen supply valve (10) and the first shut-off valve (20); and A controller (100) is wirelessly connected to the first shut-off valve (20) to control the opening and closing of the first shut-off valve (20); The feature is that the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) is configured such that when the pressure in the first pipeline (22) is lower than the target nitrogen sealing pressure, the outlet of the first nitrogen supply valve (10) automatically outputs nitrogen to the first pipeline (22), and when the pressure in the first pipeline (22) is higher than a first threshold or lower than a first negative pressure, the first shut-off valve (20) is opened under the control of the controller (100) to accordingly discharge at least a portion of the nitrogen from the first pipeline (22) or allow ambient gas to enter the first pipeline (22).

2. The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second pipe (23) is configured to be connected in a circulating manner to the top of the at least one storage tank (5).

3. The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) further includes a breather valve (25) installed on the first pipe (22) and configured to automatically open when the pressure in the first pipe (22) is higher than a second threshold or lower than a second negative pressure, so as to discharge at least a portion of nitrogen from the first pipe (22) or allow ambient gas to enter the first pipe (22), wherein the second threshold is higher than the first threshold and the second negative pressure is lower than the first negative pressure.

4. The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The target nitrogen sealing pressure is 2 kPa, the first threshold is 5 kPa, the first negative pressure is -0.5 kPa, the second threshold is 7 kPa, and the second negative pressure is -1 kPa.

5. The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) also includes a first pressure gauge (30) mounted on the first pipe (22) and configured to display the nitrogen pressure in the first pipe (22).

6. The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) further includes a pressure transmitter (35) which is installed on the first pipeline (22) and configured to detect the nitrogen pressure in the first pipeline (22), wherein the controller (100) is wirelessly connected to the pressure transmitter (35) to receive the nitrogen pressure detected by the pressure transmitter (35).

7. The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) also includes a first hand valve (40) which is connected in circulation to the first pipe (22) and is configured to manually discharge at least a portion of the condensate from the first pipe (22) via the first hand valve (40).

8. The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) also includes a second hand valve (45) installed directly downstream of the nitrogen supply source (15) and configured to manually control the fluid connection between the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) and the nitrogen supply source (15).

9. The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) also includes a second shut-off valve (50) installed downstream of the second hand valve (45), and the controller (100) is wirelessly connected to the second shut-off valve (50) to control the opening and closing of the second shut-off valve (50), thereby remotely controlling the fluid connection between the skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) and the nitrogen supply source (15).

10. The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) further includes a second nitrogen supply valve (55) installed downstream of the second shut-off valve (50), which includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the second nitrogen supply valve (55) is connected in circulation to the second shut-off valve (50) to receive nitrogen from the nitrogen supply source (15), wherein the nitrogen supply source (15) is configured to output nitrogen at a first pressure, and the second nitrogen supply valve (55) is configured to output nitrogen at a second pressure at the outlet of the second nitrogen supply valve (55), wherein the second pressure is lower than the first pressure and higher than the target nitrogen sealing pressure.

11. The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) further includes a one-way valve (60) installed directly upstream of the first nitrogen supply valve (10) to define a third conduit (62) between the second nitrogen supply valve (55) and the one-way valve (60), and the one-way valve (60) is configured to prevent nitrogen from flowing back from the first conduit (22) to the nitrogen supply source (15).

12. The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) further includes a pressure relief valve (65) installed on a third pipe (62) between the second nitrogen supply valve (55) and the one-way valve (60), and configured to automatically open when the pressure in the third pipe (62) is higher than a third threshold to discharge at least a portion of the nitrogen gas therefrom, wherein the third threshold is higher than the second pressure.

13. The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first pressure is 500 kPa-1000 kPa, the second pressure is 500 kPa, and the third threshold is 690 kPa.

14. The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) also includes a second pressure gauge (70) installed on a third pipe (62) between the second nitrogen supply valve (55) and the one-way valve (60), and configured to display the nitrogen pressure in the third pipe (62).

15. The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) also includes a filter screen (75) installed in a third pipe (62) between the second nitrogen supply valve (55) and the one-way valve (60), and configured to coarsely filter the nitrogen supplied in the third pipe (62).

16. The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) also includes a filter (80) installed downstream of the filter screen (75) in a third conduit (62) between the second nitrogen supply valve (55) and the one-way valve (60), and configured to finely filter the nitrogen supplied in the third conduit (62).

17. The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) further includes a flow transmitter (85) installed on a third pipe (62) between the second nitrogen supply valve (55) and the check valve (60), and configured to detect the nitrogen flow rate in the third pipe (62), wherein the controller (100) is wirelessly connected to the flow transmitter (85) to receive the detected nitrogen flow rate.

18. A nitrogen blanketing system, comprising: At least one storage tank (5) containing liquid; as well as A nitrogen supply source (15) is configured to output nitrogen at a first pressure; The nitrogen sealing system is characterized in that it further includes a skid-mounted nitrogen sealing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, which is configured to be connected in circulation between the at least one storage tank (5) and the nitrogen supply source (15) for nitrogen sealing of the liquid in the at least one storage tank (5).

19. The nitrogen blanketing system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The liquid is edible oil.

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