Liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tank liquid level monitoring device
By using both radar level gauges and float sensing systems for dual monitoring, the problem of inaccurate LNG tank level monitoring has been solved, enabling real-time alarms and safety control of tank levels, and avoiding safety hazards such as overpressure or gas phase space communication in the tank.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520772484.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-04-22
AI Technical Summary
In the current technology, the liquid level monitoring of LNG storage tanks is inaccurate, which can easily lead to overpressure in the storage tank or gas phase space connection, causing safety accidents.
The system employs a radar level gauge combined with first and second metering tubes and a float sensing block system. It detects the liquid level using radar waves and issues an alarm when the liquid level is too high or too low, thus achieving dual monitoring.
It enables real-time monitoring of LNG storage tank levels, avoiding safety accidents caused by overpressure in the tank or gas phase space communication, and improving safety.
Smart Images
Figure CN223869007U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of energy storage, and in particular to an LNG storage tank level monitoring device. Background Technology
[0002] LNG is the abbreviation for liquefied natural gas. Natural gas is a combustible gas that is naturally extracted from gas fields. Its main component is methane. LNG is made by cooling gaseous natural gas at normal pressure to -162°C, causing it to condense into a liquid. After liquefaction, natural gas can greatly save storage and transportation space and costs, and has the characteristics of high calorific value and high performance.
[0003] When storing liquefied natural gas (LNG), it is usually transported through pipelines. If the liquid level in the storage tank is not monitored during transport, the pressure inside the tank may increase sharply when the liquid level is too high, which may cause the storage tank to rupture due to overpressure or the safety valve to fail, resulting in LNG leakage. When the liquid level is too low, the gas phase space of the storage tank may be connected to the downstream pipeline, and high-pressure gas may rush back to the low-pressure area, causing the pipeline to explode due to overpressure, resulting in serious consequences.
[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to design an LNG storage tank level monitoring device. Utility Model Content
[0005] In order to overcome the disadvantage that failure to monitor LNG level can easily lead to serious consequences, this utility model provides an LNG storage tank level monitoring device.
[0006] The technical implementation scheme of this utility model is as follows: an LNG storage tank level monitoring device includes a storage tank, a controller, a valve flange, a first metering tube, an observation glass, a fixing ring, a first connecting rod float, a first sensing block, a radar level gauge, a sleeve, and a waveguide. The controller is fixedly installed on the middle right side of the outer wall of the storage tank. A valve flange is fixedly installed on the lower right side of the outer wall of the storage tank. The first metering tube is fixedly connected to the front end of the valve flange. An observation glass is opened on the front side of the first metering tube. A certain number of fixing rings are fixedly installed between the first metering tube and the storage tank in the vertical direction. A first connecting rod float is installed inside the first metering tube and floats with the liquid level. A first sensing block is fixedly installed at the top and bottom of the first metering tube. A sleeve is fixedly installed on the middle upper part of the storage tank. The upper end of the sleeve is fixedly connected to the radar level gauge through a flange. A waveguide is fixedly installed inside the sleeve. The lower end of the waveguide is installed inside the sleeve and at a certain distance from the bottom of the storage tank. The controller is electrically connected to the first sensing block and the radar level gauge.
[0007] Optionally, it also includes measuring scale lines, with measuring scale lines provided on the side of the observation glass.
[0008] Optionally, it also includes a second metering tube, a second connecting rod float, and a second sensing block. The second metering tube is fixedly installed on the right side of the storage tank. The second connecting rod float is installed inside the second metering tube and floats with the liquid level. The second sensing block is fixedly installed at the top and bottom of the second metering tube. The controller is electrically connected to the second sensing block.
[0009] Optionally, it also includes an alarm, which is fixedly installed on the storage tank and located to the right of the second metering tube. The controller is electrically connected to the alarm.
[0010] Optionally, the highest point inside the first metering tube and the second metering tube is lower than the top of the storage tank, and the bottom point inside the first metering tube and the second metering tube is higher than the bottom of the storage tank.
[0011] Optionally, the first link float and the second link float rise and fall simultaneously with the rise and fall of the liquefied natural gas level.
[0012] This invention has the following advantages: While calculating the liquid level by emitting radar waves through a radar level gauge, a first metering tube and a second metering tube are respectively installed on the outer wall and inside the storage tank. By raising and lowering the liquefied natural gas level, the first and second connecting rod floats simultaneously monitor the liquid level, and an alarm is issued when the liquid level is too high or too low, thus achieving a better liquid level monitoring effect. Attached Figure Description
[0013] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.
[0014] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first connecting rod float and the first sensing block of this utility model.
[0015] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve flange and the first sensing block of this utility model.
[0016] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the radar level gauge, sleeve, and second metering tube of this utility model.
[0017] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the waveguide, the second connecting rod float, and the second sensing block of this utility model.
[0018] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the waveguide and the second induction block of this utility model.
[0019] The meanings of the reference numerals in the figure are as follows: 10: storage tank, 20: controller, 30: valve flange, 31: first metering tube, 32: observation glass, 33: metering scale line, 34: fixing ring, 35: first connecting rod float, 36: first sensing block, 40: radar level gauge, 41: sleeve, 42: waveguide, 50: second metering tube, 51: second connecting rod float, 52: second sensing block, 60: alarm. Detailed Implementation
[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following will describe this utility model in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is hereby declared that the terms "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," "back," "inner," and "outer," etc., appearing or about to appear in this document, are based solely on the accompanying drawings and are not intended to specifically limit this utility model.
[0021] Example: An LNG storage tank level monitoring device, such as Figures 1-6 As shown, the system includes a storage tank 10, a controller 20, a valve flange 30, a first metering tube 31, an observation glass 32, a fixing ring 34, a first connecting rod float 35, a first sensing block 36, a radar level gauge 40, a sleeve 41, and a waveguide 42. The controller 20 is fixedly installed on the middle right side of the outer wall of the storage tank 10 by screws. The valve flange 30 is fixedly installed on the lower right side of the outer wall of the storage tank 10. The first metering tube 31 is fixedly connected to the front end of the valve flange 30. An observation glass 32 is opened on the front side of the first metering tube 31. The first metering tube 31 is vertically connected to the storage tank 10. A certain number of fixing rings 34 are fixed by screws. A first connecting rod float ball 35 floats with the liquid level inside the first metering tube 31. A first sensing block 36 is fixed at the top and bottom of the first metering tube 31. A sleeve 41 is fixedly inserted in the middle of the upper part of the storage tank 10. The upper end of the sleeve 41 is fixedly connected to the radar level gauge 40 through a flange. A waveguide 42 is fixedly inserted inside the sleeve 41. The lower end of the waveguide 42 is inserted inside the sleeve 41 and is a certain distance away from the bottom of the storage tank 10. The controller 20 is electrically connected to the first sensing block 36 and the radar level gauge 40.
[0022] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, it also includes a measuring scale line 33. The measuring scale line 33 is provided on the side of the observation glass 32 so that the staff can observe the liquid level value inside the observation glass 32.
[0023] like Figures 4-6As shown, it also includes a second metering tube 50, a second connecting rod float 51, and a second sensing block 52. The second metering tube 50 is fixedly installed on the storage tank 10. The second metering tube 50 is located to the right of the sleeve 41. The second connecting rod float 51 floats inside the second metering tube 50 with the liquid level. The second sensing block 52 is fixedly installed at the top and bottom of the second metering tube 50. The highest point of the first metering tube 31 and the second metering tube 50 is lower than the top of the storage tank 10, and the bottom of the first metering tube 31 and the second metering tube 50 is higher than the bottom of the storage tank 10. The controller 20 is electrically connected to the second sensing block 52. The first connecting rod float 35 and the second connecting rod float 51 rise and fall simultaneously with the rise and fall of the liquefied natural gas liquid level.
[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, it also includes an alarm 60, which is fixedly installed on the storage tank 10. The alarm 60 is located to the right of the second metering tube 50, and the controller 20 is electrically connected to the alarm 60.
[0025] When liquefied natural gas (LNG) is injected into storage tank 10, the radar level gauge 40 is activated via controller 20. The radar level gauge 40 emits radar waves downwards. Upon contact with the liquid surface, the radar waves are reflected inside the waveguide 42 within the sleeve 41 until the reflected waves return to the radar level gauge 40. The radar level gauge 40 calculates the liquid level height based on the time difference between the emitted and echoed waves, and then transmits the liquid level height to controller 20 via wireless signal. This achieves the effect of quickly detecting the LNG liquid level height. Simultaneously with the injection of LNG into storage tank 10, the valve on valve flange 30 is opened. Some liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows into the first metering tube 31. Under the buoyancy of the LNG, the first connecting rod float 35 inside the first metering tube 31 rises with the increase in liquid level. Simultaneously, the LNG level in the storage tank 10 can be observed through the observation glass 32 and the metering scale 33. This allows for direct observation of the LNG level inside the storage tank 10. As the liquid level gradually rises, the fixing ring 34 on the outer wall of the storage tank 10 secures the first metering tube 31 to prevent it from tilting. When LNG is injected into the storage tank 10, the internal temperature of the storage tank 10... The second linkage float 51 inside the second metering tube 50 rises simultaneously with the increase in liquid level. When the first linkage float 35 and the second linkage float 51 contact the corresponding first sensing block 36 and second sensing block 52 inside the first metering tube 31 and the second metering tube 50, both the first sensing block 36 and the second sensing block 52 will emit wireless signals to the controller 20. The controller 20 will then control the alarm 60 to sound an alarm, alerting the staff that the liquefied natural gas storage inside the storage tank 10 is approaching saturation. Similarly, when the liquid level drops to a certain level, the first linkage float 35 and the second linkage float 51 will rise simultaneously with the increase in liquid level. When ball 51 contacts the first sensing block 36 and the second sensing block 52 inside the first metering tube 31 and the second metering tube 50, both the first sensing block 36 and the second sensing block 52 will emit wireless signals to the controller 20. The controller 20 will control the alarm 60 to sound an alarm to warn the staff that the liquefied natural gas level is approaching the bottom of the storage tank 10. In this way, through the dual monitoring of the first sensing block 36 and the second sensing block 52, the level of liquefied natural gas in the storage tank 10 is monitored in real time to avoid safety accidents caused by excessively high or low levels of liquefied natural gas in the storage tank 10.
[0026] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the detailed description of the embodiments in this disclosure is for explanation only and not for limiting the present invention, but rather the scope of protection is defined by the content of the claims.
Claims
1. An LNG storage tank level monitoring device, characterized in that: The system includes a storage tank (10), a controller (20), a valve flange (30), a first metering tube (31), an observation glass (32), a fixing ring (34), a first connecting rod float (35), a first sensing block (36), a radar level gauge (40), a sleeve (41), and a waveguide (42). The controller (20) is fixedly installed on the middle right side of the outer wall of the storage tank (10). The valve flange (30) is fixedly installed on the lower right side of the outer wall of the storage tank (10). The first metering tube (31) is fixedly connected to the front end of the valve flange (30). An observation glass (32) is opened on the front side of the first metering tube (31). The first metering tube (31) is vertically aligned with the storage tank (10). A certain number of fixed rings (34) are fixed between them. A first connecting rod float ball (35) is provided inside the first metering tube (31) and floats with the liquid surface. A first sensing block (36) is fixedly provided at the top and bottom of the first metering tube (31). A sleeve (41) is fixedly provided in the middle of the upper part of the storage tank (10). The upper end of the sleeve (41) is fixedly connected to the radar level gauge (40) through a flange. A waveguide (42) is fixedly provided inside the sleeve (41). The lower end of the waveguide (42) is provided inside the sleeve (41) and is located at a certain distance from the bottom of the storage tank (10). The controller (20) is electrically connected to the first sensing block (36) and the radar level gauge (40).
2. The LNG storage tank level monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a measuring scale line (33), and the measuring scale line (33) is provided on the side of the observation glass (32).
3. The LNG storage tank level monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a second metering tube (50), a second connecting rod float (51), and a second sensing block (52). The second metering tube (50) is fixedly installed on the storage tank (10). The second metering tube (50) is located to the right of the sleeve (41). The second connecting rod float (51) floats with the liquid level inside the second metering tube (50). The second sensing block (52) is fixedly installed at the top and bottom of the second metering tube (50). The controller (20) is electrically connected to the second sensing block (52).
4. The LNG storage tank level monitoring device according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes an alarm (60), which is fixedly installed on the storage tank (10). The alarm (60) is located to the right of the second metering tube (50), and the controller (20) is electrically connected to the alarm (60).
5. The LNG storage tank level monitoring device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The highest point inside the first metering tube (31) and the second metering tube (50) is lower than the top of the tank (10), and the bottom point inside the first metering tube (31) and the second metering tube (50) is higher than the bottom of the tank (10).
6. The LNG storage tank level monitoring device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first link float (35) and the second link float (51) rise and fall simultaneously with the rise and fall of the liquefied natural gas level.