Anti-condensation device of ultrasonic liquid level meter

Abstract

The utility model provides an anti-condensation device for an ultrasonic liquid level meter, which relates to the technical field of ultrasonic liquid level meters and comprises a liquid level meter arranged above a water tank of a waste incineration plant through an L-shaped support, and a probe is arranged at the bottom end of the liquid level meter and faces the water tank of the waste incineration plant. The guide cylinder is cylindrical, the guide cylinder is sleeved outside the probe, the side part of the guide cylinder is communicated with the hose, one end, deviating from the guide cylinder, of the hose is communicated with the air compressor, and a control assembly is arranged on the hose. The technical effects that the service life is prolonged and the cost is reduced while dual work of physical isolation and active dehumidification is achieved and the anti-condensation rate is increased are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ultrasonic level gauge technology, and in particular to an anti-condensation device for ultrasonic level gauges. Background Technology

[0002] In the industrial water treatment system of waste-to-energy plants, the water temperature in equipment such as circulating water tanks and leachate tanks is typically maintained at a high temperature of 80℃ to 100℃. Under these conditions, the ultrasonic level gauge, as a device for measuring liquid level, needs to have its probe exposed to a high-temperature and high-humidity environment for extended periods. However, water vapor condenses on the probe surface, forming water droplets. Excessive water droplets can interfere with the ultrasonic wave reflection path, leading to changes in the measured liquid level.

[0003] Currently, existing technologies for preventing condensation in level gauges primarily employ electrically heated structures. These structures use external heating elements that continuously generate heat via an external power source to dry out moisture.

[0004] However, existing electric heating structures have the following problems:

[0005] 1. The heating element requires continuous power consumption. With multiple probes in a waste incineration plant, the annual power consumption exceeds 100,000 kWh, significantly increasing operating costs.

[0006] 2. The heating element is in a high temperature and high humidity environment for a long time, which poses a safety hazard of short circuit or spark explosion. At the same time, the metal resistance wire is prone to oxidation and breakage, which may lead to danger or failure of the anti-condensation function. The average maintenance cycle is only 1 month, which increases labor costs. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide an anti-condensation device for ultrasonic level gauges, so as to alleviate the technical problems of electric heating tube anti-condensation, continuous energy consumption, and easy breakage or explosion in the prior art.

[0008] This utility model provides an ultrasonic level gauge anti-condensation device, comprising: a level gauge, an L-shaped bracket, a probe, a guide tube, a hose, a compressed air compressor, and a control component;

[0009] The level gauge is mounted above the waste incineration plant's water tank via an L-shaped bracket. A probe is installed at the bottom of the level gauge, facing the waste incineration plant's water tank.

[0010] The guide tube is cylindrical and is fitted outside the probe. The side of the guide tube is connected to a flexible hose, and the end of the flexible hose away from the guide tube is connected to a compressed air machine. Control components are installed on the flexible hose.

[0011] Furthermore, the control components include a pressure reducing valve, a dryer, and an electronic exhaust valve arranged sequentially on the hose along the airflow direction; the pressure reducing valve is used to reduce pressure; the dryer is used to dehumidify; and the electronic exhaust valve is used to control the purging time.

[0012] Furthermore, the guide tube includes a column, an inner ring thread, and an air inlet; the bottom of the column is hollowed out, and the inner surface of the column is connected to the outer thread on the probe through the inner ring thread. The air inlet is opened on the side of the column and is used to connect the flexible hose.

[0013] Furthermore, the radial length of the column is 120mm to 150mm, and the distance between the air inlet and the top surface of the column is 40mm to 45mm.

[0014] Furthermore, the diameter of the air intake is 8mm.

[0015] Furthermore, the gap between the inner diameter of the column and the outer diameter of the probe is 10mm to 20mm.

[0016] Furthermore, both the inner and outer walls of the column are covered with a PTFE layer.

[0017] Furthermore, the outlet pressure of the pressure reducing valve is 0.1MPa to 0.3MPa, and the outlet temperature of the dryer is not less than 60℃.

[0018] Beneficial effects:

[0019] This utility model provides an ultrasonic level gauge anti-condensation device, comprising: a level gauge arranged above a waste incineration plant water tank via an L-shaped bracket, a probe installed at the bottom of the level gauge facing the waste incineration plant water tank; a cylindrical guide tube fitted around the probe, a flexible hose connected to the side of the guide tube, a compressed air compressor connected to the end of the flexible hose away from the guide tube, and a control component installed on the flexible hose.

[0020] By placing a guide tube over the probe, a compressed air compressor delivers dry air through a hose, forming an air curtain to prevent moisture from approaching the probe and ensuring accurate and reliable measurement results. Furthermore, the complex environment of a waste incineration plant, with dust, fine particles, and other debris around the water pool, effectively prevents these contaminants from adhering to the probe surface, improving the accuracy of the measurement data. The air curtain formed by the guide tube and compressed air also acts as an isolation layer, reducing contact between the probe and corrosive gases and extending the probe's lifespan.

[0021] By precisely adjusting the compressed air flow and pressure through the control components, this invention can reduce problems such as water vapor condensation, debris adhesion, and corrosion, thereby reducing the probability of equipment failure, extending the probe's service life, reducing the frequency of equipment replacement, and lowering procurement costs. Unlike electric heating, it does not consume electricity and pose a risk of explosion. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the ultrasonic level gauge anti-condensation device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the flow guide tube in the ultrasonic level gauge anti-condensation device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a top view of the guide tube in the ultrasonic level gauge anti-condensation device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Icons: 1 - Level gauge; 2 - L-shaped bracket; 3 - Probe; 4 - Flow guide tube; 401 - Column; 402 - Inner ring thread; 403 - Air inlet; 5 - Hose; 6 - Compressed air unit; 7 - Control components; 701 - Pressure reducing valve; 702 - Dryer; 703 - Electronic exhaust valve. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0028] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, outlines some embodiments of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides an ultrasonic level gauge anti-condensation device, including: level gauge 1, L-shaped bracket 2, probe 3, guide tube 4, hose 5, compressed air machine 6, and control component 7;

[0035] The level gauge 1 is arranged above the water pool of the waste incineration plant via an L-shaped bracket 2. A probe 3 is installed at the bottom of the level gauge 1, and the probe 3 faces the water pool of the waste incineration plant.

[0036] The guide tube 4 is cylindrical and is sleeved on the outside of the probe 3. The side of the guide tube 4 is connected to the hose 5. The end of the hose 5 away from the guide tube 4 is connected to the air compressor 6. The hose 5 is equipped with a control component 7.

[0037] Specifically, an ultrasonic level gauge anti-condensation device is installed above the water tank in the waste incineration plant. The level gauge 1 is connected to an L-shaped bracket 2, the other end of which is bolted or welded to a supporting structure around the water tank, such as a metal frame or concrete column at the edge of the tank, ensuring it does not wobble. The L-shaped bracket 2 allows the level gauge 1 to be positioned at a suitable height above the water tank for accurate measurement of the water level. The level gauge 1 is a conventional device in the art, capable of converting the level information collected by the probe 3 into readable data. The probe 3 at the bottom of the level gauge 1 is cylindrical with a smooth curved surface at its end, receiving and reflecting measurement signals to more accurately sense changes in the water level within the tank. The maximum detection diameter of the probe 3 should be far from the tank wall. The bottom of the level gauge 1 is connected to the probe 3, and the external thread of the upper part of the probe 3 is threadedly connected to the guide tube 4. To protect probe 3 from condensation and ensure its normal operation, the guide tube 4 is a regular cylindrical shape with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of probe 3, allowing probe 3 to be easily fitted inside. The guide tube 4 is made of high-temperature and corrosion-resistant materials, required to withstand the high-temperature, high-humidity, and corrosive environment of a waste incineration plant, and also possesses good insulation properties. The length of the guide tube 4 needs to cover probe 3. At the connection between the guide tube 4 and the hose 5, a sealing ring is used to seal the interface and prevent compressed air leakage. One end of the hose 5 is connected to the side interface of the guide tube 4, secured by a snap-fit ​​or flange connection. The other end is connected to a dry and clean compressed air compressor 6 within the plant. Compressed air compressor 6 generates stable compressed air, ensuring that the output compressed air pressure is stable and clean, free of impurities. A control component 7 is installed on the hose 5. The control component 7 can monitor the compressed air pressure within the hose 5 in real time and transmit the pressure signal to a microprocessor. The microprocessor controls the opening of the flow regulating valve according to a preset program and actual measurement requirements, thereby regulating the flow rate of compressed air.

[0038] The air humidity above the water tank in the waste incineration plant is high, and water vapor easily condenses on the surface of probe 3, severely interfering with the measurement signal and leading to significant errors in the measurement results. The compressed air introduced into the guide tube 4 forms an air curtain, isolating probe 3 from the surrounding humid air. The relatively stable temperature and humidity of the compressed air effectively prevent water vapor condensation on the probe 3 surface, thus ensuring the probe 3 receives and reflects measurement signals, improving the accuracy of liquid level measurement. Furthermore, the environment of the waste incineration plant contains dust and fine particulate matter; if these adhere to the probe 3 surface, they can also affect its normal operation. The air curtain formed by the guide tube 4 and compressed air prevents debris from approaching probe 3, ensuring that the probe 3 surface remains clean and further improving measurement accuracy.

[0039] By adjusting the flow and pressure of compressed air using control component 7, the environment surrounding probe 3 can be kept relatively stable. Regardless of changes in external weather conditions, such as fluctuations in temperature and humidity, probe 3 can operate in a stable environment, thereby reducing fluctuations in measurement results and enhancing equipment stability. Simultaneously, by reducing issues such as water vapor condensation and interference from debris, the probability of equipment malfunction is significantly lowered. Naturally, this reduces downtime for maintenance due to equipment failure, improving the continuity and stability of waste incineration plant production. It also avoids the risks of continuous energy consumption and short-circuit explosions associated with electric heating.

[0040] In an embodiment of this utility model, the control component 7 includes a pressure reducing valve 701, a dryer 702, and an electronic exhaust valve 703 arranged sequentially on the hose 5 along the airflow direction; the pressure reducing valve 701 is used to reduce pressure; the dryer 702 is used to dehumidify; and the electronic exhaust valve 703 is used to control the purging time.

[0041] The outlet pressure of the pressure reducing valve 701 is 0.1MPa to 0.3MPa, and the outlet temperature of the dryer 702 is not less than 60℃.

[0042] Specifically, the pressure reducing valve 701 is installed near the air compressor 6 and has a precise pressure regulation function. It includes a pressure sensor and an adjustable valve. When compressed air from the air compressor 6 enters the pressure reducing valve 701, the pressure sensor monitors the air pressure in real time and adjusts the valve opening according to a preset pressure range, thereby stabilizing the output compressed air pressure within a suitable range.

[0043] Dryer 702 is installed adjacent to pressure reducing valve 701 to remove moisture from compressed air. Dryer 702 is filled with a desiccant, such as a molecular sieve. When compressed air enters dryer 702, the moisture is adsorbed by the desiccant. Simultaneously, dryer 702 is equipped with a heating device that can heat the compressed air to at least 60°C. This not only improves the dehumidification effect but also maintains a certain temperature for the air entering guide tube 4, further preventing condensation on the surface of probe 3.

[0044] The electronic exhaust valve 703 is installed near the guide tube 4. It can precisely control the opening and closing time of the valve according to the preset program, thereby controlling the purging time of the compressed air to the probe 3.

[0045] In an embodiment of this utility model, the guide tube 4 includes a column 401, an inner ring thread 402, and an air inlet 403; the bottom of the column 401 is hollowed out, and the inner surface of the column 401 is threadedly connected to the external thread on the probe 3 through the inner ring thread 402. The air inlet 403 is opened on the side of the column 401 and is used to connect the hose 5.

[0046] The radial length of the column 401 is 120mm to 150mm, and the distance between the air inlet 403 and the top surface of the column 401 is 40mm to 45mm.

[0047] The diameter of the air inlet 403 is 8mm.

[0048] The gap between the inner diameter of the column 401 and the outer diameter of the probe 3 is 10mm to 20mm.

[0049] Both the inner and outer walls of column 401 are covered with PTFE layers.

[0050] Specifically, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the column 401 of the guide tube 4 is a regular cylindrical shape with a hollow bottom, allowing compressed air to flow smoothly out from the bottom, forming an effective air curtain to protect the probe 3 and prevent interference with the probe 3's monitoring. The radial length of the column 401 is between 120mm and 150mm, preferably 140mm, which provides sufficient protective space for the probe 3 without obstructing it due to excessive size. Both the inner and outer walls of the column 401 are covered with a PTFE layer. PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) has excellent properties such as high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and a low coefficient of friction. In the harsh environment of a waste incineration plant, the PTFE layer effectively prevents the column 401 from corroding, while reducing the resistance of compressed air flowing within the column, ensuring smooth airflow.

[0051] The inner surface of the column 401 is provided with an inner ring thread 402, which matches the external thread on the probe 3. One or more evenly distributed air inlets 403 are provided on the side of the column 401, each with a diameter of 8 mm. This size ensures that compressed air enters the column 401 at a suitable flow rate and volume. The distance between the air inlet 403 and the top surface of the column 401 is 40 mm to 45 mm, preferably 40 mm, allowing the compressed air to better diffuse within the column after entering and flow evenly around the probe 3, forming an air curtain. The air inlet 403 is used to connect to the hose 5, and a sealed connection ensures that compressed air can smoothly enter the guide tube 4 from the hose 5.

[0052] Based on the above embodiments, the present invention provides an ultrasonic level gauge anti-condensation device whose working process is as follows:

[0053] The air output from the compressed air compressor 6 passes sequentially through the control components 7 on the hose 5: the pressure reducing valve 701 stabilizes the air pressure, the dryer 702 dehumidifies and heats the air, and the electronic exhaust valve 703 dynamically adjusts the purging cycle according to the ambient humidity. The air is then delivered to the guide tube 4 via the hose 5. The dried air enters the column 401 through the air inlet 403 on the side of the guide tube 4, forming a laminar air curtain within a 10-20mm gap between the inner diameter and the probe 3. The air curtain is discharged from the bottom perforation, preventing water vapor from contacting the probe 3. The guide tube 4 is detachably connected to the probe 3 via the inner ring thread 402.

[0054] The ultrasonic level gauge anti-condensation device of this invention utilizes an air curtain to isolate water vapor from contact and continuous dehumidification with dry air, reducing the surface humidity of the probe to less than 60% and decreasing the condensation rate from 23 times / day to 0 times. Furthermore, due to the use of PTFE corrosion-resistant material and the absence of electric heating elements, the maintenance cycle can be extended from one month to one year, correspondingly reducing annual maintenance costs by 80%.

[0055] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. An anti-condensation device for an ultrasonic liquid level meter, characterized in that The application relates to an anti-condensation device for an ultrasonic liquid level meter. The device comprises a liquid level meter (1), an L-shaped support (2), a probe (3), a flow guide cylinder (4), a hose (5), a compressed air machine (6) and a control assembly (7). The liquid level meter (1) is arranged above a waste incineration plant pool through the L-shaped support (2), and the bottom end of the liquid level meter (1) is provided with the probe (3) which faces the waste incineration plant pool. The flow guide cylinder (4) is in a cylindrical shape, the flow guide cylinder (4) is sleeved outside the probe (3), the side of the flow guide cylinder (4) is communicated with the hose (5), one end of the hose (5) away from the flow guide cylinder (4) is communicated with the compressed air machine (6), and the control assembly (7) is arranged on the hose (5).

2. The anti-condensation device for the ultrasonic liquid level meter according to claim 1, wherein the control assembly (7) comprises a pressure reducing valve (701), a dryer (702) and an electronic exhaust valve (703) which are sequentially arranged on the hose (5) along the air flow direction; the pressure reducing valve (701) is used for pressure reduction; the dryer (702) is used for dehumidification; and the electronic exhaust valve (703) is used for controlling the purging time.

3. The anti-condensation device for the ultrasonic liquid level meter according to claim 1, wherein the flow guide cylinder (4) comprises a column body (401), an inner ring thread (402) and an air inlet (403); the bottom of the column body (401) is hollow, the inner surface of the column body (401) is threadedly connected with external threads on the probe (3) through the inner ring thread (402), and the air inlet (403) is arranged on the side of the column body (401) and is used for communicating with the hose (5).

4. The anti-condensation device for the ultrasonic liquid level meter according to claim 3, wherein the radial length of the column body (401) is 120mm-150mm, and the distance between the air inlet (403) and the top surface of the column body (401) is 40mm-45mm.

5. The anti-condensation device for the ultrasonic liquid level meter according to claim 4, wherein the diameter of the air inlet (403) is 8mm.

6. The anti-condensation device for the ultrasonic liquid level meter according to claim 5, wherein the gap between the inner diameter of the column body (401) and the outer diameter of the probe (3) is 10mm-20mm.

7. The anti-condensation device for the ultrasonic liquid level meter according to claim 3, wherein the inner wall and the outer wall of the column body (401) are both coated with a PTFE layer.

8. The anti-condensation device for the ultrasonic liquid level meter according to claim 2, wherein the outlet pressure of the pressure reducing valve (701) is 0.1MPa-0.3MPa, and the outlet temperature of the dryer (702) is not less than 60 DEG C. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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