Compound monitoring system for liquid level of drainage tank of offshore platform
The combined monitoring system of differential pressure level transmitter, float level transmitter and ultrasonic level gauge solved the problem of accuracy in monitoring the level of open drain tanks on offshore platforms, and achieved real-time and accurate level measurement and timely alarm, thus avoiding oil spill accidents.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing offshore platform open-drain tank level monitoring systems are susceptible to impurities and ambient temperature, which can cause blockages in the communicating vessels or pressure pipes, affecting the accuracy of level measurements and potentially leading to oil spills and environmental accidents in severe cases.
The system employs a combination of three monitoring methods: differential pressure level transmitter, float level transmitter, and ultrasonic level gauge. The ultrasonic level gauge provides non-direct contact measurement, and combined with a controller and alarm system, it achieves real-time monitoring and accurate measurement.
It improves the accuracy and continuity of liquid level measurement, enables timely detection of abnormalities, avoids problems such as tank opening and overflow, and ensures safety and reliability.
Smart Images
Figure CN223985763U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of offshore petrochemical production equipment technology, and in particular to a dual-level monitoring system for liquid level in open-drain tanks on offshore platforms. Background Technology
[0002] The open drainage system mainly consists of an open drainage collection manifold, an open drainage tank, and an open drainage pump. The open drainage tank collects rainwater, sewage, sludge, or oily sewage overflowing from the sewage system from the platform deck through the open drainage collection manifold. When the liquid level in the open drainage tank reaches a certain height, it is transferred to the closed drainage tank by the open drainage pump.
[0003] As a crucial safety and environmental protection device, the accuracy of liquid level monitoring in open-circuit pumping tanks is paramount. A platform in an offshore oilfield has equipped its open-circuit pumping tank with two sets of direct-contact level transmitters: one is a float-type level transmitter used for automatic start / stop and process control of the pumping system, with high and low alarm values set; the other is a differential pressure level transmitter used for ESD shutdown of the pumping system, with a low-low shutdown value set. The signals from the two level transmitters are connected to the PCS system and the ESD system respectively, and the liquid level values can be displayed in the central control room. Both the float-type and differential pressure level transmitters are installed on the side of the open-circuit pumping tank.
[0004] In actual use, float-type level transmitters and differential pressure transmitters measure liquid level by directly contacting the medium inside the open drain tank. They are easily affected by impurities inside the open drain tank and the ambient temperature, which can cause blockage of the communicating vessel or pressure tap, affecting the accuracy of the liquid level measurement. In severe cases, this can easily lead to oil spills and other environmental accidents such as overflowing of the open drain tank.
[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a dual-level monitoring system for the liquid level in open and closed tanks on offshore platforms to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a dual-mode liquid level monitoring system for open-drain tanks on offshore platforms. This system addresses the problems encountered in practical use, where both the float-type level transmitter and the differential pressure transmitter measure liquid level through direct contact with the medium inside the open-drain tank. These issues are easily affected by impurities and ambient temperature within the tank, leading to blockages in the connecting vessels or pressure pipes, thus affecting the accuracy of the liquid level measurements. In severe cases, this can cause oil spills and other environmental accidents, such as overflowing of the open-drain tank. The preferred technical solutions provided by this utility model offer numerous technical advantages, which are detailed below.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:
[0008] This utility model provides a dual-mode liquid level monitoring system for open-drain tanks on offshore platforms, comprising open-drain tanks and monitoring components. The monitoring components include a differential pressure level transmitter, a float level transmitter, and an ultrasonic level gauge, wherein:
[0009] The open drain tank includes a liquid inlet pipeline, and an observation hole is provided at the upper end of the open drain tank;
[0010] The differential pressure level transmitter and the float level transmitter are both located inside the open drain tank. The float level transmitter is externally connected to a magnetic level gauge. The differential pressure level transmitter, the float level transmitter, and the magnetic level gauge are all located inside the open drain tank at the end away from the inlet pipeline.
[0011] The ultrasonic level gauge is installed at the observation hole, and the probe of the ultrasonic level gauge is kept parallel to the liquid surface in the open drain tank.
[0012] Preferably, the monitoring component further includes a controller, and the signal output terminals of the differential pressure level transmitter, the float level transmitter, and the ultrasonic level gauge are electrically connected to the signal receiving terminal of the controller.
[0013] Preferably, the monitoring component further includes a host computer, the output of the controller is electrically connected to the host computer, the host computer is installed in the control room, and the host computer can display and set the liquid level parameters of the oily wastewater in the open drain tank.
[0014] Preferably, the host computer further includes a liquid level monitoring system and a serial port device. The liquid level monitoring loop is set in the controller, and the serial port device transmits the liquid level data detected in the controller to the host computer. The host computer is configured with corresponding configuration software.
[0015] Preferably, the host computer further includes an alarm system, which is electrically connected to the controller and is used to trigger an alarm signal when the absolute value of the difference between the measured value of the float level transmitter and the measured value of the ultrasonic level transmitter is greater than a preset value.
[0016] Preferably, the preset value includes 200mm.
[0017] Preferably, the monitoring component further includes a first liquid level control display module, a second liquid level control display module, and a third liquid level control display module, wherein:
[0018] The first liquid level central control display module is connected to the float liquid level transmitter for signal transmission;
[0019] Both the second and third liquid level control display modules are connected to the differential pressure liquid level transmitter for signal transmission.
[0020] The signals from the first and second liquid level central control display modules are connected to the process control system of the controller; the signal from the third liquid level central control display module is connected to the emergency shutdown system of the controller.
[0021] Preferably, a breather valve is provided on the top of the open drain tank, and the breather valve is electrically connected to the controller.
[0022] Preferably, the observation hole includes an 8-inch observation hole.
[0023] Preferably, a heat exchange pipeline is provided on one side of the open drain tank, an overflow port is provided on the other side of the open drain tank, and a baffle is provided inside the open drain tank, the baffle being fixedly connected to the inner wall of the open drain tank.
[0024] This utility model provides a dual-mode liquid level monitoring system for open-drain tanks on offshore platforms. To eliminate the influence of factors such as impurities at the bottom of the tank and improve the accuracy of liquid level monitoring, a non-direct-contact ultrasonic level gauge is installed on the top of the open-drain tank for real-time monitoring. During use, the measuring instrument does not directly contact the measured medium, avoiding the problem of inaccurate liquid level measurement caused by blockage of pressure lines due to the temperature environment inside the open-drain tank or impurities such as solid particles and sediments in the medium at the bottom of the tank. This ensures the continuity and accuracy of liquid level measurement. Furthermore, the non-direct-contact ultrasonic level gauge can be used in conjunction with existing liquid level transmitters. Through the effective combination of differential pressure liquid level transmitters, float liquid level transmitters, and ultrasonic level gauges, three liquid level monitoring methods can be used for mutual verification and to overcome the limitations of a single measurement method, greatly improving the accuracy of liquid level monitoring in open-drain tanks and achieving precise measurement and real-time monitoring of liquid level changes. By comparing the measured values of different level transmitters in real time, personnel can be promptly alerted to any abnormalities in the level transmitters and dealt with in a timely manner, thus avoiding problems such as overflowing tanks and ensuring the accuracy of level monitoring in open-drain tanks. Attached Figure Description
[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the offshore platform open-drain tank level dual monitoring system of this utility model;
[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the offshore platform open-drain tank level dual monitoring system.
[0028] In the diagram: 1. Ultrasonic level gauge; 2. Observation port; 3. Breathing valve; 4. Magnetic level gauge; 5. Float level transmitter; 61. First level control display module; 62. Second level control display module; 63. Third level control display module; 7. Differential pressure level transmitter; 8. Alarm system; 10. Open / closed tank; 20. Controller; 30. Host computer; 40. Level monitoring system; 50. Serial port device. Detailed Implementation
[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0030] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of this embodiment, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, this utility model provides a dual-level monitoring system for liquid levels in an open-drain tank on an offshore platform, including an open-drain tank 10. Monitoring components are installed on the top and inside of the open-drain tank 10 for measuring the liquid level inside the tank. Specifically, in this embodiment, the monitoring components include a differential pressure level transmitter 7, a float level transmitter 5, a magnetic level gauge 4, and an ultrasonic level gauge 1.
[0031] The open drain tank 10 includes an inlet pipeline, and an observation hole 2 is provided at the upper end of the open drain tank 10. In this embodiment, the observation hole is an 8-inch observation hole. In this embodiment, a heat exchange pipeline is provided on one side of the open drain tank 10, an overflow port is provided on the other side of the open drain tank 10, and a baffle is provided inside the open drain tank 10, which is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the open drain tank 10.
[0032] In this embodiment, the differential pressure level transmitter 7 and the float level transmitter 5 are both located inside the open drain tank 10. The float level transmitter 5 is externally connected to a magnetic level gauge 4. All three are located at the end of the open drain tank 10 furthest from the inlet pipeline. The ultrasonic level gauge 1 is installed at the observation port. Specifically, the ultrasonic level gauge 1 is directly connected via a flange through an opening in the original blind flange, and the probe of the ultrasonic level gauge 1 remains parallel to the liquid surface inside the open drain tank 10. By using a non-contact transmitter, the measuring instrument does not directly contact the measured medium during use, avoiding the problem of inaccurate level measurement caused by blockage of the pressure-sensing pipeline due to impurities such as solid particles and sediments in the medium at the bottom of the open drain tank, thus ensuring the continuity and accuracy of level measurement.
[0033] This offshore platform open-drain tank level dual monitoring system aims to eliminate the influence of factors such as impurities at the tank bottom and improve the accuracy of open-drain tank level monitoring. It utilizes a non-direct contact ultrasonic level gauge 1 installed on the top of the open-drain tank for real-time monitoring. This system works in conjunction with existing level transmitters, effectively combining three level monitoring methods: differential pressure level transmitter 7, float level transmitter 5, and ultrasonic level gauge 1. This combination allows for mutual verification and overcomes the limitations of single measurement methods, significantly improving the accuracy of open-drain tank level monitoring and achieving precise measurement and real-time monitoring of level changes. By comparing the measurements from different level transmitters in real time, it can promptly alert personnel to any abnormalities and address them in a timely manner, preventing issues such as tank overflow and ensuring the accuracy of open-drain tank level monitoring.
[0034] As an optional implementation method, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of this embodiment, as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the monitoring component also includes a controller 20, and the signal output terminals of the differential pressure level transmitter 7, the float level transmitter 5, and the ultrasonic level gauge 1 are electrically connected to the signal receiving terminal of the controller 20.
[0035] As an optional implementation, the monitoring component also includes a host computer 30. The output terminal of the controller 20 is electrically connected to the host computer 30. The host computer 30 is installed in the control room and can display and set the liquid level parameters of oily wastewater in the open drain tank 10.
[0036] The monitoring components in this embodiment also include a first liquid level central control display module 61, a second liquid level central control display module 62, and a third liquid level central control display module 63.
[0037] Specifically, the first liquid level central control display module 61 is connected to the float liquid level transmitter 5; the second liquid level central control display module 62 and the third liquid level central control display module 63 are both connected to the differential pressure liquid level transmitter 7; the signals of the first liquid level central control display module 61 and the second liquid level central control display module 62 are connected to the process control system of the controller 20; and the signal of the third liquid level central control display module 63 is connected to the emergency shutdown system of the controller 20.
[0038] As an optional implementation, the host computer also includes a liquid level monitoring system 40 and a serial port device 50. The liquid level monitoring loop is set in the controller 20, and the serial port device 50 transmits the liquid level data detected in the controller 20 to the host computer 30. The host computer 30 is configured with corresponding configuration software.
[0039] The host computer also includes an alarm system 8, which is electrically connected to the controller 20. The alarm system 8 is used to trigger an alarm signal when the absolute value of the difference between the measured value of the float level transmitter 5 and the measured value of the ultrasonic level gauge 1 is greater than a preset value. In this embodiment, the preset value is 200 mm.
[0040] Specifically, a breather valve 3 is installed on the top of the open exhaust tank 10, and the breather valve 3 is electrically connected to the controller 20.
[0041] The specific steps of an alarm system include:
[0042] S1: Create a new liquid level monitoring loop in the configuration software and configure the differential alarm algorithm;
[0043] S2: Receive the echo signal after reflection from the liquid surface to be measured, subtract the measured value a of ultrasonic level gauge 1 from the measured value b of magnetic level gauge 4, take the absolute value c, and compare it with the set value x (x = 200mm) in the difference alarm algorithm;
[0044] S3: Based on the comparison results in step 2, issue a level warning for open drain tank 10. The specific level warning for open drain tank 10 includes:
[0045] 1. When c≤x, the open-circuit tank operates normally;
[0046] 2. When c > x, a difference alarm signal is triggered to remind central control personnel to take timely action.
[0047] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows:
[0048] The controller 20 is electrically connected to the signal output terminals of the differential pressure level transmitter 7, the float level transmitter 5, and the ultrasonic level gauge 1 via signal cables, respectively, for acquiring and establishing the level difference equation. The level data detected by the controller 20 is transmitted to the industrial control computer to realize the difference alarm function. The configuration interface establishes a configuration level monitoring loop, which serves to communicate with the host computer 30 and realize the functions of numerical display, setting, and high and low level alarms. The alarm system 8, based on the level monitoring loop of the configuration interface, adds a configuration difference alarm algorithm to compare the level values collected by the ultrasonic level gauge 1 and the magnetic float level gauge 4. When the difference between the two is greater than 200 mm, an alarm is triggered, which can promptly remind the central control personnel.
[0049] This offshore platform utilizes a dual-level monitoring system for open-drain tank levels to monitor level fluctuations, effectively resolving the issue of blockages in the connecting vessels or pressure taps of the open-drain tank level measuring device affecting the accuracy of level measurements. The system modification is simple and convenient, suitable for the ecological and environmental risk prevention and response needs of offshore platforms. By timely tracking changes in the open-drain tank level, it achieves continuous monitoring of level data, resolving the potential for overflow hazards caused by undetected level rises in open-drain tanks due to complex environmental factors on offshore platforms.
[0050] Compared with traditional open-drain tank level monitoring devices, this embodiment has the following advantages:
[0051] 1. The overall structure is simple, easy to install, and has low modification costs;
[0052] 2. Saves labor costs and effectively solves the problem of traditional open-type tank level monitoring relying on frequent manual inspections and having low data reliability;
[0053] 3. Improve the accuracy of liquid level measurement in open drain tanks. The operating environment of offshore platforms is harsh and complex. Traditional measuring devices are easily affected by impurities, temperature and environment in the open drain tank, which can cause blockage of the communicating vessel or pressure pipe, resulting in a decrease in the accuracy of liquid level measurement. By adding a non-direct contact ultrasonic level gauge, the combination of three liquid level monitoring methods can achieve accurate measurement and real-time monitoring of liquid level changes.
[0054] 4. Optimize the liquid level monitoring effect of the open drain tank, and work with the alarm system 8 to realize early warning of liquid level changes, so as to promptly remind on-site personnel to deal with emergencies such as open drain tank overflow.
[0055] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A combined monitoring system for tank level on an offshore platform, characterized in that The monitoring assembly comprises a differential pressure liquid level transmitter, a float liquid level transmitter and an ultrasonic liquid level meter, wherein: The drain tank comprises a liquid inlet pipeline, and an observation hole is formed in the upper end of the drain tank; The differential pressure liquid level transmitter and the float liquid level transmitter are arranged inside the drain tank, the float liquid level transmitter is externally connected with a magnetic flap liquid level meter, and the differential pressure liquid level transmitter, the float liquid level transmitter and the magnetic flap liquid level meter are arranged at one end of the drain tank away from the liquid inlet pipeline; The ultrasonic liquid level meter is installed at the observation hole, and the probe of the ultrasonic liquid level meter is parallel to the liquid surface in the drain tank.
2. A combined monitoring system for tank level on an offshore platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The monitoring assembly further comprises a controller, and the signal output ends of the differential pressure liquid level transmitter, the float liquid level transmitter and the ultrasonic liquid level meter are electrically connected with the signal receiving end of the controller.
3. A combined monitoring system for tank level on an offshore platform according to claim 2, characterized in that: The monitoring assembly further comprises an upper computer, and the output end of the controller is electrically connected with the upper computer, the upper computer is installed in a control room, and the upper computer can display and set the oil-containing sewage liquid level parameters in the drain tank.
4. A combined monitoring system for tank level on an offshore platform according to claim 3, characterized in that: The upper computer further comprises a liquid level monitoring system and a serial device, a liquid level monitoring circuit is arranged in the controller, the serial device transmits the detected liquid level data in the controller to the upper computer, and the upper computer is correspondingly provided with configuration software.
5. A combined monitoring system for tank level on an offshore platform according to claim 4, characterized in that: The upper computer further comprises an alarm system, the alarm system is electrically connected with the controller, and is used for triggering an alarm signal when the absolute value of the difference between the measurement value of the float liquid level transmitter and the measurement value of the ultrasonic liquid level meter is greater than a preset value.
6. A combined monitoring system for tank level on an offshore platform according to claim 5, characterized in that: The preset value comprises 200 mm.
7. A combined monitoring system for open tank level on an offshore platform according to any of claims 2-6, characterized in that: The monitoring assembly further comprises a first liquid level central control display module, a second liquid level central control display module and a third liquid level central control display module, wherein: The first liquid level central control display module is signal-connected with the float liquid level transmitter; The second liquid level central control display module and the third liquid level central control display module are signal-connected with the differential pressure liquid level transmitter; The signals of the first liquid level central control display module and the second liquid level central control display module are input into the process control system of the controller, and the signal of the third liquid level central control display module is input into the emergency shutdown system of the controller.
8. A combined monitoring system for open tank level on an offshore platform according to any of claims 2-6, characterized in that: A breather valve is arranged at the top of the drain tank, and the breather valve is electrically connected with the controller.
9. A combined monitoring system for open tank level on an offshore platform according to any of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The observation hole comprises an 8-inch observation hole.
10. A combined monitoring system for open tank level on an offshore platform according to any of claims 1-6, characterized in that: A heat exchange pipeline is arranged on one side of the drain tank, an overflow port is arranged on the other side of the drain tank, and a baffle is arranged inside the drain tank, and the baffle is fixedly connected with the inner wall of the drain tank.