Electric precipitation ash hopper material level measuring system
By introducing components such as a rangefinder, baffle scale, and wire rope signal line into the electrostatic precipitator hopper, combined with a mercury switch and temperature sensing element, the problem of inaccurate hopper level measurement was solved, achieving stable and real-time level monitoring and abnormal alarm, thus preventing hopper collapse.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing electrostatic precipitator ash hopper level measurement systems suffer from inaccurate measurements and large errors, and are prone to causing ash hopper collapse.
The system consists of a rangefinder, baffle scale, prefabricated steel wire rope signal line, electric drive device and measuring slider. Combined with mercury switch and temperature sensing element, it realizes real-time monitoring of ash hopper material level through analog signal and digital signal conversion, and triggers alarm in abnormal conditions.
It achieves stable measurement of ash hopper level, reduces errors, can detect abnormal problems in time, prevents ash hopper collapse, and has a simple structure and is easy to maintain.
Smart Images

Figure CN224034726U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrostatic precipitator ash hopper technology, and more specifically to an electrostatic precipitator ash hopper material level measurement system. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, ash hopper levels in thermal power plants are typically measured using radio frequency admittance level gauges or passive nuclear level gauges. However, in practical use, radio frequency admittance contact level gauges are prone to signal misinterpretation because the potential between the two measuring poles is affected by factors such as ash hopper temperature, moisture content, and density. Passive nuclear level gauges, on the other hand, suffer from inaccurate measurement and significant errors due to variations in ash quality and ash hopper factors. To address these issues with existing measurement technologies, a measurement system is needed that can accurately and promptly measure ash hopper levels while preventing ash hopper collapse caused by electrostatic precipitators. Utility Model Content
[0003] The present invention provides an electrostatic precipitator ash hopper level measurement system with strong anti-interference ability and more accurate measurement results, which can solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.
[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0005] An electrostatic precipitator ash hopper level measurement system includes an ash hopper, wherein ash accumulates inside the ash hopper and / or ash hangs on the wall;
[0006] It also includes a rangefinder, a baffle scale, a prefabricated steel wire rope signal line, an electric drive device, and a measuring slider;
[0007] The measuring slider has a sliding stroke that conforms to the inner wall of the ash hopper, and the direction of the sliding is the orientation of the head. The head of the measuring slider is a prismatic structure with an inclined angle, and the tail of the measuring slider is connected to the prefabricated steel wire rope signal line.
[0008] The prefabricated steel wire rope signal line passes through the electric drive device and is connected to the baffle scale. The analog signal of the position change of the baffle scale is sent to the rangefinder via the electric drive device, and the rangefinder receives and outputs feedback.
[0009] Furthermore, a mercury switch and a temperature sensing element are installed inside the measuring slider.
[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a control box, which has a built-in programmable relay circuit. The action signal of the mercury switch and the output signal of the temperature sensing element are both connected to the programmable relay circuit of the control box via the prefabricated steel wire rope signal line.
[0011] Furthermore, the electric drive device is connected to the control box, and the electric drive device has a built-in control circuit, which is connected to the programmable relay circuit.
[0012] Furthermore, the raising and lowering of the baffle scale is synchronized with the operation of the electric drive device. The electric drive device is connected to the rangefinder, which is connected to a local display or DCS control system for real-time display of the ash hopper level.
[0013] Furthermore, the outer surface of the measuring slider is covered with a smooth steel structure.
[0014] Furthermore, a high-temperature resistant rubber self-sealing joint is installed at the location where the prefabricated steel wire rope signal line passes through the ash hopper wall.
[0015] Furthermore, an inspection hole is pre-drilled on the wall of the ash hopper for maintenance and repair of the measuring slider during maintenance.
[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are reflected in:
[0017] 1. Stable output of analog signal of ash material level in ash hopper, unaffected by internal factors of ash hopper;
[0018] 2. Based on the measurement principle, it can help determine the level of material in the ash hopper;
[0019] 3. In case of abnormal problems such as ash accumulation, ash blockage, or ash adhering to the inner wall of the ash hopper, the alarm can be triggered in time based on the output signal of the temperature sensing element to remind the user to correct the measurement error.
[0020] 4. The structure and principle are simple, assembly and disassembly are convenient, and maintenance costs are low. Attached Figure Description
[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are provided to further illustrate this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of this application and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application.
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the winding of the electric drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the measuring slider according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] The components in the attached diagram are labeled as follows: 1. Rangefinder; 2. Baffle scale; 3. Prefabricated steel wire rope signal line; 4. Electric drive device; 5. Measuring slider; 6. Control box; 7. Mercury switch; 8. Temperature sensing element. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present utility model, and not all of them. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.
[0027] It should be noted that the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, "multiple" refers to two or more. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of a person skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
[0028] It should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps implemented in the embodiments of this utility model can be implemented entirely or partially by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in hardware, it can be implemented entirely or partially by purchasing standard parts or modified parts. When implemented in software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product.
[0029] See Figures 1-2 This utility model provides an electrostatic precipitator ash hopper level measurement system, including an ash hopper, wherein ash accumulates in the ash hopper and / or wall-mounted ash;
[0030] It also includes a rangefinder 1, a baffle scale 2, a prefabricated steel wire rope signal line 3, an electric drive device 4, and a measuring slider 5;
[0031] The measuring slider 5 has a sliding stroke that conforms to the inner wall of the ash hopper, and the direction of the sliding is the orientation of the head. The head of the measuring slider 5 is a prismatic structure with an inclined angle, and the tail of the measuring slider 5 is connected to the prefabricated steel wire rope signal line 3.
[0032] The prefabricated steel wire rope signal line 3 passes through the electric drive device 4 and is connected to the baffle scale 2. The analog signal of the position change of the baffle scale 2 is sent to the rangefinder 1 via the electric drive device 4. The rangefinder 1 receives and outputs the signal.
[0033] Under normal circumstances, the measuring slider 5 is placed close to the inner wall of the ash hopper and slides down by its own weight to contact the ash material in the ash hopper and then stops. During its sliding process, the prefabricated steel wire rope signal line 3 drives the baffle scale 2 located on the other side of the electric drive device 4 to move upward. Once the position of the baffle scale 2 changes, the rangefinder 1 will sense the distance change in real time and output an analog signal, which will be converted into a digital signal to provide feedback on the real-time material level.
[0034] See Figure 3 In this embodiment, a mercury switch 7 and a temperature sensing element 8 are installed inside the measuring slider 5.
[0035] See Figures 1-3 In this embodiment, a control box 6 is also included. The control box 6 has a built-in programmable relay circuit. The action signal of the mercury switch 7 and the output signal of the temperature sensing element 8 are both connected to the programmable relay circuit of the control box 6 through the prefabricated steel wire rope signal line 3.
[0036] See Figures 1-2 In this embodiment, the electric drive device 4 is connected to the control box 6, and the electric drive device 4 has a built-in control circuit, which is connected to the programmable relay circuit.
[0037] See Figures 1-2 In this embodiment, the lifting and lowering of the baffle scale 2 is synchronized with the operation of the electric drive device 4. The electric drive device 4 is connected to the rangefinder 1, and the rangefinder 1 is connected to the local display table or DCS control system for real-time display of the ash hopper material level.
[0038] The measuring slider 5 slides down the inner wall of the ash hopper at an incline. After contacting the ash material, it stops sliding. At the same time, the mercury switch 7 is triggered and the action signal is connected to the control box 6 through the prefabricated steel wire rope signal line 3. Simultaneously, the electric drive device 4 is stopped. The programmable relay circuit of the control box 6 starts timing (the delay time can be set).
[0039] If the output signal of the mercury switch 7 operates for a long time (the specific time period can be predefined), and the output signal of the temperature sensing element 8 does not change significantly, it is determined that the measuring slider 5 is attached to and buried in the ash. The control circuit of the electric drive device 4 receives the action command and lifts the measuring slider 5 until the action signal of the mercury switch 7 disappears, at which point the operation stops.
[0040] During operation, if the output signal of the temperature sensing element 8 is low for an extended period (the specific time period can be pre-defined), the control box 6 will trigger an alarm, indicating to the inspection personnel that there may be problems such as ash buildup on the inner wall of the ash hopper, causing the measuring slider 5 to fail to fall into place. The inspection personnel can manually measure the material level by slightly pulling the baffle scale 2 downwards and releasing it. After the measuring slider 5 inside the ash hopper stops sliding down, repeat this two or three times. The current height position of the baffle scale 2 can then be used to determine the current ash material level in the ash hopper.
[0041] During the operation of the electric drive device 4, the baffle scale 2 will move synchronously up and down, and the rangefinder 1 will output the final material level change of the ash hopper. The operation of this process will be real-time, based on the delay time set by the control circuit of the electric drive device 4.
[0042] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the outer surface of the measuring slider 5 is covered with a smooth steel structure, which helps to reduce the friction between its outer wall and the inner wall of the ash hopper. The measuring slider 5 slides down with its head facing down. Because the head is a prismatic structure with an inclined angle, it can stop its downward movement after contacting the ash material due to the increase in resistance.
[0043] In this embodiment, a high-temperature resistant rubber self-sealing joint (not shown in the figure) is installed at the position where the prefabricated steel wire rope signal line 3 passes through the ash hopper wall. During the movement of the prefabricated steel wire rope signal line 3, it can play a sealing role to prevent ash material from escaping and affecting the overall sealing performance of the ash hopper.
[0044] In this embodiment, an inspection hole (not shown in the figure) is pre-drilled on the wall of the ash hopper for maintenance of the measuring slider 5 during maintenance. The measuring slider 5 is pulled out of the inspection hole by pulling the prefabricated steel wire rope signal line 3. Two parts are checked: First, the components inside the measuring slider 5, namely the mercury switch 7 and the temperature sensing element 8, to avoid affecting the accuracy of the measuring structure; Second, the external structure of the measuring slider 5, namely whether the prismatic structure with an inclined angle at the head is damaged, and whether the smooth steel structure on the outer surface is worn, to avoid affecting the normal sliding movement of the measuring slider 5 in the ash hopper.
[0045] In summary, this utility model addresses the problem of inaccurate measurement by existing radio frequency admittance level gauges or passive nuclear level gauges by proposing an electrostatic precipitator ash hopper level measurement system. This system features a simple structure and operating principle, convenient maintenance and repair. Furthermore, based on the measurement principle, a local manual measurement method is added, enabling timely detection of abnormalities such as ash buildup and blockage on the inner wall of the ash hopper, correcting measurement errors, and improving measurement accuracy.
[0046] It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or changes based on them. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. An electrostatic precipitator ash hopper level measurement system, comprising an ash hopper, wherein ash accumulates inside the ash hopper and / or ash hangs on the wall; Its features are, It also includes a rangefinder (1), a baffle scale (2), a prefabricated steel wire rope signal line (3), an electric drive device (4), and a measuring slider (5); The measuring slider (5) has a sliding stroke that conforms to the inner wall of the ash hopper and slides down in the direction of the head. The head of the measuring slider (5) is a prismatic structure with an inclined angle. The tail of the measuring slider (5) is connected to the prefabricated steel wire rope signal line (3). The prefabricated steel wire rope signal line (3) passes through the electric drive device (4) and is connected to the baffle scale (2). The analog signal of the position change of the baffle scale (2) is sent to the rangefinder (1) via the electric drive device (4). The rangefinder (1) receives and outputs the signal.
2. The electrostatic precipitator ash hopper level measurement system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The measuring slider (5) is equipped with a mercury switch (7) and a temperature sensing element (8).
3. The electrostatic precipitator ash hopper level measurement system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a control box (6), which has a built-in programmable relay circuit. The action signal of the mercury switch (7) and the output signal of the temperature sensing element (8) are both connected to the programmable relay circuit of the control box (6) through the prefabricated steel wire rope signal line (3).
4. The electrostatic precipitator ash hopper level measurement system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The electric drive unit (4) is connected to the control box (6), and the electric drive unit (4) has a built-in control circuit, which is connected to the programmable relay circuit.
5. The electrostatic precipitator ash hopper level measurement system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting and lowering of the baffle scale (2) is synchronized with the action of the electric drive device (4). The electric drive device (4) is connected to the rangefinder (1), and the rangefinder (1) is connected to the local display table or DCS control system for real-time display of the ash hopper material level.
6. The electrostatic precipitator ash hopper level measurement system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the measuring slider (5) is covered with a smooth steel structure.
7. The electrostatic precipitator ash hopper level measurement system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The prefabricated steel wire rope signal line (3) is equipped with a high-temperature resistant rubber self-sealing joint at the position where it passes through the ash hopper wall.
8. The electrostatic precipitator ash hopper level measurement system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Inspection holes are pre-drilled on the ash hopper wall for the inspection and maintenance of the measuring slider (5) during maintenance.