Automatic mixing device and hydrogen production equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses an automatic mixing device and hydrogen production equipment, the automatic mixing device comprises a plurality of buffer tanks, a mixing tank, a pipeline mixer and a controller, the plurality of buffer tanks are used for containing different raw materials, the plurality of buffer tanks are respectively communicated with an inlet of the pipeline mixer, and the pipeline mixer is communicated with the controller. A valve connected with the controller is arranged on a communication path of the buffer tank and the pipeline mixer, an outlet of the pipeline mixer is communicated with the mixing tank, a liquid level meter connected with the controller is arranged in the mixing tank, and the controller controls the valve according to the detected liquid level of the liquid level meter. And the raw materials in the buffer tank are regulated and controlled to flow to the mixing tank. According to the utility model, the automatic mixing of methanol and water is realized, the manual operation is avoided, and the full mixing of methanol and water is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hydrogen production technology, and in particular to an automatic mixing device and hydrogen production equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Methanol-water hydrogen production technology is a process that converts methanol and water into hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The reaction principle is: CH3OH + H2O → CO2 + 3H2. To ensure a complete reaction between methanol and water, they need to be mixed in a specific ratio. Currently, the mixing of methanol and water relies on manual operation. Specifically, methanol and water are manually added to a mixing tank according to a set ratio. This approach presents several risks. First, the non-enclosed operating environment poses a risk of methanol evaporation and leakage, threatening the health of operators. Second, manual weighing of methanol and water is prone to errors, leading to an imbalance in the methanol-water ratio and affecting the hydrogen production efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic mixing device to avoid manual operation and achieve automatic mixing of methanol and water.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes an automatic mixing device comprising multiple buffer tanks, a mixing tank, a pipeline mixer, and a controller. The multiple buffer tanks are used to hold different raw materials, and each of the multiple buffer tanks is connected to the inlet of the pipeline mixer. The connection path between the buffer tanks and the pipeline mixer is provided with a valve connected to the controller. The outlet of the pipeline mixer is connected to the mixing tank. The mixing tank is provided with a level gauge connected to the controller. The controller controls the valve according to the level detected by the level gauge, so as to regulate the flow of raw materials from the buffer tanks to the mixing tanks.

[0005] Optionally, the buffer tank is connected to a replenishment pipe, and a level gauge connected to the controller is installed inside the buffer tank. The controller controls the flow of external raw materials to the buffer tank through the replenishment pipe based on the liquid level in the buffer tank.

[0006] Optionally, the replenishment pipeline is equipped with a pressure pump, which is connected to the controller. The controller controls the pressure pump according to the liquid level of the buffer tank, so that the raw materials from the outside flow to the buffer tank through the replenishment pipeline.

[0007] Optionally, the buffer tank has a first liquid level line and a second liquid level line. When the level gauge of the buffer tank detects the first liquid level line, the controller controls the pressurizing pump to turn on so that external raw materials flow into the buffer tank. When the level gauge of the buffer tank detects the second liquid level line, the controller controls the pressurizing pump to turn off so that external raw materials stop flowing into the buffer tank.

[0008] Optionally, multiple buffer tanks are arranged side by side, with the buffer tanks positioned above the mixing tank. The pipeline mixer is located between the buffer tanks and the mixing tank, so that the raw material in the buffer tanks flows through the pipeline mixer under gravity and then flows to the mixing tank.

[0009] Optionally, the buffer tank is provided with an outlet at the bottom, the mixing tank is provided with an inlet at the top, the outlet of the buffer tank is connected to the inlet of the pipeline mixer, and the outlet of the pipeline mixer is connected to the inlet of the mixing tank.

[0010] Optionally, the automatic mixing device further includes a frame, with the buffer tank and the mixing tank spaced apart within the frame, and the buffer tank being mounted and fixed on the mixing tank via the frame.

[0011] Optionally, the buffer tank is a closed structure, and a first pressure transmitter is installed in the buffer tank so that the first pressure transmitter can detect the pressure of the buffer tank.

[0012] Optionally, the mixing tank is a closed structure, and a second pressure transmitter is installed in the mixing tank so that the second pressure transmitter can detect the pressure of the mixing tank.

[0013] This utility model also proposes a hydrogen production device, which includes the above-mentioned automatic mixing device.

[0014] In this invention, when applied to a methanol-water hydrogen production process, methanol and water are stored in two buffer tanks, each connected to one of the inlets of a pipeline mixer. A valve connected to a controller is installed along the connection path between the buffer tanks and the pipeline mixer. The outlet of the pipeline mixer is connected to a mixing tank, which is equipped with a level gauge connected to the controller. The controller controls the valve based on the level gauge reading. Thus, when the level gauge in the mixing tank detects insufficient mixing, the controller opens the valve and controls its opening degree, allowing methanol and water from the two buffer tanks to flow proportionally to the pipeline mixer. The pipeline mixer thoroughly mixes the incoming methanol and water in the specified proportions. The fully mixed mixture then flows to the mixing tank, ensuring a proportional ratio of methanol and water in the mixing tank, preventing imbalances, and guaranteeing the full hydrogen production reaction of the methanol and water flowing from the mixing tank. When the level gauge in the mixing tank detects sufficient mixing, the controller closes the valve, stopping the flow of methanol and water from the two buffer tanks to the mixing tank, preventing overflow. Understandably, this invention enables automatic mixing of methanol and water, avoiding manual operation and ensuring thorough mixing of methanol and water. Attached Figure Description

[0015] 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 the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic mixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Another perspective view of the automatic mixing device;

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Another perspective view of the automatic mixing device;

[0019] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0020] name label name label Automatic mixing device 100 Mixing tank 130 Buffer tank 110 Inlet 130a Liquid outlet 110a Second pressure transmitter 131 fluid replenishment tubing 111 Pipe mixer 140 booster pump 112 valve 150 First pressure transmitter 113 Frame 160 Connecting pipe 120

[0021] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0022] 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 some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0023] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0024] See Figures 1 to 3As shown in one embodiment of this utility model, an automatic mixing device 100 includes multiple buffer tanks 110, a mixing tank 130, a pipeline mixer 140, and a controller (not shown in the figure). The multiple buffer tanks 110 are used to hold different raw materials. The multiple buffer tanks 110 are respectively connected to the inlet of the pipeline mixer 140. The connection path between the buffer tanks 110 and the pipeline mixer 140 is provided with a valve 150 connected to the controller. The outlet of the pipeline mixer 140 is connected to the mixing tank 130. The mixing tank 130 is provided with a level gauge (not shown in the figure) connected to the controller. The controller controls the valve 150 according to the level detected by the level gauge, so that the raw materials in the buffer tanks 110 flow to the mixing tank 130.

[0025] In the technical solution of this utility model, when applied to the methanol-water hydrogen production process, methanol and water are respectively stored in two buffer tanks 110. The two buffer tanks 110 are respectively connected to the two inlets of a pipeline mixer 140. The connection path between the buffer tanks 110 and the pipeline mixer 140 is equipped with a valve 150 connected to a controller. The outlet of the pipeline mixer 140 is connected to a mixing tank 130. A level gauge connected to the controller is installed in the mixing tank 130. The controller controls the valve 150 according to the level detected by the level gauge. Thus, when the level gauge of the mixing tank 130 detects insufficient mixing, the controller controls the valve 150 to open and controls the opening of the valve 150. The system automatically mixes methanol and water in two buffer tanks 110 to a pipeline mixer 140, ensuring a proportional flow. The pipeline mixer 140 thoroughly mixes the incoming methanol and water, and the fully mixed mixture then flows to a mixing tank 130. This achieves a proportional methanol-water ratio in the mixing tank 130, preventing imbalances and ensuring the successful hydrogen production reaction from the methanol and water flowing out of the mixing tank 130. When the level gauge in the mixing tank 130 detects sufficient mixing, the controller closes valve 150 to stop the flow of methanol and water from the two buffer tanks 110 to the mixing tank 130, preventing overflow. Therefore, this invention achieves automatic mixing of methanol and water, eliminating manual operation and ensuring thorough mixing.

[0026] It should be noted that the automatic mixing device 100 of this embodiment is applicable to various preparation processes. The number of buffer tanks 110 in the automatic mixing device 100 is related to the type of raw materials to be prepared. Correspondingly, the pipeline mixer 140 has a corresponding number of inlets, thereby achieving thorough mixing of various raw materials. In the methanol-water hydrogen production process, the automatic mixing device 100 includes two buffer tanks 110, which are respectively installed for methanol and water. Methanol and water flow to the pipeline mixer 140 through the buffer tanks 110. The pipeline mixer 140, by setting mixing elements in the pipeline, achieves thorough mixing of methanol and water under the action of the mixing elements. Of course, the mixing elements can have specific shapes, including spiral blades, cross grids, and honeycomb structures, etc. This embodiment is not limited to these, and all of the above are within the protection of this utility model.

[0027] See Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, a buffer tank 110 is connected to a replenishment pipe 111. A level gauge connected to a controller is installed inside the buffer tank 110. The controller controls the flow of external raw materials into the buffer tank 110 through the replenishment pipe 111 based on the liquid level in the buffer tank 110. It should be noted that the replenishment pipe 111 in this embodiment can be equipped with a regulating valve connected to the controller. The controller controls the opening and closing of the valve to replenish or stop replenishing the buffer tank 110. Alternatively, a pressure pump 112 connected to the controller can be installed on the replenishment pipe 111. The pressure pump 112 provides power to allow methanol or water to flow into the buffer tank 110. The controller controls the opening and closing of the pressure pump 112 to replenish or stop replenishing the buffer tank 110. This embodiment is not limited to these methods, and all of the above are within the protection scope of this utility model. In this embodiment, the controller replenishes the buffer tank 110 based on the liquid level measured by the level gauge inside the buffer tank 110, thereby achieving the automatic replenishment function of the buffer tank 110, which is beneficial for continuous hydrogen production.

[0028] See Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, a pressurization pump 112 is provided in the replenishment pipeline 111. The pressurization pump 112 is connected to a controller. The controller controls the pressurization pump 112 according to the liquid level of the buffer tank 110, so that the raw materials from the outside flow to the buffer tank 110 through the replenishment pipeline 111. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the pressurization pump 112 provides power. Under the action of the pressurization pump 112, methanol and water from the outside are added to the two buffer tanks 110 respectively through the replenishment pipeline 111, thereby realizing timely replenishment of the buffer tanks 110, which is beneficial to achieving continuous hydrogen production.

[0029] See Figures 1 to 3As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, the buffer tank 110 has a first liquid level line and a second liquid level line. When the level gauge of the buffer tank 110 detects the first liquid level line, the controller controls the pressurizing pump 112 to turn on, so that external raw materials flow into the buffer tank 110; when the level gauge of the buffer tank 110 detects the second liquid level line, the controller controls the pressurizing pump 112 to turn off, so that external raw materials stop flowing into the buffer tank 110. It should be noted that the first liquid level line and the second liquid level line of the raw materials in the buffer tank 110 in this embodiment can be set according to the actual situation. The second liquid level line is higher than the first liquid level line. The first liquid level line corresponds to the replenishment liquid level of the raw materials, and the second liquid level line corresponds to the liquid level at which the replenishment of raw materials stops. In this way, while realizing automatic replenishment of raw materials, it prevents the overflow of raw materials caused by excessive replenishment.

[0030] See Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, multiple buffer tanks 110 are arranged side by side, and the buffer tanks 110 are positioned above the mixing tank 130. A pipeline mixer 140 is located between the buffer tanks 110 and the mixing tank 130, so that the raw materials in the buffer tanks 110 flow through the pipeline mixer 140 under gravity and then flow to the mixing tank 130. It should be noted that in this embodiment, by arranging two buffer tanks 110 side by side above the mixing tank 130, the methanol and water in the buffer tanks 110 flow through the pipeline mixer 140 below under gravity, thus achieving thorough mixing during the flow through the pipeline mixer 140. The thoroughly mixed mixture then flows to the mixing tank 130, thereby ensuring thorough mixing of methanol and water while avoiding energy loss. Furthermore, the vertical arrangement of the buffer tanks 110 and the mixing tank 130 makes efficient use of the upper space and reduces the floor space required.

[0031] See Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, the buffer tank 110 is provided with an outlet 110a at the bottom, and the mixing tank 130 is provided with an inlet 130a at the top. The outlet 110a of the buffer tank 110 is connected to the inlet of the pipeline mixer 140, and the outlet of the pipeline mixer 140 is connected to the inlet 130a of the mixing tank 130. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the buffer tank 110 is provided with an outlet 110a at the bottom, and the outlet 110a of the buffer tank 110 is connected to the inlet 130a of the buffer tank 110 through the pipeline mixer 140. In this way, under the action of gravity, the methanol or water at the bottom of the buffer tank 110 flows through the pipeline mixer 140 and then flows into the mixing tank 130 from the top. This avoids backflow and shortens the journey of methanol and water, realizing timely mixing of methanol and water and ensuring timely supply of the mixture.

[0032] See Figures 1 to 3As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, the outlet 110a of the buffer tank 110 is connected to a connecting pipe 120. The buffer tank 110 is connected to the inlet of the pipeline mixer 140 through the connecting pipe 120. A valve 150 is installed on the connecting pipe 120 to control the flow direction of the raw materials by controlling the valve 150 of the connecting pipe 120. It should be noted that the connecting pipe 120 in this embodiment can be a straight pipe or a bent pipe, as long as it can achieve the connection between the buffer tank 110 and the pipeline mixer 140. This embodiment is not limited to this, and all of the above are within the protection scope of this utility model. In this embodiment, valve 150 is installed on connecting pipe 120. When valve 150 is open, methanol or water in buffer tank 110 flows through connecting pipe 120 to pipeline mixer 140, and methanol or water in pipeline mixer 140 flows into mixing tank 130. When valve 150 is closed, the flow of methanol or water in buffer tank 110 is restricted to connecting pipe 120, thus preventing methanol or water from flowing to pipeline mixer 140, thereby stopping the automatic mixing of methanol and water. This embodiment achieves automatic mixing while avoiding overflow caused by blockage.

[0033] See Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, the automatic mixing device 100 further includes a frame 160, with a buffer tank 110 and a mixing tank 130 spaced apart within the frame 160. The buffer tank 110 is mounted and fixed to the mixing tank 130 via the frame 160. It should be noted that the frame 160 can be fitted with multiple fasteners. The buffer tank 110 is mounted on the upper part of the frame 160 via fasteners, and the mixing tank 130 can be placed directly on the lower part of the frame 160, or it can be mounted and fixed to the lower part of the frame 160 via fasteners. This embodiment is not limited to this, and all of the above are within the protection scope of this utility model. This embodiment, through the setting of the support, improves the stability of the automatic mixing device 100 while achieving reasonable utilization of space and reducing the floor space occupied.

[0034] See Figures 1 to 3As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, the buffer tank 110 is a closed structure, and a first pressure transmitter 113 is installed in the buffer tank 110 to detect the pressure of the buffer tank 110. It should be noted that in this embodiment, by setting the first pressure transmitter 113 in the buffer tank 110 to detect the pressure of the buffer tank 110, this embodiment can adjust the buffer tank 110 according to the detected pressure. Alternatively, an alarm can be connected via a controller, and the controller can control the alarm based on the detected pressure of the first pressure transmitter 113. Thus, when the detected pressure of the buffer tank 110 is too high, the controller controls the alarm to issue an alarm signal. This embodiment is not limited to these limitations, and all of the above are within the protection scope of this utility model. This embodiment uses a closed buffer tank 110 for raw material injection, avoiding the risk of raw material leakage and volatilization.

[0035] See Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, the mixing tank 130 is a closed structure, and a second pressure transmitter 131 is installed in the mixing tank 130 to detect the pressure of the mixing tank 130. It should be noted that in this embodiment, by setting the second pressure transmitter 131 in the mixing tank 130 to detect the pressure of the mixing tank 130, this embodiment can adjust the mixing tank 130 according to the detected pressure. Alternatively, an alarm can be connected to a controller, and the controller can control the alarm according to the detected pressure of the second pressure transmitter 131. Thus, when the detected pressure of the mixing tank 130 is too high, the controller controls the alarm to issue an alarm signal. This embodiment is not limited to these limitations, and all of the above are within the protection scope of this utility model. This embodiment uses a closed mixing tank 130 for raw material mixing, avoiding the risk of material leakage and volatilization.

[0036] See Figures 1 to 3As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, the hydrogen production equipment includes an automatic mixing device 100. The automatic mixing device includes multiple buffer tanks 110, a mixing tank 130, a pipeline mixer 140, and a controller (not shown in the figure). The multiple buffer tanks 110 are used to hold different raw materials. The multiple buffer tanks 110 are respectively connected to the inlet of the pipeline mixer 140. The connection path between the buffer tanks 110 and the pipeline mixer 140 is provided with a valve 150 connected to the controller. The outlet of the pipeline mixer 140 is connected to the mixing tank 130. The mixing tank 130 is provided with a level gauge (not shown in the figure) connected to the controller. The controller controls the valve 150 according to the level detected by the level gauge, so that the raw material in the buffer tank 110 flows to the mixing tank 130. When applied to the methanol-water hydrogen production process, methanol and water are respectively stored in two buffer tanks 110. The two buffer tanks 110 are connected to the two inlets of a pipeline mixer 140. A valve 150 connected to a controller is provided along the connection path between the buffer tanks 110 and the pipeline mixer 140. The outlet of the pipeline mixer 140 is connected to a mixing tank 130. A level gauge connected to the controller is installed in the mixing tank 130. The controller controls the valve 150 based on the level detected by the level gauge. Thus, when the level gauge in the mixing tank 130 detects insufficient mixing, the controller controls the valve 150 to open and controls the opening degree of the valve 150, thereby balancing the two buffer tanks. Methanol and water from buffer tank 110 flow proportionally to pipeline mixer 140, where the flowing methanol and water are thoroughly mixed in proportion. The fully mixed mixture then flows to mixing tank 130, thus ensuring that methanol and water are proportionately mixed in mixing tank 130, avoiding imbalance in the methanol-water ratio, and guaranteeing the full progress of the subsequent hydrogen production reaction using methanol and water flowing out of mixing tank 130. When the level gauge of mixing tank 130 detects sufficient mixture, the controller closes valve 150 to stop the flow of methanol and water from the two buffer tanks 110 to mixing tank 130, preventing the mixture from overflowing from mixing tank 130.

[0037] This invention employs a closed structure to achieve automatic mixing of methanol and water, eliminating the risk of leakage and volatilization. Its simple structure significantly reduces the failure rate.

[0038] The above description is only an optional embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic mixing device, characterized in that, The system includes multiple buffer tanks, a mixing tank, a pipeline mixer, and a controller. The multiple buffer tanks are used to hold different raw materials. Each of the multiple buffer tanks is connected to the inlet of the pipeline mixer. The connection path between the buffer tanks and the pipeline mixer is provided with a valve connected to the controller. The outlet of the pipeline mixer is connected to the mixing tank. The mixing tank is equipped with a level gauge connected to the controller. The controller controls the valve based on the level detected by the level gauge, so as to direct the flow of raw materials from the buffer tanks to the mixing tanks.

2. The automatic mixing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer tank is connected to a replenishment pipe, and a level gauge connected to the controller is installed inside the buffer tank. The controller controls the flow of external raw materials to the buffer tank through the replenishment pipe based on the liquid level in the buffer tank.

3. The automatic mixing device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The replenishment pipeline is equipped with a pressure pump, which is connected to the controller. The controller controls the pressure pump according to the liquid level in the buffer tank, so that raw materials from the outside flow to the buffer tank through the replenishment pipeline.

4. The automatic mixing device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The buffer tank has a first liquid level line and a second liquid level line. When the level gauge of the buffer tank detects the first liquid level line, the controller controls the pressurizing pump to turn on so that external raw materials flow into the buffer tank. When the level gauge of the buffer tank detects the second liquid level line, the controller controls the pressurizing pump to turn off so that external raw materials stop flowing into the buffer tank.

5. The automatic mixing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Multiple buffer tanks are arranged side by side, and multiple buffer tanks are arranged above the mixing tank. The pipeline mixer is arranged between the buffer tanks and the mixing tank, so that the raw materials in the buffer tanks flow through the pipeline mixer under the action of gravity and then flow to the mixing tank.

6. The automatic mixing device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The buffer tank has an outlet at the bottom and the mixing tank has an inlet at the top. The outlet of the buffer tank is connected to the inlet of the pipeline mixer, and the outlet of the pipeline mixer is connected to the inlet of the mixing tank.

7. The automatic mixing device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The automatic mixing device also includes a frame, with the buffer tank and the mixing tank spaced apart within the frame, and the buffer tank being mounted and fixed on the mixing tank via the frame.

8. The automatic mixing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The buffer tank is a closed structure, and a first pressure transmitter is installed in the buffer tank to detect the pressure of the buffer tank.

9. The automatic mixing apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The mixing tank is a closed structure, and a second pressure transmitter is installed in the mixing tank to detect the pressure of the mixing tank.

10. A hydrogen production device, characterized in that, The automatic mixing device includes any one of claims 1 to 9.

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