An automatic sand and liquid discharge system at the inlet of an unmanned shale gas station compressor.

Abstract

This utility model relates to the technical field of shale gas extraction equipment, and particularly to an automatic sand and liquid discharge system at the compressor inlet of an unmanned shale gas extraction station. The system includes: a vertical gravity separator for separating water and performing preliminary sand removal by gravity; a vertical centrifugal separator for removing sand and assisting in dehydration by centrifugal force; liquid level sensors installed in the liquid collection containers of the vertical gravity separator and the vertical centrifugal separator, respectively, for real-time monitoring of the liquid level; a discharge electric valve installed on the discharge pipeline, which automatically opens and closes the discharge via control commands; a liquid level display connected to the liquid level sensor signal for real-time display of the monitored liquid level; and a control unit for receiving sensor signals and controlling the electric valve. This application overcomes the problem in existing technologies where reliance on manual inspection and manual discharge leads to difficulty in timely removal of accumulated liquid and sand particles, achieving continuous automated processing of impurities at the compressor inlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of shale gas extraction equipment, and in particular to an automatic sand and liquid discharge system at the air inlet of an unattended shale gas station compressor. Background Technology

[0002] In shale gas extraction, the sand and moisture contained in the gas, if not treated in a timely manner, will seriously affect the safety and efficiency of compressor operation. Currently, unmanned stations commonly use vertical gravity separators (mainly for water separation) and vertical centrifugal separators (mainly for sand separation) for impurity treatment, but these systems have significant technical shortcomings: they rely on manual periodic inspections and manual drainage, making automated operation impossible; and they lack real-time monitoring and intelligent control functions, resulting in difficulty in timely removal of accumulated liquid and sand, easily leading to increased compressor intake resistance, decreased efficiency, and accelerated mechanical wear. Existing technologies, due to the lack of automated drainage devices and intelligent monitoring systems, cannot meet the safety requirements for continuous and stable operation of equipment under unmanned conditions, and urgently need improvement to achieve intelligent sand and liquid drainage functions. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the problem of timely drainage of accumulated liquid and sand at the compressor inlet in existing technologies, this invention proposes an automatic sand and liquid drainage system for the compressor inlet of an unattended shale gas plant. This system can monitor the liquid level and sand / gravel at the compressor inlet in real time and automatically drain them, achieving timely and efficient drainage. Under unattended plant operation conditions, automatic threshold judgment is performed based on real-time data from the liquid level sensor. Through the linkage control between the control unit and the electric drainage valve, automated sand and liquid drainage operations are achieved, effectively preventing sand and accumulated liquid from entering the compressor, ensuring stable compressor operation, reducing equipment failure rate, and improving system reliability and service life.

[0004] This application provides an automatic sand and liquid discharge system at the inlet of an unmanned shale gas station compressor. The system may include:

[0005] Vertical gravity separators are used to separate water from shale gas and to initially separate sand and gravel using gravity.

[0006] Vertical centrifuges are used to separate sand and gravel from shale gas through centrifugal force, and to further separate moisture.

[0007] Liquid level sensors are installed in the liquid collection containers of the vertical gravity separator and the vertical centrifugal separator, respectively, for real-time monitoring of the liquid level.

[0008] The electric drain valve is installed on the drain pipeline and automatically opens and closes the drain via control commands.

[0009] A liquid level indicator, connected to a liquid level sensor signal, is used to display the monitored liquid level height in real time;

[0010] The control unit receives signals from the liquid level sensor and sends control commands to the drain electric valve.

[0011] In some embodiments, the control unit includes:

[0012] The signal acquisition module is used to acquire the liquid level signal from the liquid level sensor and transmit the liquid level signal to the threshold judgment module;

[0013] The threshold judgment module receives the liquid level signal and issues a corresponding command to open or close the drain electric valve according to the preset liquid level threshold.

[0014] The communication interface module connects to the drain electric valve via an RS485 industrial interface.

[0015] In some embodiments, one end of the drain line is connected to the drain port of the separator, and the other end extends to the safe discharge area.

[0016] In some embodiments, the liquid level sensor includes a main liquid level sensor and a backup liquid level sensor, which are connected in parallel to the control unit.

[0017] In some embodiments, the control unit is provided with an adjustable liquid level threshold module, which sets and adjusts the high and low liquid level thresholds via a physical knob or a hardware DIP switch.

[0018] In some embodiments, the control unit is further provided with a manual operation mode, which enables manual control of the drain electric valve through remote or on-site operation.

[0019] In some embodiments, the system further includes a compressor control system, wherein the control unit is connected to the compressor control system and sends signals to the compressor control system during the liquid discharge process to adjust the compressor operating parameters.

[0020] In some embodiments, the operating parameters include compressor speed and intake air volume.

[0021] In some embodiments, the response time of the drain electric valve does not exceed 2 seconds.

[0022] In some embodiments, the control unit integrates signal isolation and anti-interference circuitry.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are:

[0024] The automatic sand and liquid discharge system at the compressor inlet of the unmanned shale gas plant proposed in this application uses level sensors installed in both the vertical gravity separator and the vertical centrifugal separator to monitor the accumulated liquid level in real time. The control unit receives the monitoring signals in real time and controls the electric discharge valve to automatically discharge the liquid. This overcomes the problem of difficulty in timely removal of accumulated liquid and sand particles caused by manual inspection and manual discharge in existing technologies, achieving continuous automated processing of impurities at the compressor inlet. The level display shows the liquid level in real time, allowing operators to remotely monitor the system's operating status. This effectively prevents problems such as compressor inlet blockage, reduced efficiency, and increased mechanical wear caused by excessive liquid accumulation, significantly improving the reliability, stability, and safety of the unmanned plant equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a system structure diagram of an automatic sand and liquid discharge system at the air inlet of an unmanned shale gas station compressor, according to Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a structural block diagram of the liquid level monitoring device according to Embodiment 2 of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the above-mentioned subject matter of the present invention to the following embodiments. All technologies implemented based on the content of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0028] Unless otherwise specified, the use of terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "center," "inner," and "outer" to indicate orientation or positional relationships in the description of specific embodiments of this utility model is based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product / equipment / device is usually placed during use. These terms are merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of the present utility model or simplifying the description in specific embodiments, and for enabling those skilled in the art to quickly understand the solution. They do not indicate or imply that a particular device / component / element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific positional relationship, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0029] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," and "parallel" does not imply that the corresponding device / component / element must be absolutely horizontal, vertical, suspended, or parallel, but rather that it can be slightly tilted or have a deviation. For example, "horizontal" merely means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," not that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted. Alternatively, it can be simplified to mean that the corresponding device / component / element, when set in a "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," or "parallel" direction, can have an error / deviation of ±10% relative to the corresponding direction, more preferably within ±8%, more preferably within ±6%, more preferably within ±5%, and more preferably within ±4%. As long as the corresponding device / component / element is within the error / deviation range, it can still achieve its function in the present invention.

[0030] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in terminology is merely for distinguishing descriptions of identical or similar components and should not be interpreted as emphasizing or implying the relative importance of a particular component.

[0031] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this utility model, "several", "multiple", and "several" represent at least two. The number can be any number, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine, and can even exceed nine.

[0032] Furthermore, in the description of the technical solution of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified / limited / restricted, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," "link," "equipped with," "laid out," and "arranged" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to common connection methods in the art, such as welding, riveting, bolting, and threaded connections. Such connections can be mechanical, electrical, or communication connections; they can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] During the research process, the applicant discovered that when using traditional vertical gravity separators and vertical centrifugal separators to treat impurities at the inlet of shale gas compressors, achieving timely and effective automatic removal of accumulated liquid and sand particles under unattended conditions requires real-time monitoring and precise control of liquid level changes. Existing technologies rely solely on periodic manual inspections and manual drainage, failing to achieve continuous, intelligent, automated operation. Furthermore, to address practical engineering problems and achieve the technical objectives of continuous, efficient compressor operation and reduced equipment wear, existing technologies cannot meet the requirements for automatic monitoring and real-time removal of impurities under unattended conditions. Therefore, after in-depth research into this issue, the applicant proposed an automatic sand and liquid drainage system for the inlet of unattended shale gas compressors. Addressing the challenge of timely and automatic drainage of accumulated liquid and sand particles, this system utilizes a solution in the separator's liquid container, incorporating a liquid level sensor, a liquid level display, an electric drainage valve, and an intelligent control unit. This achieves real-time liquid level monitoring and automatic sand and liquid drainage, resulting in automated continuous operation, improved equipment reliability, and reduced maintenance costs.

[0035] Therefore, this application provides an automatic sand and liquid discharge system at the inlet of an unmanned shale gas station compressor, which may include:

[0036] Vertical gravity separators are used to separate water from shale gas and to initially separate sand and gravel using gravity.

[0037] Vertical centrifuges are used to separate sand and gravel from shale gas through centrifugal force, and to further separate moisture.

[0038] Liquid level sensors are installed in the liquid collection containers of the vertical gravity separator and the vertical centrifugal separator, respectively, for real-time monitoring of the liquid level.

[0039] The electric drain valve is installed on the drain pipeline and automatically opens and closes the drain via control commands.

[0040] A liquid level indicator, connected to a liquid level sensor signal, is used to display the monitored liquid level height in real time;

[0041] The control unit receives signals from the liquid level sensor and sends control commands to the drain electric valve.

[0042] This system solves the problem of untimely manual drainage by installing level sensors inside the gravity and centrifugal separators, allowing the control unit to receive signals in real time and automatically drain the liquid using electric valves. The system is equipped with a level display for remote monitoring, effectively preventing compressor blockage, efficiency loss, and wear caused by liquid accumulation, significantly improving the operational reliability and safety of unattended stations.

[0043] In some embodiments, the control unit includes:

[0044] The signal acquisition module is used to acquire the liquid level signal from the liquid level sensor and transmit the liquid level signal to the threshold judgment module;

[0045] The threshold judgment module receives the liquid level signal and issues a corresponding command to open or close the drain electric valve according to the preset liquid level threshold.

[0046] The communication interface module connects to the drain electric valve via an RS485 industrial interface.

[0047] In some embodiments, one end of the drain line is connected to the drain port of the separator, and the other end extends to the safe discharge area.

[0048] In some embodiments, the liquid level sensor includes a main liquid level sensor and a backup liquid level sensor, which are connected in parallel to the control unit.

[0049] In some embodiments, the control unit is provided with an adjustable liquid level threshold module, which sets and adjusts the high and low liquid level thresholds via a physical knob or a hardware DIP switch.

[0050] In some embodiments, the control unit is further provided with a manual operation mode, which enables manual control of the drain electric valve through remote or on-site operation.

[0051] In some embodiments, the system further includes a compressor control system, wherein the control unit is connected to the compressor control system and sends signals to the compressor control system during the liquid discharge process to adjust the compressor operating parameters.

[0052] In some embodiments, the operating parameters include compressor speed and intake air volume.

[0053] In some embodiments, the response time of the drain electric valve does not exceed 2 seconds.

[0054] In some embodiments, the control unit integrates signal isolation and anti-interference circuitry.

[0055] In summary, this system can be applied to a wide range of technical fields, such as oil and gas field development, chemical industry, natural gas processing, and industrial automation equipment maintenance, including but not limited to shale gas fields, natural gas compressor stations, and industrial gas purification and treatment devices. It has the effects of reducing the risk of equipment blockage, reducing mechanical wear, and improving the safety and stability of equipment operation.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] This application provides an automatic sand and liquid discharge system for the air inlet of an unattended shale gas station compressor.

[0058] like Figure 1 The system structure diagram shown is mainly composed of a vertical gravity separator, a vertical centrifugal separator, a liquid level sensor, a drain electric valve, a liquid level display, a drain pipeline, and a control unit.

[0059] The vertical gravity separator separates moisture from shale gas using gravity and is also effective at separating gravel. The vertical centrifugal separator separates gravel from shale gas using centrifugal force and is also effective at separating moisture. The two separators work together to effectively purify the compressor's intake medium.

[0060] Liquid level sensors are installed in the liquid collection containers of the vertical gravity separator and the vertical centrifugal separator, respectively. They are connected to the control unit via signal lines to monitor the liquid level in the separator's liquid collection container in real time, providing a basis for automatic liquid drainage.

[0061] The drain electric valve is installed at the front end of the drain line and is connected by a flange or thread. It is used to control the opening and closing of the drain line according to the instructions of the control unit.

[0062] The liquid level indicator connects to the control unit via a signal cable, receives signals from the liquid level sensor, and displays the liquid level height. The liquid level indicator is used to display the liquid level height detected by the liquid level sensor, facilitating remote monitoring by operators.

[0063] The drain line connects at one end to the drain port of the separator and extends to a safe discharge area at the other end. The drain line is used to drain accumulated liquid from the separator, ensuring its normal operation.

[0064] The control unit and the level indicator are connected via signal lines to the control unit. The level indicator receives signals from the level sensor and displays the liquid level height. The control unit receives signals from the level sensor and controls the opening and closing of the drain electric valve according to preset values.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a structural block diagram of the liquid level monitoring device. The system adopts a cabinet-based power supply method, with power distribution centrally managed by a control box. The control box establishes bidirectional electrical connections and communication links with the liquid level sensor and electric valve via cables to achieve data interaction and equipment control.

[0066] The liquid level monitoring device's workflow includes liquid level monitoring, automatic drainage, liquid level display, and drainage completion. The entire device can operate automatically without human intervention. Specifically, the system collects real-time liquid level data through liquid level sensors installed in the accumulation containers of vertical gravity separators and vertical centrifugal separators, transmitting the collected signals to the control unit. When the detected liquid level reaches a preset upper threshold, the control unit sends an opening command to the drainage electric valve, opening it and allowing the accumulated liquid to drain through the drainage pipeline. Throughout the drainage process, the liquid level display shows the liquid level in real time, and operators can monitor the liquid accumulation in the separator remotely. Drainage continues until the liquid level drops to a preset lower threshold, at which point the control unit issues a command to close the drainage electric valve, completing a full automatic drainage cycle.

[0067] The system adopts a closed-loop control strategy to achieve continuous automatic operation without human intervention. Through periodic monitoring and discharge mechanisms, it ensures that the accumulated liquid and sand particles in the separator are discharged in a timely manner, thus guaranteeing the normal operation of the compressor.

[0068] This liquid level monitoring device utilizes mature industrial control technology to achieve its core functions. Its liquid level threshold judgment module can employ commercially available standardized solutions. For example, Texas Instruments' (TI) TDC1000 ultrasonic signal processor enables high-precision liquid level measurement and threshold comparison; STMicroelectronics' (STM32L4 series) low-power microcontroller handles signal processing and logic judgment; and NXP's LPC55S06 industrial-grade processor supports multi-channel signal acquisition and intelligent control. This embodiment integrates these existing components to construct an innovative closed-loop control architecture: the analog signal acquired in real-time by the liquid level sensor is digitized by an AD conversion module and transmitted to the control unit. The control unit integrates a threshold programmable module (such as an STM32L4 microcontroller), allowing threshold parameter settings via a physical knob or hardware DIP switch to meet different operating conditions. The control unit and the drain electric valve are connected via an RS485 industrial interface. The interface circuit includes signal isolation and anti-interference design to ensure stable command transmission. When an excessive liquid level is detected, the control unit sends a control command to the electric valve and simultaneously updates the liquid level display data.

[0069] Example 3

[0070] This application embodiment, as a further optimization of the foregoing embodiments, provides a specific implementation method for an automatic sand and liquid discharge system at the air inlet of an unmanned shale gas station compressor.

[0071] I. Specific linkage logic between the liquid level sensor and the drain electric valve

[0072] In this system, the linkage logic between the liquid level sensor and the drain electric valve is implemented through the control unit inside the control box. The liquid level sensor monitors the liquid level in the separator in real time and converts the liquid level signal into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the control box. The control unit inside the control box processes and analyzes the liquid level signal. Liquid level monitoring, processing, and analysis can all adopt commercially available standardized solutions, determining whether a drain operation is required based on pre-set liquid level thresholds (high liquid level value 40 and low liquid level value 10).

[0073] When the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level has reached the high level value of 40, it immediately sends a high level signal to the control box. Upon receiving this signal, the control box processes it and quickly sends an open signal to the drain electric valve. The drain electric valve responds within 2 seconds of receiving the signal and then opens to drain the liquid. As drainage proceeds, the liquid level gradually decreases. When the liquid level drops to the low level value of 10, the liquid level sensor sends a low level signal to the control box. Upon receiving this signal, the control box immediately sends a close signal to the drain electric valve, which closes within 2 seconds, stopping the drainage. This rapid response mechanism ensures the timeliness and accuracy of the drainage operation, effectively preventing the impact of liquid accumulation on compressor operation.

[0074] In addition, the control unit also has a dynamic adjustment function for the liquid level threshold. Based on actual operating conditions and process requirements, operators can adjust the high and low liquid level values ​​using the threshold setting module (including a hardware DIP switch group) integrated within the control box. The physical contact states correspond to a high liquid level of 40 and a low liquid level of 10. The analog signal output from the liquid level sensor is directly connected to the comparator circuit. When the signal voltage exceeds the set voltage of the threshold setting module, a relay is triggered to drive the electric drain valve. For example, under different shale gas operating conditions, the rate and magnitude of liquid level changes may vary. By adjusting the liquid level threshold, the draining frequency and volume can be optimized, further improving the system's adaptability and the accuracy of automated control.

[0075] II. Regarding the actual operating data or simulation results of the system in an unattended environment

[0076] The system's performance in unattended environments has been verified through multiple field tests and simulation experiments, demonstrating significant technical advantages. In a field operation at an unattended shale gas plant, the system maintained an average automatic liquid drainage frequency of 2-3 times per hour for three consecutive months, effectively ensuring timely drainage of accumulated liquid at the compressor inlet and preventing compressor intake obstruction caused by excessive liquid buildup. Compared to traditional manual periodic inspections and manual liquid drainage methods, the automatic drainage system significantly improves drainage timeliness and drastically reduces the residence time of accumulated liquid in the separator, thereby significantly reducing wear and tear on compressor blades and internal components caused by sand and liquid.

[0077] Regarding sand separation efficiency, sampling points were set at the separator inlet and outlet to detect and compare sand content. The results showed that the sand separation efficiency of this system was about 25% higher than that of traditional separators. This is mainly due to the timeliness of the automatic drainage system, which avoids the accumulation of sand in the separator, allowing the separator to maintain good separation performance at all times, effectively removing sand from shale gas and reducing wear and damage to the compressor caused by sand.

[0078] Regarding the failure rate, because the system implements automatic monitoring and drainage, eliminating the uncertainty and risk of misoperation associated with manual operation, the failure rate is reduced by approximately 40% compared to traditional manual operation. For example, in traditional manual drainage methods, due to limitations in inspection cycles and the untimely nature of personnel operations, excessive liquid accumulation may occur, leading to excessively high separator levels and subsequent malfunctions such as liquid carryover in the compressor intake. This system, through real-time monitoring and automatic drainage, can promptly detect and address liquid accumulation issues, effectively preventing such malfunctions and improving the reliability and stability of equipment operation.

[0079] III. Regarding the collaborative workflow between the system and other devices

[0080] This system works in conjunction with compressors, separators, and other equipment to form a complete unmanned plant compressor inlet automatic sand and liquid discharge solution. Liquid level sensors are installed on the vertical gravity separator and vertical centrifugal separator to monitor liquid level changes within the separators in real time. The control box, as the core control unit of the system, is connected not only to the liquid level sensors and the discharge electric valve, but also to the compressor's control system and the remote monitoring platform for data exchange.

[0081] When the liquid level sensor detects a high liquid level and triggers a drainage operation, the control box simultaneously sends a signal to the compressor control system, notifying the compressor that a drainage operation is in progress. Based on this signal, the compressor control system can adjust the compressor's operating parameters appropriately, such as reducing the compressor speed or adjusting the intake air volume, to adapt to airflow changes during the drainage process and ensure stable compressor operation. Simultaneously, the control box integrates a communication interface (such as RS485), connecting to the HMI display screen at the station's monitoring center via a network cable. Operators can view the separator's liquid level and the drainage operation's execution status in real time on the monitoring center's screen. If the liquid level rises abnormally or the drainage system malfunctions, operators will take appropriate measures, such as remote manual drainage or dispatching maintenance personnel for on-site inspection and repair, thereby avoiding problems such as compressor intake blockage caused by delayed drainage and ensuring the normal operation of the entire station.

[0082] IV. Explanation of System Redundancy Design

[0083] To further improve the system's reliability and practicality, a redundant design is adopted. In terms of level sensors, in addition to the main level sensor, a backup level sensor is also installed. The main and backup level sensors are connected in parallel to the signal input port of the control box, sharing the same mounting bracket and cable channel. A dual-channel signal selection switch (physical switching device) is installed in the control box; when the main sensor signal is abnormal, the operator can manually switch to the backup sensor signal path. The backup level sensor uses the same installation method and connection wiring as the main level sensor, enabling it to quickly take over the level monitoring task in the event of a fault, avoiding problems such as untimely or inaccurate drainage caused by sensor failure.

[0084] In addition, the system also features a manual intervention mode. In automatic control mode, if a system malfunction or special operating condition requires manual intervention, the operator can switch to manual mode via the remote monitoring platform or the on-site control box. In manual mode, the operator can manually control the opening and closing of the drain valve according to the actual situation, achieving direct control of the draining operation. Simultaneously, the control box is equipped with manual operation buttons and indicator lights for convenient operation and status monitoring by on-site personnel. This redundant design not only enhances the system's reliability but also provides operators with flexible control methods, ensuring effective drainage of accumulated liquid and sand particles from the compressor inlet under various conditions, guaranteeing the safe and stable operation of the equipment.

[0085] This application embodiment constructs a complete automatic sand and liquid discharge system by adding a liquid level sensor, a drain electric valve, and a liquid level display to a vertical gravity separator and a vertical centrifugal separator. This effectively solves the problem of impurity handling at the compressor inlet in unattended shale gas stations. The system achieves automatic liquid discharge, significantly improving the level of production automation. By monitoring and promptly discharging accumulated liquid and sand particles in real time, it avoids problems such as poor air intake, reduced efficiency, and equipment failure caused by impurity accumulation in the compressor. This ensures safe and stable equipment operation and improves shale gas pressurization efficiency, thereby enhancing overall production. Simultaneously, this technology significantly reduces the frequency of manual intervention and maintenance costs, alleviates the workload of operators, and improves the working environment. It has significant technical advantages and socio-economic benefits, providing a reliable solution for the intelligent operation of unattended shale gas stations, with broad application prospects.

[0086] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this invention can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this invention can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects.

[0087] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0088] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automatic sand and liquid discharge system at the inlet end of a shale gas unmanned station compressor, characterized in that, include: Vertical gravity separators are used to separate water from shale gas and to initially separate sand and gravel using gravity. Vertical centrifuges are used to separate sand and gravel from shale gas through centrifugal force, and to further separate moisture. Liquid level sensors are installed in the liquid collection containers of the vertical gravity separator and the vertical centrifugal separator, respectively, for real-time monitoring of the liquid level. The electric drain valve is installed on the drain pipeline and automatically opens and closes the drain via control commands. A liquid level indicator, connected to a liquid level sensor signal, is used to display the monitored liquid level height in real time; The control unit receives signals from the liquid level sensor and sends control commands to the drain electric valve.

2. The automatic sand and liquid discharge system at the inlet of the compressor in an unmanned shale gas plant according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit includes: The signal acquisition module is used to acquire the liquid level signal from the liquid level sensor and transmit the liquid level signal to the threshold judgment module; The threshold judgment module receives the liquid level signal and issues a corresponding command to open or close the drain electric valve according to the preset liquid level threshold. The communication interface module connects to the drain electric valve via an RS485 industrial interface.

3. The automatic sand and liquid discharge system at the inlet of the compressor in an unmanned shale gas plant according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the drain line is connected to the drain port of the separator, and the other end extends to the safe discharge area.

4. The automatic sand and liquid discharge system at the inlet end of the compressor in an unmanned shale gas station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid level sensor includes a main liquid level sensor and a backup liquid level sensor, which are connected in parallel to the control unit.

5. The automatic sand and liquid discharge system at the inlet end of the compressor in an unmanned shale gas station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is equipped with an adjustable liquid level threshold module, which allows for the setting and adjustment of high and low liquid level thresholds via a physical knob or hardware DIP switch.

6. The automatic sand and liquid discharge system at the inlet of the compressor in an unmanned shale gas plant according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit also has a manual operation mode, which allows for manual control of the drain electric valve via remote or on-site operation.

7. The automatic sand and liquid discharge system at the inlet end of the compressor in an unmanned shale gas station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes a compressor control system. The control unit is connected to the compressor control system and sends signals to the compressor control system during the liquid discharge process to adjust the compressor operating parameters.

8. The automatic sand and liquid discharge system at the inlet end of the unmanned shale gas station compressor according to claim 7, characterized in that, The operating parameters include compressor speed and intake air volume.

9. The automatic sand and liquid discharge system at the inlet end of the compressor in an unmanned shale gas station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The response time of the discharge electric valve is no more than 2 seconds.

10. The automatic sand and liquid discharge system at the inlet of the unmanned shale gas station compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit integrates signal isolation and anti-interference circuits.

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