A tank monitoring system utilizing fiber optic sensing technology

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of storage tank monitoring technology, and more particularly to a storage tank monitoring system utilizing fiber optic sensing technology. The system includes multiple fiber optic sensors, a data acquisition unit, and a signal processing and analysis unit. The multiple fiber optic sensors are deployed inside the storage tank. The data acquisition unit is connected to the multiple fiber optic sensors, collects the optical signals from the sensors, and converts them into electrical signals. The signal processing and analysis unit is connected to the data acquisition unit, analyzes the data from the multiple fiber optic sensors, identifies changes in the health status of the storage tank, and generates a data report. This utility model uniformly arranges multiple fiber optic sensors around the circumference of the storage tank to obtain comprehensive monitoring data, achieving real-time and accurate monitoring of the tank and providing strong support for its safe operation and effective management.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of storage tank monitoring technology, specifically a storage tank monitoring system utilizing fiber optic sensing technology. Background Technology

[0002] A storage tank is a container used to store gaseous, liquid, or solid substances, typically made of metallic or non-metallic materials. The choice of its structure and materials depends on the characteristics and requirements of the stored substances. Storage tanks are widely used in petroleum, chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries, primarily for storing and transferring various liquid substances, such as petroleum, chemical raw materials, and liquid fertilizers.

[0003] Publication number CN101846644B relates to an online corrosion monitoring instrument for oil and gas pipelines. This instrument uses a resistance method to measure corrosion in oil and gas pipelines. It includes a resistance probe, a measurement circuit, and a measurement data processing unit. It can perform continuous testing and sensitively detect subtle changes in the corrosion state within the pipeline. Traditionally, corrosion analysis of crude oil storage tanks involves shutdown maintenance or sampling of the tanks, followed by simulated experiments under laboratory conditions. Both methods are subject to randomness and cannot fully reflect the corrosion status of each tank. In laboratory simulations, the time required between on-site sampling and analysis can lead to deviations in the measurement of corrosive impurities, bacteria, and other indicators in the samples, failing to accurately reproduce the actual corrosion conditions and affecting the accuracy of the experiment. Therefore, a tank monitoring system utilizing fiber optic sensing technology was designed to provide real-time, continuous monitoring. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a storage tank monitoring system utilizing fiber optic sensing technology. This system can acquire comprehensive monitoring data of the storage tank, enabling real-time and accurate monitoring and providing strong support for the safe operation and effective management of the storage tank.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a tank monitoring system utilizing fiber optic sensing technology, comprising:

[0006] Multiple fiber optic sensors are deployed inside the storage tank;

[0007] A data acquisition unit is connected to multiple optical fiber sensors, and the data acquisition unit collects optical signals from the multiple optical fiber sensors and converts them into electrical signals.

[0008] The signal processing and analysis unit is connected to the data acquisition unit. The signal processing and analysis unit analyzes the data from multiple fiber optic sensors, identifies changes in the health status of the storage tank, and generates a data report.

[0009] Furthermore, the multiple fiber optic sensors are multiple FBG strain sensors, multiple FBG sedimentation sensors, and multiple FBG temperature sensors.

[0010] Furthermore, multiple FBG strain sensors are respectively deployed at the T-weld joints of the storage tank, and the FBG strain sensors are used to monitor the weld condition of the storage tank.

[0011] Furthermore, multiple FBG settlement sensors are arranged in a circular pattern on the bottom of the storage tank, and the FBG settlement sensors are used to monitor the settlement status of the storage tank foundation.

[0012] Furthermore, multiple FBG temperature sensors are arranged in a circular pattern on the bottom plate of the storage tank, and the FBG temperature sensors are used to monitor the temperature of the storage tank.

[0013] Furthermore, the FBG strain sensor is a surface-mounted FBG strain sensor.

[0014] By employing the above technical solution, this utility model provides a tank monitoring system utilizing fiber optic sensing technology, which has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0015] 1. Multiple fiber optic sensors are evenly arranged around the circumference of the storage tank to obtain comprehensive monitoring data, enabling real-time and accurate monitoring of the tank and providing strong support for its safe operation and effective management.

[0016] 2. Multiple FBG strain sensors are respectively installed at the T-welds of the storage tank to monitor the weld condition; multiple FBG settlement sensors are arranged in a circle on the bottom of the storage tank to monitor the settlement of the tank foundation; multiple FBG temperature sensors are arranged in a circle on the bottom plate of the storage tank to monitor the temperature of the storage tank, thereby enabling real-time and accurate monitoring of the structural condition of the storage tank. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention, form part of this application:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a structural system diagram of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber optic sensor structure of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a distribution diagram of the fiber optic sensor of this utility model.

[0021] In the diagram: 100, fiber optic sensor; 101, FBG strain sensor; 102, FBG sedimentation sensor; 103, FBG temperature sensor; 200, data acquisition unit; 300, signal processing and analysis unit; 400, storage tank. 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] Please see Figure 1-3 A storage tank monitoring system utilizing fiber optic sensing technology includes multiple fiber optic sensors 100, a data acquisition unit 200, and a signal processing and analysis unit 300. The multiple fiber optic sensors 100 are deployed inside the storage tank 400. The data acquisition unit 200 is connected to the multiple fiber optic sensors 100, collects the optical signals from the sensors 100, and converts them into electrical signals. The signal processing and analysis unit 300 is connected to the data acquisition unit 200, analyzes the data from the multiple fiber optic sensors 100, identifies changes in the health status of the storage tank 400, and generates a data report. By evenly distributing multiple fiber optic sensors 100 around the circumference of the storage tank 400, comprehensive monitoring data is obtained, enabling real-time and accurate monitoring of the storage tank 400 and providing strong support for its safe operation and effective management.

[0024] The multiple fiber optic sensors 100 include multiple FBG strain sensors 101, multiple FBG settlement sensors 102, and multiple FBG temperature sensors 103. The multiple FBG strain sensors 101 are respectively deployed at the T-weld joints of the storage tank 400, and are used to monitor the weld condition of the storage tank 400. The FBG strain sensors 101 are surface-mounted FBG strain sensors.

[0025] The FBG strain sensor 101 is a fiber optic sensor based on fiber Bragg grating technology. Its principle is to achieve real-time monitoring of the structural health of storage tank 400 by observing the correlation between the reflection spectral shift of the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and strain and temperature changes. Furthermore, the FBG strain sensor 101 features small size, light weight, and resistance to electromagnetic interference.

[0026] Multiple FBG settlement sensors 102 are arranged in a circular pattern on the bottom of the storage tank 400. The FBG settlement sensors 102 are used to monitor the settlement status of the foundation of the storage tank 400.

[0027] The FBG settlement sensor 102 is an application of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors in the field of settlement monitoring. It utilizes the optical and sensing characteristics of optical fibers to detect various physical quantities in engineering, especially settlement conditions. The FBG settlement sensor 102 is used to monitor changes in the settlement of the foundation of storage tank 400.

[0028] Multiple FBG temperature sensors 103 are arranged in a circle on the bottom plate of the storage tank 400. The FBG temperature sensors 103 are used to monitor the temperature of the storage tank 400.

[0029] The FBG temperature sensor 103 is a device that uses the sensing characteristics of fiber optic gratings to measure temperature changes. It features high sensitivity, high resolution, and fast response, and can monitor temperature changes in storage tank 400 caused by leakage.

[0030] When in use, firstly, based on the design characteristics of the storage tank 400 and previous maintenance records, key monitoring areas are identified, such as T-welds, corner welds at the bottom of the storage tank, and the foundation at the bottom of the storage tank. Multiple fiber optic sensors 100 are then deployed in these areas to capture key structural changes.

[0031] For example, multiple FBG strain sensors 101 are respectively arranged at the T-weld of the storage tank 400 to monitor the weld condition of the storage tank 400; multiple FBG settlement sensors 102 are arranged in a circle on the bottom foundation of the storage tank 400 to monitor the settlement condition of the foundation of the storage tank 400; multiple FBG temperature sensors 103 are arranged in a circle on the bottom plate of the storage tank 400 to monitor the temperature condition of the storage tank 400.

[0032] Multiple fiber optic sensors 100 are connected to the data acquisition unit 200 via fiber optic cables. To protect the fiber optics from mechanical damage and environmental factors, appropriate protective measures, such as sheaths or protective tubes, are used.

[0033] The data acquisition unit 200 collects optical signals from multiple optical fiber sensors 100, converts them into electrical signals, and performs preliminary processing on the electrical signals, such as amplification, filtering, and digitization.

[0034] The processed data is transmitted to the signal processing and analysis unit 300 via wired or wireless network. The signal processing and analysis unit 300 analyzes the data from multiple fiber optic sensors 100, identifies changes in the health status of the storage tank 400, and generates a data report.

[0035] Example 1: Oil and chemical storage tanks

[0036] Application Scenarios: Oil and chemical storage tanks typically store flammable, explosive, or hazardous chemicals, making the monitoring of their structural integrity particularly important. Because these tanks are frequently exposed to corrosive substances and extreme environments, close monitoring of their structural health is essential.

[0037] System Application: Fiber optic sensors 100 are deployed on the inner and outer walls of storage tank 400, with particular attention paid to welds and joints. The fiber optic sensors 100 can detect material degradation caused by corrosion, as well as temperature and pressure changes that may result from internal chemical reactions. Data analysis can be used to predict corrosion progress and structural failure risks, thereby guiding maintenance decisions and safe operation.

[0038] Example 2: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Storage Tank

[0039] Application scenario: Liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tanks need to operate at extremely low temperatures, which places special demands on materials and structures. Monitoring these tanks requires particular attention to low-temperature embrittlement and thermal stress of the materials.

[0040] System Application: Fiber optic sensors 100 are deployed in critical pressure-bearing components of the storage tank 400, such as the tank wall and supporting structures. The fiber optic sensors 100 monitor temperature changes and temperature-related stresses to detect potential cryogenic embrittlement issues. Real-time monitoring data helps operators adjust the tank's operating conditions to prevent structural damage.

[0041] Example 3: Water storage tank for water treatment

[0042] Application scenarios: Water treatment storage tanks may not involve highly corrosive or flammable substances, but structural integrity still needs to be monitored, especially in environments with vibration or ground subsidence.

[0043] System Applications: Fiber optic sensors 100 are deployed on the tank and foundation structure to monitor stress and deformation caused by ground settlement or other external forces. Pressure changes caused by water level variations are detected to ensure the tank's stability under different load conditions. The data can be used for long-term structural health assessments and preventative maintenance planning.

[0044] It should be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0045] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A tank monitoring system utilizing fiber optic sensing technology, characterized in that, include: Multiple fiber optic sensors (100) are arranged inside the storage tank (400); A data acquisition unit (200) is connected to a plurality of optical fiber sensors (100), and the data acquisition unit (200) collects optical signals from the plurality of optical fiber sensors (100) and converts them into electrical signals; The signal processing and analysis unit (300) is connected to the data acquisition unit (200). The signal processing and analysis unit (300) analyzes the data of multiple fiber optic sensors (100), identifies changes in the health status of the storage tank (400), and generates a data report.

2. The tank monitoring system utilizing fiber optic sensing technology according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multiple fiber optic sensors (100) are multiple FBG strain sensors (101), multiple FBG sedimentation sensors (102), and multiple FBG temperature sensors (103).

3. The tank monitoring system utilizing fiber optic sensing technology according to claim 2, characterized in that: Multiple FBG strain sensors (101) are respectively installed at the T-weld of the storage tank (400), and the FBG strain sensors (101) are used to monitor the weld condition of the storage tank (400).

4. The tank monitoring system utilizing fiber optic sensing technology according to claim 3, characterized in that: Multiple FBG settlement sensors (102) are arranged in a circular pattern on the bottom of the storage tank (400). The FBG settlement sensors (102) are used to monitor the settlement status of the foundation of the storage tank (400).

5. The tank monitoring system utilizing fiber optic sensing technology according to claim 4, characterized in that: Multiple FBG temperature sensors (103) are arranged in a circular pattern on the bottom plate of the storage tank (400), and the FBG temperature sensors (103) are used to monitor the temperature of the storage tank (400).

6. The tank monitoring system utilizing fiber optic sensing technology according to claim 3, characterized in that: The FBG strain sensor (101) is a surface-type FBG strain sensor.

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