A level gauge probe

Abstract

This utility model relates to a level gauge probe, comprising: a mounting head including a mounting base and a protective cover; the mounting base is mounted on the riser of an oil storage tank, and the protective cover is disposed on the mounting base, forming a cavity with the mounting base; a probe rod, at least partially disposed in the cavity, extending from the mounting base into the oil storage tank; and a self-aligning component disposed in the mounting base, connecting the probe rod to the mounting base for adjusting the vertical state of the probe rod. The probe of this application, through the inclusion of the self-aligning component, improves the accuracy and precision of probe detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to oil metering equipment, and in particular to a level gauge probe. Background Technology

[0002] Gas stations primarily handle the procurement, sales, and storage of fuel, all of which require quantitative measurement of the fuel in storage tanks for effective fuel management. However, measuring bulk liquids like fuel cannot be done by simply counting, and weighing is inconvenient in a gas station setting. The most common method is to measure the liquid volume, specifically the amount of fuel occupied in the storage tank. Currently, level gauges are typically used for this purpose. These gauges consist of a probe installed on the storage tank and a control panel located in the gas station office. By detecting the height of the fuel level in the tank, the volume occupied by the fuel can be determined.

[0003] However, current probes are fixed to the oil storage tank, which is buried underground and may deform or tilt due to the pressure of the surrounding backfill soil; or the ground of the pit where the oil storage tank is located may be uneven, causing the oil storage tank to tilt in the pit; or changes in groundwater in some areas may cause the oil storage tank to drift, resulting in changes in the stress on the oil storage tank and tilting; when the oil storage tank tilts, the probe will also tilt, making it impossible for the probe to be perpendicular to the liquid surface, thus affecting the accuracy of the probe detection. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the technical problems existing in the prior art, this utility model proposes a level gauge probe, comprising: a mounting head, which includes a mounting base and a protective cover, the mounting base being mounted on the riser of the oil storage tank, the protective cover being disposed on the mounting base and forming a cavity with the mounting base; a probe rod, at least partially disposed in the cavity and extending from the mounting base into the oil storage tank; and a self-aligning component, disposed in the mounting base, connecting the probe rod to the mounting base for adjusting the vertical state of the probe rod.

[0005] As described above, the level gauge probe has an internal thread at the first end of the mounting base for threaded connection with the riser of the oil storage tank; an external thread at the second end of the mounting base for threaded connection with the protective cover; and a mounting hole inside the mounting base that passes through the first and second ends for mounting a self-aligning component.

[0006] As described above, the level gauge probe includes a stepped structure within the mounting hole for mounting a snap-fit ​​self-aligning component and providing axial positioning for the self-aligning component.

[0007] As described above, the self-aligning component of the level gauge probe is a self-aligning bearing. When the probe swings, the self-aligning bearing rotates its inner ring under the weight of the probe to adjust the vertical state of the probe.

[0008] As described above, the level gauge probe includes an electronic head and a probe body. The electronic head is housed in a self-aligning component, and the probe body is connected to the electronic head and extends into the oil storage tank. The electronic head contains electronic components that are communicatively connected to the control console.

[0009] The level gauge probe described above further includes multiple first pressure sensors, which are arranged at different heights along the axial direction of the probe body and are communicatively connected to the electronic head.

[0010] As described above, in the liquid level gauge probe, the first pressure sensor is arranged at equal intervals on the probe body from the end furthest from the electronic head to the end closest to the electronic head.

[0011] As described above, the level gauge probe has an internal thread at one end of the protective cover for connection with the mounting base, and an opening on the top surface of the protective cover for accommodating the electronic head for communication connection with the control console.

[0012] As described above, the level gauge probe has a probe body made up of multiple segments.

[0013] The level gauge probe described above further includes a second pressure sensor and a temperature sensor, which are mounted on the probe body and communicate with the electronic head.

[0014] The probe in this application, through the setting of the self-aligning component, can always be kept in a vertical state, unaffected by installation problems or tilting of the oil storage tank, which helps to improve the detection accuracy and precision of the probe. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The preferred embodiments of this utility model will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a level gauge probe according to one embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 2 An exploded view of a level gauge probe according to an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figures 3A-3C A schematic diagram of a level gauge probe structure according to an embodiment of this application; and

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a probe application scenario according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0021] In the following detailed description, reference can be made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this application and illustrate specific embodiments of the present application. In the drawings, similar reference numerals describe substantially similar components in different figures. Specific embodiments of the present application are described in sufficient detail below to enable those skilled in the art to implement the technical solutions of the present application. It should be understood that other embodiments may also be utilized, or structural, logical, or electrical changes may be made to the embodiments of the present application.

[0022] Current probes primarily utilize magnetostrictive technology, employing an oil float that tracks changes in liquid level to determine the oil height. However, oil storage tanks may contain moisture in actual use, necessitating precise detection of both water and oil levels. Therefore, a water float is also connected in series with the probe. The oil float and water float can drift at the oil surface and oil-water separation interface, respectively, allowing for the determination of the net oil height.

[0023] This application proposes a novel level gauge probe. By improving the fixing structure between the probe and the oil storage tank, the probe can always be kept vertical, ensuring a constant perpendicularity between the probe and the liquid surface, unaffected by installation or tank tilt. The oil float and water float can move smoothly on the probe, effectively improving detection accuracy and measurement precision. In some embodiments, the level gauge probe of this application can also change the traditional probe structure based on magnetostrictive technology. By incorporating multiple pressure sensors on the probe, the oil volume in the storage tank can be measured, enabling precise measurement of the oil volume without being limited by the waveguide wire material in magnetostrictive technology.

[0024] The technical solution of this application will be further illustrated below through specific implementation methods. Those skilled in the art should understand that the following description is merely for the convenience of understanding the technical solution of this application and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a level gauge probe according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 2 An exploded view of a level gauge probe according to one embodiment of this application. Figures 3A-3C This is a schematic diagram of a level gauge probe structure according to an embodiment of this application.

[0026] As shown in the figure, the level gauge probe (hereinafter referred to as "probe") 100 may include a mounting head 110 and a probe rod 120. The mounting head 110 is used to mount the probe onto an oil storage tank. The probe rod is connected to the mounting head and can extend into the oil storage tank to detect data within the tank. In some embodiments, the data may include oil level, water level, liquid density, liquid pressure, temperature, etc. In some embodiments, the probe rod 120 may also be connected to a control console, allowing the data detected by the probe rod 120 to be transmitted to the control console. In some embodiments, the probe may also include a self-aligning component 130, which is disposed in the mounting head and used to adjust the vertical state of the probe rod, and may also connect to the probe rod.

[0027] In some embodiments, the mounting head 110 may include a mounting base 111 and a protective cover 112. The mounting base can be used to connect to an oil storage tank and mount the probe rod onto the tank; the self-aligning member 130 is disposed in the mounting base 111 and can connect the probe rod to the mounting base 111; the protective cover 112 is disposed on the mounting base and can form a cavity with the mounting base to accommodate only a portion of the probe rod and protect it.

[0028] In some embodiments, the mounting base may be tubular, with its first end including an internal thread 1111 for connection to the riser of the oil storage tank, thereby allowing the probe to be installed on the oil storage tank; the second end may include an external thread 1112 for connection to a protective cover; the interior of the mounting base includes a mounting hole 1113 penetrating the first and second ends, which can be used to install a self-aligning component 130, allowing the probe to be connected to the mounting base. In some embodiments, the mounting hole 1113 may include a stepped structure, which can provide axial positioning for the self-aligning component.

[0029] In some embodiments, one end of the protective cover 112 may include an internal thread 1121, which can be used to connect to the second end of the mounting base; the top surface of the protective cover 112 may include an opening 1122, which can be used to accommodate the connection between the control console and the probe rod.

[0030] In some embodiments, the self-aligning component 130 is installed in the mounting hole, which connects the probe rod to the mounting base and provides support for the probe rod. When the probe rod swings due to factors such as the tilting of the oil tank, the self-aligning component can adjust under the weight of the probe rod, thereby ensuring that the probe rod is always in a vertical state and preventing the probe rod from tilting and affecting the measurement results. In some embodiments, the self-aligning component can be a self-aligning bearing. When the probe rod swings, the self-aligning bearing can rotate its inner ring under the weight of the probe rod to adjust the state of the probe rod.

[0031] In some embodiments, the probe 120 may include a probe body 121 and an electronic head 122. The electronic head 122 may include a protruding stepped structure that can be engaged in a self-aligning component, providing support and positioning for the probe. The probe body 121 may be connected to the electronic head and extend into the oil storage tank. In some embodiments, the probe 120 may further include a plurality of first pressure sensors 123, a second pressure sensor 124, and a plurality of temperature sensors 125, thereby detecting the pressure and temperature in the oil storage tank. In some embodiments, the plurality of first pressure sensors 123 and / or the plurality of temperature sensors 125 may be arranged along the axial direction of the probe body 121, respectively measuring the pressure and temperature (liquid temperature or gas phase temperature) at different heights. In some embodiments, the plurality of first pressure sensors and / or temperature sensors may be arranged at equal intervals. In some embodiments, the first pressure sensors and / or temperature sensors are arranged from the end furthest from the electronic head to the end closest to the electronic head. In some embodiments, the second pressure sensor 124 may be disposed on the probe body 121 and close to the electronic head, and may be used to detect the pressure of the gas phase space in the oil storage tank.

[0032] In some embodiments, the electronic head 122 may further include circuit elements and may be connected to a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a temperature sensor to receive sensor detection data. In some embodiments, the electronic head 122 may also be connected to the control panel of the level gauge. For example, a communication cable connects the electronic head to the control panel through an opening in the protective cover, thereby uploading sensor detection data to the control panel, which can then calculate data such as liquid density, oil level, and water level based on the detection data.

[0033] In some embodiments, the probe body 121 may be composed of multiple probe segments spliced ​​together, thereby increasing the length of the probe and expanding its application range. In some embodiments, the first pressure sensor and temperature sensor may be arranged at equal intervals on a probe segment away from the electronic head, and each probe segment includes a connector to connect the sensors to the electronic head. In some embodiments, the first pressure sensor and temperature sensor may also be arranged at equal intervals on multiple probe segments, thereby facilitating the determination of the distance between the sensors.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a probe application scenario according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in the figure, the probe 100 can be installed on the oil storage tank 10 and extend into the oil storage tank. It can be used to measure the pressure and temperature inside the oil storage tank, and can upload the measured data to the control console of the level gauge to calculate the volume of oil in the oil storage tank.

[0035] According to one embodiment of this application, the second pressure sensor, denoted as A, is positioned near the electronic head of the probe, and the pressure value it measures is represented by P. a This indicates that, because this location is inside the oil tank near the tank opening, even when the tank is full, the pressure will not reach this level. Therefore, the pressure measured here is always the gas pressure value of the gas phase space inside the oil tank. Five first pressure sensors are arranged near the end of the probe, labeled O1, O2, O3, O4, and O5 from bottom to top; the pressure values ​​measured by each first pressure sensor are denoted by P. o1 P o2 P o3 P o4 P o5 The distance between two adjacent pressure sensors is represented by H. 12 H 23 H 34 H 45 This indicates that the height difference and distance difference between each pressure sensor are the same. Furthermore, assuming the oil level is between O4 and O5 and the water level is between O2 and O3, the oil volume of this application is calculated as follows:

[0036] First, by comparing the pressure value measured by the first pressure sensor with the pressure value measured by the second pressure sensor, P can be determined. o5 =P a P o4 >P a Therefore, it can be determined that the oil level is between O4 and O5.

[0037] Secondly, by using the pressure value measured by the first pressure sensor and the density calculation formula to calculate the liquid density between each pressure sensor, ρ can be obtained. 12 ρ 23 ρ 34 ρ 45 By comparing the obtained liquid densities, ρ can be obtained. 12 >ρ 23 ρ 23 >ρ 34 Therefore, it can be determined that the oil-water interface is located between O2 and O3. Furthermore, the oil density can be calculated as ρ. 34 The density of water is ρ 12 The oil density can be compared with the standard density of the corresponding stored oil for verification. In some embodiments, if the oil-water separation interface is located elsewhere, the oil density and / or water density can also be calculated using density calculation formulas.

[0038] The density calculation formula is ρ mn =(P on -Pom ) / gH mn Wherein, ρ mn This represents the density results between each of the first pressure sensors; m and n represent the serial numbers of each first pressure sensor, for example, the liquid density between O2 and O3 is expressed in terms of ρ. 23 This indicates that the liquid densities between O2 and O5 are expressed in terms of ρ. 25 express.

[0039] Secondly, the distance H between the pressure sensor and the liquid surface is calculated using the density data and the pressure measurement results from pressure sensor O3 or pressure sensor O4. ox And based on the distance H between pressure sensor O3 or pressure sensor O4 and the liquid surface. ox The distance H between pressure sensor O3 or pressure sensor O4 on the detection rod 1x The liquid level height H can be obtained. o .

[0040] The formula for calculating the distance between the first pressure sensor and the liquid surface is H. ox =P ox / ρ g g. Where, ρ g This represents the density of the oil.

[0041] Finally, the oil height H is calculated using the pressure calculation formula and the liquid level calculation formula. g and water height H w Based on the calculation results, by comparing them with the tank capacity table, data such as the total volume of liquid, water volume, and oil volume inside the tank can be obtained.

[0042] The formula for calculating liquid level is: H g +H w =H o

[0043] The formula for calculating pressure is: ρ g gH g +ρ w gH w =P 01

[0044] Where, ρ w This is the density of water.

[0045] This application's probe, with its self-aligning mechanism, ensures a vertical position, preventing tilting caused by installation issues or tank inclination, thus maintaining measurement accuracy. It ensures the probe remains perpendicular to the liquid surface, guaranteeing accurate measurements. Furthermore, the pressure sensor detects pressure data and calculates the oil volume based on the results. The measurement process requires no float movement, is unaffected by environmental conditions, and offers high reliability and accurate calculations. Multiple pressure sensors can also be used for verification and calibration during density measurement and calculation, effectively reducing measurement errors and improving probe reliability. Even with unclear oil-water interfaces, the theoretical interface location can be accurately calculated. Additionally, this probe utilizes a temperature sensor to monitor the tank's operating status and a pressure sensor to monitor its airtightness, eliminating the need for additional sensors.

[0046] The above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical solutions should also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A level gauge probe, characterized in that, include: The mounting head includes a mounting base and a protective cover. The mounting base is installed on the riser of the oil storage tank, and the protective cover is set on the mounting base and forms a cavity with the mounting base. The probe rod is at least partially disposed in the cavity and extends from the mounting base into the oil storage tank; as well as The self-aligning component, which is located in the mounting base, connects the probe rod to the mounting base and is used to adjust the vertical state of the probe rod.

2. The level gauge probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end of the mounting base includes an internal thread for connection with the riser thread of the oil storage tank; the second end of the mounting base includes an external thread for connection with the protective cover; the interior of the mounting base includes a mounting hole penetrating the first and second ends for mounting a self-aligning component.

3. The level gauge probe according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting hole includes a stepped structure for mounting the snap-fit ​​self-aligning component and providing axial positioning for the self-aligning component.

4. The level gauge probe according to claim 3, characterized in that, The self-aligning component is a self-aligning bearing. When the probe swings, the self-aligning bearing rotates its inner ring under the weight of the probe to adjust the vertical state of the probe.

5. The level gauge probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The probe includes an electronic head and a probe body. The electronic head is housed in a self-aligning component. The probe body is connected to the electronic head and extends into the oil storage tank. The electronic head contains electronic components that are communicatively connected to the control console.

6. The level gauge probe according to claim 5, characterized in that, It further includes multiple first pressure sensors, which are arranged at different heights of the probe body along the axial direction of the probe body and are communicatively connected to the electronic head.

7. The level gauge probe according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first pressure sensors are arranged at equal intervals on the probe body from the end furthest from the electronic head to the end closest to the electronic head.

8. The level gauge probe according to claim 5, characterized in that, One end of the protective cover includes internal threads for connection to the mounting base, and the top surface of the protective cover includes an opening for accommodating the electronic head for communication connection with the control console.

9. The level gauge probe according to claim 5, characterized in that, The probe body is made up of multiple spliced ​​sections.

10. The level gauge probe according to claim 5, characterized in that, It further includes a second pressure sensor and a temperature sensor, which are mounted on the probe body and communicate with the electronic head.

Images