A liquid level interlock
By using a level interlock device with at least three level transmitters in the hydrogen production unit, the problem of accidental shutdown caused by level transmitter failure was solved, achieving more efficient and safer hydrogen production.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HEFEI ZHENGFAN ELECTRONICS MATERIAL
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
In existing hydrogen production plants, frequent misjudgments caused by level transmitter malfunctions or level fluctuations often trigger the safety instrument system interlock, resulting in hydrogen production system shutdowns and impacting production efficiency and economics.
At least three level transmitters are used. The level value is acquired by the level acquisition module and sent to the interlock control module. The interlock control module generates a stop signal only when at least two levels are within the preset range to avoid false judgment.
It reduces the risk of misjudgment, improves the safety and economy of hydrogen production equipment, and extends its service life.
Smart Images
Figure CN224471980U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of hydrogen production devices, and in particular to a liquid level interlock device. Background Technology
[0002] Against the backdrop of global efforts to promote sustainable energy development, hydrogen energy, with its abundant sources, green and low-carbon characteristics, and wide range of applications, has become a crucial vehicle for energy transition and development, and its manufacturing process has attracted considerable attention. Hydrogen production plants are typically equipped with a safety instrumented interlock system.
[0003] In practical applications, a low-limit interlock system with a dual-selection method is typically used. This involves installing two level transmitters; if either level falls below the low limit, the safety instrumented system (MIS) interlock is triggered, causing the entire hydrogen production system to shut down. While this ensures the safety of the unit's operation, it compromises production efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, during trial production, multiple instances of level transmitter malfunctions or level fluctuations triggering the MIS interlock have resulted in hydrogen production system shutdowns and significant losses. Utility Model Content
[0004] This invention provides a liquid level interlocking device that generates an interlocking shutdown signal only when the liquid levels of at least two liquid level transmitters are outside a preset liquid level range by setting at least three liquid level transmitters, thereby reducing the risk of misjudgment and improving safety and economy.
[0005] This utility model provides a liquid level interlocking device for use in a hydrogen production unit. The interlocking device includes a liquid level acquisition module, an interlocking control module, and at least three liquid level transmitters.
[0006] The liquid level acquisition module is electrically connected to each liquid level transmitter and the interlocking control module respectively;
[0007] The liquid level acquisition module acquires the liquid level of each liquid level transmitter;
[0008] The interlock control module receives the liquid level from each level transmitter. When the liquid level detected by at least two level transmitters is outside the preset liquid level range, it generates an interlock shutdown signal and executes it to shut down the hydrogen production unit.
[0009] Optionally, the interlocking control module includes a signal generation unit and a safety control unit;
[0010] The signal generation unit is electrically connected to both the liquid level acquisition module and the safety control unit.
[0011] The signal generation unit determines whether the liquid level of each liquid level transmitter is outside the preset liquid level range, and when at least two liquid levels are outside the preset liquid level range, it generates an interlock shutdown signal and sends it to the safety control unit.
[0012] The safety control unit executes the interlocking shutdown signal.
[0013] Optionally, the level acquisition module includes a level gauge;
[0014] The number of level gauges is equal to the number of level transmitters.
[0015] Optionally, the device may also include a conversion unit;
[0016] The conversion unit is electrically connected between the liquid level acquisition module and the interlock control module, converting the liquid level into an electrical signal and sending it to the interlock control module.
[0017] Optionally, the preset liquid level range H satisfies: 30% ≤ H ≤ 85%.
[0018] Optionally, the device may also include a housing;
[0019] All level transmitters, level acquisition modules, and interlock control modules are integrated into the housing.
[0020] Optionally, the device may also include a display module;
[0021] The display module is electrically connected to the interlocking control module.
[0022] Optionally, the device may also include an alarm module;
[0023] The alarm module is electrically connected to the interlocking control module.
[0024] The technical solution of this utility model involves setting at least three level transmitters. A level acquisition module acquires the level of each transmitter and sends the three acquired level values to an interlocking control module. Upon receiving the levels from the three transmitters, the interlocking control module determines whether they are within a preset level range. If at least two transmitters are found to be within the preset range, it indicates that only one transmitter or none may be outside the preset range. In this case, the transmitters are operating normally and the interlocking shutdown signal will not be triggered. However, if the interlocking control module determines that at least two transmitters are outside the preset range, it indicates an abnormal level. Continued operation may lead to a malfunction in the hydrogen production unit. In this case, the interlocking control module generates and executes an interlocking shutdown signal to the hydrogen production unit, ensuring its shutdown and protecting it. By using the above-mentioned device, the problem of abnormal liquid level caused by the failure or abnormality of one of the liquid level transmitters, which in turn leads to the accidental shutdown of the hydrogen production unit, is avoided. This reduces the risk of misjudgment, ensures the performance and economy of the hydrogen production unit, and improves the safety and service life of the hydrogen production unit.
[0025] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this utility model, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Other features of this utility model will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description
[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments 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 these drawings without creative effort.
[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid level interlocking device provided in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second liquid level interlocking device provided in the embodiment of this utility model;
[0029] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the third liquid level interlocking device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth liquid level interlocking device provided in the embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0031] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention 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 invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
[0032] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the utility model described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.
[0033] In one embodiment, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a liquid level interlock device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Applied to a hydrogen production unit, this embodiment can be used to reduce the risk of accidental triggering of the interlock and shutdown in a hydrogen production unit, thereby improving the safety and economy of the hydrogen production unit. Figure 1 As shown, the interlocking device includes a liquid level acquisition module 2, an interlocking control module 3, and at least three liquid level transmitters 1. The liquid level acquisition module 2 is electrically connected to each liquid level transmitter 1 and the interlocking control module 3 respectively. The liquid level acquisition module 2 acquires the liquid level of each liquid level transmitter 1. The interlocking control module 3 receives the liquid level of each liquid level transmitter 1. When the liquid level detected by at least two liquid level transmitters 1 is outside the preset liquid level range, an interlocking shutdown signal is generated and executed to shut down the hydrogen production unit.
[0034] The level transmitter 1 is an extension and development of pressure transmitter technology. It is an instrument used to measure the level of liquids, gases, or solids. It can convert physical level signals into standard electrical or digital signals for output, facilitating remote monitoring and integration into automated control systems. In this embodiment, the number of level transmitters 1 is at least three. For example, there can be three, four, or five, etc. This invention does not impose specific limitations without affecting the core inventive points. The level acquisition module 2 is a device for acquiring the level value of the level transmitters 1. In this embodiment, the level acquisition module 2 can acquire the level of each level transmitter 1 simultaneously. It can also include at least three level gauges, i.e., the number of level gauges is the same as the number of level transmitters 1, with one level gauge acquiring the level of one level transmitter 1 and sending the level to the interlocking control module 3. The interlocking control module 3 is used to receive the level values of each level transmitter 1 and determine whether to generate an interlocking shutdown signal to the hydrogen production unit based on the level values.
[0035] Specifically, by electrically connecting the liquid level acquisition module 2 to each liquid level transmitter 1 and the interlocking control module 3 respectively, the liquid level acquisition module 2 can acquire the liquid level of each liquid level transmitter 1 and send the acquired at least three liquid level values to the interlocking control module 3. When the interlocking control module 3 receives the liquid levels of at least three liquid level transmitters 1, it will determine whether the at least three liquid levels are within the preset liquid level range. If it is determined that the liquid levels of at least two liquid level transmitters 1 are within the preset liquid level range, if the liquid levels of two, three or more liquid level transmitters 1 are within the preset liquid level range, it indicates that there may be only one or no liquid level transmitter 1 whose liquid level is not within the preset liquid level range. The abnormality may be caused by its own failure or other reasons, which does not affect the hydrogen production setting. At this time, the liquid level transmitter 1 works normally and will not trigger the interlocking shutdown signal. When the interlock control module 3 determines that the liquid level of at least two level transmitters 1 is not within the preset liquid level range (i.e., both are below the lower limit of the preset liquid level range, or both are above the upper limit of the preset liquid level range, or there is a liquid level value below the lower limit and also a liquid level value above the upper limit of the preset liquid level range), it indicates that the liquid level of the level transmitters 1 is abnormal, and continued operation may lead to a malfunction of the hydrogen production unit. In this case, the interlock control module 3 will generate an interlock shutdown signal to the hydrogen production unit and execute the interlock shutdown signal to ensure the shutdown of the hydrogen production unit and protect it. This avoids the situation where a malfunction or abnormality of one of the level transmitters 1 leads to an abnormal liquid level and thus an unintended shutdown of the hydrogen production unit, reducing the risk of misjudgment, ensuring the performance and economy of the hydrogen production unit, and improving the safety and service life of the hydrogen production unit.
[0036] The technical solution of this utility model embodiment involves setting at least three level transmitters. A level acquisition module acquires the level of each level transmitter and sends the acquired three level values to an interlocking control module. Upon receiving the levels from the at least three level transmitters, the interlocking control module determines whether the levels are within a preset level range. If at least two level transmitters are found to be within the preset range, it indicates that only one or no level transmitter may be outside the preset range. In this case, the level transmitters are operating normally and the interlocking shutdown signal will not be triggered. However, if the interlocking control module determines that at least two level transmitters are outside the preset range, it indicates an abnormal level. Continued operation may lead to a malfunction in the hydrogen production unit. In this case, the interlocking control module generates an interlocking shutdown signal to the hydrogen production unit and executes the shutdown, ensuring the hydrogen production unit is shut down and protected. By using the above-mentioned device, the problem of abnormal liquid level caused by the failure or abnormality of one of the liquid level transmitters, which in turn leads to the accidental shutdown of the hydrogen production unit, is avoided. This reduces the risk of misjudgment, ensures the performance and economy of the hydrogen production unit, and improves the safety and service life of the hydrogen production unit.
[0037] In another specific embodiment, optionally, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second liquid level interlocking device provided in the embodiment of this utility model, with reference to... Figure 2 As shown, the liquid level acquisition module 2 includes a liquid level gauge 21; the number of liquid level gauges 21 is equal to the number of liquid level transmitters 1.
[0038] Specifically, taking a scenario with three level transmitters 1 as an example, by setting up three level transmitters 1 (i.e., a first level transmitter, a second level transmitter, and a third level transmitter), the number of level gauges 21 is equal to the number of level transmitters 1, i.e., three level gauges 21. In this case, one level gauge 21 is used to measure and acquire the level value of one level transmitter 1. When the level gauge 21 includes the first level gauge, the second level gauge, and the third level gauge, the first level gauge acquires the level of the first level transmitter 1 and sends it to the interlocking control module 3; the second level gauge acquires the level of the second level transmitter 1 and sends it to the interlocking control module 3; the third level gauge acquires the level of the third level transmitter 1 and sends it to the interlocking control module 3.
[0039] It should be noted that, for ease of acquisition and assembly, the level acquisition module 2, i.e., the level gauge 21, can also be directly assembled onto the level transmitter 1. In other words, one level gauge 21 is fixedly installed onto a corresponding level transmitter 1, so that the level gauge 21 can directly acquire the level of the corresponding level transmitter 1.
[0040] In another specific embodiment, optionally, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third liquid level interlocking device provided in the embodiment of this utility model, with reference to... Figure 3 As shown, the interlock control module 3 includes a signal generation unit 31 and a safety control unit 32. The signal generation unit 31 is electrically connected to the liquid level acquisition module 2 and the safety control unit 32, respectively. The signal generation unit 31 determines whether the liquid level of each liquid level transmitter 1 is outside the preset liquid level range, and when at least two liquid levels are outside the preset liquid level range, it generates an interlock shutdown signal and sends it to the safety control unit 32. The safety control unit 32 executes the interlock shutdown signal.
[0041] The signal generation unit 31 is used to determine whether the liquid level is within the preset liquid level range and to generate an interlock shutdown signal to the safety control unit 32. The safety control unit 32, also known as the SIS safety system, is used to execute the interlock shutdown signal to shut down the hydrogen production unit.
[0042] Specifically, after receiving the liquid level values from each liquid level transmitter 1, the signal generation unit 31 can determine whether the liquid level of each liquid level transmitter 1 is outside the preset liquid level range. When it is determined that at least two liquid levels are outside the preset liquid level range, an interlock shutdown signal is generated and sent to the safety control unit 32. After receiving the interlock shutdown signal, the safety control unit 32 immediately executes the interlock shutdown signal to protect the hydrogen production unit.
[0043] In another specific embodiment, optionally, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth liquid level interlocking device provided in the embodiments of this utility model, with reference to... Figure 4 As shown, the device also includes a conversion unit 4; the conversion unit 4 is electrically connected between the liquid level acquisition module 2 and the interlock control module 3, converting the liquid level into an electrical signal and sending it to the interlock control module 3.
[0044] The conversion unit 4 converts the liquid level value into a corresponding electrical signal, which is then used by the interlock control module 3 to determine whether an interlock stop signal should be generated. Specifically, after receiving the liquid level value from the liquid level acquisition module 1, the conversion unit 4 converts the liquid level value into an electrical signal and sends it to the interlock control module 3. The interlock control module 3 determines, based on the received electrical signal, whether at least two liquid level transmitters 1 have liquid levels outside the preset liquid level range. If at least two liquid level transmitters 1 have liquid levels outside the preset liquid level range, an interlock stop signal is generated and executed.
[0045] Optionally, the preset liquid level range H satisfies: 30% ≤ H ≤ 85%.
[0046] Specifically, the preset liquid level range H satisfies: 30% ≤ H ≤ 85%. This means that if the interlocking control module 3 determines that the liquid levels of at least two level transmitters 1 are both below 30%, or both above 85%, or some are below 30% and some above 85%, it indicates that the liquid level of level transmitter 1 is too high or too low, and this situation occurs in more than one transmitter. Therefore, the possibility of a fault in level transmitter 1 itself is very small. In this case, the interlocking control module 3 will generate an interlocking shutdown signal. It is understandable that the conversion unit 4 can also be integrated into the liquid level acquisition module 2 to simplify components, reduce connections, and lower costs.
[0047] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 4 The device also includes a housing 5; each level transmitter 1, level acquisition module 2 and interlock control module 3 are integrated into the housing 5, improving the portability and safety of the device.
[0048] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 4 The device also includes a display module 6; the display module 6 is electrically connected to the interlocking control module 3.
[0049] Specifically, when the interlocking control module 3 determines that the liquid level of at least two level transmitters 1 is outside the preset liquid level range, it indicates that the level transmitter 1 is abnormal. At this time, the interlocking control module 3 can control the display module 6 to display the abnormal level transmitter 1, so as to prompt the staff to inspect and repair the abnormal level transmitter 1. The display module 3 may include, but is not limited to, a display structure such as an LCD screen, electronic screen, or mobile phone screen.
[0050] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 4 The device also includes an alarm module 7; the alarm module 7 is electrically connected to the interlocking control module 3.
[0051] Specifically, when the interlocking control module 3 determines that the liquid level of at least two level transmitters 1 is outside the preset liquid level range, it indicates that the level transmitter 1 is abnormal. At this time, the interlocking control module 3 can control the alarm module 7 to sound an alarm, such as producing a sound that is easy to hear, like "beep beep beep" or "tap tap tap", to prompt the staff to inspect the abnormal level transmitter 1.
[0052] It should be understood that the various forms of the process shown above can be used, with steps reordered, added, or deleted. For example, the steps described in this utility model can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution of this utility model can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.
[0053] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A liquid level interlocking device, characterized in that, Applied in hydrogen production units, the interlocking device includes a level acquisition module, an interlocking control module, and at least three level transmitters; The liquid level acquisition module is electrically connected to each of the liquid level transmitters and the interlocking control module respectively; The liquid level acquisition module acquires the liquid level of each of the liquid level transmitters; The interlock control module receives the liquid level from each of the liquid level transmitters. When the liquid level detected by at least two of the liquid level transmitters is outside the preset liquid level range, it generates an interlock shutdown signal and executes it to shut down the hydrogen production unit.
2. The liquid level interlocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interlocking control module includes a signal generation unit and a safety control unit; The signal generation unit is electrically connected to the liquid level acquisition module and the safety control unit, respectively. The signal generation unit determines whether the liquid level of each of the liquid level transmitters is outside the preset liquid level range, and when at least two of the liquid levels are outside the preset liquid level range, it generates an interlock shutdown signal and sends it to the safety control unit. The safety control unit executes the interlock stop signal.
3. The liquid level interlocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid level acquisition module includes a liquid level gauge; The number of level gauges is equal to the number of level transmitters.
4. The liquid level interlocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a conversion unit; The conversion unit is electrically connected between the liquid level acquisition module and the interlock control module, converting the liquid level into an electrical signal and sending it to the interlock control module.
5. The liquid level interlocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset liquid level range H satisfies: 30% ≤ H ≤ 85%.
6. The liquid level interlocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes the outer casing; Each of the liquid level transmitters, the liquid level acquisition module, and the interlocking control module is integrated within the housing.
7. The liquid level interlocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a display module; The display module is electrically connected to the interlocking control module.
8. The liquid level interlocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an alarm module; The alarm module is electrically connected to the interlocking control module.