Liquid level detection device and sulfur storage tank

Abstract

The application discloses a liquid level detection device and a sulfur storage tank, and solves the technical problem of low precision of liquid level detection of a liquid sulfur storage tank in the prior art. The liquid level detection device comprises a static well assembly, a detection assembly and a nitrogen sealing assembly. The static well assembly comprises a static well, a steam jacket and a first connecting piece. The steam jacket is wrapped on the outer wall of the static well and connected with the static well. The detection assembly comprises a radar liquid level meter, a protective piece and a second connecting piece connected with the protective piece. The first connecting piece is provided with a connecting hole. The second connecting piece is connected with the first connecting piece. The nitrogen sealing assembly comprises a nitrogen sealing tank, a nitrogen sealing pipe and a nitrogen sealing valve. The nitrogen sealing pipe extends into the connecting hole and is in communication with the static well. The liquid level detection device is used for real-time detection and monitoring of the liquid level of the liquid sulfur storage tank. By arranging the protective piece, the jacket and the nitrogen sealing assembly, the normal propagation of the radar signal is ensured, the distortion degree is reduced, the actual liquid level of the liquid sulfur storage tank can be truly reflected, and the accuracy of the liquid level measurement is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of liquid level detection technology, specifically relating to a liquid level detection device and a sulfur storage tank. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the AS process is widely used in the coking industry for coal gas purification due to its advantages such as simple operation, low cost, and fewer heat exchange equipment. However, in the Claus furnace reactor sulfur process, the internal space of the liquid sulfur storage tank is small, the temperature is high, the medium composition is complex, and it is prone to volatilization and crystallization. Under these circumstances, how to achieve stable and accurate measurement of the liquid level in the liquid storage tank is of great significance for stable production.

[0003] The temperature of the liquid sulfur storage tank in the chemical AS operation area is as high as about 150℃. Liquid sulfur is a special medium that solidifies below 118℃. Various factors make it difficult to accurately measure the liquid level. If the liquid level of the liquid sulfur storage tank cannot be accurately measured, it will cause great difficulties to the production work. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the technical problem of low accuracy in liquid level detection in current liquid sulfur storage tanks, this application provides a liquid level detection device and a sulfur storage tank.

[0005] In a first aspect of this application, a liquid level detection device is provided, comprising:

[0006] A stationary well assembly includes a stationary well, a steam jacket, and a first connector connected to the stationary well. The stationary well has a through hole for extending into the liquid surface of the tank to be tested. The steam jacket covers the outer wall of the stationary well and is connected to the stationary well.

[0007] The detection component includes a radar level gauge, a protective component, and a second connector connected to the protective component. The first connector has a connection hole; the radar level gauge faces the through hole; and the second connector is connected to the first connector.

[0008] The nitrogen sealing assembly includes a nitrogen sealing tank, a nitrogen sealing pipe, and a nitrogen sealing valve disposed on the nitrogen sealing pipe, wherein the nitrogen sealing pipe extends into the connection hole and communicates with the stationary well.

[0009] In some embodiments, the nitrogen blanketing assembly further includes a pressure reducer disposed on the nitrogen blanketing tube.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first connector is provided with a first connection hole, and the second connector is provided with a second connection hole that mates with the first connection hole, and the first connector and the second connector are detachably connected.

[0011] In some embodiments, the static well is coaxially arranged with the radar level gauge and the steam jacket.

[0012] In some embodiments, the protective element is a heat insulation layer.

[0013] In some embodiments, the steam jacket is provided with a third connector for connecting to the storage tank.

[0014] In some embodiments, the steam jacket and the stationary well are further provided with pressure balancing holes, which are located below the third connector.

[0015] In some embodiments, the radar level gauge includes a housing, a radar transmitter, an antenna, and an antenna accessory. The antenna accessory is located in the through hole and connected to the second connector. The radar transmitter is located inside the housing. The antenna is threaded to the housing and passes through the protective member and the second connector in sequence, extending into the stationary well.

[0016] In a second aspect of this application, a sulfur storage tank is provided, comprising:

[0017] Storage tank, used for storing liquids, is equipped with an installation position;

[0018] The liquid level detection device described above is located at the installation position and connected to the storage tank, and the static well extends into the liquid surface of the storage tank and is connected to the storage tank.

[0019] In some embodiments, the pressure balancing orifice is located above the liquid level inside the tank.

[0020] A liquid level detection device and a sulfur storage tank are provided according to one or more embodiments of this application. The liquid level detection device includes a stationary well assembly, a detection assembly, and a nitrogen sealing assembly. The stationary well assembly includes a stationary well, a steam jacket, and a first connecting member connected to the stationary well. The stationary well has a through hole for extending into the liquid surface of the storage tank to be measured. The steam jacket covers the outer wall of the stationary well and is connected to the stationary well. The detection assembly includes a radar level gauge, a protective component, and a second connecting member connected to the protective component. The first connecting member has a connection hole. The radar level gauge faces the through hole. The second connecting member is connected to the first connecting member. The nitrogen sealing assembly includes a nitrogen sealing tank, a nitrogen sealing pipe, and a nitrogen sealing valve disposed on the nitrogen sealing pipe. The nitrogen sealing pipe extends into the connection hole and communicates with the stationary well. The liquid level detection device of this application is used for real-time detection and monitoring of the liquid level in a liquid sulfur storage tank. By setting up the protective component, the jacket, and the nitrogen sealing assembly, the normal propagation of the radar signal is ensured, the degree of distortion is reduced, and the actual liquid level of the liquid sulfur storage tank can be reflected more realistically, thus improving the accuracy of liquid level measurement. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the liquid level detection device in one or more embodiments of this application is shown.

[0022] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the connection between the liquid level detection device and the storage tank.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100-Level detection device, 110-Stationary well assembly, 111-Stationary well, 112-Steam jacket, 1121-Steam inlet, 1122-Steam outlet, 1123-Third connector, 113-First connector, 120-Detection assembly, 121-Radar level gauge, 1211-Radar transmitter, 1212-Antenna, 1213-Antenna accessory, 122-Protective component, 123-Second connector, 130-Nitrogen sealing assembly, 131-Nitrogen sealing pipe, 132-Pressure reducer, 133-Flow meter, 150-Pressure balancing hole, 200-Storage tank. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To enable those skilled in the art to more clearly understand this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] In existing technologies, sulfur storage tanks typically use differential pressure measurement via air blowing, which is flawed in design and practically impossible to implement. To address these issues, this patent provides a liquid level detection device and a sulfur storage tank that effectively solves the problem of liquid level detection inside enclosed storage tanks with limited space, high temperatures, and complex, volatile media. It enables real-time monitoring by a host computer, significantly reducing labor costs, and its widespread application has profound implications for the industry.

[0026] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to a first aspect of this application, a liquid level detection device 100 is provided, including a well assembly 110, a detection assembly 120, and a nitrogen sealing assembly 130. The well assembly 110 includes a well 111, a steam jacket 112, and a first connector 113 connected to the well 111. The well 111 has a through hole for extending into the liquid surface of the storage tank 200 to be tested. The steam jacket 112 covers the outer wall of the well 111 and is connected to the well 111. The detection assembly 120 includes a radar level gauge 121, a protective member 122, and a second connector 123 connected to the protective member 122. The first connector 113 has a connection hole. The radar level gauge 121 faces the through hole. The second connector 123 is connected to the first connector 113. The nitrogen sealing assembly 130 includes a nitrogen sealing tank, a nitrogen sealing pipe 131, and a nitrogen sealing valve disposed on the nitrogen sealing pipe 131. The nitrogen sealing pipe 131 extends into the connection hole and communicates with the well 111.

[0027] The static well 111 is annular and has a through hole. The static well 111 extends into the liquid surface of the storage tank 200 to be tested and is used to measure the liquid level of the storage tank 200. Installing the static well 111 with the storage tank 200 can stabilize the liquid level fluctuation and ensure accurate reading of the liquid level gauge.

[0028] By installing a steam jacket 112 on the outer wall of the static well 111, the steam jacket 112 layer is used to contain the heating medium. Heating steam is introduced into the inlet of the steam jacket 112 and flows out through the outlet, thereby achieving heat exchange between the heating steam and the area inside the static well 111. This ensures that the liquid sulfur remains in a liquid state, preventing sulfur solidification and improving the accuracy of liquid level measurement. In some embodiments, to ensure that the sulfur remains in a liquid state, it is necessary to ensure the flow of steam and maintain a temperature greater than 118°C inside the static well 111. This ensures that the antenna 1212 of the radar level gauge 121 is not affected by medium contamination and can operate normally for a long time.

[0029] In addition, to prevent the radar level gauge 121 from being affected by excessively high temperature inside the static well 111, a protective component 122 is installed to prevent high temperature from affecting the radar level gauge 121, ensuring that the radar level gauge 121 can work normally in high temperature environments and guaranteeing normal service life and measurement accuracy.

[0030] The detection device is equipped with a nitrogen sealing assembly 130. When measuring the high level of volatile substances, such as sulfur, sulfur easily volatilizes and adheres to the antenna 1212 of the radar level gauge 121, thus affecting the measurement results of the radar level gauge 121. Therefore, nitrogen gas is introduced into the settling well 111. That is, by opening the nitrogen sealing valve, nitrogen gas from the nitrogen tank can be introduced into the settling well 111 through the nitrogen sealing pipe 131 to seal the volatile liquid in the storage tank 200, preventing the volatile liquid from contacting the antenna 1212 of the radar level gauge 121 and affecting the accuracy of the radar level gauge 121. This also prevents volatile gases from adhering to the antenna 1212, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the radar level gauge 121.

[0031] Therefore, the liquid level detection device 100 of this application is used for real-time detection and monitoring of the liquid level of the liquid sulfur storage tank 200. By setting up the protective component 122, the jacket and the nitrogen sealing component 130, the normal transmission of the radar signal is ensured, the degree of distortion is reduced, and the actual liquid level of the liquid sulfur storage tank 200 can be reflected more realistically, thereby improving the accuracy of liquid level measurement.

[0032] In some embodiments, the nitrogen sealing assembly 130 further includes a pressure reducer 132 disposed on the nitrogen sealing pipe 131. The nitrogen sealing pipe 131 connects the nitrogen tank to the static well 111, and the nitrogen sealing valve automatically controls the inflow and outflow of nitrogen gas according to the pressure changes inside the storage tank 200. Opening the nitrogen sealing valve replenishes nitrogen gas into the storage tank 200, maintaining a certain slight positive pressure inside the tank, thereby preventing volatile liquid from contacting the antenna 1212 of the radar level gauge 121. Furthermore, to prevent excessive nitrogen filling from causing a drop in the liquid level, the pressure reducer 132 in the nitrogen sealing pipe 131 not only prevents a drop in the liquid level of the storage tank 200 and does not affect the liquid level, but also ensures that the pressure after nitrogen filling is slightly higher than the internal pressure of the storage tank 200, preventing volatile gases from adhering to the antenna 1212. This ensures the accuracy of the radar level gauge 121 measurement. In other embodiments, the nitrogen sealing assembly 130 also includes a flow meter 133 disposed on the nitrogen sealing tube 131. The flow meter can be a float flow meter for measuring the flow rate of nitrogen.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first connector 113 has a first connecting hole, and the second connector 123 has a second connecting hole that mates with the first connecting hole. The first connector 113 and the second connector 123 are detachably connected. This facilitates the installation and removal of the radar level gauge 121 from the static well 111. The first connector 113 and the second connector 123 can be flanges, and they can be installed and removed using bolts and nuts.

[0034] In some embodiments, the static well 111, the radar level gauge 121, and the steam jacket 112 are coaxially arranged. This coaxial arrangement prevents liquid level fluctuations and ensures more stable radar wave contact with the radar level gauge 121, preventing irregular reflections that could lead to unstable measurement results. The coaxial arrangement also effectively concentrates the energy of the radar waves, reducing signal loss and interference during propagation, thereby improving measurement accuracy and reliability.

[0035] In some embodiments, the protective element 122 is a heat insulation layer. That is, the protective element 122 can be provided to prevent the radar sensor from being affected by high temperatures. In some embodiments, the protective element 122 is a heat insulation layer that separates the radar level gauge 121, for example, the radar transmitter 1211, from the static well 111, effectively blocking the radiant heat from the high-temperature heat source, reducing the operating environment temperature of the radar transmitter 1211, and providing heat insulation and protection. This improves the measurement accuracy and reliability of the radar transmitter 1211 in high-temperature environments, extends its service life, and ensures its stable operation under harsh conditions. In some embodiments, the protective element 122 is made of high-temperature resistant materials such as ceramics or special alloys, which can effectively block the radiant heat from the high-temperature heat source, reduce the operating environment temperature of the radar transmitter 1211, and provide heat insulation and protection.

[0036] In some embodiments, the steam jacket 112 is provided with a third connector 1123 for connecting to the storage tank 200. In some embodiments, the third connector 1123 of the steam jacket 112 can be a tank connection flange, that is, the steam jacket 112 can be connected and fixed to the storage tank 200.

[0037] In some embodiments, the steam jacket 112 and the settling well 111 are further provided with a pressure balancing hole 150, which is located below the third connector 1123. The pressure balancing hole 150 connects the areas inside the settling well 111 and the two outer sides of the steam jacket 112 through a channel to balance the pressure difference. The pressure balancing hole 150 does not contact the liquid surface, but achieves uniform pressure distribution through its internal structure. This further ensures the accuracy of the radar level gauge 121 in measuring the liquid level.

[0038] In some embodiments, the radar level gauge 121 includes a housing, a radar transmitter 1211, an antenna 1212, and an antenna accessory 1213. The antenna accessory 1213 is located in a through hole and connected to a second connector 123. The radar transmitter 1211 is located inside the housing. The antenna 1212 is threaded to the housing and passes through a protective member 122 and a second connector 123 in sequence, extending into a static well 111. The antenna 1212 is connected to the radar transmitter 1211, and the radar transmitter 1211 measures the liquid level through the coordinated operation of the antenna 1212 and the antenna accessory 1213. The antenna 1212 serves as the core component for signal transmission and reception. The antenna 1212 extends into a steam jacket 112. After the steam jacket 112 is connected to the storage tank 200, the antenna 1212 is connected to a microwave generator inside the radar transmitter 1211, responsible for transmitting high-frequency microwave signals. Antenna 1212 guides the microwave signal along a specific path, enabling it to accurately reach the liquid surface and be reflected back. When the microwave signal encounters the liquid surface, part of the signal is reflected back to antenna 1212. Radar transmitter 1211 calculates the distance between the liquid surface and antenna 1212 by measuring the time difference between signal transmission and reception, combined with the propagation speed of microwave signals (i.e., the speed of light). Finally, based on the known height of the storage tank 200 and the measurement distance, the system automatically calculates the current liquid level. In other words, the radar signal emitted by antenna 1212 is used to measure the liquid level by the time and frequency difference between the signal reaching the liquid surface and returning, and the radar transmitter 1211 provides feedback on the actual liquid level value. Using a non-contact method to measure liquid level offers advantages such as high accuracy, strong anti-interference capability, and adaptability to complex working conditions, thus ensuring the reliability and stability of the liquid level measurement.

[0039] The radar level gauge 121 of this application is intrinsically safe and explosion-proof, and can be connected to an external DN20 explosion-proof pipe.

[0040] Therefore, the liquid level detection device 100 of this application is easy to install, requires little daily maintenance, has a long service life, and provides accurate measurements, making it highly economical and valuable for market promotion.

[0041] In the second aspect of this application, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 A sulfur storage tank 200 is provided, comprising the tank 200 and the aforementioned liquid level detection device 100. The tank 200 is used for storing liquid and is provided with an installation position; the liquid level detection device 100 is located at the installation position and connected to the tank 200, and a settling well 111 extends into the liquid surface of the tank 200 and is connected to the tank 200. That is, the liquid level height of the tank 200 can be measured by the liquid level detection device 100.

[0042] In some embodiments, the pressure balancing orifice 150 is located above the liquid level inside the storage tank 200. The pressure balancing orifice 150 is located above the highest liquid level inside the storage tank 200 and does not contact the liquid surface. That is, the pressure balancing orifice 150 is located in a non-liquid surface area of ​​the storage tank 200 to avoid the direct impact of liquid level fluctuations on the pressure balancing orifice 150. This ensures that the pressure balancing orifice 150 can stably balance the pressure inside the storage tank 200 without being disturbed by changes in the liquid level.

[0043] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0044] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", and "counterclockwise" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0045] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0046] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this application is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0047] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A liquid level detection device, characterized in that, include: A stationary well assembly includes a stationary well, a steam jacket, and a first connector connected to the stationary well. The stationary well has a through hole for extending into the liquid surface of the tank to be tested. The steam jacket covers the outer wall of the stationary well and is connected to the stationary well. The detection component includes a radar level gauge, a protective component, and a second connector connected to the protective component. The first connector has a connection hole; the radar level gauge faces the through hole; and the second connector is connected to the first connector. The nitrogen sealing assembly includes a nitrogen sealing tank, a nitrogen sealing pipe, and a nitrogen sealing valve disposed on the nitrogen sealing pipe, wherein the nitrogen sealing pipe extends into the connection hole and communicates with the stationary well.

2. The liquid level detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nitrogen sealing assembly also includes a pressure reducer disposed on the nitrogen sealing tube.

3. The liquid level detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector has a first connecting hole, and the second connector has a second connecting hole that mates with the first connecting hole. The first connector and the second connector are detachably connected.

4. The liquid level detection device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The static well is coaxially arranged with the radar level gauge and the steam jacket.

5. The liquid level detection device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The protective component is a heat insulation layer.

6. The liquid level detection device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The steam jacket is provided with a third connector for connecting to the storage tank.

7. The liquid level detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The steam jacket and the stationary well are also provided with pressure balancing holes, which are located below the third connector.

8. The liquid level detection device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The radar level gauge includes a housing, a radar transmitter, an antenna, and an antenna accessory. The antenna accessory is located in the through hole and connected to the second connector. The radar transmitter is located inside the housing. The antenna is threaded to the housing and passes through the protective member and the second connector in sequence, extending into the stationary well.

9. A sulfur storage tank, characterized in that, include: Storage tank, used for storing liquids, is equipped with an installation position; The liquid level detection device according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the liquid level detection device is located in the installation position and connected to the storage tank, and the static well extends into the liquid surface of the storage tank and is connected to the storage tank.

10. The sulfur storage tank according to claim 9, characterized in that, The pressure balance hole of the liquid level detection device is located above the liquid level inside the storage tank.

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