Medium measurement system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a medium measuring system for measuring the liquid level of medium in medium storage tank, which comprises a diesel storage tank, a main flow pipeline and a plurality of shunt modules. The medium measuring system can flush the liquid level meter and isolate the medium by using diesel in the diesel storage tank. When the liquid level meter detects the liquid level in the medium storage tank, the float does not directly contact the medium in the medium storage tank due to the direct contact between the float and diesel, thereby reducing the risk of float jamming, ensuring the normal function of real-time liquid level detection, and improving the monitoring capability of real-time liquid level change. The medium measuring system uses diesel to realize medium isolation of the liquid level meter, changes the liquid level meter from "direct contact with crude oil" to "indirect monitoring of diesel liquid level", retains the simple structure of the traditional liquid level meter, and significantly improves the anti-blocking performance and environmental adaptability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of instruments and tools, and in particular to a medium measurement system. Background Technology

[0002] In the production process of offshore oil platforms, crude oil level gauges are key instruments for monitoring the liquid levels in storage tanks or process vessels, and their stability and accuracy directly affect production safety and efficiency. However, due to factors such as the complex composition of crude oil, the harsh marine environment, and limitations in instrument design, level gauges commonly suffer from clogging issues in practical use. Specific defects and shortcomings are as follows:

[0003] 1. Structural design flaws lead to easy accumulation of dirt:

[0004] 1) Crude oil usually contains impurities such as mud, wax, asphalt, and hydrates, and the structural design of traditional level gauges (such as float type, guided wave radar type, and magnetic flap type) is prone to creating "dead corners" for the accumulation of dirt.

[0005] 2) Narrow waveguide or measuring chamber: The internal space of the waveguide or float level gauge of the guided wave radar level gauge is small. Solid particles or wax in crude oil are easy to adhere to the tube wall or float surface. Long-term accumulation will lead to distortion of the measurement signal or even complete blockage.

[0006] 3) Risk of float jamming: The gap between the float and the guide rod of the float-type level gauge is small. After the accumulation of impurities, the float is easily jammed, resulting in a false value in the liquid level display. In severe cases, it is necessary to stop the machine and disassemble it for cleaning.

[0007] 4) No self-cleaning function: Most level gauges lack online cleaning or anti-clogging design and rely on regular manual maintenance. However, in the high humidity and high salt spray environment of offshore platforms, the maintenance cycle is difficult to guarantee.

[0008] 2. Insufficient environmental adaptability exacerbates the risk of clogging. The unique environmental conditions of offshore platforms further amplify the clogging problem of level gauges:

[0009] 1) Poor crude oil fluidity: Under low temperature conditions, the viscosity of crude oil increases, the wax precipitation rate accelerates, and hard scale is easily formed on the surface of the level gauge measuring element, which can block the waveguide or float movement path.

[0010] 2) Salt spray and corrosion products: The high salt spray environment at sea accelerates the corrosion of the metal parts of the level gauge. After the rust falls off, it mixes with crude oil impurities to form more stubborn blockages.

[0011] 3) Vibration and tilt effects: The shaking of the platform caused by wind and waves may lead to uneven distribution of impurities inside the level gauge, and local accumulation may accelerate blockage.

[0012] 3. Maintenance difficulties and operational risks: Maintaining a clogged high-level gauge presents numerous challenges and may lead to secondary risks.

[0013] 1) Disassembly and cleaning are time-consuming and labor-intensive: Some level gauges (such as insertion guided wave radar) need to be disassembled from the top or side wall of the container, which results in narrow working space and high downtime maintenance costs, especially under high temperature and high pressure conditions.

[0014] 2) Limited cleaning effect: Traditional rinsing methods (such as fresh water backflushing and steam purging) are ineffective at removing sticky wax or coking, and may leave dirt residue due to insufficient pressure.

[0015] 3) Significant safety hazards: The high temperature of crude oil during manual cleaning may cause burns to personnel. If chemical cleaning agents are used, improper operation may also cause equipment damage or personal injury.

[0016] 4. If a level gauge blockage is not addressed promptly, it may trigger systemic risks:

[0017] 1) False liquid level alarms leading to overflow or evacuation: After blockage, the liquid level data is distorted, which may trigger incorrect signal actions, such as misjudging "low liquid level" leading to production shutdown, or failing to alarm for "high liquid level" leading to overflow accident.

[0018] 2) Increased equipment corrosion: Sulfur-containing crude oil or water trapped in the blockage may accelerate the corrosion of the level gauge body and connecting pipelines, shortening the instrument's lifespan. Utility Model Content

[0019] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a medium measurement system.

[0020] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: to construct a medium measurement system for measuring the liquid level of the medium in a medium storage tank, which includes a diesel storage tank, a main pipeline and multiple diversion modules, each of which includes a diversion pipeline and a liquid level gauge;

[0021] The output end of the diesel storage tank is connected to multiple branch pipes through the main pipe. The end of each branch pipe away from the main pipe is connected to the bottom of the level gauge. The level gauge is connected to the medium storage tank and is equipped with a float.

[0022] In some embodiments, a first media isolation valve is provided between the first connection port of the level gauge and the first connection port of the media storage tank, and a second media isolation valve is provided between the second connection port of the level gauge and the second connection port of the media storage tank. The first media isolation valve is located near the bottom of the media storage tank, and the second media isolation valve is located near the top of the media storage tank.

[0023] In some embodiments, the top of the level gauge is in communication with the atmosphere and a level breather valve is provided on the top of the level gauge.

[0024] In some embodiments, the diesel storage tank is connected to a diesel tank breather valve and a diesel tank refueling valve.

[0025] In some embodiments, the diesel storage tank is equipped with a diesel tank level gauge.

[0026] In some embodiments, the main pipeline is provided with a diesel tank main outlet control valve.

[0027] In some embodiments, the diversion pipeline is provided with a diesel tank diversion outlet control valve.

[0028] In some embodiments, the bottom of the level gauge is provided with a three-way control valve and a discharge control valve, the three-way control valve being located below the discharge control valve.

[0029] In some embodiments, the number of the splitting modules is three.

[0030] In some embodiments, the capacity of the diesel storage tank is 5L to 10L.

[0031] The present invention offers the following advantages: By incorporating a diesel storage tank, a main pipeline, and multiple diversion modules, this media measurement system utilizes diesel fuel from the storage tank to flush the level gauge and isolate the medium. When the level gauge detects the liquid level in the storage tank, the float directly contacts the diesel fuel, preventing direct contact between the float and the medium in the tank. This reduces the risk of float clogging, ensures normal real-time level detection, and enhances the monitoring capability for real-time level changes. This media measurement system uses diesel fuel to isolate the level gauge, transforming it from "direct contact with crude oil" to "indirect monitoring of diesel fuel level." This retains the structural simplicity of traditional level gauges while significantly improving anti-clogging performance and environmental adaptability. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be considered as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the medium measurement system in some embodiments of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this utility model, the specific embodiments of this utility model are now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, it should be understood that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "longitudinal," "horizontal," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "head," and "tail" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are constructed and operated in a specific orientation. They are only for the convenience of describing this technical solution and do not indicate that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0035] It should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. When an component is referred to as being "on" or "below" another component, the component can be located "directly" or "indirectly" on the other component, or there may be one or more intermediary components. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only for the convenience of describing this technical solution and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," "third," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] Please see Figure 1 This is a medium measurement system according to some embodiments of the present invention, used to measure the liquid level of the medium in a medium storage tank 5. It includes a diesel storage tank 1, a main flow pipe 2, and multiple diversion modules. Each diversion module includes a diversion pipe 3 and a level gauge 4. The output end of the diesel storage tank 1 is connected to multiple diversion pipes 3 through the main flow pipe 2. The end of each diversion pipe 3 furthest from the main flow pipe 2 is connected to the bottom end of the level gauge 4. The level gauge 4 is connected to the medium storage tank 5 and contains a float.

[0037] A first medium isolation valve 51 is provided between the first connecting port of the level gauge 4 and the first connecting port of the medium storage tank 5, and a second medium isolation valve 52 is provided between the second connecting port of the level gauge 4 and the second connecting port of the medium storage tank 5. The first medium isolation valve 51 is located near the bottom of the medium storage tank 5, and the second medium isolation valve 52 is located near the top of the medium storage tank 5. The top of the level gauge 4 is connected to the atmosphere, and a level breather valve 41 is provided on the top of the level gauge 4.

[0038] The float of the level gauge 4 is the core component in the level measurement. Its working principle is mainly based on the principle of buoyancy and magnetic coupling technology. The rise and fall or position change of the float reflects the liquid level. The float is usually a hollow structure such as a sphere or cylinder, filled with gas or liquid to provide buoyancy. When the liquid level changes, the float rises and falls with the liquid surface, transmitting signals through mechanical transmission or magnetic coupling. The medium storage tank 5 can be a crude oil storage tank, skimming tank, sewage tank, or sludge tank. In this embodiment, the medium storage tank 5 is a crude oil storage tank. The diesel storage tank 1 is a circular or square tank with a capacity of 5L-10L, used for diesel storage. Furthermore, the diesel storage tank 1 is connected to a diesel tank breather valve 11 for opening and closing the diesel storage tank 1 from the atmosphere, and the diesel storage tank 1 is connected to a diesel tank refueling valve 12 to control the opening and closing of diesel replenishment to the diesel storage tank 1. The diesel storage tank 1 is equipped with a diesel tank level gauge 13 to detect the liquid level inside the diesel storage tank 1. The diesel storage tank 1 is installed at a height higher than the top of the level gauge 4.

[0039] In addition, a mains outlet control valve 21 for diesel tanks is provided on the mains pipeline 2 to control the flow of diesel from the mains pipeline 2. A branch outlet control valve 31 for diesel tanks is provided on the branch pipeline 3 to control the flow of diesel from the branch pipeline 3. A three-way control valve 42 is provided at the bottom of the level gauge 4 for controlling the flushing and discharge of diesel, and a discharge control valve 43 is provided on the level gauge 4 for controlling the discharge of diesel. The three-way control valve 42 is located below the discharge control valve 43. The above valves are preferably ball valves made of stainless steel.

[0040] In this embodiment, there are three diversion modules, which are connected to three different medium storage tanks 5, so as to realize the function of cleaning multiple level gauges 4 using one diesel storage tank 1.

[0041] In a specific embodiment, taking the medium storage tank 5 as an example of a crude oil storage tank, the usage process of the medium measurement system is as follows:

[0042] Step 1: Filling diesel storage tank 1 with diesel: Close the main outlet control valve 21 of the diesel tank, open the fuel filling valve 12 of the diesel tank, add diesel to the diesel storage tank 1, and observe the liquid level of the diesel storage tank 1 through the diesel tank level measuring gauge 13.

[0043] Step 2, Isolation of Level Gauge 4 and Drainage of Old Medium: Close the first medium isolation valve 51 and the second medium isolation valve 52 to ensure that no medium continuously flows into the level gauge 4. Then open the level breather valve 41 above the level gauge 4 to connect the old medium in the level gauge 4 with the atmosphere. Open the discharge control valve 43 of the level gauge 4, and then select the three-way control valve 42 to the discharge valve position. The old medium in the level gauge 4 will be drained naturally by gravity.

[0044] Step 3, Diesel Injection into Level Gauge 4: After emptying Level Gauge 4, select the diesel replenishment end of the three-way control valve 42 at the bottom of Level Gauge 4. Then, open the main outlet control valve 21 and the diversion outlet control valve 31 of the diesel tank. Due to the high and low potential difference, diesel can flow into Level Gauge 4 through the three-way control valve 42 under the action of gravity until diesel flows out from Level Breathing Valve 41. After ensuring that Level Gauge 4 is completely filled with diesel, close Level Breathing Valve 41, Discharge Control Valve 43, Main Outlet Control Valve 21 and Diversion Outlet Control Valve 31 of the diesel tank to realize the replacement of old and new media in Level Gauge 4.

[0045] Step 4, Putting Level Gauge 4 into Operation: Slowly open the first medium isolation valve 51 and the second medium isolation valve 52 between the medium storage tank 5 and the level gauge 4, allowing crude oil to gradually enter the level gauge 4. Diesel fuel, due to its lower density, naturally floats to the top, forming a stable interface with the crude oil. This prevents direct contact between the float in the level gauge 4 and the crude oil, resulting in smoother float movement and more stable level readings.

[0046] Step 5, Flushing the level gauge 4: Repeating steps 2 and 3 above can also flush the level gauge 4, removing impurities and oil stains present in the original medium of the level gauge 4.

[0047] In addition, for the flushing of level gauge 4, a small circulating pump or pressure pump can be installed at the outlet of diesel storage tank 1, or a compressed air interface can be added to the filling port of diesel storage tank 1. After pressurization, the compressed air is pumped into level gauge 4, which can effectively remove impurities attached to the pipeline and achieve a better flushing effect.

[0048] The effects produced by the medium measurement system are:

[0049] 1. It solves the problem of easy clogging and jamming of crude oil phase level gauges or crude oil-containing level gauges, preventing process fluctuations and ensuring the stability of the production system.

[0050] 2. This solved the maintenance problem of frequent flushing of level gauge 4 by platform personnel due to level gauge 4 jamming, and reduced the risk of flushing operations.

[0051] 3. It solves the problems of easy damage to the float of the level gauge and easy failure of the level transmitter, saves maintenance costs, and has great significance for promotion.

[0052] More specifically, the media measurement system connects the level gauge 4 to the diesel storage tank 1 via the main pipeline 2 and the branch pipeline 3, and is equipped with relevant valves. It utilizes the physical properties of diesel to achieve flushing and optimized control of the media inside the level gauge 4. The crude oil in the level gauge 4 is replaced with diesel, breaking the traditional limitation that crude oil has high viscosity, is easy to solidify, and contains impurities that affect the operating status of the level gauge 4. After replacement with diesel, the reading of the level gauge 4 changes more smoothly, and the level gauge 4 does not exhibit any jumping phenomenon, which well ensures the normal operation of production. At the same time, it is convenient to clean the level gauge 4, which greatly improves the convenience of maintenance.

[0053] Its specific functions are as follows:

[0054] 1. Diesel Pre-filling and Isolation: Diesel storage tank 1 is connected to the bottom of level gauge 4 via a pipeline. Before level gauge 4 is put into use, diesel is first injected into the chamber of level gauge 4, the main flow pipe 2, and the branch pipe 3, forming a stable diesel column in the chamber of level gauge 4. Diesel has a lower density than crude oil, typically around 0.83-0.86 g / cm³. 3 Crude oil has a density of approximately 0.85-0.95 g / cm³. 3 Through gravity flow or micro-pressure differential control, diesel oil can naturally cover the inside of the level gauge 4 chamber, forming a physical isolation layer between crude oil and float. The float is the sensitive element of the level gauge 4.

[0055] 2. Dynamic Displacement and Pressure Balance: When the crude oil level in the medium storage tank 5 changes, the diesel column and crude oil achieve dynamic balance through the principle of communicating vessels. The level gauge 4 indirectly reflects the actual crude oil level by monitoring the diesel oil level. Diesel and crude oil form an interface in the chamber of the level gauge 4. Since the two are immiscible and their density difference is controllable, the interface remains relatively stable, preventing the crude oil from directly contacting the float inside the level gauge 4.

[0056] 3. Anti-clogging and anti-jamming mechanism: Diesel fuel, acting as a "cleaning medium," replaces crude oil in the level gauge 4. Its high fluidity and extremely low impurity content effectively prevent the deposition of silt, wax, and other contaminants on the waveguide, float, or sensor surface. Regularly replenishing diesel fuel maintains the integrity of the isolation layer and allows for backflushing of the level gauge 4 cavity with diesel fuel, enabling online cleaning of minor blockages.

[0057] Compared to the traditional level gauge method that directly contacts crude oil, this diesel displacement device has significant advantages in terms of anti-clogging, maintenance, and safety:

[0058] 1. Medium isolation: The diesel isolation layer blocks the contact between crude oil impurities and the float in the level gauge 4, fundamentally reducing the deposition of dirt, and is especially suitable for crude oil conditions with high wax content and high sand content.

[0059] 2. Flowability assurance: Diesel has low viscosity and low pour point, and can maintain good flowability in low temperature environment, avoiding waveguide blockage or float jamming caused by wax precipitation.

[0060] 3. Reduced cleaning frequency: The float inside the 4-chamber of the level gauge only comes into contact with diesel fuel, eliminating the need for frequent disassembly and cleaning of crude oil residue, thus extending the maintenance cycle by 3-5 times.

[0061] 4. Simplified operation process: The level gauge 4 can be flushed by switching valves, and diesel fuel can be replenished through the diesel storage tank 1 on the top. There is no need to stop the machine or enter the danger zone. It can be easily operated by a single person, which significantly reduces labor costs and operational risks.

[0062] 5. Enhanced corrosion resistance: Diesel fuel is far less corrosive to metals than sulfur-containing crude oil or seawater, which can delay the corrosion of the level gauge body and pipelines, making it especially suitable for high-salt spray environments at sea.

[0063] 6. Explosion-proof compatibility: Diesel fuel has a flash point that is about 60-80°C higher than that of crude oil and has low volatility, making it safer to use in flammable and explosive areas and meeting the explosion-proof requirements of offshore platforms.

[0064] Understandably, this media measurement system, by setting up a diesel storage tank 1, a main pipeline 2, and multiple diversion modules, can use the diesel fuel in the diesel storage tank 1 to flush and isolate the level gauge 4. When the level gauge 4 detects the liquid level in the media storage tank 5, because the float is in direct contact with the diesel fuel, the float does not directly contact the medium in the media storage tank, reducing the risk of float clogging, ensuring the normal function of real-time liquid level detection, and improving the monitoring capability of real-time liquid level changes. This media measurement system uses diesel fuel to achieve media isolation of the level gauge 4, changing the level gauge 4 from "direct contact with crude oil" to "indirect monitoring of diesel liquid level," which retains the structural simplicity of the traditional level gauge 4 while significantly improving anti-clogging performance and environmental adaptability.

[0065] It is understood that the above embodiments only illustrate preferred embodiments of the present utility model, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present utility model patent. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, the above technical features can be freely combined, and several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present utility model, all of which fall within the protection scope of the present utility model. Therefore, all equivalent transformations and modifications made within the scope of the claims of the present utility model should fall within the coverage of the claims of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A medium measurement system for measuring the liquid level of a medium in a medium storage tank (5), characterized in that, It includes a diesel storage tank (1), a main pipeline (2) and multiple diversion modules, each of which includes a diversion pipeline (3) and a level gauge (4); The output end of the diesel storage tank (1) is connected to multiple branch pipes (3) through the main pipe (2). The end of each branch pipe (3) away from the main pipe (2) is connected to the bottom of the level gauge (4). The level gauge (4) is connected to the medium storage tank (5). The level gauge (4) is equipped with a float.

2. The medium measurement system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first medium isolation valve (51) is provided between the first connecting port of the level gauge (4) and the first connecting port of the medium storage tank (5), and a second medium isolation valve (52) is provided between the second connecting port of the level gauge (4) and the second connecting port of the medium storage tank (5). The first medium isolation valve (51) is located near the bottom of the medium storage tank (5), and the second medium isolation valve (52) is located near the top of the medium storage tank (5).

3. The medium measurement system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the level gauge (4) is connected to the atmosphere and a level breather valve (41) is provided on the top of the level gauge (4).

4. The medium measurement system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diesel storage tank (1) is connected to a diesel tank breather valve (11) and a diesel tank refueling valve (12).

5. The medium measurement system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diesel storage tank (1) is equipped with a diesel tank level gauge (13).

6. The medium measurement system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main pipeline (2) is equipped with a diesel tank main outlet control valve (21).

7. The medium measurement system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diversion pipe (3) is equipped with a diesel tank diversion outlet control valve (31).

8. The medium measurement system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the level gauge (4) is provided with a three-way control valve (42) and a discharge control valve (43), with the three-way control valve (42) located below the discharge control valve (43).

9. The medium measurement system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the splitter modules is three.

10. The medium measurement system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The capacity of the diesel storage tank (1) is 5L to 10L.

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