A monitoring device for methanol fuel leakage of a ship and a ship comprising the same

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of ship methanol fuel leakage monitoring device and including its ship.The ship methanol fuel leakage monitoring device includes: double-wall gas sensor, connect to fuel delivery pipeline, for obtaining the fuel flow data in the fuel delivery pipeline;Methanol gas detector is arranged at the connecting flange of the fuel delivery pipeline;And gas detection monitoring board is electrically connected with the double-wall gas sensor and the methanol gas detector.Wherein, part of the fuel delivery pipeline is vertically arranged, and the connecting flange is located at the lowest point of the fuel delivery pipeline.The present disclosure can effectively improve the problem that the methanol leakage monitoring effect is poor in the daily use of the ship using methanol fuel main engine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ship methanol fuel monitoring technology, and more particularly to a ship methanol fuel leakage monitoring device and a ship including the device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, new ships are equipped with dual-fuel main engines to meet new emission requirements. Methanol, as a new energy fuel, is used in new fuel main engines. However, methanol fuel is volatile and flammable. If a leak occurs, it poses a great safety hazard. Therefore, detecting methanol fuel leaks is also a necessary condition for the safety of ship navigation.

[0003] Currently, methanol-fueled main engines are being widely adopted and installed in new ships, making methanol fuel leaks a critical concern. Existing ship leak monitoring typically relies on sensors installed in the main engine area, making it difficult to effectively monitor methanol leaks in pipeline sections. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a monitoring device for methanol fuel leakage in ships and a ship including the device, which can solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: On the one hand, a monitoring device for ship methanol fuel leakage is provided, comprising: A double-walled gas sensor is connected to the fuel delivery pipeline and is used to acquire fuel flow data within the fuel delivery pipeline. A methanol gas detector is installed at the connection flange of the fuel delivery pipeline; and The gas detection and monitoring board is electrically connected to the double-walled gas sensor and the methanol gas detector. In some of the fuel delivery pipelines, the fuel delivery pipeline is vertically arranged, and the connecting flange is located at the lowest point of the fuel delivery pipeline.

[0006] Preferably, the gas detection and monitoring board is equipped with a data processing unit, which can generate early warning information based on the specific values ​​of the fuel flow data.

[0007] Preferably, the data processing unit has a first threshold and a second threshold preset within it; When the specific value of the fuel flow data is less than the first threshold, no warning information is generated; An alarm message is generated when the specific value of the fuel flow data falls between a first threshold and a second threshold; and When the specific value of the fuel flow data is greater than the second threshold, an instruction to cut off the methanol pipeline is generated.

[0008] Preferably, it also includes an audible and visual alarm, which is electrically connected to the gas detection and monitoring board; When the gas detection and monitoring board generates an alarm message, the audible and visual alarm is triggered simultaneously.

[0009] Preferably, it also includes a methanol safety system, which can be used to receive the instruction information to cut off the methanol pipeline issued by the gas detection monitoring board, and the methanol safety system is also electrically connected to the methanol fuel control box of the ship's main engine.

[0010] Preferably, a methanol fuel supply cut-off module for cutting off the fuel delivery pipeline is connected to the main unit methanol fuel control box.

[0011] Preferably, the methanol gas detector is located directly below the connecting flange.

[0012] Preferably, the height of the methanol gas detector relative to the bottom plate of the ship is no more than 1 meter.

[0013] Preferably, the fuel delivery pipeline has one and only one connecting flange.

[0014] On the other hand, this disclosure also provides a vessel including a methanol-fueled main engine; and a vessel methanol fuel leakage monitoring device as described in any of the above.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: 1. The methanol flow data in the fuel delivery pipeline is collected in real time by a dual-wall gas sensor. The data processing unit presets multiple thresholds to quantify the leakage risk into multiple response levels, so as to achieve accurate judgment from hidden danger identification to risk classification, avoiding the lag and blindness of traditional monitoring.

[0016] 2. Methanol gas detectors are specifically deployed at the connection flanges of fuel delivery pipelines, taking advantage of the physical characteristics of methanol gas, which has a higher density than air and tends to settle at lower locations, to ensure that leaked gas is captured immediately.

[0017] 3. Through the structural design of "single connecting flange + double-walled pipeline vertically downward", the connecting flange becomes the lowest point of the fuel delivery pipeline. Gravity causes leaked methanol liquid (or gas) to naturally accumulate below the connecting flange, forming a "leakage enrichment zone". The single connecting flange design reduces potential leakage points by more than 90% from the source, accurately focusing the monitoring target from "multi-point dispersion" to a single high-risk node, significantly reducing the probability of missed detection and the complexity of operation and maintenance.

[0018] 4. By combining a dual-wall gas sensor with a methanol gas detector, a multi-dimensional monitoring system of "internal flow + external gas" is formed. This system can determine whether there is a leak in the pipeline by changing the flow data, and directly verify the leak by gas detection. The two complement each other, reducing the false or missed detections of a single monitoring method and significantly improving the reliability and accuracy of leak monitoring. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a monitoring device for methanol fuel leakage on a ship, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0021] In the picture: 100. Double-walled gas sensor; 200. Methanol gas detector; 300. Gas detection board; 400. Fuel delivery pipeline; 410. Connecting flange; 500. Audible and visual alarm; 600. Methanol Safety System; 700. Main unit methanol fuel control box. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the technical problems solved by this application, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are further described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] 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.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a monitoring device for methanol fuel leakage in ships, which improves the problem of poor methanol leakage monitoring in daily use of ships currently using methanol fuel main engines.

[0026] Specifically, the monitoring device for methanol fuel leakage on ships includes a double-walled gas sensor 100, a methanol gas detector 200, and a gas detection and monitoring board 300. The double-walled gas sensor 100 is connected to the ship's fuel delivery pipeline 400 and is used to acquire fuel flow data within the fuel delivery pipeline 400. As methanol fuel is transported in the fuel delivery pipeline 400, the double-walled gas sensor 100 can acquire the methanol flow rate in the fuel delivery pipeline 400 in real time, and changes in the methanol flow rate can be used to further determine whether a methanol leak has occurred in the fuel delivery pipeline 400.

[0027] The double-walled gas sensor 100 monitors the methanol flow rate and transmits the signal to the ship's main engine methanol fuel control tank 700. The flow rate can be used to determine whether a methanol leak has occurred within the double-walled pipe. Since the probability of leakage is inversely proportional to the normal flow rate, the lower the flow rate, the higher the probability of leakage. Based on this, the main engine methanol fuel control tank 700 can perform corresponding operations according to the flow rate.

[0028] Furthermore, a methanol gas detector 200 is installed at the connecting flange 410 of the fuel delivery pipeline 400. The methanol gas detector 200 can be used to detect whether methanol leakage has occurred at the connecting flange 410. The methanol gas detector 200 is specifically installed at the connecting flange 410 of the fuel delivery pipeline 400, a high-risk area for leakage due to flange seal failure and other reasons. By monitoring this location precisely, methanol leakage at the flange connection can be accurately detected, overcoming the shortcomings of traditional monitoring methods that lack coverage of critical nodes, and improving the targeting and effectiveness of the monitoring.

[0029] The gas detection and monitoring board 300 is electrically connected to the double-walled gas sensor 100 and the methanol gas detector 200 to collect their electrical signals.

[0030] It should be noted that the gas detection and monitoring board 300 is equipped with a data processing unit, which can generate early warning information based on the specific values ​​of the fuel flow data sensed by the dual-wall gas sensor 100.

[0031] Specifically, the data processing unit has a first threshold and a second threshold preset. When the fuel flow rate is less than the first threshold, no warning message is generated, indicating that the fuel delivery pipeline 400 is in normal operation and there is no methanol fuel leakage. When the specific value of the fuel flow rate is between the first and second thresholds, an alarm message is generated. At this time, it indicates that a methanol fuel leak has occurred in the fuel delivery pipeline 400, but the amount of methanol fuel leaked is within an acceptable range. Therefore, the alarm message is used to remind personnel to handle the situation promptly. When the specific value of the fuel flow rate is greater than the second threshold, an instruction message to cut off the methanol pipeline is generated. At this time, it indicates that a large amount of methanol fuel has leaked in the fuel delivery pipeline 400, and the situation is serious. Therefore, it is necessary to cut off the methanol fuel supply in a timely manner to avoid more serious consequences from the methanol fuel leak.

[0032] In one embodiment, a sound and light alarm 500 is also connected to the gas detection and monitoring board 300, and the sound and light alarm 500 is electrically connected to the gas detection and monitoring board 300. When the gas detection and monitoring board 300 generates an alarm message, the sound and light alarm 500 receives the alarm message and generates an alarm message. For example, it may flash an alarm light or sound an alarm buzzer. However, it is not limited to this, and the alarm mode of the sound and light alarm 500 can be determined according to actual needs.

[0033] In one embodiment, the gas detection and monitoring board 300 is also electrically connected to a methanol safety system 600, which can be used to receive command information from the gas detection and monitoring board to cut off the methanol pipeline. Simultaneously, the methanol safety system 600 is also electrically connected to the ship's main engine methanol fuel control tank 700.

[0034] It should be noted that a fuel cut-off module for cutting off the methanol fuel supply to the fuel delivery pipeline 400 is connected to the main unit methanol fuel control box 700. Therefore, when the methanol safety system 600 receives the instruction to cut off the methanol pipeline, it cuts off the methanol fuel supply to the fuel delivery pipeline 400 through the fuel cut-off module.

[0035] Specifically, the fuel cut-off module allows the use of a flow control valve, which can achieve flow control from 0% to 100%. Therefore, in addition to controlling the on / off state of the fuel delivery pipeline 400, the flow control valve can also be used to control the flow rate of methanol fuel within the fuel delivery pipeline 400.

[0036] Understandably, the fuel shut-off module uses an adjustable flow control valve, which can not only completely shut off the pipeline in an emergency, but also reduce the risk by adjusting the flow rate in the early stages of a leak, buying time for repairs. This design balances decisiveness in emergency response with flexibility in daily operation and maintenance.

[0037] Furthermore, the gas detection and monitoring board 300 primarily collects and processes signals from the methanol gas detector 200, and transmits alarms based on the processing results. For example, it can be connected to an audible and visual alarm device to alert nearby personnel, and transmit signals to the methanol safety system 600. The safety system can then trigger an alarm or cut off the methanol supply unit based on the concentration of the leak.

[0038] In one embodiment, to improve the detection effect of methanol leaks, the methanol gas detector 200 is installed directly below the connecting flange 410, at a height of no more than 1 meter from the bottom plate of the ship. Meanwhile, for the fuel delivery pipeline 400, a portion of the fuel delivery pipeline 400 is vertically arranged, and there is exactly one connecting flange 410 at its lowest point. By setting a single connecting flange 410, the number of methanol leak points can be effectively reduced, allowing for better control of methanol leaks in the fuel delivery pipeline 400. Having only one connecting flange 410 for the fuel delivery pipeline 400 reduces potential leak points at the source, concentrating monitoring on a single high-risk node, avoiding missed detections or blind spots in multi-flange scenarios, and significantly reducing monitoring complexity and the probability of missed detections.

[0039] Meanwhile, the methanol gas detector 200 is placed directly below the connecting flange 410, at a height of ≤1 meter from the bottom plate of the ship. This takes into account the physical characteristics of methanol gas, which is denser than air and tends to settle at low altitudes, ensuring that leaked gas is detected immediately and significantly improving detection sensitivity and response speed.

[0040] By arranging part of the fuel delivery pipeline 400 vertically downwards, the only connecting flange 410 becomes the lowest point of the fuel delivery pipeline 400. Gravity causes the leaked methanol liquid (or gas) to naturally accumulate below the flange, forming a "leakage enrichment zone". This ensures that the detector is always in the optimal detection position and avoids detection delays or signal weakening caused by gas diffusion.

[0041] However, this is not the only possibility. For some ships, the fuel delivery pipeline 400 may be equipped with multiple connecting flanges 410. In this case, a methanol gas detector 200 should be installed below each connecting flange 410 to improve the detection effect of methanol leaks.

[0042] Based on the ship methanol fuel leakage monitoring device provided in the above embodiments, this disclosure also provides a ship that includes a methanol fuel main engine and the ship methanol fuel leakage monitoring device provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0043] In summary, this disclosure provides a monitoring device for methanol fuel leakage in ships and a ship including the device. The device collects methanol flow data in the fuel delivery pipeline 400 in real time through a double-walled gas sensor 100. The data processing unit presets multiple thresholds to quantify the leakage risk into multiple responses, thereby achieving accurate judgment from hazard identification to risk classification and avoiding the lag and blindness of traditional monitoring.

[0044] Meanwhile, the methanol gas detector 200 is specifically deployed at the connection flange 410 of the fuel delivery pipeline 400, taking into account the physical characteristics of methanol gas, which has a higher density than air and tends to settle at lower locations, to ensure that leaked gas is captured as soon as possible.

[0045] By employing a structural design of "single connecting flange 410 + double-walled pipeline vertically downwards," the connecting flange 410 becomes the lowest point of the fuel delivery pipeline 400. Gravity causes leaked methanol liquid (or gas) to naturally accumulate below the connecting flange 410, forming a "leakage enrichment zone." This single connecting flange 410 design reduces potential leak points by over 90% at the source, precisely focusing monitoring from "multiple dispersed points" to a single high-risk node, significantly reducing the probability of missed detections and operational complexity.

[0046] By combining the dual-wall gas sensor 100 with the methanol gas detector 200, a multi-dimensional monitoring system of "internal flow + external gas" is formed. This system can determine whether there is a leak in the pipeline by changing the flow data, and directly verify the leak by detecting the gas. The two complement each other, reducing the false or missed detections of a single monitoring method and significantly improving the reliability and accuracy of leak monitoring.

[0047] In the description herein, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and other orientations or positional relationships are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely for descriptive distinction and have no special meaning.

[0048] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0049] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0050] The technical principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of this application without inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A monitoring device for methanol fuel leakage from ships, characterized in that, include: A double-walled gas sensor (100) is connected to a fuel delivery pipeline (400) and is used to acquire fuel flow data within the fuel delivery pipeline (400); A methanol gas detector (200) is installed at the connecting flange (410) of the fuel delivery pipeline (400); and The gas detection and monitoring board (300) is electrically connected to the double-walled gas sensor (100) and the methanol gas detector (200); In this configuration, part of the fuel delivery pipeline (400) is vertically arranged, and the connecting flange (410) is located at the lowest point of the fuel delivery pipeline (400).

2. The monitoring device for ship methanol fuel leakage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas detection and monitoring board (300) is equipped with a data processing unit, which can generate early warning information based on the specific values ​​of the fuel flow data.

3. The monitoring device for ship methanol fuel leakage according to claim 2, characterized in that, The data processing unit is preset with a first threshold and a second threshold. When the specific value of the fuel flow data is less than the first threshold, no warning information is generated; An alarm message is generated when the specific value of the fuel flow data falls between a first threshold and a second threshold; and When the specific value of the fuel flow data is greater than the second threshold, an instruction to cut off the methanol pipeline is generated.

4. The monitoring device for ship methanol fuel leakage according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes an audible and visual alarm (500), which is electrically connected to the gas detection and monitoring board (300); When the gas detection and monitoring board (300) generates an alarm message, the audible and visual alarm (500) is triggered simultaneously.

5. The monitoring device for ship methanol fuel leakage according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a methanol safety system (600), which can be used to receive instructions from the gas detection monitoring board to cut off the methanol pipeline, and the methanol safety system (600) is also electrically connected to the ship's main engine methanol fuel control tank (700).

6. The monitoring device for ship methanol fuel leakage according to claim 5, characterized in that, A methanol fuel supply cut-off module for cutting off the fuel delivery pipeline (400) is connected to the main unit methanol fuel control box (700).

7. The monitoring device for ship methanol fuel leakage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The methanol gas detector (200) is located directly below the connecting flange (410).

8. The monitoring device for ship methanol fuel leakage according to claim 7, characterized in that, The methanol gas detector (200) is no more than 1 meter above the bottom of the ship.

9. The monitoring device for ship methanol fuel leakage according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fuel delivery pipeline (400) has one and only one connecting flange (410).

10. A ship, characterized in that, Including methanol fuel main units; and The monitoring device for ship methanol fuel leakage as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 above.

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