Non-contact array visual liquid level measurement device

Abstract

This utility model relates to a non-contact array-based visual liquid level measurement device. The technical solution is as follows: a sampling valve and a sampling and collection connecting pipe are installed at the bottom outlet of the desulfurization tower; a discharge valve is installed on the lower front side of the sampling and collection connecting pipe; a transparent measuring pipe is connected to the rear end of the connecting pipe; a non-contact liquid level monitoring module and a scale are installed on the upper part of the outer wall of the transparent measuring pipe; a wireless signal transmitter is installed on the outside of the non-contact liquid level monitoring module, communicating with a remote wireless signal receiver, which is connected to a host computer. The advantages of this utility model are: it not only allows for accurate acquisition of the liquid level height within the desulfurization tower remotely, but also enables integration with industrial control systems such as PLCs and DCSs. Furthermore, the accuracy is adjustable, solving the application problems of monitoring corrosive, high-viscosity, high-temperature, high-pressure, and hygiene-sensitive liquid media, where monitoring is impossible or the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring data are poor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of non-contact liquid level measurement technology, and in particular to a non-contact array visualization liquid level measurement device. Background Technology

[0002] The development of non-contact liquid level sensors stems from the limitations of traditional contact sensors under complex working conditions. In the production processes of industries such as petroleum, chemical and power, accurate and reliable monitoring of the liquid level of liquid media in open or closed containers has always been a production challenge for these industries, especially for measuring liquids that are corrosive, high-viscosity, high-temperature and high-pressure, or in hygiene-sensitive environments.

[0003] Take the desulfurization system in thermal power generation in the oilfield industry as an example. Currently, desulfurization systems generally use a method where a pressure transmitter is installed at the bottom of the desulfurization tower. The transmitter samples and measures the pressure value, and then the liquid level is calculated using the formula h=p / (ρ*g). This method is only suitable for monitoring the level of a single medium liquid. However, the slurry in the desulfurization tower is a composite slurry of calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and calcium sulfite. Its temperature, composition, density, and internal pressure are constantly changing during operation. Furthermore, factors such as foaming, sedimentation, and scaling in the slurry can significantly reduce the accuracy of the pressure transmitter readings, sometimes resulting in a deviation of nearly 2 meters between the monitored and actual liquid levels. This severely impacts the safe, stable, efficient, and economical operation of the system.

[0004] Chinese Patent No. 201710333028.0, entitled "Non-Contact Liquid Level Measurement System," describes an invention comprising a light-emitting cavity and a CCD-receiving cavity. The light-emitting cavity has an exit collimation slit, and the CCD-receiving cavity has an entrance collimation slit. When the non-contact liquid level measurement system is operational, light emitted from a light source within the light-emitting cavity passes through the exit collimation slit and then through the entrance collimation slit to the CCD-receiving cavity, where it is received by the CCD. The sample tube is positioned along this light path, and the light rays pass through the sample tube parallel to its generatrix. The light-emitting cavity and CCD-receiving cavity allow for the clamping of the sample tube, resulting in a compact and easy-to-install structure with wide applicability, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The non-contact measurement method is ideal for liquid level detection in high-pressure, flammable, explosive, highly toxic, and high-purity environments.

[0005] Chinese patent number 202421067770.3, entitled "An Anti-interference Ultrasonic Liquid Level Measurement Device," describes a liquid level measurement device comprising an ultrasonic probe array consisting of multiple Lamb wave ultrasonic probes and a processing circuit for processing the measurement signals. The device includes a power supply module, an ultrasonic probe array, a rectifier amplifier circuit module, a modulation module, and a display module, all electrically connected in sequence. The ultrasonic probe array is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the desulfurization absorption tower. Two or more Lamb wave ultrasonic probes are installed above and below the designed liquid level of the absorption tower. The piezoelectric ultrasonic sensors of the Lamb wave ultrasonic probes are tilted to ensure that the ultrasonic waves emitted or received by the piezoelectric ultrasonic sensors are directed towards the designed liquid level of the absorption tower. This patent employs a non-contact measurement method, enabling relatively accurate measurement of liquid level parameters within the desulfurization absorption tower, and is less susceptible to interference from various environmental factors within the desulfurization absorption tower.

[0006] Chinese patent number CN201310751029.9, entitled "Non-contact Liquid Level Measurement System," includes a probe mounted on a liquid storage tank. The probe collects analog video information and outputs it to a processing module, which includes an image acquisition card and an industrial control computer or computer. The image acquisition card converts the analog video information into digital image information. The industrial control computer or computer processes the digital image information to extract the liquid level boundary function and calculates the liquid level height based on this function. Throughout the liquid level measurement process, the change at the liquid level boundary is minimal. By collecting image information of the liquid level, the boundary liquid level distribution is simulated using equations. Once the probe position is fixed, the liquid level height can be directly calculated from the liquid level boundary function, accurately measuring even if there are differences in liquid level. This system has a wide range of applications, can perform real-time measurements, and is unaffected by surrounding environmental factors such as temperature.

[0007] The aforementioned comparative document 1 is not applicable to desulfurization towers because the slurry in desulfurization towers is a composite slurry of calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and calcium sulfite. Its temperature, composition, density, and internal pressure are constantly changing during operation, therefore the aforementioned comparative document cannot meet the requirements of power plants. Comparative document 2 uses an ultrasonic probe array scheme, which can accurately measure the liquid level parameters inside the desulfurization absorption tower, but it does not interface with industrial control systems such as PLCs and DCSs, and cannot meet on-site needs. Comparative document 3 uses a probe on top of the storage tank, which outputs the collected analog video information to a processing module. This scheme is not suitable for liquid level measurement in desulfurization towers in power plants. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned deficiencies in existing technologies by providing a non-contact array-based visual liquid level measurement device. This device arranges a number of liquid level monitoring sensors in an array within the monitoring module housing, and then installs them on the outer wall of a transparent measuring tube connected to the desulfurization tower. This allows for accurate remote acquisition of the liquid level within the desulfurization tower and enables integration with industrial control systems such as PLCs and DCSs. Furthermore, the device offers adjustable precision, solving the challenges of monitoring liquids with corrosive, high-viscosity, high-temperature, high-pressure, or hygiene-sensitive media, where monitoring is impossible or the accuracy and reliability of the data are poor.

[0009] The present invention discloses a non-contact array visualization liquid level measuring device, the technical solution of which includes a transparent measuring tube (2), a non-contact liquid level monitoring module (3), a scale (4), a sampling and acquisition connecting tube (6), a discharge valve (7), a sampling valve (8), a wireless signal receiver (9), and a host computer (10). A sampling valve (8) is installed at the bottom outlet of the desulfurization tower (1). The outlet end of the sampling valve (8) is connected to the sampling and acquisition connecting tube (6). A discharge valve (7) is installed on the lower side of the front end of the sampling and acquisition connecting tube (6). A transparent measuring tube (2) is connected to the rear end of the connecting tube (6). A non-contact liquid level monitoring module (3) and a scale (4) are installed on the upper part of the outer wall of the transparent measuring tube (2). A wireless signal transmitter (3.4) is installed on the outside of the non-contact liquid level monitoring module (3) and communicates with a remote wireless signal receiver (9). The wireless signal receiver (9) is connected to the host computer (10).

[0010] Preferably, the non-contact liquid level monitoring module (3) includes a monitoring module housing (3.1), a liquid level monitoring sensor (3.2), a signal line (3.3), and a wireless signal transmitter (3.4). Multiple sets of liquid level monitoring sensors (3.2) are evenly distributed inside the monitoring module housing (3.1). The wireless signal transmitter (3.4) is installed on the outer side of the middle part of the monitoring module housing (3.1). Each set of liquid level monitoring sensors (3.2) is connected to the wireless signal transmitter (3.4) through the signal line (3.3).

[0011] Preferably, the above-mentioned transparent measuring tube (2) is a high-transparency polymer tube.

[0012] Preferably, the transparent measuring tube (2) is made of a carbonate polymer containing aryl groups in its molecular chain.

[0013] Preferably, ten sets of liquid level monitoring sensors (3.2) are evenly distributed inside the monitoring module housing (3.1).

[0014] Preferably, the liquid level monitoring sensor (3.2) mentioned above is a non-contact liquid level sensor.

[0015] Preferably, the above-mentioned non-contact liquid level sensor includes a sensor body (3.2.1), an outer patch (3.2.2), a sensitivity adjustment head (3.2.3), and a data transmission connector (3.2.4). The outer patch (3.2.2) is provided on one side of the sensor body (3.2.1), and the sensitivity adjustment head (3.2.3) and the data transmission connector (3.2.4) are provided on the other side of the sensor body (3.2.1).

[0016] Preferably, the outer patch (3.2.2) is made of soft rubber.

[0017] Preferably, the outer wall of the back side of the monitoring module housing (3.1) is provided with a groove for installing an external patch (3.2.2).

[0018] Preferably, the outer patch (3.2.2) is rectangular and the groove on the back side of the monitoring module housing (3.1) is rectangular.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: by arranging a certain number of liquid level monitoring sensors in an array inside the monitoring module housing, and installing the monitoring module housing at a set height position of the transparent measuring tube, when the liquid level reaches the corresponding liquid level monitoring sensor, the liquid level monitoring sensor sends the triggered level signal through the signal line to the wireless signal transmitter, thereby obtaining the accurate liquid level height in the desulfurization tower remotely. In addition, the sampling and collection connecting tube can periodically drain the slurry inside through the discharge valve, and then rinse it from top to bottom through the top of the transparent measuring tube (2) to ensure that the inner wall of the transparent measuring tube is clean and to avoid scale or sediment affecting the inductive intensity of the liquid level monitoring sensor on the outer wall, which would cause the measurement data to deviate. Furthermore, since the liquid level monitoring sensor does not directly contact the liquid medium inside the desulfurization tower being monitored, it solves the application problem of being unable to monitor or having poor accuracy and reliability of monitoring data in scenarios where the monitored liquid medium is corrosive, has high viscosity, high temperature and pressure, or is in a sanitary sensitive environment. In addition, by changing the interval distance of the liquid level monitoring sensor, different levels of measurement accuracy can be achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a non-contact liquid level monitoring module; Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the monitoring module housing from the rear view. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid level monitoring sensor. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of a liquid level monitoring sensor; In the diagram above: 1. Desulfurization tower; 2. Transparent measuring tube; 3. Non-contact liquid level monitoring module; 4. Scale; 5. Liquid level; 6. Sampling and collection connecting pipe; 7. Discharge valve; 8. Sampling valve; 9. Wireless signal receiver; 10. Host computer; 3.1. Monitoring module housing; 3.2. Liquid level monitoring sensor; 3.3. Signal line; 3.4. Wireless signal transmitter; 3.2.1. Sensor body; 3.2.2. Sensitivity adjustment head; 3.2.3. Data transmission connector; 3.2.4. Inductance strength; 3.2.5. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0022] Example 1, referring to Figures 1-5 This utility model discloses a non-contact array visualization liquid level measurement device, comprising a transparent measuring tube 2, a non-contact liquid level monitoring module 3, a scale 4, a sampling and acquisition connecting pipe 6, a discharge valve 7, a sampling valve 8, a wireless signal receiver 9, and a host computer 10. A sampling valve 8 is installed at the bottom outlet of the desulfurization tower 1, and its outlet end is connected to the sampling and acquisition connecting pipe 6. A discharge valve 7 is installed on the lower front end of the sampling and acquisition connecting pipe 6, and the transparent measuring tube 2 is connected to the rear end of the connecting pipe 6. The non-contact liquid level monitoring module 3 and the scale 4 are installed on the upper part of the outer wall of the transparent measuring tube 2. A wireless signal transmitter 3.4 is installed on the outside of the non-contact liquid level monitoring module 3, communicating with a remote wireless signal receiver 9, which is connected to the host computer 10.

[0023] Reference Figure 2 The non-contact liquid level monitoring module 3 mentioned in this utility model includes a monitoring module housing 3.1, a liquid level monitoring sensor 3.2, a signal line 3.3, and a wireless signal transmitter 3.4. Multiple sets of liquid level monitoring sensors 3.2 are evenly distributed inside the monitoring module housing 3.1. The wireless signal transmitter 3.4 is installed on the outer side of the middle part of the monitoring module housing 3.1. Each set of liquid level monitoring sensors 3.2 is connected to the wireless signal transmitter 3.4 through the signal line 3.3.

[0024] In use, a certain number of liquid level monitoring sensors 3.2 are arranged in an array inside the monitoring module housing 3.1, which is installed at a set height on the transparent measuring tube 2. When the liquid medium in the desulfurization tower 1 being measured enters the transparent measuring tube 2 through the sampling and collection connecting pipe 6, and the liquid level 5 reaches the corresponding liquid level monitoring sensor 3.2, reference is made. Figure 5The level signal of the liquid level monitoring sensor 3.2 is triggered, and the signal is transmitted through the signal line 3.3 to the wireless signal transmitter 3.4. The signal is then received by the wireless signal receiver 9 and sent to the host computer 10, so that the accurate liquid level height in the desulfurization tower 1 can be obtained remotely. By comparing it with the scale 4 on site, the accuracy of the remotely obtained liquid level can be determined, ensuring that the monitoring data is accurate and reliable.

[0025] In addition, the sampling and collection connecting tube 6 can periodically drain the slurry inside through the discharge valve 7, and then rinse it from top to bottom through the top of the transparent measuring tube 2 to ensure that the inner wall of the transparent measuring tube 2 is clean. This avoids scale or sediment affecting the inductive intensity of the liquid level monitoring sensor 3.2 on the outer wall, which could lead to deviations in the measurement data.

[0026] Furthermore, the liquid level monitoring sensor 3.2 does not come into direct contact with the liquid medium being monitored, thus solving the application problem of being unable to monitor or having poor accuracy and reliability of monitoring data in scenarios where the monitored liquid medium is corrosive, has high viscosity, high temperature and pressure, or is in a sanitary sensitive environment.

[0027] Example 2: A non-contact array visualization liquid level measurement device mentioned in this utility model includes a transparent measuring tube 2, a non-contact liquid level monitoring module 3, a scale 4, a liquid level indicator 5, a sampling and acquisition connecting pipe 6, a discharge valve 7, a sampling valve 8, a wireless signal receiver 9, and a host computer 10. A sampling valve 8 is installed at the bottom outlet of the desulfurization tower 1, and its outlet end is connected to the sampling and acquisition connecting pipe 6. A discharge valve 7 is installed on the lower front end of the sampling and acquisition connecting pipe 6, and the transparent measuring tube 2 is connected to the rear end of the connecting pipe 6. The non-contact liquid level monitoring module 3 and the scale 4 are installed on the upper part of the outer wall of the transparent measuring tube 2. A wireless signal transmitter 3.4 is installed on the outside of the non-contact liquid level monitoring module 3, communicating with a remote wireless signal receiver 9. The wireless signal receiver 9 is connected to the host computer 10.

[0028] The difference from Example 1 is: The transparent measuring tube 2 mentioned in this embodiment is a high-transparency polymer tube. Specifically, the transparent measuring tube 2 is made of a carbonate polymer containing aryl groups in its molecular chain.

[0029] Example 3: A non-contact array visualization liquid level measurement device mentioned in this utility model includes a transparent measuring tube 2, a non-contact liquid level monitoring module 3, a scale 4, a liquid level indicator 5, a sampling and acquisition connecting pipe 6, a discharge valve 7, a sampling valve 8, a wireless signal receiver 9, and a host computer 10. A sampling valve 8 is installed at the bottom outlet of the desulfurization tower 1, and its outlet end is connected to the sampling and acquisition connecting pipe 6. A discharge valve 7 is installed on the lower front end of the sampling and acquisition connecting pipe 6, and the transparent measuring tube 2 is connected to the rear end of the connecting pipe 6. The non-contact liquid level monitoring module 3 and the scale 4 are installed on the upper part of the outer wall of the transparent measuring tube 2. A wireless signal transmitter 3.4 is installed on the outside of the non-contact liquid level monitoring module 3, which is communicatively connected to a remote wireless signal receiver 9. The wireless signal receiver 9 is connected to the host computer 10.

[0030] The difference from Example 2 is: Reference Figure 2 In this embodiment, ten sets of liquid level monitoring sensors 3.2 are evenly distributed inside the monitoring module housing 3.1. Each set of liquid level monitoring sensors 3.2 is a non-contact liquid level sensor. Of course, by changing the spacing between the liquid level monitoring sensors 3.2, different levels of measurement accuracy can be achieved.

[0031] Example 4: A non-contact array visualization liquid level measurement device mentioned in this utility model includes a transparent measuring tube 2, a non-contact liquid level monitoring module 3, a scale 4, a liquid level indicator 5, a sampling and acquisition connecting pipe 6, a discharge valve 7, a sampling valve 8, a wireless signal receiver 9, and a host computer 10. A sampling valve 8 is installed at the bottom outlet of the desulfurization tower 1, and its outlet end is connected to the sampling and acquisition connecting pipe 6. A discharge valve 7 is installed on the lower front end of the sampling and acquisition connecting pipe 6, and the transparent measuring tube 2 is connected to the rear end of the connecting pipe 6. The non-contact liquid level monitoring module 3 and the scale 4 are installed on the upper part of the outer wall of the transparent measuring tube 2. A wireless signal transmitter 3.4 is installed on the outside of the non-contact liquid level monitoring module 3, communicating with a remote wireless signal receiver 9. The wireless signal receiver 9 is connected to the host computer 10.

[0032] The difference from Example 3 is: The liquid level monitoring unit 3.2 mentioned in this embodiment, which is a non-contact liquid level sensor, has an internal sensor chip and circuit that are existing technologies and will not be described in detail. For example, the XKC-Y28 non-contact liquid level sensor from Xingkechuang. Its external structure includes a sensor body 3.2.1, an outer patch 3.2.2, a sensitivity adjustment head 3.2.3, and a data transmission connector 3.2.4. The outer patch 3.2.2 is provided on one side of the sensor body 3.2.1, and the sensitivity adjustment head 3.2.3 and the data transmission connector 3.2.4 are provided on the other side of the sensor body 3.2.1. The outer patch 3.2.2 is fixed to the outer wall of the non-metallic container to be measured, that is, the outer wall of the transparent measuring tube 2.

[0033] Example 5: A non-contact array visualization liquid level measurement device mentioned in this utility model includes a transparent measuring tube 2, a non-contact liquid level monitoring module 3, a scale 4, a liquid level indicator 5, a sampling and acquisition connecting pipe 6, a discharge valve 7, a sampling valve 8, a wireless signal receiver 9, and a host computer 10. A sampling valve 8 is installed at the bottom outlet of the desulfurization tower 1, and its outlet end is connected to the sampling and acquisition connecting pipe 6. A discharge valve 7 is installed on the lower front end of the sampling and acquisition connecting pipe 6, and the transparent measuring tube 2 is connected to the rear end of the connecting pipe 6. The non-contact liquid level monitoring module 3 and the scale 4 are installed on the upper part of the outer wall of the transparent measuring tube 2. A wireless signal transmitter 3.4 is installed on the outside of the non-contact liquid level monitoring module 3, which is communicatively connected to a remote wireless signal receiver 9. The wireless signal receiver 9 is connected to the host computer 10.

[0034] The difference from Example 3 is: The outer patch 3.2.2 mentioned in this embodiment is made of soft rubber. The outer wall of the back side of the monitoring module housing 3.1 is provided with a groove for installing the outer patch 3.2.2. The outer patch 3.2.2 has a rectangular structure. The groove on the back side of the monitoring module housing 3.1 has a rectangular structure, which makes it easy for the outer patch 3.2.2 to pass through the groove notch and be directly attached to the outer wall of the transparent measuring tube 2.

[0035] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model. Any person skilled in the art may modify this utility model or modify it into an equivalent technical solution using the technical solutions described above. Therefore, any simple modifications or equivalent transformations made based on the technical solutions of this utility model are within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A non-contact array-based visual liquid level measurement device, characterized in that: The system includes a transparent measuring tube, a non-contact liquid level monitoring module, a scale, a sampling and collection connecting pipe, a discharge valve, a sampling valve, a wireless signal receiver, and a host computer. A sampling valve is installed at the bottom outlet of the desulfurization tower, and its outlet is connected to the sampling and collection connecting pipe. A discharge valve is installed on the lower front side of the sampling and collection connecting pipe, and the transparent measuring tube is connected to its rear end. The non-contact liquid level monitoring module and the scale are installed on the upper part of the outer wall of the transparent measuring tube. A wireless signal transmitter is installed on the outside of the non-contact liquid level monitoring module, communicating with a remote wireless signal receiver, which is connected to the host computer.

2. The non-contact array visualization liquid level measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The non-contact liquid level monitoring module includes a monitoring module housing, liquid level monitoring sensors, signal lines, and a wireless signal transmitter. Multiple sets of liquid level monitoring sensors are evenly distributed inside the monitoring module housing. A wireless signal transmitter is installed on the outer side of the middle part of the monitoring module housing. Each set of liquid level monitoring sensors is connected to the wireless signal transmitter through a signal line.

3. The non-contact array visualization liquid level measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The transparent measuring tube is made of high-transparency polymer.

4. The non-contact array visualization liquid level measuring device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transparent measuring tube is made of carbonate polymer containing aryl groups in its molecular chain.

5. The non-contact array visualization liquid level measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The monitoring module housing contains ten sets of liquid level monitoring sensors evenly distributed inside.

6. The non-contact array visualization liquid level measuring device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The liquid level monitoring sensor is a non-contact liquid level sensor.

7. The non-contact array visualization liquid level measuring device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The non-contact liquid level sensor includes a sensor body, an outer patch, a sensitivity adjustment head, and a data transmission connector. The outer patch is located on one side of the sensor body, and the sensitivity adjustment head and data transmission connector are located on the other side of the sensor body.

8. The non-contact array visualization liquid level measuring device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The outer patch is made of soft rubber.

9. A non-contact array visualization liquid level measuring device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The back outer wall of the monitoring module housing has a groove for mounting an external patch.

10. A non-contact array visualization liquid level measuring device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The outer patch has a rectangular structure, and the groove on the back side of the monitoring module housing has a rectangular structure.

Images