Tank level gauge

Abstract

This utility model discloses a tank level gauge, including a tank, a first connecting member, a second connecting member, and a transparent tube. The tank has a first connecting port and a second connecting port on its exterior, which communicate with the interior of the tank. The first connecting port is located above the second connecting port. One end of the first connecting member is connected to the first connecting port. One end of the second connecting member is connected to the second connecting port. Both ends of the transparent tube are provided with connecting components, each including a union. The union at the upper end is threaded to the other end of the first connecting member, thus connecting the transparent tube to the first connecting member. The union at the lower end is threaded to the other end of the second connecting member, thus connecting the transparent tube to the second connecting member. In this utility model, the upper end of the transparent tube is threaded to the other end of the first connecting member via a union, and the lower end of the transparent tube is threaded to the other end of the second connecting member via a union, making it easy to install and remove the transparent tube by simply rotating the union.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of lithium battery recycling equipment, and in particular to a tank level gauge. Background Technology

[0002] In the wet process of lithium battery recycling, storage tanks are used to store liquids. Root valves and PVC transparent pipes are installed on the outside of the storage tanks. The PVC transparent pipes are connected to the inside of the storage tanks through the root valves, allowing the liquid level inside the storage tanks to be determined by observing the transparent pipes.

[0003] From a cost perspective, most existing PVC transparent pipes and root valves are installed using a socket joint. PVC adhesive is applied to the socket surfaces of both the PVC transparent pipe and the root valve, and after curing, a molecularly fused integral structure is formed, achieving a bonded connection. The advantages of this adhesive method are low cost and long-lasting sealing effect; the disadvantages are that it is inconvenient to disassemble and reassemble the PVC transparent pipe when cleaning or maintenance is required, and PVC transparent pipes and adhesives are not suitable for high-temperature or highly corrosive media conditions. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a tank level gauge.

[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: it includes a storage tank, a first connecting member, a second connecting member, and a transparent tube. The exterior of the storage tank has a first connecting port and a second connecting port that communicate with the interior of the storage tank. The first connecting port is located above the second connecting port. One end of the first connecting member is connected to the first connecting port. One end of the second connecting member is connected to the second connecting port. Both the upper and lower ends of the transparent tube are provided with connecting components. The connecting components include a flexible joint. The upper flexible joint is threadedly connected to the other end of the first connecting member, and the transparent tube communicates with the first connecting member. The lower flexible joint is threadedly connected to the other end of the second connecting member, and the transparent tube communicates with the second connecting member.

[0006] Furthermore, the outer sides of the upper and lower ends of the transparent tube are respectively provided with a first flange and a second flange; The two unions are fitted over the transparent tube and are movably located between the first flange and the second flange. The first flange is located between the other end of the first connecting member and the upper union, and the second flange is located between the other end of the second connecting member and the lower union.

[0007] Furthermore, a sealing element is provided between the first flange and the first connecting member, and between the second flange and the second connecting member. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the seal is X-shaped or O-shaped.

[0008] Furthermore, the connecting assembly also includes a pressure ring sleeved on the outside of the transparent tube, the pressure ring being located between the first flange and the second flange; At least a portion of the pressure ring located at the top is situated between the upper live joint and the first flange; At least a portion of the lower pressure ring is located between the lower end of the live joint and the second flange.

[0009] Furthermore, both the first connecting member and the second connecting member are first valves.

[0010] Furthermore, the transparent tube includes a first tube segment and a second tube segment. The upper end of the first tube segment and the lower end of the second tube segment are both provided with the connecting assembly. A flushing tube is detachably connected between the first tube segment and the second tube segment. An extension tube communicating with the outside is connected to the middle of the flushing tube. The extension tube is provided with a second valve.

[0011] Furthermore, a first elbow is connected between the first connecting component and the first connecting port, and a second elbow is connected between the second connecting component and the second connecting port.

[0012] Furthermore, the outer side of the union has a connecting portion, on which a locking handle is threadedly connected. Furthermore, the tank level gauge also includes an alarm. A magnetic float that rises and falls with the liquid level is installed inside the transparent tube. A first reed switch and a second reed switch are installed on the outer wall of the transparent tube. The first reed switch and the second reed switch are spaced apart along the vertical direction of the transparent tube. Both the first reed switch and the second reed switch are electrically connected to the alarm.

[0013] The tank level gauge according to this utility model has at least the following technical effects: 1. The upper end of the transparent tube is threaded to the other end of the first connecting member via a union, and the lower end of the transparent tube is threaded to the other end of the second connecting member via a union, so that the transparent tube can be installed and removed by simply rotating the union.

[0014] 2. The transparent tube is connected to a rinsing tube, which allows the interior of the transparent tube to be cleaned using external rinsing equipment.

[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the technical solution in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is the front view of the tank level gauge; Figure 2 This is an isometric view of the tank level gauge. Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the structure where the transparent tube is not connected to the first connecting piece when the sealing element is of the X type. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view showing the connection between the transparent tube and the first connecting member; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the transparent tube structure; Figure 6 An isometric sectional view of the seal in an X-shape; Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the structure where the transparent tube is not connected to the first connecting piece when the O-ring is used as the seal. Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure connecting the transparent tube to the first and second connecting parts; Figure 9 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0017] Reference numerals: storage tank 100, U-shaped pipe clamp 101, first connecting port 110, second connecting port 120, first elbow 130, second elbow 140, first connecting component 200, second connecting component 300, transparent pipe 400, first flange 410, second flange 420, first pipe section 430, second pipe section 440, magnetic float 450, first reed switch 460, second reed switch 470, connecting assembly 500, union joint 510, connecting part 511, locking handle 512, sealing element 520, pressure ring 530, flushing pipe 600, extension pipe 700, second valve 710, alarm 800. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solution of this utility model is described in detail below. Examples of the technical solution are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The technical solution described below with reference to the accompanying drawings is exemplary and is only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0019] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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 utility model.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. If "first" or "second" is used in the description, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0022] Reference Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the tank level gauge provided in this embodiment of the present invention includes a tank 100, a first connecting member 200, a second connecting member 300, and a transparent tube 400. The tank 100 has a first connecting port 110 and a second connecting port 120 communicating with the interior of the tank 100. The first connecting port 110 is located above the second connecting port 120. One end of the first connecting member 200 is connected to the first connecting port 110; one end of the second connecting member 300 is connected to the second connecting port 120; both the upper and lower ends of the transparent tube 400 are provided with connecting components 500, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the connection assembly 500 includes a union 510, such as Figure 4 As shown, the upper end of the union 510 is threadedly connected to the other end of the first connecting member 200, and the transparent tube 400 is connected to the first connecting member 200. The lower end of the union 510 is threadedly connected to the other end of the second connecting member 300, and the transparent tube 400 is connected to the second connecting member 300.

[0023] The upper end of the transparent tube 400 is threadedly connected to the other end of the first connecting member 200 via a union 510, and the lower end of the transparent tube 400 is threadedly connected to the other end of the second connecting member 300 via a union 510, so that the transparent tube 400 can be installed and removed by simply rotating the union 510.

[0024] During operation, the storage tank 100 stores liquid, which enters the transparent tube 400 through the second connecting port 120 and the second connecting piece 300. The liquid level in the transparent tube 400 is the same as the liquid level in the storage tank 100, so the user can observe the liquid level in the storage tank 100 through the transparent tube 400.

[0025] Specifically, the transparent tube 400 can be made of FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer), also known as F46 (Chinese industry code), which is a perfluorinated, melt-processable high-performance fluoroplastic. It is copolymerized from tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and hexafluoropropylene (HFP). After using the above material, the transparent tube 400 is resistant to almost all strong acids (such as concentrated sulfuric acid and nitric acid), strong alkalis, organic solvents (such as acetone and benzene) and oxidants. In addition, the transparent tube 400 is resistant to high temperature, has a smooth surface, does not easily adhere to materials, has good impact resistance, high transparency, UV resistance and aging resistance, is suitable for long-term outdoor use, is easy to clean, and has a long service life.

[0026] Understandably, other materials can be used for the transparent tube 400, provided that it can withstand high temperatures, corrosion, and impact.

[0027] Specifically, the outer wall of the storage tank 100 has multiple U-shaped pipe clamps 101, which are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The transparent tube 400 is detachably installed on the U-shaped pipe clamps 101, and the U-shaped pipe clamps 101 serve to support the transparent tube 400.

[0028] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the outer sides of the upper and lower ends of the transparent tube 400 have a first flange 410 and a second flange 420, respectively. like Figure 3 As shown, two union joints 510 are sleeved outside the transparent tube 400 and are movably located between the first flange 410 and the second flange 420, as... Figure 4 As shown, the first flange 410 is located between the other end of the first connecting member 200 and the upper end joint 510, and the second flange 420 is located between the other end of the second connecting member 300 and the lower end joint 510.

[0029] The transparent tube 400 has a first flange 410 and a second flange 420. The upper end of the connector 510 can press the first flange 410 onto the first connecting member 200, and the lower end of the connector 510 can press the second flange 420 onto the second connecting member 300, so that the transparent tube 400 is firmly fixed onto the first connecting member 200 and the second connecting member 300.

[0030] like Figure 4 As shown, the upper end of the union 510 is threadedly connected to the first connecting member 200. The upper end of the union 510 fixes the first flange 410 between the first connecting member 200 and the upper end of the union 510. Thus, the upper end of the transparent tube 400 is fixed to the first connecting member 200 through the upper end of the union 510, and the first connecting port 110, the first connecting member 200 and the transparent tube 400 are connected. The lower end of the union 510 is threadedly connected to the second connecting member 300. The lower end of the union 510 fixes the second flange 420 between the second connecting member 300 and the lower end of the union 510. Thus, the lower end of the transparent tube 400 is fixed to the second connecting member 300 through the lower end of the union 510, and the second connecting port 120, the second connecting member 300 and the transparent tube 400 are connected.

[0031] It is understandable that the setting method of the second flange 420 can refer to the setting method of the first flange 410, and the installation method of the lower end union 510 can refer to the installation method of the upper end union 510.

[0032] It is conceivable that the first flange 410 and the second flange 420 are in the shape of a ring and can be integrally formed with the transparent tube 400, or the first flange 410 and the second flange 420 can be installed on the transparent tube 400.

[0033] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, sealing elements 520 are provided between the first flange 410 and the first connecting member 200, and between the second flange 420 and the second connecting member 300. By providing a seal 520, liquid leakage is prevented from the gap between the first flange 410 and the first connecting member 200 and from the gap between the second flange 420 and the second connecting member 300.

[0034] Furthermore, the seal 520 has an X-shaped cross-section (e.g., Figure 4 , 6 (as shown) or O type (such as) Figure 7 (As shown).

[0035] When operating at high temperatures with a temperature difference ΔT ≥ 80°C, using an X-type seal 520 as a gasket, the X-type seal 520 will deform due to the axial compression of the first flange 410 or the second flange 420 when the transparent tube 400 undergoes thermal expansion due to the high-temperature medium. This avoids hard contact between the first flange 410 and the first connecting member 200 or between the second flange 420 and the second connecting member 300, which would lead to stress concentration. During cooling, the seal 520 will rebound, maintaining the sealing pressure and effectively compensating for the thermal expansion of the transparent tube 400 caused by high temperatures.

[0036] When operating under non-high-temperature conditions where the temperature difference ΔT < 80°C, using O-type seal 520 as a gasket can reduce costs. O-type seal 520 is more suitable for use with transparent tube 400.

[0037] Specifically, the X-shaped seal 520 can be made of FEP-based elastic ring, and the O-shaped seal 520 can be made of fluororubber O-ring. It is conceivable that the X-shaped seal 520 and the O-shaped seal 520 can also be made of other materials.

[0038] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the connecting assembly 500 also includes a pressure ring 530 sleeved on the outside of the transparent tube 400, and the pressure ring 530 is located between the first flange 410 and the second flange 420; like Figure 4 As shown, at least a portion of the upper pressure ring 530 is located between the upper live joint 510 and the first flange 410. At least a portion of the lower pressure ring 530 is located between the lower end union 510 and the second flange 420.

[0039] By providing a pressure ring 530 between the upper union 510 and the first flange 410, and between the lower union 510 and the second flange 420, the pressure ring 530 can support the flanges, allowing the first flange 410 to better press the seal 520 against the other end of the first connecting member 200 and the second flange 420 to better press the seal 520 against the other end of the second connecting member 300. At the same time, providing the pressure ring 530 can also reduce the wear caused by the direct friction between the union 510 and the first flange 410 and the second flange 420 when tightening and rotating.

[0040] At work, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the upper end of the union 510 is threadedly connected to the other end of the first connecting member 200, the upper end of the union 510 fixes the upper sealing member 520, the first flange 410 and the upper pressure ring 530 between the upper end of the union 510 and the first connecting member 200. When the lower end of the union 510 is threadedly connected to the other end of the second connecting member 300, the lower end of the union 510 fixes the lower sealing member 520, the second flange 420 and the lower pressure ring 530 between the lower end of the union 510 and the second connecting member 300.

[0041] Furthermore, both the first connecting member 200 and the second connecting member 300 are first valves.

[0042] The structure of the first valve is used to connect it to the transparent tube 400.

[0043] Specifically, the first valve can be a ball valve.

[0044] Specifically, in highly corrosive environments (such as nitric acid, concentrated sulfuric acid, etc.) or high-temperature conditions where the medium temperature exceeds 90°C, the first valve can be a ball valve made of FEP material; In general corrosive environments (such as dilute sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, etc.) and medium-high temperature conditions with media temperatures ranging from 60℃ to 90℃, the first valve can be a ball valve made of PPH material.

[0045] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 As shown, the transparent tube 400 includes a first tube segment 430 and a second tube segment 440. The upper end of the first tube segment 430 and the lower end of the second tube segment 440 are provided with connecting components 500. A flushing tube 600 is detachably connected between the first tube segment 430 and the second tube segment 440. An extension tube 700 communicating with the outside is connected to the middle of the flushing tube 600. The extension tube 700 is provided with a second valve 710.

[0046] The transparent tube 400 is connected to a flushing tube 600, which allows the interior of the transparent tube 400 to be cleaned using external flushing equipment.

[0047] When flushing is not required, the second valve 710 is closed and the two first valves are open, allowing the liquid in the storage tank 100 to enter the transparent tube 400 through the second connecting piece 300. When the sediment inside the transparent tube 400 needs to be backwashed, the second connecting part 300 is closed, the first connecting part 200 is opened, and the second valve 710 is opened. The backwash water enters the first pipe section 430 through the flushing pipe 600 and flushes the sediment into the storage tank 100.

[0048] Specifically, a first connector (not shown in the figure) is provided between the lower end of the first pipe section 430 and the upper end of the flushing pipe 600. The first connector is sleeved on the outside of the first pipe section 430 and the flushing pipe 600 and threadedly connected to both. A second connector (not shown in the figure) is provided between the upper end of the second pipe section 440 and the lower end of the flushing pipe 600. The second connector is sleeved on the outside of the second pipe section 440 and the flushing pipe 600 and threadedly connected to both. That is, the first pipe section 430 and the flushing pipe 600 are connected together by the first connector, and the second pipe section 440 and the flushing pipe 600 are connected together by the second connector.

[0049] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, a first elbow 130 is connected between the first connecting member 200 and the first connecting port 110, and a second elbow 140 is connected between the second connecting member 300 and the second connecting port 120.

[0050] By providing a first bend 130 and a second bend 140, it is convenient to install the first connecting member 200, the second connecting member 300 and the transparent tube 400, so that the transparent tube 400 can be designed vertically.

[0051] Specifically, the first bend 130 and the second bend 140 are bends with a 90° angle. Other angles of bends can also be used while ensuring that the transparent tube 400 can be designed vertically.

[0052] Furthermore, such as Figure 9 As shown, the outer side of the union 510 has a connecting part 511, and a locking handle 512 is threaded onto the connecting part 511. Since the locking handle 512 is threadedly connected to the connecting part 511, the locking handle 512 can be adjusted in position when the worker turns it. The locking handle 512 can tighten or loosen the union 510 by lever, allowing the worker to turn the union 510 by hand without additional tools.

[0053] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , 8 As shown, it also includes an alarm 800, a magnetic float 450 that rises and falls with the liquid level installed inside the transparent tube 400, a first reed switch 460 and a second reed switch 470 installed on the outer wall of the transparent tube 400, the first reed switch 460 and the second reed switch 470 are spaced apart along the vertical direction of the transparent tube 400, and both the first reed switch 460 and the second reed switch 470 are electrically connected to the alarm 800.

[0054] A magnetic float 450 is installed inside the transparent tube 400, which can float up and down with the liquid level. A first reed switch 460 and a second reed switch 470 are installed at the high alarm liquid level and the low alarm liquid level on the outer wall of the transparent tube 400, respectively. Both the first reed switch 460 and the second reed switch 470 are electrically connected to the alarm 800. When the magnetic float 450 reaches the alarm liquid level (at the first reed switch 460 or the second reed switch 470), the reed switch sends a signal to the controller inside the alarm 800, and the alarm 800 reminds the on-site operators to take action.

[0055] Specifically, the alarm 800 can be installed on top of the storage tank 100.

[0056] Specifically, the alarm 800 can be an audible and visual alarm.

[0057] When installing this utility model, if Figure 2 As shown, one end of the first elbow 130 is installed on the first connecting port 110, and the other end of the first elbow 130 is connected to one end of the first connecting member 200, as shown. Figure 4As shown, the sealing element 520 is placed between the other end of the first connecting member 200 and the upper end of the first pipe section 430. The upper end of the union 510 is rotated by the locking handle 512. The upper end of the union 510 is threadedly connected to the other end of the first connecting member 200. The upper end of the union 510 fixes the upper end of the sealing element 520, the first flange 410 and the upper end of the pressure ring 530 between the upper end of the union 510 and the first connecting member 200. The lower end of the first pipe section 430 and the upper end of the flushing pipe 600 are both threadedly connected to the first connector, which fixes the first pipe section 430 and the flushing pipe 600 together. The lower end of the flushing pipe 600 and the upper end of the second pipe section 440 are both threadedly connected to the second connector, which fixes the second pipe section 440 and the flushing pipe 600 together. like Figure 2 As shown, one end of the second elbow 140 is installed on the second connecting port 120, and the other end of the second elbow 140 is connected to one end of the second connecting member 300. The sealing member 520 is placed between the other end of the second connecting member 300 and the lower end of the second pipe section 440. The lower end of the union 510 is rotated by the locking handle 512. The lower end of the union 510 is threadedly connected to the other end of the second connecting member 300. The lower end of the union 510 fixes the lower end of the sealing member 520, the second flange 420 and the lower end of the pressure ring 530 between the lower end of the union 510 and the second connecting member 300.

[0058] When it is necessary to disassemble the transparent tube 400, the user rotates the upper and lower joints 510 by locking the handle 512. The two joints 510 are disengaged from the transparent tube 400, and the transparent tube 400 can then be removed from between the first connecting member 200 and the second connecting member 300.

[0059] Although the technical solutions of this utility model have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these technical solutions without departing from the principles and spirit of this utility model, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A tank level gauge, characterized in that, include: A storage tank (100) has a first communication port (110) and a second communication port (120) on its exterior that communicate with the interior of the storage tank (100), wherein the first communication port (110) is located above the second communication port (120); A first connecting member (200) is connected at one end to the first connecting port (110); The second connecting member (300) has one end connected to the second connecting port (120); A transparent tube (400) is provided with connecting components (500) at both its upper and lower ends. The connecting components (500) include a union (510). The union (510) at the upper end is threaded to the other end of the first connecting member (200), and the transparent tube (400) is connected to the first connecting member (200). The union (510) at the lower end is threaded to the other end of the second connecting member (300), and the transparent tube (400) is connected to the second connecting member (300).

2. The tank level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transparent tube (400) has a first flange (410) and a second flange (420) on the outer sides of its upper and lower ends, respectively. The two unions (510) are sleeved on the outside of the transparent tube (400) and are movably located between the first flange (410) and the second flange (420). The first flange (410) is located between the other end of the first connecting member (200) and the upper union (510), and the second flange (420) is located between the other end of the second connecting member (300) and the lower union (510).

3. The tank level gauge according to claim 2, characterized in that: A sealing element (520) is provided between the first flange (410) and the first connecting member (200) and between the second flange (420) and the second connecting member (300).

4. The tank level gauge according to claim 3, characterized in that: The seal (520) has an X-shaped or O-shaped cross-section.

5. The tank level gauge according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting assembly (500) further includes a pressure ring (530) sleeved on the outside of the transparent tube (400), the pressure ring (530) being located between the first flange (410) and the second flange (420); At least a portion of the upper pressure ring (530) is located between the upper live joint (510) and the first flange (410); At least a portion of the lower pressure ring (530) is located between the lower end of the live joint (510) and the second flange (420).

6. The tank level gauge according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: Both the first connecting member (200) and the second connecting member (300) are first valves.

7. The tank level gauge according to claim 6, characterized in that: The transparent tube (400) includes a first tube segment (430) and a second tube segment (440). The upper end of the first tube segment (430) and the lower end of the second tube segment (440) are provided with the connecting assembly (500). A flushing tube (600) is detachably connected between the first tube segment (430) and the second tube segment (440). An extension tube (700) communicating with the outside is connected to the middle of the flushing tube (600). The extension tube (700) is provided with a second valve (710).

8. The tank level gauge according to claim 6, characterized in that: A first elbow (130) is connected between the first connecting member (200) and the first connecting port (110), and a second elbow (140) is connected between the second connecting member (300) and the second connecting port (120).

9. The tank level gauge according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The outer side of the union (510) has a connecting part (511), and a locking handle (512) is threaded onto the connecting part (511).

10. The tank level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an alarm (800), and a magnetic float (450) that rises and falls with the liquid level is installed inside the transparent tube (400). A first reed switch (460) and a second reed switch (470) are installed on the outer wall of the transparent tube (400). The first reed switch (460) and the second reed switch (470) are spaced apart along the vertical direction of the transparent tube (400). The first reed switch (460) and the second reed switch (470) are both electrically connected to the alarm (800).

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