Marine diesel engine cooler oil online monitoring and leak detection system

Abstract

This invention provides an online monitoring and leak detection system for marine diesel engine cooler oil, belonging to the field of marine diesel engine condition monitoring technology. The system includes a detection housing, a leak pipe, an oil-in-water sensor, and a control system. The leak pipe connects the leak monitoring port of the combined cooler to the detection housing via a pipe fitting; the oil-in-water sensor is horizontally installed at the bottom of the inner wall of the detection housing for real-time detection of the leaking liquid and its lubricating oil content; the control system is electrically connected to the oil-in-water sensor to display data and issue leak alarm or oil leak alarm signals. This invention directly and online analyzes the composition of the leaking liquid using the oil-in-water sensor, enabling early and accurate differentiation between water and lubricating oil leaks. Upon confirmation of an oil leak, it automatically issues a shutdown command, effectively preventing major engine malfunctions due to poor lubrication and preventing oil leaks from polluting the aquatic environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of marine diesel engine condition monitoring and fault diagnosis technology, specifically relating to an online monitoring and leak detection system for marine diesel engine cooler oil. Background Technology

[0002] Marine diesel engines are the core power equipment of ships, and their operational reliability is of paramount importance. Diesel engines typically use high-temperature freshwater to cool high-temperature components such as the cylinder head and turbocharger, and lubricating oil to cool and lubricate moving parts such as pistons, connecting rods, and crankshafts. During operation, the temperature of the high-temperature freshwater return and lubricating oil return rises due to heat transfer from the cooled components, requiring timely cooling of these components by a combined cooler. A certain type of marine diesel engine is equipped with a combined cooler that internally includes a high-temperature freshwater chamber and a lubricating oil chamber. A separate low-temperature seawater stream is connected to the outer walls of both chambers, allowing the seawater to cool the engine's high-temperature freshwater and lubricating oil.

[0003] Due to the complex internal structure of the combined cooler and its exposure to pressure and thermal stress, there is a risk of oil leakage. Once oil leakage occurs, on the one hand, it will lead to insufficient lubrication of the moving parts of the diesel engine, causing dry friction, which may result in serious engine failure; on the other hand, the leaked oil will be discharged overboard through the cooling seawater pipeline, causing serious water pollution to the marine or lake environment, and the treatment of water pollution requires a lot of manpower, material resources and financial resources.

[0004] Currently, the detection of lubricating oil leaks in combined coolers mainly relies on the following two methods: 1. Inspection and Observation Method: This method relies on personnel periodically entering the harsh environment of the engine room to conduct visual inspections and locate leaks. This method requires personnel to be stationed in the harsh engine room, is inefficient, poses a safety hazard, and cannot achieve real-time monitoring.

[0005] 2. Leakage Alarm Detection Level Switch Method: A float-type level switch is installed on the combined cooler. After a leak occurs, the leaking liquid accumulates in the detection device. Under the influence of buoyancy, the float of the level switch moves upward, triggering a high-level alarm. This method can detect leaks in the combined cooler. However, to determine in detail whether it is an oil leak, manual observation of the leaking liquid for oil slicks is required, or locating the oil leak point on the combined cooler, as well as professional oil content testing of the leaking liquid. This method only triggers an alarm when the leaking liquid accumulates to a certain amount. This method suffers from significant detection lag and cannot distinguish between water and oil leaks, still requiring secondary manual assessment of the leaking liquid (such as observing oil slicks or performing professional oil content testing). It cannot promptly and accurately determine the oil leak and its development trend.

[0006] Therefore, existing technologies suffer from problems such as untimely and inaccurate detection, reliance on manual labor, and inability to monitor leakage trends online. To address these issues, this invention proposes a system capable of real-time, online, and accurate detection of lubricating oil leaks. Utility Model Content

[0007] The technical problem solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an online monitoring and leak detection system for marine diesel engine cooler oil. This system can detect in real time whether the combined cooler is leaking and whether the leaking liquid contains lubricating oil. It can also monitor the development trend of the leak and issue an alarm in time to ensure the safe operation of the diesel engine and prevent environmental pollution.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: Marine diesel engine cooler oil online monitoring and leak detection system, including: detection housing, leak pipe, oil sensor in water and control system; One end of the leak pipe is connected to the leak monitoring port of the combined cooler via a pipe joint, and the other end is connected to the bottom or lower side of the detection housing, for introducing liquid that may be leaking from the combined cooler into the interior of the detection housing; The water-oil sensor is horizontally installed on the inner wall of the detection housing near the bottom, and is used to detect the leaked liquid accumulated in the detection housing and the concentration of lubricating oil therein in real time. The oil sensor in the water is electrically connected to the control system via a cable, and is used to transmit the detection signal to the control system; The control system is configured to receive and display data from the oil sensor in the water, and issue a leakage alarm signal and / or an oil leak alarm signal according to preset logic.

[0009] As a further limitation of the above scheme, the upper part of the detection housing is provided with an overflow port, which is connected to an external leakage collection tank through a pipe.

[0010] As a further limitation of the above scheme, the overflow interface is located within 10mm of the top of the detection housing.

[0011] To further limit the above solution, the top of the probe of the oil-in-water sensor is installed no higher than 3mm above the bottom of the detection housing, ensuring that a small amount of leaked liquid can submerge the sensor probe.

[0012] As a further limitation of the above scheme, the leak pipe is a short pipe structure to shorten the time it takes for the leaking liquid to flow from the combined cooler to the detection housing.

[0013] As a further limitation of the above scheme, the threaded surface of the pipe fitting is coated with thread-locking agent.

[0014] A further limitation of the above scheme is the inclusion of a housing support, wherein the detection housing is fixedly installed around the diesel engine via the housing support.

[0015] To further define the above scheme, the control system is also configured to simultaneously issue a stop command to the diesel engine when an oil leak alarm signal is issued.

[0016] Advantages of this utility model compared to the prior art: 1. This solution has high real-time performance and accuracy: It adopts an oil sensor in water, which can detect leaks immediately in the early stage, even if there is only a small amount of liquid, and can accurately analyze the lubricating oil content in the liquid, fundamentally distinguishing between water leaks and oil leaks, avoiding false and missed judgments. 2. Online monitoring trend of this solution: The system can continuously monitor minute changes in lubricating oil content to determine whether the leak is slowing down or worsening, providing data support for maintenance decisions; 3. This solution boasts a high degree of automation, ensuring safety: The system automatically completes the entire process of detection, analysis, and alarm. Once a lubricating oil leak is confirmed, it can automatically issue a shutdown command, forcing the diesel engine to stop for handling and maintenance, minimizing equipment damage and environmental pollution, while also reducing the workload and risks for engine room personnel. 4. This solution is environmentally friendly: The design of the overflow interface and leakage collection box ensures that oily liquids can be effectively collected in the event of a large leak, preventing direct discharge into the environment. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the detection system of this utility model. Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the detection method of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0019] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0020] Please see Figure 1-2 The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below.

[0021] Example: See Figure 1 As shown, a marine diesel engine cooler oil online monitoring and leak detection system includes: a detection housing 1, a leak pipe 2, an oil-in-water sensor 4, and a control system 7. One end of the leak pipe 2 is connected to the leak monitoring port of the combined cooler 8 via a pipe connector 3, and the other end is connected to the bottom or lower side of the detection housing 1, for guiding any potentially leaking liquid from the combined cooler 8 into the interior of the detection housing 1. The oil-in-water sensor 4 is horizontally mounted on the inner wall of the detection housing 1 near the bottom, for real-time detection of leaking liquid accumulated in the detection housing 1 and its lubricating oil content. The oil-in-water sensor 4 is electrically connected to the control system 7 via a cable for transmitting the detection signal to the control system 7. The control system 7 is configured to receive and display the data from the oil-in-water sensor 4, and issue a leak alarm signal and / or an oil leak alarm signal according to preset logic.

[0022] An overflow port 5 is provided on the upper part of the detection housing 1. The overflow port 5 is connected to an external leakage collection tank 6 via a pipe. The overflow port 5 is located within 10 mm of the top of the detection housing 1.

[0023] Connection and installation relationships of each component: First, securely connect one end of the leak pipe 2 to the existing leak monitoring port of the diesel engine's combined cooler 8 via pipe fitting 3, and connect the other end to the bottom inlet of the detection housing 1. To ensure reliable connection, thread-locking compound can be applied to the threaded surface of pipe fitting 3. The leak pipe 2 should be designed to be as short and straight as possible to reduce flow resistance and ensure that the leaking liquid can flow quickly into the detection housing 1.

[0024] The test housing 1 is fixedly installed near the diesel engine in a location with minimal vibration via a dedicated housing bracket (not shown in the figure) to ensure the overall stability of the system.

[0025] The oil-in-water sensor 4 is made of 316 stainless steel and detects fresh water, seawater, and lubricating oil. Its lubricating oil content range is 0-500 ppm, with a high measurement accuracy of ±1%FS. The sensor can detect leaks. When a leak exists and the leaking liquid does not contain lubricating oil, the detection value is 0 ppm. When the leaking liquid contains lubricating oil, the sensor detects the presence of lubricating oil and outputs the corresponding lubricating oil content value; the more severe the leak, the higher the oil content value in the water.

[0026] The oil-in-water sensor 4 is horizontally mounted on the inner wall of the detection housing 1. The position of its probe tip is crucial; it should be set at a height of approximately 3 mm from the bottom of the housing. This height ensures that even with only a very small leak, the liquid will quickly submerge the sensor probe, enabling it to begin operation.

[0027] An overflow port 5 is located approximately 10 mm from the top of the detection housing 1, and is led through a pipe to a specially designed leak collection tank 6. This design ensures that in the event of a large leak, excess leaked liquid will flow from the overflow port to the external leak collection tank of the diesel engine, preventing liquid from overflowing from the top of the detection housing 1, while simultaneously collecting and treating any potentially oily leaked liquid to avoid contamination.

[0028] The oil-in-water sensor 4 is connected to the control system 7 via a shielded cable. The data measured by the sensor is displayed on the control system interface, in both numerical and bar graph formats, with green and red used to distinguish between normal and alarm states. The control system issues three signal states: no leakage, leakage alarm, and oil leak alarm, as well as a shutdown command in case of an oil leak.

[0029] The control system 7 in this invention is the original central control system of the diesel engine itself, such as a centralized control system based on a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or an industrial computer. This system is already equipped with general-purpose hardware interfaces (such as AI analog input interfaces and DL digital input interfaces) and general-purpose signal processing programs for acquiring and processing signals from various sensors (such as temperature, pressure, and speed sensors) on the diesel engine, and has basic logic judgment and alarm output functions.

[0030] The implementation of this invention requires no creative improvement or reprogramming of the hardware architecture or core program of the aforementioned control system 7. The oil-in-water sensor 4, as a newly added sensing component, has a standard and universal output signal (typically a 4-20mA analog signal or a switching signal), which can be directly connected to the reserved or available standard hardware interface of the control system 7. Operators or engineers of the control system 7 only need to utilize the existing, mature configuration software functions of the system to perform simple parameter configuration on the newly added sensor signal (such as setting the range to 0-500ppm, setting the alarm threshold, etc.) to achieve data display, logical judgment of leakage and oil leak alarms, and output of shutdown commands. This configuration process is a routine operation for those skilled in the art using the common functions of existing control systems.

[0031] Therefore, the core of protection of this utility model lies in the construction and collaborative operation of the above-mentioned hardware system structure. The connection relationship and working principle of the system have been clearly and completely explained above. Those skilled in the art can realize this utility model without creative effort based on the description in this specification.

[0032] System working principle and process: Combination Figure 2 The flowchart illustrates the working process of this utility model: 1. Real-time detection: After the system is powered on, the oil-water sensor 4 continuously detects the medium inside the detection housing 1. Under normal circumstances, there is no liquid inside the housing, and the sensor output is 0.

[0033] 2. Leakage Alarm: When a leak occurs in the combined cooler 8 (whether water or oil), the liquid flows into the detection housing 1 through the leak pipe 2. When the liquid level rises to submerge the oil sensor 4 probe, the sensor immediately detects the presence of the medium. If the sensor detects an oil content of 0 ppm (i.e., the leak is pure water), a "leakage alarm" (e.g., a yellow warning) will be triggered on the interface of the control system 7, reminding the operator that there is a sealing problem with the diesel engine combined cooler, and that the operating parameters need to be closely monitored and an inspection prepared.

[0034] 3. Oil Leak Alarm and Shutdown: If the leaking liquid contains lubricating oil, the oil sensor 4 in the water will immediately detect a non-zero lubricating oil content value (e.g., 10 ppm). Upon receiving this signal, the control system 7 will immediately trigger a higher-level "oil leak alarm" (e.g., red warning) and simultaneously send a "shutdown command" to the diesel engine's main control system, requiring the diesel engine to stop immediately. At the same time, the control system 7's screen will display the real-time lubricating oil content in numerical and dynamic bar graph form, allowing operators to clearly see whether the leak is stabilizing, worsening, or slowing down.

[0035] 4. Overflow protection: During the entire process, if the leakage is too large, when the liquid level in the detection housing 1 rises to the overflow port 5, the excess liquid will flow into the leakage collection tank 6 to ensure that the system will not fail due to excessive liquid level and to collect the contaminated liquid.

[0036] This invention utilizes an oil sensor installed in water to detect leaking fluid in the combined cooler online. It simultaneously analyzes and displays the lubricating oil content in the leaking fluid, assesses the development trend of the combined cooler leak, and issues leak and oil leakage alarm signals. This improves the safety of diesel engine operation, reduces diesel engine maintenance cycles, extends the lifespan of diesel engine equipment, and enhances environmental protection of water quality. Furthermore, it reduces the need for personnel on-site and protects personnel safety.

[0037] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0038] 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.

Claims

1. A marine diesel engine cooler oil online monitoring and leak detection system, characterized in that: include: The detection housing (1), the leak pipe (2), the oil sensor in the water (4), and the control system (7) are included. One end of the leak pipe (2) is connected to the leak monitoring port of the combined cooler (8) via a pipe joint (3), and the other end is connected to the bottom or side of the detection housing (1) for introducing liquid that may leak from the combined cooler (8) into the interior of the detection housing (1). The water oil sensor (4) is horizontally installed on the inner wall of the detection housing (1) near the bottom, and is used to detect the leaked liquid accumulated in the detection housing (1) and the amount of lubricating oil in it in real time. The oil sensor (4) in the water is electrically connected to the control system (7) via a cable and is used to transmit the detection signal to the control system (7). The control system (7) is configured to receive and display the data from the oil sensor (4) in the water, and issue a leakage alarm signal and / or an oil leak alarm signal according to preset logic.

2. The marine diesel engine cooler oil online monitoring and leak detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper part of the detection housing (1) is provided with an overflow port (5), which is connected to an external leakage collection box (6) through a pipe.

3. The marine diesel engine cooler oil online monitoring and leak detection system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The overflow port (5) is located within 10 mm of the top of the detection housing (1).

4. The marine diesel engine cooler oil online monitoring and leak detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The probe tip of the oil sensor (4) is installed at a position no higher than 3mm above the bottom of the detection housing (1) to ensure that a small amount of leaked liquid can submerge the sensor probe.

5. The marine diesel engine cooler oil online monitoring and leak detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The leak pipe (2) is a short pipe structure to shorten the time it takes for the leaking liquid to flow from the combined cooler (8) to the detection housing (1).

6. The marine diesel engine cooler oil online monitoring and leak detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The threaded surface of the pipe fitting (3) is coated with thread-locking agent.

7. The marine diesel engine cooler oil online monitoring and leak detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control system (7) is also configured to simultaneously issue a stop command to the diesel engine when an oil leak alarm signal is issued.

Images