A propane tank pressure control device

Abstract

A kind of propane tank pressure control device.It relates to the field of propane tank.When existing propane tank adopts mechanical regulating valve to carry out pressure control, the problem of low regulating precision and big opening error is solved.The utility model discloses a drive adjustment module, valve body sealing module and flow monitoring module;Drive adjustment module contains drive motor, silk cover, output gear, transmission gear, propelling screw and valve core head;Drive motor is connected with output gear by motor shaft, and output gear and transmission gear are mutually engaged, transmission gear is fixedly connected with silk cover, and the lower portion of propelling screw is equipped with valve core head connection;The motor shaft of drive motor drives output gear, and output gear and transmission gear are engaged to drive silk cover to rotate, to further drive propelling screw to make linear displacement, and the lower end of propelling screw is connected with conical valve core head, and the linear displacement of valve core head is adjusted to flow opening degree.The utility model is applied to the field of propane tank pressure control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of propane storage tanks, specifically to a pressure control device for propane storage tanks. Background Technology

[0002] As a commonly used flammable and explosive liquefied hydrocarbon medium, the pressure control of propane storage tanks is a core aspect of ensuring storage safety and the stable operation of downstream equipment. The saturated vapor pressure of propane fluctuates significantly with ambient temperature; for example, the saturated vapor pressure is approximately 0.8 MPa at 20°C, but can reach 1.5 MPa at 40°C. Storage tanks are typically designed to withstand pressures of 1.6 MPa. Exceeding this pressure range can easily lead to major safety accidents such as leaks and explosions. Conversely, insufficient pressure will result in inadequate propane transport capacity, directly impacting the normal operation of downstream production equipment.

[0003] Currently, the industry generally uses traditional mechanical regulating valves for pressure control. These valves rely on springs or cylinders for actuation, and the valve core opening adjustment depends solely on manual experience or simple pressure switch triggering, which has obvious drawbacks: First, the adjustment accuracy is extremely low, with opening errors generally exceeding 5%, resulting in pressure fluctuations in the storage tank exceeding ±0.1MPa; second, the need for manual intervention is high. When using pneumatic diaphragm regulating valves, manual calibration is required every 2 hours during the high-temperature period in summer. Even so, it is still impossible to stably control the pressure within a safe range, making it difficult to meet the high-precision and automated pressure control requirements of propane storage tanks. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the problems of extremely low adjustment accuracy and large opening error when using mechanical regulating valves for pressure control in existing propane storage tanks, this invention provides a pressure control device for propane storage tanks.

[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is:

[0006] A pressure control device for a propane storage tank includes a drive adjustment module, a valve body sealing module, and a flow monitoring module;

[0007] The drive adjustment module includes a drive motor, a lead sleeve, an output gear, a transmission gear, a push screw, and a valve core head;

[0008] The drive motor is connected to the output gear via the motor shaft. The output gear meshes with the transmission gear. The transmission gear is fixedly connected to the screw sleeve. A valve core head is installed below the push screw.

[0009] The motor shaft of the drive motor drives the output gear, which meshes with the transmission gear to drive the screw sleeve to rotate, thereby driving the push screw to make linear displacement. The lower end of the push screw is connected to a conical valve core head, and the flow opening is adjusted by the linear displacement of the valve core head.

[0010] Furthermore, the drive adjustment module also includes a support base, a sliding block, a guide rod, and a positioning block;

[0011] The support base is fixed above the valve cover. The top of the sliding block is fixedly connected to the push screw through a transition plate. The bottom of the sliding block is fixedly connected to the valve core head. The side of the sliding block is fixedly connected to the positioning block. The guide rod passes through the hole of the positioning block longitudinally. The top of the guide rod is vertically connected to the support base. The positioning block and the guide rod cooperate to limit the displacement direction and stroke of the sliding block.

[0012] Furthermore, the valve body sealing module includes a valve cover, a valve body, and a sealing groove;

[0013] The valve cover is located above the valve body and is sealed to the valve body by a bolt assembly. The valve body has a hole for the valve core head, and at least two sealing grooves are formed on the annular surface of the hole. Fluororubber seals are embedded in the sealing grooves.

[0014] Furthermore, the flow monitoring module includes a flow chamber, an orifice plate, and an adjustment orifice;

[0015] The orifice plate is fixed inside the flow chamber. An adjustment hole is provided at the center of the orifice plate and is located at the inlet end of the flow chamber. The conical valve core is adapted to the adjustment hole, and the propane flow area is adjusted by changing the cone surface gap.

[0016] Furthermore, the flow monitoring module also includes an inlet connector and an outlet connector;

[0017] The inlet connector connects the propane storage tank to the flow chamber, and the outlet connector connects the flow chamber to the external pipeline, thereby realizing the control of propane inflow and outflow.

[0018] Furthermore, the drive adjustment module also includes a bearing housing;

[0019] The bearing housing is fixed on the support base, and the inner ring surface of the bearing housing is connected to the threaded sleeve to support the transmission gear, so that the threaded sleeve drives the transmission gear to rotate through the bearing housing.

[0020] Furthermore, the drive motor is an explosion-proof servo motor, whose output speed is linearly related to the displacement of the lead screw, thereby achieving precise control of the valve core opening.

[0021] Furthermore, the orifice plate works in conjunction with the flow chamber to collect propane flow rate data in real time, and forms a closed loop of flow and pressure dual feedback regulation with the drive motor.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0023] This invention uses a motor shaft to drive an output gear to rotate. The output gear meshes with a transmission gear, causing a fixedly connected threaded sleeve to rotate. When the threaded sleeve rotates, it pushes a lead screw to make a linear displacement. The lead screw drives a sliding block to move through a transition plate. The positioning block on the side of the sliding block cooperates with a guide rod to ensure that the sliding block moves along a fixed direction and stroke. The conical valve core head connected to the bottom of the sliding block moves synchronously with the sliding block. By changing the cone surface gap formed with the adjustment hole at the center of the orifice plate, the propane flow area is adjusted, thereby precisely controlling the tank pressure.

[0024] This invention significantly improves adjustment precision by employing a servo motor drive, whose output speed is linearly correlated with the displacement of the lead screw. Combined with a closed-loop regulation system for both flow and pressure feedback, the valve core opening error can be reduced to below 1%, eliminating the need for frequent manual calibration. Furthermore, guiding structures such as sliding blocks and guide rods prevent valve stem jamming, reducing equipment failure rates. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure when the valve core head separates from the orifice plate;

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of part A in the image;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the valve cover and the valve body;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning block;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the lead sleeve and the lead screw;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0032] In the diagram: 1. Valve cover, 2. Support seat, 3. Lead screw, 4. Transition plate, 5. Sliding block, 6. Sleeve, 7. Motor shaft, 8. Output gear, 9. Transmission gear, 10. Bearing seat, 11. Guide rod, 12. Positioning block, 13. Drive motor, 14. Inlet connector, 15. Adjustment hole, 16. Orifice plate, 17. Valve core head, 18. Bolt assembly, 19. Outlet connector, 20. Valve body, 21. Sealing groove, 22. Flow chamber. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Specific implementation method one:

[0035] Combination Figure 1 — Figure 3 This embodiment describes a propane storage tank pressure control device, which includes a drive adjustment module, a valve body sealing module, and a flow monitoring module.

[0036] The drive adjustment module includes a drive motor 13, a threaded sleeve 6, an output gear 8, a transmission gear 9, a push screw 3, and a valve core head 17.

[0037] The drive motor 13 is connected to the output gear 8 via the motor shaft 7. The output gear 8 meshes with the transmission gear 9. The transmission gear 9 is fixedly connected to the threaded sleeve 6. A valve core head 17 is installed below the push screw 3.

[0038] The motor shaft 7 of the drive motor 13 drives the output gear 8, which meshes with the transmission gear 9 to drive the screw sleeve 6 to rotate, thereby driving the push screw 3 to make linear displacement. The lower end of the push screw 3 is connected to the conical valve core head 17, and the flow opening is adjusted by the linear displacement of the valve core head 17.

[0039] When the drive motor 13 starts, its motor shaft 7 drives the output gear 8 to rotate synchronously. Since the output gear 8 and the transmission gear 9 mesh with each other, the rotation of the output gear 8 will directly drive the transmission gear 9 to rotate in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the transmission gear 9 and the threaded sleeve 6 are fixedly connected (such as by welding or keying), so the transmission gear 9 will drive the threaded sleeve 6 to rotate together.

[0040] In this device, the number of teeth on the output gear 8 is less than that on the transmission gear 9, forming a reduction transmission structure where a small gear drives a large gear. This structure can convert the high speed of the drive motor 13 into the low speed of the transmission gear 9 and the threaded sleeve 6. At the same time, based on the principle that the torque of gear transmission is inversely proportional to the speed, the output torque is significantly increased, ensuring stable operation of subsequent components. This solves the problem that the high speed and low torque of the drive motor cannot directly drive the valve core head for precise adjustment. Furthermore, through the synergistic effect of multi-stage transmission, the smoothness and accuracy of the valve core head movement are improved, avoiding adjustment jamming or displacement deviation caused by insufficient power. Specific Implementation Method Two:

[0042] Combination Figure 1 — Figure 3This embodiment describes a propane storage tank pressure control device, wherein the drive adjustment module further includes a support base 2, a sliding block 5, a guide rod 11, and a positioning block 12.

[0043] The support base 2 is fixed above the valve cover 1. The top of the sliding block 5 is fixedly connected to the push screw 3 through the transition plate 4. The bottom of the sliding block 5 is fixedly connected to the valve core head 17. The side of the sliding block 5 is fixedly connected to the positioning block 12. The guide rod 11 passes longitudinally through the hole of the positioning block 12. The top of the guide rod 11 is vertically connected to the support base 2. The positioning block 12 and the guide rod 11 cooperate to limit the displacement direction and stroke of the sliding block 5.

[0044] The threaded sleeve 6 has an internal thread that is precisely matched with the external thread of the push screw 3. When the threaded sleeve 6 rotates under the drive of the transmission gear 9, the rotational motion of the threaded sleeve 6 is converted into the linear motion of the push screw 3 through the thread engagement.

[0045] Meanwhile, the top of the push screw 3 is fixedly connected to the sliding block 5 through the transition plate 4. The positioning block 12 on the side of the sliding block 5 is slidably engaged with the longitudinally arranged guide rod 11. The guide rod 11 restricts the rotational freedom of the sliding block 5, thereby constraining the push screw 3 to only make linear displacement in the vertical direction, and finally driving the valve core head 17, which is fixedly connected to the bottom of the sliding block 5, to move vertically in sync, so as to achieve stable adjustment of the flow opening. Specific implementation method three:

[0047] Combination Figure 4 This embodiment describes a propane storage tank pressure control device, wherein the valve body sealing module includes a valve cover 1, a valve body 20, and a sealing groove 21.

[0048] The valve cover 1 is disposed above the valve body 20, and the valve cover 1 is sealed to the valve body 20 by bolt assembly 18. The valve body 20 has a hole for the valve core head 17, and at least two sealing grooves 21 are formed on the annular surface of the hole. Fluororubber seals are embedded in the sealing grooves 21. Specific implementation method four:

[0050] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment describes a propane storage tank pressure control device, wherein the flow monitoring module includes a flow chamber 22, an orifice plate 16, and an adjustment orifice 15.

[0051] The orifice plate 16 is fixed inside the flow chamber 22. An adjustment hole 15 is provided at the center of the orifice plate 16 and is located at the inlet end of the flow chamber 22. The conical valve core 17 is adapted to the adjustment hole 15 and the propane flow area is adjusted by changing the cone surface gap.

[0052] The orifice plate system acquires propane flow rate data in real time and quickly captures sudden flow changes. Its core principle is the real-time conversion and transmission of pressure difference signals, utilizing the orifice plate's throttling effect. The specific implementation process is clear and quantifiable, and the steps are as follows:

[0053] The orifice plate 16 is fixed inside the flow chamber 22. The diameter of the regulating hole 15 at its center is much smaller than the inner diameter of the flow chamber 22. When propane flows through the orifice plate 16 from the inlet end of the flow chamber, a throttling effect will occur due to the sudden reduction of the flow cross section. The propane flow rate will increase significantly at the regulating hole. According to Bernoulli's law of fluid mechanics, the increase in flow rate will be accompanied by a decrease in pressure.

[0054] The pressure difference between the orifice plate 16 and the flow chamber area upstream of the regulating orifice and the flow area downstream of the regulating orifice is linearly related to the actual flow rate of propane (the greater the flow rate, the greater the pressure difference; when the flow rate changes abruptly, the pressure difference will change abruptly in sync).

[0055] Two pressure detection points are preset in the upstream and downstream regions of the orifice plate 16 (although the detection element is not explicitly mentioned in this application, it is a standard supporting design for this structure, such as a miniature pressure sensor). The pressure sensor continuously collects the real-time pressure values ​​before and after the orifice plate and calculates the pressure difference between them. Since the response time of the pressure sensor is usually in the millisecond range (the industry standard is 10-50ms), when the propane flow rate changes rapidly due to factors such as a sudden increase in temperature or a sudden change in downstream demand, the pressure difference before and after the orifice plate 16 will change immediately. The pressure sensor can instantly capture this pressure difference change and achieve rapid identification of flow rate changes.

[0056] The pressure difference data collected by the pressure sensor is transmitted in real time to the control system of the servo motor of the drive adjustment module through an explosion-proof signal transmission line (suitable for flammable and explosive propane environments). The real-time pressure difference data is quickly converted into the actual flow rate of propane. The entire conversion and transmission process takes very little time (usually no more than 100ms), ensuring the real-time nature of the flow data and providing an immediate basis for subsequent valve core adjustment. Specific implementation method five:

[0058] Combination Figure 1 — Figure 7 This embodiment describes a propane storage tank pressure control device, wherein the flow monitoring module further includes an inlet connector 14 and an outlet connector 19.

[0059] The inlet connector 14 connects the propane storage tank and the flow chamber 22, and the outlet connector 19 connects the flow chamber 22 and the external pipeline to realize the control of propane inflow and outflow. Specific implementation method six:

[0061] Combination Figure 1 — Figure 3This embodiment describes a propane storage tank pressure control device, wherein the drive adjustment module further includes a bearing housing 10.

[0062] The bearing seat 10 is fixed on the support seat 2. The inner ring surface of the bearing seat 10 is connected to the threaded sleeve 6 to support the transmission gear 9, so that the threaded sleeve 6 drives the transmission gear 9 to rotate through the bearing seat 10. Specific implementation method seven:

[0064] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment describes a propane storage tank pressure control device. The drive motor 13 is an explosion-proof servo motor, and its output speed is linearly related to the displacement of the lead screw 3, thereby achieving precise control of the valve core head 17 opening.

[0065] The motor shaft 7 of the drive motor 13 drives the output gear 8, which meshes with the transmission gear 9 to drive the screw sleeve 6 to rotate, thereby driving the push screw 3 to make linear displacement. The lower end of the push screw 3 is connected to the conical valve core head 17, and the flow opening is adjusted by the linear displacement of the valve core head 17. Detailed implementation method eight:

[0067] Combination Figure 1 — Figure 7 This embodiment describes a propane storage tank pressure control device. The orifice plate 16 cooperates with the flow chamber 22 to collect propane flow data in real time, and forms a flow and pressure dual feedback regulation closed loop with the drive motor 13.

[0068] During initial operation, inlet connector 14 introduces propane from the propane storage tank into flow chamber 22, and outlet connector 19 connects to external pipelines, completing the propane inlet and outlet flow channels. The orifice plate in the flow monitoring module collects the propane flow rate data in the flow chamber in real time, and combines it with the pressure data in the storage tank to form a dual-parameter feedback signal of flow and pressure, which is transmitted to the explosion-proof servo motor of the drive regulation module.

[0069] After receiving the feedback signal, the drive motor 13 drives the output gear 8 to rotate through the motor shaft 7. The output gear 8 meshes with the transmission gear 9, which drives the fixedly connected threaded sleeve 6 to rotate. When the threaded sleeve 6 rotates, it pushes the push screw 3 to make linear displacement. The push screw 3 drives the sliding block 5 to move through the transition plate 4. The positioning block 12 on the side of the sliding block 5 cooperates with the guide rod 11 to ensure that the sliding block 5 moves along a fixed direction and stroke. The conical valve core head 17 connected to the bottom of the sliding block 5 moves synchronously with the sliding block 5. By changing the conical surface gap formed with the adjustment hole 15 at the center of the orifice plate 16, the propane flow area is adjusted, thereby accurately controlling the tank pressure.

[0070] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present utility model's technical solution. Any simple modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the present utility model's technical solution, based on the technical essence of the present utility model and within the spirit and principles of the present utility model, shall still fall within the protection scope of the present utility model's technical solution.

Claims

1. A pressure control device for a propane storage tank, characterized in that, Includes a drive regulation module, a valve body sealing module, and a flow monitoring module; The drive adjustment module includes a drive motor (13), a threaded sleeve (6), an output gear (8), a transmission gear (9), a push screw (3), and a valve core head (17). The drive motor (13) is connected to the output gear (8) through the motor shaft (7). The output gear (8) meshes with the transmission gear (9). The transmission gear (9) is fixedly connected to the thread sleeve (6). A valve core head (17) is installed below the push screw (3). The motor shaft (7) of the drive motor (13) drives the output gear (8), and the output gear (8) meshes with the transmission gear (9) to drive the screw sleeve (6) to rotate, thereby driving the push screw (3) to make linear displacement. The lower end of the push screw (3) is connected to the conical valve core head (17), and the flow opening is adjusted by the linear displacement of the valve core head (17).

2. The propane storage tank pressure control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive adjustment module also includes a support base (2), a sliding block (5), a guide rod (11), and a positioning block (12). The support base (2) is fixed above the valve cover (1). The top of the sliding block (5) is fixedly connected to the push screw (3) through the transition plate (4). The bottom of the sliding block (5) is fixedly connected to the valve core head (17). The side of the sliding block (5) is fixedly connected to the positioning block (12). The guide rod (11) passes through the hole of the positioning block (12) longitudinally. The top of the guide rod (11) is vertically connected to the support base (2). The positioning block (12) and the guide rod (11) cooperate to limit the displacement direction and stroke of the sliding block (5).

3. The propane storage tank pressure control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body sealing module includes a valve cover (1), a valve body (20), and a sealing groove (21). The valve cover (1) is located above the valve body (20), and the valve cover (1) is sealed to the valve body (20) by a bolt assembly (18). The valve body (20) has a hole for the valve core head (17) on its upper part, and at least two sealing grooves (21) are provided on the annular surface of the hole. Fluororubber seals are embedded in the sealing grooves (21).

4. The propane storage tank pressure control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow monitoring module includes a flow chamber (22), an orifice plate (16), and an adjustment hole (15). The orifice plate (16) is fixed inside the flow chamber (22). An adjustment hole (15) is provided at the center of the orifice plate (16) and the adjustment hole (15) is located at the inlet end of the flow chamber (22). The conical valve core (17) is adapted to the adjustment hole (15) and the propane flow area is adjusted by changing the cone surface gap.

5. The propane storage tank pressure control device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flow monitoring module also includes an inlet connector (14) and an outlet connector (19). The inlet connector (14) connects the propane storage tank and the flow chamber (22), and the outlet connector (19) connects the flow chamber (22) and the external pipeline to realize the control of propane inflow and outflow.

6. The propane storage tank pressure control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive adjustment module also includes a bearing housing (10). The bearing seat (10) is fixed on the support seat (2). The inner ring surface of the bearing seat (10) is connected to the threaded sleeve (6) to support the transmission gear (9) so that the threaded sleeve (6) drives the transmission gear (9) to rotate through the bearing seat (10).

7. The propane storage tank pressure control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive motor (13) is an explosion-proof servo motor, whose output speed is linearly related to the displacement of the lead screw (3), thereby achieving precise control of the valve core head (17) opening.

8. The propane storage tank pressure control device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The orifice plate (16) works in conjunction with the flow chamber (22) to collect propane flow data in real time, and forms a closed loop of flow and pressure dual feedback regulation with the drive motor (13).

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