Isolation window radar liquid level meter

Abstract

The utility model discloses an isolation window radar liquid level meter, including the connector and radar liquid level meter, and the connector bottom end is used for fixing on the jar body and with jar body inside intercommunication, and radar liquid level meter sets up on the connector still, including isolation window, and isolation window is fixed in the connector and is located the below of radar liquid level meter, and isolation window is made of the material quality of not absorbing and not reflecting radar wave, and the radar wave that radar liquid level meter sent downward passes through isolation window, and by the oil product liquid level reflection in jar body and passes through isolation window upward after, receive again by radar liquid level meter, for determining the oil product liquid level height in jar body. The utility model discloses through setting up isolation window in the connector, separates the steam in jar body and radar liquid level meter, prevents steam to condense into water bead or oil bead on the antenna of radar liquid level meter and produces the adverse effect to radar liquid level meter measurement data, the utility model prolongs the service life of liquid level meter antenna, and the safety is high when liquid level meter antenna maintenance dismounts and installs flange, does not contact with jar combustible gas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an isolation window radar level gauge, belonging to the field of radar level gauge detection for petrochemical oil tanks. Background Technology

[0002] Radar level gauges are commonly installed in hot oil tanks, residual oil tanks, and oil tanks used for scavenging to measure the liquid level inside the tank. A radar level gauge is an instrument that measures liquid level by emitting high-frequency electromagnetic waves and receiving the reflected echoes from the liquid surface. The antenna of the radar level gauge emits high-frequency electromagnetic waves, which propagate through space at the speed of light. When the electromagnetic waves encounter the liquid surface, they are reflected back. The antenna receives the reflected echo signal, and the instrument measures the time interval between the emission and reception of the electromagnetic wave. Based on the propagation speed of the electromagnetic wave and the time interval, the distance from the antenna to the liquid surface is calculated, thus obtaining the liquid level height. In existing technologies, radar level gauges are installed as disclosed in prior art 1, prior art 2, and prior art 3, which involves installing a short connecting pipe at the top of the tank and mounting the radar level gauge at the top of the short connecting pipe. For oil tanks that require steam heating coils to heat the medium, after the steam heating is turned on, the water in the oil vaporizes or there is hot oil vapor present. The water vapor accumulates and diffuses inside the tank, and condenses into water droplets or oil droplets on the surface of the radar level gauge antenna. This causes the level gauge measurement data to fluctuate, the measurement to fail, and the level gauge to malfunction. Currently, the only way to restore the level display is to replace the antenna after disassembling and installing the flange, or to temporarily clean the water droplets or oil droplets from the lower end of the antenna. This cannot fundamentally solve the problem. In addition, frequent disassembly and installation of the level gauge flange poses a greater operational risk for oil tanks with high sulfur content, as there is a safety risk of spontaneous combustion of ferrous sulfide. Improper operation can easily lead to a flash explosion safety accident in the oil tank.

[0003] Existing technology 1: Liu Bing, Measurement principle and application of radar level gauge, Guangzhou Chemical Industry, November 2012, Vol. 40, No. 21.

[0004] Existing technology 2: Zheng Juan, Application of fieldbus type radar level gauge in tank level detection, Petrochemical Automation, March 2023, Vol. 59, No. 2.

[0005] Prior art 3: Publication document of German invention patent application with publication number DE102012003398B4. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an isolation window radar level gauge, which solves the technical defect in the prior art where vapor diffuses inside the tank and condenses into water droplets or oil droplets on the surface of the radar level gauge antenna, thus affecting the radar level gauge measurement data.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: an isolation window radar level gauge, including a connecting pipe and a radar level gauge. The bottom end of the connecting pipe is used to fix it to the tank body and communicate with the inside of the tank body. The radar level gauge is set on the connecting pipe. It also includes an isolation window, which is fixed inside the connecting pipe and located below the radar level gauge. The isolation window is made of a material that does not absorb or reflect radar waves. The radar waves emitted by the radar level gauge pass downward through the isolation window, are reflected by the oil surface in the tank body, pass upward through the isolation window, and are then received by the radar level gauge to determine the oil level height in the tank body. This invention separates the vapor in the tank from the radar level gauge by installing an isolation window inside the pipe. This prevents the vapor from condensing into water or oil droplets on the radar level gauge antenna, thus avoiding any adverse effects on the radar level gauge measurement data. Since the isolation window material does not absorb or reflect radar waves, the radar waves emitted by the radar level gauge antenna can pass through the isolation window without obstruction and obtain accurate liquid level data in the tank. This invention extends the service life of the radar level gauge antenna. In addition, the radar level gauge antenna is highly safe during maintenance, disassembly, and flange installation, as it does not come into contact with flammable gases inside the tank.

[0008] As a further improvement of this utility model, the connecting pipe includes an upper connecting pipe unit and a lower connecting pipe unit. The lower end of the lower connecting pipe unit is fixed to the tank body, and the radar level gauge is installed on the top of the upper connecting pipe unit. The lower end of the upper connecting pipe unit is connected to the upper end of the lower connecting pipe unit. An isolation window is set at the connection between the upper and lower connecting pipe units and is clamped and fixed by the upper and lower connecting pipe units. The connecting pipe in this utility model consists of two parts: an upper connecting pipe unit and a lower connecting pipe unit. Setting the isolation window at the connection between the upper and lower connecting pipe units facilitates the installation and fixing of the isolation window.

[0009] As a further improvement of this utility model, the upper connecting pipe unit and the lower connecting pipe unit are connected by flanges, and the isolation window has annular protrusions facing outwards, which press against the upper connecting pipe unit and the lower connecting pipe unit. This utility model uses a flange connection to connect the upper connecting pipe unit and the lower connecting pipe unit, and the annular protrusions on the isolation window are clamped between the flanges of the upper connecting unit and the lower connecting unit, which further facilitates the connection between the upper connecting pipe unit and the lower connecting pipe unit and the fixation of the isolation window.

[0010] As a further improvement of this utility model, the bottom of the isolation window is concave upwards to form a concave surface, which is used to guide water vapor or oil droplets formed by evaporation from the oil in the surrounding area during use, and allow them to drip downwards from the perimeter of the isolation window into the tank. By providing a concave surface at the bottom of the isolation window, the vapor in the tank, after encountering the isolation window and condensing into water or oil droplets, can promptly flow downwards along the concave surface and drip back into the tank from the bottom of the isolation window, preventing water or oil droplets from adhering to the isolation window and affecting the measurement accuracy of the radar level gauge.

[0011] As a further improvement of this invention, the isolation window is made of Teflon material. Teflon material does not absorb or reflect radar waves, thus it does not obstruct the propagation of radar waves. This allows radar waves to smoothly enter the oil surface and be reflected back to the radar level gauge antenna, ensuring accurate measurement of the oil level data within the tank.

[0012] As a further improvement of this utility model, a first and a second annular gasket are respectively provided between the annular protrusion and the upper connecting pipe unit and the lower connecting pipe unit. This invention ensures the airtightness of the connection between the connecting pipe and the isolation window by providing gaskets on both the upper and lower sides of the annular protrusion.

[0013] As a further improvement of this utility model, a reinforcing ring is fixed to the lower part of the connecting pipe, and the reinforcing ring is attached and fixed to the outer surface of the tank. This utility model increases the connection strength between the connecting pipe and the tank by setting the reinforcing ring to fix them together.

[0014] As a further improvement of this utility model, a flange cover is provided on the top of the upper pipe unit. A through hole is provided on the flange cover, through which the radar level gauge passes and is fixed. The antenna of the radar level gauge is located inside the pipe. This utility model facilitates the installation of the radar level gauge by providing a flange cover on the upper pipe unit and mounting the radar level gauge on the flange cover.

[0015] As a further improvement of this invention, there is a distance between the centerline of the through hole and the centerline of the flange cover. In this invention, the through hole for installing the radar level gauge is eccentrically positioned with the flange cover, which cooperates with the eccentric installation of the radar level gauge antenna, reducing the inner and outer diameters of the connecting pipe and reducing the space occupied by this invention.

[0016] As a further improvement of this utility model, a third gasket is provided between the flange cover and the connecting pipe. This utility model improves the sealing performance at the connection between the flange cover and the connecting pipe by providing a third gasket.

[0017] In summary, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model installs an isolation window made of Teflon material below the radar level gauge antenna. Teflon does not absorb radar waves, allowing radar waves to penetrate the isolation window. The concave structure at the bottom of the isolation window acts as a hydrophobic barrier, guiding water vapor or hot oil vapor from the oil to drip around the isolation window, preventing the formation of water or oil films on the antenna surface and the isolation window. This eliminates the influence of hot oil vapor or water vapor on the radar level gauge antenna, protecting it, ensuring stable operation of the level gauge, and significantly extending its service life. This utility model has a simple structure, good operational stability of the level gauge, and convenient disassembly, assembly, inspection, and maintenance of the level gauge and antenna. It also reduces the safety risks of oil vapor evaporation or air entering the tank during disassembly and assembly. This utility model ensures stable operation of the radar level gauge, preventing oil overflow, accidental triggering of interlocks leading to pressure buildup, and other safety and environmental accidents. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0019] The components are: 1. Connecting pipe; 2. Radar level gauge; 3. Tank body; 4. Isolation window; 5. Upper connecting pipe unit; 6. Lower connecting pipe unit; 7. Annular protrusion; 8. Concave surface; 9. First gasket; 10. Second gasket; 11. Reinforcing ring; 12. Flange cover; 13. Third gasket; 14. First connecting flange; 15. Second connecting flange; 16. First screw; 17. First nut; 18. Third connecting flange; 19. Fastening nut; 20. Second screw; 21. Second nut; 22. Antenna. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] like Figure 1The aforementioned isolation window radar level gauge includes a connecting pipe 1, a radar level gauge 2, and an isolation window 4. The connecting pipe 1 is a circular tube, and its bottom end extends into the tank body 3 and is welded and fixed to the tank body 3 during use. The connecting pipe 1 communicates with the interior of the tank body 3. The radar level gauge 2 is installed on the connecting pipe 1. The isolation window 4 is fixed inside the connecting pipe 1 and is located below the radar level gauge 2. The isolation window 4 is made of a material that does not absorb or reflect radar waves. In this invention, the isolation window 4 is made of Teflon material. When radar waves pass through the isolation window 4, because the Teflon material does not absorb or reflect radar waves, the radar... Radar waves can pass through the isolation window 4 without obstruction, while water droplets and oil droplets cannot pass through the isolation window 4. The radar waves emitted by the radar level gauge 2 pass downward through the isolation window 4, are reflected by the oil surface inside the tank 3, and then pass upward through the isolation window 4 before being received by the radar level gauge 2. The time from the radar level gauge 2 emitting the radar wave to receiving the radar wave, as well as the propagation speed of the radar wave, can determine the oil level height inside the tank 3. The radar level gauge 2's determination of the oil level height is existing technology. The improvement of this utility model is that the isolation window 4 is set to prevent water droplets and oil droplets inside the tank from affecting the radar level gauge 1.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, to facilitate the fixing of the isolation window 4 inside the connecting pipe 1, the connecting pipe 1 is configured to include an upper connecting pipe unit 5 and a lower connecting pipe unit 6. The length of the upper connecting pipe unit 5 is shorter than the length of the lower connecting pipe unit 6. The length of the upper connecting pipe unit 5 is 200-400mm, and the length of the lower connecting pipe unit 6 is 300-500mm. The lower end of the lower connecting pipe unit 6 extends into the tank body 3 and is welded and fixed to the tank body 3. The lower connecting pipe unit 6 extends into the tank body 3 by 100-250mm. The radar level gauge 2 is installed at the top of the upper connecting pipe unit 5. The lower end of the upper connecting pipe unit 5 is connected to the upper end of the lower connecting pipe unit 6. The isolation window 4 is set at the connection between the upper connecting pipe unit 5 and the lower connecting pipe unit 6 and is clamped and fixed by the upper connecting pipe unit 5 and the lower connecting pipe unit 6. In order to improve the connection strength and sealing performance between the connecting pipe 1 and the tank body 3, a reinforcing ring 11 is welded and fixed to the lower part of the lower connecting pipe unit 6 of the connecting pipe 1. The reinforcing ring 11 is attached to the outer surface of the tank body 3 and welded and fixed.

[0023] like Figure 1As shown, the present invention has a first connecting flange 14 at the bottom of the upper connecting pipe unit 5 and a second connecting flange 15 at the top of the lower connecting pipe unit 6. The first connecting flange 14 and the second connecting flange 15 are detachably connected by multiple first screws 16 and first nuts 17 on the first screws 16. The first connecting flange 14 and the second connecting flange 15 are both horizontal. The present invention has an annular protrusion 7 at the top of the isolation window 4 facing outwards. The diameter of the isolation window 4 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the lower connecting pipe unit 6 to facilitate the installation of the isolation window 4 in the lower connecting pipe unit 6. The annular protrusion 7 is pressed between the first connecting flange 14 of the upper connecting pipe unit 5 and the second connecting flange 15 of the lower connecting pipe unit 6. By fixing the annular protrusion 7, the entire isolation window 4 is fixed in the pipe 1. This invention features a concave surface 8 formed at the bottom of the isolation window 4. This concave surface 8 is a spherical concave surface, designed to guide water vapor or oil droplets formed from the volatilization of the oil in the surrounding area during use, allowing them to drip downwards from the perimeter of the isolation window 4 into the tank 3. During use, the high temperature inside the tank 3 causes the oil or water to vaporize and condense into oil or water droplets upon encountering the isolation window 4. These droplets flow along the concave surface 8 towards the bottom edge of the isolation window 4 and drip back into the tank 3, preventing oil or water droplets from adhering to the isolation window 4 and affecting the accuracy of the radar level gauge 2 in measuring the liquid level in the tank 3. To improve the sealing of the connection between the upper connecting pipe unit 5, the lower connecting pipe unit 6, and the isolation window 4, this invention provides an annular first gasket 9 and a second gasket 10 between the annular protrusion 7 and the upper connecting pipe unit 5 and the lower connecting pipe unit 1, respectively.

[0024] like Figure 1As shown, this utility model has a third connecting flange 18 on the top of the upper pipe unit 5, and a flange cover 12 detachably connected to the third connecting flange 18. Both the third connecting flange 18 and the flange cover 12 are horizontal. A through hole is provided on the flange cover 12, penetrating its upper and lower surfaces. The diameter of the through hole is 45-65mm. The radar level gauge 2 passes through the through hole on the flange cover 12 and is fixed to the flange cover 12. In this utility model, the radar level gauge 2 is provided with a fastening nut 19 on each of the upper and lower sides of the flange cover 12, which is threaded together. The two fastening nuts 19 clamp the radar level gauge 2 onto the flange cover 12. The antenna 22 of the radar level gauge 2 is located inside the pipe 1. In this utility model, the center line of the through hole on the flange cover 12 for installing the radar level gauge 2 is 40-70mm away from the center line of the flange cover 12. That is, the through hole is eccentrically set on the flange cover 12, which is adapted to the installation of the antenna 22 of the radar level gauge 2. In this utility model, the flange cover 12 is detachably installed on the top of the upper pipe unit 5 by multiple second screws 20 passing through the third connecting flange 18 and the flange cover 12, and a second nut 21 threadedly engaged with the second screws 20. In order to enhance the sealing of the connection between the flange cover 12 and the pipe 1, this utility model provides a third gasket 13 between the flange cover 12 and the third connecting flange 18 at the top of the upper pipe unit 5.

[0025] This invention features an isolation window 4 installed at the lower end of the antenna 22 of the radar level gauge 2. This effectively isolates hot oil vapor or water vapor, allowing it to accumulate only below the isolation window 4 and preventing it from contacting the surface of the antenna 22. This protects the antenna 22 and ensures stable operation of the radar level gauge 2. During oil receiving and discharging operations, the addition of the Teflon isolation window 4 at the lower end of the antenna 22 of the radar level gauge 2 ensures that the Teflon material does not absorb radar waves, allowing them to penetrate. The concave structure at the bottom of the isolation window 4 acts as a hydrophobic barrier, guiding water vapor or oil droplets from the oil to drip off, preventing the formation of water or oil film on the lower surface of the antenna 22 and the isolation window 4. This eliminates the impact of hot oil vapor or water vapor on the antenna 22, protecting it, ensuring stable operation of the radar level gauge 2, and significantly extending its service life. In addition, the radar level gauge 2 and its antenna 22 are easy to disassemble, install, inspect and maintain, and reduce the safety risks of oil and gas volatilization and air entering the tank during disassembly and installation.

[0026] Unless otherwise specified in the above description, all parts are existing technology or can be implemented using existing technology. Furthermore, the specific embodiments described in this utility model are merely preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. That is, all equivalent changes and modifications made within the scope of this utility model patent should be considered within the technical scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A radar level gauge with an isolation window, comprising a connecting pipe (1) and a radar level gauge (2), wherein the bottom end of the connecting pipe (1) is fixed to a tank (3) and communicates with the interior of the tank (3), and the radar level gauge (2) is disposed on the connecting pipe (1), characterized in that, It also includes an isolation window (4), which is fixed inside the pipe (1) and located below the radar level gauge (2). The isolation window (4) is made of a material that does not absorb or reflect radar waves. The radar waves emitted by the radar level gauge (2) pass downward through the isolation window (4), are reflected by the oil surface in the tank (3), pass upward through the isolation window (4), and are then received by the radar level gauge (2) to determine the oil level height in the tank (3).

2. The isolation window radar level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector (1) includes an upper connector unit (5) and a lower connector unit (6). The lower end of the lower connector unit (6) is fixed to the tank body (3). The radar level gauge (2) is installed on the top of the upper connector unit (5). The lower end of the upper connector unit (5) is connected to the upper end of the lower connector unit (6). The isolation window (4) is set at the connection between the upper connector unit (5) and the lower connector unit (6) and is clamped and fixed by the upper connector unit (5) and the lower connector unit (6).

3. The isolation window radar level gauge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper pipe unit (5) and the lower pipe unit (6) are connected by flanges. The isolation window (4) is provided with annular protrusions (7) facing all directions. The annular protrusions (7) are pressed between the upper pipe unit (5) and the lower pipe unit (6).

4. The isolation window radar level gauge according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The bottom of the isolation window (4) is recessed upward to form a concave surface (8), which is used to guide the water vapor or oil droplets formed by the volatilization of the oil in the surrounding area during use and drip them down from the surrounding area of ​​the isolation window (4) into the tank (3).

5. The isolation window radar level gauge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The isolation window (4) is made of Teflon.

6. The isolation window radar level gauge according to claim 3, characterized in that, A first annular gasket (9) and a second annular gasket (10) are respectively provided between the annular protrusion (7) and the upper pipe unit (5) and the lower connecting pipe (1) unit.

7. The isolation window radar level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, A reinforcing ring (11) is fixed at the lower part of the connector (1), and the reinforcing ring (11) is attached to and fixed to the outer surface of the tank body (3).

8. The isolation window radar level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the upper pipe unit (5) is provided with a flange cover (12), and a through hole is provided on the flange cover (12). The radar level gauge (2) passes through the flange cover (12) and is fixed to the flange cover (12). The antenna (22) of the radar level gauge (2) is located inside the pipe (1).

9. The isolation window radar level gauge according to claim 8, characterized in that, There is a distance between the centerline of the through hole and the centerline of the flange cover (12).

10. The isolation window radar level gauge according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, A third gasket (13) is provided between the flange cover (12) and the pipe (1).

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