Slurry storage and transfer system and scale removal method thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a slurry storage and transfer system comprising: a slurry tank; a slurry pipe communicating with the discharge end of the slurry tank; a thickness sensor provided on the inner wall of one of the slurry tank or slurry pipes, which detects the scale thickness on the corresponding inner wall and outputs thickness data; a first cleaning liquid tank communicating with the slurry tank or slurry pipe corresponding to the thickness sensor, which stores a first cleaning liquid; a second cleaning liquid tank communicating with the slurry tank or slurry pipe corresponding to the thickness sensor, which stores a second cleaning liquid, wherein the scale removal effectiveness of the second cleaning liquid is greater than that of the first cleaning liquid; and a controller that receives thickness data from the thickness sensor and controls the first cleaning liquid tank to discharge the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid tank to discharge the second cleaning liquid based on the thickness data. The slurry storage and transfer system has a high scale removal effect, is fully automated, and is suitable for large-scale industrial production applications. The present invention further includes a scale removal method based on the slurry storage and transfer system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of battery manufacturing, and more specifically, particularly relates to a slurry storage and transfer system in battery manufacturing and a method for removing its scale.

Background Art

[0002] With the development of science and technology, the application of electronic devices has become increasingly widespread, and particularly the application scenarios of mobile electronic devices have become increasingly rich. Almost all mobile electronic devices require a battery, and research and development on battery technology have received increasing attention. Battery manufacturing technology is the core of the industry.

[0003] Taking lithium iron phosphate battery as an example of a general battery, it has excellent cycle performance, high safety, no environmental pollution, and has become the mainstream of the current new energy industry. In the currently disclosed prior art, the production of lithium iron phosphate is mainly divided into high-temperature solid-phase method, carbon thermal reduction method and hydrothermal method. The high-temperature solid-phase method has uneven phases, and the hydrothermal method requires high-temperature and high-pressure equipment with high equipment costs. Currently, in mass production, lithium iron phosphate is mainly produced by the carbon thermal reduction method.

[0004] In the conventional process, in the slurry stages of premixing, grinding and spraying, it is easy to form scale in places such as slurry pipes and tanks. The balance of the elemental composition ratio of the materials in the scale is disrupted, and the scale is easily mixed into the slurry to generate magnetic substances. The degree of automation is insufficient, the pipes and tanks are difficult to clean, and cleaning by high-pressure water guns and manual scraping of the walls are required. There are defects and deficiencies such as risks when manually entering the tank to clean the dirt.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In view of the above, the present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems that exist in the prior art. Therefore, the present invention provides a slurry storage and transfer system and a method for removing scale therefrom. According to the slurry storage and transfer system of the present invention, it is possible to automatically and intelligently avoid scale on the inner walls of slurry equipment and to further avoid adverse effects on the stability of slurry components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the slurry storage and transfer system according to the embodiment of the present invention is At least one slurry tank, At least one slurry pipe communicating with the discharge end of the slurry tank, At least one thickness sensor provided on the inner wall of one of the slurry tank or slurry piping, which detects the thickness of the scale on the corresponding inner wall and outputs thickness data, A first cleaning liquid tank, which stores the first cleaning liquid, is connected to the slurry tank or slurry piping corresponding to the thickness sensor, A second cleaning fluid tank, which stores a second cleaning fluid and is connected to the slurry tank or slurry piping corresponding to the thickness sensor, wherein the scale removal effect of the second cleaning fluid is greater than that of the first cleaning fluid, The system includes a controller that receives thickness data from the thickness sensor and controls the first cleaning fluid tank to dispense the first cleaning fluid or the second cleaning fluid tank to dispense the second cleaning fluid based on the thickness data.

[0007] Preferably, the slurry storage and transfer system further includes a movable annular sprayer provided in the slurry tank, the thickness sensor provided in the inner wall of the slurry tank, and the movable annular sprayer receives the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid and is controlled by the controller.

[0008] Preferably, the first cleaning fluid tank is supplied with the first cleaning fluid by a first valve, the second cleaning fluid tank is supplied with the second cleaning fluid by a second valve, the first and second cleaning fluids are connected to the movable annular sprayer, the first and second cleaning fluids are connected to the slurry piping by a third valve, and the first, second and third valves are controlled by the controller.

[0009] Preferably, the slurry storage and transfer system further includes a weight sensor located at the bottom of the slurry tank, which detects the weight of the corresponding slurry tank and outputs weight data, and the controller receives the weight data from the weight sensor and controls the thickness sensor to start detection based on the weight data.

[0010] Preferably, the system further includes a fouling discharge pipe, the fouling discharge pipe being connected to the slurry pipe by a fourth valve, and the fourth valve being controlled by the controller.

[0011] Preferably, at least two thickness sensors are provided in the slurry piping, spaced apart from the proximal end to the distal end of the slurry piping relative to the slurry tank.

[0012] Preferably, the slurry tank includes a first tank and a second tank, and the slurry piping includes a first movable pipe communicating with the discharge end of the first tank and the inlet end of the second tank.

[0013] Preferably, the first tank is a pre-mixing tank, the second tank is a sand mill tank, the slurry tank further includes a spray slurry buffer tank, the slurry piping further includes a second moving pipe, the first moving pipe communicates with the discharge end of the pre-mixing tank and the inlet end of the sand mill tank, and the second moving pipe communicates with the discharge end of the sand mill tank and the inlet end of the spray slurry buffer tank.

[0014] Preferably, the system further includes a spray dryer, and the slurry piping further includes a third movable pipe communicating with the discharge end of the spray slurry buffer tank and the inlet end of the spray dryer.

[0015] Preferably, the first cleaning solution contains clean water, and the second cleaning solution contains at least one of oxalic acid, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid, preferably the second cleaning solution contains oxalic acid.

[0016] In the second embodiment, the scale removal method for the slurry storage and transfer system according to the first embodiment, according to an embodiment of the present invention, Step S1 involves detecting scale thickness data on the inner wall of a slurry tank or detecting scale thickness data on the inner wall of a slurry pipe. Step S2 determines whether the thickness data exceeds a predetermined value, If so, step S3 is performed by discharging the first cleaning solution to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry piping, and then repeating steps S1 and S2. Step S4 includes, if it is repeatedly determined that the thickness data exceeds the predetermined value, a second cleaning solution is sent to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry piping, wherein the scale removal effect of the second cleaning solution is greater than that of the first cleaning solution.

[0017] In the third embodiment, the scale removal method for the slurry storage and transfer system according to the first embodiment, according to an embodiment of the present invention, Step S1' involves detecting the first thickness data of the scale on the inner wall of the slurry tank, Step S2' is to determine whether the first thickness data exceeds a first predetermined value, If so, step S3' is performed by dispensing the first cleaning solution to clean the corresponding slurry tank and repeating steps S1' and S2'. When it is repeatedly determined that the first thickness data exceeds the first predetermined value, step S4' of sending out a second cleaning liquid to clean the slurry tank, wherein the scale removal efficacy of the second cleaning liquid is greater than that of the first cleaning liquid, step S4'. Step S5' of detecting second thickness data of the scale on the inner wall of the slurry pipe. Step S6' of determining whether the second thickness data exceeds a second predetermined value. If so, step S7' of sending out a first cleaning liquid to clean the slurry pipe and executing step S5' and step S6' again. When it is repeatedly determined that the second thickness data exceeds the second predetermined value, step S8' of sending out a second cleaning liquid to clean the slurry pipe is included.

[0018] Preferably, it includes the step of repeatedly executing step S5', step S6', step S7' and step S8' at least twice. In each repeated execution process, in step S5', second thickness data of the scale at different positions on the inner wall of the slurry pipe is detected. Preferably, regarding the order of repeated execution, it is executed from a far position to a near position based on the distance between the slurry pipe and the slurry tank.

[0019] Preferably, before step S1 or step S1'. Step S0 of detecting the weight data of the slurry tank to calculate the weight change data, determining whether the weight change data exceeds a predetermined change value, and if so, executing step S1 or step S1' is further included.

[0020] Preferably, in step S3, step S3' or step S7', the step of sending out a first cleaning liquid to clean the slurry pipe specifically includes the step of sending out a first cleaning liquid to clean the corresponding slurry tank or the slurry pipe multiple times.

[0021] Preferably, in the step S4, the step S4', or the step S8', when it is repeatedly determined that the thickness data exceeds the predetermined value, the step of discharging the second cleaning liquid to clean the slurry tank specifically includes: when it is repeatedly determined that the thickness data exceeds the predetermined value, the step of discharging the second cleaning liquid to clean the slurry tank until it is detected that the scale thickness data is smaller than the predetermined value.

[0022] In the fourth aspect, further, the scale removal method of the slurry storage and transfer system according to the first aspect according to an embodiment of the present invention is step S1'' of detecting the thickness data of the scale on the inner wall of the slurry tank or detecting the thickness data of the scale on the inner wall of the slurry pipe, and step S2'' of determining whether the thickness data exceeds a predetermined value, and if so, discharging the first cleaning liquid to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry pipe, and repeatedly executing step S1'' and step S2'' until it is determined that the thickness data does not exceed the predetermined value, or repeatedly executing step S1'' and step S2'' a predetermined number of times, and step S3'' of determining that the thickness data still exceeds the predetermined value, and if so, step S4'' of discharging the second cleaning liquid to clean the corresponding slurry tank or the slurry pipe, wherein the scale removal effect of the second cleaning liquid is greater than that of the first cleaning liquid.

Effect of the Invention

[0023] The slurry storage and transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention has a simple structure, detects the scale thickness on the inner wall of a slurry tank or slurry pipe, automatically controls the cleaning operation, and cleans the slurry tank or slurry pipe using a first cleaning solution and a second cleaning solution with different cleaning efficacy, thereby achieving a high scale removal effect and fully automated control, saving resources, being suitable for large-scale applications, reducing costs in production and manufacturing, and increasing effectiveness. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a slurry storage and transfer system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a slurry storage and transfer system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a slurry storage and transfer system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of a scale removal method for a slurry storage and transfer system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of a scale removal method for a slurry storage and transfer system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart of a scale removal method for a slurry storage and transfer system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, and the examples of the embodiments are shown in the drawings. Throughout, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts or parts having the same or similar function. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are illustrative and should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0026] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples to realize different structures of the present invention. For the sake of simplicity in the disclosure of the present invention, the components and arrangements of specific examples are described below. Naturally, these are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention may use repeated reference numerals and / or reference letters in different examples. Such repetition is for the purpose of simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate relationships between the various embodiments and / or arrangements considered. Furthermore, the present invention provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but those skilled in the art will be aware of the applicability of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the slurry storage and transfer system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is At least one slurry tank 10, At least one slurry pipe 20 communicating with the discharge end of the slurry tank 10, At least one thickness sensor 30 is provided on the inner wall of one of the slurry tank 10 or the slurry pipe 20, and detects the thickness of the scale on the corresponding inner wall and outputs thickness data, A first cleaning liquid tank 40, which stores the first cleaning liquid, is connected to the slurry tank 10 or slurry piping 20 corresponding to the thickness sensor 30, A second cleaning fluid tank 50, which stores a second cleaning fluid and is connected to the slurry tank 10 or slurry piping 20 corresponding to the thickness sensor 30, wherein the scale removal effect of the second cleaning fluid is greater than that of the first cleaning fluid, The system includes a controller (not shown) that receives thickness data from the thickness sensor 30 and controls the first cleaning fluid tank 40 to dispense the first cleaning fluid or the second cleaning fluid tank 50 to dispense the second cleaning fluid based on the thickness data.

[0028] In this embodiment, the slurry tank 10 stores slurry or performs a process flow. During this process, the slurry forms a certain amount of scale on the inner wall of the slurry tank 10. When the thickness of the structure reaches a certain level, the scale may detach and mix with the new slurry during subsequent storage and process flows, altering the elemental composition ratio of the new slurry and further affecting the normal progress of the process flow. Similarly, the slurry piping 20 is a path that moves slurry that has completed a process flow in the slurry tank 10 to the next process step. The inner wall of the slurry piping 20 also experiences a similar scaling problem as the inner wall of the slurry tank 10. In this embodiment, a thickness sensor 30 detects the thickness data of the scale, and based on the state of the thickness data, it automatically controls the cleaning of the scaled areas using a first cleaning solution and a second cleaning solution with different efficacy levels, thereby realizing an effective automated scale removal function. In this embodiment, the thickness sensor 30 specifically uses an infrared detection sensor to identify the thickness of the scale on the inner wall using infrared light and provides immediate feedback.

[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the thickness sensor 30 includes a first thickness sensor 31 provided on the inner wall of the slurry tank 10, and the slurry storage and transfer system 100 further includes a movable annular sprayer 60 provided on the slurry tank 10, the movable annular sprayer 60 receiving the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid and being controlled by the controller. In this embodiment, a movable annular sprayer 60 suitable for cleaning the slurry tank 10 is provided in response to a cleaning command, and upon receiving a cleaning command, the movable annular sprayer 60 discharges the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid, moves up and down inside the slurry tank 10, and thoroughly and completely cleans the inner wall of the slurry tank 10.

[0030] Furthermore, the first cleaning fluid tank 40 delivers the first cleaning fluid via the first valve 101, the second cleaning fluid tank 50 delivers the second cleaning fluid via the second valve 102, the first and second cleaning fluids communicate with the movable annular sprayer 60, the first and second cleaning fluids communicate with the slurry piping 20 via the third valve 103, and the first valve 101, second valve 102, and third valve 103 are controlled by the controller. In this embodiment, by providing the first valve 101, second valve 102, and third valve 103, all controlled by the controller, automatic control of the delivery of the first or second cleaning fluid during the cleaning operation is achieved.

[0031] Furthermore, the slurry storage and transfer system 100 further includes a weight sensor 70 provided at the bottom of the slurry tank 10, which detects the weight of the corresponding slurry tank 10 and outputs weight data. The controller receives the weight data from the weight sensor 70 and controls the thickness sensor 30 based on the weight data to start detection. In this embodiment, weight detection is performed on the slurry tank 10, specifically, weight change detection is performed on the slurry tank 10. For example, when the weight change from two weight detections reaches the weight of the process transfer slurry, it indicates that the slurry tank 10 has sequentially completed the slurry transfer. This is a favorable timing for detection and scale removal, and does not affect the slurry process flow.

[0032] Furthermore, the slurry storage and transfer system 100 further includes a fouling discharge pipe 80, which communicates with the slurry pipe 20 via a fourth valve 104, and the fourth valve 104 is controlled by the controller. In this embodiment, during the process of controlling the slurry tank 10 or slurry pipe 20 to be cleaned, the first or second cleaning liquid after cleaning is discharged through the fouling discharge pipe 80. Specifically, the fouling discharge pipe 80 is configured in two parts: one is provided at a discharge end close to the slurry tank 10 to discharge waste liquid used to clean the slurry tank 10, and the other is provided at one end of the slurry pipe 20 away from the slurry tank 10 to discharge waste liquid used to clean the slurry pipe 20.

[0033] Furthermore, the thickness sensor 30 includes a second thickness sensor 32 provided in the slurry piping 20. The second thickness sensor 32 is configured to have at least two sensors, spaced apart from the proximal end to the distal end of the slurry piping 20 relative to the slurry tank 10. In this embodiment, the slurry piping 20 generally has a fixed length, and the degree of slurry scale differs at different length positions. For example, the second thickness sensor 32 at the distal end is preferentially activated to automatically clean the piping, and in this process, cleaning of the proximal end is completed simultaneously. Theoretically, activating and operating the second thickness sensor 32 at the proximal end after the operation of the second thickness sensor 32 at the distal end is completed, and performing detection and cleaning on the distal end, is equivalent to cleaning the proximal end. Therefore, the thickness data detected by the second thickness sensor 32 at the proximal end may correspond to operations where cleaning is not necessary due to the large size of the sensor. Another scenario is that if the second thickness sensor 32 at the distal end is activated and it is detected that cleaning is not necessary at the distal end, this does not mean that cleaning is not necessary at the proximal end. In this case, the second thickness sensor 42 at the proximal end must be activated to detect the thickness, and the corresponding cleaning operation must be performed based on the detected thickness data to ensure the overall scale removal effect.

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the slurry tank 10 of the slurry storage and transfer system 100 includes a first tank 11 and a second tank 12, the slurry piping 20 includes a first transfer piping 21, and the first transfer piping 21 communicates with the discharge end of the first tank 11 and the inlet end of the second tank 12. In this embodiment, the slurry storage and transfer system 100 includes the first tank 11, the second tank 12, and the first transfer piping 21 connecting the first tank 11 and the second tank 12, realizing two slurry process flows and corresponding slurry transfers, and based on this, further realizing automated scale removal of equipment. In this embodiment, the first thickness sensor 31 of the thickness sensor 30 is provided corresponding to the inner walls of the first tank 11 and the second tank 12, and the second thickness sensor 32 of the thickness sensor 30 is provided corresponding to the inner wall of the first transfer piping 21.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the first tank 11 is a pre-mixing tank, the second tank 12 is a sand mill tank, the slurry tank 10 further includes a spray slurry buffer tank 13, the slurry piping 20 further includes a second moving pipe 22, the first moving pipe 21 communicates with the outlet end of the pre-mixing tank and the inlet end of the sand mill tank, and the second moving pipe 22 communicates with the outlet end of the sand mill tank and the inlet end of the spray slurry buffer tank 13. In this embodiment, the slurry storage and moving system 100 specifically includes a pre-mixing tank, a sand mill tank and a spray slurry buffer tank 13, and accordingly realizes a slurry process of pre-mixing, sand milling and spray slurry storage, and based on this, further realizes automated scale removal of the equipment. In this embodiment, the first thickness sensor 31 of the thickness sensor 30 is provided corresponding to the inner walls of the pre-mixing tank, the sand mill tank, and the spray slurry buffer tank 13, and the second thickness sensor 32 of the thickness sensor 30 is provided corresponding to the inner walls of the first movable pipe 21 and the second movable pipe 22.

[0036] Furthermore, the slurry storage and transfer system 100 further includes a spray dryer 95, and the slurry piping 20 further includes a third transfer piping 23, the third transfer piping 23 communicating with the outlet end of the spray slurry buffer tank 13 and the inlet end of the spray dryer 95. In this embodiment, the slurry storage and transfer system 100 specifically includes a pre-mixing tank, a sand mill tank, a spray slurry buffer tank 13 and a spray dryer 95, and accordingly realizes a process flow of pre-mixing, sand milling and spray slurry storage and spray drying, and based on this, further realizes automated scale removal of the equipment. In this embodiment, the first thickness sensor 31 of the thickness sensor 30 is provided corresponding to the inner walls of the pre-mixing tank, the sand mill tank and the spray slurry buffer tank 13, and the second thickness sensor 32 of the thickness sensor 30 is provided corresponding to the inner walls of the first transfer piping 21, the second transfer piping 22 and the third transfer piping 23.

[0037] In the slurry storage and transfer system described above, during the slurry transfer process, after the pre-mixing tank, the slurry is transferred to the sand mill tank via slurry piping 20 using a homogenizing pump, after the sand mill tank, the slurry is transferred to the spray slurry buffer tank 13 via slurry piping 20 using a pneumatic diaphragm pump, and after the spray slurry buffer tank 13, the slurry is transferred to the spray dryer 95 via slurry piping 20 using a pneumatic diaphragm pump.

[0038] The following describes the operation flow of the slurry storage and transfer system 100 in this embodiment.

[0039] After the batch of materials is put into the pre-mixing tank and pre-mixing is completed, the slurry is transferred to the sand mill tank. That is, when the weight of the pre-mixing tank is measured and it is found to be lower than a set weight (indicating that the transfer of materials for that batch is complete), the scale thickness sensor 31 for the inner wall of the tank is preferentially activated. After the detection value of the scale thickness sensor 31 for the inner wall of the tank becomes higher than the set value, the movable annular sprayer 60 begins to move vertically downward from the set height, spraying water (first cleaning solution) as it moves. After reaching the set height, the water spraying stops, and it moves back up to its original position. This process constitutes one cycle. After three cycles of water spraying, the scale thickness on the inner wall of the tank is no longer lower than the set value, and oxalic acid (second cleaning solution) is sprayed until the scale thickness on the inner wall of the tank is lower than the set value, completing the cleaning of the scale on the inner wall. During this process, both water and oxalic acid solution are discharged from the fouling discharge valve 80 (indirectly cleaning the piping).

[0040] If the detection value of the scale thickness sensor 31 for the inner wall of the tank falls below the set value, the scale thickness sensor 32 for the inner wall of the pipe at the distal end starts operating. If the detection value of the scale thickness sensor 32 for the inner wall of the pipe falls above the set value, the first valve 101, the wastewater discharge valve 90, and the pure water tank valve are automatically opened to start pure water cleaning. If the scale on the inner wall of the pipe is not below the set value after three cleaning cycles, the oxalic acid solution valve is automatically opened and the pure water tank valve is closed, and oxalic acid cleaning is started until the detection value of the scale thickness sensor 32 for the inner wall of the pipe falls below the set value.

[0041] When the detection value of the thickness sensor 32 for scale on the inner wall of the distal end of the pipe falls below the set value, the thickness sensor 32 for scale on the inner wall of the next distal end of the pipe starts operating, and the subsequent cleaning operation will refer to the steps above and will not be described again. The operation will stop until all the thickness sensors 32 for the inner walls of the pipes have finished operating.

[0042] Following the steps described above and the process flow from the premixing tank to the sand mill tank, the tank body and transfer piping of the premixing tank complete automated cleaning. For clarity, the automated cleaning flow of the process from the sand mill tank to the spray slurry buffer tank, and the automated cleaning flow of the process from the spray slurry buffer tank to the spray dryer, are both carried out by referring to the above principles and will not be explained again.

[0043] Furthermore, the first cleaning solution contains clean water, and the second cleaning solution contains at least one of oxalic acid, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid, preferably the second cleaning solution contains oxalic acid. In this embodiment, when cleaning the slurry tank 10 and slurry piping 20 using the first and second cleaning solutions which have classification cleaning efficacy, multiple cleaning modes can be arranged. For example, cleaning can be performed first using clean water with low cleaning efficacy, and if the cleaning effect of the clean water is not clear, cleaning can be performed using an acidic solution, thereby ensuring an automated scale removal effect and saving resources.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4, further, the scale removal method for the slurry storage and transfer system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is as follows: Step S1 involves detecting scale thickness data on the inner wall of a slurry tank or detecting scale thickness data on the inner wall of a slurry pipe. Step S2 determines whether the thickness data exceeds a predetermined value, If so, step S3 is performed by discharging the first cleaning solution to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry piping, and then repeating steps S1 and S2. Step S4 includes, if it is repeatedly determined that the thickness data exceeds the predetermined value, a second cleaning solution is sent to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry piping, wherein the scale removal effect of the second cleaning solution is greater than that of the first cleaning solution.

[0045] In this embodiment, an automated scale removal control flow is realized based on the slurry storage and transfer system 100. Specifically, based on the thickness data of the detected scale area, if the thickness data meets a predetermined scale removal thickness, i.e., exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that a scale removal operation is necessary. In the scale removal operation, first, a first cleaning solution is dispensed to clean the scale area. After the cleaning operation is completed, the thickness data of the scale area is detected again. If the detected thickness data does not exceed the predetermined scale removal thickness, i.e., is lower than a predetermined value, it is determined that scale removal is complete and the operation can be stopped. On the other hand, if the detected thickness data still meets the predetermined scale removal thickness, it is determined that further scale removal operations are necessary. In this case, a second cleaning solution is dispensed to clean the scale removal area. Since the cleaning effectiveness of the second cleaning solution is higher than that of the first cleaning solution, the scale removal effect on the scale area can be effectively guaranteed after these two cleaning operations.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, another scale removal method for the slurry storage and transfer system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is: Step S1' involves detecting the first thickness data of the scale on the inner wall of the slurry tank, Step S2' is to determine whether the first thickness data exceeds a first predetermined value, If so, step S3' is performed by dispensing the first cleaning solution to clean the corresponding slurry tank and repeating steps S1' and S2'. Step S4' is to repeatedly determine that the first thickness data exceeds the first predetermined value, and to discharge a second cleaning solution to clean the slurry tank, wherein the scale removal effect of the second cleaning solution is greater than that of the first cleaning solution. Step S5' involves detecting the second thickness data of the scale on the inner wall of the slurry pipe, Step S6' is to determine whether the second thickness data exceeds a second predetermined value, If so, step S7' is performed by discharging the first cleaning solution to clean the slurry piping and repeating steps S5' and S6'. Step S8' includes, if it is repeatedly determined that the second thickness data exceeds the second predetermined value, dispensing a second cleaning liquid to clean the slurry piping.

[0047] In this embodiment, an automated scale removal control flow is realized based on the slurry storage and transfer system 100 described above. Specifically, based on the thickness data of the detected scale area, if the thickness data meets a predetermined scale removal thickness, i.e., exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that a scale removal operation is necessary. In the scale removal operation, first, a first cleaning liquid is dispensed and the scale area is controlled to be cleaned. After the cleaning operation is completed, the thickness data of the scale area is detected again. If the detected thickness data does not exceed the predetermined scale removal thickness, i.e., is lower than a predetermined value, it is determined that scale removal is complete and the operation can be stopped. On the other hand, if the detected thickness data still meets the predetermined scale removal thickness, it is determined that further scale removal operations are necessary. In this case, a second cleaning liquid is dispensed and the scale removal area is controlled to be cleaned. Since the cleaning effectiveness of the second cleaning liquid is higher than that of the first cleaning liquid, after these two cleaning operations, the scale removal effect on the scale area can be effectively guaranteed. The scale removal method of this embodiment includes two sets of control steps that sequentially perform scale detection and cleaning on the slurry tank 10 and slurry piping, and each set of control steps is as described above.

[0048] Furthermore, steps S5', S6', S7', and S8' are repeated at least twice, and in each repeated execution process, step S5' detects second thickness data of scale at different locations on the inner wall of the slurry pipe, preferably, the order of repeated execution is from farther positions to closer positions based on the distance between the slurry pipe and the slurry tank. In this embodiment, the scale removal method repeats steps S5', S6', S7', and S8' at least twice, corresponding to the number of second thickness sensors 32 in the slurry pipe 20, and each repeated step is a detection and cleaning control flow performed by one of the second thickness sensors 32, and the operating order of at least two second thickness sensors 32 is performed sequentially based on the distance from the proximal end to the distal end of the slurry tank 10, and this principle has been explained in detail above and will not be repeated here.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the scale removal method in the two embodiments described above further includes step S0, which involves detecting the weight data of the slurry tank and calculating weight change data before step S1 or step S1', determining whether the weight change data exceeds a predetermined change value, and if so, executing step S1 or step S1'. In this embodiment, by detecting the weight change of the slurry tank 10 in advance, it is determined that the slurry tank 10 has completed the slurry movement in sequence, and the timing to adapt to scale removal detection and cleaning is determined, thereby avoiding adverse effects on the equipment and process flow.

[0050] Furthermore, in step S3, step S3', or step S7', the step of dispensing the first cleaning liquid to clean the slurry piping specifically includes the step of dispensing the first cleaning liquid to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry piping multiple times. As can be understood in this embodiment, since the first cleaning liquid is a cleaning liquid with low cleaning efficacy, such as clean water, when cleaning with the first cleaning liquid, the corresponding scale removal effect can be increased by increasing the number of cleaning cycles, for example, two, three, four times.

[0051] Furthermore, in step S4, step S4', or step S8', if it is repeatedly determined that the thickness data exceeds the predetermined value, the step of dispensing the second cleaning liquid to clean the slurry tank includes, specifically, the step of dispensing the second cleaning liquid to clean the slurry tank until it is detected that the scale thickness data is less than the predetermined value, if it is repeatedly determined that the thickness data exceeds the predetermined value. As can be understood, the second cleaning liquid is a highly effective cleaning liquid, and cleaning with a certain amount of the second cleaning liquid can satisfy most scale removal needs. However, in practice, situations may still arise where it is necessary to increase the cleaning volume or cleaning time. Therefore, in this embodiment, during the process of cleaning with the second cleaning liquid, the thickness of the scale portion is still detected, and the cleaning operation with the second cleaning liquid is continued until the scale thickness falls below a predetermined value, thereby ensuring the scale removal effect.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, another scale removal method for the slurry storage and transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention is: Step S1'' detects the scale thickness data on the inner wall of a slurry tank or the scale thickness data on the inner wall of a slurry pipe, Step S2'' to determine whether the thickness data exceeds a predetermined value, If so, the first cleaning solution is dispensed to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry piping, and steps S1'' and S2'' are repeated until it is determined that the thickness data does not exceed the predetermined value, or steps S1'' and S2'' are repeated a predetermined number of times, and step S3'' is performed if it is determined that the thickness data still exceeds the predetermined value. If so, the procedure includes step S4'' of dispensing a second cleaning solution to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry piping, wherein the scale removal effectiveness of the second cleaning solution is greater than that of the first cleaning solution.

[0053] In this embodiment, compared to the scale removal method described above, when the first cleaning solution is selected for cleaning, the scale thickness is repeatedly detected until one cleaning cycle is completed, i.e., until the detected scale thickness decreases to an acceptable range. Alternatively, if the number of repeated cleaning cycles reaches a predetermined number, such as 3, 4, or 5 times, and the scale thickness still does not decrease to an acceptable range, the second cleaning solution is used to perform powerful scale removal, thereby ensuring a scale removal effect and saving resources.

[0054] In the slurry storage and transfer system described above, the controller is specifically a programmable logic controller (PLC), and the weight sensor, thickness sensor, homogenization pump, pneumatic diaphragm pump, valves, and other components in the system are all automatically controlled by the programmable logic controller (PLC). The scale removal method described above is also automated and controlled by the programmable logic controller (PLC).

[0055] As described above, the slurry storage and transfer system according to the embodiment of the present invention has a simple structure, detects the scale thickness on the inner wall of the slurry tank or slurry piping, automatically controls the cleaning operation, and cleans the slurry tank or slurry piping using a first cleaning liquid and a second cleaning liquid with different cleaning efficacy, thereby achieving a high scale removal effect and fully automated control, saving resources, being suitable for large-scale applications, reducing costs in production and manufacturing, and increasing effectiveness.

[0056] In this specification, any reference to terms such as “one embodiment,” “several embodiments,” “example,” “specific example,” or “several examples” means that the specific features, structures, materials, or properties described in combination with the embodiment or examples are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the exemplary expressions of the above terms are not necessarily limited to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or properties described can be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Also, a person skilled in the art can combine or link different embodiments or examples and features of different embodiments or examples described herein, provided that they do not conflict with each other.

[0057] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and objectives of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is limited by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. At least one slurry tank, At least one slurry pipe communicating with the discharge end of the slurry tank, At least one thickness sensor is provided on the inner wall of one of the slurry tank or slurry piping, which detects the thickness of the scale on the corresponding inner wall and outputs thickness data, A first cleaning liquid tank, which stores the first cleaning liquid, is connected to the slurry tank or slurry piping corresponding to the thickness sensor, A second cleaning fluid tank, which stores a second cleaning fluid and is connected to the slurry tank or slurry piping corresponding to the thickness sensor, wherein the scale removal effect of the second cleaning fluid is greater than that of the first cleaning fluid, The system includes a controller that receives thickness data from the thickness sensor and controls the first cleaning fluid tank to dispense the first cleaning fluid or the second cleaning fluid tank to dispense the second cleaning fluid based on the thickness data, A slurry storage and transfer system characterized by the following features.

2. The slurry tank further includes a movable annular sprayer, the thickness sensor being located on the inner wall of the slurry tank, and the movable annular sprayer receiving the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid and being controlled by the controller. The slurry storage and transfer system according to claim 1, characterized in that way.

3. The first cleaning fluid tank dispenses the first cleaning fluid via a first valve, the second cleaning fluid tank dispenses the second cleaning fluid via a second valve, the first and second cleaning fluids are connected to the movable annular sprayer, the first and second cleaning fluids are connected to the slurry piping via a third valve, and the first, second, and third valves are controlled by the controller. The slurry storage and transfer system according to claim 2, characterized in that it is as follows.

4. The controller further includes a weight sensor provided at the bottom of the slurry tank, which detects the weight of the corresponding slurry tank and outputs weight data, and the controller receives the weight data from the weight sensor and controls the thickness sensor to start detection based on the weight data. The slurry storage and transfer system according to claim 1, characterized in that way.

5. The system further includes a fouling discharge pipe, the fouling discharge pipe being connected to the slurry pipe by a fourth valve, and the fourth valve being controlled by the controller. The slurry storage and transfer system according to claim 1, characterized in that way.

6. The thickness sensors are provided in the slurry piping in pairs, spaced apart from the proximal end to the distal end of the slurry piping relative to the slurry tank. The slurry storage and transfer system according to claim 1, characterized in that way.

7. The slurry tank includes a first tank and a second tank, and the slurry piping includes a first movable pipe communicating with the discharge end of the first tank and the inlet end of the second tank. The slurry storage and transfer system according to claim 1, characterized in that way.

8. The first tank is a pre-mixing tank, the second tank is a sand mill tank, the slurry tank further includes a spray slurry buffer tank, the slurry piping further includes a second moving pipe, the first moving pipe communicates with the discharge end of the pre-mixing tank and the inlet end of the sand mill tank, and the second moving pipe communicates with the discharge end of the sand mill tank and the inlet end of the spray slurry buffer tank. The slurry storage and transfer system according to feature 7.

9. The system further includes a spray dryer, and the slurry piping further includes a third movable pipe communicating with the discharge end of the spray slurry buffer tank and the inlet end of the spray dryer. The slurry storage and transfer system according to claim 8, characterized in that way.

10. The first cleaning solution contains clean water, and the second cleaning solution contains at least one of oxalic acid, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid, preferably the second cleaning solution contains oxalic acid. The slurry storage and transfer system according to claim 1, characterized in that way.

11. A method for removing scale from a slurry storage and transfer system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, Step S1 involves detecting the scale thickness data on the inner wall of a slurry tank or detecting the scale thickness data on the inner wall of a slurry pipe. Step S2, which determines whether the thickness data exceeds a predetermined value, If so, step S3 is performed by discharging the first cleaning solution to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry piping, and repeating steps S1 and S2. Step S4, which includes, if it is repeatedly determined that the thickness data exceeds the predetermined value, a second cleaning solution is dispensed to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry piping, wherein the scale removal effect of the second cleaning solution is greater than that of the first cleaning solution. A method for removing scale characterized by the following features.

12. A method for removing scale from a slurry storage and transfer system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, Step S1' involves detecting the first thickness data of the scale on the inner wall of the slurry tank, Step S2' is to determine whether the first thickness data exceeds a first predetermined value, If so, step S3' is performed by dispensing the first cleaning solution to clean the corresponding slurry tank and repeating steps S1' and S2'. Step S4' is to repeatedly determine that the first thickness data exceeds the first predetermined value, and to discharge a second cleaning solution to clean the slurry tank, wherein the scale removal effect of the second cleaning solution is greater than that of the first cleaning solution. Step S5' involves detecting the second thickness data of the scale on the inner wall of the slurry pipe, Step S6' is to determine whether the second thickness data exceeds a second predetermined value, If so, step S7' is performed by dispensing the first cleaning solution to clean the slurry piping and repeating steps S5' and S6'. Step S8' includes, if it is repeatedly determined that the second thickness data exceeds the second predetermined value, dispensing a second cleaning liquid to clean the slurry piping, A method for removing scale characterized by the following features.

13. The step includes repeating steps S5', S6', S7', and S8' at least twice, wherein in each repeated execution process, step S5' detects second scale thickness data at different locations on the inner wall of the slurry pipe, and preferably the order of the repeated executions is determined based on the distance between the slurry pipe and the slurry tank, from farther positions to closer positions. The scale removal method according to claim 12.

14. Before step S1 or step S1', Step S0 further includes detecting weight data of the slurry tank, calculating weight change data, determining whether the weight change data exceeds a predetermined change value, and if so, executing step S1 or step S1'. The scale removal method according to claim 11 or 12.

15. In step S3, step S3', or step S7', the step of dispensing the first cleaning liquid to clean the slurry piping specifically includes the step of dispensing the first cleaning liquid to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry piping multiple times. The scale removal method according to claim 11 or 12.

16. In step S4, step S4', or step S8', if it is repeatedly determined that the thickness data exceeds the predetermined value, the step of dispensing a second cleaning liquid to clean the slurry tank includes, specifically, the step of dispensing a second cleaning liquid to clean the slurry tank until it is detected that the scale thickness data is less than the predetermined value, if it is repeatedly determined that the thickness data exceeds the predetermined value. The scale removal method according to claim 11 or 12.

17. A method for removing scale from a slurry storage and transfer system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, Step S1'' detects the scale thickness data on the inner wall of a slurry tank, or detects the scale thickness data on the inner wall of a slurry pipe. Step S2'' to determine whether the thickness data exceeds a predetermined value, If so, the first cleaning solution is dispensed to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry piping, and steps S1'' and S2'' are repeated until it is determined that the thickness data does not exceed the predetermined value, or steps S1'' and S2'' are repeated a predetermined number of times, and step S3'' is performed if it is determined that the thickness data still exceeds the predetermined value. If so, step S4'' includes a step of dispensing a second cleaning solution to clean the corresponding slurry tank or slurry piping, wherein the scale removal effect of the second cleaning solution is greater than that of the first cleaning solution. A method for removing scale characterized by the following features.

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