Seal water tank

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of confirming a liquid amount of seal water in a seal water tank more accurately than conventional arts.SOLUTION: A seal water tank comprises: a tank body storing seal water; an outlet part delivering the seal water stored in the tank body; an inlet part where the seal water delivered from the outlet part returns to the tank body; a pipe provided in the upper part of the tank body so as to communicate with the tank body, the pipe having a smaller diameter than the tank body and filled with seal water; and a liquid amount detection sensor for detecting the liquid amount of seal water in the pipe.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seal water tank.

Background Art

[0002] As a seal member installed in a bearing portion for transmitting power of a machine having a rotating mechanism such as a pump or a compressor, there is a mechanical seal. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of cooling a mechanical seal of a pump with cooling water.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a mechanical seal, seal water cooled by a seal tank is supplied to a bearing portion of a pump or the like. Conventionally, the amount of seal water in the seal tank has generally been visually confirmed through a management window provided on the side surface of the seal water tank. However, it has been difficult to visually confirm a minute change in the seal water.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of more accurately confirming the amount of seal water in a seal water tank than in the prior art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention includes the following means. That is, the present invention is a seal water tank including a tank body for storing seal water, an outlet portion for sending out the seal water stored in the tank body, an inlet portion through which the seal water sent out from the outlet portion returns to the tank body, a pipe provided at the upper part of the tank body and communicating with the tank body, the pipe having a smaller diameter than the tank body and being filled with seal water inside, and a liquid amount detection sensor for detecting the amount of seal water in the pipe.

[0007] According to the seal water tank of the present invention, the amount of seal water is detected by a liquid level sensor, allowing for more accurate confirmation of the seal water level compared to visually checking the seal water level. Furthermore, by detecting the amount of seal water in a pipe with a smaller diameter than the tank body, even minute changes can be detected compared to detecting the seal water level in the tank body, allowing for more accurate confirmation of the seal water level. As a result, even if there is a leak of seal water, the leak can be immediately detected. Therefore, according to the seal water tank of the present invention, even minute changes in the seal water can be managed.

[0008] Furthermore, the seal water tank according to the present invention further includes a seal water replenishment port for replenishing seal water, and the seal water replenishment port may be provided upstream of the piping.

[0009] By installing the seal water replenishment port upstream of the piping, the amount of seal water after replenishment can be accurately detected. Furthermore, a mesh can be provided at the seal water replenishment port to suppress the ingress of foreign matter. This helps to prevent the ingress of foreign matter due to the replenishment of seal water.

[0010] Furthermore, the seal water tank according to the present invention further comprises a cooling unit for cooling the seal water stored in the tank body, and the cooling unit may have a cooling channel through which a cooling medium flows, provided so as to surround the tank body.

[0011] There is a concern that the temperature of the sealing water may rise due to heat absorption at the supply destination (for example, the bearing section of a machine with a rotating mechanism such as a pump). Furthermore, if the temperature of the sealing water remains elevated, there is a concern that malfunctions may occur in the bearing section or other parts at the supply destination. By providing a cooling unit, the temperature rise of the sealing water can be suppressed, and the occurrence of malfunctions at the supply destination can also be suppressed. In addition, by providing the cooling unit so as to surround the tank body, the sealing water can be cooled efficiently. Moreover, compared to a case where the cooling unit is located inside the tank body, cleaning and maintenance of the inside of the tank body can be made easier.

[0012] Furthermore, in the sealing water tank according to the present invention, the inlet and outlet are provided at the lower part of the tank body, and the sealing water tank may also be configured to further include a return pipe inside the tank that extends from the inlet towards the top (upper part of the sealing water tank) and is provided along the inner wall of the tank body.

[0013] By installing the return piping within the tank along the inner wall of the tank body, heat exchange can be performed efficiently, thereby enhancing the cooling effect. Furthermore, although the sealing water flowing through the return piping within the tank is expected to be at a higher temperature than the sealing water in the tank body, it is cooled as it rises along the inner wall of the tank body. In addition, the sealing water discharged from the return piping within the tank body is further gradually cooled as it descends and diffuses. Therefore, the sealing water in the tank body can be cooled uniformly without the need for agitation or other means.

[0014] Here, the present invention may be specified as a seal water circulation system including the seal water tank described above. For example, the present invention is a seal water circulation system comprising a seal water tank for storing seal water, a supply pipe for carrying seal water discharged from the seal water tank to a supply destination, and a return pipe for carrying seal water discharged from the supply destination back to the seal water tank, wherein the seal water tank comprises a tank body for storing seal water, an outlet for discharging the seal water stored in the tank body, an inlet for the seal water discharged from the outlet to return to the tank body, a pipe provided on the upper part of the tank body that communicates with the tank body, has a smaller diameter than the tank body, and is filled with seal water, and a liquid level detection sensor for detecting the amount of seal water in the pipe.

[0015] According to the seal water circulation system of the present invention, the amount of seal water is detected by a detection sensor, allowing for more accurate confirmation of the seal water amount compared to visually checking the amount of seal water. Furthermore, by detecting the amount of seal water in a pipe with a smaller diameter than the tank body, the amount of seal water can be detected more accurately compared to detecting the amount of seal water in the tank body. As a result, even if there is a leak of seal water, the leak can be immediately detected. Therefore, according to the seal water circulation system of the present invention, even minute changes in the amount of seal water can be managed.

[0016] Furthermore, the seal water circulation system may include a configuration that includes a destination for the seal water, such as a machine with a rotating mechanism, like a pump or compressor. The seal water circulation system may also include a cooling device that supplies cooling water and piping through which the cooling water flows. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that allows for more accurate confirmation of the amount of seal water in a seal water tank than in conventional methods. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a front view of a sealing water tank according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a top view of the sealing water tank according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a side view of the top of the seal water tank according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the AA cross-section in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the view from arrow B in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a seal water circulation system according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The following description is illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to the following content.

[0020] <Seal water tank> FIG. 1 shows a front view (one-sided sectional view) of the seal water tank according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a top view of the seal water tank according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a side view of the upper part of the seal water tank according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 shows a view taken in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 1.

[0021] The seal water tank 1 according to the embodiment includes a tank body 2, an outlet portion 3, an inlet portion 4, a first pipe 5, a liquid amount detection sensor 6, a second pipe 7, a seal water replenishment port 8, a mesh 9, a pressure sensor 10, a third pipe 11, a manual valve 12, a pressurized air supply port 13, a fourth pipe 14, a safety valve 16, a cooling jacket 17, a baffle plate 18, a cooling water inlet 19, a cooling water outlet 20, a return pipe inside the tank 21, a control unit 22, etc.

[0022] The tank body 2 stores seal water. The tank body 2 according to the embodiment is composed of a pressurized vessel kettle, but it is only necessary to be able to store seal water. In the embodiment, a mixed water of pure water and glycerin is used as the seal water.

[0023] The outlet portion 3 sends out the seal water stored in the tank body 2. The outlet portion 3 is provided near the center of the bottom of the tank body 2. The inlet portion 4 is where the seal water that has circulated through the bearing portion that transmits the power of a machine having a rotating mechanism such as a pump or a compressor to which the seal water is sent from the outlet portion 3 returns to the tank body 2. The inlet portion 4 is provided near the outer periphery of the bottom of the tank body 2 (inside the cooling jacket 17 described later).

[0024] The first pipe 5 is an example of the piping of the present invention, and is a vertically rising pipe located at the top of the tank body 2, communicating with the tank body 2, having a smaller diameter than the tank body 2, and its interior is filled with sealing water. In this embodiment, the first pipe 5 uses a ferrule pipe and is configured to be easily replaceable. In this embodiment, including other pipes (such as the second pipe 7) described later, the use of ferrule pipes makes replacement easy and also facilitates cleaning and maintenance. However, other types of pipes may be used.

[0025] The liquid level detection sensor 6 is installed at the top of the first pipe 5 and detects the liquid level of the seal water in the first pipe. The liquid level detection sensor 6 according to this embodiment uses a level sensor to detect the liquid level (liquid surface level), and detects the liquid surface level of the seal water at the midpoint of the first pipe 5 (shown by the dotted line) in Figure 1. The liquid level detection sensor 6 is electrically connected to the control unit 22. The control unit 22 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and input / output interface, and is connected to a display, speaker, and warning light. The liquid level detection sensor 6 according to this embodiment automatically detects the liquid level of the seal water at a predetermined time (for example, before the start of work) under the control of the control unit 22. The detected liquid level is compared with a predetermined set value, and if the difference from the set value is greater than a predetermined value, a warning is issued (displayed on the display and a warning light is activated). The "set value" and "difference from the set value" can be appropriately determined according to the capacity of the tank body 2, the inner diameter of the first pipe 5, etc. Furthermore, the "set value" may be, for example, the liquid volume detected the previous day. The detection results are also recorded in memory.

[0026] The second pipe 7 is the pipe through which the seal water to be replenished flows. The second pipe 7 has a seal water replenishment port 8 at one end for replenishing the seal water, and the other end is connected to the upper part of the first pipe 5. The seal water replenishment port 8 can be covered with a lid (not shown). The second pipe 7 is composed of an elbow pipe near the seal water replenishment port 8, and the area near the seal water replenishment port 8 (one end of the elbow pipe) is vertical. From the other end of the elbow pipe to the first pipe 5, the pipe is composed of a straight pipe that slopes slightly downward toward the first pipe. This slope prevents the seal water to be replenished from accumulating in the middle of the pipe. The seal water replenishment port 8 is provided with a mesh 9 to prevent foreign matter from entering. Furthermore, the second pipe 7 is provided with a pressure sensor 10. The pressure sensor 10 detects the pressure inside the tank body 2. The pressure sensor 10 according to this embodiment is electrically connected to the control unit 22, and under the control of the control unit 22, it automatically detects the pressure inside the tank body 2 at a predetermined time (for example, before the start of work). The detected pressure is compared with a predetermined set value, and if the difference from the set value exceeds a predetermined value, a warning is issued (displayed on the display and indicated by a warning light). The "set value" and the "difference from the set value" can be appropriately determined according to the capacity of the tank body 2, the inner diameter of the first pipe 5, etc. The "set value" may also be, for example, the pressure value detected the previous day. The detection results are recorded in memory. The second pipe 7, like the first pipe 5, uses ferrule piping and is configured to be easily replaceable. In this embodiment, the seal water tank 1 detects both the liquid volume of seal water and the pressure inside the tank body 2, but it is also possible to detect only the liquid volume. This simplifies the configuration of the seal water tank 1.

[0027] The third pipe 11 is a pipe through which pressurized air flows to pressurize the inside of the tank body 2. The third pipe 11 has a pressurized air supply port 13 at one end, to which pressurized air is supplied, and the other end is connected to the middle of the flow path of the second pipe 7. The pressurized air supply port 13 is also equipped with a manual valve 12 for adjusting the amount of pressurized air supplied. The third pipe 11, like the first pipe 5 and the second pipe 7, uses ferrule piping and is configured to be easily replaceable.

[0028] The fourth pipe 14 is a pipe through which air flows, and a safety valve 16 is provided at one end to discharge air from the tank body 2 when the pressure inside the tank body 2 rises. The other end of the fourth pipe 14 is connected to the middle of the flow path of the second pipe. The fourth pipe 14, like the first pipe 5, the second pipe 7, and the third pipe 11, is a ferrule pipe and is configured to be easily replaceable.

[0029] The cooling jacket 17 is an example of a cooling unit of the present invention, and is provided so as to surround the tank body 2 and cools the seal water stored in the tank body 2. In the embodiment of the cooling jacket 17, a baffle plate 18 is provided in the space between the outer surface of the tank body 2 and the outer surface of the cooling jacket 17, forming a spiral flow path through which the cooling water flows. The cooling water inlet 19 is provided at the bottom of the tank body 2, and the cooling water outlet 20 is provided at the top of the tank body. The cooling water supplied from the cooling water inlet 19 rises through the spiral flow path and is discharged from the cooling water outlet 20. In the embodiment of the cooling jacket 17, cooling water at about 5°C is used, but the temperature of the cooling water is not particularly limited. Also, the cooling medium is not limited to water. In addition, instead of the cooling jacket 17, a coil through which the cooling medium circulates may be placed inside the tank body 2.

[0030] The tank return piping 21 is a pipe installed along the inner wall of the tank body 2, and carries sealing water that has circulated through the bearings that transmit power to machinery with rotating mechanisms such as pumps and compressors, which are supplied to the tank. The tank return piping 21 is installed in a straight line along the inner wall of the tank body 2, extending upward from the inlet 4. Multiple tank return pipes 21 may be provided.

[0031] <Operation of the sealed water tank> The seal water tank 1 supplies seal water cooled by the cooling jacket 17 to a supply destination (for example, a bearing section that transmits power to a machine with a rotating mechanism such as a pump or compressor). The seal water that has circulated to the supply destination returns to the seal water tank 1, is cooled again by the cooling jacket 17, and supplied to the supply destination. The seal water tank 1 is equipped with a liquid volume detection sensor 6 and a pressure sensor 10 controlled by the control unit 22, and at a predetermined time (for example, before the start of work), the liquid volume of the seal water and the pressure inside the tank body 2 are automatically detected. The detected liquid volume and pressure are compared with predetermined set values, and if the difference from the set value is greater than a predetermined value, a warning is issued (displayed on the display and indicated by a warning light). The detection results are also recorded in memory.

[0032] <An example of a sealed water circulation system> Figure 6 shows an example of a seal water circulation system according to an embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 6, the seal water discharged from the seal water tank 1 is supplied to the mechanical seal of the vacuum emulsifier 30 and returns to the seal water tank 1. The seal water tank 1 and the vacuum emulsifier 30, which is the supply destination, are connected by a seal water supply pipe 31 and a seal water return pipe 32. The seal water discharged from the seal water tank 1 flows through the seal water supply pipe 31. The seal water discharged from the vacuum emulsifier 30, which is the supply destination, flows through the seal water return pipe 32. A filter may be provided in the seal water supply pipe 31. This prevents foreign matter from contaminating the seal water supplied to the destination, even if foreign matter is present in the seal water.

[0033] Furthermore, the cooling water is cooled by the cooling device 40 and circulates through the seal water tank 1. The seal water tank 1 and the cooling device 40 are connected by a cooling water supply pipe 41 and a cooling water return pipe 42. Cooling water supplied from the cooling device 40 flows through the cooling water supply pipe 41. Cooling water supplied from the seal water tank 1 flows through the cooling water return pipe 42.

[0034] <Effects> According to the seal water tank 1 of this embodiment, the liquid level of the seal water is detected by the liquid level detection sensor 6, allowing for more accurate confirmation of the seal water level compared to visually checking the liquid level. Furthermore, by detecting the liquid level of the seal water in the first pipe 5, which has a smaller diameter than the tank body 2, even minute changes can be detected compared to detecting the liquid level of the seal water in the tank body 2, resulting in more accurate detection of the seal water level. The liquid level detection sensor 6 of this embodiment automatically detects the liquid level of the seal water at a predetermined time (for example, before the start of work) under the control of the control unit 22. The detected liquid level is compared with a predetermined set value, and if the difference from the set value exceeds a predetermined value, a warning is issued (displayed on the display and indicated by a warning light). The detection result is also recorded in memory. As a result, even if there is a leak of seal water, the leak can be immediately identified. Therefore, according to the seal water tank 1 of this embodiment, even minute changes in the seal water can be managed.

[0035] Furthermore, the seal water tank 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a pressure sensor 10, which, under the control of the control unit 22, automatically detects the pressure inside the tank body 2 at a predetermined time (for example, before the start of work). The detected pressure is compared with a predetermined set value, and if the difference from the set value exceeds a predetermined value, a warning is issued (displayed on the display and indicated by a warning light). The detection result is also recorded in memory. By providing a pressure sensor 10 in addition to a liquid volume detection sensor 6, even if there is a leak of seal water, the leak can be immediately detected. Therefore, according to the seal water tank 1 according to this embodiment, even minute changes in the amount of seal water can be managed.

[0036] Furthermore, the seal water replenishment port 8 is located upstream of the first pipe 5, allowing for accurate detection of the seal water level after replenishment. Additionally, the seal water replenishment port 8 is equipped with a mesh 9 to suppress the ingress of foreign matter, thereby preventing contamination when replenishing the seal water.

[0037] Furthermore, the cooling jacket 17 helps to suppress the temperature rise of the sealing water and reduce the occurrence of malfunctions at the supply destination. In addition, since the cooling jacket 17 is provided so as to surround the tank body 2, the sealing water can be cooled efficiently. Moreover, compared to the case where the cooling unit is located inside the tank body 2, cleaning and maintenance of the inside of the tank body 2 can be made easier.

[0038] By providing the tank return piping 21 along the inner wall of the tank body 2, heat exchange can be performed efficiently, thereby enhancing the cooling effect. Furthermore, although the sealing water flowing through the tank return piping 21 is expected to be at a higher temperature than the sealing water in the tank body 2, it is cooled as it rises along the inner wall of the tank body 2. In addition, the sealing water discharged from the tank return piping 21 is further gradually cooled as it descends and diffuses. Therefore, the sealing water in the tank body 2 can be cooled uniformly without the need for agitation or other means. Moreover, by providing only one tank return piping 21 along the inner wall of the tank body 2, cleaning and maintenance of the tank body 2 can be made easier compared to cases where multiple pipings are provided.

[0039] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described content. The seal water tank according to the embodiment can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1. Seal water tank 2. Tank body 3...Exit part 4. Entrance 5. First piping 6. Liquid volume detection sensor 7. Second piping 8. Seal water refill port 9.. Mesh 10. Pressure sensor 11. Third pipe 12. Manual valve 13. Pressurized air supply port 14.. Fourth pipe 16. Safety valve 17. Cooling jacket 18... Obstacle board 19...Cooling water inlet 20...Cooling water outlet 21...Return piping inside the tank 22.. Control Unit 30...Vacuum emulsifier 31. Seal the water supply pipe. 32...Return of water seals 40...Cooling device 41... Coolant supply piping 42. Coolant return piping

Claims

1. a tank body for storing seal water; an outlet portion for discharging seal water stored in the tank body; an inlet through which the seal water discharged from the outlet returns to the tank body; a pipe provided on an upper portion of the tank body and communicating with the tank body, the pipe having a smaller diameter than the tank body and filled with seal water; a liquid level detection sensor that detects the liquid level of seal water in the piping; A seal water tank.

2. Further provided is a seal water refill port for refilling seal water, The seal water refill port is provided upstream of the piping. The seal water tank according to claim 1.

3. The tank further includes a cooling unit that cools the seal water stored in the tank body, The cooling section has a cooling flow path through which a cooling medium flows, the cooling flow path being provided so as to surround the periphery of the tank body.

3. The seal water tank according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The inlet and outlet are provided at the bottom of the tank body. The seal water tank further includes a return pipe provided along the inner wall of the tank body and extending from the inlet toward the top of the tank.

4. The seal water tank according to claim 1.

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