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EP0330860B1 - Monitoring device for filling tanks - Google Patents

Monitoring device for filling tanks Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0330860B1
EP0330860B1 EP89101909A EP89101909A EP0330860B1 EP 0330860 B1 EP0330860 B1 EP 0330860B1 EP 89101909 A EP89101909 A EP 89101909A EP 89101909 A EP89101909 A EP 89101909A EP 0330860 B1 EP0330860 B1 EP 0330860B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
filling
hand
monitoring
connections
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP89101909A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0330860A1 (en
Inventor
Manfred Schirmacher
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Manfred Schirmacher Te Bergkamen-Overberge Bondsr
Original Assignee
Schering AG
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Filing date
Publication date
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Priority to AT89101909T priority Critical patent/ATE71605T1/en
Publication of EP0330860A1 publication Critical patent/EP0330860A1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/32—Arrangements of safety or warning devices; Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
    • B67D7/34—Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
    • B67D7/344—Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid by checking a correct coupling or coded information
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/36—Arrangements of flow- or pressure-control valves

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a monitoring system according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the liquids to be handled here can be, for example, water-hazardous, flammable liquid mixtures, acids, solvents and the like, which in individual cases cause corrosion problems, as a result of which the reliability of a connection between a tap and a tanker vehicle changes over time. Compliance with all of these safety precautions also represents an obstacle to integrating such tapping points into automated systems.
  • This object is achieved in a generic monitoring system by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.
  • an overfill prevention device namely a measuring device functioning as a limit indicator
  • a device for checking the condition of the connecting line so that faults in the area of the connecting line on the one hand and possible overfilling of the container on the other hand are immediately recognizable.
  • the signaling of such faults can, for example, be linked to an immediate interruption of the product flow.
  • the circuit mentioned, in which both the measuring device and the connecting line are integrated, thus represents the element through which the monitoring is carried out.
  • connection line is attached to the tap on the one hand and the container on the other hand in an electrically insulated manner, so that the electrical current conducted via the connection line is dependent solely on the nature of this line or its connection to the insulated ends of the tap or the also insulated connection points of the container.
  • the measuring device is designed as a PTC thermistor system, which is considered to be particularly advantageous here due to its robust construction. It is particularly vibration-proof, with only two wires being required for operation.
  • the PTC thermistor system reacts to the temperature of a resistor and is used here as a limit indicator. A change in resistance caused by reaching a maximum fill level can thus be immediately recognized via the circuit mentioned and implemented in terms of control technology to prevent further product flow.
  • a voltage source is made available in the circuit via the monitoring device mentioned and the circuit is also monitored, for example with regard to its conductivity. The state of the connecting line can thus be identified via the circuit both during a filling process that is in progress and before the filling process is initiated.
  • the liquids accommodated in the container 1 can be, for example, water-endangering substances such as flammable liquid mixtures, acids, solvents and the like, thus liquids whose handling is subject to special safety regulations.
  • the openings of the container located at points 2, 3 are designed to be closable in a manner not shown and are each provided on the outside with connecting flanges 4, 5.
  • connection flanges 11 'and 12' respectively.
  • the connecting line 11 is connected via its connecting flanges 11 'to the pipe 6 on the one hand and the connecting flange 4 of the container 1 on the other hand.
  • the connecting lines 11, 12 are electrically conductive in a manner known per se, the through the pairings of connecting flanges 8, 11 '; 4, 11 ′; 5, 12 'and 9, 12' formed flange connections are designed as electrically insulating connections. This can be done in basically happen in any way, so that it is not discussed in detail.
  • the insulation connections mentioned are bridged by resistors 13 only to avoid electrostatic charges.
  • the sensor is formed, for example, by a PTC thermistor known per se.
  • the principle of operation of such PTC thermistor systems is based on the fact that when the PTC thermistor is immersed in the liquid, the maximum permissible level of which is designated 15, a change in resistance and thus a current occurs, from which the information is derived that the maximum permissible level 15 has been reached .
  • the intrinsically safe device 14 is integrated in a circuit which, starting from the device 14, is formed by a line element 16, the connecting line 11, a line element 17, a monitoring device 18, a line element 19, the connecting line 12 and a line element 20.
  • the line elements 16, 20 establish an electrical connection between the ends of the connecting lines 11, 12 facing the container 1 on the one hand and the device 14 on the other hand.
  • the line elements 17, 19 establish electrical connections between the ends of the connecting lines 11, 12 facing the pipes 6, 7 on the one hand and the monitoring device on the other hand.
  • the monitoring device 18 which is provided with a network connection 21 indicated in the drawing, this last-mentioned circuit, which can essentially be regarded as a self-contained circuit, is impressed with a defined voltage, so that one of the Temperature of the PTC thermistor dependent current.
  • the monitoring device 18, which will be described below on the basis of its functions, the implementation of which, however, is fundamentally arbitrary, is connected via a line 22 to a control device 23, by means of which the shut-off device 10 can be actuated.
  • the control device 23 can also have a display unit 24 which displays the respective switching state of the shut-off device 10 or fault messages which are transmitted by the monitoring device 18.
  • the display unit 24 can, for example, be the monitor of an EDP system.
  • 25 denotes an actuating device provided with pushbuttons 26 and indicator lights 27, by means of which the process of filling the container 1 can be activated or also ended.
  • the process of filling which is initiated by opening the shut-off element 10, only takes place if various safety functions are fulfilled, which include the filling level of the container 1. A filling process cannot be triggered when the maximum permissible level 15 has been reached.
  • the filling process is triggered via the actuating device 25.
  • a switching signal caused thereby initially reaches the monitoring device 18, through which a defined voltage is applied to the above-mentioned circuit and the resistance of the PTC thermistor is checked.
  • the state of the connecting hoses 11, 12 and the hose couplings designated 28 in the drawing is also included. This test process takes place during a defined time interval, an enable signal to the control device 23 only being given via the line 22 when no fault has been found.
  • the shut-off device 10 is then opened via the control device 23.
  • the monitoring system remains activated during the entire filling process, i.e. as soon as the liquid level in the container 1 has reached the maximum permissible level 15, which can be determined on the basis of the change in resistance of the PTC thermistor of the device 14, the control device 23 is now actuated by means of the monitoring device 18 such that the shut-off device 10 is closed.
  • an ongoing filling process is automatically interrupted as soon as any malfunction occurs that results in a change in the electrical conductivity of the circuit described above.
  • the monitoring system referred to above ensures an automatic filling of containers 1 and thus safe handling of the liquids mentioned at the outset, both monitoring the connecting lines and avoiding exceeding a maximum permissible fill level in the container.
  • connecting flanges 11 ', 12' carrying pipe elements can be viewed either as part of the pipes 6, 7 or the container 1 or as part of the connecting lines 11, 12.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Devices And Processes Conducted In The Presence Of Fluids And Solid Particles (AREA)
  • Level Indicators Using A Float (AREA)

Abstract

When filling tankers from fixed dispensing points, the problem arises, in particular when conveying environmentally hazardous liquids, that both the state of connecting lines requires constant monitoring and overfilling of the tank container of the said vehicle has to be prevented. To ensure these and other necessary safety measures, a monitoring device according to the invention is proposed, in which the filling level inside a container (1) is monitored by an overfill safety device, e.g. a PTC-thermistor system, which forms part of a substantially closed circuit, in which are integrated furthermore the electrically conductive connecting lines (11, 12), which in each case form the connections for filling and de-aerating the container (1), and a monitoring apparatus (18), through which the shut-off member (10) controlling the product flow can be actuated via a control apparatus (23). The connecting lines (11, 12) are attached, substantially electrically insulated, to the pipelines (6, 7) of the dispensing point, on the one hand, and to the corresponding connections of the container (1), on the other hand, resistors (13), by which these insulations are bypassed, merely ensuring the discharge of static electricity. The monitoring of the filling process is based on continuously checking the conductivity of the said circuit, the shut-off member (10) being opened or closed as a function of this checking.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Überwachungssystem entsprechend dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to a monitoring system according to the preamble of claim 1.

Die Handhabung umweltgefährdender Flüssigkeiten erfordert insbesondere beim Befüllen transportabler Gefäße wie z.B. Tankwagen in Abhängigkeit von den besonderen Eigenschaften der Flüssigkeit die Beachtung besonderer Sicherheitsvorkehrungen. Dies betrifft sowohl die Zuverlässigkeit der Verbindungen zwischen ortsfesten, dem Befüllen dienenden Rohrleitungsanschlüssen einerseits und dem Gefäß andererseits sowie den Befüllvorgang selbst, insbesondere die Überwachung der Einhaltung eines maximalen Füllstandes innerhalb des Behälters.The handling of environmentally hazardous liquids requires especially when filling portable containers such as Tank trucks depending on the special properties of the liquid, the observance of special safety precautions. This applies both to the reliability of the connections between stationary piping connections serving for filling on the one hand and the vessel on the other hand and to the filling process itself, in particular the monitoring of compliance with a maximum filling level within the container.

Die bisher bekannten Systeme, nämlich Waagen, Zähler, Zapfpistolen oder dergleichen gelten in zahlreichen Fällen unter anderem aufgrund von Schmutzablagerungen als nicht hinreichend betriebssicher und erfassen außerdem nur jeweils Teilaspekte des genannten Problems. Dies trifft auch für die an sich bekannten Überfüllsicherungen zu.The previously known systems, namely scales, counters, fuel nozzles or the like, are in many cases considered insufficiently reliable, inter alia because of dirt deposits, and moreover only capture partial aspects of the problem mentioned. This also applies to the overfill prevention devices known per se.

Bei den hier zur handhabenden Flüssigkeiten kann es sich beispielsweise um wassergefährdende, brennbare Flüssigkeitsgemische, Säuren, Lösungsmittel und dergleichen handeln, welche in Einzelfällen Korrosionsprobleme mit sich bringen, wodurch sich die Zuverlässigkeit einer Verbindung zwischen einer Zapfstelle und einem Tankfahrzeug im Zeitablauf ändert. Die Beachtung all dieser Sicherheitsvorkehrungen stellt darüber hinaus ein Hindernis dar, um derartige Zapfstellen in automatisiert arbeitende Anlagen zu integrieren.The liquids to be handled here can be, for example, water-hazardous, flammable liquid mixtures, acids, solvents and the like, which in individual cases cause corrosion problems, as a result of which the reliability of a connection between a tap and a tanker vehicle changes over time. Compliance with all of these safety precautions also represents an obstacle to integrating such tapping points into automated systems.

Es ist daher die Aufgabe der Erfindung, ein für das Befüllen von Behältern geeignetes Überwachungssystem zu entwerfen, durch welches eine automatische Überwachung der wesentlichen Sicherheitsaspekte des Befüllvorgangs möglich ist und durch welches bei die Betriebssicherheit gefährdenden Störungen ein laufender Befüllvorgang sofort unterbrochen wird bzw. ein Befüllvorgang nicht eingeleitet wird. Gelöst ist diese Aufgabe bei einem gattungsgemäßen Überwachungssystem durch die Merkmale des Kennzeichnungsteils des Anspruchs 1.It is therefore the object of the invention to design a monitoring system suitable for the filling of containers, by means of which an automatic monitoring of the essential safety aspects of the filling process is possible and by which an ongoing filling process is immediately interrupted or a filling process is not carried out in the event of malfunctions endangering operational safety is initiated. This object is achieved in a generic monitoring system by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

Erfindungswesentlich ist, daß eine Überfüllsicherung, nämlich eine als Grenzwertmelder fungierende Meßeinrichtung mit einer Einrichtung zur Überprüfung des Zustands der Verbindungsleitung kombiniert ist, so daß Störungen im Bereich der Verbindungsleitung einerseits und eine möglich Überfüllung des Behälters andererseits sofort erkennbar sind. Die Signalisierung derartiger Störungen kann beispielsweise mit einer sofortigen Unterbrechung des Produktflusses verknüpft werden. Es besteht darüber hinaus die Möglichkeit, derartige Störungen in an sich bekannter Weise in einer Schaltwarte zur Anzeige zu bringen. Der genannte Stromkreis, in den sowohl die Meßeinrichtung als auch die Verbindungsleitung eingebunden sind, stellt somit das Element dar, durch welches die Überwachung durchgeführt wird. Wesentlich ist in diesem Zusammenhang ferner, daß die elektrisch leitfähige Verbindungsleitung gegenüber der Zapfstelle einerseits und dem Behälter andererseits elektrisch isoliert angebracht ist, so daß der über die Verbindungsleitung geführte elektrische Strom lediglich von der Beschaffenheit dieser Leitung bzw. deren Verknüpfung mit den isolierten Enden der Zapfstelle bzw. dem ebenfalls isolierten Anschlußstellen des Behälters abhängig ist.It is essential to the invention that an overfill prevention device, namely a measuring device functioning as a limit indicator, is combined with a device for checking the condition of the connecting line, so that faults in the area of the connecting line on the one hand and possible overfilling of the container on the other hand are immediately recognizable. The signaling of such faults can, for example, be linked to an immediate interruption of the product flow. There is also the possibility of displaying such faults in a control room in a manner known per se. The circuit mentioned, in which both the measuring device and the connecting line are integrated, thus represents the element through which the monitoring is carried out. It is also important in this context that the electrically conductive connection line is attached to the tap on the one hand and the container on the other hand in an electrically insulated manner, so that the electrical current conducted via the connection line is dependent solely on the nature of this line or its connection to the insulated ends of the tap or the also insulated connection points of the container.

Gemäß den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 2 ist die Meßeinrichtung als Kaltleitersystem ausgebildet, welches hier aufgrund seines robusten Aufbaus als besonders vorteilhaft angesehen wird. Es ist insbesondere erschütterungsfest, wobei zum Betrieb lediglich zwei Adern benötigt werden. Das Kaltleitersystem reagiert bekanntlich auf die Temperatur eines Widerstands und wird hier als Grenzwertgeber eingesetzt. Eine durch Erreichung eines maximalen Füllstands bedingte Widerstandsänderung kann somit über den genannten Stromkreis sofort erkannt und steuerungstechnisch zur Unterbindung eines weiteren Produktflusses umgesetzt werden. Über die genannte Überwachungseinrichtung wird in dem Stromkreis eine Spannungsquelle zur Verfügung gestellt und darüber hinaus der Stromkreis überwacht, beispielsweise hinsichtlich dessen Leitfähigkeit. Sowohl während eines laufenden Befüllvorgangs als auch vor der Einleitung eines Befüllvorgangs ist somit über den Stromkreis der Zustand der Verbindungsleitung erkennbar.According to the features of claim 2, the measuring device is designed as a PTC thermistor system, which is considered to be particularly advantageous here due to its robust construction. It is particularly vibration-proof, with only two wires being required for operation. As is known, the PTC thermistor system reacts to the temperature of a resistor and is used here as a limit indicator. A change in resistance caused by reaching a maximum fill level can thus be immediately recognized via the circuit mentioned and implemented in terms of control technology to prevent further product flow. A voltage source is made available in the circuit via the monitoring device mentioned and the circuit is also monitored, for example with regard to its conductivity. The state of the connecting line can thus be identified via the circuit both during a filling process that is in progress and before the filling process is initiated.

Durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 3 werden lokale elektrostatische Ladungen vermieden.Local electrostatic charges are avoided by the features of claim 3.

Die Erfindung wird im folgenden unter Bezugnahme auf das in der Zeichnung schematisch wiedergegebene Ausführungsbeispiel näher erläutert werden.The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiment shown schematically in the drawing.

Mit 1 ist in der Zeichnung ein transportierbarer Behälter zur Aufnahme von Flüssigkeiten bezeichnet, der an der Stelle 2 mit einer Befüll- und an der Stelle 3 mit einer Entlüftungsöffnung versehen ist. Bei den, in dem Behälter 1 aufgenommenen Flüssigkeiten kann es sich beispielsweise um wassergefährdende Stoffe wie brennbare Flüssigkeitsgemische, Säuren, Lösungsmittel und dergleichen handeln, somit um Flüssigkeiten, deren Handhabung besonderen Sicherheitsvorschriften unterliegt.1 in the drawing denotes a transportable container for holding liquids, which is provided at point 2 with a filling and at point 3 with a vent. The liquids accommodated in the container 1 can be, for example, water-endangering substances such as flammable liquid mixtures, acids, solvents and the like, thus liquids whose handling is subject to special safety regulations.

Die an den Stellen 2, 3 befindlichen Öffnungen des Behälters sind in nicht näher dargestellter Weise verschließbar ausgebildet und außenseitig jeweils mit Anschlußflanschen 4, 5 versehen.The openings of the container located at points 2, 3 are designed to be closable in a manner not shown and are each provided on the outside with connecting flanges 4, 5.

Mit 6, 7 sind stationär angeordnete Rohrleitungen bezeichnet, die jeweils der Zuführung von Flüssigkeit bzw. der Entlüftung dienen und deren Endpunkte durch Anschlußflansche 8, 9 gebildet werden. Im Zuge der Rohrleitung 6 ist ein beispielsweise elektromagnetisch schaltbares Absperrorgan 10 angeordnet.6, 7 designate stationary pipelines which each serve to supply liquid or vent and whose end points are formed by connecting flanges 8, 9. In the course of the pipeline 6, for example an electromagnetically switchable shut-off device 10 is arranged.

Mit 11, 12 sind Verbindungsleitungen, beispielsweise flexible Verbindungsschläuche bezeichnet, die endseitig wiederum jeweils in Anschlußflanschen 11′ bzw. 12′ enden. Die Verbindungsleitung 11 ist über ihre Anschlußflansche 11′ an die Rohrleitung 6 einerseits und den Anschlußflansch 4 des Behälters 1 andererseits angeschlossen. Eine vergleichbare Verknüpfung besteht zwischen den Anschlußflanschen 12′ der Verbindungsleitung 12 bezüglich der Rohrleitung 7 einerseits und dem Anschlußflansch 5 des Behälters 1 andererseits.With 11, 12 connecting lines, for example flexible connecting hoses are designated, which in turn each end in connection flanges 11 'and 12' respectively. The connecting line 11 is connected via its connecting flanges 11 'to the pipe 6 on the one hand and the connecting flange 4 of the container 1 on the other hand. A comparable link exists between the connecting flanges 12 'of the connecting line 12 with respect to the pipe 7 on the one hand and the connecting flange 5 of the container 1 on the other hand.

Die Verbindungsleitungen 11, 12 sind in an sich bekannter Weise elektrisch leitfähig ausgebildet, wobei die durch die Paarungen von Anschlußflanschen 8, 11′; 4, 11′; 5, 12′ und 9, 12′ gebildeten Flanschverbindungen als elektrisch isolierende Verbindungen ausgestaltet sind. Dies kann in grundsätzlich beliebiger Weise geschehen, so daß hierauf nicht näher eingegangen wird. Lediglich zur Vermeidung elektrostatischer Aufladungen sind die genannten Isolierverbindungen durch Widerstände 13 überbrückt.The connecting lines 11, 12 are electrically conductive in a manner known per se, the through the pairings of connecting flanges 8, 11 '; 4, 11 ′; 5, 12 'and 9, 12' formed flange connections are designed as electrically insulating connections. This can be done in basically happen in any way, so that it is not discussed in detail. The insulation connections mentioned are bridged by resistors 13 only to avoid electrostatic charges.

Mit 14 ist eine Einrichtung zur Feststellung des maximal zulässigen Flüssigkeitspegels innerhalb des Behälters 1 bezeichnet, deren Meßfühler z.B. durch einen an sich bekannten Kaltleiter gebildet wird. Das Funktionsprinzip derartiger Kaltleitersysteme basiert darauf, daß mit dem Eintauchen des Kaltleiters in die Flüssigkeit, deren maximal zulässiger Pegel mit 15 bezeichnet ist, eine Widerstands- und damit eine Stromänderung eintritt, aus welcher die Information abgeleitet wird, daß der maximal zulässige Pegel 15 erreicht ist. Die eigensicher ausgeführte Einrichtung 14 ist in einen Stromkreis eingebunden, welcher ausgehend von der Einrichtung 14 durch ein Leitungselement 16, die Verbindungsleitung 11, ein Leitungselement 17, eine Überwachungseinrichtung 18, ein Leitungselement 19, die Verbindungsleitung 12 und ein Leitungselement 20 gebildet wird. Durch die Leitungselemente 16, 20 wird eine elektrische Verbindung zwischen den dem Behälter 1 zugekehrten Enden der Verbindungsleitungen 11, 12 einerseits und der Einrichtung 14 andererseits hergestellt. Durch die Leitungselemente 17, 19 werden elektrische Verbindungen zwischen den den Rohrleitungen 6, 7 zugekehrten Enden der Verbindungsleitungen 11, 12 einerseits und der Überwachungseinrichtung andererseits hergestellt. Durch die Überwachungseinrichtung 18, welche mit einem zeichnerisch angedeuteten Netzanschluß 21 versehen ist, wird diesem zuletzt genannten Stromkreis, der im wesentlichen als in sich geschlossener Stromkreis angesehen werden kann, eine definierte Spannung aufgeprägt, so daß sich ein von der Temperatur des Kaltleiters abhängiger Strom einstellt.14 with a device for determining the maximum permissible liquid level inside the container 1 is designated, the sensor is formed, for example, by a PTC thermistor known per se. The principle of operation of such PTC thermistor systems is based on the fact that when the PTC thermistor is immersed in the liquid, the maximum permissible level of which is designated 15, a change in resistance and thus a current occurs, from which the information is derived that the maximum permissible level 15 has been reached . The intrinsically safe device 14 is integrated in a circuit which, starting from the device 14, is formed by a line element 16, the connecting line 11, a line element 17, a monitoring device 18, a line element 19, the connecting line 12 and a line element 20. The line elements 16, 20 establish an electrical connection between the ends of the connecting lines 11, 12 facing the container 1 on the one hand and the device 14 on the other hand. The line elements 17, 19 establish electrical connections between the ends of the connecting lines 11, 12 facing the pipes 6, 7 on the one hand and the monitoring device on the other hand. By the monitoring device 18, which is provided with a network connection 21 indicated in the drawing, this last-mentioned circuit, which can essentially be regarded as a self-contained circuit, is impressed with a defined voltage, so that one of the Temperature of the PTC thermistor dependent current.

Die Überwachungseinrichtung 18, die im folgenden anhand ihrer Funktionen beschrieben werden wird, deren bauteilmäßige Realisierung jedoch grundsätzlich beliebig ist, steht über eine Leitung 22 mit einer Steuereinrichtung 23 in Verbindung, durch welch letztere das Absperrorgan 10 betätigbar ist. Es kann die Steuereinrichtung 23 darüber hinaus mit einer Anzeigeeinheit 24, welche den jeweiligen Schaltzustand des Absperrorgans 10 bzw. Störmeldungen, welche durch die Überwachungseinrichtung 18 übertragen werden, anzeigt. Praktisch kann die Anzeigeeinheit 24 beispielsweise der Monitor einer EDV-Anlage sein.The monitoring device 18, which will be described below on the basis of its functions, the implementation of which, however, is fundamentally arbitrary, is connected via a line 22 to a control device 23, by means of which the shut-off device 10 can be actuated. The control device 23 can also have a display unit 24 which displays the respective switching state of the shut-off device 10 or fault messages which are transmitted by the monitoring device 18. In practice, the display unit 24 can, for example, be the monitor of an EDP system.

Schließlich ist mit 25 ein mit Drucktasten 26 und Kontrollleuchten 27 versehenes Betätigungsgerät bezeichnet, über welches der Vorgang des Befüllens des Behälters 1 aktivierbar ist bzw. auch beendet werden kann. Der Vorgang des Befüllens, welcher durch Öffnung des Absperrorgans 10 eingeleitet wird, findet jedoch nur dann statt, wenn diverse Sicherheitsfunktionen erfüllt sind, zu denen unter anderem der Füllstand des Behälters 1 gehört. So kann ein Befüllvorgang nicht ausgelöst werden, wenn der maximal zulässige Pegel 15 erreicht ist.Finally, 25 denotes an actuating device provided with pushbuttons 26 and indicator lights 27, by means of which the process of filling the container 1 can be activated or also ended. However, the process of filling, which is initiated by opening the shut-off element 10, only takes place if various safety functions are fulfilled, which include the filling level of the container 1. A filling process cannot be triggered when the maximum permissible level 15 has been reached.

Im folgenden soll kurz auf die Wirkungsweise des oben beschriebenen Überwachungssystems eingegangen werden:The mode of operation of the monitoring system described above is briefly discussed below:

Sobald die beidseitigen Flanschverbindungen der Verbindungsleitungen 11, 12 mit den ortsfesten Rohrleitungen 6, 7 einerseits und den Befüllöffnungen bzw. Entlüftungsöffnungen des Behälters 1 andererseits hergestellt sind, wird über das Betätigungsgerät 25 der Befüllvorgang ausgelöst. Ein hierdurch bewirktes Schaltsignal gelangt zunächst in die Überwachungseinrichtung 18, durch welche an den oben genannten Stromkreis eine definierte Spannung gelegt wird und der Widerstand des Kaltleiters überprüft wird. In diese Prüfung, die im wesentlichen auf einer Widerstands- bzw. Leitfähigkeitsmessung beruht, ist der Zustand der Verbindungsschläuche 11, 12 sowie der in der Zeichnung mit 28 bezeichneten Schlauchkupplungen mit einbezogen. Dieser Prüfvorgang findet während eines definierten Zeitintervalls statt, wobei über die Leitung 22 erst dann ein Freigabesignal an die Steuereinrichtung 23 erfolgt, wenn keine Störung festgestellt worden ist. Über die Steuereinrichtung 23 wird dann das Absperrorgan 10 geöffnet.As soon as the flange connections on both sides of the connecting lines 11, 12 with the fixed pipes 6, 7 on the one hand and the filling openings or ventilation openings of the container 1 on the other hand have been established, the filling process is triggered via the actuating device 25. A switching signal caused thereby initially reaches the monitoring device 18, through which a defined voltage is applied to the above-mentioned circuit and the resistance of the PTC thermistor is checked. In this test, which is essentially based on a resistance or conductivity measurement, the state of the connecting hoses 11, 12 and the hose couplings designated 28 in the drawing is also included. This test process takes place during a defined time interval, an enable signal to the control device 23 only being given via the line 22 when no fault has been found. The shut-off device 10 is then opened via the control device 23.

Das Überwachungssystem bleibt während des gesamten Füllvorgangs aktiviert, d.h. sobald der Flüssigkeitsstand im Behälter 1 den maximal zulässigen Pegel 15 erreicht hat, welches anhand der Widerstandsänderung des Kaltleiters der Einrichtung 14 feststellbar ist, wird mittels der Überwachungseinrichtung 18 nunmehr die Steuereinrichtung 23 dahingehend betätigt, daß das Absperrorgan 10 geschlossen wird. Außerdem wird ein laufender Befüllvorgang automatisch unterbrochen, sobald sich irgendeine Störung einstellt, die eine Änderung der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit des oben bezeichneten Stromkreises zur Folge hat.The monitoring system remains activated during the entire filling process, i.e. as soon as the liquid level in the container 1 has reached the maximum permissible level 15, which can be determined on the basis of the change in resistance of the PTC thermistor of the device 14, the control device 23 is now actuated by means of the monitoring device 18 such that the shut-off device 10 is closed. In addition, an ongoing filling process is automatically interrupted as soon as any malfunction occurs that results in a change in the electrical conductivity of the circuit described above.

Mit 29 ist ein, in das Leitungselement 17 integrierter Not-Ausschalter bezeichnet.With 29, an integrated in the line element 17 emergency stop switch is designated.

Man erkennt, daß das oben bezeichnete Überwachungssystem ein automatisches Befüllen von Behältern 1 und damit sicheres Handhaben der eingangs bezeichneten Flüssigkeiten gewährleistet, wobei sowohl eine Überwachung der Verbindungsleitungen gegeben ist als auch ein Überschreiten eines maximal zulässigen Füllstands im Behälter vermieden wird.It can be seen that the monitoring system referred to above ensures an automatic filling of containers 1 and thus safe handling of the liquids mentioned at the outset, both monitoring the connecting lines and avoiding exceeding a maximum permissible fill level in the container.

Die, die Anschlußflansche 11′, 12′ tragenden Rohrleitungselemente können wahlweise als Teil der Rohrleitungen 6, 7 bzw. des Behälters 1 oder auch als Teil der Verbindungsleitungen 11, 12 betrachtet werden.The, the connecting flanges 11 ', 12' carrying pipe elements can be viewed either as part of the pipes 6, 7 or the container 1 or as part of the connecting lines 11, 12.

Claims (5)

1. A monitoring system for filling containers (1) from a tapping point safeguarded by a shut-off element (10), combined with at least one connecting line (11, 12) with a preferably electrical measuring device detecting the maximum permissible level (15) of the product, characterized by an electrically conductive connecting line (11), the interconnection of which with the container (1) on the one hand and with the tapping point on the other hand is of substantially electrically insulated construction, and by a circuit for electric current serving to monitor the filling operation, in which electric circuit both the measuring device and the connecting line (11) are included.
2. A monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring device is a PTC resistor system known per se, in the electric circuit there is arranged a monitoring unit (18) in operative connection with a control device (23), and the monitoring unit comprises at least one voltage source and functional elements for measuring electrical parameters of the electric circuit suitable for describing the fill level of the container (1) and also the state of the mechanical connection between the tapping point and the container.
3. A monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by resistors (13) bridging the electrical insulation of the interconnections of the connecting line (11, 12) with the tapping point on the one hand and with the container (1) on the other hand, to discharge electrostatic charges.
4. A monitoring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tapping point consists of at least two connections, namely a pipe line (6) for filling the container (1) and a pipe line (7) for conveying outgoing air from the container (1), on the container (1) there are arranged connections for filling and for ventilation, the connections are coupled during the filling by way of connecting lines (11, 12) and both connecting lines (11, 12) are coupled in a substantially electrically insulated manner and are included in the said electric circuit.
5. A monitoring system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the monitoring unit (18) has associated with it an actuating device (25) and the shut-off element (10) controlling the product flow is controlled in dependence on the functional state of the said electric circuit.
EP89101909A 1988-03-03 1989-02-03 Monitoring device for filling tanks Expired - Lifetime EP0330860B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT89101909T ATE71605T1 (en) 1988-03-03 1989-02-03 MONITORING SYSTEM FOR THE FILLING OF CONTAINERS.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3806899 1988-03-03
DE3806899A DE3806899A1 (en) 1988-03-03 1988-03-03 MONITORING SYSTEM FOR FILLING CONTAINERS

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0330860A1 EP0330860A1 (en) 1989-09-06
EP0330860B1 true EP0330860B1 (en) 1992-01-15

Family

ID=6348739

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP89101909A Expired - Lifetime EP0330860B1 (en) 1988-03-03 1989-02-03 Monitoring device for filling tanks

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US4915145A (en)
EP (1) EP0330860B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2595348B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE71605T1 (en)
DE (2) DE3806899A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2029731T3 (en)
GR (1) GR3004174T3 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2029731T3 (en) 1992-09-01
JPH01294496A (en) 1989-11-28
ATE71605T1 (en) 1992-02-15
JP2595348B2 (en) 1997-04-02
US4915145A (en) 1990-04-10
EP0330860A1 (en) 1989-09-06
GR3004174T3 (en) 1993-03-31
DE3806899A1 (en) 1989-09-14
DE58900711D1 (en) 1992-02-27

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