System for measurement of molten sulfur level in receptacles

摘要

A portable temperature sensing probe having a plurality of thermocouples is inserted into a tank mounted on a truck or other receptacle at the time of loading a hot liquid, e.g., molten sulfur. The probe and at least a portion of the associated wiring or leads are attached to the loading pipe and/or discharge nozzle, and the probe is inserted into the interior of the tank before the molten sulfur is discharged. The signals from the plurality of thermocouples are amplified and the corresponding temperature information is transmitted to a display and control device. Due to the significant differential between the temperature of the rising molten sulfur and the vapors in the tank overhead space, the signals generated indicate which of the thermocouple are in contact with molten sulfur or the vapor zone. The generated signals adjust the shut-off valve that controls the flow of molten sulfur into the tank.

主权项

1. A system for loading molten material into a container having an interior, said system comprising:
a loading pipe coupled to a source of molten material, said loading pipe having an outlet for discharging molten material into the interior of the container through an overhead container opening; an elongated probe movable from a first position outside of the container into a second position in which at least a first portion of said probe is positioned vertically within the interior of the container; wherein said first portion contains a plurality of vertically spaced temperature sensing devices for producing electrical signals which vary as a function of sensed temperature such that, as molten material is discharged into the interior of the container through said loading pipe, said temperature sensing devices at vertically increased heights come into thermal contact with the molten material; a processor system located outside of the container and electrically coupled to said sensing devices for receiving said electrical signals; wherein said processor system is programmed to calculating a value representing the current volume or level of molten material within the container based on physical properties of the container in combination with said electrical signals; and an external device coupled to the processor to provide an indication to a user of the current volume or level of molten material within the container; and further comprising an electrically controlled shutoff valve for controlling the flow of molten material through said loading pipe; wherein said processor system further includes programming means for monitoring said electrical signals and determining whether at least one shutdown condition has occurred; and wherein said processor system includes programming means for closing said shutoff valve in response to determining that a shutdown condition exists; wherein the processor system is programmed for loading molten sulfur into an insulated container such that a vapor zone forms over the molten sulfur.