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Optimal Design of Acrylic Overflow Columns for Tank Filling Applications

This study focuses on precise control of liquid densities in tank filling systems using feedback loops and hydrostatic principles in acrylic vessels. Factors affecting column heights, forces, and rupture risks are analyzed to ensure safety and efficiency in operations. Understanding the DV/V vs. pressure curves is crucial for design considerations. Overfill risks are mitigated by dividing tanks into filling zones and monitoring levels accurately. Attention to N2 purging system pressures is essential for operations.

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Optimal Design of Acrylic Overflow Columns for Tank Filling Applications

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  1. AD tank filling & design issues • Liquid densities must be tightly controlled • Feedback loops between liquid columns and pumps ˛ need column heights • Overfill to rupture is possible • Purge gas pressures must be equalized

  2. AD Hydrostatics • Each acrylic vessel is an enormous hydraulic cylinder acting on itself • The overflow columns function as hydraulic pistons • The acrylic vessels are elastic with a non-linear DV/V vs pressure. Overflow column heights are a balance between a) stiffness of acrylic c) column diameters b) liquid density difference d) mass pumped into detector

  3. Let r oil > r scintillator • Deflection of acrylic until forces balance • 450 kg force for every 1% density difference between scintillator and oil • Column height difference of 4cm for each 1% density difference • Diameter of overflow column is critical We need DV vs PRESSURE curve for both acrylic vessels DV/V at rupture is important parameter

  4. Acrylic vessels appear “stiffer” for small diameter overflow columns and “softer” for large diameter columns Same DV Conversely, filling an overflow column to a preconceived height is dangerous

  5. Divide detector into filling zones • Zone A: oil only • Zone B 106 kg force on acrylic bottom for each cm of height mismatch • Zone C: center vessel filled at constant rate while regulating other two flow rates • Zone D/E: overfill to breaking point possible even with a small difference in column height Level monitoring to cm accuracy is needed. Consider monitoring curvature of flat acrylic faces

  6. CONCLUSIONS • Acrylic vessels are highly elastic. Need DV/V vs pressure and DV/V at failure • Accurate liquid densities needed now---can have major impact on acrylic design • Want LARGE diameter oil overflow and SMALL diameter scintillator overflow • Flexing of acrylic tanks is desirable if filling to pre-specified mass • Rupture of acrylic during filling is possible • Regulation of heights during fill (and drain!) • N2 purging system pressures are critical (±10 mbar)

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