EP1580340B1 - Explosion-proof cupboard and explosion-protecting arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

Explosion-proof cabinet (10) comprises a receiving chamber with a gas-permeable open side. All the other side walls (28, 32, 34) are sealed in a gas-tight manner. The open side faces into the open air. An independent claim is also included for an explosion-proof arrangement in a room with an outer wall (38) having an opening on which the above explosion-proof cabinet is positioned with its open side.

Description

The invention relates to an explosion protection cabinet with a receiving space, which comprises a gas-permeable open side and is closed gas-tight on all other sides, the open side facing the outside, and the receiving space is partially covered on the open side to the outside.

Furthermore, the invention relates to an explosion protection arrangement in a room with an outer wall.

For experiments with critical gases such as hydrogen, an explosion-proof environment is required for well-defined operating conditions and well-defined environmental conditions. The environment can be divided into zones, where the explosion-proof environment is a special zone. For example, the ignition limit of hydrogen in air at a volume fraction of 4% hydrogen.

From the US 5,983,578 is an intruder-proof modular security gang known.

From the US 3,334,597 is a radiation-safe structure known.

From the US 3,104,628 is a high-pressure laboratory unit known.

The object of the invention is to provide an explosion protection cabinet with which potentially explosive parts of a test arrangement can be housed.

This object is achieved in that at least one lightweight panel is arranged on the open side between a Zuluftöffnung and an exhaust opening so that it falls out at a predetermined pressure in the receiving space.

In the solution according to the invention that part of the explosion protection cabinet, which has in the interior of a room, gas-tight closed. However, gas exchange is possible with the outdoors. This makes it possible to prevent - as passive - explosion protection measure that can accumulate too large a concentration of a critical gas such as hydrogen in the receiving space.

By means of the solution according to the invention, an explosion-proof area can be partitioned off in a space that is in particular not explosion-proof. This explosion-proof area can be provided with relatively low cost and relatively little technical effort. The solution according to the invention makes it possible to provide an ex-protection enclosure which can accommodate potentially explosive parts of a test setup (such as, for example, a fuel cell system). The enclosure is basically eligible. It does not have to be re-equipped the entire room.

The receiving space is partially covered on the open side to the outside, so just to get protection against the weather, dirt, etc. In particular, the cover is such that heat insulation is provided to the receiving space from the outside.

At least one lightweight board is arranged on the open side between a supply air opening and an exhaust air opening. Since lightweight panels have a relatively small weight, the removal of such lightweight panels on the open side is facilitated. It can be, for example, cause that when a certain overpressure threshold is reached in the receiving space, the lightweight panels fall out of the open side of itself and thus just release the open side.

In particular, at least one (non-closable) opening is provided which opens out into the open. About such an opening is a gas exchange with outdoor so that it can be prevented that critical gas concentrations can accumulate in the receiving space.

It is particularly advantageous if the explosion protection cabinet is provided for positioning on an outer wall with an outer wall opening. Compared with the interior of the room in which the explosion protection cabinet is located, a gas-tightness is ensured, while gases can be discharged to the outside.

Conveniently, the outer wall opening is so large that the open side of the receiving space is not obscured. It is then ensured that over the outer wall no blocking, which could lead to a restriction of the explosion protection, can take place.

In one embodiment, opposite side walls are provided. Furthermore, a front wall is provided.

Advantageously, the front wall has a smaller width than an adjacent side wall. The open side can then form the front wall opposite. As a result, the dimensions of the outer wall opening can be kept low.

In particular, the open side is opposite the front wall.

Furthermore, it is favorable if a bottom is provided. As a result, the receiving space relative to the interior of the room in which the explosion protection cabinet is located, completely encapsulate. The explosion protection cabinet can also be fixed to a base (in particular the floor of the room in which the explosion protection cabinet is located) via the floor. As a result, it can be achieved that the cabinet construction is resistant to an internal overpressure such as 25 mbar. It can thereby also ensure a seal of the interior of the room with respect to the receiving space of the explosion protection cabinet.

It is also advantageous if a roof is provided as a lid. This ensures a gas-tight closure on a cabinet top.

It is particularly advantageous if the roof is designed as a pent roof and in particular has a rising inclination to the open side. A gas, such as hydrogen, which is lighter than air, can then flow along the sloped roof to the open side. In turn, such a gas can be more easily removed from the receiving space, so as to prevent gas accumulation in the receiving space again.

In particular, the receiving space is closed gas-tight on five sides. He is then gas-tight on all sides, which are located within a room.

This can be achieved by connecting opposite side walls in a gastight manner to a floor, a roof and a front wall.

It is particularly advantageous if a supply air opening opening into the open is provided on the open side. This supply air opening is always unlocked. It can thereby be guaranteed that an air circulation can take place, so as to again prevent gas accumulation of a critical gas such as hydrogen in the receiving space.

In particular, the supply air opening is arranged in the vicinity of a floor of the explosion protection cabinet. If the critical gas is lighter than air (as is the case with hydrogen), then it is achieved that a circulation can form, over which the critical gas can be discharged from the receiving space.

It is then also advantageous if an open air outlet opening into the open is provided on the open side. About this exhaust port, a critical gas such as hydrogen can be removed from the receiving space.

It is especially advantageous if the exhaust air opening is arranged in a highest region of the explosion protection cabinet with respect to the direction of gravity. Since hydrogen is lighter than air, it preferably accumulates in an upper area of the cabinet. It can then be discharged via the exhaust opening from this area.

It is then also advantageous if the exhaust air opening is arranged on a roof or in the vicinity of a roof. Preferably, the roof is inclined. Hydrogen can be directed towards the highest point in the explosion protection cabinet via the sloping roof. If the exhaust port is located there, then ensures optimal decoupling, d. H. Hydrogen can be actively removed. This also applies to other gases that are lighter than air.

To protect an opening, a gas-permeable protective grille such as a lamella plate or a perforated plate may be provided. As a result, a protection of the receiving space against the weather, dirt, small animals, etc. can be achieved.

A cover can be achieved in a simple manner in that a plurality of stacked lightweight panels is provided.

In particular, the at least one lightweight board is kept loose, so just dropping out is possible. The loose holding can be realized, for example, by fixing the at least one lightweight building board with adhesive tape. The adhesive force of the adhesive tape is then such that when a pressure threshold is exceeded, the holder is released and the at least one lightweight panel falls out.

The at least one lightweight panel is arranged so that it falls out at a predetermined pressure in the receiving space and thus releases the open side. This overpressure is set, for example, in the order of 10 mbar.

Conveniently, the explosion-proof cabinet is closed on all sides except for a side facing the outside. This is a gas-tight seal against the interior of a room in which the explosion protection cabinet arranged is reached. But it is a gas exchange with the outdoors possible, so that the gas accumulation in the receiving space is avoided as an active explosion protection measure.

It is especially advantageous if a design for overpressure with respect to the environment takes place. By a corresponding overpressure resistance of the explosion protection cabinet, in particular with respect to the interior of the room in which the explosion protection cabinet is located, just a protection is achieved. For example, the overpressure resistance is designed for an overpressure of the order of magnitude of 25 mbar.

In order to stack devices and experimental arrangements in the receiving space, this must be divided. It is particularly advantageous if the receiving space is subdivided by means of at least one transverse floor which has a plurality of through openings. Through the through openings a gas exchange is made possible and thereby in turn prevents a gas cushion can form below a transverse floor. This helps prevent accumulations of a critical gas within the receiving space. In particular, the at least one transverse floor is provided with a lateral flanging. This increases the rigidity (stability against deflection) during the storage of objects. In particular, flanges are provided on all sides of a transverse floor.

At least one door may be provided for providing access to the receiving space, which is removable as a whole. Such a door can be securely fixed with the appropriate wall.

In particular, the at least one door is arranged on a side wall, wherein the side wall has a corresponding length.

A fixation can be achieved in a simple and secure manner, if a plurality of screw caps is provided. These screw caps are arranged on the edge of the door so as to be able to obtain a secure fixation.

Conveniently, at least one media plate is provided, via which one or more media can be coupled into the receiving space and / or decoupled. Via the media plate, gaseous media and liquid media can be coupled or decoupled, wherein the coupling / decoupling is possible in a simple manner and in a simple manner, a tightness can be ensured.

In particular, the at least one media plate is removable and fixable by means of a plurality of screw caps on the associated wall. It can thus achieve a secure fixation, the enclosure of the working space is gas-tight. The removability also results in easy access to the recording room.

Conveniently, the at least one media plate is provided with one or more bulkhead fittings. It can then perform pipes such as pipes or hoses through the media plate, a gas-tightness of the implementation is guaranteed.

It is particularly advantageous if a seal is provided in the region of the open side on an external wall and / or on an external base. The seal is in particular a circumferential seal. The explosion protection cabinet according to the invention is brought so far to the seal and then fixed in this position, that the space in which the explosion protection cabinet is arranged, is sealed by the seal in the region of the outer wall opposite the receiving space.

Conveniently, at least one gas sensor is arranged in the receiving space. For example, it is a hydrogen-in-air gas sensor. The provision of at least one gas sensor serves as an active explosion protection measure in order to detect (pre) critical gas concentrations within the receiving space can.

For example, the at least one gas sensor is arranged in the vicinity of a cabinet top. It is then possible to safely detect gases that are lighter than air (such as hydrogen).

In particular, the explosion protection cabinet is fixed with a base. For example, a floor of the explosion protection cabinet is bolted to the base. It is ensured by a gas-tightness.

In particular, this makes it possible to fix the explosion protection cabinet in a position relative to an outer wall, so that the gas-tightness is ensured here.

It is particularly advantageous if the explosion protection cabinet is dimensioned in its volume so that an emergency shutdown of a gas supply upon detection of a certain gas concentration, taking into account remaining in lines and in the receiving space gas explosion limit is not reached. If an emergency shutdown of the gas supply, then remains in the line area between the explosion protection cabinet and a check valve still a certain amount of gas. If an internal gas sensor detects a certain gas concentration, then this means that a certain amount of gas is present in the explosion protection cabinet. In the dimension of the explosion protection cabinet according to the invention is always ensured that the total concentration of the gas remains below an explosion limit.

The explosion protection cabinet according to the invention can be produced in a simple manner if it has a rectangular cross-section.

It is advantageous if removable plate elements are arranged on at least one wall. These plate elements may be formed as media plates and / or simple plate elements. It is thereby possible, for example, to be able to access the receiving space from several sides during the construction of a test arrangement.

It is favorable if at least one gas sensor is arranged with respect to the direction of gravity above the explosion protection cabinet. By means of such a gas sensor which is arranged outside of the explosion protection cabinet, the gas-tightness of the explosion protection cabinet can be monitored.

It can then perform an emergency shutdown, if in the room in which the explosion protection cabinet is located, too high a gas concentration is detected.

In particular, an emergency shutdown device is provided for this purpose, which switches off the electrical supply upon detection of a specific gas concentration within the explosion protection cabinet or outside the explosion protection cabinet and shuts off the gas supply to the explosion protection cabinet. Preferably, the emergency shutdown takes place when a certain gas concentration is detected either inside or outside the explosion protection cabinet or a certain critical gas concentration is detected both inside and outside the explosion protection cabinet.

The invention is further based on the object to provide an explosion protection arrangement in a room with an outer wall, which can be realized in a simple manner.

This object is achieved in that the outer wall is provided with an outer wall opening on which an inventive explosion protection cabinet is positioned with its open side.

The explosion protection arrangement according to the invention has the advantages already explained in connection with the explosion protection cabinet according to the invention.

In particular, the explosion protection cabinet is gas-tight with respect to the interior of the room.

Advantageously, a seal between the explosion protection cabinet and the outer wall and / or a base for the explosion protection cabinet is provided.

Conveniently, the seal is circumferential, so as to provide a complete seal between the explosion protection cabinet and the outer wall or the base and thus between the receiving space and the interior of the room in which the explosion protection cabinet is arranged.

It is also advantageous if at least one gas sensor is arranged in the room. This allows the gas concentration in the room to be monitored. It can thereby monitor the tightness of the explosion protection cabinet. Furthermore, this makes it possible to monitor for line breakage.

Conveniently, the gas sensor is coupled to a valve, via which the gas supply through the space can be blocked. Thus, if the gas sensor detects too high a concentration, then the gas supply to the room itself can be blocked, so that no more gas can escape into the room.

In particular, the valve is designed as a check valve. The check valve is closed in its basic state. This means that in case of failure of the gas sensor or a control device for the check valve, the valve is closed.

It is also advantageous if in the receiving space at least one gas sensor is arranged, which is coupled to a valve, via which the gas supply to the explosion protection cabinet can be blocked. If an excessively high gas concentration is detected in the explosion protection cabinet, then the further injection of gas into the explosion protection cabinet can be blocked.

For the same reasons as above, it is advantageous if the valve is designed as a check valve.

In particular, the valves, to which a gas sensor in the room and a gas sensor in the explosion protection cabinet are coupled, are arranged in series. It can then lock the gas supply in the explosion protection cabinet, if too high a gas concentration is detected inside or outside of the explosion protection cabinet.

In particular, an emergency shutdown device is provided by means of which the energy supply for the explosion protection cabinet (for components in the explosion protection cabinet) can be switched off as a function of measured gas concentrations. If an excessively high gas concentration is detected inside the explosion protection cabinet or outside the explosion protection cabinet, then the energy supply can be automatically blocked.

Figur 1

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Explosionsschutzschranks;

Figur 2

eine andere perspektivische Ansicht des Explosionsschutzschranks gemäß Figur 1;

Figur 3

eine Ansicht in der Richtung 3 gemäß Figur 1;

Figur 4

eine Seitenansicht in der Richtung 4 gemäß Figur 1 und

Figur 5

eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Explosionsschutzanordnung mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Explosionsschutzschrank.

The following description of a preferred embodiment is used in conjunction with the drawings for a more detailed explanation of the invention. Show it:

FIG. 1

a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an explosion protection cabinet according to the invention;

FIG. 2

another perspective view of the explosion protection cabinet according to FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3

a view in the direction 3 according to FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4

a side view in the direction 4 according to FIG. 1 and

FIG. 5

a schematic representation of an embodiment of an explosion protection arrangement according to the invention with an explosion protection cabinet according to the invention.

An embodiment of an explosion protection cabinet according to the invention, which in the FIGS. 1 to 4 shown there and designated as a whole by 10, comprises a receiving space 12 in which, for example, measuring arrangements or experimental equipment can be positioned. The receiving space is compared to an interior 14 of a room 16, in which the explosion protection cabinet 10 is arranged, gas-tightly closed (see FIG. 5 ). Opposite the free 18, the receiving space 12 is open to gas.

The explosion protection cabinet 10 has a bottom 20 with which the explosion protection cabinet 10 is placed on a base 22 and in particular a bottom of the room 16. The bottom 20 is fixed to this pad 22, for example by screwing. For this purpose, 20 folds or profiles 24a, 24b are arranged on the bottom. These are in particular welded to the bottom 20. The folds 24a, 24b are then, for example, with the pad 22 via screw 26 ( FIG. 3 ) screwed. The folds 24a, 24b are preferably arranged outside of the receiving space 12, so that the bottom 20 of the explosion protection cabinet 10 does not have to be broken within the receiving space 12.

In the embodiment shown ( FIG. 2 . FIG. 3 ), the folds 24a, 24b are arranged on opposite narrow sides of the explosion protection cabinet 10. It is also possible in principle that they are arranged on all sides of the explosion protection cabinet 10 or on opposite longer sides.

The explosion protection cabinet 10 comprises opposite side walls 28, 30, between which the receiving space 12 is formed. In a preferred embodiment, the explosion protection cabinet 10 has a rectangular cross-section. The side walls 28 are then perpendicular to the bottom 22, being parallel to each other. The side walls 28, 30 are gas-tightly connected to the bottom 20.

The side walls 28, 30 are each gas-tightly connected to a front wall 32, wherein the front wall 32 is also gas-tightly connected to the bottom 20. The front wall 32 is perpendicular to the bottom 20 and perpendicular to the side walls 28, 30th

On a cabinet top, a roof 34 is gas-tightly connected to the side walls 28 and 30 and the front wall 32, respectively. The roof 34 covers the receiving space 12 from the top of the cabinet. The roof 34 is designed in particular as a pent roof with an increasing inclination of the front wall 32 away. An inclination angle α is on the order of, for example, 5 °.

To the interior 14 of the space 16 of the explosion protection cabinet on the bottom 20, the side walls 28, 30, the front wall 32 and the pent roof 34 is closed gas-tight on all sides. The connection of the individual elements is made for example by welding.

At the front wall 32 opposite side 36 of the explosion protection cabinet 10 is open.

In an outer wall 38 of the space 16, which delimits the space 16 from the free 18, an outer wall opening 40 is formed. The explosion protection cabinet 10 is arranged with its open side 36 at this outer wall opening 40, so that a gas exchange with the free 18 can take place. The outer wall opening 40 is designed so that no parts of the outer wall 38 protrude into the open side 36.

The explosion protection cabinet 10 is moved to the outer wall 38 at the outer wall opening 40. Between the explosion protection cabinet 10 and the inside (the space 16 side facing) of the outer wall 38 is a Seal 42 is arranged, which is in particular around the open side 36 of the explosion protection cabinet 10. By this seal, the space 16 is sealed against the receiving space 12 to the open side 36 gas-tight.

The bottom 20 is screwed over the folds 24a, 24b with the base 22 so that the explosion protection cabinet 10 is pressed against the seal 42 so as to provide a seal.

Further, an angle plate 44 is provided, which is connected to the inside of the outer wall 38 and is connected to the roof 34. The connection (in FIG. 4 indicated by the reference numeral 46) is designed so that the roof 34 does not have to be broken and in particular no through holes for screws or the like must be provided. About the angle plate 44 can be achieved in particular in combination with the seal 42 and any other seals sealing the cabinet top to the outer wall 38.

The area between the outer wall opening 40 and the open side 36 can be fixed by means of in particular folded sheets 48 (FIG. FIG. 3 ) be covered. The sheets 48 are fixed to an outer side of the outer wall 38.

The explosion protection cabinet 10 has on its open side 36 a first cross bar 50 and a second cross bar 52. Below the first cross bar 50, a non-closable inlet air opening 54 is formed in the direction of the bottom 20. About this supply air opening 54 can constantly air in the Inlet space 12 flow. The supply air opening 54 is associated with a protective grid 56, which is, for example, a louvred grille or a perforated plate. This guard 56 is gas permeable; it serves to provide protection against weather influences, dirt, small animals, etc. at the supply air opening 54.

Above the second cross bar 52, a non-closable exhaust opening 58 is formed between this second cross bar 52 and the roof 34. This exhaust port 58 extends into the highest area of the explosion protection cabinet 10 so that no gas accumulations can form below the roof 34. Gas can be removed from the receiving space 12 via the exhaust air opening 58. In combination with the supply air opening 54, a gas exchange in the receiving space 12 can take place.

The exhaust port 58 is associated with a protective grid 60, for example in the form of a perforated plate or a lamella plate.

Between the first transverse bar 50 and the second transverse bar 52 sits on the open side 36 a plurality of lightweight panels 62a, 62b, 62c. These serve to heat-isolate the receiving space 12 with respect to the outdoor 18. They also protect the receiving space 12 against the weather, dirt, etc.

The lightweight panels 62a, 62b, 62c are loosely stacked. They are fixed to one another, for example, by means of adhesive tape 64 and likewise fixed to the protective gratings 56, 60 via adhesive tape.

The fixation is such that at a certain pressure in the receiving space 12, the lightweight panels 62a, 62b, 62c automatically fall out and release the open side 36.

For example, they are held so loose that they fall out of the open 18 at the pressure of 10 mbar and thus release the front wall 32 opposite side 36 of the explosion protection cabinet 10.

In the receiving space 12, one or more transverse floors 66 are arranged ( FIG. 4 ). On such a transverse bottom 66 measuring devices, etc. can be turned off.

According to the invention, it is provided that a transverse bottom 66 is provided with a plurality of through recesses 68. For example, a transverse bottom 66 is formed by means of a perforated plate. This can prevent that a gas accumulation can form below a transverse floor. It is also provided in particular that a transverse bottom 66 is preferably flanged on all sides. This bead also contributes to the transverse bottom 66 can carry loads with minimized deflection.

The side wall 28 is provided with a first door 70 and a second door 72. The two doors 70, 72 are removable as a whole. The door 70 and the door 72 each have a pair of spaced handles 74a, 74b on which the respective door 70, 72 can be held upon removal.

The doors 70, 72 are each provided with a window 76. The window 76 is made of a pressure-resistant and unbreakable material such as Lexan. (Lexan is a registered trademark of General Electric Co.)

The windows 76 are each in a seal 78 ( FIG. 4 ) embedded. The seal 78 is in particular a rubber seal.

The doors 70, 72 are fixed to the side wall 28 of the explosion protection cabinet 10 via a plurality of rotary closures 80. The screw caps 80 are arranged evenly distributed in the vicinity of the side and end edges of the respective doors 70, 72.

On the side wall 30 and the front wall 32 plate members 82 are arranged, which are removable. With the plate members 82 removed and the doors 70, 72 removed, the receiving space 12 can be accessed from three sides.

The plate elements 82 can be fixed to the front wall 32 and the side wall 30 via rotary closures as mentioned above in connection with the doors 70, 72. The plate elements 82 sit over in each case a circumferential seal 84 (FIG. FIG. 2 ) on the associated wall 30 or 32. This ensures the gas-tightness of the receiving space 12 with respect to the interior 14 of the space 16.

One or more of the plate elements 82 may be formed as a media plate 84, via the media such as gases and liquids in the receiving space 12 are coupled and / or a medium from the receiving space 12th can be coupled out and / or electrical lines in the receiving space 12 are feasible. Via such electrical lines, devices in the receiving space 12 can be supplied with energy, signals can be coupled in and signals can be removed.

For the supply or discharge of media such as gases and liquids in and out of the explosion protection cabinet 10 corresponding connecting elements 86 are arranged on the media plates 84, via the corresponding lines can be coupled. These are in particular bulkhead fittings that seal the passage holes of pipes and hoses through the media plates 84.

For electrical leads, tested and suitable PG glands or similar glands can be used to provide a seal.

In one embodiment, the roof 34 is formed as a pent roof, which is cross struts and is free of grease. Over a length of 200 cm, the pent roof rises by 15 cm in the direction of the open side 36. The side walls 28, 30 each have a length of 200 cm. Its height at the front wall 32 is 185 cm and at the open side 36 200 cm. The front wall 32 has a width of 110 cm and a height of 185 cm, respectively.

The windows 76 in the doors have a size of 60 cm with a pane thickness of 4 mm.

The exhaust port 58 extends at the open side 36 to 15 cm down. The supply air opening 54 extends at the open side 36 22 cm upwards.

As screw caps 80 90 ° turn locks are used.

A gas sensor 88 is located below the roof 34 in an upper area of the explosion protection cabinet 10. In particular, it is a hydrogen-in-air sensor which measures the hydrogen concentration, for example via heat of reaction. The gas sensor 88 preferably sits at a distance from the highest portion of the receiving space 12 (i.e., spaced from the open side 36).

In an explosion protection arrangement according to the invention, which schematically in FIG. 5 is shown, a further gas sensor 90 is provided, which is arranged outside of the explosion protection cabinet 10 in the space 16. Preferably, the gas sensor 90 is located above the explosion protection cabinet 10. It can thereby measure the gas concentration of a critical gas such as hydrogen outside the explosion protection cabinet 10 so as to be able to continuously monitor in particular the tightness of the explosion protection cabinet 10 with respect to the interior 14 of the room 16.

The gas sensors 88, 90 are coupled to an emergency shut-off device, indicated as a whole by 92. The critical gas is coupled via a feed 94 through a corresponding media plate 84 into the working space 12 of the explosion protection cabinet 10. In the feed 94 sits a first check valve 96. In its "normal position" locks the check valve 96th (NC normally closed). A controller 98, which is coupled to the gas sensor 90, opens the check valve 96 when the data supplied by the gas sensor 90 are "non-critical", ie, when no critical gas concentration is detected.

The check valve 96 is located outside of the space 16, so that upon detection of a critical concentration, the gas supply is locked in the space 16.

The gas sensor 88, which is arranged in the explosion protection cabinet 10, is coupled to a control device 100. This controls a check valve 102. The check valve 102 is normally closed (NC). Only when the concentration of the critical gas detected by the gas sensor 88 is recognized as uncritical, the control device 100 opens the check valve 102, so that the gas can be coupled into the working space 12.

The two check valves 96 and 102 are connected in series, so that upon detection of a critical gas concentration by the gas sensor 88 or by the gas sensor 90, the gas supply is blocked in the explosion protection cabinet 10.

The explosion protection cabinet 10 is dimensioned so that its receiving space 12 has such a volume that in an emergency shutdown and blocking of the gas supply, taking into account the remaining in the lines of the supply 94 gas volume, the explosion limit in the receiving space 12 is not reached. The emergency shutdown is thus so early that, taking into account the volume of the receiving space 12, a critical limit is not reached. The dimensioning of the explosion protection cabinet 10 is thus such that the residual content is unproblematic.

A hydrogen-air mixture is ignitable from a hydrogen concentration of about 4%. In the solution according to the invention, it is provided, for example, that is warned at a measured concentration of 0.8% and turned off at a measured concentration of 1.6% or higher.

The control devices 100 and 98 are coupled to a shut-off device 104 for the electrical power supply of the explosion protection cabinet 10. In the space 16, for example, a control cabinet 106 is arranged, via which devices in the receiving space 12 can be supplied with electrical energy. The shutdown device 104 is coupled to the cabinet 106 and when at least one of the controllers 98 or 100 provides a critical signal, then the power supply of the cabinet 106 is turned off and thus the power supply of the explosion protection cabinet 10th

For this purpose, the shutdown device 104 acts, for example, on an electromagnetic contactor 108 which is open in the ground state, i. H. does not turn on (NO). If the shutdown device 104 is not reported critical conditions, then it closes the electromagnetic contactors, d. H. ensures a through connection, so that the cabinet 106 is supplied with electrical energy. Upon detection of a critical condition, the shutdown device 104 no longer provides a signal to close the contactors 108, i. H. the connection is canceled.

The explosion protection cabinet 10 according to the invention and the explosion protection arrangement according to the invention function as follows:

Through the explosion protection cabinet 10, an explosion-proof area is divided in the non-explosion-proof room 16. It is then not necessary to equip the entire room 16 explosion-proof.

In the explosion protection cabinet 10 measurements and experiments can be carried out, for example, with hydrogen, with an active and passive explosion protection is provided.

The (narrow) rear side of the explosion protection cabinet 10, which is opposite the front wall 32, is open-walled. To all other sides of the explosion protection cabinet 10 is closed gas-tight. The open side 36 opens into the open 18. Opposite the interior 14 of the space 16 is thereby achieved a gas-tight seal, while an exchange of air and gas exchange with the free 18 on the open side 36 and in particular the supply air opening 54 and the exhaust port 58 can take place.

The explosion protection cabinet 10 is designed so that the plate elements 82, the doors 70, 72, the windows 76 and all seals can withstand an internal overpressure of at least 10 mbar. The cabinet construction itself is gas-tight at least up to an internal overpressure of 25 mbar. The lightweight components 62a, 62b, 62c are arranged so that they fall out at an internal pressure of 10 mbar.

Through the exhaust port 58 and the air inlet 54 can be carried out as an active explosion protection measure, a gas exchange. As a result, no gas concentrations can accumulate in the receiving space 12. The gas exchange takes place with the free 18 and not with the interior 14 of the space 16th

Further measures such as inclination of the roof 34 and providing the transverse floors 66 with recesses 68 gas accumulations are avoided within the receiving space 12. Furthermore, if (for example, hydrogen is the critical gas), the exhaust port 58 is located directly below the roof 34. Hydrogen then flows in the direction of the exhaust air opening 58 via the said roof 34 and can then flow out of the receiving space 12.

In turn, a passive explosion protection measure is provided by the gas sensor 88; If an excessively high gas concentration is detected, an emergency shutdown takes place via the emergency shutdown device 92 in order to prevent the further introduction of gas into the receiving space 12. Furthermore, the electrical power supply is switched off immediately.

The inventive solution can be at a relatively low cost and relatively little technical effort an explosion protection area in a non-explosion-proof room 16 provide.

Claims (49)

1. Explosion-protection cabinet having a receiving space (12) that comprises an open side (36) permeable to gas and is closed on all other sides (28, 30, 32, 34, 20) in a gastight manner, wherein the open side faces into the open air (18) and the receiving space (12) on the open side (36) thereof is in part covered from the open air (18), characterized in that on the open side (36), between an ingoing air opening (54) and an outgoing air opening (58), at least one lightweight building board (62a, 62b, 62c) is arranged in such a manner that it falls out at a predetermined positive pressure in the receiving space (12).
2. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that at least one opening (54, 58) is provided that opens out into the open air (18).
3. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that opposing side walls (28, 30) are provided.
4. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a front wall (32) is provided.
5. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that the front wall (32) has a smaller width than a side wall (28; 30) in contact therewith.
6. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the open side (36) opposes the front wall (32).
7. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a floor (20) is provided.
8. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a roof (34) is provided.
9. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with claim 8, characterized in that the roof (34) is configured as a monopitch roof.
10. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the roof (34) has an upward slope towards the open side (36).
11. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving space (12) is closed on five sides (28, 30, 32, 34, 20) in a gastight manner.
12. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that opposing side walls (28, 30) are joined to a floor (20), a roof (34) and a front wall (32) in a gastight manner.
13. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that provided on the open side (36) is an ingoing air opening (54) that opens out into the open air.
14. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with claim 13, characterized in that the ingoing air opening (54) is arranged in the vicinity of a floor (20) of the explosion-protection space.
15. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one the preceding claims, characterized in that provided on the open side (36) is an outgoing air opening (58) that opens out into the open air.
16. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with claim 15, characterized in that the outgoing air opening is arranged in a highest area of the explosion-protection cabinet with respect to the direction of gravity.
17. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the outgoing air opening (58) is arranged at or in the vicinity of a roof (34).
18. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of claims 2 to 17, characterized in that the at least one opening (54; 58) has associated with it a protective grid (56; 60) permeable to gas.
19. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of stacked lightweight building boards (62a, 62b, 62c) are provided.
20. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one lightweight building board (62a, 62b, 62c) is held loosely so as to allow said lightweight building board to fall out.
21. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the explosion-protection space is closed on all sides in a gastight manner, except for a side (36) facing into the open air (18).
22. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving space (12) is subdivided by means of at least one transverse floor (66) having a plurality of through-openings (68).
23. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one door (70; 72) is provided for providing access to the receiving space (12), said door being removable as a whole.
24. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with claim 23, characterized in that the at least one door (70; 72) is arranged on a side wall (28).
25. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the at least one door (70; 72) is adapted to be fixed to the associated wall (28) by means of a plurality of turnlock fasteners (80).
26. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one media plate (84) is provided via which one or more media are couplable into and/or out of the receiving space.
27. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with claim 26, characterized in that the at least one media plate (84) is removable and is fixable to the associated wall (30; 32) by means of a plurality of turnlock fasteners (80).
28. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the at least one media plate (84) is provided with one or more bulkhead screw connectors.
29. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that provided in the area of the open side (36) is a seal (42) for contact with an external wall (38) and/or an external floor.
30. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an angle plate (44) is provided for fixing a cabinet top side (34) to an external wall (38).
31. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one gas sensor (88) is arranged in the receiving space (12).
32. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with claim 31, characterized in that the at least one gas sensor (88) is arranged in the vicinity of a cabinet top side.
33. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the explosion-protection cabinet is fixed to a support (22).
34. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a rectangular cross-section.
35. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that removable panel elements (82, 84) are arranged on at least one wall (30; 32).
36. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one gas sensor (90) is arranged above the explosion-protection cabinet (10) with respect to the direction of gravity.
37. Explosion-protection cabinet in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an emergency shutdown device (92) is provided which, when a specific gas concentration is detected within or without the explosion-protection cabinet (10), cuts off the electrical supply and shuts off the gas supply to the explosion-protection cabinet (10).
38. Explosion-protection arrangement in a room (16) having an outer wall (38), in which the outer wall (38) has an outer wall opening (40) on which an explosion-protection cabinet (10) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims is positioned with its open side (36).
39. Explosion-protection arrangement in accordance with claim 38, characterized in that the explosion-protection cabinet (10) is gastight against the interior (14) of the room.
40. Explosion-protection arrangement in accordance with claim 38 or 39, characterized in that a seal (42) is provided between the explosion-protection cabinet (10) and the outer wall (38) and/or a room floor.
41. Explosion-protection arrangement in accordance with claim 40, characterized in that the seal (42) extends all the way round.
42. Explosion-protection arrangement in accordance with any one of claims 38 to 41, characterized in that at least one gas sensor (90) is arranged in the room (16).
43. Explosion-protection arrangement in accordance with claim 42, characterized in that the gas sensor (90) is coupled to a valve (96) that is adapted to shut off the gas supply through the room (16).
44. Explosion-protection arrangement in accordance with claim 43, characterized in that the valve (96) is configured as a shutoff valve.
45. Explosion-protection arrangement in accordance with any one of claims 38 to 44, characterized in that arranged in the receiving space (12) is at least one gas sensor (88) which is coupled to a valve (102) that is adapted to shut off the gas supply to the explosion-protection cabinet (10).
46. Explosion-protection arrangement in accordance with claim 45, characterized in that the valve (102) is configured as a shutoff valve.
47. Explosion-protection arrangement in accordance with any one of claims 43 to 45, characterized in that valves (96, 102) to which are coupled a gas sensor (90) in the room (16) and a gas sensor (88) in the explosion-protection cabinet (10) are arranged in series.
48. Explosion-protection arrangement in accordance with any one of claims 38 to 47, characterized in that an emergency shutdown device (92) is provided which allows the energy supply to the explosion-protection cabinet (10) to be cut off as a function of gas concentrations measured.
49. Explosion-protection arrangement in accordance with any one of claims 38 to 48, characterized in that the outer wall opening (40) is large enough so as not to cover the open side (36) of the receiving space (12).

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