EP2224160A1 - Élément de protection, système et procédé pour la protection de la région de la soupape d'un récipient de gaz pressurisé - Google Patents

Élément de protection, système et procédé pour la protection de la région de la soupape d'un récipient de gaz pressurisé Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2224160A1
EP2224160A1 EP09153810A EP09153810A EP2224160A1 EP 2224160 A1 EP2224160 A1 EP 2224160A1 EP 09153810 A EP09153810 A EP 09153810A EP 09153810 A EP09153810 A EP 09153810A EP 2224160 A1 EP2224160 A1 EP 2224160A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
protective element
gas
gas container
extracted
temperature
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP09153810A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Joachim Barbe
Hans Hiller
Jean-Paul Barbier
Denis Müller
Antonio Kovar
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.)
Air Liquide Deutschland GmbH
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Original Assignee
Air Liquide Deutschland GmbH
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Air Liquide Deutschland GmbH, Air Liquide SA, LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude filed Critical Air Liquide Deutschland GmbH
Priority to EP09153810A priority Critical patent/EP2224160A1/fr
Publication of EP2224160A1 publication Critical patent/EP2224160A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/06—Closures, e.g. cap, breakable member
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/12—Arrangements or mounting of devices for preventing or minimising the effect of explosion ; Other safety measures
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0308—Protective caps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/011—Oxygen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F17C2250/032—Control means using computers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F17C2250/036—Control means using alarms
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/043—Pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0439—Temperature
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0447—Composition; Humidity
    • F17C2250/0452—Concentration of a product
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/03—Dealing with losses
    • F17C2260/035—Dealing with losses of fluid
    • F17C2260/036—Avoiding leaks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/04—Reducing risks and environmental impact
    • F17C2260/042—Reducing risk of explosion
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/04—Reducing risks and environmental impact
    • F17C2260/044—Avoiding pollution or contamination

Definitions

  • Subject matter of the present invention is a protective element, a system and a method for protecting the surrounding and in particular an operator of a pressurised gas container in particular from the consequences of leakages of inflammable and/or toxic gases.
  • Pressurised gas containers like e. g. gas bottles are used to store gases under high pressures of up to 300 bar.
  • the gas is provided within the gas container and is extracted from it via a valve which is a part of the fitting of the gas container.
  • a pipe is usually connected to the respective valve allowing the establishment of a gas flow from within the pressurised gas container to the pipe connected on the outside.
  • protective cowlings are known, e. g. from US 6,311,722 B1 . These devices are adapted to protect the valve region of the pressurised gas container from mechanical load like e. g. when the pressurised gas container is tumbling or falling.
  • the respective cowlings have usually great openings allowing the actuation and control of the valves of the pressurised gas container.
  • a respective system and method for protecting the valve region of a pressurised gas container shall be proposed.
  • the protective element for a pressurised gas container comprises a jacket tube limited in direction of an adjustment axis by an upper opening and a lower opening, wherein at least 80 % of the lateral surface area of the jacket tube is unperforated.
  • tube is understood in this regard as a hollow structure which has an upper opening and a lower opening whereas the upper opening is adapted to allow the actuating of a valve system within the protective element whereas the lower opening is large enough to be provided around at least the valve region of the pressurised gas container or the pressurised gas container in particular in its shoulder region.
  • the tube has preferably a circular cross section, nevertheless, other cross sections like elliptical or rectangular cross sections are possible.
  • valve region is to be understood such that it covers the valve of the pressurised gas container as well as filling adapters connected to the respective valve of the pressurised gas container.
  • the protective element according to the present invention is adapted to surround the valve region contactless which means there is no thread or the like to connect the protective element directly to the pressurised gas container.
  • unperforated is understood such that the lateral surface area of the jacket tube has no holes with a smallest diameter of 1 mm and larger. This means a part of the lateral surface area of the jacket tube can be perforated and can thus comprise openings, holes, slots or the like.
  • the jacket tube can be in general of a cylindrical form but can e. g.
  • the jacket tube is preferably made of a non-inflammable material.
  • the jacket tube is shaped from a metal like e. g. steel and/or a plastic like e. g. a poly carbonate polymer.
  • the jacket tube is at least in part made of a transparent material, in particular for electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from 380 to 780 nm (nanometers). This allows the user to control the valve region optically and to react e. g. if a fire brakes out.
  • at least 90% of the lateral surface area of the jacket tube is unperforated.
  • the most frequent source of gas leak to the atmosphere from a pressurised gas container which is connected via its valve to either an equipment using the gas or an equipment for filling the cylinder with gas is usually during connection and disconnection of the cylinder valve to the equipment. This may happen for example when opening the cylinder valve at the start of feeding an equipment with gas from the cylinder or when starting to fill a cylinder with gas or when disassembling the connecting pipe from the cylinder valve outlet at the end of the cylinder use. If gas leaks from flammable compressed gases stored in pressurised gas containers there may be either a flame coming out of the connection with the risk of fire being communicated to the surrounding or a bum of a person nearby or if there is no immediate ignition an explosive atmosphere around the cylinder with the risk of explosion. If gas leaks from cylinders containing toxic gases there will be a toxic atmosphere around these cylinders with a risk of intoxination for a person nearby.
  • the protective element according to the present invention forms in use a protective barrier between the valve region of the pressurised gas container and the operator and the surroundings.
  • protective elements with jacket tubes having a diameter of at least 8 inch or 10 inch are preferred.
  • the protective element according to the present invention allows the handling of hazardous, e. g. inflammable or toxic gases without the use of a closed gas cabinet. This reduces the hardware costs significantly and improves the security of the operator of the gas containers significantly as in particular when using at least in part transparent protective elements an optical control of the conditions within the protective element can be done before starting to actuate the valve of the pressurised gas container.
  • the element is made from a material having at least one of the following properties:
  • the Charpy impact strength in an un-notched Charpy test is tested by a bar impact bending test.
  • a sample is hit by a pendulum axe e. g. with a speed of 5 m/s.
  • the result of such Charpy impact test is the energy needed to fracture a material and is a measure for the toughness of the material and the yield strength. It is understood that in an un-notched Charpy test the sample of material of the protective element is not notched. In a notched Charpy test the sample of the material is notched on the opposite side of the impact side hit by the pendulum axe.
  • a notch A has a notch radius of 0.25 mm. The notch depth is 2 mm, the notch flank angle is 45°.
  • the ball indentation hardness is the quotient of a load applied via a ball and the surface area of the impression that is present underneath a ball after 30s at a given load.
  • the Izod impact strength is preferably performed according to the American standard ASTM D256 or European standard ISO 180. During an Izod impact strength test a pendulum swings and strikes a notched, cantilevered plastic sample.
  • the materials having at least one of the properties a) to c) as defined above are advantageously suitable for manufacturing the protective element.
  • materials known as bullet-proof or the like e. g. bullet-proof polycarbonate polymers can be used advantageously for manufacturing the protective element according to the present invention.
  • the protective element is manufactured from at least one of the following materials:
  • a protective element being manufactured at least in part from a polycarbonate polymer.
  • Polycarbonate polymers comprise a transparent plastic allowing the operator to monitor the valve region of the pressurised gas container optically without being in danger if a flame brakes out within the protective element.
  • the protective element has a kind of skeleton made from a metal, in particular a steel, which is filled in a window like manner by transparent plastics like e. g. a polycarbonate polymer which can be combined with at least one other plastic. It is further preferred, if the protective element is manufactured from a metal, like e. g. a pure metal or an alloy. According to a further preferred embodiment the protective element is manufactured at least in part from a copper or aluminium alloy.
  • the lateral surface area of the protective element comprises at least one opening allowing the introduction of a supply pipe.
  • the jacket tube with at least one opening, preferably a slot starting from a boundary of the lower opening to allow an easy introduction of the piping connected to the valve of the pressurised gas container.
  • at least two slots preferably at opposite sides of the jacket tube.
  • the protective element further comprises guiding means allowing the fixing of the protective element.
  • the pressurised gas container is used to manufacture a gas mixture within by a gravimetric method in which at least one component of the gas mixture are metered to the pressurised gas container by way of weighing on a scale it is advantageous if the protective element is not in contact with the pressurised gas container. This allows the protection of the valve region without spoiling the measurement results of the weighing process on the scale during cylinder filling. Furthermore, the guiding means allows to keep the protective element in place in case of flash fire of oxidant gas leak or an explosion of flammable gas leak.
  • a system for protecting the valve region of a pressurised gas container comprising a protective element according to the present invention and suction means for withdrawing a gas, wherein supporting means for supporting the protective element contactless around a valve region of a pressurised gas container are provided, wherein the suction means is provided above the protective element such that gas can be extracted from the protective element.
  • the system according to the present invention is used for extracting gas from a leak at cylinder valve level from the protective element.
  • the suction means can e. g. comprise a gas extraction duct, preferably a flexible extraction duct being able to be moved up and down in direction of the adjustment axis.
  • the suction means is having an open diameter being as least as large as the open diameter of the upper opening of the protective element.
  • the open diameter of the suction means above the upper opening of the protective element is at least 10 % larger then the open diameter of the upper opening.
  • the suction means is made of a non-inflammable material. It is connected preferably to a blower in order to create air ventilation coming through e. g. openings in the lateral surface area of the jacket tube and/or through the gap between the protective element and the pressurised gas container.
  • the blower has an explosion proof electrical motor in order to permit inflammable gas extraction.
  • the suction means is supported movably in direction of the adjustment axis.
  • At least one sensor for measuring at least one of the following properties are provided:
  • the at least one sensor is preferably provided within the protective element and/or the suction means.
  • temperature sensors and/or gas concentration sensors and/or pressure sensors are provided within the system according to the present invention.
  • the pressure within a pipe connected to the valve of the pressurised gas container can be monitored.
  • a sudden pressure drop which is larger then a predeterminable pressure drop limit can hint an emergency situation, e. g. a major gas leak, which can be dealt with by setting a so called emergency flag.
  • This can mean that either an operator is informed e. g. by optical and/or acoustical signals and/or by taking automatic measures like e. g. increasing the air flow through the suction means.
  • the protective element and the suction means Due to measuring properties like at least one gas concentration and/or the temperature in the protective element and the suction means it is possible to determine a leak rate about leaking gas from the protective element that allows an assumption regarding the hazard for people in the surroundings of the system for example in case of a leaking toxic gas. It is preferred to measure the concentration of at least one component which is part of the gas or the gas mixture in the pressurised gas container. The detection of a concentration of such a gas outside the gas container, e. g. in the protective element and/or the suction means clearly indicates a leak, the measurement of which can be used to trigger countermeasures by e. g. setting an emergency flag by which the operator is informed.
  • a method for protecting the valve region of a pressurised gas container wherein a protective element comprising a jacket tube limited in direction of an adjustment axis by an upper opening and a lower opening having a lateral surface area at least 80 % of which is unperforated is provided around the valve region, wherein the valve region is actuatable through the upper opening.
  • the method according to the present invention allows the protection of the environment and in particular of people around the pressurised gas container while being connected to other equipment.
  • the protective element is a protective element according to the present invention. It is further preferred that the protective element is made at least in part from a transparent material. This allows the user to monitor and operate the valves of the pressurised gas container while being able to quickly realise a hazard e. g. that a flame has being ignited.
  • gas is extracted from within the protective element. This can e. g. be done by using a suction means according to the system of the present invention. If an inflammable and/or toxic gas mixture is created within the protective element the extraction of the gas from the protective element lowers the risk for the environment and for people around the pressurised gas container like an operator of the gas container.
  • gas is extracted continuously at a rate of 20 to 50 m 3 /h (cubic meters per hour).
  • a flow rate of 20 to 50 m 3 /h, preferably 30 to 40 m 3 /h has been found to be advantageous to dilute in the air stream a flammable gas leak of up to 0.1 litre per second, representing a concentration of 1% below the lowest flammability limits of flammable gases in air.
  • At least one of the following properties is measured at least discontinuously:
  • the monitoring of the temperature of the gas within and/or being extracted from the protective element allows to detect the outbreak of fire or an explosion if a temperature rise which is larger than a predeterminable limit is detected.
  • the concentration of substances in the gas within and/or extracted from the protective element allows to monitor the gas composition of this gas. In particular it is preferred to monitor the concentration of at least one toxic and/or inflammable substance s.
  • the term "at least discontinuously" is understood in such a manner that the respective property is measured at constant and/or variable time intervals, at specific times, at random times and/or continuously.
  • an emergency flag is set if at least one of the following provision is met:
  • pressure drop is understood in this context as the change of pressure over time. If the valve of the pressurised gas container is connected via at least one pipe to at least one equipment using the gas the pressure provided by the pressurised gas container is more or less constant and will - if the pressure within the pressurised gas container decreases - slowly decrease without any leakage. Nevertheless, in case of a leak of the gas the pressure will drop significantly. This means a relatively high pressure drop which can be detected and can be used for to trigger an emergency flag. This is in particular preferred when extracting gas from the pressurised gas container.
  • gas is extracted from within the protective element at a rate of at least 600 m 3 /h if an emergency flag is set.
  • This volume flow rate which is significantly higher than usual flow rated continuously applied to the protective element allow a significant delusion of the gas mixture which is generated by the leak of gas. Thus, it can be avoided that an explosive gas mixture or a toxic gas mixture is generated. In general, it is preferred to increase the flow rate by a factor of at least 6 or even at least 8, if an emergency flag is set, compared to a situation where no emergency flag is set.
  • the protective element is supported above the pressurised gas container so that a gap between the protective element and the pressurised gas container, in particular of at most 10 mm is provided.
  • This gap allows that fresh air is sucked into the protective element when gas is extracted from the same.
  • a toxic or inflammable gas leaking from the pressurised gas container via the valve unit or the piping this can reduce the risk of the creation of an explosive or toxic gas mixture significantly.
  • a relatively small gap between the pressurised gas container and the protective element allows on the other hand an effective protection of the surroundings and/or users around the pressurised gas container. Air flow from outside the protective element to the inside of the protective element is furthermore possible through openings, which allow e. g. the connection of a supply pipe to the valve of the pressurised gas container.
  • Fig. 1 depicts schematically a protective element 1 for a pressurised gas container.
  • This protective element 1 is adapted to be positioned such that the valve region of a pressurised gas container is surrounded by the protective element 1.
  • the protective element 1 comprises a jacket tube 2.
  • the jacket tube 2 In the direction of an adjustment axis 3 the jacket tube 2 is limited by an upper opening 4 and a lower opening 5.
  • the jacket tube 2 comprises a lateral surface area 6 which is a theoretical surface being delimited by an upper boundary 7 of the upper opening 4 and a lower boundary 8 of the lower opening 5.
  • Upper 7 and lower boundary 8 are not connected to each other. At least 80 % of the lateral surface area 6 of the jacket tube 2 is unperforated.
  • the jacket tube 2 comprises two openings 9.
  • the protective element 1 further comprises guiding means 10 for supporting the protective element 1.
  • Fig. 2 displays a sectional view of the protective element 1.
  • the guiding means 10 is shaped such that it allows a motion of the protective element 1 in direction of the adjustment axis 3. In the figure it is shaped such that it corresponds to a notched slide bar which supports the protective element 1 movably in direction of the adjustment axis 3.
  • Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of the protective element 1 according to the present invention in use for protecting the valve region 11 of a pressurised gas container 12, like e. g. a gas bottle.
  • the valve region 11 in particular comprises the fitting of the gas bottle, an extraction valve and if necessary a pressure reducing device.
  • the protection element 1 is preferably shaped from a material being at least in regions translucent for light with a wavelength of 380 to 780 nm or it is transparent for light of such wavelengths.
  • the protective element 1 is in particular advantageous for protecting the valve region 11 of a pressurised gas container 12 being filled with inflammable and/or toxic gases or gas mixtures.
  • the protection element 1 is provided as a jacket tube 2 it is advantageous compared to usual valve cages or cowlings as these are not suitable for absorbing the power of an explosion. Due to the protective element 1 according to the present invention the power of an explosion is at least in part adsorbed and the operator which might be nearby or other equipment in the surrounding is protected from the major blow of the explosion.
  • the protection element 1 is guided moveably on the guide rail 14 allowing movement of the protective element 1 in direction of the adjustment axis 3. Therefore, the user can adjust the protective element 1 around the valve region 11 of the pressurised gas container 12. Further clamps 15 allow to fix the pressurised gas container 12 to refrain it from significant movements relative to the protective element 1. It is preferred that at least some of the clamps 15 are movable in direction of the adjustment axis 3 on the guide rail 14. This allows to adjust the whole apparatus to be used with pressurised gas containers 12 of different sizes.
  • the pressurised gas container 12 can be provided on a scale 16 as the protective element 1 is not touching the pressurised gas container 12 but is provided such that a gap 17 (see fig. 6 ) between the protective element 1 and the pressurised gas container 12 is maintained.
  • the protective element 1 does therefore not influence the measurement of the scale 16.
  • gravimetric measurements for e. g. preparing high precision mixtures within in the pressurised gas container 12 are not influenced by the weight of the protective element 1.
  • the protective element 1 is preferably made of a material comprising polycarbonate polymers. These are lightweight, transparent and have a high impact strength.
  • the supply line 13 can be provided with a pressure sensor 18 to monitor the pressure within the supply line 13. If the pressure in the supply line 13 suddenly drops below a predeterminable pressure limit an emergency flag can be set which can be used to trigger emergency actions. These will be described example wise below.
  • Fig. 4 depicts schematically an embodiment of a system 19 for protecting the valve region of a pressurised gas container 12.
  • the system 19 is depicted in use.
  • the system 19 comprises a protective element 1 as described above and furthermore suction means 20 for withdrawing a gas.
  • a gas stream 21 can be extracted inter alia from within the protective element 1.
  • the gas stream 21 can be provided a. g. to a respective adsorbent allowing to adsorb the gas stream 21 in case of a contamination with hazardous components.
  • Fig. 5 describes the suction means 20 and further components in further detail schematically.
  • the suction means 20 is connected via a data line 22 to a control device 23.
  • the control device 23 controls the flow rate of the gas extracted by the suction means 20.
  • This gas flow rate can in particular be increased by a factor of 2 to 4, in particular of 3 to 4, regarding a standard extraction flow rate if an emergency flag is set.
  • This emergency flag is for example set by the control device 23 itself or it is received from other sources.
  • the emergency flag is preferably set if the concentration of oxygen within the protective element 1 and/or within the suction means 20 is below a predeterminable oxygen concentration limit, if the concentration of at least one toxic and/or inflammable substance in particular within the protective element 1 or the suction means 20 is above a predeterminable concentration limit, if the temperature within the protective element 1 and/or within the suction means is below a predeterminable lower temperature limit and/or if the temperature within the protective element 1 and/or within the suction means 20 is above a predeterminable upper temperature limit.
  • control device 23 is connected via data lines 22 with at least temperature sensor which is in this embodiment provided within the protective element 1 and the suction means 20 but can be additionally or alternatively disposed in another place. Furthermore, the control device 23 is connected via a data line 22 to one or more gas concentration sensors 25. In the embodiment displayed in fig. 5 the gas concentration sensor 25 is provided within the protective element 1 and the suction means 20 but can be disposed on another place alternatively or additionally.
  • control device 23 is connected via a data line 22 with a pressure sensor 18 provided within in the supply pipe 13. Via this pressure sensor 18 it is possible to monitor the pressure within the supply pipe 13. If one or more of the parameters monitored by the respective sensors 18, 24 and/or 25 are outside the predeterminable limits given the emergency flag is set and the suction means 20 is set to an emergency gas extraction flow rate which is e. g. 400 m 3 /h or above, in order to dilute in the gas stream a very large flammable gas leak of 1 litre per second down to a concentration of 1% below the lowest flammability limits of flammable gases in air. Additionally, alarm signals can be given e. g. acoustically and/or optically.
  • the suction means 23 is preferably driven by a blower 26.
  • This blower is preferably explosion proof in order to permit a flammable gas extraction. It is preferably provided with an explosion proof electrical motor.
  • Fig. 6 discloses the gap 17 between a protective element 1 according to the present invention and a pressurised gas container 12.
  • the gap 17 is preferably set such that it is at most 10 mm.
  • Fig. 7 displays a second embodiment of a protective element 1 according to the present invention.
  • the second embodiment has only one opening 9 allowing the introduction of supply pipes to be connected to the valve of pressurised gas container within the protective element 1.
  • the second embodiment comprises guiding means (not visible in Fig. 7 ) for supporting the protective element 1 contactless from outside the protective element 1.
  • the protective element 1 allows the protection of pressurised gas containers which are filled e. g. with inflammable and/or toxic gases during filling of or extraction from the pressurised gas container 12.
  • the operator and the surrounding can be protected from explosions and from the generation of toxic gas mixtures.
  • an emergency flag can be set and an evacuation of the surrounding and/or the extraction of the harmful gas mixtures can be started.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
EP09153810A 2009-02-26 2009-02-26 Élément de protection, système et procédé pour la protection de la région de la soupape d'un récipient de gaz pressurisé Withdrawn EP2224160A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09153810A EP2224160A1 (fr) 2009-02-26 2009-02-26 Élément de protection, système et procédé pour la protection de la région de la soupape d'un récipient de gaz pressurisé

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09153810A EP2224160A1 (fr) 2009-02-26 2009-02-26 Élément de protection, système et procédé pour la protection de la région de la soupape d'un récipient de gaz pressurisé

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2224160A1 true EP2224160A1 (fr) 2010-09-01

Family

ID=40727243

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP09153810A Withdrawn EP2224160A1 (fr) 2009-02-26 2009-02-26 Élément de protection, système et procédé pour la protection de la région de la soupape d'un récipient de gaz pressurisé

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2224160A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115507301A (zh) * 2022-11-10 2022-12-23 四川人人思创企业管理有限公司 一种石油液化气罐安全装置、安全控制方法及系统

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1933198A (en) * 1932-01-19 1933-10-31 Skelly Oil Co Dispensing device
DE8403607U1 (de) * 1984-02-08 1984-06-28 Lahme, Karl-Heinz, 5883 Kierspe Abdeckvorrichtung fuer gasflaschen
US5158204A (en) * 1992-02-06 1992-10-27 Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. Containment and diversion cap for gas cylinders
FR2704931A1 (fr) * 1993-05-04 1994-11-10 Schneider Ind Réservoir notamment bouteille de gaz.
US6003540A (en) * 1996-05-21 1999-12-21 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Device for confining gas leaks from a gas cylinder
US6209749B1 (en) * 1999-10-08 2001-04-03 William H. Guess Gas cylinder safety shield
DE10050024A1 (de) * 1999-10-12 2001-05-23 Vti Ventil Technik Gmbh Ventilanordnung
US6311722B1 (en) 1999-04-01 2001-11-06 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Composite open bonnet for large industrial and medical gas cylinders

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1933198A (en) * 1932-01-19 1933-10-31 Skelly Oil Co Dispensing device
DE8403607U1 (de) * 1984-02-08 1984-06-28 Lahme, Karl-Heinz, 5883 Kierspe Abdeckvorrichtung fuer gasflaschen
US5158204A (en) * 1992-02-06 1992-10-27 Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. Containment and diversion cap for gas cylinders
FR2704931A1 (fr) * 1993-05-04 1994-11-10 Schneider Ind Réservoir notamment bouteille de gaz.
US6003540A (en) * 1996-05-21 1999-12-21 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Device for confining gas leaks from a gas cylinder
US6311722B1 (en) 1999-04-01 2001-11-06 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Composite open bonnet for large industrial and medical gas cylinders
US6209749B1 (en) * 1999-10-08 2001-04-03 William H. Guess Gas cylinder safety shield
DE10050024A1 (de) * 1999-10-12 2001-05-23 Vti Ventil Technik Gmbh Ventilanordnung

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115507301A (zh) * 2022-11-10 2022-12-23 四川人人思创企业管理有限公司 一种石油液化气罐安全装置、安全控制方法及系统

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN103604833B (zh) 一种煤尘爆炸特性试验系统及方法
Takeno et al. Dispersion and explosion field tests for 40 MPa pressurized hydrogen
Kundu et al. Explosion characteristics of methane–air mixtures in a spherical vessel connected with a duct
CN206837310U (zh) 干粉灭火剂灭火效能测试的小尺寸实验装置
EP1482292A3 (fr) Pistolet de distribution avec capteur de fuites d'hydrogène integré
CN102788815A (zh) 超低温气体爆炸特性实验的爆炸罐体
CN106796334B (zh) 视镜设备
JP2009264777A (ja) 高圧水素ガス雰囲気下での機械特性測定装置及びこの装置を用いた高圧水素ガス雰囲気下での機械特性測定方法
GB2479314A (en) ATM security system
WO2008111895A1 (fr) Appareil de génération de gaz et/ou de fumée
CN101876655B (zh) 气体易燃性测定仪
Cui et al. Influential factors of gas explosion venting in linked vessels
US6427543B1 (en) Venturi-based gas sampling manifold
CN106290020B (zh) 储罐内爆多场耦合实验测试装置
EP2224160A1 (fr) Élément de protection, système et procédé pour la protection de la région de la soupape d'un récipient de gaz pressurisé
CN111487053A (zh) 一种阻火器测试系统
KR20140028457A (ko) 가스감지 기능을 구비한 용접토치장치
JP4711397B2 (ja) ガス採取用プローブ装置および可搬型水素炎イオン化式ガス検知器
KR102245161B1 (ko) 점검이 용이한 가스계 소화기 밸브 구조 및 이를 이용한 기동장치
CN106687790B (zh) 压力状态或开关状态指示器
CN207882083U (zh) 瓶体静压检测装置
CN212110610U (zh) 一种阻火器测试系统
Clavier et al. Safety in supercritical operations
EP2181888A1 (fr) Appareil d'aspiration de materiaux combustibles
Takeno et al. Phenomena of dispersion and explosion of high pressurized hydrogen

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20090226

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA RS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20110325

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20141007

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20150218