EP2710312A1

EP2710312A1 - Method for repairing and/or checking an in particular refrigerating installation accommodated in a tank which is closed in a pressure-tight manner, and tank for implementing the method

Info

Publication number: EP2710312A1
Application number: EP12714021.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Remo Meister
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-05-20
Filing date: 2012-04-17
Publication date: 2014-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2032-04-17
Also published as: US20140216099A1; WO2012159826A1; CH704990A1; EP2710312B1

Abstract

Method for repairing and/or checking an in particular refrigerating installation (16) accommodated in a tank (10) which is closed in a permanently pressure-tight manner, in the case of which method the tank (10) is cut open at at least one predetermined severing location (23), the installation (16) located in the tank (10) is repaired and/or checked, and then the tank (10) is closed again at the severing location (23) by an integral connection.

Description

Method for repairing or checking a system accommodated in a pressure-tight closed container, in particular refrigeration system, and container for carrying out the method

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the field of plant engineering. It relates to a method for repairing or checking a in a pressure-tight closed container housed, in particular refrigeration system. It further relates to a container for carrying out the method.

STATE OF THE ART

It has long been known (see, for example, WO 2004/020918 AI or WO 2009/094788 AI) to build modular refrigeration systems of greater power in order to respond flexibly and efficiently to different requirements for cooling consumption. The refrigeration systems are to be assembled from individual, generally similar refrigeration modules, which are each covered with a protective jacket in the manner that creates a protection between the refrigeration cycle of the individual module and the environment. This protection absorbs any refrigerant escaping from the refrigeration cycle and prevents the harmful contact between the refrigerant and the environment.

A greatly simplified scheme of such a modular refrigeration system is shown in Fig.7. The local refrigeration system 40 is composed of a plurality of parallel operating cooling modules ΚΜΙ.,. ΚΜη, each having a local refrigeration cycle with a compressor 38 and a heat exchanger 16. From the heat exchanger 16 of each refrigeration module ΚΜΙ.,. ΚΜη connecting lines are led to manifolds SLL, SL2, which connect, for example, the individual modules with a cold consumer. The individual refrigeration modules KM 1... KMn are to be brought into contact with each other in a pressure-tight container 10, which has an internal pressure deviating from the outside world (eg a vacuum). Such a pressure-tight sealed container per refrigeration module has the following effects:

• It ensures that no leaks of refrigerant can escape to the environment. In the event of a leak, the refrigerant should be recovered (possibly disposed of or recycled).

• If the refrigerant is particularly poisonous, a hazard to humans and animals, etc. is excluded without further measures.

• If the refrigerant is flammable or explosive in particular, the danger to humans and animals etc. is excluded without further measures.

• The same applies to all other types of endangerment of the environment, in particular of humans and animals (eg pressure, greenhouse effect, etc.).

• If a vacuum prevails in the case, there are further advantages: o Escaping refrigerant may be reusable. o There is no need for additional thermal insulation. o When refrigerant escapes, the system can be switched off immediately by means of a pressure sensor and an alarm can be issued. o In the event of a defect in the case or container, there will also be an increase in pressure (or in the case of a previous overpressure, a pressure drop), which will Switch off the system immediately by means of a pressure sensor and issue an alarm.

• The case or container can absorb and dampen vibrations and noise.

• The case or container provides protection against mechanical damage.

The interior of the shell or container can be cooled (if the heat output of the compressors becomes a problem, the interior can be kept at a desired temperature by means of coiled coils or the like, for example, the cold medium return or flow temperature or appropriate measures).

But it is also conceivable that the shell or the container is filled with a protective gas (same alerting as above).

The shell or the container may have different designs (round, square, cylindrical, etc.) and consist of different materials (stainless steel, steel, carbon, plastic, etc.), which meet the mentioned characteristics.

The container with the module can be built in a standing or lying version.

To the well-known advantages of the module technology is added by the container, that there can be no or less restrictions on the site (indoor, outdoor, public traffic, wall, floor ceiling, etc.).

There are no special structural safety measures required. There can be no (even unintentional) incorrect manipulations, since the entire refrigeration cycle is hermetically sealed or semihermetic.

In the event of an accident, the modules can be replaced and repaired in sheltered workshops with appropriate specialist personnel in the appropriate environment.

The problem is the permanent tightness of the container with the modules therein. If the container is provided with openable and re-closable openings that can be opened during a repair or inspection, seals are required to seal the openings. However, for example, to keep a vacuum in the container for a long time (> 10 years), conventional rubber or plastic gaskets (O-rings etc.) are not sufficient because of the associated diffusion problems. On the other hand, the use of metal seals is usually expensive.

The invention explained below therefore assumes that the modules are housed in permanently gas- or pressure-tight sealed containers.

The aim is to build such a security container, which is to be gas-tight for vacuum and pressure (or pressure only), cheap and in the event of a repair to perform this cheap.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method for repairing or checking a permanently pressuretight closed container housed, in particular refrigeration system, indicate which is simple and safe to perform and even after repair or inspection guarantees a permanent tightness. It is a further object of the invention to provide a container with a housed therein, in particular refrigeration system for performing the inventive method.

These and other objects are achieved by the features of claims 1 and 15.

In the method according to the invention for repairing or checking a system which is accommodated in a permanently pressure-tight closed container, in particular a refrigeration system, the container is cut open at at least one predetermined separation point, the system located in the container is repaired or checked, and then the container is placed at the separation point again closed by a cohesive connection.

An embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that the container is separated by the cutting in at least two separate container parts, and that the at least two separate container parts are connected to each other again after the repair of the system cohesively.

Preferably, the at least two separate container parts are welded together.

Another embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that at least one pipe is guided outwardly through the container wall from the system located in the container, so that the container has at least one tube pipe projecting outwardly from the container wall through which the pipe socket projects at least one pipe out and connected pressure-tight on the outside of the pipe with the outer end of the pipe socket that is cut to repair or review the system of the pipe socket with the pipe therein at a first predetermined separation point, and that after repair or Checking the pipe stub by a cohesive connection with the tube again pressure-sealed.

In particular, the at least one tube on the outside of the tube with the outer end of the pipe socket by a pressure-tight welded joint, which is again sealed pressure-tight after repair or inspection of the pipe socket by welding with the performed pipe.

Another embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the at least one tube is cut at a lying outside the first separation point second separation point to form a gap in the pipe, that after repair or inspection first coming out of the container, cut pipe for Closing of the gap through the pipe socket is pushed so far out that it connects to the second separation point to the outer part of the tube, that then the two ends of the tube are connected together, and that the pipe socket by a material connection with the performed pipe is sealed again pressure-tight.

Preferably, the two ends of the tube are joined together by welding.

According to another embodiment, the at least one pipe is connected to a plant part arranged in the container, and the pipe is displaced together with the plant part.

A further embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that the at least one tube is cut at a lying outside the first separation point second separation point and at a lying within the container third separation point to form a gap in the tube that after repair or Review in the gap for closing the gap a corresponding piece of pipe used and is connected to the second and third separation point with the ends of the tube, and that the pipe socket is sealed again by a material connection with the pipe section used pressure-tight.

Preferably, the pipe piece is connected to the ends of the pipe in each case by welding.

Yet another embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that an outwardly extending flange connection is arranged on the container, which has a flange which is closed by an attached cover, that the flange connection is surrounded by a hood attached to the flange connection, which flange connection closes pressure-tight to the outside, that for repair or inspection of the system located in the container, the hood is cut at a separation point, and that after completion of repair or inspection, the hood is pressure-tight again attached to the flange.

A further embodiment is characterized in that the flange is spaced from the container wall, that is attached to the flange extending to the container neck that the slipped over the flange and the nozzle hood is materially connected to the free end of the nozzle, and that the connection point is separated by simultaneous cutting of the hood and nozzle at the separation point.

But it is also conceivable that the flange is spaced from the container wall, that between the flange and the container wall is mounted parallel to the flange extending flange that the slipped over the flange connection hood is materially connected to the outer edge of the flange, and that the joint is separated by simultaneous cutting of the hood and flange at the separation point. Preferably, the hood is connected to the flange by a weld, and after completion of the repair or inspection, the hood is again pressure-tight attached to the flange by a weld.

The inventive container with a housed therein, in particular refrigeration system for carrying out the method according to the invention is characterized in that the container is gas-tight or pressure-sealed by cohesive connections of its parts.

An embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterized in that at least one tube is led out from the container in the container through the container wall to the outside, and that the container for carrying the at least one tube from the container wall outwardly projecting pipe socket, through which the at least one pipe out and connected on the outside of the pipe with the outer end of the pipe socket pressure-tight.

In particular, the at least one tube on the outside of the tube with the outer end of the pipe socket by a weld pressure-tight manner.

Another embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterized in that an outwardly extending flange connection is arranged on the container, which has a flange which is closed by an attached cover, and in that the flange connection is surrounded by a hood attached to the flange connection, which flange connection closes pressure-tight to the outside.

A further embodiment is characterized in that the flange is spaced from the container wall, that on the flange, a nozzle extending towards the container is brought, and that via the flange and the nozzle Stü lpte Hau be with the free end of the nozzle materially verbu conditions is.

Another embodiment is characterized in that the flange is spaced from the container wall, that a flange ring extending parallel to the flange is mounted between the flange and the container wall, and that the hood protrudes over the flange connection with the outside Edge of the flange is cohesively verbu nden is.

Preferably, the housing is connected to the flange connection by means of a welding process. BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to Ausfü hru ngsbeispielen in connection with the drawing. Show it:

1 shows in detail an example of a permanently closed container with a heat exchanger arranged therein and outwardly guided pipes, wherein the container is welded together at separation points of several parts;

FIG. 2 shows the opening of the container for repairing or checking the system (heat exchanger) located therein according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein a part of the container is separated at a separation point; FIG.

3 shows a container with a system located therein according to another embodiment of the invention, with a specially designed flange connection and specially designed tube guides (FIG. 3 (a)), as well as the opening of the container at the flange connection (FIG. 3 (b)) and opening the container on a tube guide (FIG. 3 (c)); 4 shows another way of opening the container at the pipe feedthrough according to FIG. 3 (FIG. 4 (a)) and re-closing it by pushing the pipe in (FIG. 4 (b));

5 shows another way to open the container to the pipe duct according to Figure 3

(Figure 4 (a)) and re-close by inserting a tube piece (Figure 4 (b));

6 shows another embodiment of the flange connection on the container (FIG. 6 (a)) and the manner of opening and closing it (FIG. 6 (b)); and

7 shows a greatly simplified scheme of a modular refrigeration system in which the individual modules are each housed in a permanently sealed container.

WAYS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the center of the invention is shown in FIG. 1, a container 10 which is permanently sealed by material connections between its individual parts pressure and gas tight and in the interior 11 a system, in particular refrigeration technology (eg, a refrigeration cycle), from the in FIG 1 a heat exchanger 16 is shown by way of example. The container 10 is built in two (or more) container parts 12, 13 and after the installation of the system or the module or the like. Connected to one or more separation points 14, 15 cohesively over its circumference. In the case of a repair or inspection of the system located in the interior 11, in which one must come to the "inner workings", the container is for example separated or cut at the separation point 15 (FIG. 2) and closed again after the repair or inspection , With regard to the tightness and stability, it is best to weld the container parts 12, 13 at the separating points 14, 15 or to solder them hard, ie to close them with metal (the materials of the container 10 are usually but not exclusively steel or stainless steels).

The heat exchanger 16 of Fig. 1 and 2 has tubes 17, 18 which are guided from the heat exchanger 16 through the wall of the container 10 to the outside, for example, to be connected according to FIG. 7 to common manifolds SL1, SL2. In the example of Figs. 1, 2, the tubes 17, 18 are fastened and sealed directly at their passage through the container wall by a weld 19 bzw.20.

However, in order to come in case of repair or disposal of the "inner life" of the refrigeration module (heat exchanger 16) and at most to be able to expand, a weld directly to the container wall does not make sense, since this weld is very difficult to access.

It will therefore be provided with advantage in accordance with Figure 3 in the implementation of the tubes 17 and 18 through the container wall to the outside of the container wall projecting pipe socket 21, 22. If you first weld the pipe socket 21, 22 to the container 10 and pulls the tubes 17, 18 of the interior parts 11 system components (heat exchanger 16, etc.) through these pipe sockets 21, 22 and welded the same to each other at the end of the pipe socket (19 and welding; 20), so in case of repair with a cutting disc or a similar tool or process at a predetermined separation point 23 (Figure 3 (a, c)) of the outer pipe socket 21 and the tube 17 located therein are separated to the heat exchanger 16 and so Heat exchanger 16 easy to remove and reinstall. Subsequently, pipe 17 and pipe socket 21 at the separation point 23 by a new (recessed) weld 19 'again cohesively and pressure-tightly connected (Fig. 3 (c)). If a gap L in the pipeline is produced by a section through the pipe 17 at a second, further outward separating point 23 'according to FIG. 4 (a), the heat exchanger 16 can be "pushed" as shown in FIG. 4 (b) and remaining shorter line of the heat exchanger 16 again with the on-site line (weld 19 ") and the (now shorter) pipe socket 21 (weld 19 ') are welded.

However, if the heat exchanger 16 is not to be relocated, it is also conceivable (FIG. 5) to make cuts at three separation points 23, 23 'and 23 "of the pipeline (FIG. 5 (a)), through which a gap L' This gap is later closed again by inserting a corresponding tube piece 34, which is connected to the remaining tube ends by means of welds 33 and 33 'and connected to the shortened tube stub 21 by a weld 19' (FIG. 5 (b)) In this way, the heat exchanger 16 may remain in the container 10 at the original position.

This applies to all connections between the heat exchanger 16 (or other line bushings) and located outside the container 10, on-site plant parts, which require a passage through the container wall and which are not or only very difficult to access with tools (see the inaccessible connection 24 in FIG 3 (a)). Accessible connections (eg 25 in Fig. 3 (a)) in which the heat exchanger 16 can be "internally" detached and dismounted are carried out (normally, but not necessarily) in the same way, but in this case the line and the pipe socket not cut through, but remain in the original condition.

The previous statements apply mutatis mutandis to the metallic closure in a vessel 10 arranged on the flange connection (see flange 26 in Fig. 3 and 26 'in Figure 6). In this case too, the opening is solved in detail in such a way that the weld seam can simply be "cut out" and enough material remains to be able to re-attach a new weld seam. The flange connection 26 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 comprises a flange 27 at the end of a pipe section protruding from the container wall, which is closed by corresponding screw connections with a cover 28. As the enlarged detail in FIG. 3 (b) makes clear, a nozzle 30 directed towards the container is welded to the flange 27. With the free end of this nozzle a hood 29 is welded (welding 31), which surrounds the flange connection 26 from the flange 27 to a gas-tight. In order to remove the hood 29 in the event of a repair or inspection and thus gain access to the flange connection 26, the connection piece 30 and hood 29 are cut through (severed) at a separation point 32 such that the section with the weld 31 drops. The hood 29 can then be removed and the flange 26 are opened. If the flange connection 26 is subsequently closed again in a gas-tight manner, the hood 29 is placed on and connected at the separation point 32 with the shortened connection piece 30 by a new weld 31 '.

An alternative embodiment of such a flange cover is shown in FIG. The local flange connection 26 'is covered by a hood 29', which has a brim and is welded to the outer edge of the brim with a flange ring 37 (weld 35), which in turn is welded to the pipe section protruding from the container wall. If the hood 29 'are removed, the edge and the flange 37 are severed at a separation point 36, so that the portion removed with the weld 35 and the hood 29' can be removed. When closing later, the flange ring 37 and hood 29 'are gas-tight again by a new weld 35' (FIG. 6 (b)).

By this type of repair the gas-tight and pressure-tight sealed by cohesive connections of its parts container 10 is closed again after repair in a simple manner. Since such a repair or inspection is only rarely necessary This type of opening and reclosing is safer and less expensive if a sealed opening is provided.

Reference number list

10 containers

11 interior

12.13 container part

14,15 separation point

16 heat exchangers

17,18 pipe

19,19 ', 19 "welding

20 welding

21,22 pipe socket

23.23 ', 23 "separation point

24 inaccessible connection

25 accessible connection

26.26 'flange connection

27 flange

28 lids

29.29 'hood

30 nozzles

31.31 'welding

32.36 separation point

33.33 'welding

34 pipe section

35.35 'welding flange

compressor

refrigeration plant

refrigeration module

gap

Sammelleitun

Claims

claims

1. A method for repairing or checking a system (16) which is accommodated in a permanently pressure-tight closed container (10) and in which method the container (10) is connected to at least one predetermined separation point (14, 15; 23, 23 ', 23 "; 32, 36) is cut open, the system (16) located in the container (10) is repaired or checked, and then the container (10) at the separation point (14, 15, 23, 23 ', 23"; 32, 36) is closed again by a cohesive connection.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the container (10) by the cutting into at least two separate container parts (12, 13) is separated, and that the at least two separate container parts (12, 13) after the repair of the system again be joined together materially.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least two separate container parts (12, 13) are welded together.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that of the in the container (10) located plant (16) at least one tube (17, 18) is guided through the container wall to the outside, that the container (10) for carrying out the at least one Pipe (17, 18) has a projecting from the container wall to the outside pipe socket (21, 22) through which the at least one tube (17, 18) outwardly and on the outside of the tube with the outer end of the pipe socket (21, 22) is connected in a pressure-tight manner that for repair or inspection of the system (16) of the pipe socket (21, 22) with the tube therein (17, 18) is cut at a first predetermined separation point (23), and that after repair or Checking the pipe socket (21, 22) by a cohesive connection with the performed pipe (17, 18) is closed again pressure-tight.

A method according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one tube (17, 18) on the outside of the tube with the outer end of the pipe socket (21, 22) by a weld (19, 20) is pressure-tight manner, and that after repair or Checking of the pipe sockets (21, 22) by a weld (19 ') with the tube (17, 18) again sealed pressure-tight.

Method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the at least one tube (17, 18) is cut through at a second separation point (23 ') lying outside the first separation point (23) to form a gap (L) in the tube the repair or inspection first of the container (10) coming, cut off pipe (17, 18) for closing the gap (L) through the pipe socket (21, 22) pushed out to the extent that it at the second separation point ( 23 ') adjoins the outer part of the tube (17, 18) that then the two ends of the tube (17, 18) are interconnected, and that the pipe socket (21, 22) by a material connection with the performed pipe (17, 18) is closed again pressure-tight.

A method according to claim 6, characterized in that the two ends of the tube (17, 18) by a weld (19 ") are interconnected.

A method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the at least one tube (17, 18) is connected to a container part (10) arranged in the plant part (16), and that the tube (17, 18) together with the plant part (16 ) is moved.

9. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the at least one tube (17, 18) at a lying outside the first separation point (23) second separation point (23 ') and at a within the container (10) lying third separation point (23 ") with the formation of a gap ([_ ') in the tube (17, 18) is cut so that after repair or inspection in the gap (L') to close the gap (L ') a corresponding piece of pipe (34 ) and at the second and third separation point (23 ', 23 ") with the ends of the tube (17, 18) is connected, and that the pipe socket (21, 22) by a material connection with the inserted pipe section (34) again is sealed pressure-tight.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the pipe section (34) with the ends of the tube (17, 18) in each case by a weld (33, 33 ') is connected.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that on the container (10) outgoing flange (26, 26 ') is arranged, which has a flange (27) which is closed by an attached cover (28) the flange connection (26, 26 ') is surrounded by a hood (29, 29') fastened to the flange connection (26, 26 '), which closes off the flange connection (26, 26') in a pressure-tight manner to the outside for repair or inspection of the flange in the container (10) located plant (16) the hood (29, 29 ') at a separation point (32, 36) is cut, and that after completion of the repair or inspection, the hood (29, 29') again pressure-tight at the flange (26, 26 ') is attached.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the flange (27) is spaced from the container wall, that on the flange (27) to the container (10) extending towards neck (30) is mounted, that via the flange ( 26) and the nozzle (30) inverted hood (29) with the free end of the nozzle (30) is cohesively connected, and that the junction is separated by simultaneous cutting of the hood (29) and nozzle (30) at the separation point (32).

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the flange (27) is spaced from the container wall, that between the flange (27) and the container wall is a flange parallel to the flange (27) extending flange (37) is mounted, that over the flange connection (26 ') inverted hood (29') with the outer edge of the flange (37) is integrally connected, and that the junction separated by simultaneous cutting of the hood (29 ') and flange ring (37) at the separation point (36) becomes.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the hood (29, 29 ') to the flange (26, 26') by a weld (31 bzw.35) is connected, and that after completion of the repair Verifying the hood (29, 29 ') again by a weld (3T or 35') pressure-tight on the flange (26, 26 ') is attached.

15. Container (10) with a housed therein, in particular refrigeration system (16), for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the container is closed by cohesive connections of its parts gas or pressure-tight.

16. A container according to claim 15, characterized in that from the in the container (10) located plant (16) at least one tube (17, 18) is guided through the container wall to the outside, and that the container (10) for carrying out the at least a tube (17, 18) has a pipe stub (21, 22) projecting outwardly from the container wall, through which the at least one tube (17, 18) extends guided sen and on the outside of the tube with the outer end of the pipe socket (21, 22) is pressure-tight manner.

17. A container according to claim 16, characterized in that the at least one tube (17, 18) on the outside of the tube with the outer end of the pipe socket (21, 22) by a weld (19, 20) is pressure-tight manner.

18. A container according to claim 15, characterized in that on the container (10) outgoing flange (26, 26 ') is arranged, which has a flange (27) which is closed by an attached cover (28), and in that the flange connection (26, 26 ') is surrounded by a hood (29, 29') fastened to the flange connection (26, 26 '), which closes the flange connection (26, 26') to the outside in a pressure-tight manner.

19. A container according to claim 18, characterized in that the flange (27) is spaced from the container wall, that on the flange (27) to the container (10) extending towards the neck (30) is mounted, and that via the flange (26) and the nozzle (30) inverted hood (29) is integrally connected to the free end of the nozzle (30).

20. A container according to claim 18, characterized in that the flange (27) is spaced from the container wall, that between the flange (27) and container wall, a parallel to the flange (27) extending towards flange ring (37) is mounted, and that the over the flange (26 ') inverted hood (29') is materially connected to the outer edge of the flange ring (37).

21. Container according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the hood (29, 29 ') with the flange connection (26, 26') by a weld (31 bzw.35) is connected.