GB2560978A

GB2560978A - Safety apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2560978A
Application number: GB1705192.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Delaney Kenneth
Original assignee: Score Europe Ltd
Current assignee: Score Europe Ltd
Priority date: 2017-03-31
Filing date: 2017-03-31
Publication date: 2018-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-31
Also published as: GB2560978B; GB201705192D0

Abstract

A safety apparatus for containing equipment subject to pressure, the apparatus comprising a flexible mesh panel configured to contain said equipment; and a retaining arrangement configured to secure the apparatus in relation to said equipment. The apparatus is resilient, such that, should a portion of said equipment be ejected from said equipment, the apparatus is configured to absorb the kinetic energy of said portion. The apparatus is movable between a first, deployed position where said equipment is contained and a second, stowed position for transportation. The panel may be made of aramid, carbon or glass fibres.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Score (Europe) Limited

Sherwood House, Armytage Road, Brighouse,

Yorkshire, HD6 1QF, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Kenneth Delaney (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Withers & Rogers LLP

More London Riverside, LONDON, SE1 2AU, United Kingdom (51) INT CL:

F17C 13/12 (2006.01) F16L 57/00 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

GB 2038664 A WO 1996/039229 A1

CN 204078557 U CN 203064557 U

Flexible Carbon Kevlar Sheet. Available from http:// www.carbonmods.co.uk/Products/Flexible-Carbon-

Kevlar-Sheet_CMFLEXCKS.aspx . [Accessed 27

September 2017] (58) Field of Search:

INT CLF16L, F17C, F17D Other: EPODOC, WPI (54) Title of the Invention: Safety apparatus

Abstract Title: Safety apparatus for pressurised equipment (57) A safety apparatus for containing equipment subject to pressure, the apparatus comprising a flexible mesh panel configured to contain said equipment; and a retaining arrangement configured to secure the apparatus in relation to said equipment. The apparatus is resilient, such that, should a portion of said equipment be ejected from said equipment, the apparatus is configured to absorb the kinetic energy of said portion. The apparatus is movable between a first, deployed position where said equipment is contained and a second, stowed position for transportation. The panel may be made of aramid, carbon or glass fibres.

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Safety Apparatus

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a safety apparatus for containing equipment subject to pressure. The invention also relates to a safety kit for containing equipment subject to pressure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common for fluid to be transported or held in pressure vessels such as pressurised pipes, valves, etc. Such vessels may be subjected to testing, or can become corroded over time. In both cases, it is known for parts to be ejected from the pressure vessel at a high velocity in an ejection event, creating a safety hazard to any nearby personnel and potentially damaging nearby equipment.

In particular, parts of the pressure vessel may be ejected when the vessel is being tested as pressure is increased beyond usual levels, or is increased until some part of the vessel fails. Where a vessel is old and/or no longer properly maintained and so becomes corroded, but is still pressurised, parts of the vessel may again be ejected at a high velocity. For example, there is a risk of an ejection event occurring due to a fitting being ejected at line pressure due to the corrosion or degradation of the fitting threads.

It is known to increase safety at test sites by providing a barrier between the pressure vessel and any personnel, e.g. by using a net stretched across a permanent test cell. However, there are problems with such an arrangement. Where testing is not carried out in a permanent test cell, or where work is taking place on site, for example on an offshore oil rig, it is not practical to use such a cell. Permanent test cells are bulky, so are difficult to transport, and take time to properly set up. Known nets have a relatively large mesh size that is designed to impede the travel of any components that are ejected in the event of any catastrophic failure while also allowing any released pressure to dissipate to the atmosphere. However, it can be that the pressure vessel being tested is relatively small in size, and has correspondingly small components that can pass through the net.

The present invention seeks to overcome, or at least mitigate, the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a safety apparatus for containing equipment subject to pressure, the apparatus comprising: a flexible mesh panel configured to contain said equipment; and a retaining arrangement configured to secure the apparatus in relation to said equipment; wherein the apparatus is resilient, such that, should a portion of said equipment be ejected from said equipment, the apparatus is configured to absorb the kinetic energy of said portion; and wherein the apparatus is movable between a first, deployed position where said equipment is contained and a second, stowed position for transportation.

By containing we mean that rather than being arranged as a substantially planar sheet to act as a barrier in a single elevation, the mesh panel is intended to at least partially enclose or encircle equipment in multiple elevations, such as above and to one or more sides or ends. Typically, but not always, the equipment will be for example a single functional item such as a valve, pump, or the like.

The resilient nature of the apparatus ensures that the kinetic energy of any object ejected from the remainder of the contained equipment is absorbed, thus preventing such an object contacting personnel at a high speed. In addition, the mesh panel may act to entangle the object, aiding energy absorption.

The mesh panel may be resilient.

The mesh panel being resilient provides the apparatus with resilience, and allows the mesh panel to absorb the energy of an ejected object.

The apparatus may further comprise a support structure configured to define the profile of the panel about said equipment, the support structure being movable between a first, deployed position and a second, stowed position.

Advantageously, the support structure aids the arrangement of the panel with respect to the equipment, helping to ensure that the necessary areas are covered.

The support structure may comprise at least one flexible rib.

The or each rib may comprise at least two flexible members configured to be connected to one another when the apparatus is in the deployed position; and to be disconnected from one another when the apparatus is in the stowed position.

Disconnecting the members when the apparatus is in the stowed position reduces the size of the apparatus, so improving ease of storage and transportation of the apparatus.

Each member may be tubular, and/or the support structure may comprise a flexible core extending through each member.

The flexible core keeps the members arranged in the order in which they are to be connected, so that connecting the support structure in order to deploy the apparatus is simplified. The core also improves the ease by which the members are moved to the stowed position.

At least one member may comprise a connection arrangement configured to receive an end of another member.

The or each rib may be resiliently biased towards the deployed position.

The resilient bias of the or each rib allows the apparatus to move itself from the stowed to the deployed position.

The or each rib may be configured to be coiled in the stowed position.

Coiling the or each member reduces the size of the apparatus, so that it is more easily stored and transported.

The mesh panel may define apertures of approximately 10mm or less, or may define apertures of approximately 5mm or less.

Such an aperture size allows the apparatus to be safely used with a relatively small pressure vessel.

The mesh panel may define substantially square apertures.

The retaining arrangement may comprise at least one strap for securing the apparatus. The retaining arrangement may comprise at least one releasable fastener for securing the apparatus.

The mesh panel may be manufactured from energy absorbing fibres (either by the inherent properties of the fibre material or the way in which the fibres are formed into the mesh) such as aramid, carbon or glass fibres.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is also provided a safety kit for containing equipment subject to pressure, the kit comprising an apparatus as described above, and a bag for enclosing the apparatus when the apparatus is in the stowed position.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of operating an apparatus according to the first aspect and comprising the steps of: a) deploying the mesh panel such that it contains a piece of equipment subject to pressure; and b) securing the mesh panel so as to absorb the kinetic energy of a portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a safety apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in position on a pressure vessel and anchored to itself;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 arranged over a pressure vessel and anchored to surrounding equipment;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a safety apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention arranged over a pressure vessel; and

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a safety apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention arranged over a pressure vessel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Figure 1 shows a safety apparatus for containing equipment subject to pressure indicated generally at 10. The apparatus 10 includes a flexible mesh panel 12 and a retaining arrangement 14. The retaining arrangement is in this embodiment a series of straps 16 that are configured to secure the apparatus 10 in relation to the equipment to be contained That is, to secure the apparatus 10 so that the mesh panel 12 is positioned so as to contain the equipment.

In this embodiment, the mesh panel is substantially rectangular, and has a strap 16 at each corner. In an alternative embodiment, there is an alternative number of straps, e.g. three straps or fewer, or five or more straps. In an alternative embodiment the mesh panel is of some other shape. For example, the mesh panel is in one embodiment substantially circular. In a further embodiment the mesh panel is substantially square. The shape of the mesh panel can be selected depending on the configuration of the equipment to be contained.

The retaining arrangement 14 further includes a series of releasable fasteners 18 that are configured to be used to secure the apparatus 10 in position. In this embodiment, the releasable fasteners are carabiners 18. In alternative embodiments, the retaining arrangement includes lengths of hook and loop material and/or suitable shackles as releasable fasteners.

The apparatus 10 is resilient. The resilience of the apparatus 10 allows energy that is expended by an ejected part of the contained equipment to be absorbed by the apparatus 10. An ejected part is thus stopped, preventing injury to personnel or damage to equipment. In this embodiment, the mesh panel 12 is resilient. The resilience of the mesh panel 12 allows the energy that is expended by an ejected part to be absorbed by the mesh panel 12. Where an ejected part is relatively small, and/or is ejected at a relatively low velocity, the expended energy is absorbed with relatively little deformation of the mesh panel 12. Where an ejected part is relatively large, and/or is ejected at a relatively high velocity, the resilience of the mesh panel 12 allows the mesh panel 12 to deform in order to absorb the expended energy.

The resilience of the mesh panel 12 is provided by the material of which the mesh panel 12 is made. In this embodiment the mesh panel is of aramid fibres (commonly referred to by the trade name Kevlar ^R™ and manufactured by the E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Delaware, USA) fibres. Other suitable materials may include a mesh panel manufactured from carbon or glass fibres, or some other suitable high strength, lightweight material. In this embodiment, the strands of the mesh panel 12 are substantially circular in cross-section. In alternative embodiments, the strands of the mesh panel are of some other suitable cross-sectional geometry.

In an alternative embodiment, the straps 14 are of a resilient material, such as webbing or ropes including elastomeric material, in addition to or instead of the mesh panel being of resilient material.

The mesh panel 12 defines an array of apertures 20. The apertures 20 entangle an ejected part within the mesh panel 12, aiding the absorption of energy and increasing the likelihood of retention of the ejected part by the mesh panel 12. In this embodiment, the mesh panel 12 defines substantially square apertures. That is, the apertures are substantially square in shape when the mesh panel 12 is at rest or is under even tension on all sides, such that the square apertures are not distorted. In alternative embodiments, the apertures are circular, hexagonal, octagonal, or some other suitable shape.

The mesh panel 12 defines apertures of 5mm or less. In an alternative embodiment, the mesh panel 12 defines apertures of approximately 10mm or less. Such aperture sizes have been found to prevent ejected parts of equipment from passing through the mesh, but to allow any gases released from the equipment to escape from the apparatus 10.

The apparatus 10 is movable between a first, deployed position, where the equipment is contained, and a second, stowed position. When in the stowed position, the apparatus 10 can be easily transported to a site where personnel are to work. Once on site, the apparatus 10 is moved or assembled to the deployed position, and is fitted in place about the equipment to be contained. The releasable fasteners 18 allow the apparatus 10 to be removed once personnel have finished working at a site, although the apparatus 10 can be left in place on the contained equipment for future safety purposes. The apparatus 10 therefore provides a temporary or semi-permanent method of protection on a work site.

Figures 2 and 3 show the apparatus 10 in the deployed position. In both Figures 2 and 3, the apparatus 10 is deployed over a valve 22 in a pipe 24. In Figure 2, the apparatus 10 is secured by attachment to itself. That is, the straps 16 are wrapped around the pipe 24, and the fasteners 18 are clipped to one another to secure the apparatus 10 in place. The straps 16 need not be taut, as long as the mesh panel 12 remains in the desired position over the equipment 22. Slack in the straps 16 can aid the absorption of energy from an ejected piece of equipment. The length of the straps 16 can be adjusted with the use of an adjustment mechanism, e.g. buckles (not shown). In a further embodiment, the length of the straps is fixed.

Figures 3 shows the apparatus 10 in a deployed position over a similar valve 22 on a pipe

24. In this arrangement, the straps 16 are secured to suitable points 26 provided by equipment on site. The apparatus 10 can be attached to any suitably secure points, i.e. any points strong enough to withstand any energy from an ejected part of equipment that is not absorbed by the resilient mesh panel 12.

The apparatus 10 of this embodiment is configured to absorb the energy of a part ejected from a pressure vessel pressurised to approximately 20ksi (approximately 138mPa). In alternative embodiments the apparatus 10 is configured to absorb parts ejected from vessels at a higher pressure.

To be moved to a stowed position, the fasteners 18 are released and the apparatus 10 is removed from the pipe 24. The apparatus 10 is the folded or rolled so as to be more easily transported and/or stored. The apparatus 10 is secured in the deployed position by the straps 16, and/or is packed into a suitable bag, again for ease of transport and/or storage.

Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the apparatus, wherein features substantially the same as those of the previous embodiment are given corresponding reference numbers with the additional prefix 1.

The apparatus 110 of this embodiment includes a support structure 130. The support structure 130 is configured to define the profile of the mesh panel 112 about the equipment 122 to be contained. The support structure 130 is movable between a first, deployed position and a second, stowed position, so that the apparatus 110 is also movable between those positions. The support structure 130 provides the apparatus 110 with a defined shape, which can make it easier to deploy over equipment to be contained.

The support structure 130 of this embodiment is a series of ribs 132 extending along the width of the mesh panel 112. Each rib 132 has a straight central section 132a supported at each side by an end section 132b. Each end section 132b extends from a side edge 112a of the mesh panel 112 to the central section 132a, forming an angle therewith. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the ribs do not define an angle, instead forming a curve from one side edge of the mesh panel to the other. In a further alternative embodiment, the central section 132a is curved. In yet a further alternative embodiment, the ribs do not extend the full width of the mesh panel. In a further alternative embodiment the ribs may cross each other so as to form a dome-type structure rather than a tunnel-type structure.

Each rib 132 is made up of a series of flexible members 134. The members 134 are connected to one another to form the rib 132 when support structure and thus the apparatus are in the deployed position. The members 134 are disconnected from one another in order to move the support structure, and thus the apparatus, to the stowed position.

Each member 134 comprises a connection arrangement 136 by which the members 134 are connected to one another. In this embodiment, connection arrangement 136 is a sleeve fitted to a first end of a member 134a. The sleeve extends beyond the end of the member 134a and is configured to receive a second end of a second member 134b, so that the members 134a and 134b are connected to one another such that they share a common axis.

In some embodiments the sleeve may be replaced wholly or in part by clips or hooks that connect the mesh panel 112 to the ribs 132. In some embodiments the ends of each rib 132 may be held in a predetermined lateral spacing from each other so that the member adopts a predetermined bowed shape to create a domed or tunnel-like construction in conjunction with other members. One way of achieving such a lateral spacing is a webbing strap provided proximate each end with eyelets to receive each end of the member at the required spacing. In an alternative embodiment, an alternative connection arrangement is provided.

On deployment, the members 134 are configured to be connected to one another and subsequently fed through sleeves 138 attached to the mesh panel 122. In an alternative embodiment, the ribs 132 are threaded through apertures 120 in the mesh panel 112. Advantageously, this means that the ribs can be selectively positioned anywhere in the mesh panel 112 as required, so that the mesh panel 112 can be given one of a range of different profiles.

In a further alternative embodiment, the members 134 are permanently attached, e.g. by stitching or adhesive, to the mesh panel. The resilient nature of the mesh panel allows separation of the members from one another so that the apparatus can be moved from the deployed position to the stowed position.

Each member 134 is tubular, having a central through bore. The support structure 130 includes a flexible core (not shown) that extends through each member 134 of a rib 132, so that the members 134 are linked by the core even when they are disconnected from one another. That is, the members 134 are considered to be disconnected from one another when linked by the core but are not directly attached to one another through the connection arrangement. In this embodiment, the core is a cord, e.g. of nylon or similar suitable hardwearing material.

Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the apparatus, wherein features substantially the same as those of the previous embodiments are given corresponding reference numbers with the additional prefix 2.

In this embodiment, the ribs 230 are each of a single piece, extending between two side edges 212a of the mesh panel 212. The ribs 232 are attached to the mesh panel 212, e.g. by stitching or by adhesive, or are inserted in sleeves attached by stitching or adhesive to the mesh panel 212. Each of the ribs 232 is resiliently biased towards the deployed position, so that when the apparatus is released from the stowed position, the ribs 232 cause the apparatus 210 to move itself to the deployed position. The apparatus 210 is then secured in place, for example as shown in Figure 5 where the fasteners 218 are releasably secured to suitable points 226 on site. When the apparatus 210 is to be moved to the stowed position, the mesh panel 212 is rolled so that the ribs 232 are rolled with it. The rolled apparatus 210 can then be coiled for ease of storage, and fastened in place using the straps 16 or packed in a suitable bag.

The apparatus 10, 110, 210 advantageously provides a temporary or semi-permanent method of protection for an operator or plant on a work site. The apparatus provides an additional form of personal protective equipment, which can be carried on site by personnel and can be manually deployed and secured. The apparatus can be secured to a pre-existing test cell or other surrounding structure, or to itself. Alternatively, the apparatus can be secured by being staked into surrounding ground. The use of the safety apparatus can be extended to personal protection in other forms of working life other than those described here, or for leisure activities.

The apparatus be can provided in a range of sizes and shapes to suit different applications, e.g. for fitting to existing test cells, or to be deployed on different types of site. The apparatus can be left in place on site in order to provide protection over a longer period of time.

The adaptable nature of the apparatus, i.e. the adjustable straps and the flexible, resilient mesh panel allow an apparatus of one size to be used in different applications. The apparatus can therefore be sold as an off-the-shelf product, reducing manufacturing costs.

Claims

1. A safety apparatus for containing equipment subject to pressure, the apparatus comprising:

a flexible mesh panel configured to contain said equipment; and a retaining arrangement configured to secure the apparatus in relation to said equipment;

wherein the apparatus is resilient, such that, should a portion of said equipment be ejected from said equipment, the apparatus is configured to absorb the kinetic energy of said portion; and wherein the apparatus is movable between a first, deployed position where said equipment is contained and a second, stowed position for transportation.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the mesh panel is resilient.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising a support structure configured to define the profile of the panel about said equipment, the support structure being movable between a first, deployed position and a second, stowed position.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the support structure comprises at least one flexible rib.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the or each rib comprises at least two flexible members configured to be connected to one another when the apparatus is in the deployed position; and to be disconnected from one another when the apparatus is in the stowed position.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein each member is tubular, and wherein the support structure comprises a flexible core extending through each member.

7. An apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein at least one member comprises a connection arrangement configured to receive an end of another member.

8. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the or each rib is resiliently biased towards the deployed position.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the or each rib is configured to be coiled in the stowed position.

10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the mesh panel defines apertures of approximately 10mm or less.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the mesh panel defines apertures of approximately 5mm or less.

12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the mesh panel defines substantially square apertures.

13. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the retaining arrangement comprises at least one strap for securing the apparatus.

14. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the retaining arrangement comprises at least one releasable fastener for securing the apparatus.

15. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the mesh panel is manufactured from energy absorbing fibres such as aramid, carbon or glass fibres.

16. A method of operating an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14 comprising the steps of:

a) deploying the mesh panel such that it contains a piece of equipment subject to pressure; and

b) securing the mesh panel so as to absorb the kinetic energy of a portion.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1705192.1 Examiner: Mr Richard Nicholls

16. A safety kit for containing equipment subject to pressure, the kit comprising: an apparatus according to any preceding claim; and a bag for enclosing the apparatus, when the apparatus is in the stowed position.

17. A method of operating an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15 comprising the steps of:

b) securing the mesh panel so as to absorb the kinetic energy of a portion.

04 12 17

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

Claims

a flexible mesh panel configured to contain said equipment; a retaining arrangement configured to secure the apparatus in relation to said equipment; and a support structure configured to define the profile of the panel about said equipment, the support structure being movable between a first, deployed position and a second, stowed position;

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the mesh panel is resilient.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the support structure comprises at least one flexible rib.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the or each rib comprises at least two flexible members configured to be connected to one another when the apparatus is in the deployed position; and to be disconnected from one another when the apparatus is in the stowed position.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein each member is tubular, and wherein the support structure comprises a flexible core extending through each member.

6. An apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein at least one member comprises a connection arrangement configured to receive an end of another member.

7. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the or each rib is resiliently biased towards the deployed position.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the or each rib is configured to be coiled in the stowed position.

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9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the mesh panel defines apertures of approximately 10mm or less.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the mesh panel defines apertures of approximately 5mm or less.

11. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the mesh panel defines substantially square apertures.

12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the retaining arrangement comprises at least one strap for securing the apparatus.

13. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the retaining arrangement comprises at least one releasable fastener for securing the apparatus.

14. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the mesh panel is manufactured from energy absorbing fibres such as aramid, carbon or glass fibres.

15. A safety kit for containing equipment subject to pressure, the kit comprising: an apparatus according to any preceding claim; and a bag for enclosing the apparatus, when the apparatus is in the stowed position.