JP5522808B2 - Remote shut-off valve system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a shut-off valve remote opening / closing system that closes a shut-off valve inserted into a pipe that may discharge dangerous goods in an emergency to prevent outflow of dangerous goods.

  For example, a liquid storage tank that stores a large amount of oil liquid such as an oil refinery is provided with a floating roof that prevents the oil liquid from evaporating. The floating roof moves up and down according to the storage amount (liquid level height) of the liquid storage tank, but includes a drain pipe so that rainwater does not collect on the upper surface.

  The drainage pipe of this floating roof is provided so as to drain into a drainage groove (or sewer pipe) provided around the liquid storage tank. For example, in an emergency such as the occurrence of an earthquake, the oil in the storage tank may swing and a part of the oil may leak to the upper surface of the floating roof. If left as it is, the oil liquid leaking to the upper surface of the floating roof passes through the drain pipe and is discharged into the drainage groove.

  In order to prevent oil liquid from leaking out in the event of an emergency such as an earthquake, a structure in which a shut-off valve is conventionally provided at the outlet of a tank is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1 below. As shown in FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1, a shutoff valve 60A is inserted into a drain pipe 50A of a floating roof tank 30. A drive unit 70A is disposed in the vicinity of the shutoff valve 60A. When the drive unit 70A detects an earthquake, it drives the shutoff valve 60A to shut off the drain pipe 50A.

  Patent Document 2 discloses an emergency shut-off device. According to FIG. 1 of Patent Document 2, an outlet valve 14 is provided at the outlet of the floating roof type storage tank 11. An oil leakage monitoring device 17 is connected to the outlet valve with a cable (wired). When oil leakage is detected, the monitoring device 17 sends an open / close signal d to the outlet valve 14 through the cable to shut off the tank outlet.

JP2009-154940 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-085589

  In the shut-off valve system of Cited Document 1, a valve drive unit is arranged at a site where a tank is installed. With this structure, when the power supply to the site is cut off at the same time as the disaster occurs, the drive unit becomes inoperable. It is necessary to go to the site and manually close the shut-off valve. However, if a large-scale fire or explosion occurs, it is difficult to approach the site, and the spread of damage due to oil spills cannot be prevented.

  In the emergency shut-off device of the cited document 2, an oil leakage monitoring device is connected to an outlet valve on site by a cable (wired). However, if the cable is physically cut simultaneously with the occurrence of the earthquake, the outlet valve can no longer be shut off, and the spread of disaster due to oil spill cannot be prevented.

  When a huge earthquake occurs, power supply to the site and cable connection may be cut off, and control of the shut-off valve may become impossible. In this case, it is extremely dangerous or physically impossible to enter the site and manually close the shut-off valve. In the event of an unprecedented disaster, it is very important to securely close the shut-off valve to prevent the disaster from spreading. However, the conventional technique has a problem in this respect as described above. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a shut-off valve remote opening / closing system capable of reliably preventing a dangerous substance from flowing out in an emergency in view of the problems of the prior art.

The following measures were taken in order to achieve this purpose. That is, the present invention is a shutoff valve remote opening / closing system that closes a shutoff valve inserted into a pipe that may discharge dangerous goods in an emergency to prevent outflow of dangerous goods, and is a base for constructing a wireless communication network. A station, at least one terminal device that is arranged at the site where the shut-off valve is located and transmits and receives radio signals via the radio communication network, and a control device that is arranged away from the site and controls the base station The control device controls the base station in an emergency and transmits a wireless emergency cut-off signal toward the wireless communication network. The terminal device includes a wireless controller, a switching valve (spool valve), an antenna, a battery, and the like. the interior of the housing and has an integral structure made of, the wireless controller and the switching valve are integrated with each other through the housing, the mounting et Re and each said housing said shut-off valve When the power is constantly supplied by the battery and the antenna receives the emergency shut-off signal, the wireless controller is operated by the battery to drive the switching valve to close the shut-off valve, thereby causing an emergency hazard. It is characterized by preventing spillage.

Preferably, before SL terminal device, it transmits a status signal indicating a remaining amount of the battery to the wireless communication network, wherein the control device, and performs an alert to receive and display said status signal. Preferably, a plurality of the terminal devices are arranged at a site where the shut-off valve is provided, and the base station is arranged at a position where the site is seen and transmits / receives a radio signal to / from the site. And Preferably, a floating roof type outdoor tank for storing a flammable liquid is disposed at the site, and the floating roof type outdoor tank is disposed inside the tank from the floating roof in order to discharge rainwater accumulated on the floating roof. The shut-off valve is mounted at the outlet of the pipe and is closed in an emergency to prevent the flow of flammable liquid which is a dangerous substance.

  The system according to the present invention uses a wireless communication network for controlling the shut-off valve, and can close the shut-off valve wirelessly. There is no problem of cable disconnection in the event of a disaster, and the discharge of hazardous materials can be reliably prevented. In addition, the system according to the present invention is configured so that the shut-off valve can be reliably closed from a remote location away from the site, and can prevent the discharge of dangerous materials without entering a dangerous site. Specifically, the terminal device arranged at the site has an internal power supply, and operates reliably even when the power supply from the outside is cut off during a disaster. In addition, the shut-off valve is preferably a single-acting air type, and the shut-off valve closes when the air pressure is released, so it has a robust structure that is strong against breakdowns, and closes the valve autonomously in the event of a partial malfunction in the field equipment. Adopts a structure that can.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a floating roof type outdoor tank. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the shutoff valve remote opening / closing system according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of a shutoff valve remote opening / closing system according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the shutoff valve remote opening / closing system according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the shutoff valve remote opening / closing system according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a terminal device included in the shutoff valve remote opening / closing system according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is an external view showing an emergency shutoff valve device in which a terminal device and a shutoff valve are combined. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a wireless communication network constructed by the shutoff valve remote opening / closing system according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a wireless communication network constructed by the shutoff valve remote opening / closing system according to the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a floating roof type outdoor tank. The floating roof type outdoor storage tank 1 has a structure in which a roof 13 having a float 12 called a pontoon is floated on a storage oil 11, and the roof 13 moves up and down as the storage dangerous material (oil 11) increases or decreases. . In this example, the floating roof 13 has a single deck structure. The float 12 is restricted from moving in the tank circumferential direction by a support column 14 for preventing rotation.

  The floating roof type outdoor tank 1 has a drain port 15 at the center thereof for discharging rainwater collected on the floating roof 13. A pipe 16 is connected to the drainage port 15 and passes through the inside of the tank from the back side of the floating roof 13 and passes through the outside of the tank. The shutoff valve 2 is mounted at the outlet of the pipe 16 and is closed in an emergency to prevent the flammable liquid 11 that is a dangerous substance from flowing out.

  In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention and to clarify the background, the necessity of a shut-off valve will be described by giving examples. The Tokachi-oki earthquake in September 2003 ignited the stored liquid in the floating roof tank of the Hokkaido Sakai Refinery and a large fire broke out. The cause is the sloshing phenomenon, which caused damage to the floating roof due to the resonance phenomenon between the tank and the storage liquid caused by relatively long-period seismic waves, and vaporized oil leaking from the gap between the floating roof and the inner wall of the tank ignited. Furthermore, the floating roof subsided due to the damage, and the stored liquid leaked outside from the drain pipe that drained the rainwater that originally accumulated on the floating roof, resulting in a large fire.

  In the above disaster, the tank technical standards did not support long-period seismic waves, so a ministerial ordinance (2005 Ordinance of Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications No. 3) was issued in April 2005 to revise some of the regulations regarding the regulation of dangerous goods It was done. This amendment stipulates a new standard for floating roof tanks, and part of this amendment is obliged to be able to “automatically or remotely operate” emergency drain valves. The deadline for applying the new technology was March 31, 2017. The present invention was born based on such a background, and a shut-off valve remote opening / closing system that closes a shut-off valve inserted in a pipe that may discharge dangerous goods in an emergency to prevent outflow of dangerous goods Is realized.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the shutoff valve remote opening / closing system according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the shut-off valve remote opening / closing system 0 closes the shut-off valve 2 inserted in a pipe 16 that may discharge a dangerous substance in an emergency to prevent the dangerous substance from flowing out. The shut-off valve remote opening / closing system 0 includes a base station 3 that constructs a radio communication network, at least one terminal device 4 that is arranged in a site where the shut-off valve 2 is located and transmits and receives radio signals via the radio communication network, It is composed of a control device 5 that is remotely arranged and controls the base station 3. The control device 5 includes a computer including an input device such as a keyboard and an output device such as a display, and is connected to the base station 3 via a wired cable such as Ethernet (registered trademark). The control device 5 controls the emergency base station 3 and transmits a wireless emergency cut-off signal A toward the wireless communication network. The terminal device 4 is arranged in the vicinity of the shut-off valve 2 and is constantly supplied with power from the internal power source. When the emergency shut-off signal A is received, the terminal device 4 is operated by the internal power source and closes the shut-off valve 2, thereby causing an emergency danger. Prevent things from leaking out.

  In this embodiment, the shut-off valve 2 is a pneumatic shut-off valve that opens and closes with air pressure, and is opened when air pressure is applied, and is closed when the air pressure is released. The terminal device 4 includes a spool valve interposed in a passage for supplying air pressure to the pneumatic shut-off valve. When the emergency shut-off signal A is received, the terminal device 4 drives the spool valve to release air pressure from the passage. Close the pneumatic shutoff valve 2. The terminal device 4 includes a sensor that detects the open / closed state of the shutoff valve 2 and transmits a state signal B indicating the detected open / closed state to the wireless communication network. The control device 5 receives the state signal B and monitors the open / close state of the shutoff valve 2. In the present embodiment, a repeater 6 (wireless router) is interposed between the base station 3 that is separated from the site and the terminal device 4 in the vicinity of the site, and the base station 3 and the terminal device 4 that are wireless gateways. And relaying of signals A and B by radio. In some cases, a plurality of terminal devices (not shown) are arranged at the site. The plurality of terminal devices are a plurality of nodes forming a communication path of a wireless communication network. Moreover, in this embodiment, the floating roof type | mold outdoor tank 1 which stores a combustible liquid on the spot is arranged. The floating roof type outdoor tank 1 is provided with a pipe 16 that passes from the floating roof to the outside of the tank to discharge rainwater collected on the floating roof, and is inserted into the outside of the tank. Installed and closed in an emergency to prevent the discharge of flammable liquids that are dangerous goods.

  In this embodiment, in order to mount a wireless communication network in the system 0, the standard IEC62591 (International standard for process instrumentation, published in 2010, communication base standard is IEEE802.15.4) is adopted as wireless communication for process industrial instruments. . It can be used without license in the frequency band 2.4GHz ISM band, and the communication distance is 200m (standard antenna) or 800m (long distance antenna) in a place with good visibility.

  Specific devices used for constructing the system 0 include the following. First, as the base station 3, for example, a wireless gateway, model 1420 (manufactured by EMERSON) can be used. Further, as the terminal device 4, a composite device in which a spool controller and a wireless controller 4300 series manufactured by EMERSON are integrated can be used. This wireless on / off controller is a field instrument that opens and closes a spool valve by wireless communication to feed back a remote automatic operation of shut-off valve driving air and a stroke position of the shut-off valve. Battery powered, no external power supply is required. Further, as the repeater 6, a wireless router (no model designation, IEC62591 standard wireless instrument, for example, EMERSON 702 discrete wireless transmitter) can be used. This wireless router is used when necessary in a relay field instrument that performs communication distance interpolation. Battery drive eliminates the need for external power supply. As the pneumatic shut-off valve 2, for example, a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a gate valve or the like manufactured by various valve manufacturers can be used. Finally, although it is the control apparatus 5, there is no designation | designated in a model in particular, For example, EMERSON company DeltaV system can be used. As described above, the control device 5 outputs the shut-off valve remote opening / closing operation signal and displays the shut-off valve stroke position.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of a shutoff valve remote opening / closing system according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the terminal device 4 is a field instrument in which a spool valve 42 is integrated with a wireless controller 41. Further, the wireless controller 41 is also provided with a sensor for detecting the open / closed state of the shutoff valve 2. On the other hand, the air shut-off valve 2 includes a ball valve 21 (or a butterfly valve or a gate valve) and a spring-type single-acting actuator 22 attached to the valve rotation shaft. The spring-type single-acting actuator 22 includes an air cylinder 23, a piston 24 attached to the air cylinder 23, and a spring 25 that pressurizes the piston 24. A manual operation unit 26 is attached to the shaft tip of the piston 24. The ball valve 21 opens and closes in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the piston 24. Instead of the ball valve 21, a butterfly valve or a gate valve may be used. The output port 2 of the spool valve 42 is connected to the air cylinder 23. The base station 3 includes a wireless gateway 31. The gateway 31 exchanges signals with the wireless controller 41 by wireless communication.

  The spool valve 42 includes five ports 1 to 5. The input port 1 receives instrument air supplied from the outside through the filter pressure reducing valve 43 and the flexible tube 44 or air piping. As described above, the output port 2 is connected to the cylinder of the spring-type single-acting actuator 22. The exhaust ports 3 and 5 are open to the atmosphere. The remaining port 4 is closed.

  The spool valve 42 performs predetermined port switching by an electromagnetic actuator, for example, by an on / off input from the wireless controller 41. In normal times (for example, when there is an ON input from the controller 41), the input port 1 and the output port 2 are communicated. At this time, the exhaust port 5 is connected to the closed port 4 and the exhaust port 3 is opened. As a result, instrument air is introduced into the cylinder 23 of the actuator 22 via the flexible tube 44 and the filter pressure reducing valve 43, and the piston 24 is held in the retracted position. It is burned. The filter pressure reducing valve 43 may be either a filter integrated type or a filter separation type.

  On the other hand, the spool valve 42 causes the input port 1 to communicate with the closed port 4 when there is an abnormality (for example, when there is an OFF input from the controller 41 in response to an emergency cutoff signal). On the other hand, the output port 2 is connected to the exhaust port 3 and the remaining exhaust port 5 is opened. As a result, instrument air flows back from the cylinder 23 through the port 2 of the spool valve 42 and is discharged from the exhaust port 3. Since the pressurization is released, the piston 24 moves forward by the spring 25, and accordingly, the ball valve 21 is switched from the open position to the closed position. Since the valve is closed by so-called pressure release (air failure), the structure is robust against failure. In this embodiment, when the abnormal state has passed and returned to the normal state, the manual operation unit 26 is manually operated, the piston 24 is returned to the retracted position against the spring pressure of the spring 25, and the ball valve 21 is opened. Return to the state. In this sense, the actuator 22 that drives the ball valve 21 is a single-acting type and has a structure that is strong against failure and malfunction.

  With continued reference to FIG. 3, the outline of the operation of the shutoff valve 2 will be described. First, a valve opening / closing signal is input to the gateway 31 using a wired cable such as Ethernet (registered trademark) by a control device (not shown). The gateway 31 transmits a valve opening / closing signal by wireless communication. When a wireless router (repeater) is required in terms of distance, a valve opening / closing signal is input to the wireless controller 41 via the router. Normally, the valve opening signal is held, and the drive unit pressure is enclosed in the cylinder 23 of the actuator 22. On the other hand, when an abnormality occurs (when a disaster occurs), the valve closing signal is received, the air pressure enclosed in the cylinder 23 of the actuator 22 is exhausted, and the valve 21 is shut off by the spring force of the spring 25. After the shut-off valve 2 is activated by the open / close signal, a valve stroke position signal is transmitted as a wireless signal. Similarly, the valve stroke position information is transmitted to the gateway 31 via the wireless router. The location information is displayed on the control device side from the gateway 31 using, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark).

  FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the shutoff valve remote opening / closing system according to the present invention. 3 is basically the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 except that a volume tank 45 is used in addition to instrument air, and a wireless pressure transmitter 46 and a check valve 47 are added accordingly. It is that. In this embodiment, a volume tank 45 is provided as a backup of the instrument air system. Even when the supply of instrument air is cut off due to a failure or breakage, the air pressure is supplied from the volume tank 45 to the actuator 22, so that the ball valve 21 can be kept open.

  The volume tank 45 also serves as a driving source for returning the shutoff valve 2 from the closed state to the open state. In the previous embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the shutoff valve is returned to the open state by operating the manual operation unit on site, but in this embodiment, the air pressure of the volume tank 46 is introduced into the cylinder 23 of the actuator 22. Therefore, return operation can be performed without entering the site. For this purpose, the volume tank 45 is filled with compressed air for two to three operations at a pressure of 700 KPa (g), for example.

  In order to remotely monitor the pressure in the volume tank 45, a wireless pressure transmitter 46 is implemented. The wireless pressure transmitter 46 is a type of terminal device that transmits and receives signals via a wireless communication network, like the wireless controller 41. The wireless pressure transmitter 46 constantly monitors the pressure in the volume tank 45 and guarantees the function as a backup air source.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the shutoff valve remote opening / closing system according to the present invention. 4 is basically the same as that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, except that an instrument air system is removed while one volume tank 48 is added, and a three-way switching valve 48a is added accordingly. . In this embodiment, since the instrument air system is removed, the structure is more resistant to failures and malfunctions. Air drive (normal pressurization, emergency exhaust, return repressurization) that relies only on the volume tank is adopted.

  In order to ensure stable and reliable air drive, two volume tanks 45 and 48 are provided. When the tank 45 used in the three-way switching valve 48a is selected and the internal pressure of the tank 45 decreases, the tank 45 is switched to the other tank 48 by the three-way switching valve 48a, and the used tank 45 is a new spare tank filled with air. Replace with. The pressure in the tank 45 in use is constantly monitored by the wireless pressure transmitter 46, and only when a pressure drop is detected, an operator visits the site to operate the three-way switching valve 48a and replace the tank 45. .

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the terminal device 4 included in the shutoff valve remote opening / closing system according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the terminal device 4 is basically a field device in which a wireless controller 41 and a spool valve 42 are combined, and includes an antenna 49 for wireless communication. Features include the following points.
(1) Highly reliable wireless communication—This terminal device becomes a node forming a communication path of a wireless communication network. A self-organizing mesh network can be constructed with multiple nodes, realizing the highly reliable communication required for process control.
(2) Minimal maintenance-A power supply module whose expected life is longer than the normal maintenance interval is used as standard.
(3) Easy to design and install-No cables are required, saving time, cost and labor for wiring drawings and verification. In addition, the time required for equipment installation, setting, and commissioning can be reduced from a few months to several hours.
(4) Robust structure-The housing is made of engineering resin and can be used in almost all places including places where there is a risk of corrosion.
(5) Diagnostic function—Pre-configured device, network, and system diagnostic functions provide detailed information regarding the status of the device and its communication capabilities. In the device diagnostic function, it is possible to check whether the calibration has been completed and the state of the power supply module. It can also measure the number of full switching cycles of monitored devices.

FIG. 7 is an external view showing an emergency cutoff valve device in which the terminal device 4 and the cutoff valve 2 are combined. As described above, the terminal device 4 is an integrated unit of the wireless controller 41 and the spool valve 42 and includes the antenna 49 for wireless communication. On the other hand, the shut-off valve 2 is a pneumatic type in which a ball valve 21 and an actuator 22 are combined. The terminal device 4 is attached to face the rotating shaft 27 of the shut-off valve 2 and incorporates a sensor that detects the open / closed state of the shut-off valve 2 in a non-contact manner. The detected information is wirelessly transmitted to the control device side as a status signal. On the other hand, when an emergency cut-off signal is sent from the control device side, the spool valve 42 is actuated to drive the actuator 22 and the ball valve 21 is closed.
As is clear from the above description, the wireless controller 41 basically has a function of a wireless position monitor, and is obtained by adding a spool valve on / off function to this. This type of wireless position monitor is a non-contact wireless position switch that is a robust measuring instrument that accurately feeds back measured values with radio signals and informs the position of the instrument with on / off values.

  This type of position monitor is used to monitor equipment such as equipment valves, sliding stem regulators, displacement and float level sensors, relief valves as terminal equipment (field instruments). It is designed to be easy to use, compact and easy to install. This type of position monitor periodically reads the position of the device to be measured and transmits the data over a wireless network. The transmitted data includes the status values of the two limit switches, the internal temperature of the device, the voltage of the power supply module, and the like. It also executes maintenance and configuration instructions from host systems such as a distributed control system (DCS), asset management system (AMS), and supervisory control data collection (SCADA) system.

  Since the position monitor is supplied with power from the power supply module, no wiring work is required. Therefore, it is easy to design for new applications and use at the site of modification. Further, since no lever or linkage is required, the number of mounting parts is small, and complicated mounting work is unnecessary. Furthermore, since the feedback component is on the measurement target device side, replacement and maintenance are simplified. The position monitor uses high-performance linkageless feedback that does not directly contact the measurement target device (valve, regulator, level, louver, etc.), so there is no physical contact or wear. It also uses a wireless communication protocol that operates in the 2.4 GHz band, which has been approved for use all over the world.

  A local interface (push button and liquid crystal display (LCD)) is used for calibration and commissioning of the position monitor. The local interface is housed in a sealed enclosure and protected from the external environment. The position monitor is intrinsically safe and non-flammable, and can be expanded in small packages.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a wireless communication network constructed by the shutoff valve remote opening / closing system 0 according to the present invention. In this example, a plurality of floating roof tanks 1 are installed on the site, and an emergency shut-off terminal device is attached to each tank 1 (not shown). The tank is a huge building with a diameter of several tens of meters. A tower 8 is positioned so as to look down on the site where a plurality of tanks 1 are installed, and a repeater 6 is attached to the tip thereof. A base station 3 (gateway) is installed in the management building 7 away from the site. A repeater 6 is interposed between the base station 3 separated from the site and each terminal device in the vicinity of the site, and relays signal transmission and reception wirelessly between the base station 3 and each terminal device. The position of the repeater 6 is not limited to the tip of the tower 8, but may be at least a position that can be seen straight from the management building 7. In the illustrated example, the repeater 6 is also attached to the upper part of some tanks. In a facility without the tower 8, a configuration in which the repeater 6 is attached to a handrail on the upper part of the tank is suitable. Further, a pipe stand 8Z is provided for a tank that is hidden from the management tower 7, and a repeater 6 is attached to the pipe stand 8Z so as to ensure communication with the management tower 7 via another repeater. . Or although not shown in figure, when the oil bank surrounding the oil tank is provided, a repeater can also be attached to this oil bank.

  The terminal device (wireless transmitter) establishes wireless communication of up to 150m in places with good visibility. However, in applications such as tanks in this example where large buildings are gathered, the longest communication distance is shortened due to attenuation of radio signals. Therefore, the number of communication relays can be minimized by installing the repeater 6 at a high place (such as a chimney or a tower 8) overlooking the site. In addition, by realizing such an arrangement, a wireless transmitter can be installed as a measurement tool in maintenance or emergency. This is one technique that can be achieved because it is a wireless transmitter with a short time from installation to commissioning.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a wireless communication network 9 constructed by the shutoff valve remote opening / closing system according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the wireless communication network 9 is connected to a host control device 5 via a base station 3 (gateway). In the field, a plurality of terminal devices are arranged, and these include various terminal devices 4 ′ in addition to the above-described emergency cutoff terminal device 4. Examples of the terminal device 4 ′ include a wireless discrete transmitter, a wireless temperature transmitter, a wireless multipoint temperature transmitter, a wireless vibrometer, a wireless position feedback, and the like in addition to the above-described wireless pressure transmitter. The plurality of terminal devices 4 and 4 ′ are a plurality of nodes that form a communication path of a wireless communication network. Base station 3 and repeater 6 are also nodes of the wireless communication network.

  The wireless communication network 9 has a mesh type network structure, and all transmitters (all nodes) also operate as repeaters. Such a redundant network can exclude a single point of failure. Such a feature is very important in securing communication with the field at the time of disaster occurrence. The wireless communication network 9 has a self-organizing network structure, and the transmitter (node) constructs an optimum path. Therefore, manual routing work is not required, and the path is automatically switched when an obstacle occurs. . Such a feature is very important in ensuring communication with the site when a huge disaster occurs in a site with a huge building such as an oil storage tank.

  In the said Example, although the case where the oil liquid was stored by the floating roof type | mold outdoor tank was mentioned as an example, it was not restricted to this, The liquid storage liquid by which liquids (for example, chemicals etc.) other than an oil liquid were stored. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to a tank. In addition, an emergency shut-off device that shuts off the flow path in the pipe when an emergency such as an earthquake or fire occurs is provided in the middle of the pipe for supplying city gas or oil. Generally, the present invention includes a shut-off valve remote opening / closing system that closes a shut-off valve inserted into a pipe that may discharge dangerous goods in an emergency to prevent outflow of the dangerous goods.

As is clear from the above description, this system has the following features.
(1) Wireless field devices (on / off controllers and routers) are driven by a battery, so there is no need to construct wires for power. In addition, it is not necessary to install a terminal block or a control panel associated therewith.
(2) There is no breakage of electric wires due to disasters and accidents such as fire and tsunami, and reliability can be improved.
(3) All wireless devices applied in this system have redundant communication paths, and even if the communication paths are blocked, other communication routes are automatically searched and repaired, so that the reliability can be improved.
(4) The valve stroke position information can be acquired without any on-site confirmation even in the event of a disaster. Furthermore, in addition to the valve stroke position information, data such as the remaining battery level, device abnormality, and the number of operations can be acquired, and each information can be displayed as an alert on the control device side.

  The realization of this system originated from an earthquake fire based on the provisions of new technology in floating roof tanks. The conventional shut-off valve opening / closing method is signal input / output by wire, and still involves a risk at the time of disaster. In this system, the valve is opened and closed using a reliable industrial wireless standard, so the risk can be minimized. This is a unique technology and a unique system that can achieve both safety and cost reduction.

0: Shut-off valve remote open / close system 1: Floating roof type outdoor tank 2: Shut-off valve 3: Base station 4: Terminal device 5: Control device 6: Repeater 7: Management building 8: Tower 9: Wireless communication network 21: Ball valve 22: Actuator 41: Wireless controller 42: Spool valve

Claims (4)

A shut-off valve remote opening / closing system that closes a shut-off valve inserted into a pipe that may discharge dangerous goods in an emergency to prevent outflow of dangerous goods,
A base station that constructs a wireless communication network, at least one terminal device that is arranged at a site having the shut-off valve and transmits / receives a radio signal via the wireless communication network, and a base station that is arranged away from the site A control device to control,
The control device controls the base station in an emergency and transmits a radio emergency cut-off signal toward the radio communication network.
The terminal device has an integral structure including a wireless controller, a switching valve, an antenna, a battery, and a housing thereof , and the wireless controller and the switching valve are integrated with each other via the housing, mounting et Re and each housing the shut-off valve being powered at all times by the interior of the battery, when the antenna receives the emergency shut-off signal, the wireless controller drives the switching valve is operated by the battery the A shut-off valve remote opening / closing system that closes the shut-off valve and prevents emergency dangerous materials from flowing out. The terminal device transmits a status signal indicating the remaining amount of the battery to the wireless communication network;
The shutoff valve remote opening / closing system according to claim 1, wherein the control device receives the status signal and displays an alert. The shut-off valve according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the terminal devices are arranged at a site where the shut-off valve is located, and the base station is arranged at a position where the site is seen and transmits and receives a radio signal to and from the site. Remote switching system. On the site, there is a floating roof type outdoor tank that stores flammable liquid,
The floating roof type outdoor tank is provided with a pipe that passes through the inside of the tank from the floating roof and is inserted outside the tank in order to discharge rainwater that has accumulated on the floating roof.
The shut-off valve remote opening / closing system according to claim 1, wherein the shut-off valve is attached to an outlet of the pipe and is closed in an emergency to prevent a flammable liquid that is a dangerous substance from flowing out.

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