WO1989011007A1

WO1989011007A1 - Pressure relief panel

Info

Publication number: WO1989011007A1
Application number: PCT/NO1989/000044
Authority: WO
Inventors: Magne BJØRKHAUG
Original assignee: Vvs-Sord A/S
Priority date: 1988-05-13
Filing date: 1989-05-11
Publication date: 1989-11-16
Also published as: CA1328395C

Abstract

A pressure relief panel (10) comprises a panel plate (11) which is fastened to a framework (12). The panel plate (11) is adapted to withstand external pressures, such as wind pressure, and is adapted to be released from the framework (12) with the exceeding of an established, internal pressure, for example the occurrence of a pressure of explosion, in an adjacent closed or partially closed space (19), by breaking certain fastening means. The panel plate (11), which consists of thin plate, preferably aluminium plate, is fixed in the framework (12) with a single curved, concavely arcuate contour relative to said space (19) on two respective sides (15c, 15d) of a middle cross-piece (16) in the framework. Said middle cross-piece (16) forms a permanent fastening for the panel plate (11) and forms a resistance to pressure loadings which are exerted against the panel plate (11) from said space (19). End edges (11a, 11b) of the panel plate (11) on their respective sides of the cross-piece are releasably fastened to a respective end piece (15a, 15b) in the framework (12). A wall section includes the pressure relief panel. The panel (10) is provided at its upper and lower ends with a Venetian blind panel (31, 32) with their respective permanently open through-flow passages (33, 34). The Venetian blind panels (31, 32) are arranged vertically flush with the panel (100).

Description

PRESSURE RELIEF PANEL.

The present invention relates to a pressure relief panel comprising a panel plate which is fastened to a framework and i adapted to withstand certain external pressures, such as wind pressure, and which is adapted to be released from the framewor on the exceeding of an established, internal pressure, for example the occurrence of pressures of explosion, in an adjacen closed or partially closed space, for example by breaking the connection between the panel plate and the framework.

The pressure relief panel is specifically _.designed for use in outer walls of a building module of a bore platform or simil installation at sea, but can also find application for other similar purposes, for example on land. In building modules on a bore platform or the like, where work place(s) are present in a associated space, where there is danger of explosions occurring there is a need for pressure relief panels which provide an at least physical obstacle to the occurring pressure wave in a possible explosion. In addition there is a need to be able to prevent portions of the panel from being broken loose from the panel in connection with the explosion. Furthermore there is a need for panels which can provide sufficient shelter against wi and weather on said work place(s) during normal use. With the hitherto known solutions there have been problems both with securing the panel plate in place after the explosio and problems with obtaining an instantly acting, physical openi of the panel when there is a need for this. With the known solutions relatively thick-walled panel plate has been employe which exhibits relatively great slowness during the opening movement. In addition the mode of fastening has demanded rela¬ tively great pressure forces in order to start up the opening movement.

Wih the present invention the objective is to meet the afore-mentioned problems.

The pressure relief panel according to the invention is characterised in that the panel plate, which consists of thin plate, is fixed in the framework with a single curved, concave arcuate contour relative to said space on two respective sides a central cross-piece in the framework, said cross-piece formi an effective fastening for the panel plate and forming a resistance to pressure loadings which are exerted against the plane of the panel from said space, while end edges of the pla on respective sides of the cross-piece are releasably fastened a respective end piece in the framework.

By using particularly thin plate, one can, in addition to obtaining a significant saving of weight in the pressure relie panel, also achieve several useful advantages.

According to the invention it will be possible to set up panel plate without extra internal support, as a consequence o the single curved, arcuate contour of two portions of the plat which lie on their respective sides of the central cross-piece, the natural rigidity of the plate preventing flexing of the pl inwardly towards the space situated within with the occurrence external wind forces. On such an occasion it is preferred that the panel plate is set up for said concave contour against an inherent elasticity in the plate, so that said inherent elasticity can further support the plate in such a self-bracin starting position. Another considerable advantage in setting up the panel pl for a concave contour, against an inherent elasticity in the plate, is that such a force set up in advance can be used in addition in connection with the physical opening of the panel with a possibly occurring explosion, in that said elasticity c act in the same direction as the force of explosion and that s elasticity will be released immediately the fastening of the plate at the outer edges is set free.

With respect to the occurrence of external wind loadings accompanying vibrational noises in the panel plate itself, to¬ gether with various other reasons, such as the need for intern supports (rail supports and the like) in the panel in the adjacent space, it is preferred that the panel plate is suppor with a support abutment in the framework relative to external pressures via cross-pieces arranged on the inner side of the framework in the region between the middle cross-piece and the respective end piece.

According to a practical embodiment furthermore it is preferred that the framework comprises a rectangular outer fra element of angular profile, one angular leg of which forms a st for one side of the plate at respective end edges and the other angular leg of which forms a fastening for an anchoring means fastened to the panel plate at its end edge which is internally received in the angular profile, the plate being connected to t anchoring means via fastening means fastened with mutually inte mediate spaces, which is adapted to be set free relative to the plate with the exceeding of the established pressure in the sai space.

Above are discussed the specific problems with occurring internal explosions and the solution with opening the pressure relief panel in the one direction (from the inside and outwards at the same time as parts of the panel are p^'revented from being broken loose from the panel in connection with the explosion an hurled outwards from the opening. According to the invention a further objective is a solution where - in addition to the afore-mentioned use application there can be obtained a further use application of interest and - the pressure relief panel can be opened in an equivalent manner as described above in the opposite direction (from the outside and inwards) with the occurrence of external heavy surface pressures against the pane More specifically the objective is a solution, for example in connection with signs of a fire in the space within the pressur relief panel, where access can be gained in a ready manner via the pressure relief panel to the space lying within by directin a jet of water from a pressurised water canon on board a supply ship directly against the panel and bending the latter to an opened condition without breaking loose essential parts of the panel.

In this connection the panel is characterised in that the panel plate is divided crosswise along the middle cross-piece, which forms a fastening for the panel plate, the parts of the panel plate having equivalent, mutually included side edges fastened separately to the middle cross-piece with an effective support-forming fastening against pressures occurring from the inner side of the panel and having a lighter releasable fasteni against pressures occurring from the outer side of the panel.

As required there can thereby be ensured various modes of operation for the panel, all according to the direction in whic particular pressure strong waves of pressure arise against the panel. If particularly high internal pressures of an explosive type occur, the panel is opened from within and outwards by releasing opposite outer ends of the parts of the panel from th framework, while mutually adjacent outer ends of the parts of t panel are secured on the common, middle cross-piece. Correspon¬ dingly if high external, shock-like pressures occur, the panel opened from outside and inwards, by releasing both of the oppo¬ site outer ends of the panel parts from the common cross-piece and releasing mutual adjacent ends of the panel parts from oppo site sides of the framework, while the panel parts are separate secured in a respective middle support member for the panel par

In order to ensure that the panel parts - when they are released from the common cross-piece - are secured in intended fashion on a (middle) support member associated with the respec tive panel part, so that the hurling of the panel parts freely inwards into the space lying within is avoided with the occur¬ rence of high external pressures, the panel is characterised in that the panel parts are fastened to their associated (middle) support members by a fastening means which is releasable exclu¬ sively with the occurrence of pressures from the space lying wihin.

With the occurrence of high internal pressures the panel parts can be easily released from their respective support member, while they are secured on the common cross-piece. Corre spondingly with high external pressures the panel parts can be secured on their respective support member, while opposite ends of the panel parts are readily released from associated fastenings.

In certain instances the whole wall of a building module c be covered by pressure relief panels as mentioned above. This applies especially in cold northern waters, where forcible vent lation can be employed with a separate ventilation system. In other instances only, portions of the wall can be covered by pressure relief panels, for example in milder southern waters, remaining portions of the surface of the wall being able to be used for natural ventilation. In such other cases pressure reli panels can be employed together with otherwise conventional Venetian blinds having natural ventilation (louvre panels) .

It is preferred according to the invention that the pressu relief panel forms a part of a wall section. The wall section which includes the pressure relief panel is characterised in th the panel is provided at its upper and lower end with a Venetia blind panel with their respective permanently open through flow passages, the Venetian blind panels being arranged vertically flush with the panel.

By allowing the panel to form a part of a wall section wit said upper and lower end pieces there are achieved certain assembling advantages and certain advantages as regards the general ventilation of the space existing within both for light and heavy gases at the same time as there is obtained an effec¬ tive protection of the work place(s) in the space lying within against weather and wind. In existing modules it will be possible to place the panel outside conventional Venetian blind-forming walls, but in such instances the afore-mentioned favourable pressure distribution not achieved. Even in existing modules it is preferred therefor to insert the panel in the Venetian blind-forming wall, so that

- the remaining Venetian blind-forming wall portions are vertical flush with the panel. The wave of pressure from the possible explosion will be balanced somewhat via the Venetian blind- forming wall portions at the same time as the pressure wave strikes directly against the panel plate and causes this to ope instantl .

Further features of the invention will be evident from the following description having regard to the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. 1 shows a front view of a panel according to the invention, according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 shows a vertical section along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows a part of the one corner of Fig. 1, illustrat on a larger scale.

Fig. 4 shows a part of the lower end of the section of Fig 2.

Fig. 5 shows in a part corresponding to Fig. 4, where the panel plate is illustrated in a condition where it is in the process of being torn out from its fastening.

Fig. 6 shows the panel in a section corresponding to that shown in Fig. 2, with the panel plate shown in a deformed con¬ dition.

Fig. 7 and 8 show in a view and in a section, correspondin to Fig. 1 and 2, a wall section which in addition to the panel Fig. 1 and 2 comprises permanent ventilation portions.

Fig. 9 shows in a vertical section corresponding to Fig. 2 the panel according to the invention in an alternative embodi¬ ment. Fig. 10 and 11 show correspondingly as illustrated in Fig two alternative positions for the panel according to Fig. 9, after the occurrence of respective internal and external press loadings against the panel.

Fig. 12 shows details of the embodiment according to Fig. on a larger scale.

In Fig. 1 and 2 there is shown a pressure relief panel 10 which for example is made of ocean-durable aluminium and consi of a panel plate 11 and a framework 12. Other suitable materia such as rust-free steel, is also of interest for use for the purpose, in the plates as well as in the framework.

The panel plate consists of a rectangular thin plate with thickness of for example 1.5 mm. To two short side ends 11a, l of the plate an anchoring piece 14 of angular profile is faste with fastening pins 13. The fastening pins can for example be fastened at a distance of 5 mm from the end edge of the plate and can have a diameter of 6 mm. The mutual distance between t pins 13 can be for example 500 mm.

In certain cases the employment of fastening pins can be necessary or especially favourable for the purpose, in order t secure the plate in place in the framework without the possibi¬ lity of unintentional releasing of the plate under normal loadings. In other cases, for example with the employment of elastic, but relatively rigid plates of for example rust-free . steel, the fastening pins are not necessary or absolutely necessary, since the plates can be stretched into place in a desired fastening position mainly by means of inherent elasticity.

The frame work 12 consists of an outer rectangular frame 1 of angular profile and three cross-pieces 16, 17 and 18 of rec¬ tangular pipe. The angular profile of the rectanguler frame has the main surface of the one angle leg 15' facing inwards toward a space 19 present within and extending parallel to the main plane of the panel and the other angle leg 15" extending outwar at right angles to the angle leg 15 ' in a direction away from t said space 19. A first cross-piece 16 is fastened in the middle of the framework 12 at the outer portion of the angle leg 15", that is to say at the outwardly facing side of the panel. The second cross-piece 17 is fastened midway between the cross- piece 16 and the upper end piece 15a of the framework at the si of the panel facing inwards, that is to say at the inner end of the angle leg 15". The third cross-piece 18 is fastened corre¬ spondingly to the cross-piece 17 midway between the middle cros piece 16 and the lower end piece 15b of the framework at the inner end of the angle leg 15".

On mounting the plate 11 with associated lower anchoring piece 14 is threaded from outside between the cross-pieces 17 a 16 and further from within between the cross-pieces 16 and 18. Thereafter the middle portion of the plate 11 is permanently fastened by means of fastening bolts 20 and associated fastenin nuts to one side face of the cross-piece 16 which faces inwardl towards the space 19. Finally two opposite anchoring pieces 14 the plate 11 are fastened with fastening bolts 21 and fastenin nuts 22 to angle leg 15" of the rectangular frame 15.

In Fig. 4 neoprene strips 23 are shown respectively betwee the plate 11 and one leg 14a of the anchoring piece 14 and between said one leg 14a of the anchoring piece 14 and the angl leg 15*. Correspondingly neoprene strips (not shown further) c be arranged between the plate 11 and the cross-pieces 16, 17 a 18. The neoprene strip can be fastened to the cross-piece 16 wi the bolts 19, while the respective remaining neoprene strips c be fastened to the cross-pieces 17, 18 by an adhesive substanc

In the illustrated embodiment the plate 11 is produced in one piece, but can alternatively consist of two pieces of plat which for example can be fastened with an overlapping fish pla joint to the cross-piece 16 and with an extra neoprene strip arranged between overlapping ends of the pieces of plate.

From Fig. 2 it is evident that the plate 11 is flexed fro the middle cross-piece 16 with two plate portions lie and lid curved concavely relative to the space 19.

In a preferred embodiment the pieces of plate are flexed an elastically yielding manner against the inherent resilience the plate into the arched contour illustrated. Alternatively t plate can be fashioned in advance into the illustrated arched contour, that is to say without needing special elasticity dur the fastening in. This can be especially the case on the use o plate of rust-free steel.

In case one desires a particularly high setting up force (with a correspondingly high reverse positioning force) , the fastening portion of the plate can be permanently flexed in advance just at the middle of cross-piece 16 into a form corre sponding to that shown in Fig. 6. After the plate is threaded into place on the cross-piece 16 and secured to the latter, ea of the portions 10c and lOd of the plate can be individually flexed elastically yieldingly and set up with high elastic for On releasing end edge fastenings of the plate the plate can be effectively swung into place in a position which corresponds t that shown in Fig. 6 with the initiation of an explosion.

In addition to the middle cross-piece 16 shown on one sid of the panel there can be employed four or more cross-pieces o the opposite side of the panel. The cross-pieces 17, 18 or alt natively several such cross-pieces on the inner side of the pa can support the plate 11 against external wind pressures at th same time as they form railing or similar bracing on the inner side of the panel. The main function of the cross-piece 16 is is shown in Fig. 6 to secure the plate 11 in the panel 10 in c an explosion is released internally in the space 19, so that parts of the panel can be prevented from being broken loose wit an explosion occurring in the space 19.

In the starting position there is the cross-piece 16 and a the upper and lower ends of the plate the anchoring pieces 14 which secure the plate against internal pressure from the space 19. Immediately this pressure exceeds a specific level, the pla 11 is torn out of engagement with the pins 13 in the respective anchoring piece 14, as is indicated in Fig. 5. Immediately the plate portions 15c and 15d are released from their respective anchoring piece 14 they can be swung freely outwards, separatel on their respective sides of the middle cross-piece 16. As a consequence of the inherent elasticity in the plate 11 the latt can be swung rapidly outwards to the position which is illu¬ strated in Fig. 6. In Fig. 7 and 8 there is shown a wall section 30 which comprises a panel 10 according to Fig. 1 and 2 and in addition upper Venetian blind panel 31 and a lower Venetian blind panel each with their air flow-through passages 33 and 34. The Veneti blind panels 31, 32 are rigidly connected to frame 15 of the panel 10. In this way screening against weather and wind can be achieved at the same time as the possibility of effective vent lation is obtained. The wall section can consequently be covere by the panel 10 over for example 3/4 of the height dimension, while over approximately 1/8 of the height dimension above can have ventilation for light gases via the Venetian blind panel 3 and over approximately 1/8 of the height dimension below can h ventilation for heavy gases via the Venetian blind panel 32. T illustrated dimensions and the afore-mentioned statements of dimensions are purely by way of example and can be adapted as required in each single case of use. The panel 10 can if necessary be isolated from noise with an extra insulation material arranged on the inner side of the plate 11. The insu¬ lation material can for example be fastened directly to the fr 12 and can consist of material which is readily broken into pieces with an explosion occurring in the adjacent space 9.

In Fig. 9 there is shown a pressure relief panel 100 whic consists of two panel plate members 101 and 102 and a framewor 112. The framework 112 consists of an outer rectangular frame of angled profile and a first cross-piece 116-of angle iron an second 117 and a third 118 cross-piece of rectangular pipe. Th angle profile of the rectangular frame has the main surface of the one angle leg 115 ' facing inwards towards a space 119 pres within and extending parallel to the main plane of the panel a the other angle leg 115" extending at right angles outwardly f the angle leg 115' in a direction away from the said space 119. first cross-piece 116 is fastened in the middle of the framewo 112 at the outer portion of the angle leg 115' ¹, that is to sa at the outwardly facing side of the panel. The second cross-pi or support member 117 is fastened midway between the cross-pie 116 and upper end piece 115a of the framework at the inwardly facing side of the panel, that is to say at the inner end of t angle leg 115". The third cross-piece or support member 118 is fastened correspondingly to the cross-piece or the support mem 117 midway between the middle cross-piece 116 and the lower en piece 115b of the framework at the inner end of the angle leg 115".

Even if the first cross-piece 116 is illustrated herein i the form of an angled profile, which is a preferred embodiment it is also possible to use other suitable profiles which provi an equivalent support abutment for the plate members, without such profiles being shown further herein.

On mounting the plate member 101 is threaded on the outsi of the cross-piece 118 and fastened at its lower end with an associated pair of lower angled anchoring pieces 114 in place the angle leg 115" by means of fastening bolts 121 and fasteni nuts 122. The plate member 101 is fastened to the anchoring pieces 114 in an easily releasable manner by means of fastenin pins 113, so that the plate member 101 can be easily freed fro the anchoring pieces 114 by outward dismounting. The upper end the plate member is slipped into place on the rear side of one, lower angle leg 116a of the cross-piece 116, that is to say on the side 116a' of the cross-piece 116 which faces towards the space lying within. By means of a series of fastening pins 120 (equivalent to fastening pins 113) the upper end of the panel member is fastened to the lower angle leg 116a of the cross-pie 116 at its inwardly facing side, with the possibility for outw dismounting as described for the lower end of the plate member 101.

In an equivalent manner the plate member 102 is threaded o the outside of the cross-piece 117 and with its upper end fastened with an anchoring piece 114 to the angle leg 115", whi the lower end of the plate member 102 is slipped on the rear si of the upper angle leg 116b of the cross-piece 116. By means of series of fastening pins 120b the lower end of the panel member is fastened to the lower angle leg 115b of the cross-piece 116 its inwardly facing side 116b' . As is especially evident from Fig. 9 and 12, each of the panel members 101 and 102 is fastened to the cross-piece 116 vi an obtuse angularly biased fastening portion 101a and 102a whic form surface abutments against respective associated angle legs 116a and 116b of the cross-piece. By means of their support abutments against angle legs 116a, 116b of the cross-piece provision is made for the fastening portions 101a and 102a to b secured on the cross-piece 116 on the occurrence of explosion- type pressures in the space 119. On the other hand as a conse¬ quence of deficient support abutments provision is made for the fastening portions 101a, 102a to break loose from their respec¬ tive fastening pins 120a and 120b on pressures occurring in the opposite direction against the respective plate members 101 and 102.

In order to prevent total release of the plate members 101 and 102 from the cross-pieces or the support members 117, 118, the occurrence of high external surface pressures against the plate members, the plate members 101 and 102 are each provided" with their respective set of control plugs 103 and 104 which ar easily releasably fastened in associated guide grooves 105 in t associated cross-piece or support member 117, 118. With the occurrence of high internal surface pressures against the panel members 101 and 102 the control plugs 103 and 104 can slide unimpededly out of engagement with the associated guide grooves 105 in the cross-pieces or the support members 117, 118.

In a manner corresponding to that shown in the first embod ment of Fig. 4, where neoprene strips are illustrated between t plate 11 and one leg 14a of the anchoring piece 14 ,and between said one leg 14a of the anchoring piece 14 and the angle leg 15 respectively, neoprene strips can also be employed in the secon embodiment (not shown further) in the joint between the plate members and adjacent f stening members and support members respectively.

Claims

CLAIMS ,

1. Pressure relief panel (10, 100) comprising a panel plate (11; 101, 102) which is fastened to a framework (12, 112) and which is adapted to withstand external pressures, such as wind pressure, and is adapted to be released from the framework on exceeding of an established, internal pressure, for example th occurrence of pressures of explosion, in an adjacent closed or partially closed space (19, 119), for example by breaking cert connections (at 11, 13; 113, 120a, 120b) between the plate and the framework, characterised in that the panel plate (11; 101, 102), which consists of thin plate, is fixed in the framework (12, 112) with a single curved, concavely arcuate contour rela tive to said space (19, 119) on two respective sides (15c, 15d) of a middle cross-piece (16, 116) in the framework, said middl cross-piece (16, 116) forming an effective fastening for the panel plate (11, 101, 102) and forming a resistance to pressur loadings which are exerted against the panel plate (11; 101, 10 from said space (19, 119), while end edges (11a, lib) of the panel plate (11; 101, 102) on respective sides of the cross-pi are releasably fastened to a respective end piece (15a, 15b) in the framev/ork (12, 112) .

2. Panel in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that th panel plate (11;, 101, 102) is fixed with said concave contour against an inherent elasticity in the plate.

3. - Panel in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterised in t the panel plate (11; 101, 102) is supported with a support abu ment in the framework (12, 112) relative to external pressures via its or their respective cross-pieces (17, 18; 117, 118) arranged on the inner side of the framework (12, 112) in the region between the middle cross-piece (16, 116) and the respec tive end piece (15a, 15b; 115a, 115b) .

4. Panel in accordance with claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised i that the framework (12, 112) comprises a rectangular outer fra member (15, 115) of angular profile, one angle leg (15', 115') which forms a stop for one side of the panel plate (11; 101, 1 at respective end edges (11a, lib) and the other angle leg (11 of which forms a fastening for an anchoring means (14, 114) fastened to the panel plate (11; 101, 102) at its end edge whi is received internally in the angular profile, the panel plate (11; 101, 102) being connected to the anchoring means (14, 114) via fastening pins (13, 113) fastened with mutual intermediate spaces, which are adapted to be released relative to the panel plate on exceeding the established pressure in the said space (19, 119).

5. Panel in accordance with one of the claims 1-4, characte¬ rised in that the panel plate (100) is divided crosswise along the middle cross-piece (116) , which forms a fastening for the panel plate, the panel plate members (101, 102) with equivalen mutually included side edge portions (101a, 102a) being fasten separately to the middle cross-piece (116) with an effective support-forming fastening against the occurrence of pressure f the inner side of the panel and with an easily releasable fastening against pressure occurring from the outer side of th panel.

6. Panel in accordance with claim 5, characterised in that t panel members (101, 102) are fastened to their respective asso ciated cross-piece or support member (117, 118) with one or a of fastening means (120a, 120b) which are releasable solely on pressure occurring from the space (119) lying within.

7. _Pane_l in accordance with claim 5 of 6, characterised in t the common, middle cross-piece (116) of the panel members (101, 102) has support surfaces (116a', 116b¹) extending obliquely inwards from each other, relative to the space (119) lying within, and preferably consists of an angular profile member in cross-section.

8. Wall section including the pressure relief panel according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the panel (1 100) is provided at its respective upper and lower ends with a Venetian blind panel (31, 32) with their respective permanently open through-flow passages (33, 34), the Venetian blind panel (31, 32) being arranged vertically flush with the panel (100).