WO2003084859A2

WO2003084859A2 - Safety device

Info

Publication number: WO2003084859A2
Application number: PCT/IB2003/001286
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lino Cavicchioli
Original assignee: Ofmecc S.R.L.
Priority date: 2002-04-11
Filing date: 2003-04-09
Publication date: 2003-10-16
Also published as: WO2003084859A3; AU2003216584A1; AU2003216584A8

Abstract

An apparatus insertable into a plant for distributing combustible and/or dangerous fluids comprises distributing means (4, 6) arranged for distributing said fluids and valve means (11, 13) associable with said distributing means (4, 6) by collector means (8a) and arranged for exiting a desired amount of said fluids from said plant (1).

Description

Safety device

The present invention relates to a safety device for distributing fluid plant, particularly for plant distributing potentially dangerous fluid, such as fuels, toxic and/or noxious fluids, air and others, whether liquid or gaseous, pressurized or at ambient pressure.

Plants are known, in particular, for distributing pressurized or non-pressurized fluids, supplied by distribution networks, or plants comprising one or more compressors connected with a pipe network providing for transferring the fluid to a set of consuming devices located at different locations of a factory, or plant.

Between the distributing networks, with the possible connected compressors and reducers, and the pipe network, one or more tanks may be provided, as receiver devices for the fluid together with the above-mentioned pipe.

The known plants have a first disadvantage connected with the possibility that inside overpressures occur, which could cause the plants themselves to burst. For overcoming such disadvantage, all the above-mentioned tanks are provided with a maximum pressure valve that enables the gas, or in any case the fluid, to outflow in the case that pressure exceeds a prefixed value. The maximum pressure valve is not provided in other parts of the plant, nor is provided in the absence of tanks.

However, the maximum pressure valve on the tank is not satisfactory since, as plant operates, said valve tends to block, resulting really ineffective. In order to reduce the risks connected with overpressures, it is further known to provide a room arranged for receiving the possible compressors, reducers and tanks, such room being usually a masonry and positioned at a peripheral region of the factory, or even outside the factory itself. That partially reduces damages caused by a possible burst inside the room, without however removing the possibility that such burst takes place and produces effects propagating inside the factory. In addition, providing an especially dedicated room causes remarkable increase of costs.

The pressurised or not pressurised fluids above-mentioned may comprise, for example, compressed air, methane gas, ammonia, fuel oil and so on. In that case, the above-mentioned plants create a remarkable risk in the case that fire blazes inside a factory where the plants are installed.

In case of fire, actually, inside the factory temperatures arise such as to cause distributing fluid piping to melt after a short period of exposure to the fire.

In said piping, thus, openings originate through which the fluids flow out, producing a "flame-thrower" effect that contributes to feed the fire, causing said fire to rapidly propagate, so as to make the extinguishing operations much more complex.

Where the fluids are combustible gases, such as methane, or in any case easily flammable gases, the risk of fire extension, in the case of fire already sparked, is even higher. Such gases remarkably feed the fire, by contributing to propagate fire and making very difficult, when ^• not even impossible, the extinguishing operations.

A drawback similar to that described above arises in plants for distributing combustible products in a liquid state, for example fuel oil, or easily flammable liquids. A further drawback of the known plants is that, in case said plants distribute toxic and/or noxious fluids, whether at the gaseous or liquid state, accidental introduction of the above- mentioned fluids into an environment could be very dangerous for the operators present in the environment itself. A still further drawback of the known plants is that any solution adopted for reducing the above-mentioned risks of overpressure, fire and propagation of the fire, and accidental fluid releases or leakages from the plant, results ineffective when considering that critical components for operating of such plants can be tampered by persons not authorised for the usual regulations, or said critical components are sabotaged. An object of the invention is to improve the plants for distributing fluids into craftsmanlike, industrial, commercial, recreational factories, in particular for making said plants more safe.

A further object of the invention is to obtain a device that enables to remarkably reduce, or even to remove the risks of bursting by overpressure in plants for distributing fluids. A further object of the invention is to obtain a device that enables to significantly reduce risks of intoxication caused by toxic products flowed from plants for distributing fluids. A still further purpose is to obtain a device that enables toxic and/or noxious fluids to be rapidly drained from respective plants of distribution, in case of emergency.

A still further object of the invention is to obtain a safety device that enables to remarkably reduce danger of apparatuses for distributing fluids in the case that a fire blazes within a structure inside which such plants are installed. A further object of the invention is to obtain a device that enables to remarkably reduce risks about tampering critical components for the safety of a distributing fluid plant. According to the invention an apparatus is provided insertable into a plant for distributing combustible and/or dangerous fluids comprising distributing means arranged for distributing said fluids, characterised in that, said apparatus further comprises valve means associable with said distributing means by collector means and arranged for exiting a desired amount of said fluids from said plant. Owing to the invention, thus, a safety device can be obtained that enables to reduce the risks connected to the presence of fluids, in particular flammable or comburent fluids, within environments in which fire is blazing. In addition, owing to the invention, by valve means and collector means, it is possible to provide for exiting from a distributing plant a toxic and/or noxious fluid, before said toxic and/or noxious fluid entirely pervades an environment wherein leakage of the fluid occurred. The invention can be better understood and carried out with reference to the enclosed drawings, that show some exemplifying and not limiting embodiments thereof, wherein: Figure 1 is a diagram of a plant for distributing fluids provided with a safety device according to the invention; Figure 2 is a diagram like Figure 1 highlighting a variant of the safety device according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a diagram like Figure 1 highlighting a plant further provided with protecting means of the safety device; Figure 4 is a diagram like Figure 2 highlighting a plant further provided with protecting means of the safety device;

Figure 5 is a diagram like Figure 3 highlighting a variant of the protecting means according to the invention. Figure 6 is a side, partially sectioned, view of a diaphragm valve, with threaded ends, that can be actuated electro- magnetically;

Figure 7 is a side, partially sectioned, view of a diaphragm valve, with flanged ends, that can be actuated electro- magnetically;

Figure 8 is a side, partially sectioned, view of a diaphragm valve, with threaded ends, that can be actuated electro- mechanically;

Figure 9 is a side, partially sectioned, view of a diaphragm valve, with flanged ends, that can be actuated electromechanically; Figure 10 is a side, partially sectioned, view of a diaphragm valve, with threaded ends, that can be actuated electro- pneumatically;

Figure 11 is a side, partially sectioned, view of a diaphragm valve, with flanged ends, that can be actuated electro- pneumatically;

Figure 12 is a side view of a slide valve, with threaded ends, that can be actuated electro-magnetically;

Figure 13 is a side view of a slide valve, with flanged ends, that can be actuated electro-magnetically;

Figure 14 is a side view of a slide valve, with threaded ends, that can be actuated electro-mechanically;

Figure 15 is a side view of a slide valve, with flanged ends, that can be actuated electro-mechanically; Figure 16 is a side view of a slide valve, with threaded ends, that can be actuated electro-pneumatically;

Figure 17 is a side view of a slide valve, with flanged ends, that can be actuated electro-pneumatically;

Figure 18 is a side view of a ball valve, with threaded ends, that can be actuated electro-mechanically;

Figure 19 is a side view of a ball valve, with flanged ends, that can be actuated electro-mechanically;

Figure 20 is a side view of a ball valve, with threaded ends, that can be actuated electro-pneumatically; Figure 21 is a side view of a ball valve, with flanged ends, that can be actuated electro-pneumatically;

Figure 22 is a side view of a butterfly valve, with threaded ends, that can be actuated electro-mechanically;

Figure 23 is a side view of a butterfly valve, with flanged ends, that can be actuated electro-mechanically;

Figure 24 is a side view of a butterfly valve, with threaded ends, that can be actuated electro-pneumatically;

Figure 25 is a side view of a butterfly valve, with flanged ends, that can be actuated electro-pneumatically; Figure 26 is a side view of a gate valve, with threaded ends, that can be actuated electro-mechanically;

Figure 27 is a side view of a gate valve, with flanged ends, that can be actuated electro-mechanically; ' Figure 28 is a side view of a gate valve, with threaded ends, that can be actuated electro-pneumatically;

Figure 29 is a side view of a gate valve, with flanged ends, that can be actuated electro-pneumatically; Figure 30 is a side view of an end flap valve, with threaded ends, that can be actuated electro-mechanically;

Figure 31 is a side view of an end flap valve, with flanged ends, that can be actuated electro-mechanically; Figure 32 is a side view of an end flap valve, with threaded ends, that can be actuated electro-pneumatically; Figure 33 is a side view of an end flap valve, with flanged ends, that can be actuated electro-pneumatically. With reference to Figures 1 to 5 a plant 1 for generating and distributing combustible and/or dangerous fluids, for example compressed air, is diagrammatically shown, comprising a compressor 2 downstream of which a tank 3 is provided functioning as a receiver of the produced compressed air. In the case of non-pressurized fluids, for example a combustible liquid, the plant 1 is not . provided with a compressor, but can be provided with a pump suitable for pumping the liquid and for delivering said liquid to a network of consuming devices.

Eventually, in the case of fluids distributed by an external network to a factory where the plant 1 is installed, for example in the case that the fluid consists of methane gas, the plant 1 can comprise no receiver tank.

Tank 3 supplies, through a duct 4, a plurality of consuming devices 5 deployed at different locations of a factory, or manufacturing workshop, inside which the plant 1 is installed. With the duct 4 there is connected, through a further duct 6, a safety device 7 arranged for achieving the partial, or total discharge of the fluid contained into the plant 1, in the case that overpressures result within said plant 1, or in the case that fire blazed into the factory.

Similarly, in the case of fire, the safety device 7 enables a combustible fluid, at the liquid or gaseous state, to be discharged from the plant 1. The safety device 7 further enables, in the case that leakage of a toxic and/or noxious fluid occurred, for example ammonia, from the duct 4, or from one of the consuming devices supplied thereby, complete draining of the plant 1 to be carried out, before the fluid itself completely occupies the environment where said leakage arose. The device 7 comprises a casing 8, for example a metal box, inside which an electronic drive and control unit 9 is placed, arranged for detecting the signals emitted by sensor means 10, or by switches suitable for being manually actuated, as it will be better disclosed in the following, and for actuating valve means 11 arranged for exiting the fluid.

In the version of the plant 1 shown in Figures 1, 3 and 5, a plurality of valve means 11 is provided at least one of which directly is associated with the casing 8, in an intermediate section of a collector 8a, while the possible remaining valve means 11 is arranged in remote positions of the factory.

In the version of the plant 1 shown in Figures 2 and 4, instead, at least one of the valve means 11 is arranged at a distal end of the collector 8a, said distal end being external to the casing 8, while the possible remaining valve means 11 is arranged at remote positions of the factory, relatively set apart, for example, from a region in danger of fire. The collector 8a also has a proximal end associated with the further duct 6. The valve means 11 can be arranged for discharging the fluid distributed by the duct 4 directly in atmosphere, or in the atmosphere after combustion of the fluid itself, or, eventually, into suitable container/tank means advantageously provided externally to the region in danger of fire or contamination.

In particular, the fluid can be directly discharged in atmosphere when said fluid does not comprise pollutant agents, for example in the case that the fluid consists of compressed air.

Alternatively, where the combustion of the fluid does not produce pollutant agents, for example in the case of methane gas, the fluid can be burned in controlled manner and the products obtained from the combustion can be filtered and released in atmosphere.

Where, eventually, the fluid, or the products generated by its combustion, result toxic, it is convenient to provide collecting containers that provide for receiving and isolating the fluid in case of emergency, so as to prevent said fluid from contaminating the surrounding environment, and eventually for enabling the fluid to be disposed, once the state of emergency was finished.

The number of the valve means 11 can be properly chosen on the base of the dimensions of the plant, and in particular the amount of fluid to be discharged.

In addition, the valve means 11 can be dimensioned so as to enable the fluid delivered by the plant 1 to be partially or totally drained in a very limited time, for example in the order of some minutes. The sensor means 10 comprises detectors 12 for smoke, gas, or other undesired substances, which can be arranged on the walls of the casing 8 in order to detect the presence of smoke produced by a fire, or leakage of gas or an undesired substance, near the casing itself. Advantageously, in the versions of the plant 1 shown in Figures 1 to 5, the detector 12 for smoke, or gas, or other undesired substances can be arranged partially on the casing 8 as well as externally to said casing so as to be positioned at different regions of the factory in order to detect the presence, for example, of smoke produced by a fire, as soon as said fire blazed, i.e. even before leakage of the fluid occurs . Further associated with the casing 8 there is activating push- button means 14 that can be actuated manually, in case of fire, or emergency, in order to transmit to the drive and control unit 9 a signal analogous to the signal transmitted by the detector 12 for smoke, or gas, or other undesired substances. Such signal is converted by the drive and control unit 9 into a command for the valve means 11 in order to exit at least partially the fluid from the plant 1.

Alternatively, in the case of distribution of a toxic and/or noxious fluid, the activating push-button means 14 control said fluid to be evacuated, via the valve means 11, into the relative container means, as disclosed above.

The activating push-button means 14 can be arranged in a capillary manner at different regions of the factory, so as to preferably involve the entire extension thereof. In this manner, an operator, that detected a fire blazed or fluid leaked out, can manually activate the safety device 7 still before the sensor means 10 has detected the presence of the smoke produced by the fire, or the leakage of fluid. In analogous manner, an operator recognising a leakage of toxic and/or noxious fluid, by immediately activating the safety device 7 in manual mode, can remarkably reduce the risks produced by a massive leakage of said fluid. Connected With the further duct 6 there is further valve means 13, associated with a pressure switch and properly calibrated, or directly activated by the fluid present in the collector 8a.

The further valve means 13 operates as a safety device against the setting up of overpressures within the plant, such overpressures being able to lead to the burst of the plant itself.

When the pressure switch has detected that the pressure inside the further duct 6 overcame a prefixed threshold value, the further valve means 13 is opened so as to bring back the pressure inside the plant 1 below said threshold value.

The device 7 is connected to an external electric grid that, via a power supply 15, supplies a set of batteries 16, enabling the device 7 to work also in case of blackout. A light alarm 17 and an acoustic alarm 18 are further associated with the casing 8, arranged for signalling the occurrence of fire, or the leakage of toxic and/or noxious fluid, inside the factory and consequent operating state of the device 7. In addition, the device 7 activates and controls a plurality of further remote light and acoustic alarms 19, arranged at different regions of the factory for alerting operators about state of danger.

The casing 8 further comprises a switch 21 controlling turning on and off of the device 7, a push-button 20 by acting on which the device 7 can be reset and a pilot light 22 indicating the on charge condition of the set of batteries 16. The electronic drive and control unit 9 is preset for driving and controlling the operation of a number of auxiliary devices associated with the device 7 as that will be better disclosed in the following.

The electronic drive and control unit 9 controls switching means 23 provided with electric contacts and arranged for electrically disconnecting only the compressor 2, for preventing a further amount of air, or fluid from being pressurized, while the other apparatuses installed inside the factory are kept powered up. Further switching means 24 is furthermore provided, provided as well with electric contacts and controlled by the electronic drive and control unit 9. The further switching means 24 is arranged for isolating the entire electric plant of the factory from the power grid. In a version not shown, release switches are provided for electrically disconnecting eventually present suction plant. The electronic drive and control unit 9 further provides to control electro-valve means 25 for isolating the factory from an external distribution grid of a combustible gas, or in any case a fluid.

Thus, the fluid, that supplies apparatuses arranged inside the factory, for example the heating plant, or ovens if present, freezing rooms, or other, is prevented from endangering the personnel, or feeding the fire so as to make remarkably more difficult its extinguishing.

The electronic drive and control unit 9 further controls a fire extinguishing plant 26, if present, a telephone dialler 27 providing to give the alarm about occurred firing, or occurred leakage of a toxic fluid, to a rescue unit and an opening system 29 for the exit doors of the factory. The electronic drive and control unit 9 further controls plants, not shown, such as a closing plant for shutters and fire barriers and an opening plant for windows so as to remove the smokes.

The device 7 further comprises a computing unit 28, consisting for example of a computer, that provides for completely monitoring the plant 1. With reference to the versions shown in Figures 3 to 5, the safety device 7 may comprise a protective device 101 arranged for protecting the plant 1 and the safety device 7 from possible malicious tampering or sabotage. The protective device 101 comprises a box 108, for example made of metal, containing an electronic control board 109, adapted for detecting signals emitted by intrusion sensor means 110 and for consequently activating light signalling means 117, acoustic signalling means 118 and possible telephone dialler means 127, so as to notify the personnel present in the factory and the personnel assigned to perform emergency actions about the presence of an unauthorised person. The intrusion sensor means 110, comprising for example video cameras, micro-switches or the like, may be placed near or above the box 108, so as to detect the presence of an unauthorised person near the box 108. In addition, such intrusion sensors 110 may also be placed in different regions of the factory, so as to detect the presence of an unauthorised person in critical regions for the safety of the plant 1, such as near the casing 8.

Further light and acoustic signalling means 119 may be placed in different regions of the factory in order to warn the operators of the presence of an unauthorised person inside the factory.

The safety device 7, provided with protection means 101, enables to prevent the unauthorised tampering of plant components and components critical for the safety of the plant, such as fire fighting means. In this manner, an individual intentioned to start a fire or to tamper with the working of the plant 1 or the safety device 7, can be found and consequently stopped before seriously damaging the plant 1. The box 108 comprises supply means 115, electrically connected with an external electric grid, and rechargeable battery means 116 enabling the protective device 101 to work also in case of blackout. A pilot lamp 122 arranged on the box 108 signals the on charge state of the rechargeable battery means 116. The box 108 further comprises switch means 121 suitable for connecting and disconnecting the protective device 101 from the external electric grid, turning-on buttons 114 suitable for sending to the electronic board 109 a signal similar to the signal sent by the intrusion sensor means 110 and reset button means 120 suitable for deactivating the light signalling means 117, the acoustic signalling means 118 and the telephone dialler means 127, once activated. The turning-on buttons 114 may be arranged in different regions of the factory, so as to enable an operator witnessing a sabotage action to warn of presence of an unauthorised person intentioned to damage the plant 1 or start arson, before the protective device 101 acted. The working state of the protective device 101 can be made visible, programmed and controlled by an electronic computer 128 or programming and controlling panel means 128', provided with suitable display means, arranged for enabling an operator to visualise such working state, and keyboard means, arranged for programming and modifying the working condition of the protective device 101.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the box 108 can be placed at a certain distance from the casing 8 and placed in communication with the casing 8 via connecting means 130. With reference to Figure 5, a version is shown of a safety device 7 like Figure 1, in which the protective device 101 can be integrated into the safety device 7. In particular, the electronic board 109 can be integrated 'into the electronic drive and control unit 9. In addition, the functions carried out by the supply means 115, the rechargeable battery means 116, the light signalling means 117, the acoustic signalling means 118, the remote light and acoustic signalling means 119, the switch means 121, the pilot lamp 122 and the electronic computer 128 or the programming and control panel means 128' can be carried out, respectively, by the power supply 15, the set of batteries 16, the light alarm 17, the acoustic alarm 18, the remote light and acoustic alarms 19, the switch 21, the pilot light 22 and the computing unit 28. Thus, the plant 1 can be monitored by the only monitoring computing unit 28 and a dangerous condition occurring within plant 1, such as the starting of a fire or a malicious action, can be controlled by a single drive and control board. The protective device 101 can be integrated into the safety device 7 even in the version shown in Figure 2. With reference to Figures 6 to 11, valve means 11 is shown comprising diaphragm valves 30.

The diaphragm valves 30 can be provided with threaded connecting ends 31, as shown in Figures 6, 8 and 10, or with end flanges 32 as shown in Figures 7, 9 and 11. Each diaphragm valve 30 comprises an inlet region 33 for the fluid formed so as to include a cavity 34 arranged for receiving a diaphragm 35 the border 36 thereof is fixed to a body 38 of the valve 30. The diaphragm 35 subdivides the cavity 34 into a first hollow 39 and a second hollow 40, communicating one another through a communication hole 41.

Each valve 30 further comprises an outlet region 42 for the fluid comprising a duct 43 departing from the interior of the cavity 34 so that one of its internal ends 44 can face a central portion 45 of the diaphragm 35.

In closing position, shown in Figures 6 to 11, the pressure inside the first hollow 39 equals the pressure inside the second hollow 40 and, consequently, the central portion 45 provides for closing the duct 43, preventing the fluid from being discharged.

Each valve 30 comprises a further hole 46 connecting the second hollow 40 with the outlet region 42 for the fluid. In the closing position the further hole 46 is engaged by a needle 47 providing for closing said hole 46. The needle 47 is slidingly movable within the hole 46 between a rest position, where said needle 47 prevents the fluid from outflowing, and an operating position where said needle 47 enables the fluid to outflow through the hole 46. Each diaphragm valve 30 is provided with actuating means 48 arranged for transferring the needle 47 from said rest position to said operating position, and vice versa.

The actuating means 48 may comprise electro-magnetic actuating means 49, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Alternatively, electro-mechanical actuating means 50 may be provided, as shown in Figures 8 and 9.

The actuating means 48 may further comprise electro-pneumatic actuating means 51, as shown in Figures 10 and 11.

With reference to Figures 12 to 17, valve means 11 is shown comprising slide valves 52.

The slide valves 52 may be provided with threaded connecting ends 31, as shown in Figures 12, 14 and 16, or with end flanges 32 as shown in Figures 13, 15 and 17.

A room 53 is defined in each slide valves 52, into which room 53 a piston 54 is received at the ends of which grooves 55 are obtained, suitable for receiving gaskets 56.

The piston 54 is movable between a lowered closing position, shown in Figures 12 to 17, and a raised opening position.

Each slide valve 52 is provided with actuating means 48 arranged for transferring the piston 54 from the lowered closing position to the raised opening position, and vice versa.

The actuating means 48 may comprise electro-magnetic actuating means 49, as shown in Figures 12 and 13. Alternatively, electro-mechanical actuating means 50 may be provided, as shown in Figures 14 and 15.

The actuating means 48 may further comprise electro-pneumatic actuating means 51, as shown in Figures 16 and 17. With reference to Figures 18 to 21, valve means 11 is shown comprising ball valves 57.

The ball valves 57 may be provided with threaded connecting ends 31, as shown in Figures 18 and 20, or with end flanges 32 as shown in Figures 19 and 21.

Each ball valve 57 comprises a central body 58, for example of spherical or cylindrical shape, received into a seat 59 internally adapted so as to shapingly receive the central body

58. The central body 58 is provided with a through hole 60 and is rotating around an axis X between an open position, where the hole 60 connects an inlet region 61 for the fluid with an outlet region 62 for the fluid, and a closed position, where the fluid is prevented from passing between the inlet region 61 and the outlet region 62.

Each ball valve 57 is provided with actuating means 48 arranged for rotating the central body 58 from the closed position to the open position, and vice versa.

The actuating means 48 may comprise electro-mechanical actuating means 50, as shown in Figures 18 and 19.

Alternatively, electro-pneumatic actuating means 51 may be provided, as shown in Figures 20 and 21.

With reference to Figures 22 to 25, valve means 11 is shown comprising butterfly valves 63. The butterfly valves 63 may be provided with threaded connecting ends 31, as shown in Figures 22 and 24, or with end flanges 32 as shown in Figures 23 and 25.

Each butterfly valve 63 comprises a shutter element 64 received into hollow means 66 and provided with appendices 65 adapted for interacting with the walls of the hollow means 66 in order to control passage of fluid through the hollow means

66.

The shutter element 64 is rotatable around an axis Y so as to alternatively occupy a closing position, where the appendices 65 interact with walls of the hollow means 66 by acting as seal means for the fluid, and an opening position, where the appendices 65 are set apart from the walls of the hollow means

66 and, therefore, enable the fluid to pass between an inlet region 61 and an outlet region 62 of the butterfly valve 63.

Each butterfly valve 63 is provided with actuating means 48 arranged for rotating the shutter element 64 from the closing position to the opening position, and vice versa. The actuating means 48 may comprise electro-mechanical actuating means 50, as shown in Figures 22 and 23.

Alternatively, electro-pneumatic actuating means 51 may be provided, as shown in Figures 24 and 25.

With reference to Figures 26 to 29, valve means 11 is shown comprising gate valves 67. The gate valves 67 may be provided with threaded connecting ends 31, as shown in Figures 26 and 28, or with end flanges 32 as shown in Figures 27 and 29.

Each gate valve 67 comprises a gate 68 provided with a profiled end part 69 having a wedge shape, or with parallel sides.

The profiled part 69 is shapingly received into a groove 71 obtained within a duct 70 connecting an inlet region 61 for the fluid inside -the gate valve 67 and an outlet region 62 for the fluid from the gate valve 67. The gate 68 is movable between a lower closing position, wherein the profiled part 69 lies in contact with walls of the groove 71, preventing thus the fluid from passing, and an upper opening position, where the profiled part 69 is set apart from the walls of the grooves 71, enabling thus the fluid to pass between the inlet region 61 and the outlet region 62.

Each gate valve 67 is provided with actuating means 48 arranged for transferring the gate 68 from the lower closing position to the upper opening position, and vice versa. The actuating means 48 may comprise electro-mechanical actuating means 50, as shown in Figures 26 and 27. Alternatively, electro-pneumatic actuating means 51 may be provided, as shown in Figures 28 and 29. With reference to Figures 30 to 33, valve means 11 is shown comprising end flap valves 72.

Each end flap valve 72 comprises, at one end thereof, a discharge opening 73 for the fluid and is provided, at a further end, opposing said end, with a threaded connecting element 31, as shown in Figures 30 and 32, arranged for connecting the end flap valve 72 with a respective duct. Alternatively, in place of the threaded connecting element 31, a flange 32 may be provided, as shown in Figures 31 and 33. Each end flap valves 72 comprises a laminar element 74 provided with an end 75 arranged for interacting with the discharge opening 73, so as to act like a shutter device. The laminar element 74 is hinged, at an intermediate portion 76 thereof, on an appendix 77 protruding from a support body 78 of the end flap valve 72. The laminar element 74 can pivot between a restraint position, where the end 75 closes the discharge opening 73 so as to prevent the fluid from passing, and a passage position, where said end 75 enables the fluid to pass through the discharge opening. Each end flap valve 72 is provided with actuating means 48 acting on a further end 79 of the laminar element 74 opposing the end 75 in order to transfer the laminar element 74 from the restraint position to the passage position, and vice versa. The actuating means 48 may comprise electro-mechanical actuating means 50, as shown in Figures 30 and 31. Alternatively, electro-pneumatic actuating means 51 may be provided, as shown in Figures 32 and 33.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Apparatus insertable into a plant for distributing combustible and/or dangerous fluids comprising distributing means (4, 6) arranged for distributing said fluids, characterised in that it further comprises valve means (11, 13) associable with said distributing means (4, 6) by collector means (8a) and arranged for exiting a desired amount of said fluids from said plant (1) .

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, and further comprising protective means (101) suitable for protecting said apparatus (7) and/or said plant (1) from sabotage.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said protective means (101) comprises intrusion sensor means (110), suitable for detecting the presence of an object or an unauthorised person at pre-established regions of said plant (1).

4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said plant (1) comprises compressor means (2) arranged for pressurising said fluids.

5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said valve means (11) is arranged for introducing said desired amount of said fluid into an external environment.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein burner means is associated with said valve means (11), which burner means is arranged for burning said desired amount of said fluids before said desired amount of said fluid is introduced into said external environment.

7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and further comprising container means/collecting tank means arranged for receiving said desired amount of said fluids drained from said valve means (11).

8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising casing means (8) with which said collector means (8a) is associated.

9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said collector means (8a) has a proximal end associable with said distributing means (4, 6).

10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said collector means (8a) has a distal end remote with respect to a risk region.

11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said valve means (13) is directly actuated by said fluids.

12. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein said valve means (11, 13) is controlled by sensor means (10) .

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said sensor means (10) comprises pressure sensor means arranged for detecting the pressure inside said distributing means (4, 6) and comparing said value with a threshold value.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said pressure sensor means is associated with said collector means (8a) .

15. Apparatus according to claim 13, or 14, wherein said pressure sensor means comprises a pressure switch.

16. Apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein said sensor means (10) comprises detector means (12) for detecting smoke, or gas, or other undesired substances.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16 as claim 12 is appended to claim 8, or any one of claims 9 to 11 as appended to claim 8, wherein said detector means (12) for smoke, or gas, or other undesired substances is arranged near said casing means (8) .

18. Apparatus according to claim 16 as claim 12 is appended to claim 8, or any one of claim 9 to 11 as appended to claim 8, wherein said detector means (12) for smoke, or gas, or other undesired substances, is arranged at remote positions with respect to said casing means (8).

19. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said valve means (11,

13) is associated with an intermediate section of said collector means (8a) .

20. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said valve means (11, 13) is associated with an end section of said collector means (8a) .

21. Apparatus according to claim 8, or according to any one of claims 9 to 20 as appended to claim 8, wherein at least one of said valve means (11, 13) is associated with said collector means (8a) near said casing means (8) .

22. Apparatus according to claim 8, or according to any one of claims 9 to 20 as appended to claim 8, or according to claim 21, wherein further valve means (11, 13) of said valve means (11, 13) is placed at remote positions with respect to said casing means (8).

23. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising activating push-button means (14) suitable for being actuated for controlling said valve means (11, 13) .

24. Apparatus according to claim 23 as appended to claim 8, or any one of claims 9 to 22 as appended to claim 8, wherein said push-button means (14) is arranged near said casing means (8) .

25. Apparatus according to claim 23 as appended to claim 8, or any one of claims 9 to 22 as appended to claim 8, wherein said push-button means (14) is arranged at remote positions with respect to said casing means (8).

26. Apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein said push-button means (14) is suitable for being manually actuated.

27. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising accumulator means (16) connected with an electric grid by a transformer (15) and arranged for supplying said apparatus (7) in case of blackout from said electric grid.

28. Apparatus according to claim 27, and comprising pilot light means (22) arranged for indicating the on charge state of said accumulator means (16) .

29. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising light alarm means (17,

19) arranged for signalling a danger condition.

30. Apparatus according to claim 29 as appended to claim 8, or any one of claims 9 to 28 as appended to claim 8, wherein said light alarm means (17) is arranged near said casing means (8).

31. Apparatus according to claim 29 as appended to claim 8, or any one of claims 9 to 28 as appended to claim 8, wherein said light alarm means (19) is arranged at remote positions with respect to said casing means (8) .

32. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising acoustic alarm means (18, 19) arranged for signalling a danger condition.

33. Apparatus according to claim 32 as appended to claim 8, or any one of claims 9 to 31 as appended to claim 8, wherein said acoustic alarm means (18) is arranged near said casing means (8) .

34. Apparatus according to claim 32 as appended to claim 8, or any one of claims 9 to 31 as appended to claim 8, wherein said acoustic alarm means (19) is arranged at remote positions with respect to said casing means (8).

35. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising switch means (21) arranged for controlling turning on and off of said apparatus (7) .

36. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising push-button means (20) for resetting said apparatus (7).

37. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding _\ claims, and further comprising an electronic drive and control unit (9) arranged for controlling said valve means (11, 13) .

38. Apparatus according to claim 4, or according to any one of claims 5 to 37 as appended to claim 4, and further comprising switching means (23) arranged for disconnecting from a source of electric power said compressor means (2) .

39. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising disconnecting means arranged for disconnecting, from a source of electric power, suction means provided in said plant (1) .

40. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising further switching means (24) arranged for isolating the entire electric plant of a building inside which said apparatus (7) is installed from a supplying electric power grid.

41. Apparatus according to claim 40, and further comprising electro-valve means (25) arranged for isolating said building from an external distributing grid of combustible gas, or in any case of combustible fluids.

42. Apparatus according to claim 40, or 41, and further comprising opening devices (29) for the exit doors of said building.

43. Apparatus according to any one of claims 40 to 42, and further comprising closing devices for shutters and/or fire barriers of said building.

44. Apparatus according to any one of claims 40 to 43, and further comprising opening devices for windows of said building for exiting gaseous fluids.

45. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising fire extinguishing plant means (26) .

46. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising telephone dialler means (27) arranged for transmitting an alarm signal to rescue units.

47. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a monitoring computing unit (28) arranged for monitoring said plant (1) .

48. Apparatus according to claim 2, or 3, or according to any one of claims 4 to 47 as appended to claim 2, or 3, wherein said protective means (101) comprises signalling means (117, 118, 119, 127), suitable for emitting an alarm signal when the presence of an unauthorised object or person has been detected in pre-established regions of said plant (1) .

49. Apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said signalling means (117, 118, 119, 127) comprises light signalling means (117, 119) arranged for emitting a light signal.

50. Apparatus according to claim 48, or 49, wherein said signalling means (117, 118, 119, 127) comprises acoustic signalling means (118, 119) arranged for emitting an acoustic signal.

51. Apparatus according to any one of claims 48 to 50, wherein said signalling means (117, 118, 119, 127) comprises automatically calling telephone means (127) arranged for transmitting an alarm signal to assigned persons for intervening when the presence of said unauthorised person has been detected.

52. Apparatus according to any one of claims 48 to 51, wherein said protective means (101) comprises turning- on push button means (114) suitable for being actuated for activating said signalling means (117, 118, 119, 127) .

53. Apparatus according to any one of claims 48 to 52, wherein said protective means (101) comprises reset push button means (120) suitable for being actuated for deactivating said signalling means (117, 118, 119, 127) .

54. Apparatus according to claim 2, or 3, or according to any one of claims 4 to 47 as appended to claim 2, or 3, or according to any one of claims 48 to 53, wherein working of said protective means (101) is controlled by electronic control board means (109) .

55. Apparatus according to claim 54, wherein said electronic control board means (109) is controlled by computer means (128, 128') suitable for enabling working of said protective means (101) to be programmed and controlled.

56. Apparatus according to claim 55, wherein said computer means (128, 128') comprises display means arranged for enabling an operator to visualise the working state of said protective means (101).

57. Apparatus according to any one of claims 54 to 56, wherein said protective means (101) comprises box means (108), suitable for containing said electronic control board means (109) .

58. Apparatus according to claim 57 as claim 54 is appended to any one of claims 48 to 53, wherein at least one of said signalling means (117, 118, 119, 127) is arranged near said box means (108) .

59. Apparatus according to claim 57 as claim 54 is appended to any one of claims 48 to 53, or according to claim 58, wherein said signalling means (117, 118, 119, 127) is arranged at remote positions with respect to said box means (108) .

60. Apparatus according to any one of claims 57 to 59 as claim 54 is appended to claim 52 or claim 53 as appended to claim 52, wherein at least one of said turning-on push button means (114) is arranged near said box means (108) .

61. Apparatus according to any one of claims 57 to 59 as claim 54 is appended to claim 52 or claim 53 as appended to claim 52, or according to claim 60, wherein said turning-on push button means (114) is arranged at remote positions with respect to said box means (108) .

62. Apparatus according to claim 2, or 3, or according to any one of claims 4 to 47 as appended to claim 2, or 3, or according to any one of claims 48 to 61, wherein said protective means (101) further comprises electric battery means (116) supplied by supply means (115) connected with an external electric grid and arranged for supplying electric power to said protective means (101) in case of blackout from said electric grid.

63. Apparatus according to claim 62, wherein said protective means (101) further comprises light emitting means (122) suitable for indicating the on charge state of said electric battery means (116) .

64. Apparatus according to claim 62, or 63, wherein said protective means further comprises circuit-breaker means (121) arranged for disconnecting and/or connecting said protective means (101) to said electric grid.

65. Apparatus according to claim 2, or 3, or according to any one of claims 4 to 47 as appended to claim 2, or 3, or according to any one of claims 48 to 64, wherein said protective means (101) is integrated into said apparatus (7) .

66. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said fluids comprises air.

67. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said valve means (11) is selected from a group comprising diaphragm valve means (30), slide valve means (52), ball valve means (57), butterfly valve means (63), gate valve means (67), end flap valve means (72) .

68. Apparatus according to claim 67, wherein said diaphragm valve means (30) comprises an inlet region (33) for said fluid formed so as to include a cavity

(34) arranged for receiving a diaphragm (35) .

69. Apparatus according to claim 68, wherein said diaphragm valve means (30) comprises a body (38) with which a border (36) of said diaphragm (35) is fixed.

70. Apparatus according to claim 68, or 69, wherein said diaphragm (35) subdivides said cavity (34) in a first hollow (39) and a second hollow (40), both communicating one another by a communication hole (41).

71. Apparatus according to any one of claims 68 to 70, wherein said diaphragm valve means (30) further comprises an outlet region (42) for said fluids comprising a duct (43) extending from the interior of said cavity (34) so that an its internal end (44) faces a central portion (45) of said diaphragm (35) .

72. Apparatus according to claim 70, or according to claim 71 as appended to claim 70, wherein said diaphragm valve means (30) comprises a further hole (46) arranged for connecting said second hollow (40) with said outlet region (42) .

73. Apparatus according to claim 72, wherein needle means

(47) is slidable into said further hole (46) .

74. Apparatus according to claim 73, wherein said needle means (47) is movable between a rest position, in which said needle means (47) prevents said fluids from outflowing, and an operating position, in which said needle means (47) enables said fluids to outflow through said further hole (46) .

75. Apparatus according to claim 74, wherein said diaphragm valve means (30) is provided with actuating means (48) arranged for transferring said needle means

(47) from said rest position to said operating position, and vice versa.

76. Apparatus according to claim 67, wherein a room (53) is defined in said slide valve means (52), and a piston (54) being received inside said room (53).

77. Apparatus according to claim 76, wherein said piston

(54) is movable between a lowered closing position and a raised opening position.

78. Apparatus according to claim 77, wherein said slide valve means (52) is provided with actuating means (48) arranged for transferring said piston (54) from said lowered closing position to said raised opening position, and vice versa.

79. Apparatus according to claim 67, wherein said ball valve means (57) comprises a central body (58) associated with a seat (59) internally shaped so as to shapingly receive said central body (58).

80. Apparatus according to claim 79, wherein said central body (58) is provided with a through hole (60).

81. Apparatus according to claim 80, wherein said central body (58) is rotatable around a respective axis (X) between an open position, in which said central body (58) enables said hole (60) to connects an inlet region (61) for said fluids with an outlet region (62) for said fluid, and a closed position, wherein said central body (58) prevents said fluids from passing between said inlet region (61) and said outlet region (62).

82. Apparatus according to claim 81, wherein said ball valve means (57) is provided with actuating means (48) arranged for rotating said central body (58) from said open position to said closed position, and vice versa.

83. Apparatus according to claim 67, wherein said butterfly valve means (63) comprises a shutter element

(64) received into hollow means (66) and provided with appendices (65) suitable for interacting with walls of said hollow means (66) for controlling passing of said fluids through said hollow means (66) .

84. Apparatus according to claim 83, wherein said shutter element (64) is rotatable around a respective axis (Y) between a closing position, in which said appendices

(65) interact with said walls for retaining said fluids, and an opening position, in which said appendices (65) are set apart from said walls so as to enable said fluid to pass between an inlet region (61) and an outlet region (62) of said butterfly valve means (63) .

85. Apparatus according to claim 84, wherein said butterfly valve means (63) is provided with actuating means (48) arranged for rotating said shutter element

(64) from said closing position to said opening position, and vice versa.

86. Apparatus according to claim 67, wherein said gate valve means (67) comprises a gate (68) provided with an end profiled part (69).

87. Apparatus according to claim 86, wherein said profiled part (69) is shapingly received into a groove (71) obtained within a duct (70) connecting an inlet region (61) for said fluids in said gate valve means (67) and an outlet region (62) for said fluid from said gate valve means (67) .

88. Apparatus according to claim 87, wherein said gate

(68) is movable between a closing position, in which said profiled part (69) lies in contact with walls of said groove (71) for preventing said fluids from passing, and an opening position, in which said profiled part (69) is set apart from said walls for enabling said fluids to pass between said inlet region (61) and said outlet region (62) .

89. Apparatus according to claim 88, wherein said gate valve means (67) is provided with actuating means (48) arranged for transferring said gate (68) from said closing position to said opening position, and vice versa.

90. Apparatus according to claim 67, wherein said end flap valve means (72) comprises, at an end thereof, a discharge opening (73) for said fluids and, at a further end opposite to said end, a connecting element (31, 32) arranged for connecting said end flap valve means (72) with a respective duct.

91. Apparatus according to claim 90, wherein said end flap valve means (72) comprises a laminar element (74) provided with an end (75) arranged for closing said discharge opening (73) .

92. Apparatus according to claim 91, wherein said laminar element (74) is hinged, at an intermediate portion (76) thereof, on an appendix (77) protruding from a support body (78) of said end flap valve means (72) .

93. Apparatus according to claim 91, or 92, wherein said laminar element (74) is pivotable between a restraint position, in which said end (75) closes said discharge opening (73), and a passage position, in which said end (75) enables said fluids to pass through said discharge opening (73) .

94. Apparatus according to claim 93, wherein said end flap valve means (72) is provided with actuating means (48) arranged for transferring said laminar element ^" (74) from said restraint position to said passage position, and vice versa.

95. Apparatus according to claim 75, or according to claim 78, or according to claim 82, or according to claim 85, or according to claim 89, or according to claim 94, wherein said actuating means (48) is chosen from a group comprising electro-magnetic actuating means, electro-mechanical actuating means (50) , electro- pneumatic actuating means (51) , manual actuating means .