WO2011009583A1

WO2011009583A1 - Stabilizing and securing system for liquid transporting containers

Info

Publication number: WO2011009583A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/004398
Authority: WO
Inventors: Albert M. Huber; Ute B. Huber
Original assignee: Huber Albert M; Huber Ute B
Priority date: 2009-07-21
Filing date: 2010-07-19
Publication date: 2011-01-27
Also published as: DE102009034305B3

Abstract

A description is given of a stabilizing and securing system (1) for liquid transporting containers (2), in which an inner container (5) is arranged inside an outer liquid transporting container (2) with the formation of an intermediate space (9). The liquid transporting container may be, in particular, a tanker container. Each of the two containers has at least one connection (3, 6) leading to the outside. The two containers (2, 5) communicate over the intermediate space (9) via at least one opening (8), and, when the outer container (2) and the inner container (5) are not completely filled, a compressed gas is introduced via one of the connections (3, 6) leading to the outside and forces the liquid from one space (9, 10) into the other (10, 9), or the liquid is transported from one space (9, 10) into the other (10, 9) by means of a pump, and so one part of the container is filled almost completely and in this way is stabilized. The displaced liquid is consequently kept in the desired space via the communicating connection opening (8). As a result, the amount of free space is reduced (i.e. there is little freely movable liquid) and sloshing of the liquid under dynamic loading is largely prevented during the transporting operation.

Description

Stabilization and safety system for liquid transport containers

description

The invention relates to a stabilization and safety system for liquid transport containers, which may, for example, in particular be a tanker container.

From GB 1 359 458 a fuel tank for a motor vehicle or a motor boat is known, which is designed such that burning and flame formation can be prevented. This arrangement comprises an inner container, which may optionally be divided in the interior and a surrounding the inner container, leaving a gap outer container. Both tank spaces are fluidically completely independent and separated. Each container space has at least one connection leading to the outside environment, such as a filling connection and a drain connection. In the space between the outer container and the inner container, a substance is filled, which may be, for example, halogen, which when mixed with outgassed fuel in the inner container causes the fuel does not ignite. Thus, the outer container and the space formed between the outer and inner containers is a fire protection measure. From GB 1 359 458 a stabilization and safety system for liquid transport containers according to the preamble of patent claim 1 is known.

The transport of liquids in liquid transport containers, such as tanker containers, can cause the liquid to swell up, especially if the partial quantities are contained in the container. This can lead to disturbances or instabilities during transport, in particular during sudden braking, during acceleration, during collisions or when cornering with a change of direction. If the partial quantities in the liquid transport container are accelerated and braked, correspondingly large mass forces can occur which cause the instabilities and disturbances of the transport.

The invention is therefore based on the object, a stabilization and safety system for liquid transport containers, in particular To provide tanker container, which is structurally extremely simple and can be produced inexpensively and reliably allows the transport of liquids with improved safety by a far-reaching immobilization of the liquid.

According to the invention, a stabilization and safety system for liquid transport containers, in particular tanker container is provided in which within an outer liquid transport container to form a gap an inner container is arranged and each container has at least one leading to the outside environment terminal, which is characterized in that the two Container over the Zwischenrau via at least one opening in the inner container in communicating connection, that is, that liquid (medium) can flow through the opening from the inner container in the space and vice versa, and that in not completely filled outer and inner container via one of the Outside environment leading connections a pressurized gas is introduced, through which the liquid is pressed from one room into the other or the liquid is conveyed by means of a pump from one room to the other, so that in little or, if necessary, no freely movable liquid remains in the room from which it was transported.

In the stabilization and safety system according to the invention, almost the complete volume of the liquid transport container, in particular of the tanker container, can be used for transport purposes.

In the liquid transport container stabilization and safety system according to the invention, an inner container is disposed within the outer liquid transport container which does not fill the entire volume of the liquid transport container, so that a space is formed between the liquid transport container and the inner container. The container interior spaces are in communicating connection via at least one opening in the inner container, so that the liquid level between the two spaces can be compensated due to the communicating connection. In the case of partial filling quantity or residual filling quantity, a pressurized gas can be introduced via one of the connections leading to the outside environment, so that the liquid can be moved between the spaces via the communicating connection in such a way that only a small amount of freely movable liquid remains either in the inner container or in the intermediate space that it can lead to any swinging of the fluid under dynamic loads. This can be done either via one of the connections leading to the outside environment Compressed gas can be introduced or the liquid in the transport container is conveyed by means of a pump from one to the other interior. With a leading to the outside environment connection of the outer transport container or the inner container may optionally also another medium, such as inert gas or air or an absorber or a neutralization substance are conveyed either in the inner container or the space. In the stabilization and safety system according to the invention, the displaced liquid is held via a pending gas pressure or a shut-off valve in cooperation with the communicating with both interior connecting opening (s) either in the space or in the interior of the inner container, depending on where the liquid displaces or was promoted. As a result, a larger amount of freely movable fluid is avoided and a swinging of the fluid under dynamic stress can be effectively suppressed. Under dynamic stress, the fluid in the liquid transport container thus generates only very small mass forces, which makes the transport process significantly safer and more stable.

This object is achieved by the features of the stabilization system and safety system for tanker tank or liquid transport container, which are specified in the characterizing part of claim 1, fully met.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention are given in claims 2 to 10.

Preferably, the armature cooperates with the at least one opening in the inner container, which establishes a communicating connection with the intermediate space, for opening and closing. In this way, the opening can be completed when the desired displacement of the liquid has taken place from one room to the other.

Furthermore, the opening and closing connections leading to the outside environment are also assigned shut-off valves. These fittings allow filling of the interior and the space and are closed to form a sealed transport system of the liquid transport container.

Preferably, the outer liquid container but also the inner container can be equipped with an overfill protection. Preferably, in the interior of the inner container flow baffles are arranged to prevent a swinging of the liquid quantities.

Preferably, the outer liquid transport container is equipped with a pressure monitoring and control device which opens and closes the opening (s) leading to the intermediate space in the inner container to the intermediate space by means of the valve or fittings. This can ensure a reliable operation of the stabilization and safety system according to the invention.

In the liquid transport container stabilization and safety system according to the present invention, for example, liquid is introduced into the space between the outer container and the inner container via the outer peripheral port of the outer liquid transport container. About the opening (s) in the inner container, which establishes a communicating connection with the intermediate space, and the optionally arranged fittings, the liquid can also flow into the interior of the inner container. The liquid level in both container spaces thus increases to the same extent. The liquid can either fill the entire free space or only partially fill this free space depending on the degree of filling. If the liquid transport container including the inner container is not completely filled or has already been partially emptied, then, for example, gas can be introduced into the interior of the inner container via the connection of the inner container leading to the outer environment. The gas flowing in under pressure then presses the liquid located in the interior of the internally arranged container via the opening (s) in the inner container located in the lower bottom area and any fitting (s) arranged thereon into the intermediate space which the two container walls form relative to one another , Alternatively, the liquid can also be conveyed by means of a pump from one to the other space in both directions. This liquid displacement takes place until either the Überfüllsicherung the liquid transport container responds and the gas flow is turned off automatically. The gas flow can also be switched off manually when a desired level in the intermediate space between the two containers is reached. In the interior of the inner container now much less freely movable liquid is present. Then, the fittings and the shut-off valves on the external environment leading outlets (outer liquid transport container and inner container) and the shut-off valves, which are located at the opening (s) in the inner container, which can establish a communicating connection to the gap, closed. Optionally, a relaxation of the gas space to the outside environment is possible over the shut-off of the valves.

With a sudden application of force or a dynamic load, less or possibly no liquid moves back and forth in the space of the inner container, so that the liquid transport container as a whole has a substantially more stable transport behavior than without the stabilization and safety system according to the invention.

Alternatively, of course, the filling process from the inner container to the outer container take place.

Furthermore, one of the container spaces formed can also be used to fill a corresponding neutralizing agent or an absorber for the liquid to be transported. In an emergency, for example in the case of a leak or a collision, a mixing of the two media can then be triggered, so that the liquid to be transported can either be absorbed or neutralized. This can be realized for example by means of a pressure monitoring, which is designed darart that open at a sudden or sudden pressure change, as in an accident, the valves the associated opening (s) of the inner container.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a pressure relief valve is arranged between the interiors of the two containers, which allows for the expansion of incompressible fluids and heating pressure equalization between the interiors of the two containers. In this way, in the case of corresponding medium expansions, high pressure loads in the respective individual container interior spaces can be avoided, which could possibly lead to bursting of the container or containers.

Preferably, the pressure relief valve is designed as a spring-loaded piston valve.

The invention is explained in more detail below by means of preferred embodiments and by non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing shows: Figure 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a stabilization and safety system for a liquid transport container.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view along the section line A-B in FIG. 1 for further clarification of the stabilization and safety system according to the invention; FIG.

Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along section line C-D in Fig. 1 to illustrate further details of the stabilization and safety system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view illustrating a preferred embodiment of a compensating pressure relief valve between the interiors of the two containers;

Figure 5 is a sectional view similar to Figure 4 showing the position of the pressure relief valve when the pressure in the interior of the inner container is greater than the pressure in the intermediate space. and

Fig. 6 is a schematic sectional view similar to Fig. 4 to illustrate the position of the pressure relief valve when the pressure in the intermediate space is greater than in the interior of the inner container.

In the figures of the drawings, the same or similar parts are given the same reference numerals. In particular, the drawing figures without any limiting character represent preferred embodiments.

In the figures, the stabilization and safety system is designated overall by 1. A liquid transport container 2, which may be, for example, a tanker container according to the illustrated preferred embodiment, has two ports 3 leading to the outside environment. Via the smaller sized port 3 and an associated valve 4, in this preferred embodiment, a liquid such as fuel is injected filled the liquid transport container 2. Forming a gap 9, an inner container 5 is disposed in the outer liquid transport container 2. The inner container 5 has a connection 6, which leads to the outside environment. The connection 6 is equipped with a fitting 7, so that the liquid can flow into the interior of the inner container. When later activating the Safety system, gas (compressed air or inert gas) can be introduced under pressure. Alternatively, the liquid may also be conveyed from one room to another by means of a pump. In the case of the introduction of compressed gas, the liquid is conveyed or pressed out of the interior 10 of the container 5 into the intermediate space 9 by the incoming gas through the opening 8 forming a communicating connection, which leads to the intermediate space 9. In the interior 10 flow baffles 11 are arranged. Also, from Fig. 1, an overfill 12 can be seen, which serves to close the two valves 4 and 7 upon reaching a certain level. The liquid transport container 2 still has a connection 13 for its emptying. The liquid transport container 2, which is in particular a tanker container, is mounted on a schematically indicated chassis 14.

In the sectional view in Fig. 2 is broken lines 15 of the liquid level in the space 9 between the two containers 2 and 5 and the interior of the inner container 5 is illustrated with approximately the same level. Here, the liquid transport container 2 is illustrated in cross section. Here, the inner container 5 can be seen with the leading to the outside environment terminal 6, which is arranged at the top of the inner container. At this connection 6, the valve 7 may be provided for the vent or the gas connection. On the inner container 5, a communicating connection forming opening or the corresponding openings 8 is provided in the lower region, through which the liquid can pass from the gap 9 into the interior 10 of the inner container 5, in which flow baffles 11 are arranged. Of course, the direction of flow can also be reversed. Also, a top and leading to the outside environment connection 3 of the liquid transport container 2 is provided. All further details have already been explained in connection with FIG. 1. The broken lines 15 represent the same level in the space 9 and the interior of the inner container 5, which is achieved at a certain degree of filling. Upon reaching a certain level, the overfill 12 should close the valve 7 and the valve 4. The overfill protection 12 is illustrated with LIS + and action lines.

Also in Fig. 3, the liquid transport container 2 is shown in cross section. Also, the inner container 5 can be seen with the opening located in the lower region or the openings 8 through which the liquid from the space 9 in the interior 10 of the inner container 5 or vice versa can flow. Also, the arranged in the interior 10 of the inner container 5 flow baffles 11 to seen. Furthermore, the top, and leading to the outside environment port 3 of the outer liquid transport container with the associated armature 4 can be seen. Furthermore, the overfill prevention 12 is clarified, which should close the valve 4 and the valve 7 according to Figures 1 and 2 when reaching a certain level. The broken lines 15 illustrate the distribution of liquid after a portion of the liquid in the interior 10 of the inner container 5 has been conveyed through the communicating connection connecting at least one opening 8 in the intermediate space 9. All other details have already been explained previously in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2.

Figures 4 to 6 serve to illustrate an additional function in the form of a pressure relief valve, which is designated as a whole by 24. This pressure relief valve 24 is designed in the form of a spring-loaded piston valve. A valve cylinder 19 passes through the wall of the inner container 5. In the valve cylinder 19, a valve piston 16 is slidably disposed and for sealing lateral sealing elements 22 are provided to seal the lying on the respective sides of the valve piston 16 spaces against each other. On each side of the valve piston 16 is acted upon by a spring 21, 21. These springs 21, 21 are selected in a corresponding manner in order to realize the overpressure compensation function. As an abutment for the springs 21, 21 serve spring plate 20, 20 which are fixed to the valve cylinder 19. The spring plates 20, 20 have bores 17, 17 which lead to the intermediate space 9 or inner space 10 of the inner container 5. In the valve cylinder 19 holes 18 are provided which are in communication with the gap 9. Axially spaced in the valve cylinder 19 holes 23 are provided which are in communication with the interior 10 of the inner container 5.

The spring plate 20 may be fixed with a screw thread in the valve cylinder 19, so that an adjustment is possible. Instead of the welded connection of the valve cylinder 19 and wall of the inner container 5 may also be provided a flange connection. The tension of the spring 21 can be well adjusted for example via corresponding threaded spindle.

The pressure relief valve 24 is used in particular for reducing a buildup pressure when the incompressive fluid expands, for example, when heated and the liquid transport container 2 is completely filled. In the position of the pressure relief valve 24 shown in FIG. 4, the valve piston 16 assumes a position in which the pressure in the interior 10 of the inner container 5 approximately corresponds to the pressure in the intermediate space 9. In this position, the holes 18 and 23 are closed by the valve piston 16 and with the holes 17 in Compound spaces are sealed by the sealing element 22 against each other. This is therefore a neutral position of the pressure relief valve 24. The pressure _P10 in the interior 10 of the inner container 5 is approximately the same size as the pressure P ₉ in the intermediate space 9.

In Fig. 5, the pressure relief valve 24 is shown for the case that the pressure Pi ₀ in the interior 10 of the inner container 5 is greater than the pressure Pg in the space 9. In this case, the valve piston 16 is compared with the illustration in Fig. 4 in the valve cylinder 19 moves in the upward direction, so that the overhead spring 21 is compressed, while the underlying spring 21 can relax. The larger pressure P ₁₀ is applied to the valve piston 16 via the openings 17 and 23 and presses it upwards so that it exposes the bore 18 leading to the intermediate space 9, and a flow and pressure compensation can take place via this.

In the illustration in Fig. 6, however, the pressure Pg in the space 9 is greater than the pressure Pi ₀ in the interior 10 of the inner container 5. Compared to a neutral position of FIG. 4, the valve piston 16 by acting on the holes 17 and 18 in the direction has been moved down, wherein the underlying spring 21 of the pressure relief valve 24 is compressed. This allows a pressure equalization between the gap 9 and the medium in the interior 10 of the inner container 5 done.

Claims

Stabilization and safety system for liquid transport containers Claims

1. A stabilization and safety system for liquid transport containers, in particular tanker containers, in which an inner container (5) is arranged within an outer liquid transport container (2) to form a gap (9) and each container (2, 5) has at least one connection leading to the outside environment ( 3, 6), characterized in that the two containers (2, 5) via the intermediate space (9) via at least one opening (8) in communicating connection, and that in not completely filled outer (2) and inner container ( 5) via one of the outlets leading to the outside environment (3, 6), a compressed gas is introduced, through which the liquid from one space (9,10) in the other (10,9) pressed or the liquid by means of a pump from a room ( 9, 10) in the other (10, 9) is conveyed, so that a container part is largely completely filled and thus stabilized.

2. Stabilization and safety system for liquid transport container according to claim 1, characterized in that cooperates with the at least one opening (8) for opening and closing a valve.

3. stabilization and safety system for liquid transport container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leading to the outside environment connections (3, 6) by means of shut-off valves are open and closed.

4. stabilization and safety system for liquid transport container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer liquid transport container (2) is equipped with an overfill protection (12).

5. stabilization and safety system for liquid transport container according to claim 4, characterized in that the inner container (5) is equipped with an overfill protection (12).

6. stabilization and safety system for liquid transport container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the interior of the inner container (5) flow baffles (11) are arranged.

A liquid transport container stabilizing and safety system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer liquid transport container (2) is equipped with a pressure monitoring and control device which guides the openings (8) leading to the intermediate space (9) by means of the one or more Fittings opens or closes.

8. stabilization and safety system for liquid transport container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer liquid transport container (2) has at least one emptying port (13).

9. stabilization and safety system for liquid transport container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the inner spaces (9, 10) of the two containers (2, 5) a pressure relief valve (24) is arranged, which in the expansion of incompressible liquids under Heating a pressure equalization between the interior spaces (9, 10) of the two containers (2, 5) allowed.

10. stabilization and safety system for liquid transport container according to claim 9, characterized in that the pressure relief valve (24) is designed as a spring-loaded piston valve.