WO2021011897A1

WO2021011897A1 - Flame arrester replacement apparatus and system

Info

Publication number: WO2021011897A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/042613
Authority: WO
Inventors: Walter M. KENNEDY; Caroline COVA; Geoffrey Brazier; David Garrison
Original assignee: Bs&B Innovations Limited
Priority date: 2019-07-17
Filing date: 2020-07-17
Publication date: 2021-01-21

Abstract

A flame arrester replacement apparatus is disclosed. A clamp, a gate, a first flame arrester assembly and second flame arrester assembly may be provided, with the first flame arrester assembly mounted on a first aperture of the gate and the second flame arrester assembly mounted on a second aperture of the gate. The gate may be configured to slide between a first position, to position the first flame arrester assembly to be sealed within the clamp, and a second position, to position the second flame arrester assembly to be sealed within the clamp.

Description

FLAME ARRESTER REPLACEMENT APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION

Field

[001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and system to facilitate removal and/or replacement of a flame arrester from a contained system.

Background

[001] A fire or explosion can result from ignition of a combustible material, such as dust, gas, or vapor, when mixed with oxygen present in the environment. When such ignition takes place within a protected volume contained by a vessel, such as a process or storage enclosure, the ensuing fire or explosion may place equipment at risk. Furthermore, a process or enclosure may be designed to venting system to allow the release of pressure created as a result of the fire or explosion. Absent effective mitigation, a flame from the fire or explosion could also be released, causing a danger to equipment or personnel.

[002] A number of industries may face the danger of ignition in an enclosed system, including plastics, food and dairy, pigments and dyes, wood processing, grain processing, coal processing, pharmaceuticals, grain ethanol, chemicals, metals, and agrochemicals. Within and/or beyond those industries, particular applications may pose the danger of such ignition. For example, cyclones, bag houses, cartridge filters, pneumatic conveying systems, milling processes (including pin milling, ball milling, etc.), bucket elevators, dust collectors, bins, dryers, ovens, roller mills, grinding applications, and buildings may all pose the danger of ignition causing fire or explosion.

[003] To mitigate the effects of a flame due to ignition within a process or enclosure, a flame arrester system may be provided. A flame arrester may comprise a filter component such as a coiled-ribbon-type mesh, woven metallic mesh, or ceramic matrix, which is designed to provide a small flow path through the flame arrester’s outlet. When the flame passes through the small flow path of the filter, it tends to be suppressed or extinguished. A flame arrester is typically deployed in a combustible gas or vapor application. A flame arrester may provide effective mitigation of a flame, thereby acting as a barrier to the flame’s progress.

[004] A flame arrester may have a flange that is sealed between a pair of support members, or safety heads, forming a flame arrester assembly. One or more seals, such as gaskets, may be used to create a sealing engagement between the flame arrester and the support members and/or between the two support members themselves.

[005] The flame arrester assembly may then be clamped or otherwise sealingly disposed between a pair of pipe flanges in the contained process. One or more seals, such as gaskets, may be used to create a sealing engagement between the flame arrester assembly and the pipe flanges between which it is disposed. A first pipe connects the enclosed process to one side of the flame arrester assembly, and a second pipe provides an outlet to a safety reservoir or may be open to the environment. The support members include central openings that expose the flame arrester to the enclosed process. The flame arrester thus is positioned to mitigate any flame that might otherwise be propagated through the system.

[006] A flame arrester’s performance depends on proper alignment within a an enclosed process and proper sealing within an enclosed process. First, it is desirable for the flame arrester to be aligned as close as possible to the center of the fluid flow path of the process. Centering or aligning the flame arrester maximizes efficiency when mitigating the flame, and ensures optimal flow through the flame arrester. Second, a proper seal will prevent the process fluid (or any flame that develops) from leaking into the environment. A proper seal also will prevent flame from passing around or through the flame arrester system.

[007] Damage to a flame arrester may compromise its integrity and change its performance. Such damage may come from mechanical impact (e.g., collision with an external object), exposure to harsh chemicals or conditions, or other sources. There is a need for a mechanism to facilitate inspection and/or

replacement of a flame arrester in the event of damage. The need for such a mechanism is particularly strong in the case of large flame arresters, which may be very heavy. As such, large flame arresters are difficult to remove and replace, and removal/replacement may take hours or days to complete with requirements such as special lifting equipment and user site permits. Adding to the difficulties of replacing large flame arresters, it is critical to achieve proper alignment between the flame arrester and the process piping, as noted above.

[008] Previous attempts to remove/replace large flame arresters typically have relied on multiple jack screws to directly separate mated pipe flanges to allow removal and replacement of an installed flame arrester. Such mechanisms typically were constructed by the end-users of the flame arresters— not by the flame arrester manufacturers. Those previous systems suffered from several drawbacks. Using multiple jack screws to separate the mated pipe flanges created an undue risk of misaligning the pipe flanges and/or the flame arresters positioned therebetween. In addition, such methods are typically very time consuming and result in significant delays in removing/replacing the flame arrester. [009] Delays in removing/replacing a flame arrester may be undesirable for an operator. The process system may be unusable during the removal/replacement process, leading to system-downtime. Additionally, a flame arrester may be deployed in a sensitive or hazardous environment (e.g., a toxic environment), and it may be dangerous for personnel to spend long amounts of time in such an environment while a flame arrester is removed or replaced even when equipped with personal protection equipment. As such, there is a need for a

removal/replacement system that can remove/replace and achieve proper alignment of a flame arrester— especially a large flame arrester— in less time.

[010] The flame arresting member or element in a flame arrester device is typically much larger than the nominal line size of the user piping system. For example, a 10-inch (250 mm) nominal size piping system may require a flame arrester element to be about 20-inch (500 mm) diameter. This greatly increases the mass and therefore complexity of quick flame arrester replacement when using traditional bolting systems for installation.

[011] According to the present disclosure, a rapid-action device may be used to quickly remove and/or replace a flame arrester. The device may allow removal and/or replacement with minimal process line exposure to personnel and the environment. The present disclosure solves the foregoing problems (and others) and achieves several desirable advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. [013] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an analogous rupture disk exchange gate, which demonstrates principles applicable to the disclosed flame arrester exchange gate;

[014] FIG. 2 illustrates another perspective view of the rupture disk exchange gate illustrated in FIG. 1 ;

[015] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate perspective views of the rupture disk exchange gate illustrated in FIG. 1 with various pressure relief device components installed;

[016] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial exploded view of the rupture disk exchange gate illustrated in FIG. 1 ;

[017] FIG. 5 illustrates another partial exploded view of the rupture disk exchange gate illustrated in FIG. 1 ;

[018] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate perspective views of another rupture disk exchange gate, which demonstrates principles applicable to the disclosed flame arrester exchange gate;

[019] FIG. 7 illustrate a cross-sectional view of the rupture disk exchange gate illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C;

[020] FIG. 8 illustrates another cross-sectional view of the rupture disk exchange gate illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C;

[021] FIG. 9 illustrates another rupture disk exchange gate, in combination with a clamp, which demonstrates principles applicable to the disclosed flame arrester exchange gate;

[022] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another rupture disk exchange gate, in combination with a clamp, which demonstrates principles applicable to the disclosed flame arrester exchange gate; [023] FIG. 11 illustrates a top-down view of the rupture disk exchange gate and clamp illustrated in FIG. 10;

[024] FIG. 12 illustrates another rupture disk exchange gate, in combination with a clamp, which demonstrates principles applicable to the disclosed flame arrester exchange gate;

[025] FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the rupture disk exchange gate and clamp illustrated in FIG. 12; and

[026] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flame arrester assembly according to the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[027] Reference will now be made in detail to the present exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The drawing figures of this application are intended to provide a general understanding of the working elements of the underlying system. Accordingly, the figures do not necessarily represent a literal depiction of proportional dimensions or the precise locations for the illustrated inter related components.

[028] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary rupture disk exchange gate 100, which demonstrates principles applicable to the disclosed flame arrester exchange gate. The example of FIG. 1 shows a first pressure relief device 110 and a second pressure relief device 120, each of which is mounted to a plate 190. The plate 190 is provided with a first handle 191 and a second handle 192, which may be used to move the gate from a first position (with the first pressure relief device 110 in operating position) to a second position (with the second pressure relief device 120 in operating position) as will be described in more detail below in connection with FIG. 9. According to the present disclosure, a first flame arrester assembly and a second flame arrester assembly may be mounted to a plate in a manner similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1.

[029] As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the first pressure relief device 110 includes a rupture disk 111 engaged between an inlet support member 113 (also known as an inlet safety head) and an outlet support member 114 (also known as an outlet safety head). The inlet support member 113 is mounted to the plate 190 by way of mounting screws 193. The support members 113, 114 are held together by way of assembly bolts 115. This configuration allows for the support member 113, 114 to be pre-torqued together with the rupture disk 111 between them. Thus, a manufacturer, vendor, or end user may apply the optimal amount of torque to assembly bolts 115, eliminating the need for an end user to create sealing engagement between the rupture disk and the support members 113, 114. By providing a pre-torqued assembly, a manufacturer or vendor may therefore deliver a pressure relief device 110 already having an optimal sealing engagement with an inserted rupture disk 111.

[030] According to the present disclosure, a first flame arrester assembly may be assembled and mounted to a plate in a manner similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1. Specifically, a first flame arrester assembly may include a flame arrester (analogous to rupture disk 111 ) engaged between an inlet support member or safety head (analogous to inlet support member 113) and an outlet support member or safety head (analogous to outlet support member 114). The flame arrester assembly’s inlet support member may be mounted to a plate (analogous to 190) by way of mounting screws (analogous to 193), and the support members may be held together by way of assembly bolts (analogous to 115). This

configuration allows for the flame arrester support members to be pre-torqued together with a flame arrester between them. Thus, a manufacturer, vendor, or end user may apply the optimal amount of torque to assembly bolts, eliminating the need for an end user to create sealing engagement between the flame arrester and the support members. By providing a pre-torqued assembly, a manufacturer or vendor may therefore deliver a flame arrester already having an optimal sealing engagement with an inserted rupture disk.

[031] The illustration in FIG. 1 depicts a rupture disk having effectively the same diameter as the process pipe. As such, the inlet support member 113 and outlet support member 114 likewise have effectively the same diameter as the process pipe. A flame arrester, in contrast, must be provided with a significantly larger diameter than a process pipe in which it is positioned, in order to

accommodate the substantial flow restrictions created by the mesh of the flame arrester. That is, a larger diameter is provided to permit the flame arrester to provide substantially the same open cross-sectional area for fluid flow. In one embodiment, an 8-inch (200 mm) diameter flame arrester is used in a process having a 4-inch (100 mm) diameter process pipe. In order to accommodate the larger-diameter flame arrester, an inlet support member for a flame arrester is provided with an expander, which provides a transition from the smaller-diameter process pipe inlet to the larger-diameter flame arrester. Similarly, an outlet support member for a flame arrester is provided with a reducer, which provides a transition from the larger-diameter flame arrester to the smaller-diameter process pipe outlet.

[032] Part of an exemplary flame arrester exchange gate assembly 600 is illustrated in FIG. 14. Only a single flame arrester assembly 610 is depicted on gate 690 in FIG. 14. Consistent with the disclosure above regarding a rupture disk exchange gate, however, a second flame arrester assembly also may be provided. As illustrated in FIG. 14, a flame arrester assembly may include a flame arrester 611 engaged between an inlet support member or safety head 613 and an outlet support member or safety head 614. The flame arrester assembly’s inlet support member may be mounted to a plate 690 by way of mounting screws 693, and the support members may be held together by way of assembly bolts 615.

[033] Returning to FIG. 1 , the second pressure relief device 120 includes a rupture disk 121 engaged between an inlet support member 123 (also known as an inlet safety head) and an outlet support member 124 (also known as an outlet safety head). The support members 123, 124 are held together (e.g., pre-torqued) by way of assembly bolts 125, and the inlet support member 123 is mounted to the plate 190 by way of mounting screws 193. According to the present disclosure, a second flame arrester assembly may be assembled and mounted to a plate in a manner similar to the second pressure relief device illustrated in FIG. 1. As noted above in connection with the first flame arrester assembly, the second flame arrester assembly must accommodate a flame arrester having significantly larger diameter than the process pipe.

[034] As illustrated in FIG. 1 , each outlet support member 114, 124 is provided with a sealing gasket 116, 126, which is designed to form a fluid-tight seal with a pipe flange (not shown). A flame arrester outlet support member similarly may be provided with a sealing gasket designed to form a fluid-tight seal with a pipe flange. In one embodiment, a sealing gasket may be, for example, an elastomer o-ring or a graphite seal, with the seal selected based on process temperatures and media compatibility. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , a tag 112, 122 extends outward from the rupture disks 111 , 121 between the support members of each pressure relief device. The tag 112, 122 may include identifying information regarding the rupture disk 111 , 121. Similarly, a tag may extend outward between the flame arrester support members of each flame arrester to provide identifying information regarding the flame arrester.

[035] As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the first rupture disk 111 is in a ruptured (post activation) configuration. The second rupture disk 121 is in an unruptured (pre activation) configuration. As will be described further below, the rupture disk gate 100 may be used to quickly remove the first rupture disk 111 from service after it has ruptured and install the second rupture disk 121 in its place. In a similar fashion, a flame arrester exchange gate may be used to quickly remove a first flame arrester from service so that a second flame arrester may be installed in its place.

[036] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom side of the rupture disk exchange gate 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown, each inlet support member 113, 123 is provided with a sealing gasket 117, 127, which is designed to form a fluid- tight seal with a pipe flange (not shown). In one embodiment, a sealing gasket may be, for example, an elastomer o-ring or a graphite seal, with the seal selected based on process temperatures and media compatibility. As illustrated in FIG. 2, each inlet support member 113, 123 fits integrally within an aperture of the plate 190, allowing the bottom of the inlet support member 113, 123 to engage directly with a process piping flange (as will be described below in connection with FIG. 9). In this manner, the disclosure minimizes the number of fluid-tight seals required for installation of the pressure relief devices 110, 120. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, each outlet support member 114, 124 will form one fluid-tight seal when engaged with an outlet pipe flange (not shown), and each inlet support member 113, 123 will form another fluid-tight seal when engaged with inlet pipe flange (not shown). According to the illustrations, no fluid-tight seal will be required between any pressure relief device and the plate 190. Nor will any fluid-tight seal be required between the plate 190 and any inlet or outlet pipe flange.

[037] Consistent with the foregoing, a flame arrester inlet support member also may be provided with a sealing gasket designed to form a fluid-tight seal with a pipe flange. Further, a flame arrester inlet support member may be configured to fit integrally within an aperture of a flame arrester exchange plate and may minimize the number of fluid-tight seals required for installation of the flame arrester assemblies.

[038] FIG. 2 also illustrates that each inlet support member 113, 123 may be shaped specifically to fit a recess of in the plate 190. As illustrated, the outlet support members 114, 124 will not fit those recesses. This feature provides a level of safety that will prevent an operator from installing a pressure relief device in an improper (reverse) orientation. Similar features are contemplated for a flame arrester inlet support member.

[039] FIG. 2 further illustrates the inlet support member 113, 123 as a separate component from the plate 190. This configuration beneficially allows each component to be formed of different materials. For example, an inlet support member may be made of an expensive wetted material (e.g., Flastelloy) due to its exposure to a process enclosed within system piping (e.g., corrosive or toxic processes). The plate 190, in contrast, may be made of a cheaper material, such as carbon steel or stainless steel, because it will not be exposed to the enclosed process during operation. Such a configuration may provide significant manufacturing cost savings. Similar features are contemplated for a flame arrester inlet support member.

[040] FIGS. 3A-3D provide additional illustrations of the components of the rupture disk exchange gate 100. FIG. 3A depicts the plate 190, including the handles 191 , 192. FIG. 3B depicts the inlet support members 113, 123 installed onto the plate 190 via mounting screws 193. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the inlet support members 113, 123 may be provided with alignment pins 118, 128, which may ensure proper positioning of a rupture disk. FIG. 3C depicts rupture disks 111 , 121 installed on top of the inlet support member 113, 123. FIG. 3D depicts the outlet support members 114, 124 positioned to engage with the inlet support members 113, 123. Similar features are contemplated for a flame arrester exchange gate, including alignments pins that may ensure proper positioning of a flame arrester.

[041] As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D, the disclosed gate 100 permits simple removal of an entire pressure relief device (e.g., by removing the mounting screws). Additionally, or alternatively, an operator may perform on-site replacement of only certain components of a pressure relief device. For example, an outlet support member 114, 124 may be removed from the inlet support member 113, 123 to allow replacement of a rupture disk 111 , 121 while the inlet support member 113, 123 remains affixed to the plate 190. Similarly, in the disclosed flame arrester exchange gate, the entire flame arrester assembly may be removed simply by removing mounting screws. Additionally, or alternatively, an operator may replace only certain components of a flame arrester assembly, such as an outlet support member and/or a flame arrester. [042] FIG. 4 is a partial exploded view of a rupture disk exchange gate 100, illustrating the plate 190, an inlet support member 113, rupture disk 111 , and outlet support member 114.

[043] FIG. 5 provides an additional partial exploded view of a rupture disk exchange gate 100, with a second pressure relief device 120 removed from plate 190.

[044] FIGS. 6A-6C depict another exemplary a rupture disk exchange gate 200, which demonstrates principles applicable to the disclosed flame arrester exchange gate.

[045] FIGS. 7 and 8 depicts cross-sectional views of the rupture disk exchange gate 200 of FIGS. 6A-6C. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the inlet support member 223 may be dimensioned to fully protect a rupture disk dome during installation and service— i.e. , the walls of the inlet support member 223 surround the entire height of the rupture disk 221 dome, thereby protecting the dome from impact. FIGS. 7 and 8 depict a reverse buckling rupture disk with its convex surface directed toward the inlet side. Similarly, the inlet support member and outlet support member of a flame arrester assembly may be dimensioned to protect the flame arrester during installation and service.

[046] FIG. 9 depicts another rupture disk exchange gate 300, which demonstrates principles applicable to the disclosed flame arrester exchange gate. As illustrated, a first pressure relief device 310 and a second pressure relief device 320 are mounted to a plate 390. The plate 390 is provided with a first handle 391 and a second handle 392. In the illustration of FIG. 9, the gate 300 is in a first position, with the first pressure relief device 310 in an operating position, such that a rupture disk (not shown) in the first pressure relief device 310 is positioned into an alignment with fluid flow paths created by an inlet pipe (not shown) and outlet pipe 382. In such a position, the pressure relief device is sealingly engaged between a flange of an inlet pipe and a flange 384 of the outlet pipe 382, by way of a clamp 350. Specifically, the outlet support member is sealingly engaged with the flange 384 of the outlet pipe 382, and the inlet support member is sealingly engaged with the flange of the inlet pipe (not shown). Similarly, a first flame arrester assembly may be sealingly engaged between mated flanges of an inlet process pipe and an outlet process pipe.

[047] Clamp 350 is designed to be installed within a process piping system, with the inlet pipe in fluid communication with the contained process. Clamp 350 is configured to efficiently and symmetrically push apart and bring together two mated pipe flanges with a pressure relief device (e.g., device 310) between them.

Clamp 350 advantageously allows two mated pipe flanges to be separated while keeping the mated pipe flanges in alignment and without disconnection of the pipe flanges (as normally would be required). In the clamp-closed position (illustrated in FIG. 9), the pressure relief device 310 is sealed within the system. In the clamp- open position (described below), the pressure relief device 310 is released from the system for quick removal and/or replacement.

[048] In operation, an overpressure condition may cause the rupture disk of the first pressure relief device 310 to rupture and release pressure from the system, thereby necessitating replacement of the rupture disk. To remove the ruptured disk from the system, an operator may release a clamp locking mechanism 351 and pull up on a clamp lever 352, which will cause outlet pipe flange 383 to move away from the inlet pipe flange, thereby releasing the pipe flanges from engagement with the first pressure relief device 310. Once the first pressure relief device 310 is released, the operator may slide the gate 390 into a second position (e.g., by manipulating handles 391 , 392). In the second position, a second rupture disk in the second pressure relief device 320 is precisely positioned into alignment with fluid flow paths created by an inlet pipe (not shown) and outlet pipe 382. After the second position is achieved, the operator may press down on the clamp lever 352, which will cause the outlet pipe flange 383 to move back toward the inlet pipe flange, thereby sealingly engaging the second pressure relief device 320 between the inlet and outlet pipe flanges. The clamp locking mechanism 351 may then be re-engaged to lock the flanges into place. A similar apparatus and process is contemplated for replacing a first flame arrester assembly with a second flame arrester assembly, using a flame arrester exchange gate. The clamp locking mechanism 351 may be a self-locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the disclosed system may facilitate the replacement of a small-line-size flame arrester in seconds (e.g., less than 10 seconds) or a larger-line-size flame arrester in minutes. In one embodiment, replacement may be performed by a single operator.

[049] Clamp 350 may be manually operated or may be provided with an actuator (mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.) to facilitate spacing apart the mated flanges. Although FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment wherein the gate 300 is manually moved between two positions, it is contemplated that the movement of the gate 300 may be automated. Other aspects of the clamp 350 also may be automated, such as the locking/unlocking of lock mechanism 351.

[050] In the apparatus of FIG. 9, the gate 300 may be provided with features to ensure proper positioning of a pressure relief device in an operating position. For example, the gate 300 may be precisely dimensioned so that (1 ) when the gate is pushed to its full extent in a first direction (e.g., the gate hits a mechanical stopper) the first pressure relief device will be optimally aligned for operation and (2) when the gate is pulled to its full extent in the opposite direction (e.g., the gate hits an opposite mechanical stopper) the second pressure relief device will be optimally aligned for operation. Proper alignment also may ensure that the pressure relief device is symmetrically loaded within the system, which may optimize leak-tightness. Similar features are contemplated for use with a flame arrester exchange gate.

[051] As illustrated in FIG. 9, a rupture disk tag 322 for each rupture disk may be visible to the operator when the pressure relief device is both installed within and removed from the piping system. This feature provides important advantages, such as allowing an operator to verify the presence of an appropriate rupture disk by simple visual inspection. In addition, one or more of the inlet and outlet support members of a pressure relief device may be provided with markings that also may be kept visible before, during, and after operation. For example, a support member may be provided with an arrow or other direction indicating the intended flow direction. By keeping such markings visible to an operator, the operator may verify by visual inspection that a pressure relief device is oriented properly. Similar features are contemplated for use with a flame arrester exchange gate.

[052] In the foregoing descriptions of FIGS. 1 -9, it is contemplated that the rupture disk in each pressure relief device will have identical burst pressure ratings. As such, one rupture disk is will be functionally identical to the other. In an alternative configuration, a rupture disk exchange gate may be provided with two rupture disks having different burst pressure ratings. Such a configuration may allow a user to quickly exchange rupture disks to adapt to different processes or operating conditions, as needed. Similar features are contemplated for use with a flame arrester exchange gate. Specifically, a flame arrester exchange gate may be provided with two flame arresters having different attributes.

[053] Although the above description of FIG. 9 discloses an apparatus and process for replacing a ruptured disk with a new, un-ruptured disk, the present disclosure contemplates other apparatus and processes. For example, the rupture disk exchange gate 390 may be used to remove the first pressure relief device 310 from operation temporarily for (1 ) inspection (e.g., inspection of the rupture disk, support members, sealing gaskets) prior to the rupture disk bursting or (2) periodic replacement of components of the pressure relief device 310 (e.g., the rupture disk, sealing gaskets) at the end of a scheduled lifecycle. Similar features are

contemplated for use with a flame arrester exchange gate.

[054] Although FIG. 9 discloses a rupture disk exchange gate 300 having a first and second pressure relief device, the present disclosure contemplates an alternative configuration in which only one pressure relief device is provided in a first position on a gate. According to this alternative configuration, a second position on the gate may be occupied by a line blind, designed to block fluid flow. Such a gate may be installed in the first position during normal operation— i.e. , with the pressure relief device exposed to the enclosed process. The gate may be moved into second“blind” position to block fluid flow while permitting quick replacement or inspection of the pressure relief device or its components. Once replacement or inspection is completed, the gate may be returned into the first position to return the pressure relief device into normal operating position. Similar features are

contemplated for use with a flame arrester exchange gate. According to this embodiment, replacement or inspection may be completed with minimal downtime. [055] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the second pressure relief device 320 is exposed to the ambient environment. It is contemplated that a protective cover may be provided to protect the second pressure relief device 320 from dust, moisture, impact, or other adverse or contaminating conditions. In one configuration, such a protective cover may be stationary, such that the cover cannot migrate into the process when the gate 390 is moved. Similar features are contemplated for use with a flame arrester exchange gate.

[056] FIG. 10 illustrates another rupture disk exchange gate 400, which demonstrates principles applicable to the disclosed flame arrester exchange gate. As illustrated, a rupture disk exchange gate 400 has a first pressure relief device 410 and second pressure relief device 420 installed on a plate 490. In the illustration of FIG. 10, the gate 400 is in a first position, with the first pressure relief device 410 in an operating position, such that a rupture disk (not shown) in the first pressure relief device 410 is positioned into an alignment with fluid flow paths created by an inlet pipe (not shown) and outlet pipe 482. In such a position, the pressure relief device is sealingly engaged between a flange of an inlet pipe and a flange 484 of the outlet pipe 482. Specifically, the outlet support member is sealingly engaged with the flange 484 of the outlet pipe 482, and the inlet support member is sealingly engaged with the flange of the inlet pipe (not shown).

[057] FIG. 11 is another view of the rupture disk exchange gate illustrated in FIG. 10.

[058] FIG. 12 illustrates another rupture disk exchange gate 500, which demonstrates principles applicable to the disclosed flame arrester exchange gate. As illustrated, a rupture disk exchange gate 500 has a first pressure relief device 510 and second pressure relief device 520 installed on a plate 590. In the illustration of FIG. 12, the gate 500 is in a first position, with the first pressure relief device 510 in an operating position, such that a rupture disk (not shown) in the first pressure relief device 510 is positioned into an alignment with fluid flow paths created by an inlet pipe 581 and outlet pipe 582. In such a position, the pressure relief device is sealingly engaged between a flange 583 of an inlet pipe and a flange 584 of the outlet pipe 582. Specifically, the outlet support member 514 is sealingly engaged with the flange 584 of the outlet pipe 582, and the inlet support member 513 is sealingly engaged with the flange 583 of the inlet pipe 581.

[059] FIG. 13 is another view of the rupture disk exchange gate illustrated in FIG. 12.

[060] In one embodiment, a flame arrester replacement system may be used with flame arrester having a nominal size between 0.5 inches (12mm) and 44 inches (1120mm), although other sizes are contemplated. In one embodiment, the disclosed system may be used with ANSI, DIN, or JIS standard flange

configurations. It is contemplated that the disclosed system may be used with liquid, vapor, steam, two-phase, and/or multiphase process media. One or more components of the disclosed system, including the flame arrester(s), may be made from a wide range of materials, including, e.g., carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy 400, alloy 600, Alloy C-276, and others. In one embodiment, the system may be used with design pressures up to 6100 psig (420 barg), and/or in temperature ranges of -155 °F (-104 °C) to 1200 °F (650 °C).

[061] It is contemplated that individual features of one embodiment may be added to, or substituted for, individual features of another embodiment.

Accordingly, it is within the scope of this disclosure to cover embodiments resulting from substitution and replacement of different features between different embodiments. It is also within the scope of this disclosure to provide features from an inlet safety head to an outlet safety head, and vice versa.

[062] The above described embodiments and arrangements are intended only to be exemplary of contemplated apparatus and methods. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A flame arrester replacement apparatus, comprising:

a clamp, comprising:

an inlet pipe having an inlet pipe flange; and

an outlet pipe having an outlet pipe flange;

a first flame arrester assembly, comprising:

a first inlet support member;

a first outlet support member; and

a first flame arrester;

wherein the first flame arrester is sealingly engaged between the first inlet support member and the first outlet support member; a second flame arrester assembly, comprising:

a second inlet support member;

a second outlet support member; and

a second flame arrester;

wherein the second flame arrester is sealingly engaged between the second inlet support member and the second outlet support member;

wherein the second inlet support member is configured to selectively engage with the inlet pipe flange of the clamp; and

wherein the second outlet support member is configured to selectively engage with the outlet pipe flange of the clamp;

a gate defining a first aperture and a second aperture;

wherein the first aperture is configured to receive the first inlet support member;

wherein the second aperture is configured to receive the second inlet support member;

wherein the gate is configured to slide between a first position and a second position;

wherein in the first position the gate is configured to position the first inlet support member into sealing engagement with the inlet pipe flange of the clamp and position the first outlet support member into sealing engagement with the outlet pipe flange of the clamp; and

wherein in the second position the gate is configured to

position the second inlet support member into sealing engagement with the inlet pipe flange of the clamp and position the second outlet support member into sealing engagement with the outlet pipe flange of the clamp.

2. The flame arrester replacement apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first flame arrester is pre-torqued between the first inlet support member and the first outlet support member, and wherein the second flame arrester is pre-torqued between the second inlet support member and the second outlet support member.

3. The flame arrester replacement apparatus of claim 1 , wherein one or both of the first flame arrester and second flame arrester is pre-torqued into sealing engagement with the gate.

4. The flame arrester replacement apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising: a first tag extending from the first flame arrester, the first tag displaying identifying information for the first flame arrester; and

a second tag extending from the second flame arrester, the first tag displaying identifying information for the second flame arrester;

wherein both the first tag and second tag are configured to be visible.

5. The flame arrester replacement apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second inlet support member is dimensioned to protect the second flame arrester from impact.

6. The flame arrester replacement apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second outlet support member is dimensioned to protect the second flame arrester from impact.

7. The flame arrester replacement apparatus of claim 1 ,

wherein the first inlet support member has a first shape,

wherein the first outlet support member has a second shape,

wherein the first shape is different from the second shape, and

wherein the first aperture is configured to fit the first shape.

8. The flame arrester replacement apparatus of claim 1 ,

wherein the second inlet support member has a first shape,

wherein the second outlet support member has a second shape, wherein the first shape is different from the second shape, and wherein the second aperture is configured to fit the first shape.