Safety inerting equipment

Abstract

This invention relates to an inerting device for inerting a working volume in a chemical production plant by rinsing with an inert gas, wherein the chemical production plant includes a plant-wide inert gas distribution system having a pipe for distributing the inert gas and at least one inert gas discharge point connectable to a connecting conduit. According to the invention, a connecting conduit between the inerting device and the working volume is irreversibly detachably connected at its end closest to the working volume to an intermediate member, wherein the intermediate member is reversibly detachably connected to a mating member disposed on the working volume.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a safety inerting device for inerting working volumes in a chemical production plant by flushing with an inert gas, wherein the chemical production plant includes a plant-wide inert gas distribution system having pipes for distributing the inert gas and at least one inert gas discharge point, the at least one inert gas discharge point being connectable to a connecting conduit, and the inerting device being connectable to the at least one inert gas discharge point. The invention further provides specific uses for the inerting device. Background Technology

[0002] In the chemical industry, the term inerting of working volumes refers to the introduction of an inert substance, typically using gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, rare gases, or water vapor. Examples of large working volumes that can be present in the chemical industry and are often required to be inerted include containers, tanks, reactors, pipes, compressor stages, pumps, and separation towers (such as absorption or distillation towers) used to perform thermal separation processes.

[0003] The purpose here is to alter safety-related parameters of the material or mixture of materials present in the working volume in order to, for example, prevent an explosive atmosphere in the working volume or prevent undesirable changes in the properties of the present material or mixture of materials or the working volume itself (e.g., due to corrosion). For this purpose, for example, the concentration of an undesirable or hazardous gas (typically oxygen) is brought below a limit concentration below which no harmful or hazardous effects occur. This can be achieved, for example, by binding oxygen to an adsorbent selective for oxygen, but it is more common to partially or completely replace oxygen by introducing a gas that does not react with respect to an undesirable chemical reaction (an inert gas) into the working volume. The introduction can be continuous or intermittent, depending on the oxygen concentration measured in the working volume. Occasional treatments using inert gases can also be performed in cases of specific operating conditions or changes in operation at a chemical production plant, or in cases of plant shutdown during maintenance or repair work (where plant parts have previously been exposed to ambient air to allow maintenance personnel access to the area). European patent application EP 1 913 980 A1 describes a corresponding inerting device with safety features.

[0004] In the case of inert gas sealing, the gas space above the stored product in the tank or reactor is filled with inert gas to prevent the contents from exploding, to prevent oxygen-related degradation processes or polymerization reactions, or to prevent corrosion of the product. Sealing systems are typically designed to operate at pressures above atmospheric pressure and thus prevent ambient air from entering the container.

[0005] Nitrogen is the most commonly used inert gas for economic reasons and due to its availability. Many chemical production plants, particularly petrochemical, industrial, or refining plants, are equipped with plant-wide or site-wide inert gas distribution systems. These systems include pipes for distributing inert gases and inert gas discharge points, which can be connected to the working volume to be inerted via connecting conduits. These connecting conduits are typically made flexible to allow for easy connection between the working volume and the inert gas distribution system, and are connected to the inert gas distribution system via a pressure reducer or simple discharge valve, by which the inert gas volume flow rate can be set. Additionally, check valves may be present to prevent contaminating gases from flowing back into the inert gas distribution system.

[0006] The use of polymer hoses (e.g., rubber hoses) as connecting conduits is common. However, a drawback here is that the pressure resistance of such hoses is significantly limited, for example, to a maximum of 10 bar. Consequently, these hoses can rupture relatively quickly in case of misuse, resulting in the potential release of flammable or toxic process media from the working volume to be inerted.

[0007] As automation increases in chemical production plants, the number of operators is decreasing. Operational resets (known as turnarounds) or maintenance of machines or other equipment are becoming increasingly longer. As a result, the remaining, numerically limited personnel must perform more work during operational resets or machine maintenance, and are less experienced due to the lower frequency of such particular plant conditions. This can lead to improper handling during inerting and potentially hazardous situations. This is exacerbated by the fact that inerting of working volumes (e.g., by rinsing with nitrogen as the inerting gas) is often performed using conduits without shut-off or check valves, resulting in the potential for improper handling and unintended overfilling of containers or backflow of contaminants into the inerting gas distribution system.

[0008] The connecting conduit used for inerting must be separated from the inerting working volume before (re)starting the production plant. This is easily overlooked for the reasons mentioned above. Therefore, when the connecting conduit (e.g., a polymer hose) remains connected to the working volume present in the production plant, the design pressure of the conduit may be exceeded during restart, potentially causing it to rupture. As a result, hazardous operating media may be released into the surrounding environment. This problem is further exacerbated by the fact that the process gases flowing into the conduit are typically at high temperatures, while flexible polymer hoses are only permitted for gases at ambient temperature.

[0009] On the other hand, if the pressure in the working volume is not high enough to cause such a rupture, contamination of the inert gas stock in the inert gas distribution system may still occur due to backflow, which is also undesirable. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an inerting device for inerting the working volume of a chemical production plant by rinsing with an inert gas, the device having none of the disadvantages of the prior art described above.

[0011] This objective is achieved in the first aspect by an inerting device having the features described below. Specifically, the first aspect relates to an inerting device for inerting working volumes in a chemical production plant by rinsing with an inert gas, wherein the chemical production plant includes a plant-wide inert gas distribution system having pipes for distributing the inert gas and at least one inert gas discharge point capable of being connected to a connecting conduit. The inerting device includes the following components and parts that are fluidly connected to each other: (a) A gas distributor and a first connecting conduit having a first connecting device, the first connecting conduit being adapted to establish an airtight connection between the gas distributor and the discharge location of the inert gas distribution system within the plant area. (b) A second connecting conduit having a second connecting device, the second connecting conduit being adapted to connect the gas distributor to the working volume to be inerted. (c) A third connecting conduit having a third connecting device, the third connecting conduit being adapted to connect the gas distributor to the exhaust gas treatment equipment. Its features are, The second connecting conduit is connected to the intermediate component at its end closest to the working volume, preferably in an irreversible manner, wherein the intermediate component is reversibly detachable to the mating component disposed on the working volume, wherein the intermediate component and the mating component, in the connected state, form a fourth connecting device that allows inert gas to flow into the working volume, and wherein the second connecting conduit and / or the fourth connecting device includes an anti-backflow device.

[0012] Further embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the inerting apparatus described in aspects two through eleven below. The invention further provides specific uses for such inerting apparatus.

[0013] For the purposes of this invention, a working volume, particularly a working volume in a chemical production plant, is a space defined by or potentially defined by a wall, having a certain volume, and capable of being closed off in terms of the entry or exit of material flow. This space is used, for example, for performing chemical reactions, thermal separation operations, transporting or storing materials. Examples of such working volumes in chemical production plants are containers, tanks, reactors, pipes, compressors, compressor stages, pumps, distillation columns, and absorption columns.

[0014] For the purposes of this invention, a fluid connection between two regions of the device of this invention is any type of connection that makes it possible for a fluid (e.g., a gas flow) to flow from one region to the other, regardless of any insertion area or component located between them. In particular, a direct fluid connection is any type of connection that makes it possible for a fluid (e.g., a gas flow) to flow directly from one region to the other, without any additional region or component located between them. An example is a pipe or hose conduit that connects directly from one region to the other.

[0015] For the purposes of this invention, a device is something that enables or helps to achieve the objectives. In particular, a device for performing a particular process step is any physical object that a person skilled in the art would consider in order to perform that process step. For example, a device that a person skilled in the art would consider for introducing or discharging a material flow includes any transport and conveying equipment that, to the knowledge of such a person in the art, seems necessary or reasonable to perform that process step, i.e., pipes, pumps, compressors, valves, etc.

[0016] For the purposes of this invention, the connecting device is a two-part physical article used to establish a direct fluid connection between two regions. This two-part physical article consists of a component and a mating component that can be connected thereto. When the connecting device has a construction that prevents gas from leaving the connecting device and entering the surrounding environment, or prevents gas from flowing from the surrounding environment into the connecting device, this is called an airtight connection. The surrounding environment can be, for example, the ambient atmosphere.

[0017] For the purposes of this invention, the statement that two entities (e.g., components of a connecting device) can be reversibly disassembled means that the two entities can be separated purely mechanically without damage (i.e., without overcoming chemical bonding forces) and reconnected purely mechanically. For this reason, this type of connection specifically encompasses positive locking methods and frictional joining methods. Positive locking connections are established by the shape of the entities to be connected. Frictional connections are held together by frictional force. Examples of reversibly disassembled connections include insertion, screw connections, clamping, and riveting connections, because although the rivets must be destroyed for separation, the connecting components are not essential.

[0018] Conversely, a statement that two entities (e.g., components of a connecting device) cannot be reversibly disassembled implies that chemical bonding forces must be overcome to release the connection, resulting in at least some damage to the connecting materials. This type of connection is also called intermaterial bonding, which creates a bond within the materials themselves. Such connections include welding and brazing, as well as adhesive bonding. The characteristic here is that when re-establishing a connection between previously separated entities, auxiliary tools such as welding devices, solder, or adhesives need to be reapplied.

[0019] The statement that two entities (such as components of a connecting device) are interlocked in a mechanically complementary manner means that the two entities are configured in terms of their shape such that they can be connected by inserting into each other and rotating in opposite directions, and also separated again. An example is a key and lock or bayonet connection.

[0020] A check valve is a mechanical component that allows fluid (i.e., liquid or gas) to flow in only one direction. In the case of a spring-loaded check valve, the closing element is closed in one direction by the spring, but opened in the other direction by the pressure of the flowing fluid. Here, a ball, cone, vane, or diaphragm is pressed into a corresponding seat of the seal. If a pressure is applied in the delivery direction that overcomes the restoring force of the spring, the sealing element will lift off the seat, and the opening will be free. In the case of a check valve without a spring, the sealing element is pressed into the seat of the seal by gravity or the flow pressure of the flowing fluid.

[0021] For the purposes of this invention, the waste gas treatment equipment is a device that operates based on the principle of waste gas after-treatment or waste gas purification. The waste gas treatment equipment also includes devices, such as pipes, for discharging waste gas from its point of generation and supplying it to waste gas after-treatment or waste gas purification. For example, in a flare system, combustion is generally a suitable treatment method for flammable waste gases. In the case of less concerned waste gas types, release into the environment via a chimney may also be a suitable treatment method, provided that statutory emission limits are complied.

[0022] The present invention is based on the concept that a second connecting conduit (i.e., the connecting conduit between the inerting device and the working volume to be inerted) is connected to an intermediate member at its end closest to the working volume, preferably in an irreversibly detachable manner, wherein the intermediate member can be reversibly detachably connected to a mating member disposed on the working volume. This preferably irreversibly detachable connection between the connecting conduit and the intermediate member prevents the intermediate member from being easily removed from the connecting conduit and the connecting conduit from being used for incorrect purposes. On the other hand, the connection between the working volume and the intermediate member is configured to be reversibly detachable, such that the connection between the working volume and the intermediate member can be established easily, optionally even without the use of specific tools, and can be released again after inerting is performed. Advantageously, the intermediate member and the mating member engage with each other in a mechanically complementary manner and thus form a connecting device in the connected state. Further advantageously, the intermediate member and the mating member engage with each other in a mechanically complementary manner and thus form a connecting device in the connected state, wherein only the formation of the connecting device allows inert gas to flow into the working volume. In other words, inert gas flow is impossible in this configuration when the intermediate member and the mating member are separated.

[0023] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the intermediate component and / or connecting conduit have an anti-backflow device between the inerting device and the working volume to be inerted. This prevents the operating medium from flowing into the inerting device if the working volume is accidentally connected to the inerting device during operation, for example, because it was forgotten to disconnect.

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the present invention

[0025] A second aspect of the device of the present invention is characterized in that the fourth connecting device, particularly the intermediate member, is configured such that inert gas can flow into the working volume only in the connected state. This can be achieved, for example, by equipping the intermediate member with a spring-loaded stop vane that blocks the gas path through the conduit connected to the intermediate member when the intermediate member is disconnected. A mandrel can be mounted on a mating member connected to the working volume such that when a connection is established between the intermediate member and the mating member, the mandrel pushes the stop vane inward, thus opening the gas path. This prevents the escape of inert gas in the disconnected state and further reduces the possibility of improper use of the inerting device. Furthermore, this prevents overpressure buildup in the second connecting conduit due to the operating medium flowing back into it, which could cause a sudden drop in pressure and uncontrolled whip-like movement of the second connecting conduit when the connection between the intermediate member and the mating member is disengaged, potentially leading to operator injury.

[0026] A third aspect of the device of the present invention is that the second connecting conduit is mechanically flexible, particularly bendable. Since the available space for installing inerting equipment in chemical plants is typically very limited, this facilitates establishing a connection between the inerting equipment and the working volume in different local environments and locations. The material and mechanical properties of the mechanically flexible, particularly bendable, second connecting conduit should preferably be selected to be compatible with inert gases and their pressures and temperatures. To ensure maximum operational safety, in the event of accidental backflow of the operating medium from the working volume into the second connecting conduit, it is also preferable to ensure the stability of the second connecting conduit to the type of operating medium and, within reasonable limits, the pressure and temperature of the operating medium.

[0027] A fourth aspect of the device of the present invention is that the second connecting conduit is configured as a polymer hose, a metal fiber-reinforced polymer hose, or a metal tube. These materials are readily available commercially. Metal fiber-reinforced polymer hoses or metal tubes can also withstand higher pressures than pure polymer hoses or polymer hoses reinforced with fabric, mineral fiber, or polymer fabric.

[0028] A fifth aspect of the device of the present invention is characterized in that the intermediate member and the mating member are mechanically complementary in their engagement, and thus form the fourth connecting device in this connected state, wherein the intermediate member and the mating member have a configuration selected from the group consisting of: Keys and locks, bayonet connections, external and internal threads as left-hand threads. The intermediate and mating components are configured to connect airtightly by being placed together and rotated. This further reduces the possibility of improper use of the inerting device.

[0029] A sixth aspect of the device of the present invention is that the anti-backflow device is configured as a check valve. Check valves are commercially available in many configurations, making it easy to find a suitable check valve for use in the device of the present invention. Examples include check vanes or one-way valves.

[0030] A seventh aspect of the device of the present invention is that the anti-backflow device is configured to withstand the gas atmosphere in the working volume for a predetermined maximum time at its maximum pressure and highest temperature. In this way, damage or destruction to the inerting device and the entry of the operating medium into the surrounding environment are prevented if the working volume is accidentally still connected to the inerting device at the start of operation, for example, due to forgetting to disconnect it. The predetermined maximum time should be determined according to the actual conditions of the working volume. Those skilled in the art can determine the predetermined maximum time through appropriate routine testing.

[0031] An eighth aspect of the device of the present invention is characterized in that the second connecting conduit and / or the fourth connecting device includes an overpressure relief device having a discharge conduit adapted to hermetically connect the overpressure relief device to the exhaust gas treatment equipment. Once the overpressure relief device is actuated in the event of overpressure, a suitable gas path into the exhaust gas treatment equipment (e.g., a flare system) is opened, allowing operating media, for example, that has accidentally entered an inerting device, to be safely discharged from the working volume and treated. This prevents further accumulation of overpressure in the second connecting conduit, which could otherwise lead to the rupture of the second connecting conduit.

[0032] A ninth aspect of the device of the present invention is characterized in that the overpressure relief device includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a rupture disc, a mechanical overpressure valve, and a pneumatic or electromagnetically actuated valve controlled by a pressure sensor, which sends an electronic control signal to the valve based on a measured pressure value. Suitable overpressure relief devices are commercially available in many configurations, making it easy to find overpressure relief devices suitable for use in the device of the present invention. The pressure sensor is preferably equipped with a local pressure indicator, allowing the operator to check whether the second connecting conduit is below atmospheric pressure before the connection between the second connecting conduit and the working volume is released. Furthermore, it is preferred that an alarm in the process control system is activated by the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor when the measured pressure value is greater than the pressure of the inert gas in the inert gas distribution system and the second connecting conduit is still connected to the working volume. This alarm can preferably be used to prevent the start-up of the working volume, provided that both alarm criteria are met.

[0033] A tenth aspect of the device of the present invention is that the first connecting conduit and / or the first connecting device includes an anti-backflow device. This anti-backflow device may also be configured as a check valve. In this way, the accidental intrusion of the operating medium from the working volume into the inert gas distribution system can be further prevented.

[0034] The eleventh aspect of the device of the present invention is characterized in that the third connecting conduit and / or the third connecting device has an overpressure relief device. In this way, any gas backflow from the working volume can be reliably transferred to the waste gas treatment device.

[0035] A specific aspect of the invention provides the use of the inerting apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects above for inerting working volumes in a chemical production plant, wherein the chemical production plant is selected from the group consisting of: refineries, petrochemical plants, syngas production plants, and air fractionation plants. In the aforementioned production plants, there are many working volumes containing flammable, ignition-promoting, explosive, or toxic operating media.

[0036] Another specific aspect of the invention provides the use of the inerting apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects above for inerting working volumes in a chemical production plant, wherein the working volume is selected from the group consisting of: containers, storage tanks, reactors, pipes, compressors, compressor stages, pumps, distillation columns, and absorption columns. During changes in operating modes, as well as during start-up and shutdown of chemical production plants, it is generally necessary to inert the aforementioned working volumes and thus keep them in a safe state.

[0037] Another specific aspect of the invention provides the use of the inerting apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects above for inerting working volumes in a chemical production plant, wherein at least one inert gas selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, oxygen-deficient air, and mixtures of at least two of the above gases are used. In particular, nitrogen is generally preferred as an inert gas due to its good availability and low reactivity.

[0038] Work Example

[0039] Further developments, advantages, and possible uses of the invention will become apparent from the following examples of work and the accompanying drawings. All features described and / or depicted constitute the invention, either alone or in any combination thereof, regardless of how they are combined in implementation or in reverse reference therein.

[0040] A single attached figure shows: Figure 1 An example of the operation of the inerting device according to the present invention.

[0041] In such Figure 1 In the operational example of the inerting device according to the invention shown, nitrogen is supplied as an inert gas in a chemical production plant via conduit 10, which represents a part of an inert gas distribution system within a plant-wide area. Conduit 10 is connected to an inert gas discharge location, which includes conduit 12 and a valve arranged in a conduction path 12. Gas distributor 20 is hermetically connected to the inert gas discharge location of the inert gas distribution system via a first connecting device 14, a first connecting conduit 16, a valve arranged in the conduction path 16, and a connecting device 18.

[0042] Gas distributor 20 does not require any specific configuration; commercially available or easily manufactured connectors can be used, such as pipe connection T-joints or cross-joints. In the latter case, additional gas paths are available. On the other hand, configuring the gas distributor as a container with appropriate connections facilitates the advantages of connecting conduits, as the inherently larger volume compared to pure pipe connections dampes pressure fluctuations or pressure pulses in the connecting conduits to a greater extent.

[0043] Gas distributor 20 is connected to anti-backflow device 26 via second connection device 22, second connection conduit 24 and valve arranged in conduction path 24. In this example, anti-backflow device is configured to have a backflow vane and to open the gas path only away from the gas distributor and close the gas path in the direction toward the gas distributor.

[0044] The anti-backflow device is connected to the intermediate member 30 via another conduit 28, which is connected to the mating member 32 by form locking and friction. This is in Figure 1 The intermediate component and the mating component are represented by process symbols that are part of a valve, and they are assembled together due to their shapes (as shown by the symbol <<). For example, the intermediate component and the mating component can be configured as bayonet-connected corresponding parts that engage with each other in a mechanically complementary manner and can be reversibly disassembled by being placed together and rotated. The intermediate component and the mating component then form a fourth connecting device.

[0045] The mating part 32 is hermetically connected to the working volume, which in this case is a container 50 to be inerted. The container 50 is connected to the feed conduit via a connecting device 54, a conduit 52, and a valve arranged in the conduction path 52, and to the discharge conduit for the operating medium via a connecting device 56, a conduit 58, and a valve arranged in the conduction path 58. During the inerting operation, nitrogen gas, as an inert gas, flows into the container 50 via a fourth connecting device. The resulting flushing gas is discharged from the container 50 via conduit 58 and supplied to a waste gas treatment device (not shown). During inerting, the conduction path 52 (indicated by a solid black valve symbol) is closed by shutting down the appropriate valve.

[0046] The gas distributor 20 is also airtightly connected to an exhaust gas treatment device (not shown) via a third connecting device 40, a third connecting conduit 42, and a spring-loaded safety valve 44 arranged in the conduction path 42. If, before restarting the working volume after inerting is completed, the connection between the gas distributor and the working volume is forgotten by disconnecting the connection between the intermediate part and the mating part, the operating medium may flow into the inerting device if only the anti-backflow device has sufficient closing effect in the backflow direction, for example, because the anti-backflow device has leaked due to the hot operating medium and therefore only performs its function insufficiently. In this case, by properly setting the safety valve 44, the gas path into the exhaust gas treatment device via the third connecting conduit 42 is opened, and thus the operating medium entering the inerting device is safely treated. In this case, it is also advantageous to close the gas path via the first connecting conduit by means of the anti-backflow device, which is also installed in this connecting conduit but not shown, to prevent the operating medium from flowing back into the conduit 10 and thus prevent contamination of the inert gas.

[0047] The following explanation is in Figure 1 Further advantageous embodiments of the inerting apparatus of the present invention, not shown in the figures, are available. They can be used with... Figure 1 The above-described examples of working combinations can also be combined with each other, unless a person skilled in the art excludes a particular combination that is not useful or impossible.

[0048] exist Figure 1 Another advantageous embodiment of the inerting device of the present invention, not shown in the figure, provides a fourth connecting device, particularly an intermediate member, configured such that inert gas can flow into the working volume only in the connected state. This can be achieved, for example, by equipping the intermediate member with a spring-loaded shut-off flap that closes the gas path through the conduit connected to the intermediate member in the disassembled state. A mandrel can then be mounted on a mating member connected to the working volume so that when a connection is established between the intermediate member and the mating member, the mandrel presses the shut-off flap inward, thus opening the gas path. This prevents the escape of inert gas in the disconnected state and further reduces the possibility of improper use of the inerting device.

[0049] exist Figure 1 Another advantageous embodiment of the inerting device of the present invention, not shown in the figure, provides that the second connecting conduit is mechanically flexible, particularly bendable. Since space for installing inerting devices in chemical plants is typically very limited, this facilitates establishing connections between the inerting device and the working volume in different local environments and locations.

[0050] exist Figure 1 Another advantageous embodiment of the inerting device of the invention, not shown in the figure, provides a second connecting conduit configured as a polymer hose, a metal fiber-reinforced polymer hose, or a metal tube. These materials are readily available commercially. Metal fiber-reinforced polymer hoses or metal tubes can also withstand higher pressures than pure polymer hoses or those with fabric reinforcement, mineral fiber reinforcement, or polymer fabric reinforcement.

[0051] exist Figure 1 Another advantageous embodiment of the inerting device of the present invention, not shown in the figure, provides that the intermediate and mating components have a configuration selected from the group consisting of: Keys and locks, bayonet connections, external and internal threads as left-hand threads. The intermediate component and the mating component are configured such that they can be hermetically connected by being placed together and rotated. The intermediate component includes a shut-off device for the inert gas flow, which opens upon rotation, thus opening the inert gas path. This prevents the escape of inert gas when disconnected and further reduces the possibility of improper use of the inerting equipment.

[0052] exist Figure 1 Another advantageous embodiment of the inerting device of the present invention, not shown in the figure, provides an anti-backflow device configured as a check valve. Check valves are commercially available in many embodiments, making it easy to find check valves suitable for use in the device of the present invention. Examples include check vanes or one-way valves.

[0053] exist Figure 1 Another advantageous embodiment of the inerting apparatus of the present invention, not illustrated, provides backflow prevention devices and / or shut-off devices configured such that they withstand the gas atmosphere in the working volume for a predetermined maximum time at their maximum pressure and highest temperature. In this way, damage or destruction to the inerting apparatus and the entry of the operating medium into the surrounding environment are prevented if the working volume is accidentally connected to the inerting apparatus during startup, for example, due to forgetting to disconnect it. The predetermined maximum time should be determined based on the actual conditions of the working volume. Those skilled in the art can determine the predetermined maximum time through appropriate routine testing.

[0054] exist Figure 1 Another advantageous embodiment of the inerting device of the invention, not illustrated, provides a second connecting conduit and / or a fourth connecting device including an overpressure relief device with a discharge conduit adapted to connect the overpressure relief device in a hermetically sealed manner to the exhaust gas treatment equipment. Once the overpressure relief device is actuated in the event of overpressure, a suitable gas path into the exhaust gas treatment equipment (e.g., a flare system) is opened, allowing operating media, for example, that has accidentally intruded into the inerting device, to be safely discharged from the working volume and treated. This prevents further overpressure buildup in the second connecting conduit, which could otherwise lead to its rupture.

[0055] exist Figure 1 Another advantageous embodiment of the inerting device of the present invention, not illustrated, provides an overpressure relief device comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a rupture disc, a mechanical overpressure valve, and a pneumatically or electromagnetically actuated valve controlled by a pressure sensor that sends an electronic control signal to the valve based on a measured pressure value. Suitable overpressure relief devices are commercially available in many configurations, making it easy to find overpressure relief devices suitable for use with the device of the present invention.

[0056] exist Figure 1 Another advantageous embodiment of the inerting apparatus of the present invention, not shown in the figure, provides a first connecting conduit and / or a first connecting device including an anti-backflow device. This anti-backflow device may also be configured as a backflow valve. In this way, the accidental intrusion of the operating medium from the working volume into the inert gas distribution system can be further prevented.

[0057] List of reference numerals

[0058]

[10] Catheter

[0059]

[12] Conduit with valve

[0060]

[14] Connecting device (first connecting device)

[0061]

[16] A conduit with a valve (first connecting conduit)

[0062]

[18] Connecting device

[0063]

[20] Gas distributor

[0064]

[22] Connecting device (second connecting device)

[0065]

[24] A conduit with a valve (second connecting conduit)

[0066]

[26] Anti-backflow device

[0067]

[28] Catheter

[0068]

[30] Middleware

[0069]

[32] Pairing parts

[0070]

[40] Connecting device (third connecting device)

[0071]

[42] Catheter (Third connecting catheter)

[0072]

[44] Safety valve

[0073]

[50] Container (working volume)

[0074]

[52] Conduit with valve

[0075]

[54] Connecting device

[0076]

[56] Connecting device

[0077]

[58] Conduit with valve

Claims

1. An inerting device for inerting working volumes in a chemical production plant by rinsing with an inert gas, wherein, The chemical production plant includes a plant-wide inert gas distribution system having pipes for distributing the inert gas and at least one inert gas discharge point, which can be connected to a connecting conduit. The inerting device includes the following components and parts that are fluidly connected to each other: (a) A gas distributor and a first connecting conduit having a first connecting device, the first connecting conduit being adapted to establish an airtight connection between the gas distributor and the discharge location of the inert gas distribution system within the plant area. (b) A second connecting conduit having a second connecting device, the second connecting conduit being adapted to connect the gas distributor to the working volume to be inerted. (c) A third connecting conduit having a third connecting device, the third connecting conduit being adapted to connect the gas distributor to the exhaust gas treatment equipment. Its features are, The second connecting conduit is connected to an intermediate member at its end closest to the working volume, wherein the intermediate member can be reversibly detachably connected to a mating member disposed on the working volume, wherein the intermediate member and the mating member, in the connected state, form a fourth connecting device that allows inert gas to flow into the working volume, and wherein the second connecting conduit and / or the fourth connecting device includes an anti-backflow device. The fourth connection is configured such that inert gas can flow into the working volume only in this connection state.

2. The inerting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connecting conduit is mechanically flexible.

3. The inerting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second connecting conduit is configured as a polymer hose, a metal fiber reinforced polymer hose, or a metal tube.

4. The inerting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The intermediate component and the mating component engage with each other in a mechanically complementary manner, and thus form the fourth connection device in the connected state, wherein the intermediate component and the mating component have a configuration selected from the group consisting of: The key and lock, bayonet connection, external and internal threads as left-hand threads, wherein the intermediate part and the mating part are configured such that they can be airtightly connected by being placed together and rotated.

5. The inerting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The backflow prevention device is configured with a backflow valve.

6. The inerting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The anti-backflow device is configured to withstand the gas atmosphere in the working volume for a predetermined maximum time at its maximum pressure and highest temperature.

7. The inerting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second connecting conduit and / or the fourth connecting device includes an overpressure relief device with a discharge conduit, wherein the discharge conduit is adapted to airtightly connect the overpressure relief device to the exhaust gas treatment equipment.

8. The inerting device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The overpressure relief device includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a rupture disc, a mechanical overpressure valve, and a pneumatic or electromagnetically actuated valve controlled by a pressure sensor that sends an electronic control signal to the valve based on a measured pressure value.

9. The inerting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first connecting conduit and / or the first connecting device includes an anti-backflow device.

10. The inerting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The third connecting conduit and / or the third connecting device includes an overpressure relief device.

11. The inerting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connecting conduit is irreversibly detached from the intermediate component at its end closest to the working volume.

12. The inerting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second connecting conduit is mechanically flexible.

13. The use of the inerting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for inerting working volumes in a chemical production plant, wherein, The chemical production plant is selected from the following group: Refining plants, petrochemical plants, syngas production plants, and air fractionation plants.

14. The use of the inerting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for inerting working volumes in a chemical production plant, wherein, The working volume is selected from the following group: container, storage tank, reactor, pipe, compressor, compressor stage, pump, distillation column, absorption column.

15. The use of the inerting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for inerting working volumes in a chemical production plant, wherein, Use at least one inert gas selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, oxygen-deficient air, and a mixture of at least two of the above gases.

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