Safety strengthening type partition valve box for offshore booster station

By integrating manual, electric, and mechanical starting methods into the partition valve box, the problems of the traditional partition valve box's single starting method and difficulty in debugging and testing are solved, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the offshore booster station and ensuring the stable and safe operation of the system in different scenarios.

CN121944463APending Publication Date: 2026-05-01SHENGDONG RUDONG OFFSHORE WIND POWER CO LTD +3
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SHENGDONG RUDONG OFFSHORE WIND POWER CO LTD
Filing Date
2024-10-30
Publication Date
2026-05-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional zoned valve boxes have a single start-up method, lack flexibility, are difficult to debug and test, and cannot respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, affecting system stability and safety.

Method used

Design a safety-enhanced zoned valve box for offshore substations, integrating manual ball valves, electric ball valves, maintenance ball valves, pressure gauges, electrical control boxes, and mechanical emergency operation devices. It supports automatic, manual, and mechanical start-up modes, is made of 316L stainless steel, and is equipped with a transparent window and protective cover, providing real-time monitoring and emergency control functions.

Benefits of technology

It enables flexible control in different scenarios, improves the safety and reliability of the system, ensures stable operation in case of automation system failure or emergency, simplifies the debugging and testing process, and reduces operation and maintenance costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of fire fighting equipment, in particular to a safety strengthening type partition valve box for an offshore booster station. Comprising a box; a pipeline and an electric control box are arranged in the box body; a manual ball valve, a maintenance ball valve, a pressure gauge and an electric ball valve are sequentially arranged on the pipeline; the manual ball valve, the maintenance ball valve, the pressure gauge and the electric ball valve are all communicated with the pipeline; the electric ball valve, the manual ball valve and the maintenance ball valve are all connected with the electric control box; a mechanical emergency operation device communicated with the pipeline is arranged on the pipeline; the pressure gauge is connected with the electric control box through a pressure switch; a water drain valve is arranged on the pipeline; one end of the water drain valve is communicated with the pipeline, and the other end extends out of the box body; the manual ball valve, the maintenance ball valve and the electric ball valve are all connected with the test device; the fault rate of the system can be reduced, the overall safety and reliability of the system are improved, and stable operation of the offshore booster station pipeline system and safety of personnel and equipment are ensured.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fire protection equipment technology, and in particular to a safety-enhanced zone valve box for offshore booster stations. Background Technology

[0002] In current industrial automation and fire protection systems, zone valve boxes play a crucial role as core equipment for controlling fluid flow, in fields such as chemical, energy, metallurgy, and environmental protection. In chemical processes, zone valve boxes control the flow of chemical raw materials and products, ensuring the stability and safety of the production process. In the energy sector, they can control the transmission and distribution of energy sources such as natural gas and oil. In fire protection systems, they can quickly respond to fire alarms, control the flow of water or gas, and facilitate fire extinguishing and rescue operations. Their performance directly affects the stability and safety of the entire system, thus impacting production efficiency and personnel safety. However, traditional zone valve boxes have revealed a series of problems in practical applications, limiting their widespread application and efficient operation in real-world scenarios.

[0003] First, traditional zone control valve boxes have a single, inflexible activation method. Many zone control valve boxes only support a single activation method, such as automatic or manual control. This design makes the valve box unsuitable for different usage scenarios, limiting its application scope. For example, in some emergency situations, it may be necessary to quickly switch the valve box's activation method to deal with sudden situations, but traditional valve boxes often cannot meet this requirement. Furthermore, traditional zone control valve boxes also present difficulties in commissioning and testing. Due to the lack of convenient commissioning and testing devices, system maintenance and troubleshooting become complex and time-consuming. This not only increases operation and maintenance costs but may also affect the normal operation of the system. In practical applications, commissioning and testing often require specialized technicians, which not only raises the operation and maintenance threshold but also limits the popularization and application of valve boxes. More seriously, traditional zone control valve boxes often cannot intervene quickly and effectively in the face of emergencies or system failures. This may lead to system paralysis or safety accidents, causing huge losses to personnel and property. For example, in fire protection systems, if the zone control valve box cannot respond to fire alarms and control fluid flow in a timely manner, it will seriously affect the fire extinguishing effect and may even lead to the spread of fire. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of the prior art and provide a safety-enhanced partition valve box for offshore substations, which can reduce the system failure rate and improve the overall safety and reliability of the system.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution: This invention provides a safety-enhanced zoned valve box for an offshore substation, comprising a box body; pipes and an electrical control box are installed inside the box body; a manual ball valve, a maintenance ball valve, a pressure gauge, and an electric ball valve are sequentially installed on the pipes; the manual ball valve, maintenance ball valve, pressure gauge, and electric ball valve are all connected to the pipes; the electric ball valve, manual ball valve, and maintenance ball valve are all connected to the electrical control box; a mechanical emergency operating device connected to the pipes is installed on the pipes; the pressure gauge is connected to the electrical control box via a pressure switch; a drain valve is installed on the pipes; one end of the drain valve is connected to the pipes, and the other end extends out of the box body; the manual ball valve, maintenance ball valve, and electric ball valve are all connected to a testing device; the electrical control box is connected to the central control system of the offshore substation.

[0006] Preferably, the housing, pipes, and ball valve are all made of 316L stainless steel.

[0007] Preferably, the inner wall of the box is provided with a heat insulation layer.

[0008] Preferably, the housing is provided with a transparent window.

[0009] Preferably, the outer surface of the enclosure is provided with a protective cover with a waterproof and dustproof rating of IP65.

[0010] Preferably, the bottom of the housing is provided with height-adjustable support feet; the bottom of the support feet is decorated with patterns.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: In normal operation mode, based on pressure gauge data and real-time monitoring, the electrical control box intelligently controls the opening and closing of the electric ball valve, achieving precise regulation and transportation of the medium within the pipeline. When the automatic control system is temporarily unavailable due to malfunction or maintenance, the manual control system becomes the alternative. Operators can directly operate the manual ball valve to flexibly control the pipeline, ensuring that the system maintains a certain degree of controllability even in the event of automatic control system failure. This invention also introduces a mechanical emergency operation device as the ultimate guarantee when both automatic and manual controls fail. It requires no electricity or other external energy support and can quickly and reliably open or close the pipeline in emergency situations. By integrating three start-up methods, this invention not only meets the usage needs of different scenarios but also constructs a multi-layered safety assurance system. Whether in normal operation, automatic system failure, or extreme emergency situations, it ensures the stable operation of the pipeline system and the safety of personnel and equipment. This invention also includes a testing device with a compact structure and simple operation, capable of quickly and accurately detecting key parameters such as valve sealing, switching flexibility, and system pressure, facilitating system debugging and troubleshooting. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a safety-enhanced partitioned valve box for an offshore substation according to the present invention.

[0014] In the diagram, 1-box; 2-pressure gauge; 3-electric ball valve; 4-manual ball valve; 5-maintenance ball valve; 6-electric control box. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0016] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0017] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0018] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "horizontal," or "inner" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of the invention is in use, they are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0019] Furthermore, the use of the term "horizontal" does not imply that the component must be absolutely horizontal, but rather that it can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0020] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0021] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings: This invention provides a safety-enhanced partition valve box for offshore booster stations, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the device includes a housing 1; the housing 1 contains pipes and an electrical control box 6; a manual ball valve 4, a maintenance ball valve 5, a pressure gauge 2, and an electric ball valve 3 are sequentially installed on the pipes; the manual ball valve 4, maintenance ball valve 5, pressure gauge 2, and electric ball valve 3 are all connected to the pipes; the pressure gauge 2, electric ball valve 3, manual ball valve 4, and maintenance ball valve 5 are all connected to the electrical control box 6; a mechanical emergency operation device connected to the pipes is installed on the pipes.

[0022] Box 1 is the main structure of the entire zone valve box, used to house and protect key components such as internal pipes, ball valves, and electrical control box 6. The pipes are the channels for fluid transmission, responsible for delivering fluid from the turbofan cannon to the fire extinguishing device. Within the zone valve box, the pipes connect key components such as manual ball valve 4, maintenance ball valve 5, pressure gauge 2, and electric ball valve 3, forming a complete fluid control system. Manual ball valve 4 is used to manually control the opening and closing of the fluid in the pipes. In case of emergency fluid shut-off or maintenance, operators can quickly cut off the fluid passage using manual ball valve 4; the addition of manual ball valve 4 improves the system's flexibility and reliability. In emergencies, operators can take swift action to prevent accidents, improving the system's safety and reliability. Maintenance ball valve 5 is used to isolate the fluid in the pipes when maintenance or repair is needed, allowing operators to perform maintenance or replacement of certain pipes or components without affecting the entire system. Maintenance ball valve 5 improves the system's maintainability and reliability; by isolating a portion of the pipes, operators can perform maintenance work more safely and efficiently. Pressure gauge 2 is used to monitor the fluid pressure in the pipes in real time. It can convert fluid pressure values ​​into visual readings, helping operators understand the system's operating status; pressure gauge 2 improves the system's safety and controllability. By monitoring fluid pressure in real time, operators can promptly detect and handle abnormal situations, preventing accidents. Electric ball valve 3 is used for remote control of fluid opening and closing. Through commands from the control box 6, electric ball valve 3 can precisely control the fluid flow rate, opening and closing status. Electric ball valve 3 improves the system's automation and controllability. Through remote control, operators can more conveniently manage the system's operating status, improving work efficiency. The control box 6 is the control center of the partition valve box, responsible for receiving external signals and controlling the operation of components such as electric ball valve 3 and pressure gauge 2; it can monitor the system's operating status and issue alarm signals in abnormal situations. The mechanical emergency operation device can quickly cut off the fluid flow in the pipeline when an abnormal situation is detected or an emergency signal is received, helping to prevent the accident from escalating and reduce losses. The valve assembly has a maximum working pressure of 1.6 MPa and an input voltage of AC 220V.

[0023] The housing 1, pipes, and ball valve are all made of 316L stainless steel. This invention utilizes 316L stainless steel as the primary material for the housing 1, pipes, and ball valve, resulting in significant advantages. This high-performance material not only possesses excellent corrosion resistance and resistance to high and low temperatures, but also ensures the purity and safety of the fluid during transmission. The high strength and pressure-bearing capacity of 316L stainless steel allow the housing 1 and pipes to withstand significant external forces and pressures, ensuring the structural stability and safety of the entire system. Simultaneously, its excellent sealing and wear resistance extend the service life of the ball valve, reducing maintenance and replacement costs due to leakage and wear. Furthermore, the smooth surface of 316L stainless steel facilitates cleaning and maintenance, contributing to the hygiene and cleanliness of the interior of the partition valve box.

[0024] The pressure gauge 2 is connected to the pressure switch and the electrical control box 6. The pressure switch can monitor the fluid pressure in the pipeline inside the housing 1 in real time to ensure that the pressure value is within the preset safety range. When the pressure exceeds or falls below the preset safety threshold, the pressure switch can automatically trigger a signal to control the opening or closing of the electric ball valve 3 through the electrical control box 6, thereby regulating the fluid pressure and preventing safety accidents caused by abnormal pressure. The electrical control box 6 is responsible for receiving the abnormal pressure signal sent by the pressure switch and sending control commands to the electric ball valve 3 to realize the function of automatic pressure regulation.

[0025] The electrical control box 6 is equipped with indicator lights, including a first indicator light, a second indicator light, and a third indicator light. These indicator lights clearly display the operating status of the electrical control box 6 and the entire zone valve box. For example, when the electrical control box 6 is working normally, the first indicator light is green; when a fault or abnormal situation occurs, the first indicator light is red to alert the operator, helping them quickly locate the problem and take appropriate measures. Simultaneously, when the electric ball valve 3 successfully opens or closes, the second indicator light will light up or turn off accordingly to confirm the effectiveness of the operation. The third indicator light displays the signal sent by the pressure switch; when the pressure value is normal, the third indicator light is green; when the pressure value exceeds the preset safety range, the third indicator light is red. The electrical control box 6 is connected to the central control system of the offshore booster station. The central control system can promptly sense the operating status of the electrical control box 6. Furthermore, once the offshore booster station detects an abnormality or potential fault, the central control system will immediately sense and control the electrical control box 6, thereby controlling the operating status of the zone valve box. This helps improve the system stability of the offshore booster station and reduces the impact of faults on the overall operation of the offshore booster station.

[0026] The inner wall of the enclosure 1 is equipped with an insulation layer. The function of this layer is to reduce heat transfer between the inside and outside of the enclosure 1, ensuring a stable internal temperature. In low-temperature environments, the insulation layer prevents the intrusion of cold air, reducing heat loss from the enclosure 1. In high-temperature environments, it blocks heat transfer from the inside to the outside, maintaining a constant internal temperature. Furthermore, when the internal temperature of the enclosure 1 is high while the external ambient temperature is low, the insulation layer effectively prevents condensation on the inner wall of the enclosure 1. Condensation not only increases internal humidity but also corrodes and damages components such as pipes and valves. The insulation layer reduces condensation, protecting the internal components of the enclosure 1, improving system stability and reliability, and ensuring normal system operation.

[0027] A drain valve is installed on the pipeline; one end of the drain valve is connected to the pipeline, and the other end extends out of the housing 1. The drain valve is used to drain excess water from the pipeline when needed, helping to prevent water accumulation and avoiding potential problems such as corrosion, freezing, or pressure rise. By timely draining water from the pipeline, the drain valve can maintain the stability and normal operation of the system. The role of the drain valve is particularly important under conditions of temperature changes or pressure fluctuations. The drain valve allows operators to quickly drain water from the pipeline when necessary, thereby reducing the risk of system failures or safety accidents caused by water accumulation. This helps improve the overall safety of the system; secondly, the presence of the drain valve makes pipeline maintenance and cleaning easier. Operators can use the drain valve to drain dirt and impurities from the pipeline, keeping the pipeline unobstructed and clean.

[0028] The enclosure 1 is equipped with a transparent window, which allows operators to directly observe the internal conditions of the enclosure 1, including pipes, valves, and fluid status. This helps operators to promptly identify and address potential problems, ensuring the normal operation of the system. Through the transparent window, operators can observe and inspect without opening the enclosure 1, avoiding potential safety risks such as electric shock or fluid leakage. Furthermore, it makes it easier for maintenance personnel to locate fault points, thus simplifying the maintenance process.

[0029] The enclosure 1 is equipped with an IP65 waterproof and dustproof protective cover. This IP65 cover effectively prevents moisture from seeping into the enclosure 1 from all directions, ensuring the interior remains dry and preventing short circuits, equipment damage, or fluid leaks caused by moisture intrusion. The cover also effectively blocks dust and other fine particles. In the industrial production environment of offshore substations, dust and particles may contain corrosive or conductive substances, posing a threat to the electronic components and mechanical equipment inside the enclosure 1. The IP65 protective cover ensures the interior of the enclosure 1 is protected from these contaminants.

[0030] The bottom of the box 1 is equipped with height-adjustable support feet, and the bottom of the support feet is decorated with patterns. The height of the support feet can be adjusted according to actual needs to ensure that the box 1 is in a level position, avoiding tilting or instability of the box 1 due to uneven ground. The pattern design on the bottom of the support feet can increase the friction with the ground and prevent the box 1 from sliding on wet or slippery ground. The pattern design not only has a practical function, but also increases the aesthetics of the box 1 and enhances the overall visual effect.

[0031] The housing 1 also houses a testing device, which is connected to a manual ball valve 4, a maintenance ball valve 5, and an electric ball valve 3. The testing device can quickly and accurately detect key parameters such as valve sealing, switching flexibility, and system pressure, facilitating system debugging and troubleshooting.

[0032] This invention integrates three start-up methods: automatic control (electric ball valve 3), manual control (manual ball valve 4), and mechanical emergency operation (mechanical emergency operation device), aiming to comprehensively cover and meet the specific needs of different application scenarios, thereby greatly improving the system's flexibility and reliability.

[0033] In normal operation mode, based on the data from pressure gauge 2 and real-time monitoring, the electrical control box 6 can intelligently control the opening and closing of the electric ball valve 3 to achieve precise adjustment and transportation of the medium in the pipeline. Automated operation not only improves work efficiency but also reduces the risk of human error, making the whole system more stable and efficient.

[0034] When the automatic control system is temporarily unavailable due to malfunction or maintenance, the manual control system becomes the alternative. Operators can directly operate the manual ball valve 4 to flexibly control the pipeline, ensuring that the system can still maintain a certain degree of controllability and meet basic operational requirements even if the automatic control system fails.

[0035] This invention also introduces a mechanical emergency operation device as a final safeguard when both automatic and manual controls fail. The mechanical emergency operation device is simple and effective in design; relying on a purely mechanical structure, it requires no electricity or other external energy support to quickly and reliably open or close pipelines in emergencies. This mechanical emergency operation not only provides additional safety for the system but also ensures the safe isolation or emergency discharge of the pipeline system under extreme conditions (such as power outages or electronic control system failures), effectively preventing further deterioration of the situation.

[0036] In summary, this invention, by integrating three start-up methods, not only meets the usage requirements in different scenarios but also constructs a multi-layered safety assurance system. Whether under normal operation, automated system failure, or extreme emergency conditions, it ensures the stable operation of the pipeline system and the safety of personnel and equipment. Furthermore, this invention includes a testing device with a compact structure and simple operation, capable of quickly and accurately detecting key parameters such as valve sealing, switching flexibility, and system pressure, facilitating system debugging and troubleshooting.

[0037] In practical applications, zone valve boxes can be customized to meet specific needs. For example, in fire protection systems, a corresponding number of zone valve boxes can be configured according to the requirements of different fire compartments, and remote monitoring and automatic control can be achieved through a central control system. In industrial automation control systems, appropriate valve groups and sensors can be configured according to process flow and control requirements to achieve precise fluid control and efficient system operation. Simultaneously, regular maintenance and inspection of the zone valve boxes are necessary to ensure they are always in optimal working condition.

[0038] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A safety-enhanced zoned valve box for offshore booster stations, characterized in that, The system includes a housing (1); the housing (1) contains pipes and an electrical control box (6); the pipes are sequentially equipped with a manual ball valve (4), a maintenance ball valve (5), a pressure gauge (2), and an electric ball valve (3); the manual ball valve (4), maintenance ball valve (5), pressure gauge (2), and electric ball valve (3) are all connected to the pipes; the electric ball valve (3), manual ball valve (4), and maintenance ball valve (5) are all connected to the electrical control box (6); the pipes are equipped with a mechanical emergency operation device connected to them; the pressure gauge (2) is connected to the electrical control box (6) via a pressure switch; the pipes are equipped with a drain valve; one end of the drain valve is connected to the pipes, and the other end extends out of the housing (1); the manual ball valve (4), maintenance ball valve (5), and electric ball valve (3) are all connected to the test device; the electrical control box (6) is connected to the central control system of the offshore booster station.

2. A safety-enhanced partition valve box for an offshore substation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1), pipes and ball valves are all made of 316L stainless steel.

3. A safety-enhanced zoned valve box for an offshore substation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the box (1) is provided with a heat insulation layer.

4. A safety-enhanced partition valve box for an offshore substation according to claim 1, characterized in that, A transparent window is provided on the box (1).

5. A safety-enhanced partition valve box for an offshore substation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The enclosure (1) is equipped with a protective cover with a waterproof and dustproof rating of IP65.

6. A safety-enhanced partition valve box for an offshore substation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the box (1) is provided with height-adjustable support feet; the bottom of the support feet is provided with patterns.