A hot blast stove ignition explosion-proof leak detection device
By using segmented static pressure testing and a microcontroller-controlled hot blast furnace ignition explosion-proof leak detection device, the problems of existing devices being susceptible to interference, high cost, and poor positioning have been solved, achieving efficient and safe leak detection operations and improving the system's automation and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGXI JINCHUAN NONFERROUS METAIS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing hot blast stove ignition leak detection devices are susceptible to dynamic detection interference, have high costs and poor positioning, are complex to operate, and pose safety hazards.
By employing segmented static pressure testing combined with microcontroller control, using high-precision pressure measuring instruments and pneumatic quick-shut-off valves, along with electric regulating valves and flame detectors, the system can accurately locate leak points, simplify operating procedures, and enhance system automation and safety.
It improves the stability and reliability of leak detection results, reduces maintenance costs, simplifies operating procedures, ensures ignition safety, and enhances the overall safety and operating efficiency of the equipment.
Smart Images

Figure CN224499837U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of metallurgical processing technology, specifically to a hot blast stove ignition explosion-proof leak detection device. Background Technology
[0002] In the sulfuric acid conversion process of smelting flue gas, the catalyst plays a key role in improving the conversion rate of sulfur dioxide, but its catalytic efficiency can only be fully utilized after reaching the ignition temperature. During the system start-up phase, a hot blast stove is needed to provide the heat required for the catalyst to heat up. The hot blast stove uses natural gas as the main fuel. After the natural gas is regulated by the pressure reducing valve group, it forms a stable gas source and is delivered to the hot blast stove. It is mixed with the combustion air input by the combustion blower and then ignited. The resulting high-temperature flue gas is mixed and conditioned with the low-temperature flue gas introduced by the flue gas circulation fan to form process hot air that meets the temperature and flow requirements. This hot air indirectly exchanges heat with the process flue gas in the preheater to achieve the heating of the process flue gas. Because pipelines and valves from natural gas storage tanks to hot blast stoves pose a risk of leakage during system operation, potentially leading to the formation of an explosive mixture of natural gas and air, which could trigger deflagration or explosion during ignition. To address this safety hazard, existing technology CN201710674422.0 discloses a leakage detection device for a safety shut-off valve in an oxygen-enriched fuel system. While this device can detect leaks, it relies on dynamic flow detection, making it susceptible to interference from gas turbulence, pressure fluctuations, or sensor drift. Furthermore, it can only passively respond to leaks and cannot pinpoint the problematic pipeline section. Additionally, the flow sensor has high maintenance costs. Existing technology CN201711408148.9 discloses a boiler safety automatic ignition device, which uses dynamic pressure testing to simulate actual operating conditions, but this increases the complexity of detection and equipment costs. Therefore, based on existing technologies, improvements to explosion-proof leak detection devices are needed to achieve low-cost and convenient leak detection, ensuring safe ignition of the hot blast stove. Summary of the Invention
[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing ignition leak detection devices, such as susceptibility to interference and high cost in dynamic detection, and poor leak location and complex detection operation in passive response detection, this invention provides a device that is less susceptible to interference, low in cost, and has good leak location performance.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:
[0005] A hot air furnace ignition explosion-proof leak detection device includes a natural gas buffer tank, a gas pipe, pressure measuring instrument A, pressure measuring instrument B, a flow meter, switch valve A, switch valve B, switch valve C, switch valve D, a regulating valve, and a hot air furnace. One end of the gas pipe is connected to the natural gas buffer tank, and pressure measuring instrument A, flow meter, switch valve A, and pressure measuring instrument B are installed sequentially on the pipe. The other end of the pipe is connected to a four-way valve. The other three outlets of the four-way valve are respectively connected to gas transmission pipes for dispersing natural gas. The ends of the gas transmission pipes are all connected to the hot air furnace, and switch valves B, C, and D are respectively installed on the three gas transmission pipes. The pipeline containing switch valve D is also connected to the regulating valve.
[0006] Of the three gas pipelines, the pipelines containing on / off valves B and C serve as the main and backup channels for natural gas, ensuring reliable gas supply. The third pipeline is equipped with a regulating valve for precise flow control, dynamically matching the gas supply according to the actual heat load of the hot blast stove, avoiding energy waste and improving combustion efficiency. The regulating valve, working in conjunction with on / off valve D, achieves precise control of natural gas flow and continuous adjustment of the combustion load, ensuring heat demand at different heating stages and maintaining a constant gas pressure / flow ratio to guarantee combustion stability, preventing incomplete combustion or flameout caused by pressure fluctuations. Finally, it can also assist in segmented isolation during leak detection, and in emergencies, it can quickly adjust to a safe flow rate.
[0007] Before ignition, all valves and the air inlet of the hot air furnace are closed. The hot air furnace ignition procedure is as follows: After the ignition timer starts, natural gas is supplied through the gas pipe, entering the first leak test before ignition. At this time, valve A is closed, and the data from pressure measuring instrument A is observed. When the pressure data from pressure measuring instrument A reaches its peak and remains constant, the first leak test passes, and the leak test is qualified. Then, the second leak test before ignition begins. At this time, valves A and B are opened, while valves C and D are closed. The data from pressure measuring instrument B is then observed. When the pressure data reaches its peak and remains constant, it proves that there is no leak in the gas supply pipe where valve B is located. Subsequently, valve B is closed, valve C is opened, and valve D is closed. The data from pressure measuring instrument B is then observed. When the pressure data reaches its peak and remains constant, it proves that there is no leak in the gas supply pipe where valve B is located. There is no leak in the gas supply pipe where valve C is located. Then, close valve C and open valve D. Valve B is closed. Observe the data from pressure measuring instrument B. When the pressure reaches its peak and remains constant, it proves that there is no leak in the gas supply pipe where valve C is located. This proves that all gas supply pipes are leak-free, and the leak test is passed. At this point, the hot air furnace inlet can be opened, and ignition can begin. If the pressure reading from pressure measuring instrument A reaches its peak and then decreases, the first leak test fails. The pipeline must be purged again, and the first leak test before ignition must be performed again until the test is passed. Similarly, if the pressure reading from pressure measuring instrument A reaches its peak and then decreases, it proves that there is a leak in the gas supply pipe corresponding to valve B, valve C, or valve D. The leak test fails. The pipeline must be purged again, and the second leak test before ignition must be performed again until the test is passed.
[0008] Furthermore, it also includes a microcontroller, which is connected to pressure measuring instrument A, pressure measuring instrument B, flow meter, switching valve A, switching valve B, switching valve C, switching valve D, and regulating valve. Pressure measuring instruments A, B, and the flow meter transmit detection signals to the microcontroller, which then controls the opening and closing of switching valves A, B, C, D, and the regulating valve. The added microcontroller provides integrated control of the pressure measuring instruments, flow meter, and various switching and regulating valves. By transmitting detection signals to the microcontroller in real time, it automatically controls the valves and regulating valves, improving the system's automation level and response speed. It also effectively avoids errors and safety hazards caused by manual operation, achieving intelligent management of the leak detection process, simplifying the operation process, improving detection accuracy and system stability, ensuring the safety, reliability, and ease of operation of the leak detection process, reducing operating and maintenance costs, and demonstrating significant application value.
[0009] Furthermore, all four switching valves (A, B, C, and D) are pneumatic quick-closing valves. By configuring these valves as pneumatic quick-closing valves, their operation involves using a pneumatic power source to rapidly open and close them during leak detection, thereby improving operational response speed and control accuracy. This improvement effectively reduces the risk of human intervention and misoperation, making operation safer and more reliable. It also possesses advantages such as simple structure, rapid action, and good sealing performance, enhancing the overall safety and operational efficiency of the device.
[0010] Furthermore, manual vent valves are installed on the gas pipe and the gas transmission pipe respectively. The manual vent valves facilitate rapid depressurization and venting of the gas pipe or gas transmission pipe after leak detection or in case of abnormality, which is convenient for maintenance, and can also effectively improve operational safety and maintenance convenience, ensuring the stability and reliability of equipment operation.
[0011] Furthermore, both pressure measuring instruments A and B are high-precision pressure transmitters. The use of high-precision pressure transmitters in instruments A and B enables more accurate acquisition of pressure changes in the pipeline, providing more precise data support for the leak detection process and improving the system's sensitivity and accuracy in detecting even minor leaks.
[0012] Furthermore, the regulating valve is an electrically operated regulating valve; a flame detector is installed at the front end of the burner of the hot blast stove. Improving the regulating valve to an electrically operated one and installing a flame detector at the front end of the hot blast stove burner enables precise automatic adjustment of the gas flow and real-time monitoring of the combustion status. The electrically operated regulating valve can precisely control the gas flow and adjust the flow rate according to system requirements, improving control accuracy and response speed. The flame detector can promptly provide feedback on whether ignition was successful and whether combustion was stable, preventing safety accidents caused by flameout or incomplete combustion.
[0013] Furthermore, the four-way connector is also connected to a quick-release ring sleeve; the quick-release ring sleeve includes a matching limiting ring and a retaining ring; the limiting ring sleeves with the four-way connector, and the inner side of the limiting ring end face is provided with a silicone sleeve with the same inner diameter as the limiting ring, while the outer side is symmetrically provided with limiting arc-shaped plates, wherein a gap is left between the silicone sleeve and the limiting arc-shaped plates to accommodate the retaining ring. The quick-release ring sleeve is fixed after the four-way connector is connected to the gas pipe, and its function is to enhance the sealing between the four-way connector and the gas pipe or gas transmission pipe to prevent gas leakage. In use, the quick-release ring sleeve is connected by inserting the retaining ring into the gap between the limiting arc-shaped plates and locking it; conversely, the quick-release ring sleeve can be removed.
[0014] Furthermore, the inner side of the limiting ring is provided with an internal thread, and the outer side of the four-way valve is provided with an external thread that mates with the internal thread. The limiting ring can achieve a stable fit through the connection of the internal and external threads; a pair of baffles are also symmetrically provided on the outer side of the retaining ring. First, connect the air pipe to the four-way valve, then tighten the limiting ring to press the sealing part, and then further lock it through the retaining ring and baffle structure to ensure a firm connection and reliable seal. This improvement enhances the stability and sealing of the quick-release ring connection structure, facilitates installation and disassembly, improves the safety and efficiency of leak detection operations, and extends the service life of the equipment.
[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:
[0016] 1. This utility model provides a dual active leak detection method through segmented static pressure testing, which avoids interference from factors such as gas turbulence and pressure fluctuations in dynamic detection, and improves the stability and reliability of leak detection results. The device uses a pressure measuring instrument in conjunction with a switching valve to accurately locate the leak point. It does not require complex equipment and high-cost sensors, reduces maintenance costs and simplifies the operation process. It combines safety, economy and practicality, and effectively ensures ignition safety.
[0017] 2. This utility model achieves automated system control by adding a microcontroller, improving response speed and detection accuracy, and avoiding human error; it adopts a pneumatic quick-shut-off valve to ensure rapid and reliable valve action; it is equipped with a manual venting valve for easy pressure relief maintenance, improving safety; a high-precision pressure transmitter enhances leakage detection sensitivity; the electric regulating valve and flame detector work together to achieve precise control and status monitoring of the combustion process. The overall structure is safe, efficient, easy to operate, and has low maintenance costs.
[0018] 3. This utility model features a quick-release ring sleeve consisting of a limiting ring and a retaining ring at the four-way junction. The limiting ring has a silicone sleeve and internal threads on its inner side, which are tightened in conjunction with the external threads of the four-way junction. The retaining ring is fitted with the limiting arc plate with a gap and locked by a baffle plate, which enhances the sealing and stability of the connection. It is also convenient to install and disassemble, improves leak detection efficiency and safety, extends the service life of the equipment, is reliable in operation, and is easy to maintain, thus having good practicality. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a hot blast stove ignition explosion-proof leak detection device.
[0020] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a quick-release ring sleeve for an explosion-proof leak detection device for hot blast stove ignition.
[0021] Attached image labels:
[0022] 1—Pressure measuring instrument A, 2—Pressure measuring instrument B, 3—Flow meter, 4—Switch valve 1, 5—Switch valve 2, 6—Switch valve 3, 7—Switch valve 4, 8—Regulating valve 1, 9—Start-up hot air furnace, 10—Natural gas buffer tank, 11—Limit ring, 12—Snap ring, 13—Silicone sleeve, 14—Limit arc plate, 15—Baffle plate. Detailed Implementation
[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0024] Example 1: A hot blast stove ignition explosion-proof leak detection device includes a natural gas buffer tank 10, a gas pipe, a pressure measuring instrument A1, a pressure measuring instrument B2, a flow meter 3, a switch valve A4, a switch valve B5, a switch valve C6, a switch valve D7, a regulating valve 8, and a hot blast stove 9; one end of the gas pipe is connected to the natural gas buffer tank 10, and the pressure measuring instrument A1, the flow meter 3, the switch valve A4, and the pressure measuring instrument B2 are installed on the pipe in sequence, and the other end of the pipe is connected to a four-way valve; the other three outlets of the four-way valve are respectively connected to gas transmission pipes for dispersing natural gas, and the ends of the gas transmission pipes are all connected to the hot blast stove 9, and the three gas transmission pipes are respectively equipped with switch valves B5, C6, and D7, wherein the pipeline where switch valve D7 is located is also connected to the regulating valve 8.
[0025] Of the three gas pipelines, the pipelines containing on / off valves B5 and C6 serve as the main and backup channels for natural gas, ensuring reliable gas supply. The third gas pipeline is equipped with regulating valve 8, which enables precise flow control. It can dynamically match the gas supply according to the actual heat load of the hot blast stove, avoiding energy waste and improving combustion efficiency. Regulating valve 8, working in conjunction with on / off valve D7, achieves precise control of natural gas flow and continuous adjustment of combustion load. This ensures the heat demand at different heating stages and maintains a constant gas pressure / flow ratio to guarantee combustion stability, preventing incomplete combustion or flameout caused by pressure fluctuations. Finally, it can also be used for segmented isolation during leak detection, and in emergencies, it can quickly adjust to a safe flow rate.
[0026] Before ignition, all switching valves and the air inlet of hot air furnace 9 are closed. The hot air furnace ignition procedure is as follows: After the equipment's ignition timer starts working, natural gas is supplied through the gas pipe, entering the first leak test before ignition. At this time, switching valve A4 is closed, and the data of pressure measuring instrument A1 is observed. When the pressure data of pressure measuring instrument A1 reaches its peak and remains constant, the first leak test passes, and the leak test is qualified. Then, the second leak test before ignition begins. At this time, switching valves A4 and B5 are opened, while switching valves C6 and D7 are closed. Then, the data of pressure measuring instrument B2 is observed. When the pressure data reaches its peak and remains constant, it proves that there is no leak in the gas supply pipe where switching valve B5 is located. Subsequently, switching valve B5 is closed, switching valve C6 is opened, and switching valve D7 is closed. Then, the data of pressure measuring instrument B2 is observed. When the pressure data reaches its peak and remains constant, it proves that there is no leak in the gas supply pipe where switching valve B5 is located. There is no leak in the gas supply pipe where switch valve C6 is located. Then, close switch valve C6 and open switch valve D7. Switch valve B5 is closed. Observe the data from pressure measuring instrument B2. When the pressure reaches its peak and remains constant, it proves that there is no leak in the gas supply pipe where switch valve C6 is located. This proves that all gas supply pipes are leak-free, and the leak test is passed. At this point, the hot air furnace 9 can be ignited through its inlet. If the pressure reading from pressure measuring instrument A1 reaches its peak and then decreases, the first leak test fails. The leak test is unqualified. In this case, the pipes must be purged again, and the first leak test before ignition must be performed again until the test is qualified. Similarly, if the pressure reading from pressure measuring instrument A1 reaches its peak and then decreases, it proves that there is a leak in the gas supply pipe corresponding to switch valve B5, switch valve C6, or switch valve D7. The leak test is unqualified. In this case, the pipes must be purged again, and the second leak test before ignition must be performed again until the test is qualified.
[0027] Example 2: Unlike Example 1, this example also includes a microcontroller. The microcontroller is connected to pressure measuring instrument A1, pressure measuring instrument B2, flow meter 3, switching valves A4, B5, C6, D7, and regulating valve 8. Pressure measuring instruments A1, B2, and 3 transmit their detection signals to the microcontroller, which then controls the opening and closing of valves A4, B5, C6, D7, and 8. The added microcontroller provides integrated control of the pressure measuring instruments, flow meter, and all switching and regulating valves. By transmitting the detection signals to the microcontroller in real time, it automatically controls the valves, improving the system's automation level and response speed. This effectively avoids errors and safety hazards caused by manual operation, achieving intelligent management of the leak detection process, simplifying the operation process, improving detection accuracy and system stability, ensuring the safety, reliability, and ease of operation of the leak detection process, and reducing operating and maintenance costs. It has significant application value.
[0028] The switching valves A4, B5, C6, and D7 are all pneumatic quick-closing valves. By configuring these valves as pneumatic quick-closing valves, their operation involves using a pneumatic power source to quickly open and close the valves during leak detection, thereby improving operational response speed and control accuracy. This improvement effectively reduces the risk of human intervention and misoperation, making operation safer and more reliable. It also possesses advantages such as simple structure, rapid action, and good sealing performance, enhancing the overall safety and operational efficiency of the device.
[0029] The four-way connector is also connected to a quick-release ring sleeve. The quick-release ring sleeve includes a matching limiting ring 11 and a retaining ring 12. The limiting ring 11 is sleeved with the four-way connector, and the inner side of the end face of the limiting ring 11 is provided with a silicone sleeve 13 with the same inner diameter as the limiting ring 11, while the outer side is symmetrically provided with a limiting arc-shaped plate 14. A gap is left between the silicone sleeve 13 and the limiting arc-shaped plate 14 to accommodate the retaining ring 12. The quick-release ring sleeve is fixed after the four-way connector is connected to the gas pipe. Its function is to enhance the sealing between the four-way connector and the gas pipe or gas transmission pipe, preventing gas leakage. In use, the quick-release ring sleeve is connected by inserting the retaining ring 12 into the gap between the limiting arc-shaped plate 14 and locking it; conversely, the quick-release ring sleeve can be removed.
[0030] Example 3: The difference from Example 2 is that manual vent valves are installed on the gas pipe and the gas transmission pipe respectively. Manual vent valves facilitate rapid depressurization and venting of the gas pipe or gas transmission pipe after leak detection or in abnormal situations, simplifying maintenance and effectively improving operational safety and maintenance convenience, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of equipment operation.
[0031] Both pressure measuring instruments A1 and B2 are high-precision pressure transmitters. The use of high-precision pressure transmitters in instruments A1 and B2 enables more accurate acquisition of pressure changes in the pipeline, providing more precise data support for the leak detection process and improving the system's sensitivity and accuracy in detecting even minor leaks.
[0032] The regulating valve 8 is an electrically operated regulating valve; a flame detector is installed at the front end of the burner of the hot blast stove 9. By improving the regulating valve 8 to an electrically operated regulating valve and installing a flame detector at the front end of the burner of the hot blast stove 9, precise automatic adjustment of the gas flow and real-time monitoring of the combustion status are achieved. The electrically operated regulating valve can precisely control the gas flow and adjust the flow according to system requirements, improving control accuracy and response speed. The flame detector can promptly provide feedback on whether ignition is successful and whether combustion is stable, preventing safety accidents caused by flameout or incomplete combustion.
[0033] The limiting ring 11 has an internal thread on its inner side, and the four-way connector has a corresponding external thread on its outer side that mates with the internal thread. The limiting ring 11 can achieve a secure fit through the connection of the internal and external threads. A pair of baffles 15 are also symmetrically provided on the outer side of the retaining ring 12. First, connect the air pipe to the four-way connector, then tighten the limiting ring 11 to press the sealing part, and then further lock it in place through the retaining ring 12 and baffles 15 structure to ensure a firm connection and reliable seal. This improvement enhances the stability and sealing of the quick-release ring connection structure, facilitates installation and disassembly, improves the safety and efficiency of leak detection operations, and extends the service life of the equipment.
[0034] Numerous specific details are set forth in this specification. However, it will be understood that embodiments of this invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification.
[0035] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this utility model.
Claims
1. A hot blast stove ignition explosion-proof leak detection device, characterized in that: It includes a natural gas buffer tank (10), a gas pipe, a pressure measuring instrument A (1), a pressure measuring instrument B (2), a flow meter (3), a switch valve A (4), a switch valve B (5), a switch valve C (6), a switch valve D (7), a regulating valve (8), and a hot air furnace (9); one end of the gas pipe is connected to the natural gas buffer tank (10), and the pressure measuring instrument A (1), the flow meter (3), the switch valve A (4), and the pressure measuring instrument B (2) are installed on the pipe in sequence. The other end of the pipe is connected to a four-way valve; the other three outlets of the four-way valve are respectively connected to gas transmission pipes for dispersed natural gas. The ends of the gas transmission pipes are all connected to the hot air furnace (9), and the three gas transmission pipes are respectively equipped with switch valve B (5), switch valve C (6), and switch valve D (7). The pipeline where switch valve D (7) is located is also connected to the regulating valve (8).
2. The hot blast stove ignition explosion-proof leak detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a microcontroller, which is connected to pressure measuring instrument A (1), pressure measuring instrument B (2), flow meter (3), switch valve A (4), switch valve B (5), switch valve C (6), switch valve D (7) and regulating valve (8). Pressure measuring instrument A (1), pressure measuring instrument B (2) and flow meter (3) transmit the detection signal to the microcontroller, and the microcontroller controller controls the opening and closing of switch valve A (4), switch valve B (5), switch valve C (6), switch valve D (7) and regulating valve (8).
3. The hot blast stove ignition explosion-proof leak detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The switching valves A (4), B (5), C (6) and D (7) are all pneumatic quick-shut-off valves.
4. The hot blast stove ignition explosion-proof leak detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Manual vent valves are installed on the gas pipe and the gas transmission pipe respectively.
5. The hot blast stove ignition explosion-proof leak detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Both pressure measuring instruments A (1) and B (2) are high-precision pressure transmitters.
6. The hot blast stove ignition explosion-proof leak detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The regulating valve (8) is an electric regulating valve; the burner front end of the hot air furnace (9) is equipped with a flame detector.
7. The hot blast stove ignition explosion-proof leak detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The four-way connector is also connected to a quick-release ring sleeve; the quick-release ring sleeve includes a matching limiting ring (11) and a retaining ring (12); the limiting ring (11) is sleeved with the four-way connector, and the inner side of the end face of the limiting ring (11) is provided with a silicone sleeve (13) with the same inner diameter as the inner diameter of the limiting ring (11), and the outer side is symmetrically provided with a limiting arc plate (14), wherein a gap is left between the silicone sleeve (13) and the limiting arc plate (14) for the matching retaining ring (12).
8. The hot blast stove ignition explosion-proof leak detection device as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The inner side of the limiting ring (11) is provided with an internal thread, and the outer side of the four-way is provided with an external thread that mates with the internal thread. The limiting ring (11) can achieve a stable fit by connecting the internal thread and the external thread. A pair of baffles (15) are also symmetrically provided on the outer side of the retaining ring (12).