Emergency device for hazardous gas leak

By designing an emergency device for hazardous gas leaks during amino acid fermentation, and utilizing flow detection and ammonia sensors for real-time monitoring, the system automatically controls the exhaust unit to precisely handle liquid ammonia leaks. This solves the problem of full-area exhaust caused by liquid ammonia leaks, improving processing efficiency and safety.

CN224590929UActive Publication Date: 2026-08-04TIANJUSHI ENG TECH GROUP
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
TIANJUSHI ENG TECH GROUP
Filing Date
2025-09-05
Publication Date
2026-08-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

During amino acid fermentation, ammonia leakage can lead to a massive amount of exhaust air from the entire fermentation area and a large workload for treating the exhaust gas. It is also difficult to pinpoint the leak point, posing safety hazards and economic losses.

Method used

Design an emergency device for hazardous gas leaks, including a flow detection unit, a controller, and an exhaust unit. The device monitors liquid ammonia leaks in real time through flow detection and an ammonia sensor, automatically controls the exhaust unit for precise discharge, and combines with an exhaust gas treatment device to achieve localized and precise treatment.

Benefits of technology

It enables timely detection and rapid handling of liquid ammonia leaks, reduces the treatment area, avoids liquid ammonia splashing and escaping, reduces safety hazards and economic losses, and improves treatment efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of hazardous gas leak emergency device, belong to waste gas treatment technical field, the hazardous gas leak emergency device is installed between liquid ammonia source and fermentation tank, including protective housing, flow detection unit, exhaust unit and controller, the pipeline is equipped in the protective housing, the pipeline is used to connect the liquid ammonia source with the fermentation tank;The flow detection unit is located outside the protective housing, the flow detection unit includes the first flowmeter and second flowmeter installed in the pipeline opposite two ends;The exhaust unit is communicated with the protective housing;The controller is communicated with the exhaust unit and the flow detection unit;Wherein, when the first flowmeter and the second flowmeter are different, the controller opens the exhaust unit.The hazardous gas leak emergency device provided by the utility model avoids the economic loss and security risk caused by large amount of liquid ammonia leakage and too high ammonia concentration in air environment.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of waste gas treatment technology, specifically relating to an emergency device for hazardous gas leaks. Background Technology

[0002] Amino acid fermentation is the core method for large-scale industrial production of amino acids, and it is widely used in food, medicine, feed, cosmetics and other fields. Amino acid fermentation usually uses sugar as a carbon source and nitrogen or urea as the unit, and produces amino acids directly through microbial fermentation and reproduction; or it uses bacterial enzyme systems and adds precursor substances to synthesize specific amino acids. Currently, most nitrogen sources are liquid nitrogen.

[0003] Liquid ammonia is a key regulated hazardous chemical, classified as Class B in fire hazard and highly toxic. It is also flammable, explosive, and toxic. Each fermentation tank in the fermentation workshop needs to be equipped with a liquid ammonia pipeline for replenishing ammonia. In the event of a liquid ammonia leak, the entire fermentation area needs to be ventilated, which requires a huge volume of air and makes it difficult to locate the leak point. Furthermore, the exhaust air must be scrubbed before being discharged, resulting in a similarly large volume of exhaust gas to handle. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides an emergency device for hazardous gas leaks, which aims to solve the technical problems of existing amino acid fermentation processes requiring emergency ventilation of the entire fermentation area when liquid ammonia leaks, which involves a huge air volume and a large workload of tail gas scrubbing.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: to provide an emergency device for hazardous gas leaks, comprising: The protective outer shell has internal pipelines that connect the liquid ammonia source and the fermentation tank. A flow detection unit is located outside the protective housing, and the flow detection unit includes a first flow meter and a second flow meter installed at opposite ends of the pipeline; The exhaust unit is connected to the protective housing; The controller is communicatively connected to both the exhaust unit and the flow detection unit. When the readings of the first flow meter and the second flow meter are different, the controller turns on the exhaust unit.

[0006] One possible implementation also includes: An ammonia leak sensor is located inside the protective housing; An alarm is located outside the protective housing; Both the ammonia leak sensor and the alarm are communicatively connected to the controller.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the alarm is an audible and visual alarm.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the exhaust unit includes: Exhaust casing; A fan is disposed inside the exhaust housing, and the fan has a switch that is communicatively connected to the controller; A duct connects the protective housing and the exhaust housing.

[0009] In one possible implementation, a shut-off valve is provided on the pipeline, and the shut-off valve is communicatively connected to the controller.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the pipeline is provided with a connecting flange that connects to the shut-off valve, and the connecting flange is provided with a protective cover.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the shut-off valves are respectively located at both ends of the pipeline.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the protective housing is provided with a switch structure that is communicatively connected to the controller. Each switch structure corresponds to one of the shut-off valves, and the switch structure is used to open or close the shut-off valve.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the protective shell is made of acrylic material.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the protective housing has an openable and closable cover.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, this embodiment of the application, by setting a flow detection unit, can observe the amount of liquid ammonia entering the fermenter in real time, thereby facilitating the adjustment of the output of the liquid ammonia source according to production needs, ensuring production efficiency and quality without wasting costs; by comparing the readings of the first and second flow meters during the output of the liquid ammonia source, it can promptly determine whether there is a liquid ammonia leak. Once a leak is detected, the controller automatically compares the data and immediately opens the exhaust unit to promptly discharge the leaked liquid ammonia, ensuring timely detection and handling, and preventing liquid ammonia splashing and evaporation, which could cause injury to workers; in the event of a liquid ammonia leak, only the gas inside the protective shell needs to be discharged. The gas discharged from the protective shell is treated by a dedicated tail gas treatment device, providing precise local treatment of liquid ammonia leaks in the workshop, reducing the treatment area of ​​traditional leaks and improving treatment efficiency; the flow detection unit, controller, and exhaust unit form an automatic interlocking system that can accurately and quickly handle liquid ammonia leaks, avoiding economic losses and safety hazards caused by large liquid ammonia leaks and excessively high ammonia concentrations in the air; the device of this application has a simple structure, low cost, and is easy to install. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the hazardous gas leak emergency device provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the pipeline and shut-off valve assembly used in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a side view of the protective shell used in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 10-Protective enclosure; 11-Pipeline; 12-Stop valve; 13-Connecting flange; 14-Protective cover; 15-Cap; 21-First flow meter; 22-Second flow meter; 30 - Exhaust unit; 31 - Exhaust housing; 32 - Fan; 33 - Duct; 40 - Controller; 50-Ammonia Leakage Sensor; 60-Alarm; 70 - Liquid ammonia source; 80 - Fermentation tank. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the technical problem to be solved, the technical solution, and the beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually illustrative only and is in no way intended to limit this application or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0021] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0022] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, these terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention. Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 3 The present invention provides an emergency device for hazardous gas leakage. The emergency device for hazardous gas leakage is installed between a liquid ammonia source 70 and a fermentation tank 80, and includes a protective shell 10, a flow detection unit, an exhaust unit 30, and a controller 40. The protective shell 10 has an internal pipeline 11 for connecting the liquid ammonia source 70 and the fermentation tank 80. The flow detection unit is located outside the protective shell 10 and includes a first flow meter 21 and a second flow meter 22 installed at opposite ends of the pipeline 11. The exhaust unit 30 is connected to the protective shell 10. The controller 40 is communicatively connected to both the exhaust unit 30 and the flow detection unit. When the readings of the first flow meter 21 and the second flow meter 22 differ, the controller 40 opens the exhaust unit 30.

[0023] It is easy to understand that pipeline 11 is the pipeline used to flow liquid ammonia, the first flow meter 21 is installed at the liquid ammonia inlet of pipeline 11, and the second flow meter 22 is installed at the liquid ammonia outlet of pipeline 11.

[0024] It should be noted that the controller 40 can be a PLC. The first flow meter 21 and the second flow meter 22 output corresponding current values ​​according to the measured flow rate. The controller 40 receives this signal through the analog input module, converts it into digital quantity for processing and judgment, and then executes the corresponding control logic (opening or closing the exhaust unit 30). According to the control logic described here, the first flow meter 21 and the second flow meter 22 can be selected from suitable flow sensors.

[0025] The controller 40 can control the exhaust unit 30 in the following ways: For example, the exhaust unit 30 is an exhaust fan 32 fixed on the protective housing 10. By connecting a relay and a current transformer in series in the circuit of the exhaust fan 32, a weak signal can be output through the output interface of the controller 40 to trigger the closing and opening of the relay, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the exhaust fan 32. During the operation of the exhaust fan 32, the current transformer can sense the actual working state of the exhaust fan 32, that is, whether the exhaust fan 32 is actually working after the controller 40 outputs the signal that the exhaust fan 32 is turned on, thereby judging the abnormal situation of the exhaust unit 30.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the emergency device for hazardous gas leakage provided in this embodiment delivers liquid ammonia from the liquid ammonia source 70 to the fermentation tank 80 through the pipeline 11 inside the protective shell 10. When the liquid ammonia flows through the pipeline 11, the first flow meter 21 and the second flow meter 22 on the pipeline 11 respectively obtain the flow rate at the inlet and the flow rate at the outlet of the pipeline 11, and transmit these two flow values ​​to the controller 40. The controller 40 analyzes the data. When the controller 40 finds that the detection values ​​of the two flow meters are inconsistent, especially when the reading of the second flow meter 22 is less than the reading of the first flow meter 21, the controller 40 opens the exhaust unit 30. The exhaust unit 30 draws the gas inside the protective shell 10 for exhaust and discharges it to a special exhaust gas treatment device for exhaust gas treatment before being discharged to the outside. This embodiment of the application, by setting up a flow detection unit, can observe the amount of liquid ammonia entering the fermenter 80 in real time, thereby facilitating the adjustment of the output of the liquid ammonia source 70 according to production needs, ensuring production efficiency and quality without wasting costs; by comparing the readings of the first flow meter 21 and the second flow meter 22 during the output of the liquid ammonia source 70, it can promptly determine whether there is a liquid ammonia leak. Once a leak is detected, the controller 40 automatically compares the data and immediately opens the exhaust unit 30 to promptly discharge the leaked liquid ammonia, ensuring timely detection and handling, preventing liquid ammonia splashing and evaporation, and avoiding damage. In the event of a liquid ammonia leak, only the gas inside the protective enclosure 10 needs to be discharged. The gas discharged from the protective enclosure 10 is treated by a special exhaust gas treatment device, which provides precise local treatment of the liquid ammonia leak in the workshop, reducing the treatment area of ​​traditional leak technologies and improving treatment efficiency. The flow detection unit, controller 40, and exhaust unit 30 form an automatic interlocking system that can accurately and quickly handle liquid ammonia leaks, avoiding economic losses and safety hazards caused by large liquid ammonia leaks and excessively high ammonia concentrations in the air. The device in this application has a simple structure, low cost, and is easy to install.

[0027] In some embodiments, an improved implementation of the above-mentioned hazardous gas leak emergency device may employ, as follows: Figure 1 The structure shown. See also Figure 1The emergency device for hazardous gas leaks also includes an ammonia leak sensor 50 and an alarm 60. The ammonia leak sensor 50 is located inside the protective housing 10, and the alarm 60 is located outside the protective housing 10. Both the ammonia leak sensor 50 and the alarm 60 are connected to the controller 40. In addition to judging whether there is an ammonia leak by the readings of the first flow meter 21 and the second flow meter 22, the ammonia leak is also detected directly by the ammonia leak sensor 50. There are two triggering conditions: (1) the reading of the second flow meter 22 is less than the reading of the first flow meter 21; (2) the ammonia value detected by the ammonia leak sensor 50 exceeds the preset value (the preset value can be 0). The condition for opening the exhaust unit 30 can be one of the above triggering conditions, or it can be opened only when both of the above triggering conditions are met. At the same time as the exhaust unit 30 is opened, the alarm 60 is also opened to remind the staff to receive the alarm signal and accurately locate the leak point. After the discharge is completed, the protective housing 10 is opened to repair the pipeline 11.

[0028] It should be noted that the specific control principle of the ammonia leak sensor 50, alarm 60, and controller 40 is as follows: The ammonia leak sensor 50 is actually an ammonia concentration sensor. It detects the ammonia concentration inside the protective housing 10 and converts the detected concentration into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the controller 40. The controller 40 receives the electrical signal from the ammonia leak sensor 50 and converts it into a digital signal through an analog-to-digital converter. It identifies the current concentration information and compares it with its set concentration threshold. When the current concentration value exceeds the threshold, the relay module integrated in the controller 40 closes, causing the corresponding circuit of the alarm 60 to conduct, thereby turning on the alarm 60.

[0029] Specifically, the alarm 60 is an audible and visual alarm 60. Fermentation workshops often have equipment noise, and an audible alarm alone may be masked; if the workshop is well-lit, a visual alarm alone may be ignored; the combination of sound and light can cover different scenarios such as noise and bright light, ensuring that personnel can detect it; the combination of sound and light signals has a unique emergency attribute, which can be distinguished from other regular workshop prompts (such as equipment operation indicator lights), avoiding misjudgment by personnel; when the alarm is triggered, the buzzer built into the alarm 60 emits a high-decibel sound, and an LED light flashes to remind on-site personnel to deal with it in a timely manner.

[0030] Furthermore, while the audible and visual alarm 60 is working, it can also perform remote alarm functions. Through the Internet of Things linked by the controller 40, it can send text messages or platform pop-ups to staff's mobile phones, computers and other devices, which is suitable for unattended scenarios.

[0031] In some embodiments, a specific implementation of the exhaust unit 30 described above may employ, as follows: Figure 1 The structure shown. See also Figure 1The exhaust unit 30 includes an exhaust housing 31, a fan 32, and an air duct 33. The fan 32 is located inside the exhaust housing 31 and has a switch that communicates with the controller 40. The air duct 33 connects the protective housing 10 and the exhaust housing 31.

[0032] The switch on the fan 32 is controlled by the controller 40. When the triggering conditions of the fan 32 (see the triggering conditions above) are met, the fan 32 turns on. During the operation of the fan 32, the air inside the protective housing 10 is drawn through the air duct 33. The exhaust housing 31 is provided with an air outlet that connects to the external exhaust gas treatment device. The fan 32 is located near the air outlet so that the air inside the protective housing 10 flows into the exhaust gas treatment device.

[0033] In this embodiment, the exhaust housing 31, fan 32, and duct 33 are combined into an independent installation module, which facilitates installation with the protective housing 10 and subsequent maintenance.

[0034] Specifically, in order to prevent ammonia leakage when the exhaust unit 30 is working, corresponding sealing structures (such as sealing rings) need to be installed at the joints between the duct 33 and the protective housing 10, and at the joints between the duct 33 and the exhaust housing 31.

[0035] In some embodiments, an improved implementation of the above-described pipeline 11 may employ, as follows: Figure 1 The structure shown. See also Figure 1 A shut-off valve 12 is installed on pipeline 11, and the shut-off valve 12 is communicatively connected to the controller 40. When the shut-off valve 12 is open, pipeline 11 between the liquid ammonia source 70 and the fermentation tank 80 is connected. When the shut-off valve 12 is closed, the liquid ammonia source 70 stops supplying liquid ammonia to the fermentation tank 80. By controlling the shut-off valve 12, it is possible to prevent liquid ammonia leakage when the exhaust unit 30 is open, thereby reducing the workload of the exhaust unit 30.

[0036] It should be noted that the specific structure of the controller 40 controlling the opening and closing of the shut-off valve 12 is as follows: the protective housing 10 is equipped with a switch structure that is connected to the controller 40 for communication. Each switch structure corresponds to one shut-off valve 12. The switch structure is used to open or close the shut-off valve 12.

[0037] The switching structure includes a motor, a gear set, a lead screw, and a valve core. When the controller 40 controls the shut-off valve 12 to open or close, an electrical signal is transmitted to the motor, the motor starts and the output shaft rotates, the output shaft drives the gear set to rotate, the gear set reduces the motor speed and amplifies the torque, the lead screw on the gear set rotates, driving the valve core mated on the lead screw to move linearly, realizing the switching of the shut-off valve 12 to open and close.

[0038] Specifically, shut-off valves 12 are respectively located at both ends of pipeline 11. Furthermore, a third shut-off valve 12 can be installed between the two shut-off valves 12 at each end, resulting in a total of three shut-off valves 12 on pipeline 11: one at one end, one at the other end, and the last in the middle. When the flow detection unit or ammonia leak sensor 50 detects an ammonia leak, the shut-off valves 12 at both ends of pipeline 11 close the passage, while the shut-off valve 12 in the middle opens, allowing the ammonia trapped in pipeline 11 to escape. The exhaust unit 30 then extracts the leaked ammonia, facilitating the opening of the protective casing 10 for maintenance of the internal pipeline 11 and facilitating the location of the leak.

[0039] In some embodiments, a specific connection method between the above-mentioned pipeline 11 and the shut-off valve 12 can be as follows: Figure 2 The structure shown. See also Figure 2 The pipeline 11 is equipped with a connecting flange 13 that connects to the shut-off valve 12, and a protective cover 14 is provided on the connecting flange 13. The connecting flange 13 is the part where the pipeline 11 connects to the shut-off valve 12. The protective cover 14 covers the connecting flange 13, so even if a leak occurs at the connecting flange 13, the leaked ammonia gas can accumulate inside the protective cover 14, preventing it from directly spreading into the protective shell 10 or the workshop environment, and also effectively preventing liquid ammonia from splashing.

[0040] In some embodiments, an improved implementation of the protective housing 10 can adopt the structure described below, wherein the protective housing 10 is made of acrylic material. Acrylic material has high transparency, allowing personnel to directly observe the status of internal pipelines 11, flow meters, and shut-off valves 12 through the housing; if the controller 40 triggers a leak alarm, personnel can quickly locate the leak point through the transparent housing, shortening maintenance time; acrylic has good resistance to liquid ammonia corrosion, does not react with liquid ammonia, and is lighter than metal, reducing installation load requirements and lowering costs.

[0041] Specifically, the protective housing 10 has an openable and closable cover 15. When the cover 15 is closed, the protective housing 10 forms a relatively sealed space, preventing the diffusion of leaked ammonia gas. When it is necessary to inspect, calibrate, or replace the internal pipelines 11, flow meters, switch structures, etc., the cover 15 can be opened for operation without disassembling the entire protective housing 10. After maintenance, the cover 15 can be quickly closed to restore the sealed state, avoiding protective gaps caused by long-term disassembly of the housing.

[0042] Optionally, the cover 15 can be designed as a hinged type, a snap-on type, etc., to adapt to different installation scenarios, and at the same time, it is easy to adjust the opening and closing angle according to needs, thereby improving the convenience of operation.

[0043] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An emergency device for hazardous gas leak, installed between a source of liquid ammonia and a fermenter, characterized in that, include: The protective outer shell has internal pipelines that connect the liquid ammonia source and the fermentation tank. A flow detection unit is located outside the protective housing, and the flow detection unit includes a first flow meter and a second flow meter installed at opposite ends of the pipeline; The exhaust unit is connected to the protective housing; The controller is communicatively connected to both the exhaust unit and the flow detection unit. When the readings of the first flow meter and the second flow meter are different, the controller turns on the exhaust unit.

2. The emergency device for hazardous gas leaks as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: An ammonia leak sensor is located inside the protective housing; An alarm is located outside the protective housing; Both the ammonia leak sensor and the alarm are communicatively connected to the controller.

3. The hazardous gas leak emergency apparatus of claim 2, wherein The alarm is an audible and visual alarm.

4. The hazardous gas leak emergency apparatus of claim 1, wherein The exhaust unit includes: Exhaust casing; A fan is disposed inside the exhaust housing, and the fan has a switch that is communicatively connected to the controller; A duct connects the protective housing and the exhaust housing.

5. The hazardous gas leak emergency apparatus of claim 1, wherein The pipeline is equipped with a shut-off valve, which is communicatively connected to the controller.

6. The hazardous gas leak emergency apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The pipeline is provided with a connecting flange that connects to the shut-off valve, and the connecting flange is provided with a protective cover.

7. The hazardous gas leak emergency apparatus of claim 5, wherein The shut-off valves are respectively located at both ends of the pipeline.

8. The hazardous gas leak emergency apparatus of claim 7, wherein, The protective housing contains a switch structure that is communicatively connected to the controller. Each switch structure corresponds to one of the shut-off valves, and the switch structure is used to open or close the shut-off valve.

9. The hazardous gas leak emergency apparatus of claim 1, wherein The protective shell is made of acrylic material.

10. The hazardous gas leak emergency apparatus of claim 1, wherein The protective housing has an openable and closable cover.