Monitoring device for 8 blind plate
By adding signal interaction feedback hardware to the figure-eight blind plate, remote, real-time, and automated monitoring of the blind plate status was achieved, solving the safety hazards caused by manual management and improving the safety and efficiency of the production equipment.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202620741910.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-05-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2036-05-22
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, the number of figure-eight blind plates is large and difficult to manage, leading to human error and safety hazards in manual management, and making it impossible to achieve remote, real-time and automated safety monitoring.
By adding signal interaction feedback hardware, including signalers and adjustment blocks, to the figure-eight blind plate, the status of the blind plate can be monitored in real time using methods such as light blocking and magnetic field induction. Combined with image acquisition and magnetic sensors, the data is transmitted to the control system.
It enables remote, real-time, and automated monitoring of the blind flange status, reduces human error, improves the safety and efficiency of production equipment, adapts to various non-standard pipe diameters and models, and reduces on-site modification costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN224680582U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pipeline equipment technology, specifically to a monitoring device for figure-eight blind flanges. Background Technology
[0002] Figure-eight blind flanges (also known as spectacle blind flanges) are common piping components, consisting of a solid end (blind flange), an open end (gasket), and a connecting plate or bar connecting the two. In industrial production, the open end is used when the pipeline needs to flow media, and the solid end is used when it needs to be cut off or completely isolated, thus providing safety assurance for production or maintenance.
[0003] As production plants become larger, different media within the plant are often designed to share common piping sections, resulting in a huge demand for figure-eight blind flanges. If figure-eight blind flanges are used in the wrong location (e.g., when flow should be cut off, and vice versa), it not only wastes materials but can also lead to catastrophic safety accidents.
[0004] In existing technologies, blind flange location management is generally done manually. However, due to the large number of figure-eight blind flanges and the considerable distance between the DCS control center and the field, manual management is not only labor-intensive but also prone to human error due to visual fatigue or unclear handover. Dim lighting, the presence of oil stains or high-temperature steam at the field further complicates manual verification, making remote, real-time, and automated safety monitoring impossible and posing significant potential risks. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the aforementioned deficiencies in existing technologies, this invention proposes a monitoring device for figure-eight blind plates. By adding signal interaction feedback hardware to the physical structure, it enables real-time monitoring of the blind plate status remotely, eliminating blind spots and errors in manual management and improving the safety and efficiency of device production.
[0006] This utility model proposes a monitoring device for a figure-eight blind flange, wherein a portion of the figure-eight blind flange is clamped between pipe flanges of two pipes, and the figure-eight blind flange has a flow position and a cut-off position. The monitoring device comprises: a signal device disposed on one of the two pipes or their corresponding pipe flanges, the signal device being used to determine the flow position and the cut-off position of the figure-eight blind flange; and an adjustment block for adjusting the circumferential and radial positions of the signal device.
[0007] According to an optional embodiment, the figure-eight blind flange includes a solid end, an open end, and a connecting rod connecting the solid end and the open end; in the flow position, the open end of the figure-eight blind flange is clamped between the pipe flanges; and in the cut-off position, the solid end of the figure-eight blind flange is clamped between the pipe flanges.
[0008] According to an optional embodiment, the monitoring device includes: a receiver disposed on another of the two pipes; wherein the signaler includes a signal transmitter; the receiver and the signaler are disposed parallel to the common axis of the two pipes, such that a virtual signal transmission channel is formed between the signaler and the receiver through the figure-eight blind plate; and the solid end or the open end of the figure-eight blind plate constitutes a physical shield that blocks or allows the virtual signal transmission channel to pass through.
[0009] According to an optional implementation, the virtual signal transmission channel includes a first channel and a second channel that are parallel to each other; in the cut-off position, one of the first channel and the second channel is blocked by the opening end while the other passes through the opening end, and in the flow position, both the first channel and the second channel are blocked by the solid end.
[0010] According to an optional embodiment, the signal device includes an image acquisition device; the image acquisition device is disposed toward the exposed portion of the figure-eight blind plate.
[0011] According to an optional embodiment, a permanent magnet is embedded in the connecting rod of the figure-eight blind plate, or the connecting rod of the figure-eight blind plate is made entirely of permanent magnet material; the signal device is a magnetic sensor, and the detection end of the magnetic sensor is arranged facing the permanent magnet.
[0012] According to an optional embodiment, when a permanent magnet is embedded in the connecting rod of the figure-eight blind plate, the permanent magnet is a samarium cobalt magnet; and the outside of the permanent magnet or the connecting rod made of permanent magnet material is wrapped with an anti-corrosion sealing sleeve.
[0013] According to an optional embodiment, the N pole and S pole of the permanent magnet or the connecting rod made of permanent magnet material are arranged sequentially along the radial direction of the figure-eight blind plate, such that the N pole and S pole arrangement of the figure-eight blind plate in the flow position is opposite to that in the cut-off position.
[0014] According to an optional implementation, the adjustment block includes at least one of a mechanical slide rail, a universal joint, or a threaded fine-tuning structure.
[0015] According to an optional embodiment, the bottom of the adjusting block is fixed to the side wall of the pipe by welding, or the bottom of the adjusting block is connected to the locking bolt of the pipe flange by fasteners.
[0016] This invention adds a signal device with an adjustment block to the outside of the existing pipeline, enabling physical signal interaction (such as light blocking or magnetic field induction) with the exposed part of the figure-eight blind flange. This hardware structure allows the mechanical position of the blind flange to be converted into an electrical signal, which can be directly connected to the control system, reducing the impact of human error and management mistakes, and improving the safety and efficiency of the production equipment.
[0017] This invention utilizes a dual-channel physical shielding hardware design to accurately distinguish the cut-off state, flow state, incomplete / missed installation, and sensor malfunction of the blind plate through different combinations of two signal on / off states, thereby improving the fault tolerance rate of detection.
[0018] This invention utilizes a structure with embedded permanent magnets and radially arranged N and S poles, enabling the magnetic sensor to directly detect the reverse magnetic pole signal when the figure-eight blind plate switches states. This structure is unaffected by light, dust, moisture, or oil in industrial environments and can be combined with high-temperature resistant samarium cobalt magnets and corrosion-resistant sealing sleeves to ensure long-term stable operation in high-temperature and highly corrosive chemical environments.
[0019] This invention incorporates an adjustment block within the device, allowing for flexible adjustment of the circumferential and radial positions of the sensing equipment without altering the existing axial length of the pipeline and the flange spacing. This adapts to various non-standard pipe diameters and different models of figure-eight blind flanges, resulting in low on-site modification costs. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a monitoring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the signal types of the monitoring device; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a monitoring device according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the signal types of the monitoring device; Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another signal type from the monitoring device; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a monitoring device according to the third embodiment of the present invention; Figures 7A-7D yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of various figure-eight blind flanges for the monitoring device.
[0021] Figure label: 1-Pipeline; 2-Pipe flange; 3-Figure 8 blind plate, 31-solid end, 32-perforated end, 33-connecting rod; 4- Receiver; 5-Signaler; 6-Adjustment block; 7-Permanent magnet. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a monitoring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a monitoring device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a monitoring device according to the third embodiment of this utility model. Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, a portion of the figure-eight blind flange 3 is clamped between the pipe flanges 2 of the two pipes 1. The figure-eight blind flange 3 includes a solid end 31 (blind flange), an open end 32 (gasket), and a connecting rod 33 connecting the solid end 31 and the open end 32. The figure-eight blind flange 3 has a flow position and a cut-off position: in the flow position, the open end 32 of the figure-eight blind flange 3 is clamped between the pipe flanges 2, and the medium in the pipe can flow; in the cut-off position, the solid end 31 of the figure-eight blind flange 3 is clamped between the pipe flanges 2, and the medium in the pipe is physically cut off.
[0024] The monitoring device of this utility model includes a signal device 5 installed on one of two pipes 1 or their corresponding pipe flanges 2, and an adjusting block 6 for adjusting the circumferential and radial positions of the signal device 5. The adjusting block 6 allows for flexible adjustment of the position of the signal device 5 without changing the existing axial length of the pipes and the flange spacing, to accommodate various non-standard pipe diameters and different models of figure-eight blind flanges 3. Specifically, the adjusting block 6 may include at least one of a mechanical slide rail, a universal joint, or a threaded fine-tuning structure. During installation, the bottom of the adjusting block 6 can be fixed to the side wall of the pipe 1 by welding, or connected to the locking bolts of the pipe flange 2 by fasteners (such as brackets), resulting in low on-site modification costs and convenient installation.
[0025] After acquiring the blind plate status signal, the monitoring device transmits the signal to a control center such as a DCS (Distributed Control System). The signal can be transmitted via wired transmission (e.g., 4-20mA analog signal, RS485 communication) or wireless transmission (e.g., LoRa, NB-IoT, Wi-Fi). It is important to note that if the monitoring device is used in explosion-proof areas (e.g., flammable and explosive chemical sites), a wireless solution should not be used to ensure on-site safety.
[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the signal types of the monitoring device. (See diagram for example.) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the signal device 5 includes an image acquisition device (such as an industrial camera or vision sensor). The image acquisition device is positioned facing the exposed portion of the figure-eight blind flange 3 (i.e., the portion not clamped between the flanges). The signal device 5 images the exposed portion of the figure-eight blind flange 3 and, combined with image analysis technology, can identify, for example... Figure 2 The four signal types are shown.
[0027] Signal type S11: The exposed part is identified as the opening end 32, and it is determined that the figure-eight blind plate 3 is installed in the cut-off position (the solid end 31 is inside the pipe).
[0028] Signal type S12: The exposed part is identified as solid end 31, and it is determined that the figure-eight blind plate 3 is installed in the flow position (the open end 32 is inside the pipe).
[0029] Signal type S13: Fault signal, the figure-eight blind plate feature was not detected, indicating that the figure-eight blind plate is not in place or the signal device 5 has malfunctioned.
[0030] Signal type S14: Fault signal, image is blocked by foreign object or the lens of signal device 5 is dirty / malfunctioning.
[0031] To prevent frequent false alarms during manual switching of the figure-eight blind plate, this implementation introduces a time delay judgment mechanism. The system distinguishes between the "intermediate state during blind plate switching" and "genuine equipment failure" to trigger an alarm. For example, a first time threshold is set; only when signal type 3 or signal type 4 is continuously detected for a duration exceeding this first time threshold will the system ultimately determine and output a equipment failure alarm.
[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the signal types of the monitoring device. Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another signal type from the monitoring device. (See diagram for example.) Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the monitoring device includes a receiver 4, which is mounted on the other of the two pipes 1. A signal transmitter 5 includes a signal transmitter for emitting signals (such as infrared, laser, etc.). The receiver 4 and the signal transmitter 5 are arranged opposite each other parallel to the common axis of the two pipes 1, forming a virtual signal transmission channel between the signal transmitter 5 and the receiver 4, passing through the exposed portion of the figure-eight blind flange 3. The exposed solid end 31 or open end 32 of the figure-eight blind flange 3 constitutes a physical obstruction that blocks or allows the virtual signal transmission channel to pass through.
[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the virtual signal transmission channel includes a first channel a and a second channel b that are parallel to each other (dual-channel design). Figure 4 In the diagram, a hollow circle represents that receiver 4 can receive a signal (channel is on), and a solid circle represents that receiver 4 cannot receive a signal (channel is blocked). By combining the on and off states of the dual channels, the following four signal types can be obtained: Signal type S21: Channel a is on, channel b is not on. At this time, the exposed part is the opening end 32 (its hole allows channel a to pass through, and its edge blocks channel b), indicating that the figure-eight blind plate is installed in the cut-off position.
[0034] Signal type S22: Channel a is not connected, channel b is not connected. At this time, the exposed part is solid end 31 (completely blocking both channels), indicating that the figure-eight blind plate is installed in the flow position.
[0035] Signal type S23: Channel a is on, channel b is on. This is a fault signal, indicating that there is no obstruction, and that the figure-eight blind plate is not in place, or the signal device is in the wrong position / malfunctioning.
[0036] Signal type S24: Channel a is not connected, channel b is connected. This is a fault signal, indicating that the blocking logic does not conform to the physical characteristics of the blind plate, and the signal device is determined to be in the wrong position or faulty.
[0037] like Figure 5 As shown, as a simplified approach, a single-channel a-signal design can also be used. In this case, there are only two signal types: Signal type S31: Channel a is connected (hollow circle), indicating that the figure-eight blind plate is installed in the cut-off position.
[0038] Signal type S32: Channel a is not connected (solid circle), indicating that the figure-eight blind plate is installed in the flow position.
[0039] Figures 7A-7D yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of various figure-eight blind flanges for the monitoring device. (Example) Figure 6 and Figures 7A-7DAs shown, in this embodiment, the signal device 5 is a magnetic sensor (such as a Hall sensor), and its detection end is positioned facing the connecting rod 33 of the figure-eight blind plate 3. A permanent magnet 7 is embedded in the connecting rod 33 of the figure-eight blind plate 3, or the connecting rod 33 of the figure-eight blind plate 3 is entirely made of permanent magnet material.
[0040] The presence and direction of a magnetic signal are detected by signal transmitter 5, and the signal is transmitted to the control system to monitor the status of the intelligent figure-eight blind flange 3. The presence of a magnetic signal indicates that the figure-eight blind flange 3 is in place. By identifying the direction of the magnetic signal, it can be determined whether the figure-eight blind flange 3 is in the flow position or the cut-off position.
[0041] Specifically, the N and S poles of the permanent magnet 7 (or the connecting rod made of permanent magnet material) are arranged radially along the figure-eight blind flange 3 (the inner and outer order of the N and S poles is not limited). Since the figure-eight blind flange 3 needs to rotate 180 degrees around the bolts between the two pipe flanges when switching between flow and cut-off states, this radial arrangement results in the N and S poles of the figure-eight blind flange being arranged in the opposite direction when in the flow position to those in the cut-off position. The magnetic sensor only needs to detect a change in the magnetic field direction (relative state) to confirm that the blind flange state has switched, without needing to detect the absolute state of the magnetic field direction, which reduces the difficulty of installation and commissioning.
[0042] Considering the high temperature and corrosive environment of the chemical plant, the permanent magnet 7 is preferably made of high-temperature resistant samarium cobalt magnet. Furthermore, the permanent magnet 7 can be directly embedded in the connecting rod 33, or it can be wrapped with a corrosion-resistant sealing sleeve to extend its service life.
[0043] like Figures 7A to 7D As shown, depending on different pipeline requirements, the structure of the figure-eight blind flange 3 can have various modifications, and its connecting rod 33 can be made into a double-piece type. Figure 7A ), single-piece open-hole type ( Figure 7C ), single-chip ( Figure 7B , Figure 7D Permanent magnets 7 can be adapted to be embedded in these connecting rod structures.
[0044] 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, improvements, etc., 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. A monitoring device for a figure-eight blind flange (3), a portion of which is clamped between pipe flanges (2) of two pipes (1), and the figure-eight blind flange (3) having a flow position and a cut-off position, characterized in that, The monitoring device includes: A signal device (5) is installed on one of the two pipes (1) or their corresponding pipe flanges (2), the signal device (5) being used to determine the flow position and the cut-off position of the figure-eight blind flange (3); and Adjustment block (6) for adjusting the circumferential and radial positions of the signal (5).
2. The monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The figure-eight blind plate (3) includes a solid end (31), an open end (32), and a connecting rod (33) connecting the solid end (31) and the open end (32). In the flow position, the open end (32) of the figure-eight blind flange (3) is clamped between the pipe flanges (2); as well as In the cut-off position, the solid end (31) of the figure-eight blind flange (3) is clamped between the pipe flanges (2).
3. The monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The monitoring device includes: Receiver (4), which is disposed on the other of the two pipes (1); The signal device (5) includes a signal transmitter; The receiver (4) and the signal transmitter (5) are arranged parallel to the common axis of the two pipes (1), such that a virtual signal transmission channel is formed between the signal transmitter (5) and the receiver (4) through the figure-eight blind plate (3); and The solid end (31) or the open end (32) of the figure-eight blind plate (3) constitutes a physical shield that blocks or allows the virtual signal transmission channel to pass.
4. The monitoring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The virtual signal transmission channel includes a first channel and a second channel that are parallel to each other; At the cut-off position, one of the first channel and the second channel is blocked by the opening end (32) while the other passes through the opening end (32). as well as In the flow position, both the first channel and the second channel are blocked by the solid end (31).
5. The monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The signal device (5) includes an image acquisition device; and The image acquisition device is positioned facing the exposed portion of the figure-eight blind plate (3).
6. The monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting rod of the figure-eight blind plate (3) is fitted with a permanent magnet (7), or the connecting rod of the figure-eight blind plate (3) is entirely made of permanent magnet material; and The signal device (5) is a magnetic sensor, and the detection end of the magnetic sensor is positioned facing the permanent magnet (7).
7. The monitoring device according to claim 6, characterized in that, When a permanent magnet (7) is embedded in the connecting rod of the figure-eight blind plate (3), the permanent magnet (7) is a samarium cobalt magnet; and The permanent magnet (7) or the connecting rod made of permanent magnet material is wrapped with an anti-corrosion sealing sleeve on the outside.
8. The monitoring device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The N and S poles of the permanent magnet (7) or the connecting rod made of permanent magnet material are arranged sequentially along the radial direction of the figure-eight blind plate (3), such that the N and S poles of the figure-eight blind plate (3) are arranged oppositely in the flow position to the N and S poles in the cut-off position.
9. The monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The adjustment block (6) includes at least one of a mechanical slide rail, a universal joint, or a threaded fine-tuning structure.
10. The monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the adjusting block (6) is fixed to the side wall of the pipe (1) by welding, or the bottom of the adjusting block (6) is connected to the locking bolt of the pipe flange (2) by fasteners.