Intelligent mechanical interlocking valve control device

Abstract

The utility model discloses an intelligent mechanical interlock valve control device for safety pressure relief valve pipeline device. The device comprises a cabinet body and a plurality of valve position control modules, and the number of modules corresponds to the controlled valve. Each valve position control module comprises: a group of state indicator lamps, including first, second and third indicator lamps for displaying the opening, operation and closing states of the valve; an enable button switch with an indicator lamp; a valve mechanical lock, including a lock opening lock cylinder and a lock closing lock cylinder that cooperate with each other, a push-pull electromagnet and a rotating chuck linked with the lock cylinder, the rotating chuck can generate a position signal according to the operation of the lock cylinder; and a control module for receiving the rotating position signal and controlling the state indicator lamps and the push-pull electromagnet accordingly. The utility model combines mechanical interlocking with electric control, forces the operator to operate the valve in a preset safety sequence, effectively prevents misoperation and improves the safety and reliability of the system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to industrial pipeline safety control devices, and more particularly to an intelligent mechanical interlock valve control device. Background Technology

[0002] With increasingly stringent safety requirements for modern industrial pipeline systems, most modern pipelines are equipped with parallel-connected backup pressure relief valve assemblies. This design allows for continuous and safe production by activating the backup system during equipment maintenance, effectively preventing production process isolation or interruptions and ensuring the continuity of the process flow.

[0003] In piping systems consisting of two or more safety relief valves, shut-off valves are typically installed upstream and downstream of each safety relief valve. This configuration requires strict adherence to the "open before closing" operating sequence: all shut-off valves on the standby pipeline must be fully opened before the shut-off valve on the operating pipeline can be closed. This sequence requirement is a crucial measure to prevent system overpressure and ensure equipment safety.

[0004] However, in actual operation, when the pressure relief valves and shut-off valves are installed far apart or in areas not directly visible, operators find it difficult to visually confirm the actual status of the valves. This physical isolation makes the issue of controlling the sequence of safe operations particularly prominent. Traditional operating methods that rely on manual memory or simple labels have a significant risk of misoperation. If the operating sequence is incorrect, it may cause the system's pressure relief function to fail, leading to serious safety accidents and posing a serious threat to equipment integrity, personnel safety, and production stability. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the current pipeline systems for safety relief valves and shut-off valves, this utility model provides an intelligent mechanical interlock valve control device that can forcibly restrict the operation sequence of valves to avoid misoperation.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this utility model adopt the following technical solutions: An intelligent mechanical interlock valve control device is used in a safety pressure relief valve pipeline system. The device comprises a cabinet and multiple valve position control modules; the number of valve position control modules corresponds to the number of valves being controlled; each valve position control module includes: A set of status indicator lights, including a first indicator light for displaying the open status of the corresponding valve, a second indicator light for displaying the in-process status of the corresponding valve, and a third indicator light for displaying the closed status of the corresponding valve; An enable push-button switch with an indicator light; A valve mechanical lock includes a set of interoperating lock opening cylinders and lock closing cylinders, a push-pull electromagnet, and a set of rotating chucks that are linked to the lock opening cylinders and lock closing cylinders; the rotating chucks can generate rotation position signals according to the operation of the lock opening cylinders and lock closing cylinders. A control module is used to receive the rotation position signal and control the display status of the status indicator and the push-pull electromagnet accordingly.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, the rotary chuck is further provided with a slot and a pin, the pin being connected to the end of the core of a push-pull electromagnet; when the push-pull electromagnet is energized and attracted, it drives the pin to disengage from the slot of the rotary chuck, thereby allowing the rotary chuck to rotate.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, the enable button switch is signal-connected to the control module; the control module is configured to control the corresponding push-pull electromagnet to be energized when it receives a signal that the enable button switch is triggered.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, the rotary chuck includes a first rotary chuck and a second rotary chuck with interlocking logic, wherein the disc body of the second rotary chuck is provided with an arc-shaped notch; the interlocking logic is configured such that the slot on the first rotary chuck is allowed to disengage from the pin only when the arc-shaped notch of the second rotary chuck is rotated to a horizontal position.

[0010] According to one aspect of this utility model, the lock opening cylinder and the lock closing cylinder are further provided with a changeover switch, and the contacts of the changeover switch are mechanically linked to the rotating chuck assembly.

[0011] According to one aspect of this utility model, the cabinet is further provided with a cabinet door lock for locking the cabinet.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the cabinet door lock is further provided with a keyhole cover, which covers the keyholes of the lock opening cylinder and the lock closing cylinder.

[0013] The advantages of this utility model are as follows: By combining mechanical interlocking with intelligent electrical control, operators are forced to operate valves in a preset safe sequence, completely eliminating the possibility of misoperation; clear and intuitive operation guidance is provided through three-color indicator lights and enable buttons, realizing full visualization and remote monitoring of the operation process; the system has a modular structure, which can be flexibly configured according to different process flows, combining high reliability and ease of use, significantly improving the safety and efficiency of high-pressure pipeline system maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the interlocking logic of an intelligent mechanical interlocking valve control device according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front structural diagram of an intelligent mechanical interlock valve control device according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a side view of the intelligent mechanical interlock valve control device described in this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating chuck locking state of an intelligent mechanical interlock valve control device according to the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the electromechanical linkage principle of an intelligent mechanical interlocking valve control device according to this utility model.

[0016] The names corresponding to the serial numbers in the diagram are as follows: 1. First valve mechanical lock 2. Second valve mechanical lock 3. Third valve mechanical lock 4. Fourth valve mechanical lock 5. PSV / A system 6. PSV / B system 7. First valve first indicator light 8. First valve second indicator light 9. First valve third indicator light 10. Housing 11. First valve lock open cylinder 12. First valve lock close cylinder 13. First valve blue indicator light push-button switch 14. Second valve first indicator light 15. Second valve second indicator light 16. Second valve third indicator light 17. Second valve lock open cylinder 18. Second valve lock close cylinder 19. Second valve blue indicator light push-button switch 20. Cabinet door lock 21. Third valve first indicator light 22. Third 23. Second indicator light for valve 24. Third indicator light for valve 25. Lock cylinder for valve 26. Lock cylinder for valve 27. Blue indicator light button switch for valve 28. First indicator light for valve 29. Second indicator light for valve 30. Third indicator light for valve 31. Lock cylinder for valve 32. Blue indicator light button switch for valve 33. Panel 34. Lock cylinder for valve 35. Lock cylinder for valve 36. Support column 37. Push-pull electromagnet 38. Keyhole 39. Changeover switch 40. First rotating chuck 41. Second rotating chuck 42. Locking pin 43. Base plate 201. Keyhole cover 131. Blue indicator light button switch. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0018] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0019] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0020] Example 1

[0021] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this utility model provides a specific embodiment of an intelligent mechanical interlock valve control device. The core of the intelligent mechanical interlock valve control device is a centralized control box, which includes: Cabinet structure: A vertical cabinet enclosed by an outer shell 10, with a front panel 33 and a bottom plate 43, and equipped with a cabinet door lock 20 to protect the internal components.

[0022] Valve position control modules: Four valve position control modules are integrated on panel 33, corresponding to the first valve mechanical lock 1, the second valve mechanical lock 2, the third valve mechanical lock 3, and the fourth valve mechanical lock 4 in the field. These four valves control the passage of PSV / A system 5 and PSV / B system 6, respectively.

[0023] Each valve position control module includes: a status indication unit: consisting of a first indicator light 7 (green, indicating valve open), a second indicator light 8 (yellow, indicating operation in progress), and a third indicator light 9 (red, indicating valve closed) arranged vertically for the first valve. The indicator lights for the second, third, and fourth valves follow the same pattern (14-16, 21-23, 27-29). An operation authorization unit: a blue indicator light push-button switch 13 for the first valve (19, 26, and 32 for the second, third, and fourth valves respectively). When this button light is illuminated, it indicates that the operator is authorized to operate this valve. A key management unit: a first valve lock open cylinder 11 and a first valve lock close cylinder 12 (17 / 18, 24 / 25, and 30 / 31 for the second, third, and fourth valves respectively), used for physically receiving and locking keys retrieved from the mechanical locks of the field valves.

[0024] Core control and actuator mechanisms: located inside the cabinet, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, it mainly includes: a push-pull electromagnet 37: which is the actuator for the unlocking action. A mechanical interlocking mechanism: matched with each lock cylinder, including components such as a first rotating chuck 40, a second rotating chuck 41, and a locking pin 42 (see...). Figure 3 The sequence is ensured through mechanical interlocking logic. Signal feedback element: Changeover switch 39, used to detect the rotational position of the lock cylinder and feed the signal back to the control module. Control module (not shown in the figure, its functions are...) Figure 4 Circuit implementation: Receive signals, process logic, and control the operation of indicator lights and electromagnets.

[0025] II. Initial State: Taking PSV / A system 5 in operation and PSV / B system 6 on standby as an example, the initial state of the piping system is as follows: The valves corresponding to mechanical lock 1 for the first valve and mechanical lock 2 for the second valve are in the open state. The valves corresponding to mechanical lock 3 for the third valve and mechanical lock 4 for the fourth valve are in the closed state. On the control panel, the status is as follows: First and second valves: their green indicator lights (7, 14) are constantly lit. Their lock cylinders (11, 17) have the "lock open key" locked. Third and fourth valves: their red indicator lights (23, 29) are constantly lit. Their lock cylinders (25, 31) have the "lock close key" locked. Only the indicator light of the blue indicator light switch 13 for the first valve is constantly lit, indicating that the operator should start operating from the first valve. The indicator lights of the other switch buttons (19, 26, 32) are all off.

[0026] III. Operational Example (Switching from PSV / A System 5 to PSV / B System 6) 1. First step: Close the first valve (corresponding to the first valve mechanical lock 1). The operator will see the blue indicator light 13 on the first valve illuminate; press this button. Control module ( Figure 4The circuit receives a signal and controls the push-pull electromagnet 37 associated with the first valve lock cylinder 12 to be energized and engaged, driving the locking pin 42 to disengage from the slot of the first rotating chuck 40 (see...). Figure 3 The operator can then rotate and remove the "lock key" inserted in the first valve lock cylinder 12. The operator takes this key to the site, inserts it into the first valve mechanical lock 1, unlocks and closes the valve it controls. After the valve is closed, the operator removes the "unlock key" from the first valve mechanical lock 1. The operator returns to the control cabinet, inserts the "unlock key" into the first valve lock cylinder 11, and rotates it to lock. State switching: The control module detects that the key has been inserted via the changeover switch 39, and thus turns off the first indicator light 7 (green) of the first valve and illuminates the third indicator light 9 (red) of the first valve. Simultaneously, the first valve blue indicator light button switch 13 turns off, and the indicator light on the second valve blue indicator light button switch 19 automatically illuminates.

[0027] 2. Second step: Close the second valve (corresponding to the mechanical lock 2 of the second valve). The operator presses the blue indicator light button switch 19 of the second valve and repeats the above process: take out the key from the lock cylinder 18 of the second valve, go to the site to close the valve corresponding to the mechanical lock 2 of the second valve, and finally insert the "lock open key" back into the lock cylinder 17 of the second valve. Status switching: the status light of the second valve turns red (16), its blue button light (19) goes out, and the indicator light of the blue indicator light button switch 26 of the third valve lights up.

[0028] 3. Third Step: Open the Third Valve (corresponding to the third valve mechanical lock 3). The operator presses the blue indicator light button switch 26 of the third valve. At this time, the control module unlocks the third valve lock cylinder 24 (because it needs to open the valve). The operator takes out the "lock open key" and unlocks and opens the valve corresponding to the third valve mechanical lock 3 on-site. After the valve is opened, the operator pulls out the "lock close key" from the third valve mechanical lock 3, returns to the control cabinet, and inserts it into the third valve lock close cylinder 25 to lock it. Status switch: The third indicator light 23 (red) of the third valve goes out, and the first indicator light 21 (green) of the third valve lights up. The blue indicator light button switch 26 of the third valve goes out, and the indicator light of the blue indicator light button switch 32 of the fourth valve lights up.

[0029] 4. Fourth step: Open the fourth valve (corresponding to the fourth valve mechanical lock 4). The operator presses the blue indicator light button switch 32 of the fourth valve to complete the opening operation of the fourth valve mechanical lock 4. Finally, the "lock key" is inserted into the fourth valve lock cylinder 31. Status switching: The status light of the fourth valve turns green (27), and its blue button light (32) goes out. All operations are completed, and the system switching is completed.

[0030] Advantages of this utility model: Through the above solution, the following effects are achieved: This embodiment combines the forced transfer of physical keys with the electrical logic judgment of the control module to construct an "operation permission" management system. The system forces operators to strictly follow the "off → off → on → on" sequence to perform operations. Any missing step or incorrect sequence will cause the next button light to fail to illuminate, thus preventing the key from being obtained, fundamentally eliminating the possibility of misoperation. At the same time, the three-color indicator lights on the panel provide clear and continuous status indications for operators and remote supervisors, realizing the mandatory, visual, and intelligent operation of safe operations.

[0031] Example 2

[0032] This embodiment applies the present invention to a flare gas recovery system in a petrochemical plant. The system typically includes two or more parallel devices: one is a flare gas recovery system 5 (which recovers combustible gas to the fuel pipeline network, saving energy and protecting the environment), and the other is a flare venting system 6 (which discharges gas to the flare for combustion in an emergency, ensuring safety).

[0033] During normal production, the recovery system must be kept unobstructed, and the venting system must be completely isolated. During switching operations, the recovery system must be fully opened before it can be shut down. Reversing the sequence (closing the recovery system first, then opening the venting system) can cause a sudden increase in pipeline pressure, posing a risk of overpressure and explosion, or forcing gas to leak from the safety valve, causing production fluctuations and environmental pollution. Valves are typically located on different platforms, invisible to the naked eye, making operation extremely risky.

[0034] System Configuration: First valve mechanical lock 1: controls the inlet shut-off valve of the recovery system.

[0035] Second valve mechanical lock 2: controls the outlet shut-off valve of the recovery system.

[0036] Third valve mechanical lock 3: Controls the inlet shut-off valve of the venting system.

[0037] Fourth valve mechanical lock 4: Controls the outlet shut-off valve of the venting system.

[0038] Initial state, on the control panel: The green indicator lights (7, 14) of the first and second valves are constantly lit, and the "lock key" is locked in the lock cylinder (11, 17).

[0039] The red indicator lights (23, 29) of the third and fourth valves are constantly lit, and the "locking key" is locked in the locking cylinder (25, 31).

[0040] Only the indicator light on the third valve blue indicator button switch 26 (corresponding to the venting system inlet valve) remains constantly lit. The system mandates that operation must begin with opening the venting system, logically eliminating the possibility of shutting down the recovery system first.

[0041] The operation steps are as follows: Step 1: Open the third valve (venting system inlet valve) The operator presses the blue indicator light button 26 of the third valve, which is now lit.

[0042] The control module unlocks the third valve lock cylinder 25, and the operator takes out the "lock key".

[0043] The operator goes to the site and uses the key to open the valve corresponding to the mechanical lock 3 of the third valve.

[0044] After completion, remove the "lock key" from the valve, return and insert the third valve lock cylinder 24 to lock.

[0045] Status switching: The third indicator light 23 (red) of the third valve is off, and the first indicator light 21 (green) of the third valve is on. The button light 26 is off, and the blue indicator light button switch 32 of the fourth valve is on.

[0046] Step 2: Open the fourth valve (venting system outlet valve). The operator presses the blue indicator light button switch 32 of the fourth valve and takes out the key from the lock cylinder 31 of the fourth valve.

[0047] The operator goes to the site to open the valve corresponding to the mechanical lock 4 of the fourth valve.

[0048] Once completed, insert the "lock key" into the fourth valve to lock the lock cylinder 30.

[0049] Status transition: Red light 29 on the fourth valve is off, and green light 27 is on. Button light 32 is off, indicating that the venting passage is fully established. Only after the system detects this status will it authorize the next operation—the blue indicator light button switch 13 (recovery system inlet valve) on the first valve will illuminate.

[0050] Step 3: Close the first valve (inlet valve of the recovery system). The operator presses the blue indicator light button switch 13 of the first valve and takes out the "lock key" from the lock cylinder 11 of the first valve.

[0051] The operator goes to the site and uses the key to close the valve corresponding to the mechanical lock 1 of the first valve.

[0052] After completion, remove the "lock key" from the valve, return and insert the first valve lock cylinder 12 to lock it.

[0053] Status switching: For the first valve, green light 7 is off, and red light 9 is on. Button light 13 is off, and for the second valve, blue indicator light button switch 19 is on.

[0054] Step 4: Close the second valve (recovery system outlet valve) The operator presses the blue indicator light button switch 19 of the second valve to close the mechanical lock 2 of the second valve, and finally inserts the "lock key" into the lock cylinder 18 of the second valve.

[0055] Status transition: Green light 14 on the second valve is off, and red light 16 is on. All button indicator lights are off. The switching operation is completed safely.

[0056] Advantages of this utility model: The above solution achieves the following effects: Absolutely prevents major misoperations: Through electrical logic interlocks, operators are physically forced to follow the unique safety sequence of "first fully open the empty system, then fully close the recovery system," fundamentally avoiding the risk of overpressure explosions caused by human error.

[0057] Addressing complex operating conditions: Petrochemical plants have numerous, widely distributed, and often invisible valves. This invention provides centralized, intuitive, and visual monitoring, allowing control room operators to remotely confirm the real-time status of all valves via panel indicator lights, significantly improving monitoring efficiency and safety.

[0058] Compliant with the highest safety standards: This system meets the petrochemical industry's design requirements for "inherent safety" of high-risk processes, integrating safety measures into the hardware and processes, rather than relying solely on personnel training and self-discipline.

[0059] Ensuring production continuity and environmental protection: Through safe and error-free switching operations, the production unit smoothly transitions between different operating modes, avoiding unplanned shutdowns and material venting. This ensures both continuous and stable production and reduces the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

[0060] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An intelligent mechanical interlock valve control device, wherein the intelligent mechanical interlock valve control device is used in a safety pressure relief valve pipeline device, characterized in that, The intelligent mechanical interlock valve control device includes a cabinet (10) and multiple valve position control modules; the number of the multiple valve position control modules corresponds to the number of valves being controlled; each valve position control module includes: A set of status indicator lights, including a first indicator light for displaying the open status of the corresponding valve, a second indicator light for displaying the in-process status of the corresponding valve, and a third indicator light for displaying the closed status of the corresponding valve; An enable push-button switch with an indicator light; A valve mechanical lock includes a set of interoperating lock opening cylinders and lock closing cylinders, a push-pull electromagnet (37), and a set of rotating chucks that are linked with the lock opening cylinders and lock closing cylinders; the rotating chucks can generate rotation position signals according to the operation of the lock opening cylinders and lock closing cylinders; A control module is used to receive the rotation position signal and control the display status of the status indicator and the push-pull electromagnet (37) accordingly.

2. The intelligent mechanical interlock valve control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotary chuck is also provided with a slot and a pin (42). The pin (42) is connected to the end of the core of the push-pull electromagnet (37). When the push-pull electromagnet (37) is energized and attracted, it drives the pin (42) to disengage from the slot of the rotary chuck, thereby allowing the rotary chuck to rotate.

3. The intelligent mechanical interlock valve control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The enable button switch is signal-connected to the control module; the control module is configured to control the corresponding push-pull electromagnet (37) to be energized when it receives a signal that the enable button switch is triggered.

4. The intelligent mechanical interlock valve control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotary chuck includes a first rotary chuck (40) and a second rotary chuck (41) with interlocking logic. The second rotary chuck (41) has an arc-shaped notch on its disc body. The interlocking logic is configured such that the slot on the first rotary chuck (40) is allowed to disengage from the pin (42) only when the arc-shaped notch of the second rotary chuck (41) is rotated to a horizontal position.

5. The intelligent mechanical interlock valve control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lock opening cylinder and lock closing cylinder are equipped with a changeover switch (39), and the contacts of the changeover switch (39) are mechanically linked with the rotating chuck assembly.

6. The intelligent mechanical interlock valve control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cabinet (10) is also equipped with a cabinet door lock (20) for locking the cabinet.

7. The intelligent mechanical interlock valve control device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cabinet door lock (20) is also provided with a keyhole cover (201), which covers the keyhole of the lock opening cylinder and the lock closing cylinder.

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