Locking components for destruction systems

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a disruption system and, in particular, to a locking arrangement arranged to improve the interconnection between a first container portion and a second container portion of the disruption system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a destruction system and, in particular, a locking structure arranged to improve the interconnection between a first container part and a second container part of the destruction system.

Background Art

[0002] Destruction systems can be used to destroy explosives such as ammunition, propellant fuel, or explosives, for example, old and unusable or unwanted ammunition. Such systems must be robust to withstand high loads of explosives that may explode.

[0003] An example of such a destruction system adapted to handle explosive hazards is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In this example, military supplies are loaded into the container by opening and closing a locking ring arranged between two parts forming the container. Loading military supplies into the destruction chamber of the destruction system is an important part of the destruction process, and thus it is desirable that the user can perform this easily and safely. The above prior art shows a very useful solution for connecting / separating the parts of the container, but it is desirable to further optimize its configuration, for example, so as to reduce the overall manufacturing cost.

[0004] Furthermore, attention is drawn to Patent Document 2 showing a lifting container and a lifting method. They can lift sunken military supplies while more reliably suppressing the leakage of chemical agents from military supplies using a simple configuration.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 shows a device for tightening a high-pressure still or a similar closing plate in a way that eliminates the need to use fastening bolts as commonly used.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 1809929 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0340662 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 1563865 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Given the aforementioned needs, a general objective of this disclosure is to provide an improved locking structure that represents an advance over the prior art, at least to a certain extent. In addition, it is also desirable to simplify the processes for manufacturing and operating such a destruction system. The destruction system is preferably explosion-proof, preferably airtight, and useful for destroying explosive materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Accordingly, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a locking structure for an explosion-resistant destruction system adapted for the destruction of hazardous materials is provided. The locking structure comprises a plurality of elongated connecting elements having first and second ends, each of which has an engaging portion at its first end, the engaging portion being adapted to engage with a locking flange provided on the circumference of the first container portion, and further comprising at least one mechanical actuator, the at least one mechanical actuator positioned between the second container portion and the second ends of the plurality of elongated connecting elements, the at least one mechanical actuator being adapted to apply pressure between the second container portion and the second ends of the plurality of elongated connecting elements, thereby tightening the first container portion against the second container portion.

[0009] According to this disclosure, the locking structure utilizes at least one mechanical actuator to bias the container portions toward each other, thereby forming a preferably explosion-resistant and sealed container, where the sealed container forms part of the overall fracture system. In particular, at least one mechanical actuator is provided to engage with one end of a plurality of elongated connecting elements, where the plurality of elongated connecting elements are arranged to engage at the other end with a locking flange provided on the circumference of the first container portion. Thus, when the mechanical actuator is activated, it may be possible, for example, to increase the length of the mechanical actuator, resulting in the mechanical actuator "pushing" one end of the elongated connecting element, thereby "pulling" the first container portion toward the second container portion. Thus, each engaging portion of the elongated connecting element functions as a "hook" adapted to engage with the locking flange provided on the circumference of the first container portion. In this way, at least one mechanical actuator applies pressure to the opposite end of the elongated connecting element.

[0010] An advantage of the locking structure of this disclosure is that the interconnection of the container portions can be performed without the need for prior art locking rings. The general use of locking rings has demonstrated high reliability and is actively accepted in the field of fracture systems technology. However, in order to achieve the desired reliability, locking rings must be manufactured from highly durable metal materials to withstand explosions that may occur in sealed containers, and the resulting fracture systems are complex and costly to manufacture and not easy to operate.

[0011] Replacing the lock ring with the locking components of this disclosure can reduce the overall manufacturing cost of the fracture system. This is because the fact that the elongated connecting elements can be located entirely outside the sealed container allows for the use of lower-cost materials by using multiple elongated connecting elements in combination with at least one mechanical actuator.

[0012] By using elongated connecting elements in combination with a lock flange provided on the circumference of the first container portion, the need for manufacturing precision equivalent to that required when using a lock ring is reduced, and therefore, manufacturing costs (including machining and manual labor) can be saved compared to machined lock rings. The tight interconnection achieved with a lock ring can be achieved with the novel locking structure even when the distribution of multiple elongated connecting elements is somewhat uniform around the circumference of the container portion. That is, when multiple elongated connecting elements are distributed around the circumference of the container portion, a uniform clamping force can be achieved in the interconnection region provided along the circumferences of the first and second container portions. Here, the first container portion fits with the second container portion to form a sealed container, thus ensuring that the risk of leakage from within the sealed container is reduced.

[0013] A further advantage of the solution provided by this disclosure relates to its inherent thermal expansion. This advantage becomes apparent when the fracture system is instead fitted with a locking ring of the prior art. Since the fracture system may be exposed to temperatures above 800 degrees Celsius, the locking ring may get stuck within the container portion within a certain temperature range, which can be problematic when opening a sealed container. The solution provided by this disclosure, rather, applies the aforementioned clamping force and therefore does not interact with the container portion in the same way as when using a locking ring of the prior art.

[0014] In the context of this disclosure, it should be understood that when the first container portion is moved axially toward the second container portion to form a sealed container, the sealed container functions as a sealed space for receiving explosive materials to be destroyed. Therefore, at least one container portion must be formed as an “open container portion” and thus have a curved inner surface. The other container portion may be an open container portion or may be formed as a “lid” that fits with the open container portion. It should be further understood that either (or both) of the first and second container portions may be open container portions. However, in the description made below, the first container portion is provided as an open container portion for receiving explosive materials to be destroyed. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the first and second open container portions are composed of sheet metal elements having a thickness of at least 20 mm.

[0015] According to this disclosure, the locking structure may further include a support mechanism movably positioned relative to a second container, each of a plurality of elongated connecting elements engaging with the support mechanism at its second end. The inclusion of the support mechanism is used to further ensure that the clamping force is evenly distributed in the interconnection region where the first container portion is mated with the second container portion. According to this disclosure, at least one mechanical actuator “pushes” the support mechanism, and the support mechanism pushes the plurality of elongated connecting elements.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one mechanical actuator comprises a fixed portion and a movable portion, the movable portion facing the second ends of a plurality of elongated connecting elements. The fixed portion of the at least one mechanical actuator here preferably engages with a second container portion. Such an implementation may improve the ability to control the clamping force between the first and second containers. However, in some other embodiments, it may be desirable to invert the at least one mechanical actuator so that the fixed portion faces the second ends of a plurality of elongated connecting elements.

[0017] In preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, it may be desirable to configure at least one mechanical actuator to include at least one hydraulic cylinder. The energy source for operating the hydraulic cylinder may include, for example, hydraulic pressure or pneumatic pressure. The use of hydraulic cylinders is useful in many implementations because they are easily controllable, inexpensive to manufacture, and offer the potential to apply higher levels of pressure compared to other techniques used for mechanical actuators. However, it should be understood that the concepts of the present disclosure can be used with any form of mechanical actuator to achieve the desired effect of applying pressure between a second vessel portion and the second ends of a plurality of elongated connecting elements, thereby tightening the first vessel portion against the second vessel portion. For example, it may be possible, and may be within the scope of the present disclosure, to utilize a mechanical actuator that is automatically operated as well as a mechanical actuator that is manually operated. Furthermore, the mechanical actuator may be controlled using other forms of energy, such as electric current.

[0018] It is generally advantageous to adapt the locking structure to include more than one mechanical actuator, for example, multiple mechanical actuators. It is even more desirable and preferable to ensure that the multiple mechanical actuators are evenly distributed along the circumference of the second vessel portion. The possibility of achieving an even pressure distribution is further increased by using multiple mechanical actuators. The pressure referred to here is the pressure applied between the second vessel portion and the second ends of the multiple elongated connecting elements, which tightens the first vessel portion against the second vessel portion. Furthermore, a general advantage of including multiple mechanical actuators is that it becomes possible to introduce mechanical actuators with less force compared to using a single mechanical actuator. Moreover, multiple mechanical actuators with less force are generally less expensive than when using a single, more powerful mechanical actuator.

[0019] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this disclosure, it may be useful to adapt the locking structure such that each of the elongated connecting elements is provided with a hinge at its second end that engages with a support mechanism. The introduction of the hinge allows the elongated connecting element to be easily moved away from the locking flange. This facilitates the separation of the first container portion from the second container portion.

[0020] Furthermore, it may generally be advantageous, and may be subject to the above discussion, to arrange multiple elongated connecting elements so that they are evenly positioned to engage with the locking flange of the first container portion. Again, such implementation may be used to ensure that the clamping force between the first and second container portions is kept as even as possible across the entire interconnection between the first and second container portions.

[0021] The locking components described above are preferably provided as components of a destruction system, which further comprises a first container portion and a second container portion. Further features provided for a particular type of destruction system are given below. However, it should be understood that the locking components according to this disclosure may be used with different types of destruction systems, that is, not only with the types of destruction systems shown below.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an explosion-resistant destruction system adapted for the destruction of harmful substances is provided. The destruction system includes a first container portion, a second container portion, and a locking structure arranged to clamp the first container portion against the second container portion during operation. The first container portion and the second container portion are adapted to form a gap therebetween in an interconnected region provided along the circumferences of the first container portion and the second container portion. The destruction system further includes a sealing structure provided in the interconnected region to reduce the passage of fluid. The sealing structure includes a pressure relief device that is fluidly connected to the gap and is arranged to create a negative pressure within the gap during operation. The destruction system is such that the risk of unwanted leakage from the destruction system associated with the operation of the destruction system in which dangerous substances including explosive hazards are destroyed can be reduced. Thus, the destruction system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is particularly useful for the destruction of dangerous substances that can generate and / or generate dangerous exhaust gases when the substance is destroyed. For example, such harmful substances or dangerous substances to be destroyed may include military supplies having a gas component, including but not limited to a nerve gas component.

[0023] By using the destruction system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, it becomes possible to reduce the risk of unwanted leakage from the destruction system associated with the operation of the destruction system in which dangerous substances including explosive hazards are destroyed. Therefore, the destruction system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is particularly useful for the destruction of dangerous substances that can generate and / or generate dangerous exhaust gases when the substance is destroyed. For example, such harmful substances or dangerous substances to be destroyed may include military supplies having a gas component, including but not limited to a nerve gas component.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, this is achieved by the introduction of a novel seal configuration. Here, the seal configuration functions as a "barrier" for any substance / gas attempting to leak from the sealed container into the environment around the destruction system. As described above, the void formed in relation to the interconnect region is in fluid communication with a pressure reducing device such as a negative pressure pump, and the negative pressure pump etc. is arranged to "discharge" any gas present within the void. Thereafter, the gas is handled in the most suitable manner, for example, a filtration device connected to the negative pressure pump is used. In this way, the gas must pass through the filtration device before being discharged into the atmosphere. That is, the seal configuration provided in relation to the present disclosure has the advantage of ensuring that any gas formed within the sealed container and not completely destroyed within the sealed container is treated in a highly controlled manner. Here, the highly controlled manner is a manner in which the risk of such any gas leaking in an undesirable form (for example, where the first container part meets the second container part) is reduced.

[0025] To further reduce the risk of unwanted leaked gas (or minute particles), in some embodiments, it may be suitable to arrange the seal configuration such that the seal configuration further comprises a first seal member and a second seal member, and the first seal member and the second seal member are radially separated on each side of the void. Accordingly, the first seal member and the second seal member generally extend around the circumference of the container part. Thereby, generally, any gas (or the like) attempting to leak from the inside of the sealed container into the void, and any gas (or the like) attempting to leak from the sealed container (into the surrounding atmosphere) seals the void.

[0026] According to this disclosure, the first and second sealing members can be positioned "away" from the area closest to the inside of the sealed container. That is, it is more desirable that the first sealing member be positioned slightly away from the outside of the sealed container, rather than directly at the location where the first and second container portions meet when viewed from the inside of the sealed container. By positioning them in this distance, the first sealing member is less likely to come into direct contact with the heat generated inside the sealed container. This reduces the impact of the heat inside the sealed container on the first sealing member, resulting in a longer lifespan for the first sealing member.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first sealing member and possibly the second sealing member may be selected to be made from, for example, graphite or carbon, in which case such material is adapted to handle the relatively high temperatures required to safely destroy certain hazardous gases, for example. However, such material may be prone to leakage. This, however, is addressed by using sealing members in accordance with this disclosure. In some embodiments, the first sealing member and the second sealing member may be formed as rings of graphite or carbon.

[0028] Another advantage of the sealing configuration of this disclosure is the possibility of not having to rely on elastomer seals, which are common in prior art failure systems. Such elastomer seals typically cannot withstand temperatures above 250 degrees Celsius, which is well below the normal operating temperature of the failure system. In practice, a “broken” elastomer seal would result in the failure system being shut down.

[0029] It should be understood that using the above-described locking structure is desirable and suitable in order to ensure that a suitable clamping force is applied between the first and second container sections, such that the gap is adequately sealed, in combination with the first and second sealing members, if applicable. However, there are other methods to achieve a similar clamping force between the first and second container sections, such as introducing multiple manually operated pressure vessel clamps or manway clamps. Such clamps can achieve the desired clamping pressure, however, they reduce ease of operation, especially when hazardous materials are being destroyed. That is, the above-described locking structure in relation to the first aspect of this disclosure is easier to operate and, preferably, leads to a reduction in the risks associated with operating the destruction system in a non-manual manner.

[0030] Similarly, as discussed immediately above in relation to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing structure can, advantageously, be combined with a locking structure according to a first aspect of the present disclosure. However, this is not mandatory, and as discussed immediately above in relation to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing structure can be used for other types of sealed containers and does not necessarily have to be formed as described above.

[0031] Each of the destruction systems described above preferably includes a heating element, which is preferably positioned relative to the first container portion. Once activated, the heating element functions to heat the hazardous materials placed in the sealed container for destruction. The temperature inside the sealed container is preferably between 200 and 800 degrees Celsius.

[0032] Further features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent when considering the appended claims and the subsequent description. A skilled addressee will recognize that different features of this disclosure can be combined to create embodiments other than those described below without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0033] Various aspects of this disclosure, including their specific features and advantages, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] Figure 1 conceptually illustrates a locking structure according to a currently preferred embodiment provided for a destruction system. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A shows a detailed diagram of the destruction system relating to this disclosure during operation. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B shows a detailed diagram of the destruction system relating to this disclosure during operation. [Figure 2C] Figure 2C shows a detailed diagram of the destruction system relating to this disclosure during operation. [Figure 2D] Figure 2D shows a detailed diagram of the destruction system relating to this disclosure during operation. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the sealed container of the fracture system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] This disclosure is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate currently preferred embodiments of this disclosure. However, this disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments discussed herein. Rather, these embodiments are given for thoroughness and completeness and to fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Throughout, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements.

[0036] Referring here to the drawings, Figure 1 conceptually shows a locking structure 100 according to a currently preferred embodiment. This locking structure 100 is provided in the figure as a component of a destructive system 150. The locking structure 100 comprises a plurality of elongated connecting elements 102, and although Figure 1 shows it including two elongated connecting elements 102, it is of course possible and within the scope of this disclosure to include more than two elongated connecting elements 102.

[0037] Each of the elongated connecting elements 102 is defined to have a first end 104 and a second end 106. As shown in Figure 1, the first end 104 includes a hook portion 108 adapted to engage with a locking flange 110 provided on the circumference of the first container portion 112.

[0038] The locking structure 100 further comprises a mechanical actuator 114, which is positioned to engage with the second vessel portion 116 at one end. As shown in Figure 1, the mechanical actuator 114 is illustrated to be positioned between the outer surface of the second vessel portion 116 and the support mechanism 118. The support mechanism 118 is then positioned to engage with the second end 106 of the elongated connecting element 102.

[0039] Thus, while the mechanical actuator 114 is operating, the movable part 120 of the mechanical actuator 114 "pushes forward" toward the support mechanism 118. This causes the support mechanism 118 to subsequently push forward the second end 106 of the elongated connecting element 102. Subsequently, the hook portion 108 of the first end 104 of the elongated connecting element 102 engages with the lock flange 110 of the first container portion 112, thereby "pulling" the first container portion 112 toward the second container portion 116. By pulling the first container portion 112 toward the second container portion 116, it is ensured that the first container portion 112 is "tightened" toward the second container portion 116 in the interconnection region 122 provided along the circumference of the first and second container portions 112 and 116, thereby forming a sealed container.

[0040] Preferably, the elongated connecting element 102 is provided with a hinge 122, which allows the hook portion 108 to be "pulled away" from the lock flange 110. This makes it possible to separate the first container portion 112 from the second container portion 116. Separating the first container portion 112 from the second container portion 116 makes it possible to fill the first container portion 112 with hazardous material and to empty the first container portion 112 after the hazardous material has been destroyed.

[0041] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the first container portion 112 further comprises a heating element 124, which is preferably electrically operated to heat the hazardous material inside the sealed container, thereby destroying the hazardous material.

[0042] Figure 1 shows only a single mechanical actuator 114 and two elongated connecting elements 102. However, as will become apparent below, in some preferred embodiments, the locking structure comprises multiple mechanical actuators 114 and multiple uniform elongated connecting elements 102.

[0043] Now, looking at Figures 2A-2D, these figures show detailed diagrams of the destruction system 150 during operation, starting from the locked state in Figure 2A and transitioning to the empty state shown in Figure 2D.

[0044] Figure 2A shows a currently preferred embodiment of the breaking system 150. As can be seen, the locking structure 100 in this embodiment comprises a plurality of elongated connecting elements 102, which are evenly arranged along the circumference of the second container portion 116. In Figure 2A, each of the elongated connecting elements 102 is shown to engage with the locking flange 110 of the first container portion 112. Thus, each of the plurality of mechanical actuators 114 is in an extended state in Figure 2, thereby tightening the first container portion 112 against the second container portion 116.

[0045] In Figure 2B, the mechanical actuator 114 is retracted, thereby removing the clamping force. Thus, the elongated connecting element 102 can be repositioned away from the lock flange 110. The repositioning can be performed by an electrically or hydraulically controlled hinge 122. The repositioning of the hinge 122 can also be performed, for example, by providing the elongated connecting element 102 with an extension that slides on the outer surface of the second container portion 116, thereby repositioning the sealed container relative to the locking structure 100.

[0046] When the elongated connecting element 102 is repositioned, the first container portion 112 can be separated from the second container portion 116, for example, by moving the first container portion 112 downward (or by lifting the second container portion 116). When the container portions 112 and 116 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance, the first container 112 can be rotated around the axis 130 (preferably while keeping the second container portion stationary), as shown in Figure 2C. When the first container portion 112 has been rotated by a predetermined angle, for example, an angle between 45 and 90 degrees, the inside of the first container portion 112 can be easily accessed in order to load the hazardous material to be destroyed into the first container portion 112.

[0047] However, once the destruction is complete, it is desirable to remove all remaining debris (e.g., metal scraps). Therefore, the first container portion 112 is rotated 118 degrees so that the opening of the first container portion 112 faces completely downward, as shown in Figure 2D.

[0048] Finally, looking at Figure 3, which shows a cross-sectional view of the sealed container of the fracture system 150. The diagram provided in Figure 3 is directed in particular to the interface formed between the first container portion 112 and the second container portion 116. In particular, as illustrated, the first container portion 112 and the second container portion 116 are configured such that a gap 302 is formed between them by an interconnection region 304 provided along the circumference of the first container portion 112 and the second container portion 116. Thus, the first container portion 112 and the second container portion 116 have an extended interconnection region 304 compared to typical prior art implementations, where the container portions have only a smaller “connection point” compared to the shown interconnection region 304.

[0049] The fracture system 150 further comprises a sealing structure provided in the interconnection region 304 to reduce the passage of fluid, the sealing structure comprising a depressurizing device (e.g., a pump; not shown), the depressurizing device being in fluid communication with the gap 302 via a conduit 306 and being arranged to form a negative pressure within the gap 302 during operation, in the diagram provided in Figure 3, where only a single gap 302 is formed within the interconnection region 304, or more than one gap may be included if desired from an implementation standpoint.

[0050] The sealing structure also comprises a first sealing member 308 and a second sealing member 310, which are radially separated on each side of the gap 302. The sealing members 308 and 310 are preferably selected from materials that can withstand the temperatures required to destroy the hazardous material or any form of military equipment contained within the destruction system 150. In one embodiment, the sealing members 308 and 310 are selected from graphite or carbon materials. As shown in Figure 3, the sealing members 308 / 310 may include, for example, a plurality of graphite or carbon rings. In one embodiment, three rings are provided on each side of the gap 302.

[0051] In summary, the present disclosure relates to a locking structure for a breaking system, the breaking system having a first container portion and a second container portion, the locking structure being provided to interconnect the first container portion with the second container portion when the first container portion and the second container portion are facing each other, the locking structure comprising a plurality of elongated connecting elements having first and second ends, each of the plurality of elongated connecting elements having an engaging portion at the first end, the engaging portion being adapted to engage with a locking flange provided on the circumference of the first container portion, and further comprising at least one mechanical actuator, the at least one mechanical actuator positioned between the second container portion and the second ends of the plurality of elongated connecting elements, the at least one mechanical actuator being adapted to apply pressure between the second container portion and the second ends of the plurality of elongated connecting elements, thereby tightening the first container portion against the second container portion.

[0052] An advantage of the locking structure of this disclosure is that the interconnection of the container portions can be performed without the need for prior art locking rings. The common use of locking rings has demonstrated high reliability and is actively accepted in the field of fracture systems technology. However, to achieve the desired reliability, the locking rings must be manufactured from highly durable metal materials so as to withstand explosions that may occur in sealed containers. As a result, the resulting fracture systems are complex and costly to manufacture and not easy to operate.

[0053] Although the diagrams illustrate a specific order of steps in the method, the order of steps may differ from that shown. In addition, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously. Such variations depend on the designer's choice. All such variations are within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, although this disclosure has been written with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, many different changes, modifications, and similar variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Variations of the disclosed embodiments will be understood and produced by recipients skilled in the art seeking to practice the claimed disclosure, based on a consideration of the drawings, this disclosure, and the appended claims. Furthermore, in the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a or an” does not exclude plurality. Furthermore, this disclosure includes the following aspects: [Aspect 1] A locking structure for an explosion-proof destruction system adapted for the destruction of hazardous materials, wherein the destruction system comprises a first container portion and a second container portion, and the locking structure is provided to interconnect the first container portion with the second container portion when the first container portion and the second container portion are facing each other, and the locking structure is, The locking structure comprises a plurality of elongated connecting elements having a first end and a second end, each of the plurality of elongated connecting elements having an engaging portion at the first end, the engaging portion being adapted to engage with a locking flange provided on the circumference of the first container portion, and further the locking structure is A locking structure comprising at least one mechanical actuator, the at least one mechanical actuator positioned between the second container portion and the second end of the plurality of elongated connecting elements, the at least one mechanical actuator being adapted to apply pressure between the second container portion and the second end of the plurality of elongated connecting elements, thereby tightening the first container portion against the second container portion. [Aspect 2] The aforementioned locking mechanism is The locking structure according to embodiment 1, further comprising a support mechanism movably positioned relative to the second container, wherein each of the plurality of elongated connecting elements engages with the support mechanism at the second end. [Aspect 3] The at least one mechanical actuator comprises a fixed portion and a movable portion, The locking structure according to either embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the movable portion faces the second end of the plurality of elongated connecting elements. [Aspect 4] The locking structure according to embodiment 3, wherein the fixed portion of the at least one mechanical actuator is engaged with the second container portion. [Aspect 5] The locking structure according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the at least one mechanical actuator includes a hydraulic cylinder. [Aspect 6] The locking structure according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the locking structure comprises a plurality of mechanical actuators, the plurality of mechanical actuators are evenly arranged along the circumference of the second container portion and between the second container portion and the second ends of the plurality of elongated connecting elements. [Aspect 7] The locking structure according to any one of embodiments 2 to 6, wherein each of the plurality of elongated connecting elements is provided with a hinge at the second end that engages with the support mechanism. [Aspect 8] The locking structure according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of elongated connecting elements are evenly positioned to engage with the locking flange of the first container portion. [Aspect 9] A blast-resistant destruction system adapted for the destruction of hazardous substances, wherein the destruction system is The first container section and The second container section, A locking mechanism comprising a locking mechanism positioned to tighten the first container portion against the second container portion during operation, The first container portion and the second container portion are adapted to form a gap between them in an interconnection region provided along the circumference of the first container portion and the second container portion. The fracture system further comprises a sealing structure provided in the interconnection region to reduce the passage of fluid, the sealing structure comprising a depressurizing device, the depressurizing device being in fluid communication with the void and arranged to form a negative pressure within the void during operation. [Aspect 10] The failure system according to embodiment 9, wherein the sealing structure further comprises a first sealing member and a second sealing member, the first sealing member and the second sealing member being radially separated on each side of the gap. [Aspect 11] The destruction system according to any one of embodiments 9 and 10, wherein the first container portion further comprises a heating element. [Aspect 12] The aforementioned locking mechanism is The locking structure comprises a plurality of elongated connecting elements having a first end and a second end, each of the plurality of elongated connecting elements having an engaging portion at the first end, the engaging portion being adapted to engage with a locking flange provided on the circumference of the first container portion, and further the locking structure is A destruction system according to any one of embodiments 9 to 11, comprising at least one mechanical actuator, the at least one mechanical actuator positioned between the second container portion and the second end of the plurality of elongated connecting elements, the at least one mechanical actuator being adapted to apply pressure between the second container portion and the second end of the plurality of elongated connecting elements, thereby tightening the first container portion against the second container portion.

Claims

1. A locking structure for an explosion-proof destruction system adapted for the destruction of hazardous materials, wherein the destruction system comprises a first container portion and a second container portion, and the locking structure is provided to interconnect the first container portion with the second container portion when the first container portion and the second container portion are facing each other, and the locking structure is, The locking structure comprises a plurality of elongated connecting elements having a first end and a second end, each of the plurality of elongated connecting elements having an engaging portion at the first end, the engaging portion being adapted to engage with a locking flange provided on the circumference of the first container portion, and further the locking structure is The apparatus comprises at least one mechanical actuator, the at least one mechanical actuator positioned between the second container portion and the second end of the plurality of elongated connecting elements, and the at least one mechanical actuator is adapted to apply pressure between the second container portion and the second end of the plurality of elongated connecting elements, thereby tightening the first container portion against the second container portion. The support mechanism is movably positioned relative to the second container portion, and each of the plurality of elongated connecting elements engages with the support mechanism at the second end. Each of the plurality of elongated connecting elements is provided at the second end with an electrically or hydraulically controlled hinge, which is arranged to selectively engage with or disengage from the support mechanism. The at least one mechanical actuator is a locking structure including a hydraulic cylinder.

2. The at least one mechanical actuator comprises a fixed portion and a movable portion, The locking structure according to claim 1, wherein the movable portion faces the second end of the plurality of elongated connecting elements.

3. The locking structure according to claim 2, wherein the fixed portion of the at least one mechanical actuator is engaged with the second container portion.

4. The locking structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking structure comprises a plurality of mechanical actuators, the plurality of mechanical actuators are evenly arranged along the circumference of the second container portion and between the second container portion and the second ends of the plurality of elongated connecting elements.

5. The locking structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of elongated connecting elements are evenly positioned to engage with the locking flange of the first container portion.

6. A blast-resistant destruction system adapted for the destruction of hazardous substances, wherein the destruction system is The first container section and The second container section, A locking structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a locking structure which is positioned to tighten the first container portion against the second container portion during operation, The first container portion and the second container portion are adapted to form a gap between them in an interconnection region provided along the circumference of the first container portion and the second container portion. The fracture system further comprises a sealing structure provided in the interconnection region to reduce the passage of fluid, the sealing structure comprising a depressurizing device, the depressurizing device being in fluid communication with the void and arranged to form a negative pressure within the void during operation.

7. The failure system according to claim 6, wherein the sealing structure further comprises a first sealing member and a second sealing member, the first sealing member and the second sealing member being radially separated on each side of the gap.

8. The destruction system according to any one of claims 6 and 7, wherein the first container portion further comprises a heating element.

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