Alarm device for gas leaking

Abstract

A gas leak alarm device is provided by one embodiment of the present invention. A gas leak alarm device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: a housing that surrounds the flange of a pipe through which a water-soluble gas travels and forms a sealed receiving space, with water filled inside the receiving space; a sensing unit formed on the upper part of the housing that communicates with the receiving space and has a sensing space higher than the water level of the water filled in the receiving space; a floating member that is received inside the sensing space and floats in the water filled in the receiving space; a detection sensor installed on the upper part of the floating member inside the sensing space and detected by the buoyancy of the floating member; and an alarm unit that generates an alarm when a detection signal is transmitted from the detection sensor.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas leak alarm device, and more specifically, to a gas leak alarm device that detects a leak of water-soluble gas traveling through a pipeline and generates an alarm to enable a rapid response. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, various engines installed on ships generate power by burning fuel, and the exhaust gases produced during the combustion process contain nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon dioxide, and the like. As air pollution increases, regulations on various hazardous substances contained in exhaust gases are becoming stricter, and not only nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides but also carbon dioxide are subject to emission regulations by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a UN agency. In fact, the IMO is currently pursuing a goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 40% by 2030 and by 70% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels. Accordingly, there is a demand for the development of eco-friendly ships that generate power using low-carbon or decarbonized fuels, and liquid ammonia, which emits no carbon dioxide during combustion, is emerging as one of the next-generation eco-friendly fuels.

[0003] Liquid ammonia has the advantage of being simpler to manufacture, store, and transport than hydrogen, and has a relatively lower risk of explosion, but it has the disadvantage of being irritating to biological tissues due to its alkaline nature. If the body is exposed to ammonia for a long period, skin tissues such as the eyes, liver, lungs, and kidneys may be damaged, and if inhaled through the respiratory system, it can cause laryngitis, bronchitis, etc.

[0004] Consequently, there was a need for a gas leak alarm device that could detect ammonia leaks and enable a rapid response when liquid ammonia stored in a tank is transported through piping. Prior art literature

[0005] Republic of Korea Published Utility Model No. 20-2016-0004009 (November 23, 2016) The problem to be solved

[0006] The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a gas leak alarm device that detects a leak of water-soluble gas traveling through a pipeline and generates an alarm to enable a rapid response.

[0007] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0008] A gas leak alarm device according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above technical objective comprises: a housing in which a sealed receiving space is formed by surrounding the flange of a pipe through which a water-soluble gas travels, and water is filled inside the receiving space; a sensing unit formed on the upper part of the housing, which communicates with the receiving space and has a sensing space higher than the water level of the water filled in the receiving space; a floating member received inside the sensing space and floating in the water filled in the receiving space; a detection sensor installed on the upper part of the floating member inside the sensing space and detected by the buoyancy of the floating member; and an alarm unit that generates an alarm when a detection signal is transmitted from the detection sensor.

[0009] The above water-soluble gas may be ammonia.

[0010] When the water-soluble gas leaks and dissolves between the flanges, the water level rises and the floating member pressurizes the detection sensor, and the gas leak alarm device may further include a control unit that operates the alarm unit and closes the piping to control the movement of the water-soluble gas when the detection sensor is pressurized. Effects of the invention

[0011] According to the present invention, when a water-soluble gas traveling through a pipe leaks, the water-soluble gas dissolves into the water filled inside the housing, causing the water level to rise. Consequently, a floating member floating in the water pressurizes a detection sensor, thereby transmitting a detection signal to an alarm unit. Thus, an alarm is triggered, allowing the operator to recognize the gas leak. This enables prompt response, thereby preventing accidents such as casualties caused by the gas leak. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0012] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a gas leak alarm device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a disassembled view of the gas leak alarm device of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a gas leak alarm device cut in the longitudinal direction. Figures 4 and 5 are operational diagrams for explaining the operation of a gas leak alarm device. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0013] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0014] Hereinafter, a gas leak alarm device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0015] A gas leak alarm device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device installed to surround the flange of a pipe through which a water-soluble gas flows, and to detect water-soluble gas leaked between the flanges. Herein, the term "water-soluble gas" refers to a gas that dissolves well in water and is toxic, causing human casualties upon leakage, such as ammonia. Hereinafter, the description will be limited to the water-soluble gas being ammonia.

[0016] The gas leak alarm device is characterized by the fact that, in the event of a leak of water-soluble gas traveling through a pipeline, the gas dissolves into the water filled inside the housing, causing the water level to rise; consequently, a floating member suspended in the water pressurizes the detection sensor, thereby transmitting a detection signal to the alarm unit. Consequently, an alarm is triggered, allowing the operator to recognize the gas leak and enabling a rapid response, which in turn prevents accidents such as casualties caused by the gas leak.

[0017] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a gas leak alarm device (1) will be described in detail.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a gas leak alarm device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating the gas leak alarm device of FIG. 1 in disassembly, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the gas leak alarm device cut in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] The gas leak alarm device (1) according to the present invention includes a housing (10), a sensing unit (20), a floating member (30), a detection sensor (40), and an alarm unit (50).

[0020] The housing (10) is a cylindrical member that surrounds the flanges (A1, A2) of the pipes (P1, P2) through which water-soluble gas travels, and forms a sealed receiving space (10a), and water can be filled inside the receiving space (10a). At this time, the water-soluble gas can move from the first pipe (P1) to the second pipe (P2), and a control valve (V1) that controls the movement of the water-soluble gas and is controlled by a control unit (60) to be described later may be installed in at least one of the first pipe (P1) extending to the front end of the housing (10) and the second pipe (P2) extending to the rear end of the housing (10). Below, a structure in which a control valve (V1) is installed in the first pipe (P1) extending to the front end of the housing (10) will be described in greater detail.

[0021] The housing (10) may have an inlet (11a) formed at the top that is opened and closed by a first plug (111) and through which water flows in, and an outlet (12a) formed at the bottom that is opened and closed by a second plug (121) and through which water-soluble gas leaked between the flanges (A1, A2) is discharged. More specifically, the housing (10) may include a first housing (11) that covers the upper side of the outer surface of the pipes (P1, P2) and the flanges (A1, A2) and has an inlet (11a) formed therein, and a second housing (12) that is coupled to the first housing (11) and covers the remainder and has an outlet (12a) formed therein. Although the drawing shows the first housing (11) and the second housing (12) combined to form a cylindrical shape, it is not limited thereto, and the shape of the housing (10) can be varied in many ways. A supply pipe (not shown) for supplying fresh water may be detachably connected to an inlet (11a) formed in the first housing (11), and a valve (not shown) for controlling the flow of fresh water may be installed on the supply pipe. A discharge pipe (not shown) extending to an ammonia solution tank (not shown) may be detachably connected to an outlet (12a) formed in the second housing (12), and a valve (not shown) for controlling the flow of water in which water-soluble gas is dissolved may be installed on the discharge pipe. The water in which water-soluble gas is dissolved and discharged through the outlet (12a) and stored in the ammonia solution tank can be utilized for various necessary purposes on board the ship.

[0022] A sensing part (20) is formed on the upper part of the housing (10) and is in communication with the receiving space (10a). The sensing part (20) is a part where water-soluble gas leaked between the flanges (A1, A2) is detected, and it can be formed protruding from the upper side of the first housing (11) to form a sensing space (20a) that is higher than the water level of the water filled in the receiving space (10a). A floating member (30) and a detection sensor (40) are received inside the sensing space (20a).

[0023] The floating member (30) is a floating body that floats in water filled in the receiving space (10a), and can be received inside the sensing space (20a) by being seated on the upper surface of a stopper (13) formed protruding from the boundary surface between the receiving space (10a) and the sensing space (20a). At least one stopper (13) may be formed protruding in the shape of a rod or bar on the boundary surface between the receiving space (10a) and the sensing space (20a) to prevent the floating member (30) from moving away from the sensing space (20a). Although the drawing shows the stopper (13) protruding horizontally on the boundary surface between the receiving space (10a) and the sensing space (20a) and the floating member (30) formed in the shape of a sphere, it is not limited thereto, and the arrangement of the stopper (13) and the shape of the floating member (30) can be varied in many ways.

[0024] The detection sensor (40) is a sensor that detects the buoyancy of the floating member (30) and can be installed on the upper part of the floating member (30) inside the sensing space (20a). The detection sensor (40) can be installed on the inner upper surface of the sensing space (20a) and spaced apart from the floating member (30), and can be formed as a touch sensor, a push button switch, etc. For example, if water-soluble gas does not leak between the flanges (A1, A2), the water level of the water filled in the receiving space (10a) is maintained at a constant level, so the floating member (30) floating in the water does not pressurize the detection sensor (40). Conversely, if water-soluble gas leaks between the flanges (A1, A2) and dissolves in the water filled in the receiving space (10a), the water level rises slightly, so the floating member (30) floating in the water can pressurize the detection sensor (40).

[0025] When a detection signal is transmitted from the detection sensor (40), the alarm unit (50) can generate an alarm such as a loud sound or a flashing light. By generating an alarm, the operator can recognize the gas leak, and accordingly, a quick response is possible, thereby preventing accidents such as casualties caused by the gas leak. Since the detection sensor (40) and the alarm unit (50) are electrically connected to the aforementioned control unit (60), when the detection sensor (40) is pressurized, a detection signal can be transmitted to the alarm unit (50) through the control unit (60). That is, when the detection sensor (40) is pressurized, the control unit (60) operates the alarm unit (50) and can control the movement of water-soluble gas by closing the control valve (V1) installed in the pipes (P1, P2) simultaneously or sequentially.

[0026] Hereinafter, the operation of the gas leak alarm device (1) will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5.

[0027] Figures 4 and 5 are operational diagrams for explaining the operation of a gas leak alarm device.

[0028] In the gas leak alarm device (1) according to the present invention, when a water-soluble gas traveling through pipes (P1, P2) leaks, the water-soluble gas dissolves in the water filled inside the housing (10), causing the water level to rise. Consequently, a floating member (30) floating in the water pressurizes a detection sensor (40), thereby transmitting a detection signal to an alarm unit (50). Thus, an alarm is triggered, allowing a worker to recognize the gas leak. This enables a quick response, thereby preventing accidents such as casualties caused by the gas leak.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation when water-soluble gas is not leaked, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation when water-soluble gas is leaked.

[0030] First, referring to FIG. 4, if water-soluble gas does not leak between the flanges (A1, A2) connecting the first pipe (P1) and the second pipe (P2), the water level of the water filled in the receiving space (10a) inside the housing (10) can be maintained at a constant level. As the water level is maintained at a constant level, the floating member (30) floating in the water remains in a state of being seated on the upper surface of the stopper (13), and as a result, the floating member (30) and the detection sensor (40) are separated, so the detection sensor (40) is not pressurized. If a detection signal is not transmitted from the detection sensor (40), the control unit (60) does not operate the alarm unit (50), and the control valve (V1) also remains in an open state, so water-soluble gas can move from the first pipe (P1) to the second pipe (P2).

[0031] Next, referring to FIG. 5, when water-soluble gas leaks between the flanges (A1, A2) connecting the first pipe (P1) and the second pipe (P2), the water-soluble gas dissolves in water, and the water level in the receiving space (10a) within the housing (10) may rise. As the water level rises, the floating member (30) floating in the water is displaced from the upper surface of the stopper (13), and as a result, the detection sensor (40) is pressurized by the floating member (30). When a detection signal is transmitted from the detection sensor (40), the control unit (60) operates the alarm unit (50) to generate an alarm such as a loud sound or a flashing light, and switches the control valve (V1) to a closed state to block the movement of water-soluble gas from the first pipe (P1) to the second pipe (P2).

[0032] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Explanation of the symbols

[0033] 1: Gas leak alarm device 10: Housing 10a: Accommodation space 11: First housing 11a: Inlet 111: 1st plug 12: 2nd housing 12a: Outlet 121: Second plug 13: Stopper 20: Sensing part 20a: Sensing space 30: Floating member 40: Detection sensor 50: Alarm unit 60: Control unit A1, A2: Flanges P1, P2: Piping V: Control valve

Claims

Claim 1 A gas leak alarm device comprising: a housing that surrounds the flange of a pipe through which a water-soluble gas travels and forms a sealed receiving space, said receiving space filled with water; a sensing unit formed on the upper part of the housing that communicates with said receiving space and has a sensing space higher than the water level of said receiving space; a floating member that is received within said sensing space and floats in said receiving space; a stopper formed protruding from the boundary surface between said receiving space and said sensing space to prevent said floating member from detaching; a sensing sensor installed on the upper part of said floating member within said sensing space and detected by the buoyancy of said floating member; and an alarm unit that generates an alarm when a detection signal is transmitted from said sensing sensor. Claim 2 A gas leak alarm device according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble gas is ammonia. Claim 3 A gas leak alarm device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that, when the water-soluble gas leaks and dissolves between the flanges, the water level rises and the floating member pressurizes the detection sensor, and when the detection sensor is pressurized, the alarm unit operates and the pipe is closed to control the movement of the water-soluble gas.

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