Method and system for controlling flame blocking device

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for controlling a flame blocking device. The method for controlling a flame blocking device comprises the steps of: receiving, from a pair of temperature sensors in real time by a controller, temperature values of elements implemented in the flame blocking device; controlling, by the controller, the flame blocking device by analyzing the temperature values received in real time; and displaying, by the controller, a warning message on a display of the controller according to a result of the analysis.

Description

Control method and system for flame arrester

[0001] An embodiment according to the invention relates to a method and system for controlling a flame arrester, and more particularly, to a method and system for controlling a flame arrester that can control the flame arrester differently depending on the state of the flame arrester.

[0002] A flame arrestor is a device that releases gas from a tank storing liquid to the outside, but blocks flames.

[0003] In other words, in piping systems filled with flammable gases, tanks storing flammable liquids or mixed gases, or burners or furnaces, flame quenching is required, and a flame arrester may be applied for this purpose.

[0004] A method and system for controlling a flame arrester by monitoring the temperature of such a flame arrester is required.

[0005] The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a method and system for controlling a flame arrester, which can monitor the flame arrester and control the flame arrester according to its status.

[0006] A method for controlling a flame arrester according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a step in which a controller receives temperature values ​​of elements implemented in a flame arrester in real time from a pair of temperature sensors, a step in which the controller analyzes the temperature values ​​received in real time to control the flame arrester, and a step in which the controller displays a warning message on a display of the controller according to a result of the analysis.

[0007] The step of controlling the flame device by analyzing the temperature values ​​received in real time by the controller comprises: a step of the controller determining whether a first temperature value among the temperature values ​​is higher than a predetermined temperature; a step of the controller determining whether the first temperature value decreases when the controller determines that the first temperature value decreases; a step of the controller determining whether the first temperature value increases again when the controller determines that the first temperature value decreases; a step of the controller determining whether the first temperature value decreases again and meets a second temperature value among the temperature values ​​when the controller determines that the first temperature value and the second temperature value meet when the controller determines that the first temperature value and the second temperature value meet when the controller analyzes that the flame blocking device is in a first state; and a step of the controller controlling an oxygen supply shutoff valve installed in a pipe connected to the flame blocking device to block oxygen supplied to the flame blocking device when the controller determines that the flame blocking device is in the first state. Includes.

[0008] The step of controlling the flame device by analyzing the temperature values ​​received in real time by the controller may further include the step of: when the controller determines that the first temperature value does not rise again, the step of determining whether the first temperature value and the second temperature value meet; when the controller determines that the first temperature value does not rise again and the first temperature value and the second temperature value meet, the step of analyzing that the flame arrester is in a second state; when the controller determines that the flame arrester is in the second state, the step of controlling a gas supply shut-off valve installed in a pipe connected to the flame arrester to cut off gas supplied to the flame arrester; and when the controller determines that the flame arrester is in the second state, the step of injecting nitrogen gas into the flame arrester through a line connected to the flame arrester.

[0009] The step of controlling the flame device by analyzing the temperature values ​​received in real time by the controller may include a step of analyzing that the flame arrester is in a third state when the controller determines that the first temperature value is higher than a predetermined temperature, a step of determining that the first temperature value and the second temperature value do not meet for a predetermined period of time even if the first temperature value falls again, and a step of controlling a gas supply shutoff valve installed in a pipe connected to the flame arrester to reduce gas supplied to the flame arrester when the controller determines that the flame arrester is in the third state.

[0010] A monitoring system of a flame arrester according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a flame arrester connected between a pipe and a pipe and including a plurality of elements for blocking a flame, a pair of temperature sensors in contact with the plurality of elements for measuring temperatures of elements located at both ends of the plurality of elements, and a controller for receiving temperature values ​​of both ends of the elements from the pair of temperature sensors in real time, analyzing the temperature values ​​received in real time to control the flame arrester, and displaying a warning message on a display of the controller according to a result of the analysis.

[0011] The control method and system of a flame arrester according to an embodiment of the present invention has the effect of efficiently managing a flame arrester by analyzing real-time temperature values ​​of elements of the flame arrester and controlling the flame arrester differently according to each state.

[0012] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a monitoring system of a flame arrester according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 shows a graph of a first state displayed on the display of a plurality of elements and a controller illustrated in Figure 1.

[0014] Figure 3 shows a graph of a second state displayed on the display of a plurality of elements and a controller illustrated in Figure 1.

[0015] Figure 4 shows a graph of a third state displayed on the display of a plurality of elements and a controller illustrated in Figure 1.

[0016] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a monitoring system of a flame arrester according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, a monitoring system (100) of a flame arrester is a system that monitors the temperature of some of a plurality of elements (20) of a flame arrester (10) and controls peripheral components (e.g., a line (14), a gas supply shut-off valve (18), or an oxygen supply shut-off valve (19)) of the flame arrester (10) differently according to each state. The monitoring system (100) of the flame arrester can efficiently control the flame arrester (10) by controlling the peripheral components differently according to the state of the flame arrester (10). The monitoring system (100) of the flame arrester includes a flame arrester (10), a pair of temperature sensors (11, 13), a line (14), a plurality of pressure sensors (15, 17), a gas supply shut-off valve (18), an oxygen supply shut-off valve (19), and a controller (30).

[0018] A flame arrester (10) is installed between the pipe (5) and the pipe (7). One end of the pipe (5) is connected to a gas tank (3). A liquid such as LNG is stored in the gas tank (3). The liquid stored in the gas tank (3) is vaporized and the gas is discharged to the outside through the pipe (5). The gas tank (3) is also connected to a pipe (2) for supplying the liquid to the gas tank (3). The pipe (2) is used for supplying the liquid to the gas tank (3), and the other end of the pipe (2) is connected to a storage space such as another gas tank for supplying the liquid.

[0019] One end of the pipe (7) is connected to a vent cover (9). External oxygen can be supplied to the interior through the pipe (7). The vent cover (9) completely seals the storage tank (3) from the outside. The vent cover (9) is opened to reduce the pressure before the limit pressure of the storage tank (3) is reached.

[0020] A flame arrester (10) transmits gas vaporized in a gas tank (3), but prevents backfire or explosion. The flame arrester (10) includes a plurality of elements (20). The plurality of elements (20) are implemented in the form of a crumpled metal ribbon. The plurality of elements (20) prevent backfire. A flame may be generated by a factor such as external lightning (1). When a flame occurs, the flame may be transmitted along an internal pipe (7). When the flame is transmitted to the pipe (5), the flame backfires. There is also a possibility that the gas tank (3) may explode due to the backfire.

[0021] The flame arrestor (10) prevents these flames from flashing back into the pipe (5).

[0022] The controller (30) is electrically connected to a pair of temperature sensors (11, 13), a line (14), a plurality of pressure sensors (15, 17), a gas supply shut-off valve (18), and an oxygen supply shut-off valve (19).

[0023] A pair of temperature sensors (11, 13) each contact an element located at both ends of a plurality of elements (20) and measure the temperature of the elements located at both ends in real time. The pair of temperature sensors (11, 13) transmit the measured temperature to the controller (30) in real time. Depending on the embodiment, the number of temperature sensors (11, 13) may vary. For example, the number of temperature sensors may be four.

[0024] The controller (30) receives temperature values ​​of elements implemented in the flame arrester (10) in real time from a pair of temperature sensors (11, 13). The controller (30) may include a processor (not shown), a memory (not shown), and a display (not shown). The temperature values ​​are displayed in a graph format on the display.

[0025] Line (14) is connected to the case of the flame arrester (10). When a flame exists inside the flame arrester (10), nitrogen gas can be automatically introduced through line (14) under the control of the controller (30) to extinguish the flame.

[0026] A gas supply shut-off valve (18) can be installed in a pipe (5) connected to the storage tank (3) to shut off the supply of gas vaporized in the storage tank (3) to the flame arrester (10). The gas supply shut-off valve (18) can be automatically controlled by a controller (30). In a normal state, the gas supply shut-off valve (18) is open so that the gas vaporized in the storage tank (3) can be delivered to the flame arrester (10). However, in an emergency state where a flame occurs in the flame arrester (10), the gas supply shut-off valve (18) is closed under the control of the controller (30). Therefore, the gas vaporized in the storage tank (3) cannot be delivered to the flame arrester (10).

[0027] An oxygen supply shutoff valve (19) may be installed in a pipe (7) connected to a vent cover (9) to block external oxygen from being supplied to the flame arrester (10). The oxygen supply shutoff valve (19) may be automatically controlled by a controller (30). In a normal state, the oxygen supply shutoff valve (19) is open so that external oxygen can be supplied to the flame arrester (10). However, in an emergency state where a flame occurs in the flame arrester (10), the oxygen supply shutoff valve (19) is closed under the control of the controller (30). Therefore, oxygen is supplied to the flame, thereby preventing the flame arrester (10) from exploding.

[0028] A pressure sensor (15) can be installed on a pipe (5). The pressure sensor (15) measures the pressure of the pipe (5). The pressure value measured by the pressure sensor (15) is transmitted to a controller (30). A pressure sensor (17) can be installed on a pipe (7). The pressure sensor (17) measures the pressure of the pipe (7). The pressure value measured by the pressure sensor (17) is transmitted to a controller (30). The controller (30) receives the pressure values ​​measured from a plurality of pressure sensors (15, 17) and calculates the difference between the two pressure values. Over time, the flame arrester (10) may become clogged with substances such as dust or oil residue, which may cause an increase in the internal pressure. Due to this increase in internal pressure, there is a risk that the outer steel plate of the storage tank (3) may be torn, causing a leakage of flammable liquid or mixed gas vaporized in the storage tank (3). Accordingly, the controller (30) calculates the difference between the two pressure values, and when the difference between the two pressure values ​​is greater than a certain value, the controller (30) can display a message suggesting the replacement time of the plurality of elements (20) or opening the vent cover (9) on the display of the controller (30).

[0029] Figure 2 shows a graph of a first state displayed on the display of a plurality of elements and a controller illustrated in Figure 1.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first state refers to a state in which the first temperature value (T1) decreases, then increases again, and then decreases again to meet the second temperature value (T2). In FIG. 2, the number of the plurality of elements (20) is 5. Depending on the embodiment, the number of the plurality of elements (20) may vary.

[0031] The first temperature value (T1) is a value measured by the first temperature sensor (13). The first temperature sensor (13) comes into contact with the first element (20-1) located at the right end among the plurality of elements (20) and measures the temperature of the first element (20-1). Generally, a flame occurs on the right side of the first element (20-1). Therefore, as can be seen in the graph, the first temperature value (T1) is high. The flame sequentially moves from the first element (20-1) to the second element (20-2), the third element (20-3), the fourth element (20-4), and the fifth element (20-5). When the flame moves to the fifth element (20-5), backfire occurs.

[0032] The second temperature value (T2) is a value measured by the second temperature sensor (11). The second temperature sensor (11) comes into contact with the element (20-5) located at the left end among the plurality of elements (20) and measures the temperature of the element (20-5). When the flame occurs on the right side of the element (20-1), the flame has not yet moved from the plurality of elements (20), so the second temperature value (T2) is relatively lower than the first temperature value (T1).

[0033] In the first state, the flame arrester is likely to explode within 30 minutes to 2 hours of the initial fire outbreak. The probability of the flame arrester entering the first state is less than 5%.

[0034] In the first section (P1), the controller (30) determines whether the first temperature value (T1) among the temperature values ​​(T1, T2) is higher than a certain temperature (TH).

[0035] When the controller (30) determines that the first temperature value (T1) is higher than a certain temperature (TH), the controller (30) determines whether the first temperature value (T1) decreases in the second section (P2). Whether the first temperature value (T1) decreases can be determined by determining that the first temperature value (T1) decreases when the temperature difference between two temperature values ​​measured at different points in time is higher than a certain temperature. Each of the plurality of elements (20) is implemented in the form of a crumpled metal ribbon. In the process of manufacturing each of the plurality of elements (20), the crumpled metal ribbon shape may not be precisely arranged. The reason why the first temperature value (T1) decreases is because the element (20-1) absorbs the flame as the metal ribbon shape that is not precisely arranged is rearranged, thereby temporarily reducing the temperature.

[0036] When the controller (30) determines that the first temperature value (T1) decreases, the controller (30) determines in the third section (P3) whether the first temperature value (T1) increases again. Whether the first temperature value (T1) increases can be determined by determining that the first temperature value (T1) increases when the temperature difference at different points in time is greater than a certain temperature. The reason why the first temperature value (T1) increases again is because the rearranged metal ribbon-shaped element (20-1) rises due to the flame.

[0037] When the controller (30) determines that the first temperature value (T1) rises again, in the fourth section (P4), the controller (30) determines that the first temperature value (T2) falls again.

[0038] In the fifth section (P5), the controller (30) determines whether the first temperature value (T1) decreases again and meets the second temperature value (T2) among the temperature values. Whether the first temperature value (T1) decreases can be determined by determining that the first temperature value (T1) decreases when the temperature difference between two temperature values ​​measured at different points in time is greater than a certain temperature. The first section (P1) to the fifth section (P5) can be set to any arbitrary time.

[0039] The second temperature value (T2) gradually increases over time. This is because the heat of the flame of the element (20-1) is conducted.

[0040] When the controller (30) determines that the first temperature value (T1) and the second temperature value (T2) meet, the controller (30) analyzes that the flame blocking device (10) is in the first state.

[0041] When the controller (30) determines that the flame arrester (10) is in the first state, the controller (30) controls the oxygen supply shutoff valve (19) installed in the pipe (7) connected to the flame arrester (10) to block the oxygen supplied to the flame arrester (10).

[0042] Figure 3 shows a graph of a second state displayed on the display of a plurality of elements and a controller illustrated in Figure 1.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the second state refers to a state in which the first temperature value (T1) drops and then meets the second temperature value (T2). In the case of the second state, there is a possibility that the flame arrester will explode within 30 minutes. In other words, the second state refers to a state in which the flame is transmitted within a short period of time. The probability that the flame arrester (10) will enter the second state is approximately 90%.

[0044] In the first section (P1), the controller (30) determines whether the first temperature value (T1) among the temperature values ​​(T1, T2) is above a certain temperature.

[0045] When the controller (30) determines that the first temperature value (T1) is higher than a certain temperature (TH), the controller (30) determines whether the first temperature value (T1) decreases in the second section (P2).

[0046] In the third section (P3), when the controller (30) determines that the first temperature value (T1) does not rise again, the controller (30) determines whether the first temperature value (T1) meets the second temperature value (T2). If the flame moves quickly, the first temperature value (T1) does not rise. When the temperature difference between two temperature values ​​measured at different points in time is below a certain temperature, it can be determined that the first temperature value (T1) does not rise again.

[0047] When the controller (30) determines that the first temperature value (T1) does not rise again and the first temperature value (T1) and the second temperature value (T2) meet, the controller (30) analyzes that the flame arrester (10) is in the second state.

[0048] When the controller (30) determines that the flame arrester (10) is in the second state, the controller (30) controls the gas supply shutoff valve (18) installed in the pipe (5) connected to the flame arrester (10) to block the gas supplied to the flame arrester (10).

[0049] When the controller (30) determines that the flame arrester (10) is in the second state, the controller (30) injects nitrogen gas into the flame arrester (10) through the line (14) connected to the flame arrester (10). This is because, in the case of the second state, the flame moves quickly within the plurality of elements (20), so there is a need to quickly control the flame.

[0050] Figure 4 shows a graph of a third state displayed on the display of a plurality of elements and a controller illustrated in Figure 1.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the third state refers to a state in which the first temperature value (T1) decreases, then increases again, and then decreases again, but does not meet the second temperature value (T2). In the third state, there is no possibility of the flame arrester (10) exploding. The probability that the flame arrester (10) will enter the third state is approximately 5%.

[0052] The controller (30) determines whether the first temperature value (T1) among the temperature values ​​(T1, T2) is higher than a certain temperature (TH).

[0053] When the controller (30) determines that the first temperature value (T1) is higher than a certain temperature (TH), and when the controller (30) determines that the first temperature value (T1) and the second temperature value (T2) do not meet even if the first temperature value (T1) decreases again, the controller (30) analyzes that the flame arrester (10) is in the third state.

[0054] When the controller (30) determines that the flame arrester (10) is in the third state, the controller (30) controls the gas supply shut-off valve (18) to reduce the gas supplied to the flame arrester (10). In some embodiments, the gas supply shut-off valve (18) may be controlled to block the gas supplied to the flame arrester (10). At this time, the controller (30) controls a valve (not shown) installed in a pipe (2) for supplying liquid to the gas tank (3) so that no more liquid is supplied to the gas tank (3). The controller (30) is electrically connected to the valve installed in the pipe (2) to control the valve.

[0055] In the first section (P1), the controller (30) determines whether the first temperature value (T1) among the temperature values ​​(T1, T2) is above a certain temperature.

[0056] When the controller (30) determines that the first temperature value (T1) is higher than a certain temperature (TH), the controller (30) determines whether the first temperature value (T1) decreases in the second section (P2).

[0057] When the controller (30) determines that the first temperature value (T1) is decreasing, the controller (30) determines in the third section (P3) whether the first temperature value (T1) is increasing again. Whether the first temperature value (T1) is increasing can be determined when the temperature difference between two temperature values ​​measured at different points in time is greater than a certain temperature.

[0058] When the controller (30) determines that the first temperature value (T1) rises again, in the fourth section (P4), the controller (30) determines that the first temperature value (T2) falls again.

[0059] In the fifth section (P5), the controller (30) determines whether the first temperature value (T1) decreases again and meets the second temperature value (T2) among the above temperature values.

[0060] When the controller (30) determines that the first temperature value (T1) and the second temperature value (T2) do not meet, the controller (30) analyzes that the flame arrester (10) is in the third state.

[0061] When the controller (30) determines that the flame arrester (10) is in the third state, the controller (30) controls the gas supply shutoff valve (19) installed in the pipe (7) connected to the flame arrester (10) to block the gas supplied to the flame arrester (10).

[0062] In the third state, unlike the second state, nitrogen gas is not injected through the line (14) because there is no possibility of explosion of the flame arrester (10). If nitrogen gas is injected uniformly through the line (14) without distinguishing the state of the flame arrester (10), unnecessary actions such as waste of nitrogen gas and replacement of the flame arrester (10) are required even when nitrogen gas injection is not necessary.

[0063] As such, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, such modifications and variations should be considered to fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A step in which the controller receives in real time the temperature values ​​of elements implemented in the flame arrester from a pair of temperature sensors; The controller controls the flame device by analyzing the temperature values ​​received in real time; and A method for controlling a flame arrester, the method comprising: displaying a warning message on a display of the controller according to the analysis result.

2. In the first paragraph, the controller controls the flame device by analyzing the temperature values ​​received in real time. The controller determines whether a first temperature value among the temperature values ​​is higher than a certain temperature; When the controller determines that the first temperature value is higher than a certain temperature, the controller determines whether the first temperature value decreases; When the controller determines that the first temperature value decreases, the controller determines whether the first temperature value increases again; When the controller determines that the first temperature value is rising again, the controller determines whether the first temperature value is falling again; The controller determines whether the first temperature value decreases again and meets the second temperature value among the temperature values; When the controller determines that the first temperature value and the second temperature value meet, the controller analyzes that the flame arrester is in the first state; and A method for controlling a flame arrester, comprising the step of controlling an oxygen supply shutoff valve installed in a pipe connected to the flame arrester to block oxygen supplied to the flame arrester when the controller determines that the flame arrester is in the first state.

3. In the second paragraph, the controller controls the flame device by analyzing the temperature values ​​received in real time. When the controller determines that the first temperature value does not rise again, the controller determines whether the first temperature value and the second temperature value meet; The controller determines that the first temperature value does not rise again and that the first temperature value and the second temperature value meet, and then analyzes that the flame arrester is in a second state; When the controller determines that the flame arrester is in the second state, the controller controls a gas supply shutoff valve installed in a pipe connected to the flame arrester to block gas supplied to the flame arrester; and A method for controlling a flame arrester, wherein the controller further comprises a step of injecting nitrogen gas into the flame arrester through a line connected to the flame arrester when the controller determines that the flame arrester is in the second state.

4. In the third paragraph, the controller controls the flame device by analyzing the temperature values ​​received in real time. When the controller determines that the first temperature value is above a certain temperature, when the controller determines that the first temperature value and the second temperature value do not meet for a certain period of time even if the first temperature value falls again, the controller analyzes that the flame blocking device is in a third state; and A method for controlling a flame arrester, comprising the step of controlling a gas supply shutoff valve installed in a pipe connected to the flame arrester to reduce gas supplied to the flame arrester when the controller determines that the flame arrester is in the third state.

5. A flame arrester connected between the pipe and the five, comprising a plurality of elements to block flames; A pair of temperature sensors in contact with the plurality of elements to measure the temperature of elements located at both ends of the plurality of elements; and Receives temperature values ​​of both ends of the elements in real time from the pair of temperature sensors, analyzes the temperature values ​​received in real time to control the flame device, and displays a warning message on the display of the controller according to the analysis result. A control system for a flame arrester including a controller.

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