Blank disc device

Abstract

A blank disc device (110) for blocking medium transfer through a flange joint (130) is disclosed. The blank disc device (110) comprises at least one at least partially disc-shaped body (112) and at least one sensor element (114) arranged between two opposing blocking surfaces (116) of the body (112), the sensor element (114) being configured for generating at least one sensor signal depending on at least one flange compression force acting on at least part of the two blocking surfaces (116). Further disclosed are a method of manufacturing a blank disc device (110), a pipe system (134), a method of monitoring an installation of the at least one blank disc device (110) of a pipe system (134) and a use of at least one blank disc device (110) for blocking medium transfer through a flange joint (130) of a pipe system (134) of an industrial plant.

Description

[0001] 240696W001

[0002] Blank disc device

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The invention relates to a blank disc device for blocking medium transfer through a flange joint, to a method of manufacturing said blank disc device, to a pipe system comprising said blank disc device, to a method of monitoring an installation of said blank disc device and to a use of said blank disc device. The devices and methods of the present invention, as an example, may be used in the field of manufacturing industries, in particular in the chemical and / or petrochemical manufacturing industry. Thus, the invention can be used in particular in chemical-technical plants in which a fluid flow, for example through pipes and / or lines, takes place. However, other areas of application are also feasible.

[0005] Background art

[0006] In the field of chemical and / or petrochemical manufacturing industry, generally, blank discs are known and used for blocking pipes and lines, typically present in production plants. These blank discs are usually installed, e.g. fixedly positioned, by installation personnel. Regular inspection of the correct positioning and installation status of the blank discs is also usually necessary, particularly due to corrosion or material fatigue, and is generally carried out by inspection personnel.

[0007] Despite the advantages of known blank discs, still several technical and organizational challenges remain. Specifically, there is usually a high maintenance effort required and large demand for specially trained personnel to install and monitor the blank discs. This personnel deployment generates costs. Furthermore, staff shortages can play an important role here. In addition, often fluids that are transported through lines and / or pipes in the chemical and / or petrochemical manufacturing industry can be harmful to the environment surrounding these lines and / or pipes. Thus, particularly when monitoring and / or inspecting the blank disc during operation, increased protective measures for the personnel must therefore normally be observed, whereby in addition to the use of protective equipment for the personnel, it may also be necessary to interrupt operation of the plants.

[0008] Problem to be solved

[0009] It is therefore desirable to provide devices and methods, which at least partially address the above-mentioned technical challenges. Specifically, devices and methods shall be proposed, which decrease maintenance effort and personnel expense without compromising the safety and functionality of industrial plants.

[0010] Summary 240696W001

[0011] - 2 -

[0012] This problem is addressed by a blank disc device, a method of manufacturing a blank disc device, a pipe system, a method of monitoring an installation of the blank disc device of a pipe system and a use of a blank disc device with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments which might be realized in an isolated fashion or in any arbitrary combinations are listed in the dependent claims as well as throughout the specification.

[0013] In a first aspect of the present invention, a blank disc device is disclosed. The blank disc device is configured for blocking medium transfer through a flange joint. The blank disc device comprises at least one at least partially discshaped body and at least one sensor element arranged between two opposing blocking surfaces of the body. The sensor element is configured for generating at least one sensor signal depending on at least one flange compression force acting on at least part of the two blocking surfaces. In particular, the sensor signal may be at least one electrical and / or optical signal.

[0014] The term "blank disc device” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an object and / or device configured for blocking medium transfer. The blank disc device may also be referred to as "blanc disc”. Specifically, the blank disc device may be a lid-like object configured for at least partially, preferably fully, closing an opening of at least one line, pipe and / or channel. Thus, specifically, the blank disc device may be configured for stopping and / or cutting off medium transfer through the line, pipe and / or channel, such as by clogging, closing and / or sealing off a cross section, specifically a flow-through cross section, of the line, pipe and / or channel. In particular, the blank disc device may be configured to be installed in the line, pipe and / or channel at a transition position, such as at a position where the medium, specifically the fluid, flowing through the line, pipe and / or channel transfers from one part of the line, pipe and / or channel to a next part of the line, pipe and / or channel. Thus, the blank disc device specifically is configured to be arranged at a flange joint of the line, pipe and / or channel, as outlined in further detail below.

[0015] The term "blocking medium transfer” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a process of stopping medium flow and / or movement of an arbitrary medium. As an example, the medium may be a fluid and thus, blocking medium transfer may refer to an act and / or function of intercepting fluid flow, i.e. through a line, pipe and / or channel.

[0016] The term "flange joint” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a connection form and / or element, which comprises at least two parallel surfaces, in particular face surfaces, which are arranged substantially orthogonally, for example at an angle of 90°±10°, to a transport direction of the medium, e.g. to a medium transfer direction, along which the medium, such as the fluid, is configured to be transported and / or transferred through the line, pipe and / or channel. The flange joint may also be referred to as 240696W001

[0017] - 3 -

[0018] "joint” and / or "flange connection”. In particular, the flange joint may consist of two flange parts, each of which may comprise one of the two parallel surfaces, e.g. one of the face surfaces, wherein in a connected state of the flange joint, the two flange parts may be fixedly arranged such that the parallel surfaces face each other. For example, the parallel surfaces, e.g. the face surfaces, of the flange joint may be or may comprise sealing surfaces, which are configured and arranged, specifically in the connected state of the flange joint, in order to seal the line, pipe and / or channel, in particular in such a way as to prevent an escape of the medium, e.g. of the fluid, for example by providing at least one seal, for example a ring seal or at least one similar sealing device. Each of the two flange parts may form an entity with one part of the line, pipe and / or channel through which the medium may be transferred. Thus, as an example, the first part of the flange joint may form an entity with a first part of the line, pipe and / or channel, while the second part of the flange joint may form an entity with a second part of the line, pipe and / or channel. As an example, the part of the flange joint may be one or more of loosely, boltedly and / or weldedly connected with the part of the line, pipe and / or channel. Thus, the flange joint may be one or more of a loose flange, a bolted flange or a welded flange. Specifically, in the connected state, the face surfaces of the flange joint may be compressed together, e.g. by a compression force, exerted by one or more of a connecting element. Such a connecting element may specifically be or may comprise a screw connection and / or a bolted connection. Thus, the two parts of the flange joint, in the connected state, may be screwed together by using at least one screw connection, e.g. comprising one or more of a bolt, a nut, a screw or the like.

[0019] The term "sensor element” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary object and / or element configured for one or more of detecting, measuring or monitoring at least one measurement variable or measurement property, such as at least one flange compression force. Specifically, the sensor element may be capable of generating at least one sensor signal, such as a measurement signal, e.g. an electrical signal and / or an optical signal, which is a qualitative or quantitative indicator of the measurement variable and / or measurement property, such as of the flange compression force, e.g. of the force by which the two parts of the flange joint are connected to each other. The sensor element may, for example, make use of measuring principles that are generally known to the person skilled in the art. For example, when the blank disc device is arranged in the flange joint, specifically between the face surfaces of the flange joint, the compression force to be detected and / or determined by the sensor element may cause a change in at least one part of the sensor element, for example at least one change selected from the group consisting of a displacement, a change in position, a change in orientation, a deformation, an elongation or a rotation, which may specifically be detectable qualitatively or quantitatively, for example by means of at least one measuring principle selected from the group consisting of a mechanical measuring principle, an optical measuring principle and an acoustic measuring principle, e.g. resulting in the generation of the sensor signal. The sensor element may specifically comprise at least one interface configured for providing the at least one sensor signal to at least one monitoring unit as outlined in further detail below. As an example, the interface may be configured for transferring the at least one sensor signal, such as the measurement signal, to the monitoring unit via at least one wire bound connection. Alternatively, the sensor signal, such as the measurement signal, may be transferred to the monitoring unit wirelessly by the interface. 240696W001

[0020] - 4 -

[0021] The term "partially disc-shaped body” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary element and / or object comprising at least one portion having a disc-like shape. In particular, the disc-shaped body comprises at least two opposing blocking surfaces. These blocking surfaces may essentially be flat and may be configured for providing the blocking function of the blank disc device, e.g. for blocking the medium transfer. Further, the partially disc-shaped body, specifically the disc-shaped portion of the partially disc-shaped body, may have an at least partially rounded outline and / or contour. For example, specifically the disc-shaped portion of the partially disc-shaped body may comprise the rounded outline and / or contour. Thus, as an example, the partially disc-shaped body, specifically its disc-shaped portion, may be or may comprise a body having at least two flat, specifically essentially parallel, and round, e.g. circular, surfaces. As an example, the disc-shaped portion of the at least partially disc-shaped body may be formed as a separate part of the discshaped body or may be part of and integrally formed with another part of the disc-shaped body, e.g. with a handle portion, as outlined in further detail below. Alternatively, however, the disc-shaped portion may even make up the entire disc-shaped body.

[0022] The body's disc shaped portion may comprise a cylindrical form. In particular, the cylindrical form of the body's disc shaped portion may have a diameter, wherein the diameter of the cylindrical form is larger or equal to the diameter of a though-hole of the flange joint.

[0023] The term "through-hole” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary formed opening. In particular, the through-hole of the flange joint may be or may comprise two aligned openings through both parts of the flange joint. Thus, as an example, the flange joint's through-hole may refer to the flow-through opening of the line, pipe and / or channel at the position, where the flange joint is arranged. In particular, the through-hole may have the round, specifically circular, cross section of the line, pipe and / or channel, e.g. the flow-through cross section.

[0024] The body, specifically the at least partially disc-shaped body of the blank disc device, may further comprise at least one handle portion. In particular, the handle portion may be configured for protruding from the flange joint when the blank disc is installed within the flange joint.

[0025] The term "handle portion” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an at least partially elongated part of the disc-shaped body of the blank disc device. In particular, the handle portion may have an elongated shape. As an example, the handle portion may by its elongated shape may form a handle and / or gripping part and / or section of the disc-shaped body, e.g. by which the blank disc device may be held and / or grasped, such as by a human hand. 240696W001

[0026] - 5 -

[0027] As an example, the body, specifically the at least partially disc-shaped body of the blank disc device, may further comprise at least one ring-shaped portion. In particular, the ring-shaped portion may comprise at least one through hole. Specifically, the body may comprise the at least one ring-shaped portion having the through hole, such that the body comprises a shape of a spectacle blind, e.g. having the shape of spectacles. As an example, the body, specifically the at least partially disc-shaped body of the blank disc device, may exhibit the shape of spectacles with the disc-shaped portion referring to one blind and / or closed glass of the spectacles and the ring-shaped portion referring to one open and / or see-through glass of the spectacles.

[0028] The term "ring-shaped portion” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a part of the at least partially disc-shaped body having a though hole similarly shaped as the through hole of the flange joint. In particular, the ring-shaped portion may, similarly to the shape of the disc-shaped portion of the body, have a disc-like outer shape, with at least one through hole, instead of the at least two opposing blocking surfaces. Specifically, the ring-shaped portion may essentially have a disc-like, flat, ring shape and may be configured for allowing medium to transfer through the blank disc device. Thus, where the disc-shaped portion of the blank disc device may be configured for providing the blocking function of the blank disc device, e.g. for blocking the medium transfer, the ring-shaped portion may be configured for allowing medium to transfer through the blank disc device, e.g. respectively depending on an installation position of the blank disc device in the flange joint.

[0029] The sensor element may be arranged within one or more of a slit and a pocket in the body. Specifically, the sensor element may be arranged and / or positioned within one or more of a slit and a pocket in the at least partially discshaped body.

[0030] As an example, the slit may be arranged parallel to the two blocking surfaces and may at least partially reach into the disc shaped portion of the body. Additionally or alternatively, the slit may be configured for separating the handle portion into two parts. Specifically, the slit may be configured for separating the handle portion into two equally shaped, e.g. symmetrically formed, parts. As an example, the slit may be configured for separating the body, specifically the at least partially disc-shaped body, e.g. at least both the handle portion and the disc-shaped portion, into two parts. Specifically, the sensor element may be arranged at least partially in the part of the slit in the body's disc shaped portion. As an example, the slit, particularly in a plane perpendicular to the blocking surfaces, may have a cross section comprising one or more of a v-shape, e.g. a wedge form; and a u-shape.

[0031] As an example, the pocket may have a negative shape of the sensor element. Specifically, the pocket may have the negative shape of the sensor element in order to allow for a placement of the sensor element within the pocket.

[0032] The body, particularly the at least partially disc-shaped body, may comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of metal, such as steel, nickel, titanium, zirconium, aluminum; and one or more of their alloys, such 240696W001

[0033] - 6 - as stainless steel, nickel alloy, e.g. Hastelloy®, titanium alloy, zirconium alloy, aluminum alloy. As an example, the body, particularly the at least partially disc-shaped body, may consist of the at least one material selected from the group consisting of metal, such as steel, nickel, titanium, zirconium, aluminum; and one or more of their alloys, such as stainless steel, nickel alloy, e.g. Hastelloy®, titanium alloy, zirconium alloy, aluminum alloy.

[0034] The sensor element, specifically as outlined above, may comprise at least one force and / or pressure sensor. Specifically, the sensor element may comprise at least one force and / or pressure sensor selected from the group consisting of a resistive force sensor, such as a force-sensing-resistor®; a piezoelectric sensor; a strain gauge sensor; a thin- film pressure sensor.

[0035] In a further aspect of the present invention, a method of manufacturing a blank disc device is disclosed. The method may also be referred to as "manufacturing method”. The method comprises the following steps, which may be performed in the given order. It shall be noted, however, that a different order is also possible. Further, it is also possible to perform one or more of the method steps once or repeatedly. Further, it is possible to perform two or more of the method steps simultaneously or in a timely overlapping fashion. The method may comprise further method steps that are not listed. Specifically, the blank disc device may be a blank disc device according to the present invention. Thus, for definitions and embodiments, for example of the blank disc device, reference is made to the definitions and embodiments as outlined in the context of the blank disc device as outlined elsewhere herein.

[0036] The manufacturing method comprises the following steps: a) providing the at least one at least partially disc-shaped body having the two opposing blocking surfaces; b) providing the at least one sensor element; c) arranging the sensor element in the body, between the two opposing blocking surfaces.

[0037] As an example, step c) may comprise generating a slit at least partially reaching into the disc shaped portion of the body. Specifically, step c) may comprise generating the slit as outlined above, into and / or within which the sensor element may be arranged and / or positioned. In particular, the slit as generated in step c) may be configured to reach into the disc shaped portion, wherein the sensor element may for example be arranged and / or positioned, specifically also in step c), in the part of the slit which is in the disc shaped portion.

[0038] In step a), the disc-shaped body may specifically be provided in two parts, wherein the two parts may be arranged parallel to each other, such that a slit parallel to the blocking surfaces may be present in the body. As an example, in this case, the slit may extend through the blank disc device parallel to the blocking surfaces. Additionally or alternatively, in this case, step c) may comprise arranging the sensor element in the slit and in between the two parts of the body, specifically of the at least partially disc-shaped body.

[0039] The manufacturing method may further comprise: d) adhesively attaching the two parts of the body together, e.g. by using at least one glue. 240696W001

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[0041] In yet a further aspect of the present invention, a pipe system is disclosed. The pipe system comprises at least one flange joint, at least one blank disc device configured for blocking medium transfer through the flange joint and at least one monitoring unit configured for determining at least one installation information depending on the at least one sensor signal generated by the sensor element of the blank disc device. Specifically, the monitoring unit, e.g. by one or more transmitting elements, may be configured for receiving the at least one sensor signal from the sensor element. Specifically, the blank disc device may be a blank disc device according to the present invention. Thus, for definitions and embodiments, for example of the blank disc device, reference is made to the definitions and embodiments as outlined in the context of the blank disc device as outlined elsewhere herein.

[0042] The term "pipe system” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary set of interacting or interdependent components and / or parts forming a whole, wherein at least two of the components and / or parts comprise one or more of a pipe, such as a line and / or channel configured for transporting medium from an inlet to an outlet, e.g. from an inlet opening to an outlet opening, and a flange joint. Specifically, the components and / or parts of the pipe system may interact with each other in order to fulfill the at least one common medium transport function. As an example, the components and / or parts, specifically the pipe and the flange joint, may be coupled or connectable to allow for medium, specifically fluid, transport and / or transfer.

[0043] The term "monitoring unit” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a device, such as a single device or a plurality of devices, comprising at least one computational element, such as at least one processor. As used herein, the term "processor” may refer to an arbitrary logic circuitry configured for performing basic operations of a computer or system, and / or, generally, to a device which is configured for performing calculations or logic operations. In particular, the processor may be configured for processing basic instructions that drive the computer or system. As an example, the processor may comprise at least one arithmetic logic unit (ALU), at least one floating-point unit (FPU), such as a math coprocessor or a numeric coprocessor, a plurality of registers, specifically registers configured for supplying operands to the ALU and storing results of operations, and a memory, such as an L1 and L2 cache memory. In particular, the processor may be a multicore processor. Specifically, the processor may be or may comprise a central processing unit (CPU). Specifically, the processor may be or may comprise at least one Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). Additionally or alternatively, the processor may be or may comprise a microprocessor, thus specifically the processor's elements may be contained in one single integrated circuitry (IC) chip. Additionally or alternatively, the processor may be or may comprise one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and / or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and / or one or more tensor processing unit (TPU) and / or one or more chip. The monitoring unit specifically may be configured, such as by software programming, for performing one or more monitoring operations, i.e. determining at 240696W001

[0044] - 8 - least one installation information depending on the at least one sensor signal generated by the sensor element of the blank disc device.

[0045] The term "installation information” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an indication and / or information regarding an installation status of the blank disc device, specifically in the present case of the status of the installation of the blank disc device in the flange joint. The installation information, as an example, may be Boolean or digital information, such as indicating "installed” or "not installed”.

[0046] The installation information may specifically provide the information that the blank disc device is installed in the flange joint, specifically that the disc-shaped portion of the blank disc device is arranged between two flanges of the flange joint, e.g. the disc-shaped portion separates the two flanges, when the at least one sensor signal generated by the sensor element indicates that the flange compression force is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold compression force; not installed, when the at least one sensor signal generated by the sensor element indicates that the flange compression force is lower than the predetermined threshold compression force.

[0047] The pipe system may further comprise at least one evaluation unit configured for generating at least one handling instruction. In particular, the evaluation unit may be configured for generating the at least one handling instruction depending on the installation information. Such a handling instruction may for example be or may comprise information for on a handling suggestion, e.g. relating to the installation of the blank disc device in the flange joint. As an example the handling instruction may for example be or may comprise a suggestion to re-tighten one or more screw connections and / or bolted connections of the flange joint, i.e. to increase the compression force on the blank disc device positioned within the flange joint, e.g. in between the two parts of the flange joint. Additionally or alternatively, the handling instruction may for example be or may comprise at least one suggestion relating to an installation of the blank disc device, i.e. in case no blank disc device is presently positioned within the flange joint. Specifically, the handling instruction may indicate a possible requirement for change and / or adjustment within the pipe system, specifically regarding the positioning and / or installation status of the at least one blank disc device.

[0048] The term "evaluation unit” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a device, such as a single device or a plurality of devices, comprising at least one computational element, such as at least one processor, specifically a processor as defined above with regard to the monitoring unit. The evaluation unit specifically may be configured, such as by software programming, for performing one or more evaluation operations, i.e. generating the at least one handling instruction depending on the installation information. 240696W001

[0049] - 9 -

[0050] The pipe system may further comprise at least one output device connected to the evaluation unit, e.g. one or more of a display, a loudspeaker or the like, and configured for outputting the handling instruction, e.g. to a pipe system supervisor. The term "output device” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a human-machine interface. In particular, the output device may be or may comprise one or more interfaces that allow information, such as the handling instruction, to be provided to a human, e.g. to personnel and / or staff assigned with monitoring and / or supervising the pipe system.

[0051] As an example, the pipe system may be a pipe system in use at an industrial plant, such as at a chemical and / or petrochemical industrial plant.

[0052] In yet a further aspect of the present invention, a method of monitoring an installation of the at least one blank disc device in the at least one flange joint of a pipe system is disclosed. The method may also refer to as "monitoring method”. The method comprises the following steps, which may be performed in the given order. It shall be noted, however, that a different order is also possible. Further, it is also possible to perform one or more of the method steps once or repeatedly. Further, it is possible to perform two or more of the method steps simultaneously or in a timely overlapping fashion. The method may comprise further method steps that are not listed. Specifically, the blank disc device may be a blank disc device according to the present invention and the pipe system may be a pipe system according to the present invention. Thus, for definitions and embodiments, for example of the blank disc device and / or of the pipe system, reference is made to the definitions and embodiments as outlined in the context of the blank disc device and / or of the pipe system as outlined elsewhere herein.

[0053] The monitoring method comprises the following steps:

[0054] I) providing the pipe system;

[0055] II) determining, by the monitoring unit, the at least one installation information of the at least one blank disc device from the at least one sensor signal generated by the sensor element of the blank disc device.

[0056] Further, the monitoring method may comprise the following steps:

[0057] III) generating, by at least one evaluation device of the pipe system, specifically by the evaluation device as described herein with regard to the pipe system, at least one handling instruction based on the installation information, specifically the at least one handling instruction as outlined herein with regard to the pipe system; and

[0058] IV) providing, via at least one output device of the pipe system, specifically by the output device as described herein with regard to the pipe system, that is connected to the evaluation device, the at least one handling instruction.

[0059] In yet a further aspect of the present invention a use of at least one blank disc device for blocking medium transfer through a flange joint of a pipe system of an industrial plant, such as a chemical and / or petrochemical industrial plant, is disclosed. Specifically, the blank disc device may be a blank disc device according to the present invention and the 240696W001

[0060] - 10 - pipe system may be a pipe system according to the present invention. Thus, for definitions and embodiments, for example of the blank disc device and / or of the pipe system, reference is made to the definitions and embodiments as outlined in the context of the blank disc device and / or of the pipe system as outlined elsewhere herein. Specifically, by using the at least one blank disc device for blocking medium transfer through the flange joint of the pipe system on the industrial plant, i.e. the chemical and / or petrochemical industrial plant, the industrial plant may be isolated.

[0061] As an example, the pipe system may further, specifically in addition to the sensor element of the blank disc device, comprise at least one further sensor configured for monitoring at least a presence or absence of the blank disc device from the flange joint. In particular, the further sensor may be or may comprise one or more of an optical sensor, such as a camera, a GPS sensor, and a transmitter-receiver combination, such as an RFID Chip and / or a QR code together with a detector and / or identifier, such as a reader. Specifically, the at least one further sensor, e.g. comprising the camera and / or the GPS sensor, may be arranged on the blank disc device itself, e.g. as a part of the blank disc device. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one further sensor may be positioned at the flange joint, such as in a close range, e.g. within radius of 10 cm around the flange joint, and / or at a greater distance, such as from a vantage point, e.g. similar to a positioning of a surveillance camera. In particular, the positioning of the further sensor may depend on its functionality for detecting the presence and / or absence of the blank disc device at and / or from the flange joint. Thus, as an example, in case the further sensor comprises a camera, the positioning may be such that the flange joint is within the camera's viewing angle, wherein in case the further sensor comprises a transmitter-receiver combination, the position may in close range of the flange joint and / or the blank disc device. In particular, in the latter example, one part of the further sensor, such as one or more of the RFID Chip and the QR Code, may be arranged on the blank disc device, while the detector and / or identifier may be arranged at the flange joint, or vice versa.

[0062] An evaluation of the information generated by the further sensor may be performed by the monitoring unit, specifically by a comparison with a database comprising information on when and where a blank disc device is to be installed in which flange joint. Thus, for this purpose, the sensor signal generated by the at least one further sensor may specifically be transferred and / or provided to the monitoring unit for comparison with the at least one database. The database may be stored on the monitoring unit, such as on a memory of the monitoring unit, or may be accessible by the monitoring unit, such as via an external storage, e.g. a cloud storage. As an example, the database may have information regarding at least one flange joint, specifically a plurality of flange joints, preferably all the flange joints of the pipe system stored therein, specifically together with information on a set-up and / or scenario, such as for example a specific maintenance protocol, in which the blank disc device is to be installed therein. Specifically, such an evaluation of the information generated by the further sensor may be part of the monitoring method, wherein, specifically in case it is detected that the blank disc device is not installed in a flange joint where it should be installed, i.e. in case the comparison with the database provides a discrepancy between an actual installation status and a targeted installation status, the monitoring method may comprise generating and providing an instruction to install the blank disc device as part of the handling instruction. 240696W001

[0063] - 11 -

[0064] As used herein, the terms "have”, "comprise” or "include” or any arbitrary grammatical variations thereof are used in a non-exclusive way. Thus, these terms may both refer to a situation in which, besides the feature introduced by these terms, no further features are present in the entity described in this context and to a situation in which one or more further features are present. As an example, the expressions "A has B”, "A comprises B” and "A includes B” may both refer to a situation in which, besides B, no other element is present in A (i.e. a situation in which A solely and exclusively consists of B) and to a situation in which, besides B, one or more further elements are present in entity A, such as element C, elements C and D or even further elements.

[0065] Further, it shall be noted that the terms "at least one”, "one or more” or similar expressions indicating that a feature or element may be present once or more than once typically are used only once when introducing the respective feature or element. In most cases, when referring to the respective feature or element, the expressions "at least one” or "one or more” are not repeated, notwithstanding the fact that the respective feature or element may be present once or more than once.

[0066] Further, as used herein, the terms "preferably", "more preferably", "particularly", "more particularly", "specifically", "more specifically" or similar terms are used in conjunction with optional features, without restricting alternative possibilities. Thus, features introduced by these terms are optional features and are not intended to restrict the scope of the claims in any way. The invention may, as the skilled person will recognize, be performed by using alternative features. Similarly, features introduced by "in an embodiment of the invention" or similar expressions are intended to be optional features, without any restriction regarding alternative embodiments of the invention, without any restrictions regarding the scope of the invention and without any restriction regarding the possibility of combining the features introduced in such way with other optional or non-optional features of the invention.

[0067] The devices, methods and systems according to the present invention provide a large number of advantages over known devices, methods and systems. Specifically, the proposed devices and processes may increase overall efficiency of industrial plants. For example, production downtimes may be reduced. In particular, the early detection of leaks that can easily be rectified, for example by retightening individual screw connections, can be suitable for reducing or completely preventing environmental damage and health hazards for personnel, specifically for employees. In particular, safety, such as work environment safety, may be increased by the proposed devices, systems and methods. For example, the proposed devices, systems and methods, by reducing a probability of not completely physical separated chemical units, may significantly increase work environment safety. Further, the proposed devices, systems and methods may allow for an increased work environment safety, by minimizing the risk of human failure, specifically human failures when indicating the actual installation status of the blank disc device, e.g. when performing a safety check.

[0068] In addition, the proposed devices, methods and systems may allow for a reduction of the workload for installation and inspection personnel and significantly reduce the amount of work required, which can also increase cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, the proposed devices, systems and methods may increase efficiency of safety checks, e.g. by 240696W001

[0069] - 12 - allowing to save time by a replacement of manual checks, or may even eliminate the need for manual safety checks, e.g. by the blank disc device permanently providing information on its installation status.

[0070] Summarizing and without excluding further possible embodiments, the following embodiments may be envisaged:

[0071] Embodiment 1 . A blank disc device for blocking medium transfer through a flange joint, comprising at least one at least partially disc-shaped body and at least one sensor element arranged between two opposing blocking surfaces of the body, the sensor element being configured for generating at least one sensor signal, e.g. at least one electrical and / or optical signal, depending on at least one flange compression force acting on at least part of the two blocking surfaces.

[0072] Embodiment 2. The blank disc device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the body's disc shaped portion comprises a cylindrical form, wherein the diameter of the cylindrical form is larger or equal to the diameter of a though-hole of the flange joint.

[0073] Embodiment 3. The blank disc device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the body further comprises at least one handle portion configured for protruding from the flange joint when the blank disc is installed within the flange joint.

[0074] Embodiment 4. The blanc disc device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the body further comprises at least one ring-shaped portion comprising at least one through hole, specifically such that the body comprises a shape of a spectacle blind.

[0075] Embodiment 5. The blank disc device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor element is arranged within one or more of a slit and a pocket in the body.

[0076] Embodiment 6. The blank disc device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the slit is arranged parallel to the two blocking surfaces and at least partially reaches into the disc shaped portion of the body.

[0077] Embodiment 7. The blank disc device according to any one of the two preceding embodiment, wherein the slit is configured for separating the handle portion into two parts.

[0078] Embodiment 8. The blank disc device according to any one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the slit is configured for separating the disc-shaped portion into two parts.

[0079] Embodiment 9. The blank disc device according to both of the preceding embodiments, wherein the slit is configured for separating the body, e.g. both the handle portion and the disc-shaped portion, into two parts. 240696W001

[0080] - 13 -

[0081] Embodiment 10. The bank disc device according to any one of the four preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor element is arranged at least partially in the part of the slit in the body's disc shaped portion.

[0082] Embodiment 11 . The blank disc device according to any one of the six preceding embodiments, wherein the slit, in a plane perpendicular to the blocking surfaces, has a cross section comprising one or more of a v-shape, e.g. a wedge form; and a u-shape.

[0083] Embodiment 12. The blank disc device according to any one of the seven preceding embodiments, wherein the pocket has a negative shape of the sensor element.

[0084] Embodiment 13. The blank disc device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the body comprises, specifically consists of, at least one material selected from the group consisting of metal, such as steel, nickel, titanium, zirconium, aluminum; and one or more of their alloys, such as stainless steel, nickel alloy, e.g. Hastelloy®, titanium alloy, zirconium alloy, aluminum alloy.

[0085] Embodiment 14. The blank disc device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor element comprises at least one force and / or pressure sensor selected from the group consisting of resistive force sensor, such as force-sensing-resistor®; piezoelectric sensor; strain gauge sensor; thin-film pressure sensor.

[0086] Embodiment 15. A method of manufacturing a blank disc device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, comprising a) providing the at least one at least partially disc-shaped body having the two opposing blocking surfaces; b) providing the at least one sensor element; c) arranging the sensor element in the body, between the two opposing blocking surfaces.

[0087] Embodiment 16. The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein step c) comprises generating a slit at least partially reaching into the disc shaped portion of the body.

[0088] Embodiment 17. The method according to embodiment 15, wherein in step a), the at least partially discshaped body is provided in two parts, wherein the two parts are arranged parallel to each other, such that a slit parallel to the blocking surfaces is present in the body, wherein step c) comprises arranging the sensor element in the slit and in between the two parts of the body.

[0089] Embodiment 18. The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the method further comprises: d) adhesively attaching the two parts of the body together, e.g. by using at least one glue.

[0090] Embodiment 19. A pipe system comprising at least one flange joint, at least one blank disc device configured for blocking medium transfer through the flange joint according to any one of the preceding embodiments referring to 240696W001

[0091] - 14 - a blank disc device and at least one monitoring unit configured for determining at least one installation information depending on the at least one sensor signal generated by the sensor element of the blank disc device, specifically the monitoring unit, e.g. by one or more transmitting elements, is configured for receiving the at least one sensor signal from the sensor element.

[0092] Embodiment 20. The pipe system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the installation information provides the information that the blank disc device is installed in the flange joint, specifically that the disc-shaped portion of the blank disc device is arranged between two flanges of the flange joint, e.g. the disc-shaped portion separates the two flanges, when the at least one sensor signal generated by the sensor element indicates that the flange compression force is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold compression force; not installed, when the at least one sensor signal generated by the sensor element indicates that the flange compression force is lower than the predetermined threshold compression force.

[0093] Embodiment 21 . The pipe system according to the preceding embodiment, further comprising at least one evaluation unit configured for, depending on the installation information, generating at least one handling instruction.

[0094] Embodiment 22. The pipe system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the pipe system further comprises at least one output device connected to the evaluation unit, e.g. one or more of a display, a loudspeaker or the like, and configured for outputting the handling instruction, e.g. to a pipe system supervisor.

[0095] Embodiment 23. The pipe system according to any one of the four preceding embodiments, wherein the pipe system is a pipe system in use at an industrial plant, such as at a chemical and / or petrochemical industrial plant.

[0096] Embodiment 24. A method of monitoring an installation of the at least one blank disc device, specifically the blank disc device according to any one of the preceding embodiments referring to a blank disc device, of a pipe system according to any one of the preceding embodiments referring to a pipe system, in the at least one flange joint of the pipe system, comprising

[0097] I) providing the pipe system;

[0098] II) determining, by the monitoring unit, the at least one installation information of the at least one blank disc device from the at least one sensor signal generated by the sensor element of the blank disc device.

[0099] Embodiment 25. The method according to the preceding embodiment, further comprising

[0100] III) generating, by the at least one evaluation device of the pipe system, the at least one handling instruction, specifically based on the installation information; and

[0101] IV) providing, via the at least one output device of the pipe system connected to the evaluation device, the at least one handling instruction. 240696W001

[0102] - 15 -

[0103] Embodiment 26. A use of at least one blank disc device according to any one of the preceding embodiments referring to a blank disc device for blocking medium transfer through a flange joint of a pipe system of an industrial plant, specifically through the flange joint of the pipe system according to any one of the preceding embodiments referring to a pipe system, e.g. thereby isolating the industrial plant, such as a chemical and / or petrochemical industrial plant.

[0104] Short description of the Figures

[0105] Further optional features and embodiments will be disclosed in more detail in the subsequent description of embodiments, preferably in conjunction with the dependent claims. Therein, the respective optional features may be realized in an isolated fashion as well as in any arbitrary feasible combination, as the skilled person will realize. The scope of the invention is not restricted by the preferred embodiments. The embodiments are schematically depicted in the Figures. Therein, identical reference numbers in these Figures refer to identical or functionally comparable elements.

[0106] In the Figures:

[0107] Figures 1 to 3 show different embodiments of a blank disc device in perspective views (Figures 1 and 2) and in a top plane view (Figure 3);

[0108] Figure 4 shows a part of an embodiment of a pipe system with an embodiment of a blank disc device in a sectional view;

[0109] Figures 5 and 6 show flow charts of different embodiments of a manufacturing method; and

[0110] Figures 7 and 8 show flow charts of different embodiments of a monitoring method.

[0111] Detailed description of the embodiments

[0112] In Figures 1 to 3, different embodiments of a blanc disc device 110 are illustrated. The blanc disc device 110 comprises at least one at least partially disc-shaped body 112 and at least one sensor element 114 arranged between two opposing blocking surfaces 116 of the body 112. The sensor element 114 is configured for generating at least one sensor signal, e.g. at least one electrical and / or optical signal, depending on at least one flange compression force acting on at least part of the two blocking surfaces 116. Besides the disc shaped portion 118, the body 112 may comprise at least one handle portion 120. Furthermore, the body 112 may comprise a ring-shaped portion 122 comprising at least one through hole 124. An example, of the body 112 comprising such a ring-shaped portion 122 is exemplarily illustrated in Figure 3. 240696W001

[0113] - 16 -

[0114] The sensor element 114 may specifically be arranged within one or more of a slit 126 and a pocket 128 in the body 112. As an example, the slit 126 may be arranged parallel to the two blocking surfaces 116. Further, the slit 126 may at least partially reach into the disc shaped portion 118 of the body 112. As an example, the slit 126 may be configured for separating the whole body 112, e.g. both the handle portion 120 and the disc-shaped portion 118, into two parts, such as in half. An example of the slit 126 separating the body 112 into two halves is exemplarily illustrated in Figure 2.

[0115] The sensor element 114 may for example be arranged in the body's 112 disc-shaped portion 118, e.g. in one or both of the slit 126 and the pocket 128 in the disc-shaped portion 118 of the body 112. In particular, the pocket 128 may have a negative shape of the sensor element 114.

[0116] The blank disc device 110 is specifically configured for blocking medium transfer through a flange joint 130. As an example, the body's disc shaped portion 118 may comprise a cylindrical form, wherein the diameter of the cylindrical form may be larger or equal to the diameter of a though hole 132 of the flange joint 130. Specifically, the body's 112 handle portion 120 may be configured for protruding from the flange joint 130 when the blank disc device 110 is installed within the flange joint 130. The flange joint 130 may comprise one or more ring seals 131 configured for sealing the flange joint 130, e.g. in order to prevent medium, e.g. fluid, from within the pipe 133 from escaping, e.g. through the flange joint 130.

[0117] In Figure 4, an embodiment of a pipe system 134 comprising a blank disc device 110 is illustrated in a sectional view. The pipe system 134 comprises, besides the blank disc device 110, the at least one flange joint 130, wherein the blank disc device 110 is configured for blocking medium transfer through the flange joint 130. Further, the pipe system 134 comprises at least one monitoring unit 136 configured for determining at least one installation information depending on the at least one sensor signal generated by the sensor element 114 of the blank disc device 110. The monitoring unit 136, e.g. by one or more transmitting elements 138, may specifically be configured for receiving the at least one sensor signal from the sensor element 114.

[0118] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate flow charts of different embodiments of a manufacturing method 140 of a blank disc device 110. The manufacturing method 140 comprises the following steps: a) (denoted by reference number 142) providing the at least one at least partially disc-shaped body 112 having the two opposing blocking surfaces 116; b) (denoted by reference number 144) providing the at least one sensor element 114; c) (denoted by reference number 146) arranging the sensor element 114 in the body, between the two opposing blocking surfaces 116.

[0119] Specifically, step c) 146 may further comprise generating the slit 126 at least partially reaching into the disc shaped portion 118 of the body 112. 240696W001

[0120] - 17 -

[0121] Furthermore, in step a) 142 of the manufacturing method 140, the disc-shaped body 112 may be provided in two parts. The two parts may specifically be arranged parallel to each other, such that the slit 126 is present in the body 112 parallel to the blocking surfaces 116. Thus, step c) 146 may further comprise arranging the sensor element 114 in the slit 126 and in between the two parts of the body 112.

[0122] Further, the manufacturing method 140 may comprise the following step: d) (denoted by reference number 148) adhesively attaching the two parts of the body (112) together, e.g. by using at least one glue.

[0123] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate flow charts of different embodiments of a monitoring method 150 of monitoring an installation of the at least one blank disc device 110 of the pipe system 134, in the at least one flange joint 130 of the pipe system 134. The monitoring method 150 comprises the following steps:

[0124] I) (denoted by reference number 152) providing the pipe system 134;

[0125] II) (denoted by reference number 154) determining, by the monitoring unit 136, the at least one installation information of the at least one blank disc device 110 from the at least one sensor signal generated by the sensor element 114 of the blank disc device 110.

[0126] Further, the monitoring method 150 may comprise the following steps:

[0127] III) generating, by at least one evaluation device of the pipe system 134, at least one handling instruction based on the installation information; and

[0128] IV) providing, via at least one output device of the pipe system 134 connected to the evaluation device, the at least one handling instruction.

[0129] 240696W001

[0130] List of reference numbers

[0131] 110 blank disc device

[0132] 112 disc-shaped body

[0133] 114 sensor element

[0134] 116 blocking surface

[0135] 118 disc shaped portion

[0136] 120 handle portion

[0137] 122 ring-shaped portion

[0138] 124 through hole

[0139] 126 slit

[0140] 128 pocket

[0141] 130 flange joint

[0142] 131 ring seal

[0143] 132 through hole

[0144] 133 Pipe

[0145] 134 pipe system

[0146] 136 monitoring unit

[0147] 138 transmitting element

[0148] 140 manufacturing method

[0149] 142 step a)

[0150] 144 step b)

[0151] 146 step c)

[0152] 148 step d)

[0153] 150 monitoring method

[0154] 152 step I)

[0155] 154 step II)

[0156] 156 step III)

[0157] 158 step IV)

Claims

240696W001- 19 -Claims1. A blank disc device (110) for blocking medium transfer through a flange joint (130), comprising at least one at least partially disc-shaped body (112) and at least one sensor element (114) arranged between two opposing blocking surfaces (116) of the body (112), the sensor element (114) being configured for generating at least one sensor signal depending on at least one flange compression force acting on at least part of the two blocking surfaces (116).

2. The blank disc device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the body (112) further comprises at least one handle portion (120) configured for protruding from the flange joint (130) when the blank disc device (110) is installed within the flange joint (130).

3. The blank disc device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (112) further comprises at least one ring-shaped portion (122) comprising at least one through hole (124).

4. The blank disc device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor element (114) is arranged within one or more of a slit (126) and a pocket (128) in the body (112), wherein the slit (126) is arranged parallel to the two blocking surfaces (116) and at least partially reaches into the disc shaped portion (118) of the body (112).

5. The blank disc device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the slit (126) is configured for separating the handle portion (120) and / or the disc-shaped portion (118) into two parts.

6. The blank disc device (110) according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein the sensor element (114) is arranged at least partially in the part of the slit (118) in the body's disc shaped portion (118).

7. The blank disc device (110) according to any one of the three preceding claims, wherein the pocket (128) has a negative shape of the sensor element (114).

8. A method of manufacturing a blank disc device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a) providing the at least one at least partially disc-shaped body (112) having the two opposing blocking surfaces (116); b) providing the at least one sensor element (114); c) arranging the sensor element (114) in the body (112), between the two opposing blocking surfaces (116).240696W001- 20 -9. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein in step a), the at least partially disc-shaped body (112) is provided in two parts, wherein the two parts are arranged parallel to each other, such that a slit (126) parallel to the blocking surfaces (116) is present in the body (112), wherein step c) comprises arranging the sensor element (114) in the slit (126) and in between the two parts of the body (112), wherein the method further comprises: d) adhesively attaching the two parts of the body (112) together.

10. A pipe system (134) comprising at least one flange joint (130), at least one blank disc device (110) configured for blocking medium transfer through the flange joint (130) according to any one of the preceding claims referring to a blank disc device (110) and at least one monitoring unit (136) configured for determining at least one installation information depending on the at least one sensor signal generated by the sensor element (114) of the blank disc device (110).

11. The pipe system (134) according to the preceding claim, wherein the installation information provides the information that the blank disc device (110) is installed in the flange joint (130), when the at least one sensor signal generated by the sensor element (114) indicates that the flange compression force is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold compression force; not installed, when the at least one sensor signal generated by the sensor element (114) indicates that the flange compression force is lower than the predetermined threshold compression force.

12. The pipe system (134) according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein the pipe system (134) is a pipe system in use at an industrial plant.

13. A method of monitoring an installation of the at least one blank disc device (110) of a pipe system (134) according to any one of the preceding claims referring to a pipe system (134), in the at least one flange joint (130) of the pipe system (134), comprisingI) providing the pipe system (134);II) determining, by the monitoring unit (136), the at least one installation information of the at least one blank disc device (110) from the at least one sensor signal generated by the sensor element (114) of the blank disc device (110).

14. The method according to the preceding claim, further comprisingIII) generating, by at least one evaluation device of the pipe system (134), at least one handling instruction based on the installation information; andIV) providing, via at least one output device of the pipe system (134) connected to the evaluation device, the at least one handling instruction.240696W001- 21 -15. A use of at least one blank disc device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims referring to a blank disc device (110) for blocking medium transfer through a flange joint (130) of a pipe system (134) of an industrial plant.

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