Pressure Accumulator Valve Block Isolation for Gas Safety Valve Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety systems require complete venting and depressurization of hydraulic accumulators and nitrogen cylinders when removing a gas safety valve for maintenance, leading to resource wastage and time-consuming procedures.
Innovation Solution
A safety system with a controllable valve that allows partial or complete shutdown of the gas connection between the pressure accumulator and gas safety valve, enabling safe removal without depressurizing the hydraulic system, using mechanical or electrical locking systems to ensure secure shut-off and maintain safety functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the gas safety valve is removed from the valve block for maintenance, then the valve can be serviced or replaced, but the pressurized working gas must be completely vented from the safety system and the hydraulic system must be depressurized
Solution Approach 1:
The gas-conveying connection is segmented into multiple sections: the pressure accumulator, the valve block with isolating valves, and the gas safety valve. By introducing isolating valves at the valve block, the system divides the gas path so that only the section containing the gas safety valve needs to be depressurized for maintenance, while the pressure accumulator retains its pressure. This segmentation enables localized maintenance without system-wide depressurization.
2Ease of repair
If the gas safety valve is removed from the valve block, then maintenance work can be performed, but time-consuming emptying and filling procedures must be carried out
Solution Approach 1:
The isolating valves are pre-installed and positioned at the valve block, ready to isolate the gas safety valve from the pressure accumulator before maintenance begins. This preliminary arrangement of isolation components eliminates the need for time-consuming system-wide depressurization and refilling procedures during maintenance, as the pressure accumulator remains pressurized and ready for immediate service resumption.
3Reliability
If the gas-conveying connection is permanently connected between the pressure accumulator and gas safety valve, then safety function is maintained, but the gas safety valve cannot be removed for maintenance without complete system venting
Solution Approach 1:
The isolating valves act as intermediaries between the pressure accumulator and the gas safety valve. These valves maintain the permanent gas-conveying connection for normal safety operation while providing the capability to isolate the gas safety valve when maintenance is required. The intermediary valves enable both continuous safety function and easy maintenance access by controlling the gas flow path.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety system has a valve block (10) to which at least one gas safety valve (12, 14) is connected in a detachable manner. At least one controllable valve (50, 52, 58) is in or at the valve block (10). At least one pressure accumulator (42) holds a gaseous pressure medium and is connected to the valve block (10) in a detachable manner. A gas-conveying connection routed at least partially within the valve block (10) between the connected pressure accumulator (42) and the connected gas safety valves (12, 14) can be opened or blocked by the valve (50, 52, 58).