Steel Burn Barrier Assembly for Hot Work Near Gas Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for protecting against hot work hazards near combustible gas containers are either impractical due to the need for remote setups or costly shutdowns, and existing portable barriers are not suitable for all work environments.
Innovation Solution
A modular burn barrier unit made of steel panels with notched flap portions that can be easily assembled and anchored to supports, providing a fire-resistant shield between gas containers and meeting OSHA standards for height and duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a remote hot work location is set up at a distance away from the object to be hot worked, then safety is improved, but productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate due to the need to transport items to and from the remote location
Solution Approach 1:
A burn barrier unit is introduced as an intermediary protective structure that allows hot work to be performed adjacent to combustible gas containers without requiring remote setup. The barrier physically separates the hot work zone from the gas containers, enabling workers to remain close to the work area while maintaining safety compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective system is segmented into a modular burn barrier unit that can be independently positioned between the hot work area and gas containers. This segmentation allows the hot work operation to continue in situ without shutting down the entire facility or transporting equipment to remote locations.
2Reliability
If facility shutdown and pipe purging are performed before hot work, then safety is improved, but productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate due to substantial time loss and financial burden
Solution Approach 1:
The burn barrier unit serves as a physical intermediary that eliminates the need for facility shutdowns and extensive purging operations. By installing the barrier between the hot work area and gas containers, workers can perform hot work immediately without waiting for facility-wide safety protocols to complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The burn barrier unit is pre-positioned and ready for immediate deployment before hot work begins. This preliminary setup of a localized barrier replaces the need for time-consuming facility shutdowns and purging procedures, allowing hot work to start without delay.
3Reliability
If a welding habitat with gas monitors and automatic shutdown systems is used, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The burn barrier unit acts as a passive physical intermediary that provides safety through its fire-resistant construction rather than through complex active monitoring systems. The barrier itself serves as the primary safety mechanism, eliminating the need for gas monitors, blowers, and automatic shutdown systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The burn barrier unit is a simpler, more economical alternative to expensive welding habitats. It provides adequate safety protection without the high cost and complexity of enclosed chambers with automated safety systems, offering a cost-effective solution for hot work protection.
4Ease of operation
If traditional two-wheel cart barriers are used, then portability is improved, but adaptability to various work place situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The burn barrier unit features a flexible design with adjustable components that allow it to adapt to various work place configurations. The barrier can be positioned in different locations and orientations, and the anchor bar with adjustable anchor elements enables adaptation to different support structures and spatial arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The burn barrier unit is designed as a universal protective structure that can be deployed in various work place situations involving gas containers. The standardized design with adjustable anchoring options makes it applicable to multiple configurations and locations, replacing the limited adaptability of fixed two-wheel cart barriers.
Data Source
AI summary
A burn barrier unit used between gas canisters in a work area. The unit has two spaced-apart panels defining a side opening. First, second, and third flap portions of the two panels are bent 90 degrees and are overlapped and welded together to form a closed top and bottom unit. Optionally, the first and second flap portions of the panels are bent 180 degrees inwardly of the panels and the third flap portions of the panels are overlapped and welded together to form an opened top and bottom burn barrier unit. An anchor bar is welded in the side opening and has spaced-apart slots for securing an anchor element, which securely positions the unit in place between the gas canisters. The unit meets OSHA standards, is at least five feet high, and is made of carbon steel with fire resistant capabilities. Methods for forming the unit are also disclosed.