Cellular Wheel Sluice With Active Braking for Explosion Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary valves continue to rotate uncontrollably after de-energization during an explosion, posing a risk of pressure wave and flame propagation, which existing passive explosion isolation devices fail to prevent effectively.
Innovation Solution
A protection system with a rotary valve that incorporates a stopping unit capable of actively and controllably stopping the rotational movement, utilizing multiple redundant mechanisms such as brake motors, blocking means, and seals to ensure immediate and reliable cessation of rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotary valve is used as a passive explosion isolation device, then it allows bulk material flow, but it continues to rotate uncontrollably after de-energization during an explosion, posing a risk of pressure wave and flame propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The stopping unit is pre-configured and automatically activated upon detection of an explosion condition, performing the stopping action before the pressure wave can propagate through the rotary valve. This preliminary intervention prevents the harmful effect from occurring in the first place
Solution Approach 2:
The stopping unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the rotary drive and the rotary valve, intercepting the rotational motion and preventing it from continuing unchecked. This intermediate component absorbs the harmful effect of uncontrolled rotation
2Device complexity
If friction of the rotary valve shaft in pivot bearings and seals is relied upon for stopping, then the structure remains simple, but the braking effect is insufficient and uncontrolled overrun continues for at least three chambers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the insufficient passive friction-based stopping mechanism with an active mechanical braking system. The stopping unit introduces a dedicated braking interface that provides controlled friction specifically for stopping, separating the sealing function from the stopping function
Solution Approach 2:
The stopping unit modifies the friction parameter by introducing additional contact surfaces with higher friction coefficients. This is achieved through brake pads or blocking elements that create intentional friction zones, changing the overall friction characteristic from insufficient to adequate for rapid stopping
3Reliability
If multiple redundant stopping units are implemented, then safety is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopping function is segmented into multiple independent stopping units that can be distributed at different locations on the rotary valve. Each unit operates independently, and the segmentation allows for modular design where each unit is simpler than a single complex unit would be
Solution Approach 2:
The redundant stopping units provide a cushioning effect against failure by having backup stopping mechanisms ready. If one stopping unit fails to stop the rotary valve, the redundant units provide an additional layer of protection, cushioning against the harmful effect of uncontrolled rotation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively prevents the unintended propagation of pressure waves and flames by ensuring rapid and controlled stopping of the rotary valve, meeting high safety standards and reducing the risk of explosion spread.
Implementation Method 1
friction of the rotary valve, in particular of the rotary valve shaft, in pivot bearings provided for this purpose in the rotary valve and/or on seals that are in particular frictionally in contact with the rotary valve shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
A protection system, in particular for conveying bulk material, comprises a rotary valve (2) for bulk material, comprising a housing (3) having an interior space (4) with an inlet opening (35) and an outlet opening (36), side covers (21, 22) which delimit the interior space (4) at the front, a rotary valve (7) arranged in the interior space (4) so as to be rotatably driven about a longitudinal axis (8) and which is held on the side covers (21, 22), and a stopping unit (16) for deliberately stopping a rotational movement of the rotary valve (7), wherein the stopping unit (16) interacts with the rotary valve (7), a bulk material conveying line (12, 13) connected to the rotary valve (2), a sensor (14) arranged along the bulk material conveying line (12, 13) for detecting an explosion acting on the bulk material conveying line (12, 13), and a control unit (15) which is connected to the sensor (14) is in signal connection for receiving an explosion signal generated by the sensor (14),wherein the control unit (15) is in signal communication with the stopping unit (16) and is configured to transmit a stopping signal to the stopping unit (16) after receiving the explosion signal, and wherein the stopping unit (16) is configured to stop a rotational movement of the cellular wheel (7) within a variably definable stopping period after receiving the stopping signal.