Cryogenic Container Shutoff With Dual-Valve Emergency Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cryogenic fluid withdrawal systems require significant space due to multiple safety valves, compromising safety if one valve is omitted.

Innovation Solution

A safety withdrawal system with an electric economizer featuring two controllable, normally closed valves and an emergency stop switch that simultaneously blocks both valves in emergency situations, eliminating the need for a manually operated valve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple safety valves are installed in the withdrawal line, then the safety level is improved, but the system occupies significant space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety levelVSAvoidsystem space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple safety functions into a single integrated safety system. The control unit consolidates the functions of multiple valves and control mechanisms into one unified system that can simultaneously manage multiple closure operations, thereby reducing the physical space required while maintaining comprehensive safety coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a normal operational control device and an emergency shutdown system. It can perform routine valve regulation and simultaneously function as an emergency stop controller that activates all closure elements simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate dedicated emergency valves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If a manually operated valve is omitted to reduce space, then the system size is reduced, but the safety level is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem spaceVSAvoidsafety level
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical valve operation with an automated control system. The control unit receives signals from emergency stop switches and automatically actuates all closure elements simultaneously, eliminating the need for manual intervention while enhancing safety through automated coordinated response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit is pre-programmed with emergency shutdown protocols that automatically execute when triggered. Upon receiving an emergency signal, the system immediately closes all valves simultaneously without requiring manual operation, ensuring rapid response while reducing the need for manual safety valves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If additional valves are added to ensure redundant safety, then the safety level is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety levelVSAvoidnumber of valves
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple valve control functions into a single control unit that manages all closure elements. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant control mechanisms while maintaining safety through the unified ability to close all valves simultaneously when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4222405B1Safety removal system for a cryogenic container
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 CRYOSHELTER GMBH
  • EP4222405B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a safety removal system (13), comprising a cryogenic container (2), a removal line (14) and an economiser (15) located between the removal line (14) and the cryogenic container (2) for removing cryogenic fluid in liquid phase (3) and gas phase (4), the economiser (15) being designed as an electric economiser having two controllable, normally closed valves (16, 17), which can each block a removal of the liquid phase (3) or the gas phase (4) from the cryogenic container (2), the system further comprising a manually actuatable emergency shut-off switch (18), which is connected to the two normally closed valves (16, 17) of the electric economiser (15) and which, when actuated, is designed to block the removal of cryogenic fluid by both valves (16, 17, 19) simultaneously.