Eductor Flame Suppressor for Pipeline Venting Flashback Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for removing high-pressure gases from isolated pipeline sections during hot tapping operations cannot completely eliminate the risk of explosions or flare-ups, as the gas can flashback into the pipeline before being rendered nonexplosive.
Innovation Solution
A flame suppressor system that includes a quench module with multiple ports and an injector, which accelerates the vented pipeline product to a velocity higher than its flame propagation speed, preventing flashback and ensuring the gas is rendered nonexplosive before exiting the pipeline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gas is vented into the air during pipeline removal, then the gas can be discharged from the pipeline, but the gas may mix with air and create explosive mixtures that pose fire and explosion risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inert gas (nitrogen or carbon dioxide) into the vented pipeline product stream to displace oxygen and prevent formation of explosive mixtures. The inert gas is injected at a specific location in the vent line to ensure proper mixing and maintain an oxygen-deficient atmosphere throughout the discharge process, thereby eliminating the fire and explosion hazards associated with venting combustible gases into the air.
2Productivity
If pressure is reduced in the pipeline during venting, then gas can be drawn out through vacuum, but flame propagation velocity exceeds gas expansion velocity causing potential explosions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by injecting inert gas into the vented product stream before the gas can form explosive mixtures or experience flame propagation. The inert gas injection occurs at a predetermined location in the vent line that ensures the combustible gas is diluted and rendered non-flammable before any potential ignition source could cause an explosion, thereby preventing the harmful effect rather than responding to it after occurrence.
3Reliability
If gas velocity is increased to prevent flashback, then flame propagation can be prevented, but the system becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inert gas as an intermediary substance that is injected into the vented product stream to prevent flashback and flame propagation. Rather than relying solely on increasing gas velocity through complex mechanical means, the inert gas acts as a mediator that chemically prevents combustion by displacing oxygen and diluting the combustible gas concentration, thereby achieving flashback prevention with a relatively simple injection system.
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 reduces the likelihood of explosions by ensuring the vented gas is accelerated to a velocity above its flame propagation speed, preventing ignition and ensuring safe disposal of the gas.
Implementation Method 1
an injector configured or arranged so that vented product has a higher velocity between the injector and the exhaust end than through the quench module. The injector, which may be an eductor (e.g., a jet pump or venturi pump), injects a non-combustible or inert gas or air—or a gas, like methane, under pressure—into the flame suppressor, thereby producing an eductor jet.
Implementation Method 2
The injector, which may be an eductor (e.g., a jet pump or venturi pump), injects a non-combustible or inert gas or air—or a gas, like methane, under pressure—into the flame suppressor, thereby producing an eductor jet.
Implementation Method 3
The ports, which may be cylindrical, are configured or arranged such that vented pipeline product has a higher velocity through the quench module than through a pipeline tap. In embodiments, the ports provide a flow path having a cross-sectional area equal to that of a cross-sectional area of the pipeline tap.
Implementation Method 4
The injector, which may be an eductor (e.g., a jet pump or venturi pump), injects a non-combustible or inert gas or air—or a gas, like methane, under pressure—into the flame suppressor, thereby producing an eductor jet.
Implementation Method 5
The injector, which may be an eductor (e.g., a jet pump or venturi pump), injects a non-combustible or inert gas or air—or a gas, like methane, under pressure—into the flame suppressor, thereby producing an eductor jet.
Data Source
AI summary
A flame suppressor for venting pipelines, vessels or tanks containing a combustible gas includes a quench module and an injector located in a flow path of the vented pipeline product exiting the quench module. The injector introduces an educted jet of a second gas into the flow path so that vented pipeline product has speed above a flame propagation speed of the combustible gas. The second gas may be a non-combustible or inert gas or air and may be used to dilute, as well as accelerate, the vented pipeline product. Or the second gas may inject a combustible gas, for example, methane, still accelerating the vented pipeline product.