Explosion Resistant Electro-Pneumatic Controller With Flame Arrestors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electro-pneumatic controllers are not suitable for environments with flammable or explosive control fluids due to the risk of internal explosions, necessitating an explosion-resistant design.

Innovation Solution

The electro-pneumatic controller incorporates a base with a bore and a cover, featuring a plurality of fluid flow paths and at least one flame arrestor within each path to prevent the propagation of flames and explosions, including six flame arrestors and a breathing flame arrestor, capable of withstanding internal pressure and integrating pressure sensors with flame arrestors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electro-pneumatic controllers are used with flammable control fluids, then the controller can function in process control systems, but the risk of internal explosion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to flammable fluid environmentsVSAvoidexplosion risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A flame arrestor is introduced as an intermediary component within the housing to prevent flame propagation between the internal and external environments. The flame arrestor allows normal fluid flow while blocking the transmission of flames and explosion waves, thus enabling the controller to safely handle flammable control fluids without compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The flame arrestor creates an inert barrier within the housing that prevents the propagation of explosive atmospheres. By blocking flame transmission while maintaining fluid communication, the flame arrestor effectively creates a safe zone that allows the controller to operate with flammable fluids

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Reliability

If flame arrestors are added to prevent explosion propagation, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexplosion resistanceVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flame arrestor is designed to perform multiple functions: it allows normal control fluid flow, prevents flame propagation, and withstands internal explosion pressures. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated component that is incorporated into the existing housing structure, minimizing the increase in device complexity while maximizing safety benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively prevents the spread of flames and explosions from the module to the outside environment, ensuring safety in process control systems handling flammable fluids by allowing fluid flow while extinguishing fires and preventing explosions.

Implementation Method 1

at least one flame arrestor disposed within one of the fluid flow paths... capable of withstanding pressure created by an internal explosion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlame arrestion:

Data Source

PatentUS10385879B2Explosion resistant electro-pneumatic controller

Publication Date: 2019.08.20 TESCOM CORP

AI summary

An electro-pneumatic controller includes a base having a body, a top surface, and a bore formed within the body; a cover coupled to the base, the cover having an open end with a rim, the rim contacting the top surface of the base; a plurality of fluid flow paths formed within the base; and at least one flame arrestor disposed within one of the fluid flow paths.