Emergency Release Coupling Pneumatics for Leak-Monitored Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breakaway and emergency release couplings for hazardous fluid transfer lack reliable and efficient pneumatic separation mechanisms, particularly in emergency situations, and are prone to leakage and environmental contamination.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatically powered emergency release coupling (PERC) system utilizing a pressurizable chamber and actuation line connected to a high-pressure gas source, with a pilot pressure monitoring system to ensure reliable separation and prevent leakage, featuring annular seals for protection against environmental ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pneumatic emergency release coupling system is used for hazardous fluid transfer, then separation reliability is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional control and monitoring components
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into functionally independent modules: high-pressure gas supply system, pressurizable chamber, actuation line, pilot pressure monitoring system, and annular seal protection system. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently maintained or replaced, managing overall system complexity while ensuring reliable emergency separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pilot pressure monitoring system continuously monitors the pneumatic system before emergency separation is needed, ensuring the system is ready for immediate action. The annular seals are pre-positioned to protect against environmental ingress before any separation event occurs, eliminating the need for complex post-event remediation.
2Speed
If high pressure gas is used for emergency release, then separation speed is improved, but risk of gas leakage and environmental contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation line serves as a controlled intermediary channel that directs high-pressure gas from the supply source to the pressurizable chamber. This controlled pathway prevents uncontrolled gas leakage while enabling rapid pressurization for immediate separation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Annular seals are positioned to create flexible sealing barriers that protect the pneumatic system from environmental ingress and prevent gas leakage. These seals maintain system integrity while allowing for the rapid pressure changes required for fast separation.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If pilot pressure monitoring is implemented, then leakage detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot pressure monitoring system provides continuous feedback on the pneumatic system status by monitoring pressure levels in the actuation line and pressurizable chamber. This feedback mechanism enables early detection of leaks or pressure losses, alerting operators to potential failures before they compromise system safety or performance.
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
Ensures safe and reliable separation of hazardous fluids in emergency situations, minimizing leakage and environmental impact by maintaining sufficient pressure and preventing contamination through pilot pressure monitoring and annular seal protection.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation line connected at its one end to the pressurizable chamber and at its other end to a source of high pressure gaseous media
Implementation Method 2
gaseous media at a pilot pressure level is provided to the pressurizable chamber and to the actuation line in a position downstream the first actuation device for detection of any leakage of gas in the control and monitoring system
Implementation Method 3
Annular seals are arranged in connection with the pressurizable chamber, wherein the annular seals are pressed against the inner wall and outer wall of the pressurizable chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a pneumatically, high pressure gas powered emergency release coupling control and monitoring system (S) comprising a powered emergency released coupling (1) arranged in a fluid-supply line (32) for conveying hazardous fluids, said powered emergency released coupling (1) comprising a couple of coupling members (10, 11) provided with mating faces (10A, 11A) for sealing engagement of the coupling members (10, 11) and formation of a pressurizable chamber (12) between said coupling members (10, 11), said system (S) comprising an actuation line (7) connected at its one end to the pressurizable chamber (12) and at its other end to a source (C) of high pressure gaseous media (GH), preferably high pressure nitrogen gas, an first actuating device (4A, 4B) arranged in the actuation line (7), wherein said system (S) provides a gaseous media at a pilot pressure level to said pressurizable chamber (12) and to said actuation line (7) in a position downstream the first actuation device (4A, 4B) or via said pressurizable chamber (12) for detection of any leakage of gas in the control and monitoring system (S), said pilot pressure gaseous media preferably being 15 low pressure nitrogen gas. The invention further relates to a pneumatically, high pressure gas powered emergency release coupling (1) and a control and monitoring method for such a system (S).