Explosion Proof Enclosure with Deformable Walls

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing explosion proof enclosures are bulky, expensive, and require a long time for regulatory approval, failing to effectively contain explosions in hazardous locations such as drilling sites where flammable materials are present, posing a risk of fire or explosion hazards.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates expandable or extendible enclosure walls made of deformable materials like stainless steel, which increase volume during an explosion to contain pressure, using the principle of pressure-volume equilibrium to reduce the pressure to a safe level, allowing the enclosure to maintain integrity without bursting or rupturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional rigid explosion proof enclosures are used, then explosion containment is achieved, but the enclosures are bulky and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexplosion containmentVSAvoidenclosure size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure incorporates deformable wall members that can dynamically change their configuration from a compact state to an expanded state during an explosion event. The walls are designed to bend and deform in a controlled manner to increase internal volume, allowing the enclosure to adapt its size based on the explosion pressure rather than maintaining a permanently large rigid structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure utilizes changes in the physical parameters of the wall members, specifically their deformability and flexibility. The walls are designed to change their structural parameters under pressure, transitioning from a rigid compact form to a more compliant expanded form that can accommodate the explosion while maintaining containment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional rigid explosion proof enclosures are used, then explosion containment is achieved, but manufacturing costs and approval time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexplosion containmentVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure incorporates deformable wall members that can dynamically change their configuration from a compact state to an expanded state during an explosion event. The walls are designed to bend and deform in a controlled manner to increase internal volume, allowing the enclosure to adapt its size based on the explosion pressure rather than maintaining a permanently large rigid structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure employs flexible wall members that can deform under pressure rather than requiring thick rigid walls. These flexible structures allow the enclosure to achieve the necessary explosion containment with thinner, lighter materials that are easier and less expensive to manufacture while still providing adequate protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Stress or pressure

If the enclosure volume is increased to contain explosion pressure, then pressure is reduced, but the enclosure becomes bulkier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexplosion pressureVSAvoidenclosure size

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure incorporates deformable wall members that can dynamically change their configuration from a compact state to an expanded state during an explosion event. The walls are designed to bend and deform in a controlled manner to increase internal volume, allowing the enclosure to adapt its size based on the explosion pressure rather than maintaining a permanently large rigid structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure operates in two distinct phases: a normal compact state for everyday use and an expanded state during explosion containment. This periodic transformation allows the enclosure to achieve low pressure containment volume when needed while maintaining a compact form factor during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This solution reduces costs, accelerates delivery, enhances safety, and prevents environmental pollution by containing explosions within the enclosure, making explosion proof properties more accessible and safer for industries.

Implementation Method 1

the Pressure—Volume equilibrium is calculated for the maximum volume of gas inside the enclosure during the explosion. Utilizing the basic principal of slow burning explosive properties of Methane or heavier Hydrocarbons, the gas pressure drop per volume increase is in the 3rd power, i.e. 1/(d(P)^3)=d(V)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-volume equilibrium: Boyle's Law

Implementation Method 2

The Concentric wave form of the walls of the Enclosure will be extended outside and this creates, a bigger volume for explosion gasses which in turn drops the pressure in power 3 per unit of volume

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS7723614B2Explosion proof enclosure

Publication Date: 2010.05.25 ZAMFES KONSTANDINO

AI summary

A method and apparatus for providing an explosion proof enclosure by providing expandable or extendible enclosure wall, side, top, or bottom sections which allow the explosion to be contained internally without the enclosure erupting or the enclosure bursting.