Explosion Protection Pipe with Pressure Differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing explosion propagation prevention devices are inadequate in effectively managing shockwaves and oxygen concentrations within pipes to prevent combustion.
Innovation Solution
A device that creates a pressure difference within a pipe to absorb shockwave energy and reduces oxygen concentrations by using a pressure vessel filled with an inert fluid, connected to a pipe with regions that stabilize pressure and oxygen levels, preventing deeper penetration of shockwaves and promoting a combustion-inhibiting environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an advancing shock wave is used to open a container and introduce extinguishing agent into the pipe, then the extinguishing agent can be introduced before the shockwave arrives, but the device complexity increases and the shockwave energy is not effectively absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is divided into multiple regions (first region with high pressure, second region with low pressure, third region for oxygen reduction) to create a segmented protection mechanism. Each region performs a specific function: the first region generates high pressure to block shockwave propagation, the second region absorbs shockwave energy through pressure equalization, and the third region reduces oxygen concentration to prevent combustion.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure difference is built up in advance before an explosion occurs. When an explosion is detected, the pre-established pressure difference immediately activates to protect against the shockwave, eliminating the need for complex real-time activation mechanisms required by prior art.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If oxygen concentration is reduced in the third region to prevent combustion, then the combustion environment is eliminated, but the device complexity and oxygen removal requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first region acts as an intermediary mechanism that indirectly achieves oxygen removal. By generating high pressure in the first region, the system creates a pressure-driven flow that draws oxygen-depleted atmosphere from the pressure vessel through the second region into the third region, eliminating the need for direct oxygen removal equipment in the third region.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic principles to manipulate gas flows and pressure distributions. The pressure vessel creates a pressure differential that drives the flow of inert gas through the pipe regions, using pressure gradients to achieve oxygen displacement and distribution of the inert atmosphere throughout the system.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a pressure difference is built up to absorb shockwave energy and prevent deeper penetration, then shockwave energy is absorbed and propagation is inhibited, but the pressure management system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes pressure parameters in different regions of the pipe. The first region is maintained at high pressure while the second region is maintained at low pressure, creating a pressure gradient that absorbs shockwave energy. When a shockwave encounters this gradient, the pressure equalization process absorbs energy and prevents the shockwave from penetrating deeper into the 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
Effectively inhibits explosion propagation by absorbing shockwave energy and creating an oxygen-depleted environment, preventing combustion, thereby enhancing protection for containers and conduits.
Implementation Method 1
When an explosion is detected in the container to be protected or in the conduit to be protected, the pressure difference is built up in the pipe. An incoming shock wave into the pipe via the inlet then first enters the second region having the low pressure, where pressure equalization takes place, absorbing a portion of the energy of the incoming shockwave.
Implementation Method 2
The pressure vessel may be filled with an inert fluid, in particular an inert gas, for example a noble gas. By reducing the concentration of oxygen particles in the third region, wherein oxygen is preferably completely removed from the third region, the third region then lacks an environment which enables or promotes combustion
Data Source
AI summary
A device inhibiting propagation of explosions using a pipe having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connectable to a container to be protected or to a conduit to be protected. The device further includes a mechanism for building up a pressure difference so that a higher pressure is generated in a first region of the pipe located upstream of the outlet in the direction of the inlet and a lower pressure is generated in a second region located upstream of the first region in the direction of the inlet.