Flame Inhibitor Assembly With Flashback Sensing and Data Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flashback prevention devices in gas lines often fail to detect and record flashbacks effectively, making it difficult to identify faults in the gas system or welding processes, which can lead to unnoticed errors and potential accidents.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sensor device with temperature, pulse, sound, and pressure sensors, along with a piezo element, to record and store data on flashback frequency and intensity, and using a light-emitting diode and photo element interface for easy data transmission and error analysis, potentially through a cloud service or external devices like tablets or smartphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple flame arrester is used to prevent flashback, then the device structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the ability to detect and record flashbacks is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The flame arrester is designed to perform multiple functions: it continues to prevent flashback while simultaneously detecting and recording flashback events through integrated sensors and electronic components. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the device both reliable for prevention and capable of detection without requiring a completely separate system.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system (sensors, memory, processor) is merged with the flame arrester structure itself rather than being separate. This integration allows the device to maintain its protective function while adding detection capabilities, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and detection ability.
2Loss of information
If no sensor device is installed, then the device remains simple and easy to operate, but flashback events go unnoticed and cannot be analyzed
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device and memory are pre-installed and configured to automatically detect and record flashback events as they occur. This preliminary setup ensures that no information is lost without requiring complex manual intervention or additional components during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically detects, records, and stores flashback data without requiring external monitoring equipment or manual intervention. The integrated system serves itself by capturing and preserving flashback information autonomously, resolving the contradiction between information retention and system simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into the housing, then flashback detection accuracy improves, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into distinct functional components (temperature sensor, pressure sensor, acoustic sensor) that can be independently selected and integrated based on specific application requirements. This segmentation allows for optimized manufacturing by enabling modular assembly and selective implementation of detection capabilities.
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
Enhances the detection and documentation of flashbacks, simplifying error analysis and enabling early recognition of faults, thus improving safety and reducing the risk of accidents by providing clear indicators and easy data transfer for troubleshooting.
Implementation Method 1
A piezo element is particularly suitable for this purpose, which responds very well to sudden changes in pressure at the outlet of the device. As a result, a pressure surge, a pressure fluctuation or a pressure wave in the event of a flashback can easily be detected via the piezo element.
Implementation Method 2
The interface has a light-emitting diode. With this light-emitting diode, which can also serve as an indicator for flashbacks that have occurred, it is possible to read out information on how flashbacks have occurred and their frequency by means of a modeled data stream.
Implementation Method 3
The interface has a photo element. This photo element can be used to transfer data from an external device to the device.
Data Source
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AI summary
Device (1) for preventing flame flashback into a flammable gas-carrying line, in particular a flame arrestor, wherein the device (1) has a housing (8) with at least one backflow preventer (9) therein, at least one gas non-return valve (10) therein and at least one sintered body (11) therein, wherein the device (1) comprises a sensor device (2) wherein the sensor device (2) detects and stores data such as the frequency and intensity of flame flashbacks.