Hermetic Separation Assembly for Flexible Hazardous-Area Probes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional explosion proof or flame proof transmitters are limited to rigid probes of certain form factors, imposing constraints on their use between different equipment protection levels in hazardous environments, and installation methods pose risks of sparks and explosions.
Innovation Solution
A transmitter assembly with a separation assembly that includes a hermetic seal and a nut, featuring complementary threads of opposite directions, is used to create a secure electrical and mechanical connection between components in different equipment protection levels, facilitated by a socket wrench and seal wrench for safe installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional explosion proof transmitters are used, then safety in hazardous environments is ensured, but the transmitters are limited to rigid probes of certain form factors
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter is divided into two separate enclosures: a first enclosure for electronics in a less hazardous area and a second enclosure for the probe in a more hazardous area. This segmentation allows the probe to have flexible form factors while maintaining explosion protection through the separation assembly with hermetic seal.
Solution Approach 2:
A separation assembly with hermetic seal acts as an intermediary between the two enclosures, providing both mechanical connection and electrical connection while maintaining safety isolation. This intermediary enables flexible probe designs to connect to the electronics enclosure without compromising hazardous area safety.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional installation methods are used, then transmitters can be installed, but installation poses risks of sparks and explosions
Solution Approach 1:
The installation process is segmented into two separate locations: installing the first enclosure in a less hazardous area and the second enclosure in a more hazardous area. This segmentation allows the complex hermetic seal assembly to be installed from the safer area, eliminating spark risks during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hermetic seal assembly acts as an intermediary that can be installed from the less hazardous area, providing a safe installation path. The seal assembly includes features like a tunnel for receiving the seal and engagement features that allow tool-free or minimal-tool installation from the safe side.
3Productivity
If rigid probes are used in conventional transmitters, then explosion proof requirements are met, but installation costs and labor are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The separation assembly with hermetic seal serves multiple functions: providing mechanical connection between enclosures, providing electrical connection for signals and power, maintaining hermetic seal for explosion protection, and enabling flexible probe designs. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity and installation effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The hermetic seal assembly acts as an intermediary that simplifies installation by allowing the probe to be installed in the hazardous area independently, then connected to the electronics enclosure from the safe area. This eliminates the need for complex installation procedures in hazardous areas.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A transmitter assembly for a hazardous environment is provided. The transmitter assembly includes a transmitter that includes a transmitting unit configured to be positioned in a first area of the hazardous environment and a probe coupled with the transmitting unit and configured to be positioned in a second area of the hazardous environment. The second area is more hazardous and has a higher equipment protection level than the first area. The transmitter assembly also includes a separation assembly that is positioned between the transmitting unit and the probe, the separation assembly including a hermetic seal and a nut. The hermetic seal is configured to be electrically connected to the transmitting unit and the probe. The nut defines a tunnel sized to receive the hermetic seal therein. The exterior threads of the nut are complementary to threads on a partition wall positioned between the transmitting unit and the probe.