Inerting Line Connection With Non-Return Valve for Backflow Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
In chemical production plants, the existing inerting devices using flexible polymer hoses for inert gas distribution face limitations in pressure capacity, leading to potential bursts during operation, and lack of shut-off or non-return valves result in operating errors and contamination issues, posing safety risks due to infrequent use and reduced personnel experience.
Innovation Solution
The inerting device incorporates a non-reversibly detachable connecting line with an intermediate piece and a non-return valve, ensuring gas-tight connections and preventing backflow, using metal fabric-reinforced polymer or metal hoses to withstand higher pressures, and an overpressure safety device for safe disposal of excess gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible polymer hoses are used as connecting lines for inert gas distribution, then ease of connection and installation is improved, but pressure load capacity deteriorates leading to burst risks
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting line uses metal fabric-reinforced polymer hose, which combines the flexibility and ease of connection of polymer materials with the high pressure load capacity of metal fabric reinforcement. This composite structure allows the hose to withstand pressures up to 16 bar while maintaining flexibility for easy installation and connection.
2Device complexity
If simple tapping valves are used for inert gas flow adjustment, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of backflow prevention
Solution Approach 1:
A non-return valve is introduced as an intermediary component in the connecting line between the inert gas distribution system and the working volume. This valve automatically prevents backflow of process gases into the inert gas distribution system, enhancing reliability without requiring complex manual intervention or additional operational procedures.
3Ease of operation
If connecting lines are left connected during plant shutdowns, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to potential overpressure and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The non-return valve acts as a protective intermediary that allows the connecting line to remain connected during plant shutdowns without creating safety hazards. It prevents process gases from backflowing into the inert gas distribution system and blocks overpressure from reaching the inert gas lines, eliminating the need for manual disconnection while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-return valve provides preliminary protection against harmful backflow and overpressure effects before they can occur. By being pre-installed in the connecting line, it automatically counteracts potential contamination and pressure issues that would arise if the line remained connected during shutdowns, preventing problems rather than reacting to them.
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 configuration enhances safety by preventing accidental releases and contamination, ensuring the inerting device is used correctly and reducing the risk of equipment damage, while allowing for flexible installation and operation within the chemical plant's constraints.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting line (24) comprises a non-return valve (26)
Implementation Method 2
using metal fabric-reinforced polymer or metal hoses to withstand higher pressures
Implementation Method 3
an overpressure safety device for safe disposal of excess gases
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an inerting device for inerting a working volume in a chemical production plant by purging with inert gas, wherein the chemical production plant comprises a plant-wide inert gas distribution system with pipelines for distributing the inert gas and at least one inert gas outlet connectable to a connecting line. According to the invention, the connecting line between the inerting device and the working volume is connected at its end facing the working volume in a non-reversibly detachable manner to an intermediate piece, wherein the intermediate piece can be reversibly detachable to a counterpart provided on the working volume.