Mobile Flame Arrester Robot for Gas Pipeline Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flame arresters and extinguishing devices in gas pipelines increase flow resistance, are prone to contamination, and have limitations in recurring ignition prevention, leading to potential damage and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the introduction of an extinguishing agent at overpressure into an extinguishing zone and a sealing fluid into a sealing zone within the gas pipeline, where the sealing fluid remains to prevent further flame fronts, allowing for efficient extinguishment and maintaining pipeline functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flame arresters are installed in gas pipelines to prevent flame fronts, then safety against flame propagation is improved, but flow resistance increases and through-flow performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flame arrestment function from a fixed installed device and transfers it to a mobile robot that can be deployed temporarily. The robot carries flame arrester elements that are only activated when needed, allowing normal gas flow during normal operation while providing flame protection when required
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static flame arrester that continuously obstructs flow to a dynamic robot-based system that adapts its presence and functionality based on operational conditions. The robot can be deployed to provide flame arrestment only when flame risk is detected, maintaining optimal flow performance during normal operation
2Reliability
If flame arresters are used in gas pipelines with contaminants, then flame front prevention is achieved, but the flame arrester becomes polluted and through-flow performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot-based flame arrester system uses disposable or easily replaceable flame arrester elements mounted on the robot. When these elements become polluted or depleted, the entire robot unit can be replaced or the elements regenerated, avoiding the need to clean or maintain fixed flame arresters that would otherwise require shutdown and complex maintenance procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robot performs self-maintenance by navigating to service positions where it can be replenished, cleaned, or replaced. The system includes automated service mechanisms that can service the robot without requiring pipeline shutdown, allowing the flame protection function to be maintained while minimizing impact on gas flow
3Reliability
If pressure cartridges are used for extinguishing operations, then flame front extinguishment is achieved, but the system cannot handle recurring ignitions as each cartridge is single-use
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is equipped with self-replenishment capabilities, carrying multiple extinguishing agent containers or having access to automated refilling mechanisms. After deploying extinguishing agents, the robot can automatically replenish its supplies by navigating to service positions or exchanging containers, enabling it to handle multiple extinguishing operations without human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous extinguishing capability by designing the robot to maintain a ready supply of extinguishing agents and the ability to rapidly replenish them. The robot can perform multiple extinguishing cycles sequentially, providing ongoing protection against recurring ignitions rather than being limited to a single use like traditional pressure cartridges
4Reliability
If gas pipeline is shut down to prevent recurring ignition, then safety is improved, but gas flow and pipeline functionality are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the safety function from the gas flow itself and implements it through a separate mobile robot system. This allows the gas pipeline to continue flowing normally while the robot independently provides flame arrestment and extinguishing capabilities, separating the safety function from the production function
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 approach effectively extinguishes flame fronts with a lower amount of extinguishing agent, prevents re-ignition, and maintains pipeline functionality by ensuring gas flow without the need for additional flame protection devices, enhancing safety and reducing maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
introduction of an extinguishing agent at an overpressure into an extinguishing zone of the gas pipeline
Implementation Method 2
introduction of a sealing fluid into a sealing zone of the gas pipeline such that the sealing fluid remains in the sealing zone in such a way that a gas flowing through the gas pipeline must flow through the sealing fluid in the sealing zone
Data Source
AI summary
A flame front in a gas pipeline is extinguished by introducing an extinguishing agent at an overpressure at an extinguishing zone of the pipeline. Using an overpressure provides a better and finer atomization of the extinguishing agent, and permits a greater amount of the extinguishing agent to be provided in the extinguishing zone per unit time. In addition, a sealing fluid is introduced at sealing zone of the pipeline. Gas flowing through the pipeline must flow through the sealing fluid in the sealing zone. Preferably, movement of a flame front from one side of the sealing zone to the other side of the sealing zone is prevented or reduced by the sealing fluid.