Patent ID: 12209674

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiment 1

As shown inFIGS.1A and1B, the system includes a device100including a valve body102with flanges104,106on opposite ends of a horizontal axis. A cylindrical valve sleeve2, which is open at both ends, is connected, at its right end, with an inner wall108of the right flange106. The right end of the cylindrical valve sleeve2forms the only channel at the right end of the valve body102. A working fluid through-hole3is formed in the wall of the valve sleeve2, which wall is in movable fit with a valve spool1having a U-shaped section. The through-hole3in the valve sleeve2can be communicated with an inner chamber110of the valve body102, and can be closed by a cylindrical surface of the valve spool1. A horizontal push rod8is in movable fit within an axial orifice formed in the left end of the valve spool1and located at the center of a vertical plane. The ends of the horizontal push rod8are respectively in movable fit within axial orifices through vertical surfaces of left and right support seats13,14in the valve body102. A right limit block9of the horizontal push rod8is positioned on the right side of the vertical surface112of the right support seat, and a left limit block10of the horizontal push rod8is positioned on the left side of the vertical surface114of the valve spool1. A spring4surrounds the horizontal push rod8, and extends between the left side of the vertical surface112of the right support seat and the right side of the vertical surface114of the valve spool1.

A cylinder116perpendicular to the horizontal push rod8is arranged at a working fluid inlet end of the valve body. The inner cavity of the cylinder is in movable fit with a slide bar7. The lower end of the slide bar7extends into the valve body102and is articulated with an upper end of a crank118, the lower end of which crank118is articulated with the horizontal push rod8. The upper end of the slide bar7is provided with a handle11, which is movably fitted within an axial groove and lockably fitted within a horizontal groove12on the wall of the cylinder.

The device100of the present disclosure can be driven by differential pressure and is suitable for providing emergency cut-off protection when blasting occurs in the fluid transmission pipeline of a unidirectional flow working system. The protection device100is provided with a manually operated quick cutting and locking mechanism.

For a unidirectional flow system in which the fluid is unidirectionally transmitted, in case that the pipeline downstream of the present device100bursts, a pressure difference will be generated between upstream and downstream ends of the device100and forces the valve spool1to move to the right end, thus the valve sleeve hole3is closed and the forward flow is cut off, the upstream working fluid is prevented from continuously discharging to the downstream breakage. To prevent the pressure fluctuation and vibration in upstream and downstream systems caused when the device is closed from affecting the sealing of the closure, and to ensure the reliability of the cut-off, a manual handle11for quick cut-off and a locking means12are disposed on the site for ensuring reliable closing. During normal operation, the manual cut-off handle11and the locking means12are inactive, so as to ensure that the differential pressure driven cut-off without an external power and control signal takes precedence over the manual quick cut-off and locking. The manual quick assisting structure can also be used as a backup protection in case of failure of the pressure differential driven cut-off. Referring now toFIG.2, in the normal operation of the forward flow system, when bursting occurs at point G of the pipeline between points A1and A2at which points the cutting devices are installed, the pressure differential driven cut-off performed by the cutting device at point A1takes precedence, and the manual quick assisting cutting and locking is also applied to stop discharge of the forward flow at blasted point G in time. To prevent downstream working fluid from flowing to the blasted point G and being discharged under reverse pressure generated by the working fluid in downstream pipeline and by the topography, the manual quick cut-off and locking means are applied in an emergency to close the device at point A2, thus ensuring that the loss caused by the bursting of pipeline is limited between points A1and A2.

In order to balance the pressures between left and right ends of the device and to restore the normal working state after the burst pipeline is repaired, the device includes an interconnected pore of left chamber16, an interconnected pore of right chamber17, a connecting pipe of left-to-right chamber18, and a connecting valve of left-to-right chamber19. The valve19is normally closed, and can be opened when the pressure balance is required. After the burst pipeline is repaired, non-polluted water and gas are released to the atmosphere or rivers via the interconnected pore of left chamber16and interconnected pore of right chamber17. If the water and gas are harmful, they will be discharged to sealed containers. The device further includes an air escape valve of left chamber20, an air escape valve of right chamber22, an air outlet of left chamber21, and an air outlet of right chamber23. The valves19,20,22are all closed when the device is in normal operation.

If the pipeline bursts, micropower wireless pressure transmitters (model: MGTR-S5x71) mounted at left and right ends of the valve body will display the operation pressure status of the device on the site. The pressure transmitters have batteries as power supply, and transmit, to a superior system, wireless signals regarding the normal operating pressure of the device, the pressure in burst pipeline upstream of the device, and the pressure in burst pipeline downstream of the device, and simultaneously send out alarm signals for emergency blocking of burst pipeline. This is helpful for decisive handling by the superior system, and storing data for post-accident analysis. For example, when the left end gauge/transmitter shows normal pressure, while the right end gauge shows that the pressure drops rapidly to nearly zero “0”, this means that an explosion has happened to the downstream pipeline. When the right end gauge shows normal pressure, while the left end gauge shows that the pressure drops rapidly to nearly zero “0”, this means that an explosion has happened to the upstream pipeline.

FIGS.1A and1Bshow the device100of the present disclosure in the closed state after the downstream pipeline bursts. The spring4is compressed by the differential pressure, the valve spool1is pushed to move rightward, and the valve sleeve hole3is closed so as to cut off the discharge to the downstream breach. At the same time, the manual handle11is closed and locked.

The differential pressure driven burst-pipeline emergency blocking device100shown inFIG.1(provided with a manual assisted closing and locking means) is adapted to a unidirectional flow system.

FIG.2is a diagram of a unidirectional flow system with differential pressure driven burst-pipeline emergency blocking devices100.

It illustrates emergency cut-off protection state of the device100, which is installed in the unidirectional flow system, after a blasting occurs at point G of the pipeline, which is located between points A, B where devices100of the present disclosure are arranged.

FIG.2is a schematic diagram of the system to which the device100(including the quick manual assisted cut-off and locking means) is applied.

A1: Site A1where the device100of the present disclosure is arranged.

A2: Site A2where the device100of the present disclosure is arranged.

A3: Site A3where the device100of the present disclosure is arranged.

G: Position G where the blasting occurs.

Function of point A1: At the moment an explosion occurs at point G downstream of point A1, being driven by passive pressure difference, the device100at A1is closed in time to prevent the forward flow from being continuously discharged to the break port G, and at the same time, quick manual assisted cut-off and locking can be applied.

Function of point A2: When an explosion occurs at point G upstream of point A2, quick manual assisted cut-off and locking is applied to prevent the reverse flow from being continuously discharged to the break port G.

Effect: The influence of blasting at point G is limited between points A1and A2of the pipeline.

Embodiment 2

Referring toFIG.3, differential pressure driven burst-pipeline emergency blocking system includes a device200including a valve body202with flanges204,206on opposite ends of a horizontal axis. A cylindrical valve sleeve2, which is open at both ends, is connected, at its right end, with the inner wall208of the right flange206. The right end of the cylindrical valve sleeve2forms the only channel at the right end of the valve body202. A working fluid through-hole3is formed in the wall of the valve sleeve2, which wall is in movable fit with a valve spool1having a U-shaped section. The through-hole3in the valve sleeve2is connected with an inner chamber210of the valve body, and can be closed by a cylindrical surface of the valve spool1. A horizontal push rod8is in movable fit within an axial hole formed in the left end of the valve spool1and located at the center of a vertical plane. The ends of the horizontal push rod8are respectively in movable fit within axial orifices through vertical surfaces of left and right support seats6in the valve body. A spring4surrounds the horizontal push rod8, and is located between the left side of the vertical surface212of the right support seat6and the right side of the vertical surface of the valve spool1.

A right limit block9of the horizontal push rod8is positioned on the right side of the vertical surface212of the right support seat6, and a left limit block10of the horizontal push rod8is positioned on the left side of the vertical surface216of the left support seat6.

The device200of the present disclosure is suitable for the emergency cut-off of flow in a system in which the fluid is unidirectionally transmitted and the pressure is continuously stable. The device200can provide unidirectional protection by means of differential pressure in a pipe network or a fluid control system with stable forward flow and positive pressure, at the terminal of a fluid control system, or in a system without the action of reverse flow. The left and right ends of the valve body are respectively provided with a micro power wireless pressure transmitter (model: MGTR-S5x71) to display the operation pressure status of the device on the site. The pressure transmitter has battery as power supply, and can transmit, to a superior system, wireless signals regarding the normal operating pressure of the device200, the pressure in burst pipeline upstream of the device200, and the pressure in burst pipeline downstream of the device200, and simultaneously send out an alarm signal for emergency blocking of burst pipeline. This is helpful for decisive handling by the superior system, and storing data for post-accident analysis. For example, when the left end gauge shows normal pressure, while the right end gauge shows that the pressure drops rapidly to nearly zero “0”, this means that an explosion has happened to the downstream pipeline. When the right end gauge shows normal pressure, and the left end gauge shows that the pressure drops rapidly to nearly zero “0”, this means that an explosion has happened to the upstream pipeline. In order to repair the burst pipeline so as to balance the pressures between pipeline segments upstream and downstream of the device and to remove residues from the pipeline, balance pipes and balance valves are arranged at both ends of the device200. A residue discharge pipe and a control valve are arranged at each end of the device200, so as to discharge the non-polluted water and gas to the atmosphere or rivers, and discharge harmful water and gas into sealed containers.

FIG.3shows a stable operation state of the device200according to the present disclosure in unidirectional fluid transmission. The spring4and the valve spool1are in the open state, and the through-hole3in the valve sleeve2is in the fully open position to allow the fluid flow smoothly to downstream pipeline. When the downstream pipeline is exploded, the pressure difference compresses the spring4through the valve spool1, then the valve spool1is pushed to move rightward, and the through-hole3is closed so as to cut off the discharge to the downstream breach. The reliable and lasting stable pressure in the upstream ensures continuous and reliable cut-off.

FIG.3shows a differential pressure driven burst-pipeline emergency blocking device200for the unidirectional flow.

FIG.4is a diagram of a differential pressure driven emergency blocking system of a unidirectional flow.

It shows the system application with a unidirectional flow having continuous and stable pressure but without a reverse flow.

A: Point A where the device200of the present disclosure is arranged.

B: Point B where the application terminal is arranged.

G: Position G where the blasting happens.

At the moment an explosion happens at the downstream point G, the differential pressure activates the device200at A to cuts off the flow of fluid in time, so as to prevent forward flow from being continuously discharged to the blasting port G.

Function of point B: After an explosion happens at point G upstream of point B, the end user can stop operation of the system because no fluid transmission is needed. At this time, although no reverse flow is generated, the device at point B should still be closed and should not be used until it is repaired.

Effect: The impact of blasting at point G is controlled between A and B of the pipeline.

Embodiment 3

Referring toFIGS.5A and5B, a differential pressure driven burst-pipeline emergency blocking device300, which includes a valve body302with flanges304,306on both ends of a horizontal axis; a cylindrical valve sleeve2, the left and right ends of which are connected with inner walls308,309of left and right ends of the valve body302, and form the only channels of left and right flange ends; working fluid through-holes3,20are formed in walls at both ends of the valve sleeve2, and the valve sleeve walls are in movable fit with two symmetrical U-shaped valve spools1,19which are connected via a central shaft310, the working fluid through-holes3,20in the valve sleeve2are communicated with a bidirectional fluid channel of within the inner chamber of the valve body311and can be closed by a cylindrical surface of the valve spool1; the central shaft310is fixedly connected to the surface of the valve spool1at its center; a left horizontal push rod10is in movable fit with axial orifices of first and second supports14,13at the left end of the valve body, and a right horizontal push rod27is in movable fit with axial orifices of first and second supports30,31at the right end of the valve body; the first and second supports13,14,30,31are provided with axial holes communicated with the inner cavity311of the valve sleeve2and left and right valve body cavities5,22, and the two first supports14,30are symmetrical and U-shaped in section; the opposite ends of a first spring4are respectively sleeved on an outward extending end of the central shaft310of the valve spool1and on the left horizontal push rod10in a U-shaped cavity of the first left support14. The ends of the second spring21are respectively sleeved on an outward extending end of the central shaft310of the valve spool1and on a right horizontal push rod27in the U-shaped cavity of the first right support30.

At opposite ends of the valve body, cylinders320,322perpendicular to the horizontal push rod10,27are provided. The inner cavity of the cylinder320,322is in movable fit with a slide bar7,24. The lower end of the slide bar7,24is located in the valve body302and hinged with the upper end of a crank23. The lower end of the crank23is hinged with the horizontal push rod10,27. The upper end of the slide bar7,24is provided with a handle11,28, which is in movable fit with an axial groove on the wall of the cylinder320,322and is lockingly matched with a horizontal groove12,29on the wall of the cylinder320,322. At either side of the crank23, the horizontal push rod10,27is provided with left and right limit blocks8,9or25,26. At either of the left and right ends of the valve body302, a micro power wireless pressure transmitter (model: MGTR-S5x71) is disposed to display the operation pressure status of the device on the site. The transmitter uses batteries as power supply, and transmits, to a superior system, wireless signals regarding the normal operating pressure of the device300, the burst pressure in upstream pipeline of the device300, and the burst pressure in downstream pipeline of the device300, and meantime sends out an alarm signal of emergency blocking of burst pipeline. This is helpful for decisive handling by the superior system, and storing data for post-accident analysis. For example, when the left end gauge shows the normal pressure, while the right end gauge shows that the pressure drops rapidly to nearly zero “0”, this means that an explosion has happened to the downstream pipeline. When the right end gauge shows the normal pressure, while the left end gauge shows that the pressure drops rapidly to nearly zero “0”, this means that an explosion has happened to the upstream pipeline. At the left and right flange ends of the valve body, an interconnected pore of left chamber and an interconnected pore of right chamber are respectively disposed. A connecting valve is provided in the middle of a connecting pipe of left-to-right chamber, and left and right discharge pipes are provided on both ends of the connecting valve. The left and right discharge pipes are respectively provided with an air escape valve of left chamber, an air outlet of left chamber, an air escape valve of right chamber, and an air outlet of right chamber.

The burst-pipeline protection device300driven by bidirectional flow pressure difference is provided with a bidirectional manual assisting quick closing and locking mechanism.

The bidirectional flow differential pressure driven blasting protection device300of the present disclosure provides reliable bidirectional emergency cut-off protection for the system for pipeline transmission of annularly supplied fluid and the process control pipeline system that must be provided with bidirectional flows.

Differential pressure drive+quick manual assistance+locking+pressure signal display+system balance (bidirectional protection).

FIGS.5A and5Bshow an emergency blocking device300for burst pipeline driven by bidirectional flow pressure difference (including bidirectional quick manual assisting cutting and locking).

FIGS.5A and5Bshow the device300in unloaded state, in which the left spring4and the right spring21are in symmetrical balance, the left valve spool1and the right valve spool19are in the neutral position, and the left through-hole3and the right through-hole20of the valve sleeve are in the open position, making passage for the circulation of forward or reverse flow.

When the forward flow at the upstream end passes through at the designed normal flow, the fluid is transmitted to the downstream pipeline of the device300through the right valve chamber22, the right through-hole20, the bidirectional fluid channel15, the left through-hole3of the valve sleeve, and the left valve chamber5. The thrust produced by differential pressure between both ends of the device300cannot overcome the thrust of the left spring4during normal flow, the left through-hole3of the valve sleeve is always open, and the system is in normal operation. In case of explosion of pipeline at the downstream of the device300, the flow rate rises instantaneously, causing the pressure difference between the right valve spool19and the left valve spool1to increase suddenly. The differential pressure pushes the left valve spool1to move leftward against the thrust of the left spring4, closes the left through-hole3of the valve sleeve to cut off the device300. In order to prevent continuous discharge to the blasting port, and to prevent the pressure fluctuation and vibration of the upstream and downstream systems from affecting the closed seal after the pipeline blasting device300is closed, the right power-assisting closing handle28and the lock29of the left power-assisting closing handle are immediately used to realize quick manual assisting cutting and locking, and ensure the reliability of the device300.

When the reverse flow occurs at the downstream, the fluid is transmitted to the pipeline upstream of the device300through the left valve chamber5, the left through-hole3of the valve sleeve, the bidirectional fluid channel15, the right through-hole20, and the right valve chamber22. During normal flow, the differential pressure thrust at both ends of the device300cannot overcome the thrust of the right spring21, the right through-hole20is always open and the system is in normal operation. When a pipeline burst occurs in the upstream of the device300, the flow rate rises instantaneously, causing the pressure difference between the left valve spool1and the right valve spool19to increase suddenly. The differential pressure pushes the right valve spool19to move rightward against the thrust of the right spring21, and closes the right through-hole20to cut off the device300. In order to prevent continuous discharge to the blasting port, and to prevent the pressure fluctuation and vibration of the upstream and downstream systems from affecting the closed seal after the pipeline blasting device300is closed, the left power-assisting closing handle11and the lock12of the right power-assisting closing handle are immediately used to realize quick manual assisting cutting and locking, and ensure the reliability of the device300.

FIG.6is a diagram of differential pressure driven emergency blocking system of a bidirectional flow.

A1: Site A1where the device300of the present disclosure is arranged.

A2: Site A2where the device300of the present disclosure is arranged.

A3: Site A3where the device300of the present disclosure is arranged.

G: Position G where the blasting happens.

E: Position E where the blasting happens.

Function of point A1: At the moment an explosion happening at point G downstream of point A1, being driven by pressure difference, the valve spool on the left end of the device300at A1is cut off in time to prevent the forward flow from being continuously discharged to the blasting port G, and at the same time, quick manual assisting cut-off and locking is applied.

Function of point A2: At the moment an explosion occurring at point G upstream of point A2, being driven by pressure difference, the reverse flow cuts off the valve spool at the right end of the device300at A2in time to prevent the reverse flow from being continuously discharged to the blasting port G, and at the same time, quick manual assisting cut-off and locking is applied.

Function of point A3: The damage and influence at the blasting point E is limited between A2and A3of the pipeline; the fast and reliable blocking ensures the safety of the oil tank.

Reverse flow: It is derived from the fluid capacity in the pipeline and the potential energy generated by the trend of the pipeline downstream of the blasting point. The process control system is designed with an inherent reverse pressure flow; the annular heating, water supply, gas supply, and oil supply systems are designed with allowable reverse flows.

Effect

1) The device300of the present disclosure realizes the burst pipeline protection totally driven by differential pressure (driven by the energy of the system itself) in the bidirectional flow pipeline system, and simultaneously realizes the quick bidirectional manual assisting cutting and locking, which improves the stability and reliability of the differential pressure driven pipeline blasting protection device300.

2) The device300of the present disclosure ensures that the damage and influence of the blasting at point G are limited between A1and A2of the pipeline, and ensures the normal operation of the pipeline with forward flow source upstream of point A1, and ensures the normal operation of the pipeline with reverse flow source downstream of point A2.

3) The device300of the disclosure ensures that the damage and influence of the blasting at point E are limited between A2and A3of the pipeline, and the fast and reliable blocking ensures the safety of the oil tank.

4) The manual quick cut-off and locking system of the present disclosure enhances the reliability and stability of the differential pressure drive, and meets the reliability requirement that the first opening after maintenance must be manual on site.

5) The present disclosure displays on site the operation status, the normal operation pressure of wireless signal transmission, the upstream pipeline burst pressure, and the downstream pipeline burst pressure, and sends out the alarm signal of pipeline burst emergency blocking. This is helpful for decisive handling by the upper-level system, and saving data for post-accident analysis.

Comparative analysis on arrangement between embodiment 3 of the present disclosure and a similar system of the prior art.

As shown inFIG.7,1. Brief description of a similar system in the prior art, i.e. the complex system of Dalian XX major accident on Jul. 16, 2010: according to the reports from xinhuanet and other media, “on Jul. 16, 2010, a misoperation occurred to the Dalian XX oil tanker during the oil unloading, resulting in a fire due to the leakage of crude oil from the pipeline, and giving rise to a burst of pipelines at the corridor and explosion of two pipelines (900 mm, 700 mm). The 105 m3 oil tank was burnt out, and the fire was completely extinguished on July 18.” Equipment for storing and transporting oil, gas, and toxic, flammable, explosive, and radioactive media are prone to leakage. If we do not take careful precautions, similar accidents are still likely to occur.

(1) The oil pipeline from the beginning of oil unloading to the inlet of the oil tank shall be equipped with three-stage cut-off devices, i.e. a stop valve at the pump outlet, an emergency cut-off valve, and a stop valve at the inlet of the oil tank. As shown inFIG.7, the explosion at B1, B2, and B3started from the pump outlet. Under normal conditions, the electric closing time of the electric stop valve is 2-5 minutes, and the manual closing time is 5-10 minutes. If the electric stop valve is closed totally manually after power loss, it cannot cut off the stream transiently, and the explosion will extend rapidly.

(2) The oil tank will burn down only if the three-stage cut-off valves B1, B2, and B3all fail. The power loss of the electric cut-off valve and emergency cut-off valve due to fire failed the electric closing, and closing the shut-off valve at the inlet of the oil tank merely by turning the manual wheel spent more than ten hours. The manual closing couldn't completely block the explosion due to the slow speed and the high temperature deformation, resulting in the collapse of the last line of defense. The burning oil flow ignited a 100,000 m3 oil tank.

(3) Although the reservoir area was provided with an export pump house, an independent fire water supply ring pipe network, a fixed oil-tank sprinkler system, and a fixed foam fire extinguishing system, they did not work due to the fire and power loss (without power source).

2. Embodiment 3 of the differential pressure driven pipeline blasting emergency blocking system of the present disclosure can overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

(1) The oil pipeline from the beginning of oil unloading to the inlet of the oil tank shall be equipped with three-stage differential pressure driven pipeline blasting emergency blocking devices at the pump outlet, the pipe middle section, and the oil tank inlet respectively. Referring to A1, A2, and A3inFIG.6, if the explosion starts from the pump outlet of the oil unloading ship, it shall be subjected to three-stage differential pressure driven cut-off and three-stage quick manual assisting cut-off and locking. In each stage, the transient differential pressure interrupts the flow, and then locks with zero leakage. It is impossible for the explosion to extend to the oil tank through three-stage blocking.

(2) In the differential pressure driven burst-pipeline emergency blocking device as shown inFIG.6, the oil tank will burn down only if the three-stage cut-off valves A1, A2, and A3all fail. The pump outlet, pipe middle section, and oil tank inlet are all provided with differential pressure driven automatic cut-off and three-stage quick manual assisting cut-off and locking. The pressure differential driven cut-off is very quick, lasting for only 0.8-5 seconds, and the time for quick assisting cut-off and locking is 5-10 seconds. This reliable system features quick closing, can prevent the spreading of explosive flow in time, and control the damage and impact to the minimum.

(3) The response speed of differential pressure driven emergency blocking is the advantage, the quick manual assisting cut-off and locking structure is the advantage of backup protection, and the differential pressure driven transient interruption of flow and the quick manual backup protection ensure the reliability of emergency blocking.