Methane monitor and engine shutdown system
US5311851A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 1992 |
| Grant date | May 17, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02D17/04
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system is described to detect methane gas at oil well and natural gas well sites that will generate a warning signal when a first, lower concentration of methane gas is detected and will generate a second signal when a higher, more dangerous level of methane gas is detected. A methane monitoring control and sensor device is mounted within the environment of an internal combustion engine and is used to detect the concentration levels of methane gas and to generate two signals. A first signal will generate a warning, and a second signal will affect engine shutdown by means of a compressed air operated valve closing the air intake to the engine.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.