Purging an airlock of an explosion containment chamber
US7418895B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 18, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S588/90
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and methods are provided for purging an airlock cavity created between the airlock access door and the primary explosion chamber opening sealing mechanism. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an airlock device is used to ensure that, in the event toxins are released from the primary explosion chamber opening sealing means, the toxins are properly handled and are not inadvertently released into the atmosphere. In one embodiment, negative pressure is used to vacuum the entrained air within the airlock cavity subsequent to an explosion. To facilitate the sweeping and exhausting of the cavity, an orifice in the access door may be operable to allow the flow of ambient air through the airlock access door.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.