EP2152625B1 - Device for operating tank storage systems connected to pipe systems for fluids by fixed pipes - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a device for the operation of tank storage systems in the solid-lined composite with fluid piping systems, mainly liquid products, but generally also suitable for gaseous products, in particular for application in high microbiological quality requirements subject product handling and product transfer in the food - And beverage industry, pharmacy and biotechnology, with the consisting of at least one tank farm system, with a consisting of at least one pipe system, either with one each in a tank bottom of the respective tank or each with a respective tank associated valve manifold, the is designed as an elongated hollow structure which ascends from bottom to top, usually a vertical course and has the connection openings for connecting its interior with each of the pipes, un d each with a disc valve, which is arranged in each connection between the pipe and the associated connection opening and this connection switches in close proximity to the hollow structure.

STATE OF THE ART

Conventional piping systems in the abovementioned fields of application, which generally meet the high demands on product quality, have so-called valve matrix systems in which a large number of valves for switching the manifold pipelines of the respective process are combined in so-called valve blocks. The pipelines from and to the tanks of the tank storage system are brought to these valve blocks. Under certain circumstances, such solid-pipe systems harbor danger potentials with regard to undefined microbiological processes that can take place in the more or less long pipelines between the valves and the process tank. Also due to thorough basic planning of the process plants, these potential dangers can not always be reliably controlled or eliminated. Details of this problem can be found in the DE 101 08 259 C1 ,

Based on the above problem is in the DE 101 08 259 C1 a piping system of the type indicated in the introductory proposed, in which the process lines and function valves are mounted directly under the respective tank outlet. This piping system has been proven in practice in the meantime; it is in the company publication Tuchenhagen Brewery Systems, ECO-Matrix ^®, 223d-10/06, described in more detail under the name ECO-Matrix ^®, and in particular under the aspect of cost and the influence on the product quality.

In the latter Vorrohrungssystem the function valves can be mounted either side of the tank outlet tree, the so-called. Ventilverteilerbaum, or perpendicular to the bottom flange of the tank. This piping technique significantly minimizes the formation of contamination and its subsequent distribution in the process system. The piping system, separated from the tank, allows for complete product evacuation and tank-independent cleaning. Compared to traditional systems, this piping technique reduces instrumentation costs while optimizing the process for nearly lossless production operation.

In traditional piping systems of the type described at the outset and in so-called. ECO-Matrix ^® -Verrohrungen predominantly sophisticated, leak secured valves double sealing valves are used, so-called. Double seat valves and so-called., Are used, which are also referred to as a mix-proof configured valves. Valves with two independently operable closing members are referred to as double seat valves, each closing member having a sealing point and a leakage space is arranged between the sealing points, which has at least one connection to the environment of the double seat valve. A double seal valve is a valve having a single closure member having two axially spaced seal locations therebetween where the leakage space described above is arranged. These two leakage-protected globe valves combine in themselves all the required properties that today in their entirety can be required by a process valve in the field of application in question, wherein, if necessary, the so-called seat cleaning is also included. But these lift valves are structurally correspondingly expensive and therefore costly.

The DE 101 08 259 C1 also mentions so-called butterfly valves with two seals spaced apart from each other at the sealing circumference of the disk-shaped closing member, between which an annular circumferential leakage cavity is arranged, which is connected to the surroundings of the disk valve via at least one connecting path. Further details on how to design the known piping system in connection with leak-proof disc valves concretely, can be found in the DE 101 08 259 C1 Not.

Moreover, particularly in a plurality of tanks of a tank farm system, when arranged in a row, in the elongated piping of the piping system according to DE 101 08 259 C1 , But also more generally in traditional piping systems with elongated pipes, special precautions need to compensate for changes in length due to temperature changes and the associated stresses. A so-called expansion compensator with hygienic properties, which represents a sophisticated component and at all required locations in the piping system and with the vorg. Problem is manageable, is for example from the WO 01/25670 A1 known. In the DE 101 08 259 C1 However, the entire strain and stress problem is not addressed, which also with the use of butterfly valves vorg. Art plays a special role and determines the reliability and stability of a process plant decisively.

In the publication DE 900 763 C a compensation arc is described, there referred to as U-balancer, with the length changes due to temperature changes can be compensated. The Fig. 1 This document shows a U-balancer, which is contracted by the heating of the pipeline, and Fig. 2 also shows a U-balancer, which is spread by the heating of the pipeline. These known per se and usually used in piping systems with elongated pipes expansion elements whenever they are deformed as intended generate reaction forces on the connected pipe strands, which must be recorded on benchmarks. Of the DE 900 763 C is the object of the thermal expansion of any pipe so known per se expansion members, as the vorg. U-balancer, in that the fixed point pressures, caused by bias and heating, are canceled. The proposed solution is characterized by a in contrast to the hot pipe cold lever or the cold pipe warmer lever which is arranged so that from the temperature or length difference of these elements creates an adjusting movement for generating a non-reactive expansion compensation.

It has been found that with higher product quality and safety and when using double-seat valves and / or double-seal valves, the piping system according to DE 101 08 259 C1 represents the more economical alternative to traditional piping systems. For piping systems according to DE 101 08 259 C1 using leak-proof disc valves so far exist no concrete solution proposals, although such disc valves are much cheaper than double-seat or double-seal valves.

When economic considerations take precedence over product quality and safety considerations, so-called open piping systems are used in the beverage industry, especially in breweries, in which preferably simple-sealing disk valves, so-called single-disk valves, but also leak-proof disk valves with two axially spaced ones , circumferential sealing points, between which a leakage cavity of vorg. Art is arranged for use. The so-called distribution panels (eg DE 298 21 813 U1 ) are here a preferred embodiment, so-called. Pipe fences represent another variant to ensure a high degree of flexibility with respect to a variety of necessary and / or desirable piping connections between, for example, a fermenter tank outlet and a number of other functional units with relatively low investment costs. An example is in the WO 03/024863 shown.

Thus, in the well-known, manually operated manifold assemblies, the so-called. Distribution panels or pipe fences, for example, the task of several tanks, such as fermentation tanks in a fermenting cellar or other functional units, each with its tank outlet pipe, which is connected to a pipe fence, if necessary a line for green beer filling or a line for green beer emptying or a line for yeast harvest or a line for emptying or a line for tank cleaning connect. Since both the tank outlet line and the other aforementioned lines in the pipe fence each end in a pipe connection, each via an immediately upstream shut-off device, usually the disk valve, can be shut off, two selected on the basis of the desired connection pipe connections, and thus also the associated different function lines, which have a defined, fixed distance from each other, are connected to one another via a detachable connecting bow. Depending on the arrangement of the pipe connections to be connected to each other while the connection sheet is provided with a hinge, so that the same connection sheet, the optional connection of the candidate pipe connections can be performed together.

The manual connection of the pipe connections with each other is still the rule in practice. This procedure is labor-intensive and thus expensive and can also be faulty if accidentally wrong lines are assigned to each other. Faulty connections can have serious consequences if, for example, enemy liquids are mixed together (detergents such as acid or lye, for example, enter the beer) or if high-quality product is mistakenly discarded via the drain. During solid piping according to DE 101 08 259 C1 With remote-controlled double-seat and / or double-seal valves offering the highest level of product quality and safety with economic advantages over traditional fixed piping, open piping systems in the form of manifold panels or pipe fences in conjunction with disc valves can not be undercut in terms of capital expenditure. Their manual handling is labor-intensive and therefore cost-intensive and can also be faulty. Highest product quality and safety can not be achieved. Automated handling of open piping systems, if it is even possible, largely eliminates the investment costs saved.

Experts have long sought to combine the advantages of the two well known piping systems, solid tubing and open piping systems in a new piping system. The piping system according to DE 101 08 259 C1 in its basic structure provides the basis for this.

It is an object of the present invention to develop the respective device of the generic type such that it is simple and inexpensive and high operational reliability meets the highest demands on the quality of treated in the tank storage system fluid product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the devices according to the invention are described in the respective dependent claims.

The present invention is based in a first basic concept on the basic features of the piping system according to DE 101 08 259 C1 and it provides a practical solution for the use of butterfly valves, whether they are single-disc valves or leak-proof Butterfly valves, so-called double disc valves, acts. An essential solution element is a compensation arc in the broadest sense as part of the respective pipeline in the area of the valve manifold tree. Either this compensating arc partially encloses with its flanks the valve manifold or it is adjacent to one of its flanks of this valve manifold.

Since the bottom of the respective tank generally tapers downwards, the valve manifold designed as a hollow structure is expediently arranged at the lowest point of the respective tank bottom. If the tank bottom shape is designed to be axially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tank, which is the case with most tank shapes used in practice, the longitudinal axis of the hollow structure is arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the tank.

The present invention dissolves in a second basic concept of the features of the Vorrohrungssystems according DE 101 08 259 C1 inasmuch as now the valve manifold tree no longer opens directly into a tank bottom of the respective tank, but is connected to the respective tank via a pipe and this opens into the upper end of the valve manifold.

The embodiments of the device according to the invention which are described in detail below can be applied without restriction to each of the two basic concepts of a tank storage system described above, in the solid-lined composite with pipe systems for fluids.

With a first arrangement variant of the compensating bow, it is possible to realize piping systems in which the connection openings are provided either on one side and in series or on both sides and in each case in a row arrangement on the valve manifold, in the second case mutually adjacent connection openings being axially offset from each other. For the piping of the pipeline system there are no restrictions on their arrangement and their course. They can run in a single plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold tree, they can in two to each other parallel planes which are arranged on one side of the valve manifold and oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, or they may extend in two mutually parallel planes, which are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold and the latter accommodate between them. In addition, an arrangement is possible in which the pipes of the pipe system extend in planes which are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold and cross at right angles. In this regard, crossing pipes require that the connection openings are provided on one side and in each case in a row arrangement on the valve manifold, wherein adjacent connection openings are each offset axially relative to each other and by 90 degrees.

The second arrangement variant of the compensating bow is to be used in each case in conjunction with the first, when the connection openings are provided on both sides, in each case opposite one another and in each case in a row arrangement on the valve manifold. This solution excludes the arrangement of the piping of the pipe system in a single plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold. The pipelines of the pipe system are then to be arranged in mutually parallel planes. The second arrangement variant of the balance sheet is also to be used in conjunction with the first, when the pipes of the pipe system in planes which are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold tree, intersect at right angles and the connection openings on both sides, each opposite each other and each provided in a row on the valve manifold are, wherein axially adjacent pairs of connection openings are offset in each case by 90 degrees.

With the first arrangement variant of the compensating bow alone or with a combination of the first with the second arrangement variant of the compensating bow, all conceivable piping can be carried out, which consists of a row or matrix arrangement of the tanks of a tank storage system in direct connection with the respective valve manifold in the region Tank bottom (first basic concept) or the valve manifolds in the respective connection to the associated tank (second basic concept) result.

Clear and visually pleasing piping under the above-mentioned arrangement conditions are achieved, in particular, when, as proposed, the pipe valve receiving female pipe connection is oriented in a second escape direction, which is parallel to the first direction of escape of the connected pipe sections of the pipeline.

There are no special conditions attached to the geometric design of the compensating bow in the broadest sense. It is essential that the flanks of the compensating bow have a sufficient deformability with respect to the connection point of the pipe connection receiving the disk valve. The flanks of the balance arc may have a converging to diverging course toward its open side.

Simple and easily adaptable to the respective piping conditions balance sheet are obtained according to a further proposal in that the balance sheet is U-shaped and consists of three straight pipe sections, which are oriented at right angles to each other and connected to the balancing pipe sections of the pipe each connected via a 90-degree arc.

Another inventive idea is that the balance sheet has a connection opening in a portion adjacent to the valve manifold and that the connection opening and the connection opening are connected to each other via the pipe connection receiving the disk valve. This basic solution does not require a special embodiment of the disc valve. The latter can be designed as leak-proof double-disk valve or as a single-disk valve.

Finally, another essential inventive idea is that the connection point of the pipe joint on the balance sheet relative to the first escape direction of the pipe sections of the pipe connected to the balance sheet has at least one distance, the displacement movements allows the pipe sections in the first direction of escape. These displacement movements are essentially changes in the length of the pipes due to temperature changes. The deformability of the flanks of the balance arc is over the vorg. determinable minimum distance so that under all conceivable operating conditions the forces occurring at the disc valve and the pipe connection in the area of the valve manifold lead to no damage to the components and the connection points and to no impairment of the function of the disc valves.

The design of the designed as an elongated hollow structure valve manifold tree is particularly simple if, as further proposed, it is designed as a cylindrical tube.

As an alternative to the embodiment of the hollow structure in the form of a cylindrical tube, it is further provided that the hollow structure is composed in each case of an aggregation of individual housing parts which are fluidly interconnected in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the hollow structure and each have at least one connection opening. These housing parts may be either discrete, separate parts that are joined to the hollow structure in its entirety, or a one-piece, in which the individual housing parts are materially interconnected. In both embodiments, the housing parts are formed according to another proposal, if necessary, different sizes, so that at least one connection opening can be performed on these housing parts, which has a dependent on the size of the respective associated housing part passage cross-section. Connection openings with different sized passage cross sections on a housing part are also provided. Due to this design variety, the hollow structure in all its areas through which it flows can be adapted to the fluidic requirements of the connected pipelines of different nominal widths.

According to a first embodiment, the pipe connection receiving the disk valve opens into the latter perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold. This embodiment is geometrically relatively simple and correspondingly easy to manufacture. A second embodiment provides that the pipe valve receiving the pipe connection opens with rising to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold tree course in the latter. This embodiment is complex in terms of manufacture, but it can be emptied completely more complete.

The hollow structure can be completely emptied and properly cleaned, if its lower end facing away from the tank is connected to a pipe for cleaning.

The invention provides in the pipe connection between the connection opening on the hollow structure and the connection opening in the balance sheet before a disk valve, which is formed depending on the process conditions either as a single-disk valve or as leak-proof double-disk valve ( DE 28 47 038 A1 ; DE 29 48 534 C2 ; DE 30 42 895 C2 ).

The single-disk valve has on the circumference of a disc-shaped closing member on a single circumferential sealing point. The double disc valve is used in two different embodiments. In one embodiment, two disc-shaped closing members are provided in the same direction, each having at its periphery a circumferential sealing point, wherein between the two axially spaced sealing points an annular circumferential leakage cavity is arranged, which is connected via at least one connection path with the environment of the disc valve. The other embodiment has a single disc-shaped closing member having at its periphery two axially spaced, circumferential sealing points, between which an annular circumferential leakage cavity is arranged, which is connected via at least one communication path with the surroundings of the disc valve. The basic design of a mix-proof designed disc valve of the latter type is for example from the DE-A-22 29 978 known. With such a disc valve, but also with the former type, a cleaning of the leakage cavity is possible in the closed position.

The double-disk valve with two disk-shaped closing elements which can be switched in the same direction is again designed in three variants. A first variant is characterized in that the disk-shaped closing elements are switched dependent on each other and synchronously, in a second variant, the disk-shaped closing elements are switched interdependently and with a time delay, and in a third variant the closing elements switch independently of each other.

With the third variant, the double-disc valve, as also proposed, be subjected to a seat cleaning by a respective partial opening movement of its closing members such that during the partial opening movement of a closing member the other is not moved and remains closed. A related kinematics requires that the one sealing point remains in its closed position, while the other sealing point is transferred to a partial open position, so brought for the purpose of seat cleaning on the exposed sealing point cleaning fluid from the associated pipe section and the leakage cavity in the vicinity of the disk valve can be dissipated.

Both the single-disk valve and the leak-proof double-disk valve in the two embodiments described above are each actuated either manually or by means of a remotely controllable drive.

It is further proposed that the tank-side end of the valve manifold can be shut off from the associated tank by means of a disk valve. Such a shut-off facility creates the conditions for a separate revision or inspection of the associated tank on the one hand and the valve manifold and the connected pipe system on the other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figur 1

in schematischer Darstellung die Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung in einer ersten Grundkonzeption unter Verwendung von leckagegesicherten Scheibenventilen, wobei die Anschlussöffnungen beidseitig und jeweils in Reihenanordnung am Ventilverteilerbaum vorgesehen und wechselseitig benachbarte Anschlussöffnungen jeweils zueinander axial versetzt sind;

Figur 1a

in schematischer Darstellung die Draufsicht auf die Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 1 , wobei ersichtlich ist, dass die Rohrleitungen des Rohrsystems in einer einzigen Ebene parallel zur Längsachse des Ventilverteilerbaumes verlaufen;

Figur 2

in schematischer Darstellung die Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung gemäß der Erfindung unter Verwendung von leckagegesicherten Scheibenventilen, wobei die Anschlussöffnungen einseitig und in Reihenanordnung am Ventilverteilerbaum vorgesehen sind;

Figur 2a

in schematischer Darstellung die Draufsicht auf die Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 2 , wobei der Verlauf der Rohrleitungen über drei Ventilverteilerbäume dargestellt und ersichtlich ist, dass die Rohrleitungen des Rohrsystems in einer einzigen Ebene parallel zur Längsachse des Ventilverteilerbaumes verlaufen;

Figur 3

in schematischer Darstellung die Ansicht der ersten Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 1 ;

Figur 3a

in schematischer Darstellung die Draufsicht auf die Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 3 , wobei der Verlauf jener Rohrleitungen über drei Tanks des Tanklagersystems dargestellt ist, die in Figur 3 , bezogen auf die dortige Darstellungslage, rechtsseitig am Ventilverteilerbaum angeschlossen sind;

Figur 3b

in schematischer Darstellung die Draufsicht auf die Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 3 , wobei der Verlauf jener Rohrleitungen über drei Ventilverteilerbäume dargestellt ist, die in Figur 3 , bezogen auf die dortige Darstellungslage, linksseitig am Ventilverteilerbaum angeschlossen sind;

Figur 4

in schematischer Darstellung die Ansicht einer dritten Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung (erste Grundkonzeption) gemäß der Erfindung unter Verwendung von leckagegesicherten Scheibenventilen, wobei die Ausführungsform bezüglich der seitlich am Ventilverteilerbaum angeschlossenen Rohrleitungen der ersten Ausführungsform gemäß Figur 1 entspricht und der Anschluss der am unteren Ende des Ventilverteilerbaums angeschlossenen Rohrleitung gegenüber Figur 1 modifiziert ist;

Figur 4a

in schematischer Darstellung die Draufsicht auf die Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 4 ;

Figur 5

in schematischer Darstellung die Ansicht einer vierten Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung gemäß der Erfindung unter Verwendung von Einfachscheibenventilen, wobei die Anschlussöffnungen beidseitig, jeweils einander gegenüberliegend und jeweils in Reihenanordnung am Ventilverteilerbaum vorgesehen sind und der Anschluss der am unteren Ende des Ventilverteilerbaums angeschlossenen Rohrleitung wie bei der Ausführungsform gemäß Figur 4 ausgeführt ist;

Figur 5a

in schematischer Darstellung die Draufsicht auf die Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 5 , wobei ersichtlich ist, dass die Rohrleitungen des Rohrsystems in zwei zueinander parallelen Ebenen verlaufen, die einseitig am Ventilverteilerbaum angeordnet und parallel zu dessen Längsachse orientiert sind;

Figur 6

in schematischer Darstellung die Draufsicht auf eine fünfte Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung gemäß der Erfindung unter Verwendung von leckagegesicherten Scheibenventilen, wobei die Ventilverteilerbäume matrixförmig angeordnet sind und die an den jeweiligen Ventilverteilerbäumen vorbeigeführten und mit diesen verbundenen Rohrleitungen sich rechtwinklig kreuzen und parallel an die jeweils zu- und abführende Rohrleitung angeschlossen sind und

Figur 7

in schematischer Darstellung die Draufsicht auf eine sechste Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung gemäß der Erfindung unter Verwendung von leckagegesicherten Scheibenventilen, wobei die Ventilverteilerbäume matrixförmig angeordnet sind und die an den jeweiligen Ventilverteilerbäumen vorbeigeführten und mit diesen verbundenen Rohrleitungen jeweils meanderförmig verlaufen, sich rechtwinklig kreuzen und in Reihe mit der jeweils zu- und abführenden Rohrleitung verbunden sind.

Embodiments of the device according to the invention are shown in the drawing and are described below according to structure and function. Show it

FIG. 1

a schematic representation of the view of a first embodiment of the device in a first basic conception using leak-proof disc valves, wherein the connection openings are provided on both sides and in each case in series arrangement on the valve manifold and mutually adjacent connection openings are each axially offset;

FIG. 1a

in a schematic representation of the plan view of the device according to FIG. 1 , wherein it can be seen that the piping of the pipe system extend in a single plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold;

FIG. 2

a schematic representation of the view of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention using leakage-protected disc valves, wherein the connection openings are provided on one side and in series on the valve manifold;

FIG. 2a

in a schematic representation of the plan view of the device according to FIG. 2 in which the course of the pipelines is represented by three valve manifolds and it can be seen that the pipelines of the piping system run in a single plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve manifold;

FIG. 3

in a schematic representation of the view of the first embodiment of the device according to FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3a

in a schematic representation of the plan view of the device according to FIG. 3 , Wherein the course of those pipelines is represented by three tanks of the tank storage system, which in FIG. 3 . related to the local presentation position, the right side are connected to the valve manifold;

FIG. 3b

in a schematic representation of the plan view of the device according to FIG. 3 , wherein the course of those pipelines is represented by three valve manifolds, which in FIG. 3 , related to the local presentation position, are connected on the left side on the valve manifold;

FIG. 4

in a schematic representation of the view of a third embodiment of the device (first basic concept) according to the invention using leak-proof disc valves, the embodiment with respect to the side of the valve manifold connected to the first embodiment of the piping according to FIG. 1 corresponds and the connection of the connected at the lower end of the valve manifold tree opposite FIG. 1 is modified;

FIG. 4a

in a schematic representation of the plan view of the device according to FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 5

in a schematic representation of the view of a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention using single-disc valves, wherein the connection openings are provided on both sides, respectively opposite each other and in series arrangement on Ventilverteilerbaum and the connection of the pipe connected to the lower end of the valve manifold as in the embodiment according to FIG FIG. 4 is executed;

FIG. 5a

in a schematic representation of the plan view of the device according to FIG. 5 , It can be seen that the pipes of the pipe system extend in two mutually parallel planes, which are arranged on one side of the valve manifold and oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof;

FIG. 6

in a schematic representation of the plan view of a fifth embodiment of the device according to the invention using leak-proof disc valves, wherein the Valve manifolds are arranged in a matrix and the lead past the respective valve manifold trees and connected to these pipes intersect at right angles and are connected in parallel to the respective inlet and outlet piping and

FIG. 7

in a schematic representation of the plan view of a sixth embodiment of the device according to the invention using leak-proof disc valves, wherein the valve manifolds are arranged in a matrix and passing each of the respective valve manifold trees and associated with these pipes meandering each, cross at right angles and in series with the each incoming and outgoing pipe are connected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows the lower end of a cone-shaped tank bottom 1.1 a of a tank 1.1 of a tank storage system 1, which may consist of a number i = 1 to n tanks 1.1 to 1.n, for example in a row-like arrangement. Each tank bottom 1.1a to 1.na of the respective tank 1.1 to 1.n opens at its lower end respectively into a valve manifold B1 to Bn (first basic concept), which is preferably designed as an elongate hollow structure B1a to Bna in the form of a cylindrical tube , A longitudinal axis L of the valve manifold tree B1 to Bn and thus of the hollow structure B1a to Bna is oriented vertically and aligned coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the respective tank 1.1 to 1.n. At the tank bottom 1.1a to 1.na remote from the lowest end of the respective hollow structure B1a to Bna a third pipe system 4, for example, arranged for cleaning.

The inventively proposed device is equally applicable to tank storage systems 1, in which the respective tank bottom 1.1a of the tank 1.1 does not open directly, in the manner described above, in an associated valve manifold B1, but in which the respective valve manifold B1 to Bn with the geometry described above, with ascending from bottom to top, usually vertical course, with the associated tank 1.1 to 1.n via a pipe 5 (Fig. FIG. 1 ; there referred, but not shown) is connected (second basic conception). The tanks 1.1 to 1.n can assume any arrangement and positioning which is not encompassed by that of the valve manifold tree B1 to Bn directly opening out in a tank bottom 1.1a to 1.na of the respective tank 1.1 to 1.n, eg laterally on the valve manifold tree B1 to Bn lying or standing arranged tanks 1.1 to 1.n. In the illustrated piping 5 may be in the region of its connected to the valve manifold tree B1 to Bn end portion to a vertical or any inclined end portion. The inclined end portion, which extends in the limit case horizontally, finds with a corresponding pipe bend connection to the upper end of the valve manifold tree B1 to Bn. The embodiments of the device according to the invention described below are fully applicable to the two basic concepts described above of the tank storage system 1 and the valve manifold tree B1 to Bn in its respective arrangement to the tank 1.1 to 1.n.

A first pipe system 2 ( FIGS. 1a and 1 ), for example, for the filling of the tank 1.1 to 1.n, consists in the most general case of a first group of pipes 2.1 to 2.n, the pipes 2.1 to 2.n in a row with each other and in a single plane parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the hollow structure B1a to Bna are arranged. The limited in the embodiment of two pipes 2.1 and 2.2 casing is passed at a distance x, relative to the longitudinal axis L, the hollow structure B1a to B1n.

The respective pipe 2.1 and 2.2 is formed in the region of the valve manifold tree B1 to Bn in the form of a U-shaped balance arc AB, which in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the valve manifold tree B1 to Bn latter partially with its two edges AB 'and AB "surrounds In a section adjacent to the valve distributor tree B1 to Bn, in the exemplary embodiment, the compensating bend AB has a connection opening V in the right-hand second flank AB ", with reference to the illustration position associated connection opening A in the hollow structure B1a to Bna corresponds. The connection opening A and the connection opening V are connected to one another via a pipe connection RV receiving a disk valve S. In the exemplary embodiment, the disc valve S is a leak-proof double disc valve S **, which alternatively can also be designed as a single disc valve S *. The connection point of the respective pipe connection RV on the leveling sheet AB has, relative to a first escape direction F1 of the respective pipe sections a 'and a "of the pipes 2.1 and 2.2 connected to the leveling curve AB at least the predetermined distance x, the displacement movements of the pipe sections a', a". in the first escape direction F1 permits. In the exemplary embodiment, the pipe connection RV is oriented in a second escape direction F2, which runs parallel to the first escape direction F1. As shown, the U-shaped balance arc AB preferably consists of three straight pipe sections which are oriented at right angles to each other and which are connected to one another and to the pipe sections a ', a "via a 90-degree arc.

The above-described U-shaped configuration of the balance sheet AB and the arrangement of the connection opening V with respect to the connection opening A is not mandatory. It can take any form in which the flanks of the compensating bow AB have a converging to diverging course towards its open side. He may also, for example, have the form of a so-called. Lyra bow. It merely has to ensure that its connection point forms a bendable flank AB 'or AB "to the however oriented pipe connection RV The second escape direction F2 can also be oriented perpendicularly or obliquely to the first escape direction F1.

In the same way as the first pipe system 2, a second pipe system 3 (FIG. FIG. 1a ), for example, for the emptying of the tank 1.1 to 1.n formed, which consists of a second group of pipes 3.1 to 3.n, the pipes 3.1 to 3.n also in a row with each other and in a single plane parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the hollow Formed B1 a to Bna are arranged. Also limited in the embodiment of the pipes 3.1 and 3.2 Piping is guided past the hollow structure B1a to B1n at the distance x. The respective pipe 3.1 and 3.2 is formed in the region of the valve manifold tree B1 to Bn in the form of a further U-shaped compensating arc AB, which in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the valve manifold tree B1 to Bn latter partially with its flanks AB 'and AB "encloses In a section adjacent to the valve manifold tree B1 to Bn, in the exemplary embodiment, the compensating bend AB has, in the exemplary embodiment, a connection opening V in the left-hand first flank AB ', which corresponds to an associated connection opening A in the hollow structure B1a to Bna. The connection opening A and the connection opening V are connected to one another via a pipe connection RV receiving a disk valve S. In the exemplary embodiment, the disk valve S is a leak-proof double-disk valve S **. The connection point of the respective pipe connection RV on the leveling sheet AB faces a first escape line F1 of the respective pipe sections a 'and a "of the pipes 3.1 and 3.2 connected to the compensating bend AB at least the vorg. In the exemplary embodiment, the pipe connection RV is oriented in a second escape direction F2, which runs parallel to the first escape direction F1. as shown, from three straight pipe sections, which are oriented at right angles to each other and which are connected to each other and to the pipe sections a ', a "in each case via a 90-degree arc.

Since the pipes 2.1, 2.2 and 3.1, 3.2 of the pipe system 2, 3 run in a single plane parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the valve manifold tree B1 to Bn, their respective first escape direction F1 coincide and the respective second escape direction F2 of these pipes run in a common another level. For the third pipe system 4, for example, a pipe for cleaning, the geometric statements of the first pipe system 2, since, like FIG. 1a clarifies, the respective pipe guides are congruent. The disk valves S, S *, S ** are each manually operated in the embodiment. They are readily each by means of a remotely controllable drive, for example in the form of a pressure medium-loaded spring / piston drive, actuated.

The tank-side end of the valve manifold tree B1, B2,..., Bi,..., Bn is opposite to the associated tank 1.1, 1.2,..., 1.i,..., 1.n, in each case by means of a disk valve S, which is formed in the present case as a single-disk valve S *, lockable.

The hollow structure B1 a to Bna can each also be composed of an aggregation of a number j = 1 to m individual housing parts, for example, any hollow structure Bia consists of the housing parts Bia.1 to Bia.m, in the direction of the longitudinal axis L are fluidly interconnected and each having at least one connection opening A. These housing parts Bia.1 to Bia.m may be designed to be of different sizes, in which case, for example, the respective connection opening A may have a passage cross-section which is dependent on the size of the respectively assigned housing part Bia.1 to Bia.m. If there is more than one connection opening A on the respective housing part Bia.1 to Bia.m, differently sized passage cross-sections of the connection openings A are also executed if required.

Out FIG. 1 it can be seen that the pipe connection RV opens perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the valve manifold tree B1, B2, ..., Bi, ..., Bn in the latter. It is also proposed that the pipe connection RV opens with the longitudinal axis L of the valve manifold tree B1, B2, ..., Bi, ..., Bn ascending course in the latter. The latter embodiment ensures in any case complete emptying of the pipe joint RV and the associated disk valve S, S *, S **.

A second embodiment of the device according to the invention ( Figures 2, 2a ) differs from the first embodiment according to FIG. 1 in that the connection openings A are provided on one side and in a row arrangement on the valve distributor tree B1 to Bn. The pipes 2.1, 2.2 and 3.1, 3.2 and 4 of the pipe system 2, 3, 4 run, as well as in FIG. 1 in a single plane parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the valve manifold tree B1 to Bn. An operator B has unimpeded access, for example, to the disc valve S, S ** from the side of the second flank AB "of the compensating bow AB.

The top view of the device according to FIG. 2 , the FIG. 2a , makes it clear that the pipe systems 2, 3 and 4 running parallel to three, shown in rows, arranged valve manifold trees B1a to B3a have a sufficient possibility of changes in length via the respectively provided on the valve manifold tree B1a to B3a leveling curve AB.

The FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate the top view of the pipe systems 2, 3 and 4 of the device according to the invention, as they are on hand of the Figures 1 and 1a are described in detail on a single valve manifold tree B1a, in their course parallel to three illustrated, arranged in rows valve manifold trees B1 a to B3a. Here, too, it becomes clear that the pipe systems 2, 3 and 4 have a sufficient possibility of length changes via the respective compensating curves AB provided on the valve manifold tree B1a to B3a. The representation according to FIG. 3 is identical to that according to FIG. 1 ,

The third embodiment of the device according to the invention according to the FIGS. 4 and 4a differs from the first embodiment according to Figures 1 and 1a in that, based on the presentation position, the horizontally extending third pipe system 4 is connected via the vertically extending pipe connection RV from below to the valve manifold tree B1a. The deformability of the flanks AB 'and AB "of the leveling bow AB of the pipe system 4 is not impaired by this pipe guide Instead of a bending stress, the pipe joint RV and the disk valve S, S ** arranged there undergo essentially a torsional stress.

In the FIGS. 5 and 5a a device according to the invention is shown in a fourth embodiment, in which the connection openings A on both sides, each opposite each other and in each case in series arrangement on the valve manifold B1 to Bn and accordingly provided on the hollow structure B1a to Bna and the pipeline guide are represented by three valve manifold trees B1 to B3 or hollow structures B1a to B3a arranged in series ( FIG. 5a ). The third pipe system 4, according to the embodiment according to the FIGS. 4 and 4a , connected vertically from below to the valve manifold tree B1 to Bn. By way of example, the disk valves S are in each case single-disk valves S *, which are readily interchangeable with leak-proof disk valves S **. The pipelines of the pipe system 2, 4 on the one hand and the pipe system 3 on the other run in two mutually parallel planes, which are arranged on one side on the valve manifold B1 to Bn and are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis L. As the levels of the pipes 2,4 and 3 now have a spacing from one another, so that with respect to the uniform for all horizontal pipe connections RV second alignment direction F2 now two different distances covered and the first alignment directions F1 no more together, x, namely, a distance x ₂ of the first pipe system 2, which is also effective for the third pipe system 4, and a distance x _{3 of} the second pipe system 3 are given. The smaller distance x ₃ is dimensioned so that the required displacement movement of the pipe sections a ', a "of the pipes 3.1 and 3.2 of the second pipe system 3 in the first escape direction F1 is ensured in each case.

It can also be seen that this solution makes use of the second arrangement variant of the compensating sheet AB in conjunction with the first arrangement variant of the compensating sheet AB. The equalizing arc AB of the second pipe system 3 encloses with its flanks AB ', AB "the respective valve manifold B1 to B3 (first arrangement variant), while the compensating arc of the first pipe system 2 with one of its flanks AB', AB", in the embodiment with the first flank AB ', the respective valve manifold tree B1 to B3 is adjacent (second arrangement variant).

The arrangement principles described above of the device according to the invention for tank storage systems 1 in a row-shaped arrangement are transferable to matrix-type arrangements ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ), in which the respective pipelines of the piping systems 2 and 3 and possibly 4 run in planes, which are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the valve manifold tree B1 to Bn and intersect at right angles. In this case, in the two exemplary embodiments, the connection openings A are provided on one side and in a row arrangement on the valve distributor tree B1 to B6 and accordingly on the hollow structures B1a to B6a, wherein adjacent connection openings A are offset from one another axially and by 90 degrees.

The pipes 2, 3, which are led past the respective hollow structures B1a to B6a and are connected to them, are connected in parallel to the respectively incoming and outgoing pipeline 2, 3 ( FIG. 6 ) or they each extend in a meandering manner and are each connected in series with the respectively incoming and outgoing pipeline 2, 3 ( FIG. 7 ) . <u> REFERENCE LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS USED </ u> 1 Storage tank system 1.1 to 1.n tank 1.i one of the tanks 1.1 to 1.n 1.1a to 1.na tank bottom 1.ia one of the tank bottoms 1.1a to 1.na 2 first pipe system (eg filling) 2.1, 2.2, ..., 2.n first group of pipelines 2.i one of the pipelines from the first group 2.1 first pipeline from the first group 2.2 second pipeline from the first group 3 second pipe system (eg emptying) 3.1, 3.2, ..., 3.n second group of pipelines 3.i one of the pipes from the second group 3.1 first pipeline from the second group 3.2 second pipeline from the second group 4 third pipe system (eg cleaning) 5 Piping (from the respective tank 1.1 to 1.n to the upper end of the respective valve manifold tree B1 to Bn) a ' first pipe section of the pipes (2.1, 2.2, ..., 2.i, ..., 2.n; 3.1, 3.2, ..., 3.i, ..., 3.n) connected to the respective leveling curve AB 4) a " second pipeline section of the pipes (2.1, 2.2, ..., 2.i, ..., 2.n; 3.1, 3.2, ..., 3.i, ..., 3.n) connected to the respective compensating bend AB 4) x Distance, general x ₂ Distance of first pipe system 2 (parallel to pipe system 3) x ₃ Distance of the second pipe system 3 (parallel to pipe system 2) A port opening B operator FROM balance sheet FROM' first flank FROM" second flank B1 to Bn Valve manifold tree Bi one of the distribution trees B1 to Bn B1a to Bna hollow structure Bia Tank 1.i associated hollow structure B1a to Bna Bia.1 to Bia.m Housing parts j = 1 to m of the hollow structure Bia B1a.1 first housing part of the first hollow structure B1a B1a.2 second housing part of the first hollow structure B1a B1a.j j-th housing part of the first hollow structure B1a B1a.m m-tes housing part of the first hollow structure B1a F1 first escape direction F2 second escape direction L Longitudinal axis of the distributor tree RV pipe connection S Butterfly valve, general S * Simply disc valve S ** Double-disk valve V connecting opening

Claims (21)

1. A device for operating storage tank systems (1) connected by fixed pipes to pipe systems for fluids, comprising the storage tank system (1) having at least two tanks (1.1, 1.2, ..., 1.i, ..., 1.n), comprising the pipe system (2, 3, 4) having at least one pipeline (2.1, 2.2, ..., 2.i, ..., 2.n; 3.1, 3.2, ..., 3.i, ..., 3.n; 4), respectively comprising one associated valve distribution tree (B1, B2, ..., Bi, ..., Bn) ending in a tank floor (1.1a, 1.2a, ..., 1.ia, ..., 1.na) of each respective tank (1.1, 1.2, ..., 1.i, ..., 1.n), said valve distribution tree being formed as an elongated hollow structure (B1a, B2a, ..., Bia, ..., Bna) which generally has a vertical extension ascending from the bottom to the top and has junction openings (A) for connecting its inner space to each of the pipelines (2.1, 2.2, ..., 2.i, ..., 2.n; 3.1, 3.2, ..., 3.i, ..., 3.n; 4), and respectively comprising one disk valve (S; S*; S**) which is arranged in each connection between the pipeline (2.1, 2.2, ..., 2.i, ..., 2.n; 3.1, 3.2, ..., 3.i, ..., 3.n; 4) and the associated junction opening (A) and toggles said connection in immediate proximity to the hollow structure (B1a, B2a, ..., Bia, ..., Bna),
   characterized in that
   the respective pipeline (2.1, 2.2, ..., 2.i, ..., 2.n; 3.1, 3.2, ..., 3.i, ..., 3.n; 4) in the area of the valve distribution tree (B1, B2, ..., Bi, ..., Bn) is formed in the manner of an expansion bend (AB) which within a plane vertical to a longitudinal axis (L) of the valve distribution tree (B1, B2, ..., Bi, ..., Bn) either partially surrounds the latter with its flanks (AB', AB") or is adjacent to the latter with one of its flanks (AB', AB"),
   that the expansion bend (AB) comprises a connection opening (V) in a section adjacent to the valve distribution tree (B1, B2, ..., Bi, ..., Bn),
   that the junction opening (A) and the connection opening (V) are connected to each other via the pipe connection (RV) holding the disk valve (S; S*, S**),
   and that the junction point of the pipe connection (RV) on the expansion bend (AB) has at least a distance (x) in relation to a first alignment direction (F1) of the pipeline sections (a', a") of the pipeline (2.1, 2.2, ..., 2.i, ...2.n; 3.1, 3.2, ..., 3.i, ..., 3.n; 4) connected to the expansion bend (AB), which distance (x) allows shifting motions of the pipeline sections (a', a") in the first alignment direction (F1).
2. The device according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the hollow structure (B1a, B2a, ..., Bia, ..., Bna) is arranged at the deepest point of the respective tank floor (1.1a, 1.2a, ..., 1.ia, ..., 1.na).
3. The device according to claim 2,
   characterized in that
   the longitudinal axis (L) of the hollow structure (B1a, B2a, ..., Bia, ..., Bna) is arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the tank (1.1, 1.2, ..., 1.i, ..., 1.n).
4. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 3,
   characterized in that
   the pipe connection (RV) is oriented in a second alignment direction (F2) which extends parallel to the first alignment direction (F1).
5. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 4,
   characterized in that
   the expansion bend (AB) is formed U-shaped and comprises three straight pipe pieces which are oriented at right angles to one another and are connected to one another and to the pipeline sections (a', a") by a 90-degree bend, respectively.
6. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 5,
   characterized in that
   the pipelines (2.1, 2.2, ..., 2.i, ..., 2.n; 3.1, 3.2, ..., 3.i, ..., 3.n; 4) of the pipe system (2, 3, 4) extend in a single plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the valve distribution tree (B1, B2, ..., Bi, ..., Bn) or that the pipelines (2.1, 2.2, ..., 2.i, ..., 2.n; 3.1, 3.2, ..., 3.i, ..., 3.n; 4) of the pipe system (2, 3, 4) extend in two planes which are parallel to each other and which are arranged on one side of the valve distribution tree (B1, B2, ..., Bi, ..., Bn) and oriented parallel to its longitudinal axis (L), or that the pipelines (2.1, 2.2, ..., 2.i, ..., 2.n; 3.1, 3.2, ..., 3.i,..., 3.n; 4) of the pipe system (2, 3, 4) extend in two planes which are parallel to each other and which are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the valve distribution tree (B1, B2, ..., Bi, ..., Bn) and have the latter between them, or that the pipelines (2.1, 2.2, ..., 2.i, ..., 2.n; 3.1, 3.2, ..., 3.i, ..., 3.n; 4) of the pipe system (2, 3, 4) extend in planes which are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the valve distribution tree (B1, B2, ..., Bi, ..., Bn) and cross each other at right angles.
7. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 6,
   characterized in that
   the valve distribution trees (B1, B2, ..., Bi, ..., Bn) have a row-shaped or matrix-shaped arrangement.
8. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 7,
   characterized in that
   the junction openings (A) are provided on one side and in a row arrangement on the valve distribution tree (B1, B2, ..., Bi, ..., Bn), or that the junction openings (A) are provided on both sides, respectively facing each other and respectively in a row arrangement on the valve distribution tree (B1, B2, ..., Bi, ..., Bn), wherein junction openings (A) adjacent to each other are axially offset to each other, respectively, or that the junction openings (A) are provided on one side and in a row arrangement, respectively, on the valve distribution tree (B1, B2, ..., Bi, ..., Bn), wherein adjacent junction openings (A) are offset to each other axially and by 90 degrees, respectively , or that the junction openings (A) are provided on both sides, respectively facing each other and respectively in a row arrangement on the valve distribution tree (B1, B2, ..., Bi, ..., Bn), wherein axially adjacent pairs of junction openings (A) are offset to each other by 90 degrees, respectively.
9. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 8,
   characterized in that
   the hollow structure (B1a, B2a, ..., Bia, ..., Bna) is formed as a cylindrical pipe or that the hollow structure (B1a, B2a, ..., Bia, ..., Bna) is composed of an aggregation of individual housing parts (Bia.1 to Bia.m), respectively, which in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) are connected to each other in fluid communication and have at least one junction opening (A), respectively.
10. The device according to claim 9,
    characterized in that
    the housing parts (Bia.1 to Bia.m) are formed in different sizes.
11. The device according to claim 10,
    characterized in that
    the junction opening (A) has a passage cross-section which depends on the size of the respectively associated housing part (Bia.1 to Bia.m).
12. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 11,
    characterized in that
    the pipe connection (RV) ends in the valve distribution tree (B1, B2, ..., Bi, ..., Bn) vertical to the longitudinal axis (L) of the latter or that the pipe connection (RV) ends in the valve distribution tree (B1, B2, ..., Bi, ..., Bn), extending in an ascending manner to the longitudinal axis (L) of the latter.
13. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 12,
    characterized in that
    the lowest end of the hollow structure (B1a, B2a, ..., Bia, ..., Bna) facing away from the tank (1.1, 1.2, ..., 1.i, ..., 1.n) is connected to the pipeline for cleaning (4).
14. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 13,
    characterized in that
    the disk valve (S) is formed as a double disk valve (S**) secured against leakage.
15. The device according to claim 14,
    characterized in that
    two concordantly switchable disk-shaped closing members are provided, which on their periphery each have a circumferential sealing point, and that between the two axially spaced sealing points an annularly circumferential hollow leakage chamber is arranged which is connected via at least one connecting path to the surroundings of the disk valve (S**).
16. The device according to claim 15,
    characterized in that
    the disk-shaped closing members are switched dependently on each other and synchronously or that the disk-shaped closing members are switched dependently on each other and in a time-delayed manner or that the disk-shaped closing members are switched independently of each other.
17. The device according to claim 16,
    characterized in that
    by a respective partial opening motion of its closing members the double disk valve (S**) is subjected to a seat cleaning in such a manner that during the partial opening motion of one closing member the respective other one stays closed.
18. The device according to claim 14,
    characterized in that
    a single disk-shaped closing member is provided, which on its periphery comprises two axially spaced, circumferential sealing points between which an annularly circumferential hollow leakage chamber is arranged which is connected via at least one connecting path to the surroundings of the disk valve (S**).
19. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 13,
    characterized in that
    the disk valve (S) is formed as a single disk valve (S*) which on the periphery of a disk-shaped closing member comprises a single circumferential sealing point.
20. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 19,
    characterized in that
    the disk valve (S; S*,S**) is operated manually or by means of a remote-controllable drive.
21. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 20,
    characterized in that
    the tank-side end of the valve distribution tree (B1, B2, ..., Bi, ..., Bn) can be locked against the associated tank (1.1, 1.2, ..., 1.i, ..., 1.n) by means of a disk valve (S; S*, S**), respectively.

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