Phoenix-class Cylinder Management Device (CMD)

For situations involving high-pressure or potentially reactive containers, IES employs the Phoenix-class Cylinder Management Device, (CMD). The Phoenix-class CMD is housed in a tractor trailer where cylinders or small explosive targets are loaded either manually or mechanically. An explosion-resistant pressure vessel configured with various cutting tools is the heart of this system which permits a container with unknown or unstable contents to be safely opened, sampled, treated, or recontainerized. All system operations are managed by remote control through a computer graphic user interface.

Structurally, the system is composed of a primary pressure vessel which is ASME lethal service rated to 850 psig. Primary vessel overpressures are handled by controlled venting into a pair of flanking “pressure overflow” tanks. These tanks serve as pressure relief devices capable of
significantly increasing the system holding volume, thereby dramatically reducing overall pressure. The overflow tanks are separated from the primary vessel by rupture disks which activate upon overpressure of the primary vessel while maintaining complete system integrity.

Capable of operating under both vacuum and pressure environments, hydraulic powered drilling and cutting devices located inside the vessel housing not only open, but can remove valves and whole sections of the target containers secured inside. Once released, gases and liquids may be
sampled, analyzed, and managed appropriately. All system tools, including pressure, temperature, and flow sensors are continuously monitored both electronically and through closed circuit video cameras.

The CMD can manage containerized chemicals in both the gaseous and liquid phase. Drainage ports mounted on the vessel body allow liquefied gases or reagents to be safely moved into appropriate external reactors or collection tanks.

Once the contents are removed from the vessel, decontamination reagents may be applied to the CMD interior as well as the empty cylinder carcass. Expended solutions can then be directed to collection tanks for later disposal.

Contact Us