Supporting structure for reverse buckling rupture disk

Abstract

A knuckle and support structure for a reverse buckling rupture disk is described.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 17 / 814,959, filed on July 26, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Reverse buckling bursting discs are commonly used in a variety of applications involving medium and high pressures, high operating temperatures, and considerable pressure fluctuations, such as chemical processing plant processes, refineries, pharmaceuticals, petroleum-based processes, etc. Reverse buckling bursting discs utilize a dome with the convex side facing the direction of the process media / pressure. When the pressure level reaches a sufficient level (i.e., the "burst pressure"), an instability is created in the dome, causing the dome to reverse (i.e., buckle), thereby relieving the pressure. The buckling occurs along the score lines of the disc. These components are often used as pressure relief safety devices. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a bursting disc assembly may include an inlet body; and an outlet body in contact with the inlet body and forming a through hole having an inner diameter. The outlet body may include a first planar surface in contact with the inlet body and a second planar surface opposite to the first planar surface. The assembly may further include a bursting disc located within the through hole and sealing the through hole; and a knuckle on the outlet body, located within the through hole, protruding beyond the first planar surface toward the bursting disc, and configured to grasp the bursting disc when activated. The knuckle may include a crown having a crown radius facing the through hole and curved wings on each side of the crown. The back of the knuckle may be reduced from the inner diameter at a draft angle.

[0005] In some embodiments, the inlet body, the outlet body, and the bursting disc can be separate parts. In some embodiments, the inlet body and the bursting disc can be welded together. In some embodiments, the inlet body, the outlet body, and the bursting disc can be welded into a single piece. In some embodiments, the crown radius is proportional to the inner diameter of the through hole. In some embodiments, the ratio of the crown radius to the inner diameter can be about 1:0.90 to 1:1.10.

[0006] In some embodiments, each curved wing may include a wing radius. In some embodiments, the knuckle may include a nose radius that is perpendicular to the crown radius. In some embodiments, the knuckle may protrude beyond the first plane according to a nose angle that is proportional to the height of the crown. In some embodiments, the nose angle may be proportional to the height of the crown in a ratio of approximately 1:2. In some embodiments, the draft angle is proportional to the height of the crown. In some embodiments, the wing may be configured to curl the burst disc into the shape of a through hole prior to impact with the back side of the knuckle.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a bursting disc assembly may include an inlet body and an outlet body, the outlet body contacting the inlet body and forming a through hole having an inner diameter. The outlet body may include a first plane contacting the inlet body and a second plane opposite the first plane. The assembly may further include a bursting disc located within the through hole and sealing the through hole, wherein the inlet body and the bursting disc may be welded together to form a single piece. In some embodiments, the assembly may include a knuckle on the outlet body, the knuckle being located within the through hole, protruding beyond the first plane toward the bursting disc, and configured to grasp the bursting disc upon activation. In some embodiments, the knuckle may include a crown having a crown radius facing the through hole and curved wings on each side of the crown. The back of the knuckle may be reduced from the inner diameter at a draft angle. In some embodiments, the crown radius is proportional to the inner diameter of the through hole.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a bursting disc assembly may include an inlet body and an outlet body, the outlet body contacting the inlet body and forming a through hole having an inner diameter. The outlet body may include a first plane in contact with the inlet body and a second plane opposite to the first plane. The outlet body may include an asymmetric keyed extension. The assembly may include a bursting disc located in the through hole and sealing the through hole. In some embodiments, the assembly may include a knuckle on the outlet body, the knuckle being located in the through hole, protruding beyond the first plane toward the bursting disc, and being configured to catch the bursting disc when activated. In some embodiments, the knuckle may include a crown having a crown radius facing the through hole and a curved wing on each side of the crown. The back of the knuckle may be reduced from the inner diameter at a draft angle. In some embodiments, wherein, the crown radius may be proportional to the inner diameter of the through hole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 shows a conventional bursting disc assembly having a paddle.

[0010] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a conventional reverse buckling bursting disc.

[0011] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a conventional reverse buckling burst disc 300 including a flexure hinge.

[0012] FIG. 4 shows a conventional steering knuckle.

[0013] FIG. 5 shows a conventional bursting disc assembly with a knuckle.

[0014] Fig. 6A A bottom view of a knuckle burst disc assembly is shown, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 6B A side view of a knuckle burst disc assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figure 6C A perspective view of a knuckle burst disc assembly is shown, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figures 7 to 10 A steering knuckle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Fig.11 A top view of another steering knuckle bursting disc assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the claimed invention or its applications. In addition, although the disclosed embodiments may be described with reference to the use of a tax preparation service, it should be understood that the disclosed principles may be applied to any service that requires the input and analysis of form fields.

[0020] Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a support structure for a reverse buckling bursting disc that both prevents fragmentation and reduces flow resistance after the bursting disc is activated. In some embodiments, the support structure includes a knuckle that can be machined into one piece with the bursting disc holder, the knuckle having a design that simultaneously allows the bursting disc to be gripped (and thus prevented from fragmentation) and the Kr value of the assembly to be reduced. This reduction in the Kr value is advantageous because excessive resistance in the pipeline can lead to various problems associated with overpressure and equipment damage.

[0021] FIG. 1 shows an example of a conventional bursting disc assembly 100. Assembly 100 includes an inlet 102, a bursting disc 103, and an outlet 104. Inlet 102 and outlet 104 together form a through hole (i.e., a cylindrical hole or passage through the inlet and outlet). Bursting disc 103 is located within the through hole, preventing flow 101 from leaking through the outlet until after activation. Inlet 102 can be made of any number of metal alloys, and it is desirable to support and stabilize the inlet flange of bursting disc 103. In some embodiments, inlet 102 may include some form of sealing mechanism to prevent the medium from escaping under pressure. Such a mechanism is typically a metal-to-metal seal, and there are a variety of designs. Outlet 104 may also be made of any number of metal alloys, and supports and stabilizes the outlet flange of bursting disc 103. In some embodiments, inlet 102 and outlet 104 together may be referred to as a support structure. Bursting disc 103 may be made of any number of metal alloys or plastics, and include a membrane (i.e., a dome) designed to rupture at a specific bursting pressure and temperature. Burst pressures and temperatures are specified and may vary depending on the application.

[0022] The assembly 100 further includes a paddle 105. It is important to note that the paddle 105 may alternatively be replaced with a knuckle (see knuckle 400 of FIG. 4 and knuckle 505 of FIG. 5 ), both of which may be directly attached to the rupture disc 103 by various bonding methods such as welding or epoxy. The function of the paddle and knuckle is generally to catch the reverse-buckling rupture disc as it buckles and tears the predetermined score pattern. Catching the buckled rupture disc prevents the rupture disc from fragmenting and reduces its flow resistance after activation.

[0023] The knuckle is typically formed as a cast or machined metal alloy that is designed to fit within the inlet hole of the outlet of the holder assembly (i.e., outlet 104). Many knuckle designs on the rupture disc market are cast because of the high cost of machining complex geometries into a small piece of metal. In addition, many knuckles are cast from stainless steel alloys to avoid the high cost of casting exotic metal alloys. The knuckle is typically joined by a welding process (e.g., GTAW) or epoxy resin.

[0024] Figure 2 shows a top view of a conventional reverse buckling bursting disc 200. The bursting disc 200 includes a paddle 201 and a flex hinge 202 designed to catch the buckling bursting disc. Figure 3 shows a side view of a conventional reverse buckling bursting disc 300 including a flex hinge 301.

[0025] The sheet metal used for the paddle and knuckle is typically a stainless steel alloy, but can generally be made from any number of alloys. For low pressure applications, the paddle can be a simple cutout design without any curved material. High pressure designs can often be curved in such a way as to dampen momentum and avoid sharp edges that could create tears in the disc material during startup. Many rupture disc applications use paddles instead of knuckles due to the lower manufacturing cost. However, paddles are generally not as effective in preventing fragmentation as knuckles due to the difficulty in eliminating all sharp edges.

[0026] There are various knuckle designs currently in use in the rupture disc market, as well as various paddle designs formed from bent metal sheets. As mentioned above, both designs are used to dampen the momentum of a reverse-buckling rupture disc upon activation and to catch or secure the disc petals to prevent them from tearing and separating from the rupture disc assembly. This is referred to as fragmentation in the rupture disc market and is generally unacceptable due to the potential damage it can cause. Another attribute of these designs is their effect on the resistance to flow through the rupture disc assembly. In particular, the Kr value is a unitless value used to describe a rupture disc assembly that represents the resistance to flow or head loss associated with the assembly. Similarly, fittings such as elbows and tees also have universal Kr values / factors assigned to them in pressure and piping. Generally speaking, the more restricted the passage, the higher the head loss and the higher the Kr value. Minimum head loss or resistance to flow in a flow pressurized system can be advantageous, as excessive resistance in a line can lead to problems associated with overpressurization and equipment damage.

[0027] Fig. 6A A top view of a knuckle bursting disc assembly 6 is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Assembly 6 includes an outlet holder 606 and a knuckle 600. The knuckle 600 may include a crown 601 having an associated crown radius. The crown radius describes the upper profile of the knuckle 600 when viewed from a front / top view. The crown radius may also describe the overall height of the knuckle and may play an important role in preventing fragmentation by helping the bursting disc curl toward the inner diameter of the outlet holder 606. In some embodiments, if the radius of the crown 601 is not large enough (and therefore the knuckle 600 is not tall enough), the knuckle 600 may not be sufficient to suppress the momentum of the bursting disc to prevent it from tearing. In some embodiments, the ratio of the radius of the crown 601 to the inner diameter of the outlet holder 606 may be approximately 1:1 + / - 10%.

[0028] The knuckle 600 may also include wings 602. There may be wings 602 on either side of the knuckle 600. Each wing 602 may be curved or may have an associated wing radius that describes the connection between the crown 601 and the inner diameter of the outlet holder 606. After the bursting disc is bent, it strikes the nose radius 603 (see Figure 6B ) and flips over when it rests on crown 601. The wing radius can support the outer edge of the bursting disc to fold outward and match the curvature and contour of outlet holder 606, which can prevent curling or rough edges. Therefore, the radius of wing 602 can help prevent fragmentation by eliminating abrupt changes in the geometry of the bursting disc. In some embodiments, wing 602 can cause the inverted dome of the bursting disc to curl to the shape of the inner diameter of the pipe or outlet holder 606 before impacting draft angle 605.

[0029] Figure 6BA side view of a knuckle burst disc assembly 6 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The side view of the assembly 6 shows the knuckle 600 between the inlet and outlet holders 606. The knuckle 600 can be further defined by a nose radius 603, which describes a cross-sectional profile view of the knuckle 600 and can be perpendicular to the crown radius. In addition, the knuckle 600 can be further defined by a nose angle 604, which is an angle viewed in two dimensions that describes the distance that the knuckle 600 protrudes from the face of the outlet holder 606. In some embodiments, when viewed in three dimensions, the nose angle 604 can be a cone angle, which helps to shape the burst disc when it is activated. The knuckle 600 can protrude beyond the plane of the outlet holder 606 toward the concave side of the burst disc (not shown). In some embodiments, such a protrusion can help to quickly suppress the momentum of the buckling burst disc, rather than allowing it to roll through the opening, especially for larger burst discs. In some embodiments, nose angle 604 may be defined as a specific ratio of the average height of crown 601 to the unmachined cone height, which ratio may be approximately 1:2.

[0030] Figure 6C A perspective view of a knuckle burst disc assembly 6 is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The perspective view shows the knuckle 600 within the outlet holder 606. In some embodiments, the knuckle 600 can include a draft angle 605, which can describe an angle on the back side (within the through hole) of the knuckle 600 that decreases from the inner diameter of the outlet holder 606 through the body of the knuckle 600 without creating a sharp change in geometry. In some embodiments, the draft angle 605 can be proportional to the height of the radius of the crown 601. Additionally, the draft angle 605 can support the burst disc on the knuckle 600 during the final stages of its activation and can imprint an angled geometry on the disc, which can help reduce flow resistance.

[0031] In some embodiments, the disclosed knuckle 600 may be machined into the outlet holder 606; typically, conventional knuckles are cast into the holder. The disclosed design of the knuckle 600 may allow for a smooth geometric transition between the knuckle 600 and the outlet holder 606, mitigating head loss on the knuckle 600. Typically, cast and welded knuckles have abrupt geometries due to minimum thickness restrictions on castings and harsh transition points along welds.

[0032] Additionally, exotic materials for the outlet gripper 606 can now have a matching knuckle. Cast knuckles are typically made from stainless steel materials because casting with exotic alloys is expensive. This does not include the overhead costs of minimum orders for large quantities of exotic alloys. Additionally, the uniformity and flexibility of the material can be advantageous because some applications may not tolerate stainless steel materials.

[0033] In some embodiments, the draft angle 605 can provide various advantages, such as reducing head loss and flow resistance coefficient by creating a gradual expansion on the knuckle 600 that ends flush with the inner diameter of the outlet clamp 606. In addition, by imprinting the draft angle 605 design into the material, the draft angle 605 can reduce the springback of the disc after the disc has completely wrapped around the knuckle 600. This can keep the disc firmly fixed on the inner diameter and reduce head loss.

[0034] In some embodiments, the holder 606 may include an asymmetrical keyed extension away from the cutter, which may take the form of an asymmetrical angle of a tab slot integrated into the holder 606, helping to eliminate the possibility of mounting the wafer backwards. Fig.11 It is shown in Fig.11 Included is an assembly 6 having an asymmetric keyed extension 1100 .

[0035] In some embodiments, the disclosed knuckle 600 may be integrated with a two-piece burst disc assembly. The assembly may include a welded two-piece design, where the inlet body and burst disc are welded together to form one piece and the outlet body forms a second piece. The assembly helps reduce inlet-side leakage and harmful emissions. In other embodiments, the two-piece burst disc assembly may exist without the knuckle, which may also provide a reduced Kr value.

[0036] In some embodiments, the disclosed steering knuckle 600 can also be integrated with a one-piece assembly having a replaceable welded assembly disc inlet. In a one-piece assembly, the inlet, outlet and burst disc are welded together to form a single piece.

[0037] In some embodiments, the disclosed knuckle 600 may be integrated with a three-piece burst disc assembly, where the inlet, outlet, and burst disc are separate parts.

[0038] Figures 7 to 10 An example steering knuckle 600 is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7 , which is a side cross-section of a knuckle 600, showing various measurements. The knuckle 600 may include a draft angle 701 of approximately 25 degrees (see draft angle 605), a height 702 of 0.27 inches, a length 703 of 1.00 inches (which borders the inner diameter of the outlet holder 606), a nose radius 704 of approximately 14-15% of the inner diameter of the outlet holder, an overall height 705 of 0.4 inches, and an angle 706 of 60 degrees to the inner diameter. In some embodiments, a 1" knuckle nose radius is approximately 0.10 inches and the radius of the outlet hole is approximately 0.688 inches, and this ratio can be applied to various sizes.

[0039] exist Figure 8, the example knuckle 600 includes an overall length 801 of 1.56 inches, a left wing 602 length 802 of 0.35 inches, a right wing 602 length 804 of 0.35 inches, a crown 601 length 803 of 0.87 inches, an edge thickness 805 of 0.04 inches, and various widths 806-808 of 0.07 inches, 1.00 inches, and 1.10 inches.

[0040] exist Fig. 9 , knuckle 600 includes a radius 901 of crown 601 that is approximately 112.5% ​​of the inner diameter of outlet holder 606 and a distance 902 from the center of the crown radius that is 0.73 inches.

[0041] exist Fig.10 , the knuckle 600 includes a radius 1001 that is 125% of the inner radius of the exit clamp 606, a distance 1002 from the midpoint of the knuckle 600 to the midpoint of the wing 602 of approximately 0.61 inches, a distance 1003 from the center of the crown radius of 0.73 inches, and a distance 1004 from the center of the crown radius to the wing 602, which is 45% of the inner diameter of the exit clamp 606.

[0042] Although various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example and not limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In fact, after reading the above description, it will be clear to those skilled in the relevant art how to implement alternative embodiments. For example, other steps may be provided, or steps may be deleted from the described process, and other components may be added to the described system, or other components may be deleted from the described system. Therefore, other embodiments are also within the scope of the following claims.

[0043] Furthermore, it should be understood that any drawings highlighting features and advantages are provided for exemplary purposes only. The disclosed methods and systems are each sufficiently flexible and configurable so that they can be utilized in ways other than those shown.

[0044] Although the term "at least one" may be frequently used in the specification, claims, and drawings, the terms "a," "an," "the," "said," etc. also refer to "at least one" or "the at least one" in the specification, claims, and drawings.

[0045] Finally, it is Applicant's intent that only claims that include the verbal language "means" or "step" be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Claims that do not expressly include the phrase "means" or "step" should not be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Claims

1. A bursting disc assembly, comprising: entrance body; an outlet body, the outlet body being in contact with the inlet body and forming a through hole having an inner diameter, the outlet body comprising a first plane in contact with the inlet body and a second plane opposite to the first plane; a bursting disc, the bursting disc being located in the through hole and sealing the through hole; and a steering knuckle on the outlet body, located in the through hole, protruding beyond the first plane toward the bursting disc, and configured to grasp the bursting disc when activated, the steering knuckle comprising: a crown having a crown radius facing the through hole; and a curved wing on each side of the crown; Wherein, the back side of the knuckle is reduced from the inner diameter at a draft angle.

2. The bursting disc assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The inlet body, the outlet body and the bursting disc are separate parts.

3. The bursting disc assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The inlet body and the bursting disc are welded together.

4. The bursting disc assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The inlet body, the outlet body and the bursting disc are welded into a single piece.

5. The bursting disc assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The crown radius is proportional to the inner diameter of the through hole.

6. The bursting disc assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The ratio of the crown radius to the inner diameter is approximately 1:0.90 to 1:1.

10.

7. The bursting disc assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Each curved wing includes a wing radius.

8. The bursting disc assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The knuckle includes a nose radius that is perpendicular to the crown radius.

9. The bursting disc assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The knuckle protrudes beyond the first plane according to a nose angle that is proportional to a height of the crown.

10. The bursting disc assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The nose angle is proportional to the crown height in a ratio of about 1:

2.

11. The bursting disc assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The draft angle is proportional to the height of the crown.

12. The bursting disc assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The wings are configured to cause the burst disc to curl into the shape of the through hole prior to impact with the back surface of the knuckle.

13. A bursting disc assembly comprising: entrance body; an outlet body, the outlet body being in contact with the inlet body and forming a through hole having an inner diameter, the outlet body comprising a first plane in contact with the inlet body and a second plane opposite to the first plane; and A bursting disc is located in the through hole and seals the through hole, wherein the inlet body and the bursting disc are welded together to form a single piece.

14. The burst disc assembly of claim 13, comprising a knuckle on the outlet body, located within the through hole, projecting beyond the first plane toward the burst disc, and configured to grasp the burst disc upon activation.

15. The bursting disc assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The steering knuckle comprises: a crown having a crown radius facing the through hole; and a curved wing on each side of the crown; Wherein, the back side of the knuckle is reduced from the inner diameter at a draft angle.

16. The bursting disc assembly according to claim 15, wherein: The crown radius is proportional to the inner diameter of the through hole.

17. A bursting disc assembly comprising: entrance body; an outlet body, the outlet body in contact with the inlet body and forming a through hole having an inner diameter, the outlet body comprising a first plane in contact with the inlet body and a second plane opposite to the first plane, wherein the outlet body comprises an asymmetric keyed extension; and A bursting disc is located in the through hole and seals the through hole.

18. The burst disc assembly of claim 17, comprising a knuckle on the outlet body, located within the through hole, projecting beyond the first plane toward the burst disc, and configured to grasp the burst disc upon activation.

19. The bursting disc assembly of claim 17, wherein: The steering knuckle comprises: a crown having a crown radius facing the through hole; and a curved wing on each side of the crown; Wherein, the back side of the knuckle is reduced from the inner diameter at a draft angle.

20. The bursting disc assembly of claim 19, wherein: The crown radius is proportional to the inner diameter of the through hole.

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