overpressure valve

Abstract

The present invention relates to an overpressure valve, comprising a valve seat (2) and a valve disc (4), the valve disc being movable to a first position and to a second position, wherein in the first position the valve disc is in contact with the valve seat (2) and the overpressure valve is closed, and in the second position the overpressure valve is open, characterized in that the overpressure valve comprises at least one locking element (14), at least one spring element (16) and at least one recess (18), wherein when the valve disc (4) is in the first position, the at least one locking element (14) is held in the at least one recess (18) by the at least one spring element (16); and when the valve disc (4) is moved from the first position to the second position, the at least one locking element (14) moves out of the at least one recess (18) against the force exerted by the spring element (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an overpressure valve, comprising a valve seat and a valve disc, the valve disc being movable to a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the valve disc is in contact with the valve seat and the valve is closed, and in the second position the valve is open. Background Technology

[0002] In the context of this invention, an overpressure valve is a valve connected to a container such that pressure acting within the container acts directly or indirectly on the valve disc. Such a container is, for example, a storage tank, reactor, pipe or pipeline, or other type of container containing a substance, particularly a gas or gas mixture. A range of conditions exist in which the pressure within the container may increase, for example, due to increased temperature causing the substance within the container to expand. This pressure increase may cause the container to deform, potentially exceeding its limits. This can damage the container and allow its contents to escape uncontrollably. Depending on the substance stored in the container, this can lead to significant environmental hazards.

[0003] In this invention, the overpressure valve is configured such that when the pressure difference between the side of the valve disc facing the container (where the pressure inside the container acts) and the opposite side (i.e., the side away from the container) exceeds a predetermined value, the valve disc autonomously moves from a first closed position to a second position. This predetermined value is called the opening pressure, because the overpressure valve responds to this pressure and opens autonomously. "Autonomous" in this context means without the influence of a human operator or electronic control device, such as an electronic data processing device, and without any such influence occurring. Specifically, a sensor measures the pressure acting in the container, transmits the measurement data to the electronic control device, which then sends a control signal to the valve to move the valve disc from the first position to the second position via an actuator configured for this purpose.

[0004] "Autonomy" currently means that the movement of the valve disc is achieved by a pressure difference, and the pressure difference between the pressures acting on both sides of the valve disc provides the force required for the movement of the valve disc.

[0005] Therefore, when the pressure difference acting on opposite sides of the valve disc exceeds a predetermined value, the overpressure valve, in the sense of this invention, is moved from the closed state to the open state. Then, a force is applied to the valve disc due to the pressure difference, moving the valve disc from a first position to a second position. Here, it is not important whether this pressure difference is achieved by increasing the pressure on one side of the valve disc or decreasing the pressure on the opposite side. Only that the valve disc has a "high-pressure side" (operating at higher pressure) and a "low-pressure side" (operating at lower pressure).

[0006] In the first application of this overpressure valve, the valve is connected to the container such that the high-pressure side of the valve disc faces the interior space of the container. The valve then acts as a protection against excessive pressure within the container's interior space. By opening the valve when the opening pressure is reached, material is discharged from the container, and the pressure inside the container decreases.

[0007] In this second application of the overpressure valve, the valve is connected to the container such that the low-pressure side faces the interior space of the container. The valve then acts as a protection against excessively low pressure within the container's interior space. By opening the valve when the opening pressure is reached, substances are drawn into the container, and the pressure inside the container increases. In this case, it can also be called a "negative pressure valve."

[0008] Such overpressure valves have existed in the prior art for a long time and are known in various embodiments. These overpressure valves all have a valve disc on which a force acts, which must be overcome by a force generated by a pressure difference, in order to move the valve disc from a first position to a second position and thus move the valve from a closed state to an open state. This force can be caused by gravity acting on the valve disc and, if present, a spring element, allowing the force to be adjusted through the structural design of the valve disc and the spring element.

[0009] Overpressure valves are structurally designed for different applications. This involves two aspects: firstly, the environmental conditions under which the overpressure valve operates, such as ambient temperature, air humidity, and the pressure and substances it must withstand; and secondly, the varying performance requirements imposed on the overpressure valve. Therefore, overpressure valves, also known as on / off valves, exist with their valve discs specially shaped at the edges to enable the fastest possible opening and, if necessary, the fastest possible closing. Crucially, the intended use of the overpressure valve must determine whether frequent response, i.e., frequent movement to the open state, is required. In some applications, overpressure valves are emergency valves that should not respond during normal operation of the equipment in which they are used. In these applications, emergency situations that may not occur for years, requiring the valve to respond and open, necessitate the overpressure valve's functionality. Corrosion and other environmental factors must not restrict the valve disc's movement. Simultaneously, changes in opening pressure during this time are unacceptable, such as the initial elastic deformation transforming into plastic deformation due to the loosening of elastically preloaded components. A decrease in opening pressure will result in premature and therefore unnecessary response. An increase in opening pressure will result in a delayed response or, in the worst case, no response at all.

[0010] For this requirement (where an overpressure valve may not respond for extended periods but must still function reliably), so-called "pin-tech" valves have been developed. The valve disc is held in a first position by a rod or pin. When the opening pressure is reached, the rod or pin bends, allowing the valve disc to move due to the applied pressure differential. The disadvantage is that the valve cannot be re-closed or reused unless at least the rod or pin is replaced and replaced with a good one. This results in high maintenance costs even when responsive. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to further develop overpressure valves that can continue to function reliably even after prolonged periods and are easier to reuse and re-close.

[0012] The present invention solves the proposed task by an overpressure valve according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the overpressure valve includes at least one locking element, at least one spring element, and at least one recess, wherein when the valve disc is in a first position, the at least one locking element is held in the at least one recess by the at least one spring element; and when the valve disc moves from the first position to a second position, the at least one locking element moves out of the at least one recess against the force applied by the spring element.

[0013] Therefore, the valve disc of the overpressure valve according to the invention must move from the first position to the second position, overcoming the force exerted by at least one spring element, by which at least one locking element is held in at least one recess. In order for the valve disc of the overpressure valve according to the invention to move from the first position to the second position, at least one locking element must overcome the force exerted by at least one spring element and move out of at least one recess. In a preferred configuration, the force exerted by the spring element is not directed in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the valve disc, but rather the direction of the force forms an angle with the direction of movement of the valve disc, particularly preferably 90°.

[0014] For example, if the overpressure valve is arranged such that the valve disc must move upward (i.e. against gravity) to move from the first position to the second position, the force applied by at least one spring element has a direction that is not vertical, but rather angled to it, and particularly preferably horizontal.

[0015] The force acting on the valve disc due to the pressure difference between the two sides of the valve disc is preferably directed along the direction of movement of the valve disc. This means that at least a portion of this force must be deflected in the direction of the force applied by at least one spring element.

[0016] This preferably occurs through a contact point between at least one locking element and a recess, such as the sidewall and / or bottom of the recess. Depending on the angle of the face where this contact point is located, the fraction of the force acting in the direction of movement of the valve disc can be changed, deflecting in the direction of the force applied by the spring element.

[0017] The force exerted by the spring element to open the overpressure valve and the force acting on the valve disc due to the pressure difference are not parallel, and only a portion of the force acting on the valve disc is deflected. Consequently, the magnitude of the force generated by the spring element is less than the force corresponding to the opening pressure. Therefore, at the same opening pressure, the force of the spring element and thus the spring element itself can be constructed to be smaller. Consequently, the mechanical load on the elastic components (especially the spring element) is smaller, and the risk of plastic deformation of the spring element over many years is also lower.

[0018] Once at least one locking element has moved out of the recess, the valve disc can move and enter the second position. Then, a force may still act on the valve disc by the at least one locking element, as the locking element is still pressed against the recess by the spring element, but thus the force resisting the movement is no longer significantly applied to the valve disc. From the moment the locking element moves out of the recess, the force resisting the movement of the valve disc decreases, and the valve disc moves from the first position to the second position particularly quickly, and the overpressure valve opens.

[0019] Preferably, the overpressure valve includes multiple, preferably two, three, or four locking elements, multiple, preferably two, three, or four spring elements, and multiple, preferably two, three, or four recesses. Multiple locking elements allow for better distribution of the force applied by the spring elements (which resists the movement of the valve disc until the opening pressure is reached) onto the valve disc. Especially in cases where the force generated by the spring elements extends non-parallel to the direction of valve disc movement, multiple spring elements and multiple locking elements enable mutual compensation of the force generated by the spring elements at least in one direction perpendicular to the direction of valve disc movement, and particularly preferably in all directions perpendicular to the direction of valve disc movement.

[0020] Preferably, at least one locking element, particularly preferably each locking element comprises a pin, bolt, and / or ball. In a preferred configuration, at least one locking element, preferably each locking element, is a pin, bolt, and / or ball.

[0021] Advantageously, at least one locking element, preferably each locking element, is made of metal, such as steel or aluminum, or of ceramic. It has proven advantageous that all locking elements are constructed identically not only in shape and size but also in the materials used to manufacture them.

[0022] Preferably, a protrusion, such as a valve shaft, rod, bar, or pin, is arranged on the valve disc, which is movable in the guide of the overpressure valve in such a way that the valve disc moves from a first position to a second position or vice versa. In a particularly simple configuration, the protrusion extends upward from the valve disc, i.e., extends away from the side of the valve disc facing the container. The protrusion is detachably connected to the valve disc, for example, by tightening or screwing. Alternatively, the protrusion is non-detachably connected to the valve disc, for example, by riveting, welding, or integral construction with the valve disc.

[0023] Advantageously, at least one recess is arranged on the protrusion, and at least one spring element is arranged on the guide. Particularly preferably, at least one recess is a groove in which a plurality of locking elements are held when the valve disc is in the first position. When the valve disc is in the first position, the locking elements abut against at least one sidewall and / or bottom of the groove.

[0024] Preferably, when at least one locking element is held in the recess, the locking element extends at least partially into the recess. Therefore, the locking element does not need to be fully accommodated in the recess, but it is sufficient for the locking element to extend partially into the recess.

[0025] In a preferred configuration, the overpressure valve includes an energy storage device in which energy is stored as the valve disc moves from a first position to a second position. This energy storage device is constructed, for example, as an elastic element, such as a spring element, an elastomer element, and / or a pneumatic element. When the valve disc opens upon reaching the opening pressure, it preferably moves rapidly from the first position to the second position. There, the valve disc is decelerated, and the energy lost in this process is stored in the energy storage device. Preferably, the energy storage device has a release mechanism. If this release mechanism (also referred to as an actuating element) is actuated, at least a portion, preferably all, of the stored energy is released and thus acts on the valve disc, causing the valve disc to move back from the second position to the first position.

[0026] The release device preferably has an actuating element that can be operated manually and / or via an electronic control device. The electronic control device may be, but does not necessarily have to be, part of the overpressure valve. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 13 A schematic cross-sectional view of an overpressure valve according to different embodiments of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figure 1A cross-sectional view of an overpressure valve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The overpressure valve has a valve seat 2 and a valve disc 4, which, in the diagram, is in a first position abutting against the valve seat 2. A sealing ring 6 is arranged on the valve disc 4 to seal the area between the valve disc 4 and the valve seat 2. The illustrated overpressure valve has a flange 8 by means of which the overpressure valve can be secured to a container. The valve disc has a protrusion 10, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is configured as a valve shaft and is movable within a guide member 12.

[0029] exist Figure 1 In the first position, valve disc 4 is closed. To move valve disc 4 to its second position, so that valve disc 4 is in... Figure 1 It moves upwards. Therefore, the high-pressure side of valve disc 4 is... Figure 1 The middle section is located below, while the low-pressure side is located above. Figure 1 In the guide member, two spherical locking elements 14 are arranged, each of which is pressed and held within a recess 18 by a spring element 16. A spring 20 is located at the upper end of the protrusion 10, which applies pressure... Figure 1 The spring 20 has a preload 22 by which the force applied by the spring can be adjusted. Similar preloads 22 are arranged on each spring element 16, so that the force through the spring element, which holds each locking element 14 in the recess 18, can also be adjusted. When the valve disc 4 is moved from the first position to the second position, the preload 22 moves upward together with the valve disc 4 and the protrusion 10. Thus, the upper end of the spring 20 can also move upward, and... Figure 1 The image shows the spring 20, which is currently in a compressed state and will relax.

[0030] In order to move the valve disc 4 from the first position shown to the second position not shown, in addition to the force exerted by the spring 20, the gravitational force acting on the valve disc 4 and the protrusion 10 must also be overcome. Additionally, the locking element 14 must be moved radially outward against the force exerted by the spring element 16 and thus move out of the recess 18.

[0031] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an overpressure valve according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 The difference in the embodiment shown is the closed outlet 24, which is in Figure 2 Zhongyu Figure 1 A second flange 8 is provided, allowing for the connection of pipes, for example. In addition, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structures are the same.

[0032] Figure 3A cross-sectional view of an overpressure valve according to another embodiment is shown. This overpressure valve is... Figure 2 The overpressure valve shown has the same outlet 24 with flange 8 as the one shown. Unlike the overpressure valve shown in the previous figures, Figure 3 The entrance 26 is not downward, but oriented to the side.

[0033] Figure 4 A configuration is shown in which the spring element 16 presses and holds the locking element 14 into the recess at an angle other than 90° relative to the protrusion 10. Each spring element 16 is further associated with a preload 22, by which the force applied by each spring element 16 can be varied.

[0034] Figure 5 An enlarged partial cross-sectional view of an overpressure valve according to another embodiment of the invention is shown. The overpressure valve includes a locking element 14, which is pressed by a spring element 16 into a recess 18 of a protrusion 10. Figure 5 The lower region shows different configurations of the recess 18, differing in the opening angle: the opening angle is 90° in the left view, greater than 90° in the middle view, and less than 90° in the right view. This changes the ease with which the locking element 14 can move out of the recess 18.

[0035] Figure 6 The upper area shows the same as Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view corresponding to the upper region. Different configurations of the locking element 14 are shown in the lower region. In the left view, the locking element 14 is a sphere; in the other two views, the locking element is a cylinder with a rounded contact area. This also allows for variations in the ease with which each locking element 14 can move out of the recess 18.

[0036] Figure 7 Showing with Figure 5 and Figure 6 The same upper region. In Figure 7 The lower region shows different configurations of varying numbers of locking elements 14. Here, from left to right, one (a), two (b), three (c), and six (d) locking elements 14 are shown. Each individual locking element 14 is pressed into a corresponding recess 18 by a spring element 16. It is entirely possible, however, that multiple locking elements 14 are pressed into a common recess 18. The recess 18 may be, for example, a partial or complete annular groove arranged in the protrusion 10.

[0037] exist Figure 8 The upper area of ​​the middle is shown Figure 1 The circled area indicates where... Figure 8 The lower region shows the positions where the components can be arranged. Here, compared with... Figures 5 to 7 Similarly, the diagram in the lower region also constitutes an alternative configuration. It can be seen that the contact area between the valve disc 4 and the valve seat 2 can be constructed with sealing rings 6 (a) and (c). In diagram (b), there is no sealing ring. There, the valve disc 4 and the valve seat 2 are directly abutting each other. In diagram (d), the valve disc 4 is also placed directly on the valve seat 2, which is elastically supported by the bellows 28.

[0038] exist Figure 9 The overpressure valve shown has a spring 20 at the upper end of the protrusion 10, but in this configuration, the spring 20 does not have a preload 22. Unlike the spring 20 shown in the previous figures, Figure 9 The spring 20 in the middle applies pressure to the protrusion 10 and thus to the valve disc 4, thereby increasing the opening pressure. Figure 10 In this case, there is no spring at the upper end of the protrusion 10.

[0039] exist Figure 11 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of an overpressure valve according to another embodiment of the invention. This overpressure valve has an energy storage unit 30. When the valve disc 4 moves upward from the first position shown to the second position, the spring 20 contained within the energy storage unit is compressed, and the actuating element 32 (also referred to as a release device) is engaged below the retaining plate 34 provided for this purpose. Thus, the spring 20 is held in its compressed state and stores potential energy. If the actuating element 32 is actuated, the lower end of the spring 20 is released, and the energy stored in the spring 20 acts on the protrusion 10 and thus on the valve disc 4, which is then moved back to the first position.

[0040] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of an overpressure valve according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. This overpressure valve is... Figure 11 The overpressure valve shown is essentially the same, the difference being that the energy storage unit 30 is constructed as a pneumatic pressure storage unit. Figure 13 The diagram shows the configuration of the contact area between the valve disc 4 and the valve seat 2. Figure 8 The lower region is shown on the right side of the diagram. Valve seat 2 is elastically supported by bellows 28.

[0041] List of reference numerals 2 Valve seat 4 Valve disc 6. Sealing ring 8 Flanges 10. Protrusion 12 Guide components 14 Locking elements 16 Spring elements 18 concavity 20 Springs 22 Pretensioner 24 Exports 26 Entrances 28 Corrugated Pipe 30 Energy Storage Unit 32 Control elements 34. Holding plate

Claims

1. An overpressure valve, comprising a valve seat (2) and a valve disc (4), the valve disc being movable to a first position and to a second position, wherein in the first position the valve disc is in contact with the valve seat (2) and the overpressure valve is closed, and in the second position the overpressure valve is open. Its features are, The overpressure valve includes at least one locking element (14), at least one spring element (16), and at least one recess (18), wherein when the valve disc (4) is in the first position, the at least one locking element (14) is held in the at least one recess (18) by the at least one spring element (16); when the valve disc (4) is moved from the first position to the second position, the at least one locking element (14) moves out of the at least one recess (18) against the force exerted by the spring element (16).

2. The overpressure valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The overpressure valve includes a plurality of locking elements (14), preferably two, three or four locking elements (14); a plurality of spring elements (16), preferably two, three or four spring elements (16); and a plurality of recesses (18), preferably two, three or four recesses (18).

3. The overpressure valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one locking element (14) includes a pin, bolt, and / or ball.

4. The overpressure valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one locking element (14) is made of metal, such as steel or aluminum, or of ceramic.

5. The overpressure valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A protrusion, such as a valve shaft, rod, bar, or pin, is arranged on the valve disc (4). The protrusion is movable in the guide (12) of the overpressure valve in such a way that the valve disc (4) is moved from the first position to the second position, or vice versa.

6. The overpressure valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The at least one recess (18) is disposed on the protrusion (10), and the at least one spring element (16) is disposed on the guide (12).

7. The overpressure valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one recess (18) is a groove in which a plurality of locking elements (16) are held when the valve disc (4) is in the first position.

8. The overpressure valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When the at least one locking element (16) is held in the recess (18), the locking element extends into the recess (18).

9. The overpressure valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The overpressure valve includes an energy storage unit (30) in which energy is stored when the valve disc (4) is moved from the first position to the second position.

10. The overpressure valve according to claim 9, characterized in that, The overpressure valve includes a release device (32) that releases energy stored in the energy storage unit (30) by manipulating the release device. This energy then acts on the valve disc (4) and moves the valve disc from the second position to the first position.

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