Bioreactor Rupture Disk Assembly With Cold-Welded Hermetic Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rupture disk assemblies in bioprocess systems require frequent replacement of elastomeric sealing members, leading to unnecessary replacement of the entire assembly, even if the rupture disk is still serviceable, and poses risks of premature failure during replacement.
Innovation Solution
A rupture disk assembly with a direct integral hermetic joint between the rupture membrane and the housing, formed by cold welding, eliminating the need for elastomeric sealing members and allowing for reuse of the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric sealing members are used to seal the rupture membrane to the housing, then a hermetic seal is provided, but the sealing members require periodic replacement leading to unnecessary replacement of the entire rupture disk assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sealing member is extracted/removed from the system. The rupture membrane is directly secured to the housing structure without an intermediate elastomeric seal, eliminating the component that requires periodic replacement while maintaining the hermetic seal function.
Solution Approach 2:
The rupture membrane and housing are merged into a more integrated structure where the membrane is directly secured to the housing. This combination eliminates the separate elastomeric sealing member and allows the assembly to be reused after membrane replacement.
2Reliability
If elastomeric sealing members are used to join the rupture disk to the housing, then a seal is provided, but replacement involves substantial manipulation that could lead to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sealing member is removed from the system. By eliminating this component, the complex manipulation required for its replacement is also eliminated, preventing premature failure during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented such that only the rupture membrane requires replacement, not the entire assembly. The membrane can be replaced independently through the port without manipulating sealing members, making repair simpler and safer.
3Reliability
If elastomeric sealing members are used in the rupture disk assembly, then sealing is achieved, but the entire assembly must be replaced when the sealing member needs replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sealing member is extracted from the system, eliminating the need to replace the entire assembly when sealing maintenance is needed. Only the rupture membrane itself requires replacement, preserving the housing and other serviceable components.
Solution Approach 2:
Only the rupture membrane is discarded after it fulfills its function, while the housing and other components are recovered and reused. The direct integration of the membrane to the housing enables this selective replacement without waste.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If a direct integral hermetic joint is used between the rupture membrane and housing, then replacement of the entire assembly is minimized, but a reliable seal must be formed without elastomeric members
Solution Approach 1:
The rupture membrane is directly merged with the housing structure through a direct integral hermetic joint. This integration eliminates the need for separate elastomeric sealing members and enables assembly reuse, though it requires a more complex manufacturing process to form the hermetic connection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Minimizes the need for replacement of rupture disk assemblies by providing a reliable seal without elastomeric members, enabling the rupture disk to be reused and reducing the risk of premature failure during maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a rupture membrane positioned within the body, the rupture membrane including a rupture membrane surface secured to the stepped surface to form a hermetic seal
Implementation Method 2
Rupture occurs when the fluid pressure within the vessel or system exceeds the design rupture pressure of the disk. This causes fluid pressure to be relieved from the vessel or system.
Implementation Method 3
The need to replace the elastomeric member that joins the rupture membrane to the housing of a rupture disk assembly can be eliminated by providing a direct integral hermetic joint, e.g., such as is formed by cold welding, between the rupture membrane and the housing of a rupture disk assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A rupture disk includes a body including an internal wall extending from a first end of the body to a second end of the body. The internal wall defines an opening extending through the body. In some embodiments, the body further includes an internal flange formed on the internal wall, and the internal flange has a stepped surface. A rupture membrane is positioned within the body, and secured, for example, by cold welding. The rupture membrane may be secured to the stepped surface. The rupture membrane is positioned within the body such that the rupture membrane does not extend beyond the first end of the body. A process system including the rupture disk is also provided. A method of maintaining a process system that includes the rupture disk is also provided.