Bleeder Valve Plug with Vent Hole for Controlled Pressure Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

In gas and liquid hydrocarbon and chemical services, bleeder valves require metal plugs for positive shut-off, but their removal can lead to uncontrolled pressure release due to built-up pressure, posing a hazardous condition if the seat is not properly sealed.

Innovation Solution

A carbon steel plug with a vent hole for controlled pressure release, combined with a modified hex bolt featuring a tapered seat, allows for safe and controlled pressure discharge during plug removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a metal plug is installed downstream of the bleeder valve to ensure positive shut-off, then shut-off reliability is improved, but pressure can build up behind the plug creating a hazardous condition upon removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshut-off reliabilityVSAvoiduncontrolled pressure release hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plug is segmented into two functional parts: a sealing portion that ensures positive shut-off and a vent hole that provides controlled pressure release. This segmentation allows the plug to simultaneously achieve reliable closure and safe pressure management during removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vent hole acts as an intermediary mechanism between the high-pressure zone behind the plug and the external environment. It provides a controlled pathway for pressure release, mediating the hazardous pressure build-up problem while maintaining shut-off reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a standard plug is used without a vent hole, then the structure is simple, but uncontrolled pressure release occurs when the plug is removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplug structure simplicityVSAvoiduncontrolled pressure surge

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plug structure is segmented to include a vent hole, dividing it into a sealing function and a pressure relief function. This maintains relative simplicity while adding the critical safety feature of controlled pressure release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vent hole converts the harmful effect of pressure build-up into a beneficial controlled pressure release mechanism. The pressure that would otherwise cause dangerous uncontrolled release is now channeled through a controlled pathway, turning a hazard into a safety feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If the bleeder valve seat is not properly sealed, then the valve structure is simpler, but hazardous uncontrolled pressure release occurs during plug removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve seat sealing complexityVSAvoidpressure release hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vent hole provides preliminary pressure release capability before the plug is fully removed. This preliminary action allows pressure to be gradually released through the vent hole, preventing the hazardous sudden pressure surge that would occur with improper seating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The vent hole provides beforehand cushioning by offering a controlled pressure release pathway. This cushions against the potential hazard of uncontrolled pressure release, ensuring that even if the seat is not perfectly sealed, pressure can be safely managed during plug removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The solution ensures a controlled release of pressure when removing the plug, mitigating the risk of uncontrolled pressure surges and enhancing safety by using a carbon steel plug with a vent hole and a tapered seat on the hex bolt for regulated pressure management.

Implementation Method 1

a carbon steel modified hex bolt having a tapered seat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTapered seat sealing: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS7458558B1Controlled method and apparatus for releasing pressure

Publication Date: 2008.12.02 TOTH PATRICIA

AI summary

Method and apparatus 10 for releasing pressure that may have built up behind a plug 18 in a controlled manner. Environmental and safety regulations mandate that all bleeder valves in a gas and liquid hydrocarbon and chemical service require metal plugs 18 to be installed downstream of the valve to ensure a positive shut off. Removal of these plugs 18 can create a hazardous condition if there is not a good seat on the bleeder valve. Pressure can build up behind the plug 18 and as the bull plug is removed, an uncontrolled pressure release can occur. The apparatus 10 is a safety device, serving as a plug 18 and also providing a method for releasing the pressure that may have built up behind the plug in a controlled manner. The device 10 comprises a carbon steel plug 18 fabricated with a vent hole 20 for controlled pressure release and a carbon steel modified hex bolt 22 having a tapered seat 26.