Bonnet Vent Attachment With Pressure-Triggered Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure relief valves, such as balanced-bellows relief valves, face challenges in maintaining mechanical integrity and adhering to industry standards, particularly in preventing pressure buildup and leaks, which can be costly and difficult to manage, especially when venting to closed systems or in fouling services.
Innovation Solution
A valve system with a bellows-type pressure relief valve and an attachment assembly that includes a pressure sensor, transmitter, and vent structure to detect and respond to pressure thresholds, allowing for selective venting and alarm activation, thereby ensuring safe and cost-effective operation while maintaining the mechanical integrity of the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bonnet vent is left open in bellows-type pressure relief valves, then pressure can be vented from the bonnet chamber, but pressure buildup and potential leaks cannot be detected or prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an attachment assembly as an intermediary device that couples to the bonnet vent. This assembly includes a pressure sensor that detects pressure in the bonnet chamber and a vent structure with a vent valve that can be selectively opened. The intermediary attachment assembly bridges the gap between the simple open vent and the need for monitored, controlled venting, thereby improving reliability without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment assembly is designed to monitor and respond to pressure conditions autonomously. The pressure sensor continuously detects pressure in the bonnet chamber, and when pressure reaches a threshold, the vent valve automatically opens to relieve pressure. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external intervention or complex control systems while maintaining reliable operation.
2Reliability
If the bonnet vent is plugged to prevent leaks, then mechanical integrity is maintained, but pressure buildup in the bonnet chamber cannot be relieved
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment assembly performs preliminary monitoring of pressure conditions in the bonnet chamber. By continuously detecting pressure through the pressure sensor and comparing it to a predetermined threshold, the system is prepared in advance to activate the vent valve when pressure buildup becomes dangerous. This preliminary action prevents pressure-related failures before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment assembly implements a feedback mechanism where the pressure sensor continuously monitors pressure in the bonnet chamber and provides information to the vent valve control. When pressure reaches the threshold, the feedback triggers the vent valve to open, relieving pressure. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable prevention of pressure buildup while maintaining simple operation.
3Ease of operation
If manual venting is used, then device complexity is minimized, but response time to pressure thresholds is delayed and requires operator intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated sensing and actuation system. The pressure sensor electronically detects pressure conditions and automatically triggers the vent valve to open when the threshold is reached. This substitution of manual mechanical venting with an automated sensor-actuator system eliminates operator intervention delays and provides immediate response to pressure buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment assembly is pre-configured with a predetermined pressure threshold that triggers automatic venting. The system is prepared in advance with the vent valve in a closed position and the pressure sensor continuously monitoring, so that when pressure reaches the threshold, venting occurs immediately without waiting for operator recognition or intervention. This preliminary setup minimizes response time while maintaining ease of operation.
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 effectively detects and mitigates pressure-related failures, reduces safety risks, and complies with industry standards by providing automatic or manual venting options, ensuring the valve system operates within safe pressure limits without affecting the primary function of the pressure relief valve.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor to detect a pressure in the bellows chamber
Implementation Method 2
a vent structure including a vent valve to selectively open in response to an applied force or in response to the pressure sensor detecting a pressure in the bellows chamber reaching a pressure threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A valve system includes a bellows-type pressure relief valve and an attachment assembly. The bellows-type pressure relief valve includes a main housing defining a main chamber, an inlet opening, and an outlet opening, a bonnet housing defining a bonnet chamber and a bonnet vent in the bonnet housing, and a bellows structure defining a bellows chamber fluidly connected to the bonnet chamber. The attachment assembly is coupled to the bonnet vent to selectively plug the bonnet vent. The attachment assembly include a coupling to couple to the bonnet vent, a pressure sensor to detect a pressure in the bonnet chamber, and a vent structure including a vent valve to selectively open in response to an applied force or in response to the pressure sensor detecting a pressure in the bonnet chamber reaching a pressure threshold.