Break-Away Coupling Pressure Relief Using a Dual-Biased Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Break-away valve assemblies in fluid transfer systems are prone to surge pressures during disconnection, which can damage pumps and other systems, and existing pressure relief solutions complicate the design and pose risks to users by releasing fluid externally.
Innovation Solution
A coupling with a dual-biasing mechanism, where a main flow valve is biased in two directions by different springs, allowing controlled leakage to relieve surge pressure by extending into a larger bore section when pressure exceeds a threshold, reducing the risk of fluid leakage to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate pressure relief valve is added to break-away assemblies, then surge pressure can be relieved, but the coupling complexity increases and fluid may be released towards the user
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief function is merged with the main flow valve by providing a second bore in the valve body that communicates with the first bore. This allows the main valve to serve dual purposes: controlling fluid flow during operation and relieving surge pressure during break-away, eliminating the need for a separate pressure relief valve and reducing overall coupling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful surge pressure that occurs during break-away is converted into a beneficial force that automatically opens the valve to relieve pressure. The sudden pressure increase forces the valve open through the second bore, allowing controlled fluid release into a containment chamber rather than toward the user, thus transforming a harmful effect into a safety mechanism
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 dual-biasing mechanism effectively reduces surge pressure by allowing a controlled release of fluid, minimizing damage to system components and ensuring safety by directing the release into a contained area within the coupling, rather than externally towards the user.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling comprises a valve (100) and a first biasing means (103) arranged within said coupling (2). The first biasing means (103) biases the valve (100) in a first direction such that the valve (100) seals against a valve seat (204)
Implementation Method 2
The coupling (2) comprises a second biasing means (107) arranged within said coupling (2). The second biasing means (107) biases the valve (100) in a second direction opposite to the first direction
Implementation Method 3
If the pressure acting on the valve (100) of the coupling (2) exceeds a predetermined limit, a volume of fluid is allowed to flow past the valve (100)
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupling (2) for a break-away valve assembly (1) comprising a coupling (2) and an adapter (3), said coupling (2) comprising: a valve (100) arranged in an annular body (200), the annular body having a valve seat (204) comprising a first portion (205) and a second portion (206), adjacent to the first portion, of greater internal diameter relative to the first portion, the valve being biased in a first direction to seal against the valve seat on disconnection of the coupling from the adapter, wherein the valve is biased in a second direction, and in that valve is adapted to extend past the first portion into the second portion of the valve seat to release a volume of fluid if the pressure acting on the valve exceeds a predetermined surge pressure threshold.