Burst Disc Assembly with Soft Metal Mounting for UHV Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional burst disc assemblies for high vacuum and ultra-high vacuum containment vessels require scrapping of the entire assembly, including undamaged metal seal flanges, upon rupture, leading to material waste and inefficiency, and do not provide molecular-level gas sealing.
Innovation Solution
A burst disc assembly with a soft metal mounting structure that can be clamped between CF metal seal flanges, allowing for molecular-level gas sealing and easy replacement, minimizing waste and allowing reuse of the flanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a conventional burst disc assembly with CF metal seal flange is used, then the burst disc can be installed in a vacuum containment vessel, but the entire assembly including the undamaged metal seal flange must be scrapped upon rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The burst disc assembly is segmented into two independent parts: a reusable CF metal seal flange and a disposable burst disc cartridge. The cartridge contains the burst disc and its mounting structure, while the flange remains separate and can be reused after rupture events. This segmentation allows the undamaged flange to be retained while only the depleted cartridge is replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The burst disc and its mounting structure are extracted from the flange assembly, forming a separate replaceable cartridge. This extraction allows the flange to be independent and reusable, while the cartridge containing the consumable burst disc elements can be easily removed and replaced without affecting the flange.
2Reliability
If a burst disc assembly with soft metal mounting structure is used, then molecular-level gas sealing is achieved, but the assembly requires precise installation between CF flange faces
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure uses a soft metal material (such as copper or aluminum) with substantially lower hardness value than the CF flange seal faces. This local quality difference allows the soft mounting structure to conform to and seal against the harder flange surfaces, achieving molecular-level gas sealing while being forgiving of minor installation variations.
3Productivity
If the burst disc assembly is designed for easy replacement, then installation time is reduced, but the assembly structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is divided into a permanent flange component and a disposable cartridge that contains the burst disc and mounting structure. This segmentation enables rapid replacement by simply removing and installing cartridges, significantly reducing replacement time while keeping the overall system design manageable through clear functional separation.
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 enables hermetic sealing, minimizes material waste, and allows for easy installation and replacement of the burst disc assembly, maintaining consistent leakage performance and economic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting structure is formed from a soft metal material having substantially lower hardness value than that of the flange seal faces to enable UHV hermetic sealing
Data Source
AI summary
An improved burst disc assembly for use in pressure relief conduits for high vacuum and ultra-high vacuum containment vessels, the assembly having a body with inlet and outlet openings connected by an internal passage, a burst disc disposed within the internal passage and connected therein to hermetically isolate the inlet and outlet openings. The assembly further has a mounting structure connected to the body and outwardly extending therefrom that may be clamped between adjacent faces of a pair of metal seal flanges provided in the relief conduit to secure the assembly in position and hermetically seal the assembly in the conduit in a manner prohibit the passage of gas molecules from the surrounding environment into the containment vessel through the relief conduit. The mounting structure is formed from a soft metal material having substantially lower hardness value than that of the metal seal flange faces to enable adequate sealing. The connection between the mounting structure and the body further provides similar hermetic seal. Upon rupture of the burst disc, the assembly alone must be replaced while the metal seal flanges connecting the burst disc assembly to the containment vessel may be reused.