Burst Disk Assembly with Tortuous Flow Path for Thrust Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure relief systems with burst disks face safety concerns due to potential structural failure and unidirectional thrust during overpressurization, which can turn the system into a projectile and pose hazards from burst disk fragments.
Innovation Solution
A burst disk assembly with a low-profile design featuring axially extending bleed channels and a tortuous fluid flow path that traps fragments and disperses escaping fluid in multiple directions, reducing the risk of structural failure and unidirectional thrust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cross-drilled vent holes are formed in the mounting plug, then pressure relief function is improved, but structural strength deteriorates causing potential breakage and missile formation
Solution Approach 1:
The single large vent hole is segmented into multiple smaller vent holes distributed around the mounting plug. This segmentation achieves pressure relief while minimizing structural weakening because each small hole removes less material and the distributed arrangement spreads the stress concentration points, preventing catastrophic failure and missile formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent holes are strategically positioned in specific locations on the mounting plug where they provide effective pressure relief while minimizing interference with the critical attachment threads and head structure. This localized placement optimizes the balance between pressure relief functionality and structural integrity.
2Productivity
If full pressure is vented in a single direction, then pressure relief efficiency is improved, but thrust generation worsens turning the system into a projectile
Solution Approach 1:
The vent holes are arranged asymmetrically around the mounting plug rather than in a symmetric pattern. This asymmetric distribution, combined with the tortuous flow path, creates multiple escape directions for the pressurized fluid that balance out the thrust forces, preventing the system from becoming a projectile while maintaining effective pressure relief.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting system transitions from single-direction axial venting to multi-directional venting by distributing holes around the plug and incorporating a tortuous flow path that redirects fluid in multiple dimensions. This dimensional change in fluid ejection directions balances thrust forces while maintaining pressure relief efficiency.
3Reliability
If multiple vent ports are formed in the cap, then pressure relief capability is improved, but structural strength deteriorates creating projectile risk
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief capability is achieved through multiple small vent holes in the mounting plug body rather than large ports in the cap. This segmentation approach provides effective pressure relief while the holes are positioned and sized to minimize structural weakening of the cap, preventing projectile formation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If burst disk is positioned for safety, then hazard from fragments is reduced, but reaction force control worsens allowing uncontrolled missile motion
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric distribution of vent holes around the mounting plug creates balanced thrust forces in multiple directions that counteract each other. This asymmetric design simultaneously achieves fragment containment (by maintaining structural integrity) and reaction force control (by balancing thrust), resolving the contradiction between safety positioning and force control.
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 vents excess pressure while minimizing the risk of structural failure and fragment hazards, ensuring safe and controlled pressure relief without turning the system into a projectile.
Implementation Method 1
the same burst disk assembly should disperse escaping pressurized fluid in multiple directions so as to avoid unidirectional thrust that can turn the pressurized system into a missile
Implementation Method 2
One or more bleed channels extend through the burst disk plug generally axially... The fluid receiving port is relieved at generally the interior end, placing it in fluid receiving position with the burst disk and in fluid communication with the one or more bleed channels
Implementation Method 3
Burst disks are employed in many pressurized fluid systems to prevent dangerous over-pressurization conditions from existing in the systems. In the event a pressurizable chamber to which a burst disk assembly is mounted becomes overpressurized
Data Source
AI summary
A low-profile burst disk assembly for safely venting excess pressure from a pressurized fluid system by way of a tortuous fluid flow path. A burst disk plug includes a male thread and is thereby adapted to thread into the body of a pressurizable chamber. The burst disk plug further includes a fluid receiving port placed in fluid communication between the burst disk and one or more bleed channels open to ambient pressure. The one or more bleed channels generally run axially through the burst disk plug, either intersecting or bypassing the male thread. Embodiments with a plurality of bleed channels generally include a distribution manifold positioned in fluid communication between the fluid receiving port and the one or more bleed channels to ensure an even distribution of venting pressure among the bleed channels. A flange surface further deflects pressurized fluid as it escapes from the bleed channels toward the ambient environment, thereby dispersing the resulting thrust in multiple directions and minimizing the effective force exerted on the body of the pressurized fluid system.