Non-Conductive Burst Indicator Circuit for Rupture Disc Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rupture discs installed in remote or inaccessible locations pose challenges for visual inspection, and existing electronic monitoring systems can alter the burst characteristics of rupture discs when clamped between ferrules, making it difficult to determine their integrity effectively.
Innovation Solution
A burst indicator comprising a non-electrically conductive membrane with an electrical circuit formed from conductive segments, where the segments are strategically positioned to avoid creating stress zones and are designed to tear upon rupture, signaling the disc's failure without affecting the disc's burst characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic monitoring systems are installed to monitor rupture disc integrity, then immediate notification of disc rupture is achieved, but the monitoring system alters the burst characteristics of the rupture disc
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electronic monitoring systems that physically contact the rupture disc with a non-contact optical monitoring system. The system uses optical sensors and light sources to detect disc integrity through optical property changes without mechanical interference, thus maintaining accurate burst characteristics while providing reliable monitoring notification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical detection mechanism that indirectly monitors rupture disc integrity. Instead of direct mechanical or electrical contact that alters burst characteristics, the system uses optical fields as intermediaries to detect changes in the disc's optical properties, providing monitoring without affecting the disc's structural behavior.
2Productivity
If rupture discs are installed in remote or inaccessible locations, then space utilization is optimized, but visual inspection of disc integrity becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical monitoring system that can remotely detect disc integrity through optical property changes. This allows continuous monitoring of rupture discs in inaccessible locations without requiring physical access for inspection, optimizing both space utilization and detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where optical sensors continuously monitor the rupture disc's optical properties and provide real-time information about disc integrity. This feedback system enables remote detection and immediate notification of disc status, eliminating the need for difficult manual inspections while maintaining optimal space utilization.
3Measurement precision
If conductive segments are positioned to monitor rupture, then rupture detection is achieved, but stress zones are created that affect burst characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical conductive segments that create stress concentrations with optical sensing elements that detect rupture through optical property changes. This substitution eliminates the stress zones created by physical monitoring components while maintaining precise rupture detection capability through non-contact optical measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin optical films or coatings on the rupture disc that change optical properties upon rupture without creating significant stress concentrations. These flexible optical layers provide monitoring functionality while minimizing interference with the disc's structural integrity and burst characteristics.
Data Source
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AI summary
A burst indicator (24) for use in a rupture disc assembly (12) is provided. The burst indicator (24) comprises a non-electrically conductive material having an outer annular portion (66) and an inner section (68) joined to the outer portion by a pair of bridge features (70, 72). A circuit comprising electrically conductive segments (78, 80) is located on the burst indicator (24) and can be used to monitor the integrity of the rupture disc (20). One electrically conductive segment (78) is located on the outer annular portion (66), and another electrically conductive segment (80) extends across the bridge features (70, 72) and inner section (68). Upon rupture of the rupture disc (20), one of the bridge features (72) carrying an electrically conductive segment (80) severs thereby opening the circuit.