Bursting Disk Support Release for Controlled Fluid Unblocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow control systems using bursting disks on the high pressure side require actuators to reduce the bursting pressure below the high pressure side, which can be inefficient and potentially unsafe.
Innovation Solution
A support element is positioned on the low pressure side of the bursting disk to withstand higher pressures than the nominal bursting pressure, with an actuator damaging the support element to cause the bursting disk to open, using a plunger and propellant charge to initiate the opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an actuator is arranged on the high pressure side of the bursting disk to reduce bursting pressure, then the fluid passage can be unblocked, but the system complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the actuator on the high pressure side to reduce bursting pressure, the invention inverts the approach by placing the actuator on the low pressure side to increase support force. This reverses the conventional wisdom and solves the contradiction by achieving unblocking capability without the complexity and safety risks of high-pressure actuator arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the bursting disk. The actuator applies force to the support element, which then transmits this force to the bursting disk through the support force. This intermediary mechanism allows the actuator to operate safely on the low pressure side while still achieving the desired effect on the bursting disk.
2Reliability
If the bursting pressure is reduced far below the high pressure side pressure, then the fluid passage unblocks reliably, but the risk of premature bursting or loss of control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support element provides a mechanical feedback mechanism that couples the actuator's support force to the bursting disk's bursting pressure. By adjusting the support force, the system can precisely control the bursting pressure without needing to reduce it far below the high pressure side pressure. This feedback loop ensures reliable unblocking while maintaining safety through controlled pressure management.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter being controlled from bursting pressure reduction to support force increase. Instead of reducing bursting pressure far below operating pressure (which creates safety risks), the system increases the support force on the low pressure side to achieve the desired bursting behavior. This parameter transformation maintains reliability while eliminating harmful safety risks.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a support element is added on the low pressure side to withstand higher pressures, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it withstanding high pressures to improve safety, transmits actuator force to control bursting, and provides a mounting surface for the actuator. This multi-functionality allows the system to improve safety without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single component achieves multiple objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the support function and the actuator mounting function into a single integrated support element structure. By combining these functions rather than using separate components, the system improves safety while minimizing the increase in device complexity. The merged structure is more efficient and easier to implement than separate components.
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 system provides controlled and safe opening of the bursting disk, ensuring reliable fluid flow without the need for actuators on the high pressure side, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The drive can also be a propellant charge. This can be ignited electrically.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for blocking/unblocking a fluid flow comprises: a component delimiting a fluid passage to conduct a fluid from a high pressure side to a low pressure side; a bursting disk at least indirectly attached to the component and separating the high and low pressure sides to close the fluid passage; a support element on the low pressure side, which supports the bursting disk to withstand a fluid pressure on the high pressure side that exceeds a nominal bursting pressure of the bursting disk but that is lower than a maximum pressure; and a controllable actuator actuatable for unblocking the fluid passage. To unblock the fluid passage, the actuator is arranged to destroy or damage the support element such that a fluid pressure on the high pressure side of the bursting disk exceeding the nominal bursting pressure causes the bursting disk to burst.