Compressor Pressure Relief Valve with Containment Reservoir
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Solution Overview
Problem
Atmospheric rupture assemblies in compressor lubrication systems fail to reliably protect against excessive lubricant pressure, leading to equipment damage, environmental contamination, and safety hazards due to uncontrolled oil spills and potential operator injury.
Innovation Solution
A pressure relief system, such as the Pop Open Pressure Relief (POPR) valve, which redirects high-pressure fluid to a safe location, remains open until manually reset, and includes a visual indicator to notify operators of overpressure conditions, ensuring the compressor is shut down until the issue is resolved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If atmospheric rupture assemblies are used for pressure relief, then pressure relief function is provided, but uncontrolled oil spills occur causing environmental contamination and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary containment system between the rupture assembly and the environment. The secondary containment reservoir captures and holds the lubricant that escapes through the rupture disc, preventing direct environmental contamination. This intermediary structure allows the rupture assembly to function reliably while eliminating the harmful uncontrolled spills.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful uncontrolled oil spill into a beneficial controlled containment process. The escape lubricant, which would normally be a hazard, is instead directed into a containment reservoir where it can be safely stored and later disposed of or reused. The harmful kinetic energy and uncontrolled flow are transformed into a controlled, contained situation.
2Reliability
If atmospheric rupture assemblies rupture at high pressure, then pressure relief is achieved, but operator safety is compromised due to high-velocity fluid injection and disc fragmentation
Solution Approach 1:
The containment reservoir acts as an intermediary barrier between the high-pressure rupture event and the operator. It absorbs the high-velocity fluid injection and contains the disc fragmentation, preventing these harmful effects from reaching operators in the surrounding area.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment reservoir provides beforehand cushioning by being in place before the rupture occurs. It is designed to absorb and contain the harmful effects of the rupture event, cushioning the impact of high-velocity fluid and fragmented disc material before they can harm operators.
3Reliability
If multiple rupture discs are installed to increase pressure threshold, then equipment protection is improved, but system reliability decreases due to potential installation errors and increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The single rupture assembly design performs multiple functions: pressure relief, visual indication of rupture, and containment of escape lubricant. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate rupture discs while maintaining or improving equipment protection, thereby reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple rupture discs into a single integrated assembly with built-in containment. Instead of installing and managing multiple separate discs, the system combines pressure relief and containment functions into one unit, reducing complexity and potential installation errors.
4Volume of moving object
If rupture discs are made thinner to reduce installation space, then device compactness is improved, but structural integrity decreases leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The rupture assembly uses composite construction, combining the rupture disc with a containment reservoir and sealing mechanisms. This composite structure allows the disc itself to remain thin for compactness while the overall assembly provides the necessary structural integrity and strength through the combined components.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment reservoir provides beforehand cushioning and support to the thin rupture disc. Even though the disc is thin and compact, the surrounding containment structure provides structural reinforcement that prevents premature failure while maintaining the compact design.
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor lubrication system including a positive displacement pump, a pressure relief valve assembly, and a divider block. The pressure relief valve assembly includes a housing that has an opening to the fluid distribution system and a relief passage. A conduit is connected from the relief passage to a fluid reservoir. The assembly also includes a pressure relief valve that has an open position in which fluid from the fluid distribution system can enter the relief passage, and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from entering the relief passage. A biasing element maintains a biasing force on the pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve is maintained in the closed position when the biasing force exceeds the fluid force on the pressure relief valve and the pressure relief valve moves into the open position when the fluid force exceeds the biasing force.