Cross-Activated Pressure Relief Venting for Multi-Tank Backflow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-tank systems, when one tank is exposed to a fire, the pressurized fluid from unaffected tanks can flow back into the affected tank, slowing down the venting process and increasing the risk of rupture, as existing relief devices may not effectively manage pressure distribution across interconnected vessels.
Innovation Solution
A pressure relief apparatus with a trigger mechanism that responds to temperature or pressure thresholds, featuring a closure member and a compartment to control fluid communication between inlet and outlet ports, ensuring safe venting by preventing backflow and facilitating efficient pressure release across interconnected tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple pressure vessels are connected together in fluid communication to increase storage capacity, then storage capacity is improved, but the risk of vessel rupture increases when one vessel is exposed to fire because pressurized fluid from unaffected vessels can flow into the affected vessel and refill it during venting
Solution Approach 1:
A trigger mechanism acts as an intermediary between the unaffected vessels and the affected vessel. When the trigger mechanism detects fire conditions (temperature or pressure threshold) in one vessel, it automatically activates the relief valve to vent the affected vessel, preventing backflow from unaffected vessels and eliminating the refilling problem while maintaining multi-vessel connectivity for increased storage capacity
2Device complexity
If a single relief valve is used for multiple vessels to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but the relief capability is insufficient for smaller vessels and requires complex connections that must be kept free of impediments
Solution Approach 1:
Each pressure vessel is equipped with its own dedicated relief valve and trigger mechanism, segmenting the relief function at the vessel level. This eliminates complex inter-vessel connections while ensuring each vessel has adequate relief capability independent of vessel size, as each unit's trigger mechanism responds locally to conditions in its associated vessel
3Reliability
If the relief device vents the affected vessel quickly to prevent rupture, then vessel rupture risk is reduced, but the venting time increases when backflow from unaffected vessels continuously refills the affected vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism performs preliminary detection of fire conditions (temperature or pressure threshold) and activates the relief valve before the affected vessel can be significantly refilled by backflow from unaffected vessels. This preemptive action prevents the continuous refilling problem from developing, allowing the vessel to be vented quickly without the time-consuming backflow issue
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 efficient and controlled venting of pressurized tanks, reducing the risk of rupture and exposure to fire by managing pressure distribution and preventing backflow of pressurized fluid, thus enhancing safety in multi-tank systems.
Implementation Method 1
the closure member becomes released from retention and moveable for effecting establishment of fluid communication between the inlet port and the outlet port in response to receiving of heat energy by the temperature responsive portion
Implementation Method 2
a compartment for receiving pressurized fluid from the outlet port and communicating the received pressurized fluid to the trigger mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure relief apparatus for venting a tank comprising an inlet port, an outlet port, a closure member retained, relative to the inlet and outlet ports, for preventing, or substantially preventing, fluid communication between the inlet port and the outlet port, a trigger mechanism including a temperature response portion, and a compartment for receiving pressurized fluid from the outlet port and communicating the received pressurized fluid to the trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism and the closure member are cooperatively configured to release the closure member and establish fluid communication between the inlet port and the outlet port, thereby venting the tank, upon detection of a temperature at or above a predetermined temperature threshold or upon pressurization of the compartment at or above a predetermined pressure threshold.