Cryogenic Pressure Relief Valve Testing Without Tank Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for checking the functionality of pressure relief valves in cryogenic containers require the tank to be emptied, which is time-consuming and results in loss of cryogenic fluid, or involve complex mechanisms that are not suitable for cryogenic applications, posing safety risks and increasing material costs.
Innovation Solution
A system with a check valve in the connection line to the pressure relief valve, allowing a test line to connect to the valve without increasing tank pressure, enabling the functionality check of both relief valves while the tank is full, using a test device that can apply pressurized fluid through a test connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tank is emptied to check the pressure relief valves, then the valves can be checked for functionality, but the tank emptying is time-consuming and results in loss of cryogenic fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into the cryogenic container, connection line with check valve, and test line with test connection. This segmentation allows independent testing of the pressure relief valve through the test line without affecting the main container, enabling verification while the container remains filled.
Solution Approach 2:
A test line with test connection acts as an intermediary between the test device and the pressure relief valve. This intermediary pathway allows pressure application for testing without requiring container emptying, thus maintaining operational status while enabling verification.
2Reliability
If the tank pressure is increased to check the second pressure relief valve, then the valve functionality can be verified, but the pressure increase above MAWP contradicts design criteria and poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is segmented from the main pressure container through a separate test line. This allows independent pressure application for testing the second pressure relief valve without increasing the main container pressure above MAWP, eliminating safety risks while enabling verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The test line with check valve and test connection serves as an intermediary pathway that isolates the testing pressure from the main container. Pressurized test fluid can be applied through this intermediary without transmitting excessive pressure to the container, allowing safe verification of the second pressure relief valve.
3Ease of operation
If a rotating mechanism is used to switch between pressure relief valves for checking, then one valve can be checked at a time, but the mechanism complexity increases and may not be suitable for cryogenic applications
Solution Approach 1:
The test connection with check valve acts as an intermediary that provides direct access to both pressure relief valves through the connection line. This eliminates the need for complex rotating switching mechanisms, simplifying the system while maintaining ease of operation for checking either valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The test line with check valve provides a universal testing pathway that can verify both the first and second pressure relief valves without requiring separate mechanisms for each. This multi-functional approach simplifies the overall system complexity while maintaining operational ease.
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
Enables safe and efficient checking of pressure relief valves without emptying the tank, reducing time and cost, and ensuring the valves' correct seating without increasing the tank's pressure, thus maintaining safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
there is provided a check valve within the connection line, which is configured to prevent a flow of fluid in the direction of the cryogenic container
Implementation Method 2
a test device for providing a pressurized test fluid... enables the flow of fluid in the direction of the pressure relief valve in order to check the functionality thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a cryogenic container for storing cryogenic fluid and a connection system having a connection line connected to the cryogenic container and ending in a pressure relief valve, and there is provided a check valve within the connection line, which is configured to prevent a flow of fluid in the direction of the cryogenic container, and the system further comprises a test line, which connects to the connection line between the check valve and the pressure relief valve and ends in a test connection for a test device for providing a pressurized test fluid, and there is provided a valve within the test line, which is configured to prevent a flow of fluid in the direction of the test connection and to enable a flow of fluid in the direction of the pressure relief valve in order check the functionality thereof.