Fire-Triggered Pressure Relief Valve for Rapid Tank Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure relief devices for high-pressure gas storage systems lack effective emergency countermeasures, particularly in detecting and responding to fires, leading to inadequate and delayed venting of high-pressure gases.
Innovation Solution
The development of improved pressure relief valves with integrated fire detection systems, including shape memory alloy wires and trigger assemblies, that automatically vent high-pressure gases when exposed to heat, ensuring rapid and reliable pressure release in emergency situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pressure relief devices are used, then the basic venting function is provided, but the detection capability for fire emergencies is insufficient and response is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fire detection function and pressure relief venting function into a single integrated device. The fire detection portion is merged with the trigger assembly that controls the venting mechanism, allowing simultaneous detection and response without separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire detection portion is positioned to detect heat before the emergency becomes critical. The shape memory alloy wire is pre-positioned in the trigger assembly, ready to respond immediately when exposed to fire heat, enabling preliminary detection and faster response time.
2Measurement precision
If a simple pressure relief valve is used, then the device complexity is low, but the detection precision for fire conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fire detection portion uses a shape memory alloy wire with specific thermal properties localized at the trigger point. This concentrated detection capability provides precise fire detection without requiring complex sensors throughout the entire valve structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy wire changes its physical state (shape/memory) in response to temperature changes. This parameter change from temperature exposure to mechanical deformation provides a direct, precise detection mechanism that triggers the venting function.
3Speed
If no fire detection system is integrated, then the device complexity is low, but the response speed to fire emergencies is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic or mechanical sensor systems with a shape memory alloy wire that directly responds to heat through material property changes. This substitution achieves fast response speed while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy wire serves both as the detection element and the actuation mechanism. When exposed to fire heat, it automatically changes shape to trigger the venting function without requiring separate detection and actuation systems, enabling self-service operation with high speed.
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 faster and more reliable venting of high-pressure gases in emergency conditions, such as fires, reducing the risk of gas buildup and potential explosions, and providing enhanced safety for gas storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure relief valve also includes a shape memory alloy wire that has a first length disposed in the body of the pressure relief valve and a second length disposed outside the body of the pressure relief valve. The shape memory alloy wire is configured to shorten when exposed to a temperature above a threshold temperature.
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure relief valve configured to vent a pressurized tank in the event of a fire is provided. The pressure relief valve includes a body, a vent passage, a plug and a latch. The vent passage is disposed through the body. The vent passage can be placed in fluid communication with an internal volume of a tank and with the atmosphere. The plug is moveably mounted in the vent passage. The latch has a blocking member disposed in contact with a control end of the plug in a first configuration and out of contact with the control end in a second configuration. The second configuration allows movement of the plug in the vent passage. One or both of a shape memory alloy wire and a trigger piston is configured to actuate the latch from the first to the second configuration. The shape memory alloy wire is configured to shorten when exposed to a temperature above a threshold temperature. The trigger piston moves, e.g., by a pressurized gas, in a trigger actuation passage to actuate the latch from the first configuration to the second configuration.