Fire-Triggered Pressure Relief Valve With SMA Latch Release
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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 in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
The development of a pressure relief valve system with a vent passage, a plug, and a latch mechanism, along with a trigger assembly that includes a fire detection portion and a shape memory alloy wire, which allows for rapid venting of gas when exposed to high temperatures, ensuring faster response to emergency conditions.
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 and emergency situations is insufficient and response is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fire detection function and the pressure relief valve operation into a single integrated system. The trigger assembly merges the detection element (responsive to heat or pressure) with the actuation mechanism (latch control) into one compact unit, eliminating the need for separate detection and actuation systems while improving emergency response reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief valve system incorporates automatic self-actuation through the trigger assembly. When the detection element senses fire conditions (heat or pressure), it automatically triggers the latch control mechanism to open the valve without requiring external intervention or complex control systems, achieving reliable emergency response through self-service operation
2Speed
If a simple valve structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the response speed to emergency situations is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger assembly is pre-configured with the latch control mechanism in a ready state during normal operation. The detection element is continuously monitoring conditions, and upon sensing fire (heat or pressure), the latch control immediately actuates to open the valve. This preliminary preparation enables extremely rapid response speed without requiring complex active control systems during the emergency event
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 enhanced detection and response to emergency situations, enabling rapid and reliable venting of pressurized tanks, thereby reducing the risk of fire spread and ensuring safer operation of high-pressure 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.