Fluid Flow Disruptor for Pressure Relief Valve Droop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure relief valves experience negative droop due to fluid momentum forces, causing them to remain open at pressures below the set pressure, which prevents proper regulation of fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow disruptor with a base flange and cap is coupled to the pressure relief valve, featuring apertures that alter the fluid flow direction, increasing turbulence and reducing axial momentum loads by changing the fluid flow from axial to non-axial, thereby addressing the negative droop issue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressure relief valve is designed to open at a predetermined set pressure, then the valve can protect pressure vessels from exceeding design limits, but the valve experiences negative droop causing it to open further at pressures below the set pressure due to fluid momentum forces
Solution Approach 1:
A flow disruptor device is introduced as an intermediary component between the fluid line and the pressure relief valve. This device mediates the fluid flow by creating turbulence and reducing axial momentum through apertures and flow path modifications, thereby eliminating negative droop while preserving the valve's pressure protection function
Solution Approach 2:
The flow disruptor changes the physical parameters of the fluid flow by increasing turbulence intensity and reducing axial momentum. This is achieved through specific geometric features including apertures in the flow disruptor body and angled flow paths, which transform the fluid's momentum characteristics before it reaches the valve
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 fluid flow disruptor effectively reduces axial momentum loads on the valve, allowing for more precise control of fluid flow and regulation, eliminating or decreasing the negative droop phenomenon without altering existing valve hardware.
Implementation Method 1
increase a turbulence of the fluid to decrease an axial momentum load of the fluid acting on the valve
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a fluid flow disruptor is provided. The fluid flow disruptor includes a base flange having an outer diameter and an inner diameter, the base flange configured to couple to a valve, and a cap extending from the base flange. The cap includes a proximal end coupled to the base flange about the inner diameter, a distal end, and a sidewall extending between the proximal end and the distal end. At least one aperture is formed in the sidewall, and the fluid flow disruptor is configured to direct a fluid flowing in an axial direction to flow around the cap distal end, through the at least one aperture, and through the base flange inner diameter into the valve, to thereby increase a turbulence of the fluid to decrease an axial momentum load of the fluid acting on the valve.