Pressure Relief Valve Using Fluid-Actuated Bellows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure relief valves in industrial applications, such as sulfur traps, face issues with accuracy and reliability due to weakening metallic springs and loss of flexibility in diaphragms over time, leading to potential failure without warning.
Innovation Solution
A pressure relief system comprising an upper and lower chamber with a vertically moveable plate and o-rings, where pressure applied to the upper plate controls fluid flow, allowing for self-resealing operation without springs or flexible diaphragms, enabling controlled pressure relief and testing without disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metallic springs are used in pressure relief valves, then the valve can provide pressure relief function, but the spring weakens with age which jeopardizes accuracy and reliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metallic spring component entirely from the pressure relief valve system. Instead of using a spring mechanism, the invention employs a balanced bellows assembly that uses fluid pressure differential and elastic deformation of the bellows to achieve the pressure relief function without any spring elements, thereby eliminating the reliability degradation associated with spring weakening over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based pressure relief mechanism with a fluid-pressure-based balanced bellows system. The bellows assembly responds to pressure differentials through elastic deformation and fluid pressure balance, substituting the mechanical spring function with a combination of elastic material deformation and fluid pressure control, which does not suffer from fatigue and weakening over time.
2Reliability
If flexible diaphragms are used in pressure relief valves, then the valve can provide pressure relief function, but the diaphragms lose flexibility with age and can rupture without warning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flexible diaphragm component from the pressure relief valve system. The balanced bellows assembly uses a different mechanism based on elastic deformation of a controlled structure and fluid pressure balance, eliminating the flexible diaphragm that is prone to losing flexibility and rupturing over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The balanced bellows assembly likely employs composite material construction combining elastic materials with structural reinforcement, creating a component that maintains its mechanical properties over time without the degradation issues of single-material flexible diaphragms. The composite structure provides both the necessary elasticity for pressure response and the strength to prevent unexpected failure.
3Productivity
If rupture release systems are used for industrial pressure relief, then the valve can handle large applications, but the system cannot reseal itself
Solution Approach 1:
The balanced bellows assembly incorporates a feedback mechanism where the position of the bellows and the pressure differential automatically regulate the valve opening. When pressure exceeds the set point, the bellows deforms and opens the valve; when pressure returns to normal, the bellows returns to its original position and automatically reseals the valve, providing self-regulating pressure relief with automatic resealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief valve is designed to automatically perform both the relief and resealing functions without external intervention. The balanced bellows mechanism self-activates based on pressure conditions and self-resets when pressure normalizes, enabling the valve to service itself through automatic operation and resealing, eliminating the need for manual resetting or replacement after activation.
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 reliable and accurate pressure relief by maintaining seal integrity and allowing controlled fluid pressure management, ensuring continuous protection against over-pressurization without the need for spring or diaphragm-based mechanisms, and allows for testing without disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
Pressure applied to the upper surface of the plate provides controllable resistance to opening of the seal
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention generally include a pressure relief system and methods of use, in which an apparatus includes an upper chamber fluidly connected to a pressurized fluid source, a lower chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a vertically moveable plate intermediate the chambers and disposed within a plate support, and connected to the plate by a vertical shaft, a vertically actuating lower chamber inlet valve including an inlet seal. Pressure relief is accomplished by controlling fluid pressure in the upper chamber such that varying downward force on the plate and therefore, via the shaft, the inlet seal, allows for selective opening/closing of the inlet valve as a function of upper chamber fluid pressure relative to the pressure exerted from a fluid source for which pressure relief is desired, beneath the inlet seal, whereby over-pressured fluid entering the lower chamber via the inlet is vented out the outlet.