Keyed Pressure Relief Valve for Safe Tri Clamp Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressurized vessels, such as beer kegs, often lack reliable and easily operable pressure relief mechanisms, leading to safety risks due to potential explosions and malfunctions, and existing tri clamp lockout mechanisms do not provide adequate pressure relief during removal, posing hazards to equipment and operators.
Innovation Solution
A pressure safety device and tool system that includes a pressure relief valve doubling as a tri clamp nut removal tool, with a unique tri clamp nut assembly that requires depressurization before removal, ensuring the tool is inaccessible unless the vessel is depressurized, thus preventing accidental rapid decompression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tri clamp is removed from a pressurized vessel, then the tri clamp can be removed for maintenance or replacement, but rapid decompression and release of pressurized liquid can occur causing harm to equipment and operators
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires pressure relief to be performed before tri clamp removal by using a tool that must be inserted into the vessel to activate the pressure relief valve. This preliminary action ensures the vessel is depressurized before the tri clamp can be safely removed, preventing rapid decompression hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
A specialized tool serves as an intermediary between the operator and the tri clamp removal process. The tool must be inserted into the vessel to relieve pressure first, and only after pressure relief can the tri clamp be removed. This intermediary mechanism enforces the safe sequence of operations and prevents direct removal under pressure.
2Reliability
If a pressure relief valve is provided on pressurized vessels, then pressure can be relieved to prevent explosions and malfunctions, but existing valves may fail or function incorrectly releasing pressure too soon or too late
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback through color-coded indicators that show the pressure status of the vessel. The indicators change color based on pressure levels, providing real-time feedback to the operator about when pressure relief is needed and when it has been achieved, ensuring accurate timing of pressure relief operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief valve is designed to automatically function when the specialized tool is inserted into the vessel, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or complex operation. The system self-regulates the pressure relief process based on the presence of the tool, reducing human error in operation.
3Reliability
If current tri clamp lockout mechanisms are used, then the tri clamp can be locked in place for safety, but they do not provide a means of pressure relief for the tri clamp to be operated
Solution Approach 1:
The specialized tool serves multiple functions: it acts as both a pressure relief mechanism and a tri clamp removal tool. By combining these functions into a single tool, the system maintains lockout safety while enabling pressure relief, allowing the same device to both protect against and enable safe operation under controlled conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure safety device and tool for operating said device, a pressurized container system, process, and methods of use are presented. The present disclosure provides a pressure relief valve that doubles as a tool to remove a tri clamp nut. The present disclosure further includes and provides the state of the art with a keyed pressure relief system for a pressurized container. Said another way, the present disclosure provides for a pressurized container, relief system, and tool for operation and safety. The present disclosure provides a removable pressure relief tool and a unique and novel new tri clamp nut assembly, and new tri clamp nut. The disclosure decreases the risk of injury associated with the accidental removal of a tri clamp fitting from pressurized vessels. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a unique system which renders the tool inaccessible unless removed from the vessel, which causes depressurization.