Linked Pressure Relief Valves for Simultaneous Tank Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
High pressure tank arrays require efficient emergency evacuation systems to prevent rupture due to overheating or adverse conditions, but existing systems lack reliable and simultaneous pressure relief mechanisms for multiple connected vessels.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring valves with a piston mechanism that allows fluid communication between vessels, where the opening of one valve can sympathetically trigger others through fluid pressure or temperature-activated trigger elements, ensuring simultaneous pressure release across connected vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate pressure relief mechanisms are used for each vessel, then each vessel can be independently protected, but the system complexity and response time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pressure relief functions into a single integrated valve assembly. The first and second valves are integrated into one body with shared components including a common piston, spring mechanism, and discharge port. This merging allows both vessels to be relieved through a single coordinated mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable pressure relief for each vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors and relieves pressure from both the first and second vessels through a single device. The valve body serves as both the housing for mechanical components and the pressure sensing chamber. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate relief mechanisms for each vessel, reducing complexity while ensuring comprehensive protection.
2Loss of time
If simultaneous pressure release is achieved across multiple vessels, then emergency response time is reduced, but the valve mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluid pressure as an intermediary to transmit the relief signal simultaneously to both valves. When either vessel reaches critical pressure, the resulting fluid pressure wave travels through the interconnected system and acts on the piston mechanism, triggering simultaneous opening of both discharge paths. This intermediary approach enables coordinated simultaneous relief without requiring complex electronic control or separate actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism employs pneumatic/hydraulic principles where fluid pressure differential drives the piston to open or close the valves. The spring provides a closing force that is balanced against the fluid pressure during normal operation. During emergency conditions, the pressure differential overcomes the spring force, causing rapid simultaneous opening of both discharge paths. This use of fluid mechanics enables simple, reliable simultaneous actuation without complex control systems.
3Measurement precision
If a piston mechanism is used to control fluid communication, then precise pressure control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston mechanism is designed to automatically respond to pressure conditions without external control. The piston position is determined solely by the balance between spring force and fluid pressure differential. When pressure exceeds the spring preload, the piston automatically moves to open the discharge path; when pressure decreases, the spring automatically returns the piston to the closed position. This self-acting mechanism provides precise pressure control without requiring complex control systems, sensors, or external actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve utilizes changes in fluid pressure as the controlling parameter to actuate the piston. The spring is preloaded to a specific force that corresponds to the desired pressure setpoint. When fluid pressure exceeds this setpoint, the pressure parameter change automatically overcomes the spring force and opens the valve. This simple parameter-based control provides precise pressure regulation without complex control logic or additional components.
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 enables reliable and efficient simultaneous pressure release across multiple connected vessels, reducing the time needed for emergency response and increasing vent flow rate by automatically activating all pressure relief devices in response to a single trigger, enhancing safety and simplicity in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
fluid pressure from the second valve communicating through the second port urges the piston to the second position
Implementation Method 2
temperature-activated trigger elements
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a first valve fluidly connected to a first vessel and a second valve fluidly connected to a second vessel. The first valve includes a body and a piston. The body includes first and second ports and a bore having a longitudinal axis. The first port is in communication with the bore and an interior of the first vessel. The second port is in communication with the bore, the second valve, and an atmosphere exterior to the first vessel. The piston is movable along the longitudinal axis of the bore. A first position of the piston blocks the first port; a second position of the piston allows fluid communication between the first and second ports. The first valve is configured so that fluid pressure from the second valve, communicating through the second port, urges the piston to the second position.