Multi-Chamber Resonator for Pressure Relief Valve Oscillation Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressurized fluid systems experience rapid oscillations due to the instability of pressure relief devices, leading to reduced capacity and potential equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a resonator system within the pressurized fluid system, which includes multiple chambers and a variable orifice unit, to attenuate acoustic energy and reduce oscillations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure relief device is installed in a pressurized fluid system, then the system is protected from overpressure conditions, but the device causes rapid oscillations that reduce relief valve capacity and can lead to equipment damage
Solution Approach 1:
A resonator is introduced as an intermediary device between the pressure relief valve and the pressurized fluid system. The resonator absorbs and dissipates acoustic energy from pressure relief valve oscillations, preventing these harmful oscillations from propagating back into the system while allowing the pressure relief valve to continue its protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonator converts the harmful acoustic energy generated by pressure relief valve oscillations into a beneficial damping effect. By tuning the resonator to the oscillation frequency, it absorbs the acoustic energy and dissipates it through viscous losses in the orifice, transforming the harmful oscillations into a stabilizing force that reduces valve capacity loss and prevents equipment damage.
2Reliability
If the pressure relief device operates to release excess pressure, then overpressure conditions are prevented, but acoustic energy is generated that causes instability and reduces device capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator captures the acoustic energy generated during pressure relief operation and converts it into a useful damping mechanism. The acoustic waves drive oscillations in the resonator's orifice, creating viscous losses that dissipate the acoustic energy and simultaneously stabilize the pressure relief valve, preventing capacity reduction and instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonator changes the acoustic impedance parameters of the system by introducing a tuned resonant element. This modifies the acoustic field distribution and energy dissipation characteristics, transforming the harmful acoustic energy into a stabilizing influence that maintains pressure relief valve capacity and prevents oscillations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pressure relief devices are installed at a distance from vessels, then installation flexibility is improved, but the devices become unstable and require mitigation
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator serves as a stabilizing intermediary that can be installed with the pressure relief valve regardless of the valve's distance from the protected vessel. It absorbs oscillations locally at the valve location, eliminating the need for proximity-based stability and enabling flexible installation positions while maintaining device stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stability function is segmented from the spatial relationship between the pressure relief valve and the vessel. By introducing a dedicated resonator component, stability is achieved through local acoustic damping rather than through spatial positioning, allowing the system to be divided into independent functional modules that can be installed flexibly.
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 resonator system effectively attenuates greater than 50% of acoustic energy within the specified frequency range, thereby reducing oscillations and enhancing the stability and capacity of the pressure relief devices.
Implementation Method 1
resonator for a pressurized fluid system
Implementation Method 2
attenuate acoustic energy and reduce oscillations
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described and discussed herein generally relate to resonators for pressurized fluid systems, pressurized fluid systems containing resonators, and methods of reducing acoustic energy within pressurized fluid systems. In one or more embodiments, a resonator includes a first chamber containing an inlet and an outlet, a second chamber containing an inlet, an outlet, and a passageway, where the inlet of the second chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet of the first chamber, a third chamber containing an inlet and an outlet, where the inlet of the third chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet of the second chamber, and where the outlet of the third chamber is configured to be in fluid communication with a pressure relief device containing a safety valve, and a fourth chamber in fluid communication with the second chamber by the passageway.