Pressure Relief Detection for High-Pressure Gas Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure relief valve (PRV) systems lack the ability to detect and respond appropriately to activation caused by over-pressurization in high-pressure gas storage applications, particularly above 5,000 psi, and are prone to false activations, limiting their reliability and availability for high-pressure hydrogen storage systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that calculate a pressure relief device release rate based on inputs such as storage tank volume, pressure relief set point, orifice size, gas density, and reseat point, monitoring differential pressure over time to detect activation, and activating a system alarm upon detection, using a controller with a processor, graphical user interface, and memory device to provide notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple pressure relief valves are used in high-pressure gas storage systems, then device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the ability to detect and respond to activation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure sensor as an intermediary device that indirectly detects PRV activation by measuring pressure changes in the storage tank. Instead of modifying the PRV itself, the sensor acts as a mediator that monitors the pressure differential caused by PRV opening, thereby providing detection capability without complicating the PRV structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical detection methods (such as direct mechanical linkage or proximity switches integrated into the PRV) with an electronic sensing system. The pressure sensor electronically detects activation events through pressure measurements, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic measurement and signal processing.
2Reliability
If intelligent pressure relief valves with integrated proximity switches are used, then activation detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the detection function from the pressure relief function. The PRV remains a simple mechanical device focused solely on pressure relief, while the detection function is segmented into a separate system using pressure sensors and electronic processing. This segmentation allows each component to specialize without unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor serves as an intermediary between the PRV activation event and the control system. Rather than integrating detection mechanisms directly into the PRV, the sensor mediates the detection process by measuring pressure changes in the storage tank, providing indirect but reliable detection of PRV activation.
3Device complexity
If pressure relief valves are used without activation detection, then device complexity is minimized, but the ability to prevent over-pressurization through control system response is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the pressure sensor continuously monitors tank pressure and provides information to the control system. When PRV activation is detected through pressure differential analysis, the control system receives feedback and can respond by shutting off gas supply or taking corrective actions to prevent over-pressurization.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is configured to take preliminary protective actions upon detecting PRV activation. By monitoring pressure changes in real-time and responding immediately to activation events, the system performs preliminary protection before dangerous over-pressurization conditions can develop.
4Device complexity
If simple pressure monitoring is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the precision of detecting pressure relief activation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the expected pressure differential that would occur during normal PRV operation. By pre-establishing the relationship between PRV opening and pressure change based on system parameters (tank volume, orifice size, gas density), the system can accurately distinguish true activation events from normal pressure fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical pressure gauges with electronic pressure sensors and computational analysis. The electronic system calculates the rate of pressure change and compares it against expected values for PRV activation, providing precise detection through mathematical analysis rather than simple mechanical indication.
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
Enables reliable detection and notification of pressure relief device activation, preventing over-pressurization and ensuring safety in high-pressure gas storage systems, improving system response and reducing false activation issues.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure relief device configured to activate and discharge the gas to prevent an over-pressurization of the storage tank
Implementation Method 2
calculating a pressure relief device release rate based on choked flow equations for the pressure relief device
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a method and system for detecting activation of a pressure relief device connected to a storage tank containing a pressurized gas. The method includes calculating a pressure relief device release rate based on a set of inputs, wherein the set of inputs includes at least one of a storage tank volume, a pressure relief set point, an orifice size of the pressure relief device, a gas density, and a reseat point for the pressure relief device. The method further includes monitoring the pressure within the storage tank and calculating a differential pressure reading over time, comparing the differential pressure reading over time to the pressure relief device release rate, and detecting a pressure relief device activation based on the comparison result.