Pressure Relief Valve Linking for Simultaneous Tank Venting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High pressure tank arrays require efficient emergency evacuation systems to prevent rupture during overheating or adverse conditions, but existing systems lack simultaneous and reliable pressure release mechanisms across connected vessels.
Innovation Solution
A pressure release device system with a primary trigger mechanism, such as a heat-activated shape memory alloy, and a secondary sympathetic trigger mechanism using fluid pressure or electrical solenoids, allowing simultaneous venting of multiple connected pressure vessels in response to overheating or other emergency conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual mechanical triggering mechanisms are used for each pressure relief device, then each vessel can be independently protected, but the system complexity increases and response time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pressure relief devices into a single integrated system where vessels are connected through common plumbing and share a coordinated triggering mechanism. This merging approach maintains independent protection for each vessel while reducing overall system complexity and enabling simultaneous response across all vessels when emergency conditions are detected
2Reliability
If individual triggering mechanisms are used for each pressure relief device, then independent vessel protection is achieved, but the time needed for pressure release is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system enables simultaneous triggering of all pressure relief devices through shared sensing and control mechanisms, dramatically reducing the time required for pressure release compared to sequential individual triggering while maintaining reliable protection for each vessel
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of emergency conditions (such as fire or overpressure) that affect the entire tank array, allowing all pressure relief devices to be pre-positioned and ready for simultaneous activation, thereby minimizing the actual pressure release time when emergencies occur
3Device complexity
If simple pressure relief valves are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the vent flow rate and effectiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as solenoid actuators and control systems that mediate between the detection of emergency conditions and the actual valve opening action. These intermediaries enable sophisticated control and high-flow capability without requiring overly complex valve mechanisms, achieving high vent flow rates through coordinated control of multiple valves rather than through single complex valve design
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 ensures rapid and reliable pressure release across all connected vessels, reducing the time needed for individual mechanical triggering and increasing vent flow rate, making it simpler and more effective in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
a primary trigger mechanism, such as a heat-activated shape memory alloy
Implementation Method 2
fluid pressure from the second valve communicating through the second port urges the piston to the second position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A system (32) includes a first valve (10a) fluidly connected to a first vessel (30a) and a second valve (10b) fluidly connected to a second vessel (30b). The first valve (10a) includes a body (12) and a piston (18). The body (12) includes first (20) and second (22) ports and a bore (14) having a longitudinal axis (16). The first port (20) is in communication with the bore (14) and an interior of the first vessel (30a). The second port (22) is in communication with the bore (14), the second valve (10b), and an atmosphere (52) exterior to the first vessel (30a). The piston (18) is movable along the longitudinal axis (16) of the bore (14). A first position (FIG. 1) of the piston (18) blocks the first port (20); a second position (FIG. 2) of the piston (18) allows fluid communication (36) between the first (20) and second (22) ports. The first valve (10a) is configured so that fluid pressure (34) from the second valve (10b), communicating through the second port (22), urges the piston (18) to the second position (FIG. 2).