Pressure Relief Valve Network for Simultaneous Multi-Vessel Venting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 with pressure relief devices (PRDs) that include a trigger mechanism, such as a shape memory alloy, and a sympathetic activation mechanism using fluid pressure, allowing simultaneous venting of multiple connected vessels in response to overheating, where activation of one PRD pressurizes lines to open connected PRDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual pressure relief devices are used for each vessel, then each vessel can be relieved independently, but simultaneous activation of multiple vessels is not achieved and response time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pressure relief function into independent PRDs for each vessel, while introducing a shared fluid communication network that enables coordinated activation. Each PRD maintains its individual triggering capability while being connected through fluid lines that allow sympathetic activation across multiple vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid intermediary (gas or liquid) is introduced as a signaling medium that transmits activation signals between PRDs. When one PRD activates, it pressurizes the fluid in connected lines, which then acts as a mediator to trigger adjacent PRDs, enabling simultaneous activation without direct mechanical coupling.
2Productivity
If multiple PRDs are activated simultaneously through fluid pressure communication, then vent flow rate increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid communication lines serve multiple functions: they are part of the normal pressure vessel infrastructure and simultaneously serve as activation signal transmission pathways. This multi-functionality enables simultaneous PRD activation without adding dedicated signaling infrastructure, thus increasing productivity without proportional increases in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing pressure differential and fluid already present in the vessels and lines to activate PRDs. The pressurized fluid from an activating PRD automatically triggers connected PRDs without requiring external control systems, power sources, or complex control logic, achieving high vent flow rates with minimal added complexity.
3Device complexity
If manual activation of each PRD is required, then system simplicity is maintained, but response efficiency decreases in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical activation with a fluid-pressure-based automatic triggering mechanism. The fluid pressure signal automatically actuates the PRDs through their diaphragm and valve mechanism, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly increasing response speed while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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
Ensures rapid and simultaneous pressure release across multiple vessels, enhancing safety and reliability in emergency situations by automatically activating all connected PRDs, reducing the time needed for individual triggering and increasing vent flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
A system with pressure relief devices (PRDs) that include a trigger mechanism, such as a 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
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.