Compressively Sealable Propellant Ignition Chamber with Rupture Disk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing propellant ignition testing apparatuses lack reliability and safety due to inadequate pressure relief systems, which can lead to overpressurization and exposure risks during propellant combustion testing.
Innovation Solution
A propellant ignition testing apparatus with a compressively sealable chamber equipped with a rupture disk assembly for safe venting and a remotely operated pressure relief valve, allowing for controlled pressure management and remote operation to prevent exposure to pressurized chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded end cap is used to seal the combustion chamber with only a relief valve for pressure relief, then the device structure is simple, but the reliability and safety are insufficient due to potential overpressurization
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief function is segmented into two independent systems: a rupture disk assembly that provides automatic venting at a predetermined pressure, and a remotely operated pressure relief valve that allows controlled venting. This segmentation ensures that if one system fails, the other can still prevent overpressurization, thereby improving reliability without requiring complete redesign of the sealing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rupture disk assembly is pre-configured to fail at a specific predetermined pressure, providing a safety cushion before overpressurization can occur. This beforehand cushioning mechanism ensures that even if the threaded end cap sealing fails or the relief valve malfunctions, the rupture disk will activate to prevent catastrophic failure, thereby enhancing safety without adding complex control systems.
2Ease of operation
If personnel are positioned close to the combustion chamber for monitoring, then observation is direct, but exposure risk to pressurized chambers increases
Solution Approach 1:
A remotely operated pressure relief valve serves as an intermediary mechanism that allows personnel to vent the combustion chamber from a safe distance. The remote operation capability enables direct monitoring and control without requiring personnel to be in close proximity to the pressurized chamber, thereby eliminating exposure risk while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual operation of the pressure relief valve is replaced with a remotely operated system that can be actuated from a safe distance. This substitution eliminates the need for personnel to physically approach the combustion chamber during critical operations, replacing direct mechanical interaction with a remote control mechanism that maintains safety while preserving operational capability.
3Reliability
If larger batches of propellant are used for testing, then test data is more comprehensive, but the risk and potential harm from combustion pressure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rupture disk assembly and remotely operated pressure relief valve work together to prevent overpressurization before it can lead to harmful effects. By establishing predetermined pressure limits and providing multiple independent relief mechanisms, the system counteracts the increased pressure risk associated with larger propellant batches, allowing comprehensive testing while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harmful effect of high combustion pressure from larger propellant batches is converted into a benefit by using the pressure itself to trigger the rupture disk assembly. The predetermined pressure threshold transforms the potentially dangerous high pressure into a controlled venting event, allowing comprehensive test data collection while the pressure relief systems prevent catastrophic failure.
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 apparatus ensures safer and more reliable propellant testing by preventing overpressurization and enabling remote operation, allowing for the use of smaller propellant batches and reducing the risks associated with combustion pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a device mounted on the support structure for generating a compressive force, wherein the moveable end plate is operatively connected to a moveable component of the device for moving the moveable end plate toward the test chamber assembly such that the combustion chamber thereof is adapted to be sandwiched in a compressively sealed manner
Implementation Method 2
a rupture disk assembly to provide safe venting of gasses at a predetermined pressure, at which the rupture disk fails, to prevent overpressurization of the test chamber assembly
Implementation Method 3
A remotely operated pressure relief valve can also be provided to allow for venting of the gasses, for example in the event that the pressure does not exceed the rupture disk capability
Implementation Method 4
A closed bomb or propellant ignition testing apparatus is used to measure the pressure that develops during combustion of a solid propellant after it is ignited within the combustion chamber of the apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A propellant ignition testing apparatus having a compressively sealable chamber. A fixed end plate assembly is fixedly mounted on a support structure. A test chamber assembly having a combustion chamber for accommodating propellant is provided, and an initiator ignites propellant accommodated in the combustion chamber. A moveable end plate is disposed adjacent to the test chamber assembly on a side thereof remote from the fixed end plate assembly. A device is mounted on the support structure for generating a compressive force, with the moveable end plate being operatively connected to a moveable component of the device for moving the moveable end plate toward the test chamber assembly for sandwiching the combustion chamber of the test chamber assembly in a compressively sealed manner between the fixed end plate assembly and the moveable end plate.