Reverse-acting Rupture Disc with Laser-Ablated Buckling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reverse-acting rupture discs face challenges in reliably opening in low energy environments, particularly with viscous fluids, and achieving a range of burst pressures without compromising structural integrity or increasing the risk of post-manufacturing damage.
Innovation Solution
A reverse-acting overpressure relief device with a central bulged section featuring pocket regions of lesser thickness and a belt region of greater thickness, formed through laser ablation, which allows for reduced burst pressure while maintaining mechanical integrity and avoiding excessive plastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If thinner disc materials are used to achieve lower burst pressures, then the burst pressure rating is reduced, but the structural integrity and resistance to post-manufacturing damage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rupture disc employs varying material thicknesses across different regions: thinner material in the bulged section for low burst pressure, and thicker material in the flange and hinge regions for structural strength. This local differentiation allows the disc to achieve both low burst pressure ratings and resistance to post-manufacturing damage simultaneously.
2Stress or pressure
If softer materials are used to achieve lower burst pressures, then the burst pressure rating is reduced, but the hinge region strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The softer, thinner material is localized to the bulged section where it enables low burst pressure, while the hinge region uses thicker, stronger material to maintain structural integrity and prevent petal fragmentation during operation.
3Stress or pressure
If the disc material is made thinner to reduce burst pressure, then the burst pressure rating is reduced, but the reliability of opening in low energy environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thinner material in the bulged section enables low burst pressure while the thicker material in the hinge region provides the structural support needed for reliable opening in low energy environments, preventing the disc from failing to open under low pressure conditions.
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 a broader range of burst pressures for a given disc size and thickness, enhancing the disc's ability to open reliably under low pressure conditions without compromising handling or structural integrity, and reducing the risk of petal fragmentation.
Implementation Method 1
in which regions disc material has been removed, preferably via a laser-ablation process
Implementation Method 2
Meanwhile, elastic energy stored in the compressed material of the disc itself may enhance and accelerate disc reversal. The release and transfer of the stored energy within the metal, in turn, may greatly impact the disc's opening performance. This release of stored energy has been called a 'snap-through' effect.
Data Source
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AI summary
A reverse-acting pressure relief device (10) is provided comprising buckling-control structures, namely pocket regions (20, 22) and belt regions (24) having differing material thicknesses. The pocket regions (20, 22) generally comprise areas of reduced material thicknesses and serve to weaken the structural integrity of the bulged section (12) of device (10) so that reversal can be initiated at lower pressures. Belt regions (24) generally comprise areas of enhanced mechanical properties that assist with reversal control and opening of bulged section (12) thereby ensuring complete opening of the device (10).