Rupture Disc Inlet Support with Cut-Outs
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inlet support structures for rupture discs impede fluid flow by causing petal fragments to crumple and obstruct the pressure relief aperture, leading to turbulent flow and prolonged pressure release in over-pressurized systems.
Innovation Solution
An improved inlet support structure with cut-out portions and tab members that allow for a cleaner rupture and increased flow area, reducing petal fragment crumpling and enhancing fluid flow through the rupture disc.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional inlet support structure is used, then the rupture disc is held in place, but petal fragments crumple and obstruct the pressure relief aperture causing turbulent flow
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet support structure is segmented by providing cut-out portions that divide the continuous annular support into separate sections. This segmentation creates defined spaces where petal fragments can be contained without crumpling into the flow path, while tab members provide localized support where needed. The segmentation principle resolves the contradiction by allowing the support structure to hold the rupture disc in place while preventing harmful fragment obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure applies different local qualities through tab members and cut-out portions. Tab members provide rigid support in specific locations to hold the rupture disc, while cut-out portions create open spaces that allow clean rupture and prevent fragment crumpling. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing support exactly where needed while maintaining open flow paths elsewhere.
2Strength
If a conventional inlet support structure is used, then structural support is provided, but flow area is reduced due to petal fragment obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support structure with cut-out portions, the design maintains structural strength through tab members while creating additional open flow area. The segmented structure provides rigidity where needed without blocking the pressure relief aperture, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and flow area.
Solution Approach 2:
The cut-out portions convert the harmful effect of petal fragment accumulation into a beneficial feature by providing designated spaces for fragments to reside without obstructing flow. This transforms the obstruction problem into a solution that maintains both structural support and adequate flow area.
3Reliability
If a conventional inlet support structure is used, then the rupture disc is supported, but pressure relief time is prolonged due to turbulent flow
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented support structure with cut-out portions creates laminar flow conditions by preventing turbulent eddies that form when petals crumple against a continuous support. This segmentation allows pressure relief to occur more quickly while maintaining reliable disc support, resolving the time-loss contradiction.
4Productivity
If the flow area is increased to reduce turbulence, then pressure relief speed improves, but structural support may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure uses local quality differentiation where tab members provide concentrated structural support to maintain integrity, while cut-out portions increase overall flow area and reduce turbulence. This localized approach resolves the contradiction by providing strength exactly where structural support is needed while maximizing flow area elsewhere.
Data Source
AI summary
An inlet support structure for use with a rupture disc, the inlet support structure including an annular member having an inner diameter, an outer diameter, a plurality of spaced apart cut-outs extending from the inner diameter towards the outer diameter, a central non-circular opening extending through the annular member and including the cut-outs, the cut-outs providing additional space for the petals of a rupture disc to be received therein when the rupture disc ruptures so as to provide a greater flow area through the rupture disc.