Rupture Disc Mounting for Rotary Machine Atmosphere Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing atmosphere relief mechanisms in rotary machines, such as steam turbines, suffer from unintended damage of the rupture disc due to improper mounting structures, leading to sealability issues and potential failure to relieve pressure at the set pressure, especially when the disc is subjected to repeated start-stop cycles.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a mounting structure for the rupture disc using a pair of annular holding parts and an annular spacer part along the outer circumference, which distributes the fastening force evenly, preventing deformation and damage of the rupture disc, and incorporating a thin liquid gasket to minimize displacement during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the rupture disc is fixed using a holding structure with bolt holes, then the atmosphere relief mechanism can be securely mounted, but the lead plate deforms due to low elastic coefficient and repeated pressure changes cause bolt hole stretching and sealability degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from lead plate to stainless steel plate, which has higher elastic coefficient and resistance to deformation. This material substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining mounting security while preventing deformation and sealability degradation under repeated pressure changes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a sacrificial gasket (circular plate) that can be easily replaced, allowing the main stainless steel plate to remain intact and functional for longer periods, thus improving overall reliability while maintaining ease of maintenance
2Ease of manufacture
If the rupture disc is made from lead material, then it can be easily formed and mounted, but the material is harmful to humans and its use is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure consisting of a stainless steel plate (for structural integrity and safety) combined with a gasket material (for sealing and ease of formation). This composite approach maintains the ease of manufacture through the gasket while eliminating the harmful lead material
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the harmful lead material with a disposable gasket made of safe materials, which can be easily formed and replaced. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating human health hazards while maintaining ease of manufacture through the sacrificial gasket component
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rupture disc is subjected to repeated start-stop cycles, then the atmosphere relief mechanism can adapt to operational changes, but the disc deforms and damages due to cumulative stress
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from lead to stainless steel, which has higher strength and elastic coefficient. This allows the structure to withstand repeated start-stop cycles and cumulative stress without deformation or damage, maintaining both operational adaptability and structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a sacrificial gasket that absorbs and cushions the cumulative stress from repeated operational cycles, protecting the main stainless steel plate from damage. This beforehand cushioning mechanism ensures the plate maintains its integrity while the system adapts to operational changes
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
This configuration effectively prevents unintended damage of the rupture disc, maintains high sealability, and ensures reliable pressure relief at the set pressure, even under repeated operational stress.
Implementation Method 1
the rupture disc is configured to rupture when the pressure in the interior space of the casing exceeds a predetermined pressure
Implementation Method 2
Once the rupture disc ruptures, the interior space of the casing communicates with the atmosphere side to relieve the pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary machine is provided with a casing and an atmosphere relief mechanism (20) for closing an opening (12) for atmospheric release formed in the casing and relieving pressure of inner fluid to atmosphere when a pressure in the casing rises. The atmosphere relief mechanism includes: a rupture disc (24) configured to rupture when the pressure in the casing reaches a predetermined pressure; a pair of annular holding parts (22, 27) arranged to hold an outer edge of the rupture disc from both sides; a plurality of fastening members (29) for fastening the pair of annular holding parts to each other so as to hold the rupture disc between the pair of annular holding parts; and an annular spacer part (25) provided along an outer circumference of the rupture disc.