Serial Burst Disc Assembly for Passive Pressure Pulse Counting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional burst disc systems are single-use devices that require replacement after each pressure pulse, necessitating frequent maintenance and lack a mechanism for indicating the failure of multiple pressure pulses.

Innovation Solution

A serially arranged burst disc system with multiple discs configured to rupture at different pressures, featuring an indicator for visual confirmation of the last disc's rupture, allowing for passive counting of pressure pulses and simplified maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional single-use burst discs are used, then the system provides simple pressure protection, but frequent replacement is required and there is no indication of multiple pressure pulse failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure protectionVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The burst disc system is segmented into multiple individual burst discs arranged in series, where each disc can rupture independently at different pressure thresholds. This segmentation allows the system to track multiple pressure events without requiring complete system replacement, thereby reducing maintenance time while maintaining reliable pressure protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An indicator mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component that visually signals when a burst disc has ruptured. This mediator allows operators to identify failed discs without disassembling the entire system, enabling quick maintenance decisions and reducing the time lost to maintenance activities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If multiple burst discs are arranged in series, then pressure pulse counting capability is provided, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure pulse informationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses multiple discrete burst discs with different rupture thresholds to segment the pressure monitoring range. Each disc represents a specific pressure event, and their sequential arrangement provides a simple visual count of pressure pulses without requiring complex electronics or control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The indicator mechanism utilizes visual changes (such as color changes or position changes) to communicate the status of burst discs. This simple visual signaling system provides pressure pulse information without adding complex detection or measurement devices, maintaining system simplicity while improving information availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If burst discs with different rupture pressures are used, then selective pressure threshold detection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure threshold detectionVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Each burst disc is manufactured with specific local properties (different thicknesses, materials, or geometries) tailored to its designated rupture pressure threshold. This local quality differentiation allows the system to detect multiple pressure thresholds using simple, specialized components that can be manufactured using standard processes, balancing adaptability with manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 efficient detection and indication of pressure pulse failures, allowing for timely replacement of system components and reducing maintenance frequency by providing a passive counter mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

Each burst disc can include a structure having a thickness selected to fail at a respective set burst pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStress-induced failure: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentEP4253811A1Burst disc systems
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP
  • EP4253811A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4253811A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4253811A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A burst disc system can include a plurality of burst discs (101a,b,c,d) serially arranged to successively rupture one at a time. Each burst disc can be configured to rupture at one or more set burst pressures. The system can include an indicator configured to allow a user to receive an indication that a last burst disc of the plurality of burst discs has ruptured.