Serial Burst Disc Assembly With Passive Rupture Indication
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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 the last disc in a series.
Innovation Solution
A burst disc system comprising multiple discs serially arranged to rupture successively at different pressures, with a visual indicator, such as a sight glass, to signal the rupture of the last disc, allowing for passive counting and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional single-use burst discs are used, then the system provides simple pressure protection, but frequent replacement is required and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the protection function into multiple sequential burst discs arranged in series, each disc providing a discrete pressure threshold. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable pressure protection while reducing maintenance complexity through the passive counter mechanism that tracks disc failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive counter mechanism automatically tracks the number of burst disc failures without requiring external monitoring or complex control systems. The indicator provides self-service by automatically indicating when replacement is needed, reducing maintenance complexity while maintaining protection reliability.
2Extent of automation
If multiple burst discs are arranged in series, then the passive counter function is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the pressure protection function into multiple discrete burst discs with different burst pressures arranged in series. This segmentation enables the passive counter function where each disc failure represents a discrete pressure event, achieving automation while keeping the structural complexity manageable through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a temporal dimension to pressure protection by arranging burst discs in series that fail at different pressure thresholds over time. This dimensional approach enables the passive counter to track pressure events sequentially, achieving automation without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
3Measurement precision
If burst discs with different burst pressures are used, then pressure pulse detection precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each burst disc in the series is designed with local quality variations, having different burst pressures tailored to specific detection needs. This allows precise pressure pulse detection at multiple thresholds while maintaining ease of manufacture by using standardized disc designs that only vary in material composition or thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves precise pressure pulse detection by changing parameters of the burst discs, specifically the burst pressure rating of each disc in the series. This parameter variation allows detection of different pressure thresholds while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized production processes for each disc type.
4Device complexity
If traditional burst discs without indicators are used, then the device structure is simpler, but the ability to detect when replacement is needed is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The passive counter mechanism uses visual indicators that change state (such as color or position) to indicate the number of burst disc failures. This provides clear failure indication information while adding minimal structural complexity through simple visual display elements integrated into the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator acts as an intermediary between the burst disc failures and the user, translating the mechanical failure event into visible information. This mediator provides failure indication without requiring complex monitoring systems, adding minimal structural complexity while preventing information loss.
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 of pressure pulses and provides a passive counter mechanism, simplifying maintenance by indicating when the last disc has ruptured, matching the number of discs to the failure rate of system components, thus ensuring timely replacement.
Implementation Method 1
Each burst disc can include a structure having a thickness selected to fail at a respective set burst pressure
Implementation Method 2
Each burst disc can include a structure having a thickness selected to fail at a respective set burst pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A burst disc system can include a plurality of burst discs 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.