Spring-Assisted Rupture Disc for Low-Pressure Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rupture disc designs lack the sensitivity to open consistently at low pressure levels, and they do not effectively utilize acceleration forces present in mechanical components to enhance pressure relief.
Innovation Solution
A mass and spring-assisted rupture disc that incorporates a mass attached to the membrane of the rupture disc, a spring attached thereto, or a combination of both elements to enhance the pressure sensitivity of the rupture disc. This design utilizes centrifugal and/or linear forces to aid in the opening of the rupture disc across a broader range of pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional rupture disc is used, then it can provide pressure relief, but it cannot open consistently at low pressure levels
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a movable mass attached to the rupture disc membrane that can shift position in response to pressure changes and acceleration forces. This dynamic element creates an asymmetric force distribution that lowers the effective rupture threshold, enabling consistent opening at low pressure levels while maintaining reliability across multiple cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the rupture disc system by adding a mass element that modifies the force balance equation. The mass creates an additional force component (F=ma) that supplements the pressure force, effectively changing the pressure threshold parameter at which rupture occurs, enabling low-pressure operation.
2Measurement precision
If acceleration forces are utilized to enhance pressure sensitivity, then the rupture disc can open at lower pressures, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mass element attached to the rupture disc membrane serves multiple functions simultaneously: it amplifies acceleration forces to enhance pressure sensitivity, maintains a sealed configuration during normal operation through its own weight, and assists in the rupture process. This self-service approach enhances functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the mass element with the rupture disc membrane into a single integrated assembly. The mass is directly attached to the membrane, combining two functional elements (pressure sensing and acceleration response) into one unified structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving enhanced pressure sensitivity.
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
The mass and spring-assisted rupture disc achieves consistent opening at low pressure levels by leveraging acceleration forces, making it more responsive and adjustable, and allowing it to fit within small packaging volumes while maintaining effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The mass and spring-assisted rupture disc utilizes the acceleration inside the rotating container or the linear acceleration the disc may be exposed to plus the centrifugal fluid force plus any gas pre-pressure to burst the disc.
Implementation Method 2
The mass and spring-assisted rupture disc utilizes the acceleration inside the rotating container or the linear acceleration the disc may be exposed to plus the centrifugal fluid force plus any gas pre-pressure to burst the disc.
Implementation Method 3
The distal end of the mass may be linked to a pre-loaded spring, offering a membrane that is more responsive and adjustable to rupture over a broader range of pressures.
Data Source
AI summary
A mass and/or spring assisted rupture disc including a holder assembly, a rupture disc assembly having a membrane that is operatively connected with a mass and/or a spring to assist its rupture. The mass and/or spring assisted rupture disc is designed with a mass distribution that uses acceleration forces, which are present in many engineering applications, to aid in the opening. This allows a rupture disc that is more compact and more sensitive than a conventional rupture disc in applications with significant acceleration levels. The added force of both the mass and the spring makes the membrane more sensitive and tunable to rupture across a wider range of pressures.