Pressure-Compensated Rupture Disk for Subsea Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure vessels, particularly those used for hydrogen generation with hydrides, face challenges in managing pressure due to exothermic reactions leading to thermal runaway and potential blockages, which can result in catastrophic failure. There is a need for a rupture disk assembly that provides protection from corrosive environments, fouling, and depth compensation to prevent premature bursting.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-compensated rupture disk assembly that includes a piston device with a dynamic seal and compressible enclosure, which compensates for depth by equalizing pressure on both sides of the rupture disk, preventing premature bursting and protecting the disk from corrosive environments and fouling. The assembly features a safety cover to capture the piston device upon rupture and uses O-rings for sealing, ensuring the rupture disk operates predictably even under high pressure and depth conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rupture disk is used for pressure relief without pressure compensation, then the vessel is protected from overpressure, but the disk may rupture prematurely due to ambient pressure at depth or fail to rupture when needed due to backpressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate pressure management components: a relief valve for controlled pressure relief and a rupture disk for catastrophic failure protection. The rupture disk is further segmented from the ambient environment by introducing a compensating fluid between the disk and the external pressure, creating an isolated pressure zone that eliminates ambient pressure effects on disk operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A compensating fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance between the rupture disk and the ambient high-pressure environment. This fluid acts as a pressure buffer that transmits only the differential pressure caused by overpressure events to the rupture disk, while blocking the direct transmission of ambient pressure. The fluid serves as a mediator that decouples the rupture disk from harmful external pressure variations.
2Device complexity
If the rupture disk is exposed to the corrosive environment, then the assembly structure is simple, but the disk becomes unpredictable due to corrosion and fouling
Solution Approach 1:
The rupture disk is extracted from direct exposure to the corrosive ambient environment by introducing a compensating fluid barrier. The disk is now isolated within a controlled fluid zone, separated from corrosive agents, fouling materials, and biological contaminants present in the external environment. This extraction maintains operational reliability while the protective fluid barrier handles environmental exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
A chemically inert compensating fluid is introduced to create a non-corrosive environment around the rupture disk. This inert fluid atmosphere protects the disk from corrosion, chemical degradation, and fouling that would otherwise occur in the harsh ambient environment. The inert environment ensures the disk maintains its mechanical properties and predictability over time without direct environmental exposure.
3Reliability
If a rupture disk is used for high flow rate relief, then catastrophic failure is prevented, but thermal runaway can exceed pressure limits quickly due to line backpressure
Solution Approach 1:
A relief valve with heating element is implemented as a preliminary protective measure that activates before the rupture disk is needed. The heating element pre-heats and vaporizes liquid hydride, increasing gas generation rate and pressure buildup to ensure the relief valve opens at the correct pressure. This preliminary action prevents pressure from exceeding limits by ensuring timely relief valve operation, reducing the likelihood of rupture disk activation during thermal runaway events.
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 solution effectively prevents premature bursting of the rupture disk by compensating for depth and protecting it from corrosive environments, ensuring the pressure vessel operates safely by allowing the rupture disk to function as intended, even under extreme conditions, thereby preventing damage from overpressure.
Implementation Method 1
compensates for depth by equalizing pressure on both sides of the rupture disk
Implementation Method 2
a compressible enclosure having a gas or liquid disposed therein
Implementation Method 3
a dynamic piston seal configured to seal the compressible enclosure and allow motion of the piston device
Implementation Method 4
uses O-rings for sealing
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure-compensated rupture disk assembly and method for subsea protection of a pressure vessel. The assembly and method incorporate a piston device, a dynamic piston seal configured to move the piston device when a predetermined pressure is reached; and a rupture disk adjacent the piston device, the rupture disk having a first pressure on a piston side and a second pressure on a second side, the rupture disk being configured to open when a predetermined pressure is exceeded.