Pressurized Gas Tank Venting for Remote Heat Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal pressure relief devices for pressurized gas tanks are ineffective at detecting heat sources at a distance, leading to a risk of explosion due to pressure buildup, and increasing the number of devices increases the risk of gas leaks and is uneconomical.
Innovation Solution
A safety device with a deformable first safety member and a second safety member made of material with low mechanical resistance to fire, which activates when exposed to a predetermined temperature, allowing the safety piston to move to the safety position and release gas when a heat source is detected, without requiring direct thermal energy transfer to the first safety member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of thermal pressure relief devices is increased to cover a larger surface area, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is divided into two functional segments: a second safety member (sensor) that detects heat at a distance and a first safety member (actuator) that directly actuates the ventilation channel. This segmentation allows the detection function to be separated from the actuation function, enabling long-distance heat detection without requiring multiple complete safety device assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
A fuse acts as an intermediary element that transmits thermal energy from a distant heat source to the second safety member. The fuse conducts heat over a distance, allowing the sensor to detect heat sources that are not in direct contact with the tank, thereby improving detection capability without adding multiple safety devices.
2Reliability
If the number of thermal pressure relief devices is increased to cover a larger surface area, then the detection capability is improved, but the risk of gas leaks increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the detection function (second safety member) from the actuation function (first safety member), the invention reduces the number of complete safety device assemblies needed. Fewer devices mean fewer sealing interfaces between the devices and the tank, thereby reducing the risk of gas leaks while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuse serves as a mediator that extends the detection range without requiring additional safety devices to be mounted on the tank. This eliminates the need for multiple sealed interfaces, reducing gas leak risks while still enabling detection of distant heat sources.
3Length of stationary object
If a fuse is used to transmit thermal energy to the safety member, then the detection range is extended, but the reliability of safety member activation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a fuse (thermal transmission element), a second safety member (sensor), and a first safety member (actuator). This segmentation allows the fuse to reliably transmit thermal energy over a distance to activate the sensor, which then triggers the actuator. The separation ensures that the fuse's sole function is thermal transmission, improving reliability of activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second safety member acts as an intermediary between the fuse and the first safety member. It senses the thermal energy transmitted by the fuse and converts it into mechanical action to activate the ventilation channel, ensuring reliable activation even when the heat source is at a distance.
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 pressure buildup and explosion by detecting heat sources at a distance, is economical, and reduces the risk of gas leaks, ensuring the safety of the tank.
Implementation Method 1
When a heat source, such as a flame, is in the vicinity of the second safety member, the temperature of the second safety member increases to a point where it no longer fulfills its function of holding the deformation means in the resting position
Implementation Method 2
the second safety member is made of a material with low mechanical resistance to fire
Data Source
AI summary
A safety device includes a ventilation channel to establish fluid communication between an Internal volume defined by a tank and the outside of the tank; a first safety member which is deformable and that keeps a safety piston in the closure position against an elastic force returning the safety piston to the safety position, structure for deforming the first safety member, and a second safety member intended, in a resting position, to hold the deformation structure in the resting position against an elastic force returning the deformation structure back to the deformation position when the second safety member experiences a temperature lower than a predetermined temperature and, in a working position, to release the elastic force for returning the deformation structure in the deformation position when the second safety member experiences a temperature higher than the predetermined temperature.