Vacuum Bellows Valve for Passive Gas Overpressure Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas-filled vessels in high-temperature environments face challenges due to the unavailability of supplemental cooling, power, and control inputs, and existing pressure relief valves are unsuitable as they rely on temperature-sensitive materials and require precise fitment, making them ineffective for blocking gas flow at a selected pressure setpoint.
Innovation Solution
A passive overpressure protective device comprising a valve, a valve stem, and vacuum-filled bellows that harness pressure changes to passively operate the valve, blocking increases in process pressure above a preconfigured setpoint without the need for supplemental cooling or electricity, using a metal valve body and bellows that expand or contract to control the valve's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pressure relief valves are used, then pressure relief function is provided, but they require temperature-sensitive materials and precise fitment which make them ineffective for blocking gas flow at a selected pressure setpoint in high-temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical pressure relief valve mechanisms with a passive mechanical system using vacuum-filled bellows and atmospheric pressure differential. The bellows expand/contract based on pressure differential without requiring temperature-sensitive materials or precise fitment, solving the reliability issue in high-temperature environments while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses vacuum-filled bellows creating an inert environment immune to high-temperature degradation. The vacuum interior of the bellows eliminates reliance on temperature-sensitive materials, allowing reliable operation in high-temperature environments where conventional valves fail.
2Measurement precision
If supplemental cooling, power, and control inputs are provided, then pressure control precision is improved, but system complexity and resource requirements increase in high-temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the vacuum-filled bellows automatically respond to pressure changes without external control inputs. The bellows harness the pressure differential between the process side and vacuum interior to mechanically actuate the valve, eliminating the need for supplemental power, cooling, or control systems while maintaining precise pressure setpoint control.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum-filled bellows serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as the pressure sensing element, the actuating mechanism, and the control element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cooling, power, and control systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise pressure control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If vacuum-filled bellows are used to harness pressure changes for passive valve operation, then supplemental cooling and electricity are eliminated, but the device requires maintenance of vacuum integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vacuum-filled bellows with flexible metallic shells that maintain vacuum integrity while allowing mechanical actuation. The bellows structure provides both the vacuum containment and the mechanical movement needed for valve operation, eliminating the need for rigid vacuum chambers and complex linkages.
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
Effectively protects pressure-sensitive components from damaging pressures by maintaining a constant output pressure below the setpoint, suitable for high-temperature environments up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, without requiring supplemental cooling or electricity, and ensures reliable operation across a wide temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
expansion and/or contraction of the bellows as a result of pressure changes are harnessed to passively operate the valve
Implementation Method 2
one or more vacuum-filled bellows coupled to the valve stem
Data Source
AI summary
An overpressure protective device for passively blocking flow of gas at a selected pressure setpoint includes a valve, a valve stem, and vacuum-filled bellows coupled to the valve stem. The vacuum-filled bellows are configured such that expansion and/or contraction of the bellows as a result of pressure changes present at the valve are harnessed to passively move the valve stem to operate the valve and block pressures higher than a preconfigured pressure setpoint. If the process pressure drops below the pressure setpoint, the overpressure protective device operates the valve to again permit flow of pressurized gas through the valve.