Relief Vent Sealing Member Elastic Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage tank vents fail to adequately seal when closed, leading to emissions and posing environmental and regulatory concerns due to insufficient sealing mechanisms, particularly with materials like cast iron that are difficult to machine and form into desired shapes.
Innovation Solution
A relief vent design featuring a vent body with a movable portion and a sealing member that includes an elastically deformed sealing plate, which engages with a groove and O-ring configuration to ensure a tight seal, using materials like aluminum for the vent body and cast iron for the cover, with a gravity-biased mechanism to control pressure release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional vent design with cast iron cover is used, then the vent can be manufactured with durable materials, but the sealing performance is insufficient allowing emissions to escape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sealing member (gasket or O-ring) that elastically deforms to conform to the sealing surface. This flexible element compensates for surface irregularities and machining difficulties of cast iron, creating an effective seal that prevents emissions while maintaining the durability of the cast iron construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the sealing member by applying compressive force to deform it into a sealing configuration. The sealing member transitions from an undeformed state to an elastically deformed state that presses against the sealing surface, adapting to the actual geometry of the mating surfaces.
2Strength
If cast iron is used for the vent cover, then the vent provides durability and structural integrity, but the material is difficult to machine and form into desired sealing shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the sealing function from the structural function by using a dedicated sealing member distinct from the cast iron cover. This allows the cover to be manufactured from durable cast iron for structural integrity, while the sealing function is handled by a separate component that can be more easily formed and adjusted.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member acts as an intermediary between the cast iron cover and the tank opening. It mediates the sealing interface, allowing the difficult-to-machine cast iron to maintain its structural advantages while the sealing requirement is satisfied by a more compliant material that can be shaped to achieve proper sealing.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the vent remains in a closed position to prevent emissions, then environmental compliance is improved, but excess pressure cannot be released creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic sealing mechanism where the sealing member's engagement and disengagement is controlled by pressure differential. At normal operating pressures, the sealing member maintains engagement to prevent emissions. When excessive pressure is detected, the force balance changes, causing the sealing member to disengage and allow pressure relief, thus dynamically adapting to maintain both safety and environmental compliance.
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 design effectively reduces emissions by ensuring a fluid-tight seal when closed, while allowing pressure relief through a controlled opening mechanism, addressing the challenges of sealing with cast iron and enhancing environmental compliance.
Implementation Method 1
At least part of the sealing member is elastically deformed to press at least a portion the sealing member against the base
Implementation Method 2
with a gravity-biased mechanism to control pressure release
Data Source
AI summary
A relief vent including a vent body having an opening configured to be in communication with the internal volume of a tank. The relief vent further includes a movable portion that is movable relative to the vent body. The movable portion or the vent body includes a base and a sealing member coupled thereto. At least part of the sealing member is elastically deformed to press at least a portion the sealing member against the base. The portion of the sealing member pressed against the base is positioned to sealingly engage the other one of the movable portion or the vent body.