Pressure relief device
US5791367A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 25, 1996 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 25, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/1812
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pressure relief device that is normally closed and that moves into an open condition under certain design parameters which require fluid to flow from a relatively high-pressure chamber within a vessel to a relatively low-pressure atmosphere surrounding the pressure relief device. A plug housing has a throughbore which forms communication between the chamber within the vessel and the outside atmosphere. A plug is positioned within the throughbore. A fusible alloy at least partially fills a void or a passageway which is preferably formed between the plug and the plug housing. In an upset condition, such as an external fire, the temperature of the fusible alloy rises and thereby softens or melts the fusible alloy. As the fusible alloy softens, the bonding and shear strengths of the fusible alloy are reduced. The relatively high-pressure fluid acting upon the plug preferably forces or blows at least a portion of the plug out of the throughbore. As the plug blows out of the throughbore it opens a relatively large unrestricted opening through which fluid within the vessel can be vented at a relatively high flowrate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.