초록 ▼

A control system for an overpressure relief arrangement includes a valve providing selective communication between a pressure passage connected to a pressure vessel and a pair of relief passages, each relief passage having an overpressure relief device therein; sensors for monitoring the pressure in

A control system for an overpressure relief arrangement includes a valve providing selective communication between a pressure passage connected to a pressure vessel and a pair of relief passages, each relief passage having an overpressure relief device therein; sensors for monitoring the pressure in the pressure passage, the status of the relief devices, and the position of the valve; an actuator to move the valve; and a computer to make decisions concerning the placement of the valve based upon the data derived from the sensors. The valve normally provides communication between the pressure passage and first relief passage preferably having a rupture disc therein. Upon rupture of the disc, the system pressure is monitored until it is safe to switch to the second relief passage without overpressuring the relief device therein. If the pressure should increase to the overpressure level within a selected period, the valve is switched back to the first relief passage to exhaust the pressure to a safe level; and the valve is switched back to the second relief passage when sufficient pressurized fluid has been exhausted.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of relieving an overpressure condition within a pressurized system having a pressure passage to vent pressurized fluid therefrom comprising the steps of: (a) providing at least two relief passages for flowing a pressurized fluid to a safe discharge location; (b) interconnecting said relief

A method of relieving an overpressure condition within a pressurized system having a pressure passage to vent pressurized fluid therefrom comprising the steps of: (a) providing at least two relief passages for flowing a pressurized fluid to a safe discharge location; (b) interconnecting said relief passages with said pressure passage by means of a valve normally in a first position to provide full flow communication between said pressure passage and a first of said relief passages, said valve including motor means to move said valve between said first position and a second position providing full flow communication between said pressure passage and a second relief passage; (c) providing each relief passage with an overpressure relief device having a respective overpressure rating, said relief device in the first relief passage being a rupture disc; (d) sensing the integrity of said rupture disc; (e) sensing the pressure within said pressure passage; and (f) upon sensing the rupture of said rupture disc and upon the pressure in said pressure passage decreasing to a selected first fraction of the overpressure rating of the relief device in said second relief passage, controlling said motor means to place said valve in said second position.