An improved scored reverse buckling rupture disk assembly is provided. The assembly includes a reverse buckling rupture disk having one or more scores on a surface thereof forming lines of weakness which define a blow-out portion connected by a hinge area in the rupture disk. An annular rupture disk support member is positioned adjacent the concave side of the rupture disk, and a supporting member for preventing the blow-out portion from fragmenting or tearing away from the rupture disk at the hinge thereof is disposed within the concave recess in the rupture disk.
This is a continuation of copending application Ser. No. 07/603,254, filed on Oct. 25, 1990 which is a continuation of Ser. No. 07/462,470 filed on Jan. 9, 1990, both abandoned.
Nonfragmenting rupture disk assemblies and methods are provided. The assemblies basically comprise an inlet rupture disk supporting member for communicating fluid pressure to said rupture disk, an outlet rupture disk supporting member including a pressure relieving fluid flow passageway therethrough, a rupture disk sealingly clamped between the inlet and outlet supporting members which forms a hinged blow-out portion that is folded into the outlet supporting member upon pressure relieving rupture and fluid flow through the ruptured disk, and catching means disposed in the outlet supporting member for catching the leading edge of the blow-out portion as it is folded into the outlet supporting member thereby preventing fragmentation of the blow-out portion.
A rupture disk provides an improved scoring configuration that allows low pressure burst disks of very small diameter such as, for example, 0.25 inches in diameter, wherein the score of the rupture disk is generally circular in shape which terminates at end portions that define a hinge therebetween.
An improved pressure relieving rupture disk assembly is provided which includes a rupture disk having at least one perforation therein. The perforation at least partially defines a blow-out part in the rupture disk which opens and relieves pressure therethrough when the perforation is sealed and a pressure differential of predetermined magnitude is exerted on the rupture disk. A sealing member is positioned over the perforation in the rupture disk for sealing the perforation when a pressure differential is exerted on the rupture disk.
An improved reverse rupture disc for use as a safety pressure relief device is provided. The disc is defined by an annular flat flange region, a concave-convex disc dome region and a transition region that joins the disc-shaped flat flange region to the concave-convex disc dome region. One or more deformations may be formed at or near the apex of the disc dome region for weakening the disc to the point that incidental damage to the disc will not weaken the disc any further, thereby ensuring that the disc will reverse at a certain pressure, and no lower. The disc may also formed with one or more irregular transition regions at the base of the disc and a partial circular groove in the transition region. The irregular transition region of the disc cooperates with a shear enhancing means such as a protrusion or notch formed in a support ring or disc holder disposed downstream of the disc to sever the disc dome from the annular flat flange region along the groove in the transition region. A back pressure support means extends over the transition region and potentially over the dome region to prevent vacuum and forward to reverse cyclical pressures in the convex direction from damaging or destroying the disc. An ungrooved region of the transition region acts as a hinge holding the ruptured disc dome to the flat flange region after the disc has ruptured. The ruptured disc dome hangs over an arcuate projection formed in the support ring or disc holder, which helps to prevent the disc from fragmenting.
The preferred embodiment of the invention is a fluid pressure alleviating pneumatic or hydraulic system component. The invention is comprised of a diaphragm, carrier and a release mechanism. The diaphragm is attached to the carrier. The release mechanism bears against the diaphragm and positions it such that fluid pressure on the surface of the diaphragm produces only or primarily shear force at the connection between the carrier and the diaphragm. The connection and parts have sufficient strength so that the fluid pressure can not shear the diaphragm from the carrier. When the fluid pressure becomes excessive the release mechanism, under force, retreats and allows the pressure of the fluid medium to translate the diaphragm into a position relative to the carrier that will invoke peel force between the carrier and the diaphragm. The characteristic of the joining method is such that it is much weaker in a peel mode than in a shear mode so that the fluid pressure is able to peel the diaphragm from the carrier and allow fluid medium to escape past the diaphragm.
