A pressure relief device is provided. The pressure relief device includes a sealing member and a low-pressure support member that is adapted to provide support to the sealing member when the sealing member is subject to a certain pressure differential. The low pressure support member includes an annular flange and at least one supporting projection. A cutting element is adapted to puncture the sealing member when the sealing member is subject to a predetermined pressure differential. The pressure relief device may further include a high pressure support member and safety heads forming a pre-torqued assembly. The supporting projection may optionally include an area of weakness either wholly within or on the periphery thereof.
REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/450,360, filed Feb. 28, 2003, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
A pressure relief device is provided. The pressure relief device includes a sealing member and a low-pressure support member that is adapted to provide support to the sealing member when the sealing member is subject to a certain pressure differential. The low pressure support member includes an annular flange and at least one supporting projection. A cutting element is adapted to puncture the sealing member when the sealing member is subject to a predetermined pressure differential. The pressure relief device may further include a high pressure support member and safety heads forming a pre-torqued assembly. The supporting projection may optionally include an area of weakness either wholly within or on the periphery thereof.