Abstract: A sensor for sensing the integrity of a pressure relief device, along with associated systems and methods, are disclosed. The sensor may sense a designed area of weakness of a pressure relief device, such as an explosion vent or rupture disk. A monitor may monitor a signal from the sensor, which may be transmitted between the sensor and monitor by way of a sensor loop. In response to a change in the designed area of weakness, the signal from the sensor may be altered or interrupted, indicating that the designed area of weakness has changed. The signal from the sensor may be, for example, an electrical signal, optical signal, or an air flow in a pneumatic loop.

Abstract: A pressure relief device is provided with enhanced fatigue resistance. The pressure relief device may include, inter alia, rupture disks assemblies and explosion panel assemblies. The explosion panel assemblies include a first explosion panel, a second explosion panel, and a non-rigid buffering layer that may be selected for its thermal insulation properties. The buffering layer is interposed between the first and second explosion panels and may be configured to oppose inward flexing of these panels. The buffering layer may force surfaces of the first and second explosion panels to extend outwardly.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing the integrity of a pressure relief device, along with associated systems and methods, are disclosed. The sensor may sense a designed area of weakness of a pressure relief device, such as an explosion vent or rupture disk. A monitor may monitor a signal from the sensor, which may be transmitted between the sensor and monitor by way of a sensor loop. In response to a change in the designed area of weakness, the signal from the sensor may be altered or interrupted, indicating that the designed area of weakness has changed. The signal from the sensor may be, for example, an electrical signal, optical signal, or an air flow in a pneumatic loop.

Abstract: A pressure relief device is provided with enhanced fatigue resistance. The pressure relief device may include, inter alia, rupture disks assemblies and explosion panel assemblies. The explosion panel assemblies include a first explosion panel, a second explosion panel, and a non-rigid buffering layer that may be selected for its thermal insulation properties. The buffering layer is interposed between the first and second explosion panels and may be configured to oppose inward flexing of these panels. The buffering layer may force surfaces of the first and second explosion panels to extend outwardly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pressure relief devices and to corresponding pressure relief assemblies that have improved vacuum resistance, improved fragmentation resistance, and/or improved burst control while maintaining low mass. The pressure relief device includes a substantially flat flange section and a domed section. The domed section may include a transitional line that defines a change in the shape of the domed section. The pressure relief device may also include a bracket for securing or aligning a domed section to a flange section. The pressure relief device may further include a stress distribution feature that is disposed transversely to a line of weakness in the domed section. The pressure relief assembly may include a fastener having a wire that is configured to break and release the pressure relief device when subject to a predetermined tensile load.

Abstract: An improved rupture disk assembly and methods and apparatuses for forming a rupture disk are disclosed. The rupture disk assembly includes a rupture disk having a flange connected to a dome-shaped rupturable portion by a transition area. The rupturable portion includes a structural apex formation at or near the apex of the dome and is configured to rupture when exposed to a fluid having a predetermined pressure. Preferably, a safety member is disposed adjacent the rupture disk. The safety member includes a hinge about which the disk bends when the disk ruptures. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus and method for consistently, accurately, and repeatably forming a structural apex formation in a rupture disk before the formation of to the rupture disk dome, during the formation of the rupture disk dome, and after the formation of the rupture disk dome.

Abstract: An improved rupture disk assembly and methods and apparatuses for forming a rupture disk are disclosed. The rupture disk assembly includes a rupture disk having a flange connected to a dome-shaped rupturable portion by a transition area. The rupturable portion includes a structural apex formation at or near the apex of the dome and is configured to rupture when exposed to a fluid having a predetermined pressure. Preferably, a safety member is disposed adjacent the rupture disk. The safety member includes a hinge about which the disk bends when the disk ruptures. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus and method for consistently, accurately, and repeatably forming a structural apex formation in a rupture disk before the formation of the rupture disk dome, during the formation of the rupture disk dome, and after the formation of the rupture disk dome.

Abstract: An improved rupture disk assembly and methods and apparatuses for forming a rupture disk are disclosed. The rupture disk assembly includes a rupture disk having a flange connected to a dome-shaped rupturable portion by a transition area. The rupturable portion includes a structural apex formation at or near the apex of the dome and is configured to rupture when exposed to a fluid having a predetermined pressure. Preferably, a safety member is disposed adjacent the rupture disk. The safety member includes a hinge about which the disk bends when the disk ruptures. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus and method for consistently, accurately, and repeatably forming a structural apex formation in a rupture disk before the formation of the rupture disk dome, during the formation of the rupture disk dome, and after the formation of the rupture disk dome.

Abstract: An improved rupture disk assembly and methods and apparatuses for forming a rupture disk are disclosed. The rupture disk assembly includes a rupture disk having a flange connected to a dome-shaped rupturable portion by a transition area. The rupturable portion includes a structural apex formation at or near the apex of the dome and is configured to rupture when exposed to a fluid having a predetermined pressure. Preferably, a safety member is disposed adjacent the rupture disk. The safety member includes a hinge about which the disk bends when the disk ruptures. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus and method for consistently, accurately, and repeatably forming a structural apex formation in a rupture disk before the formation of the rupture disk dome, during the formation of the rupture disk dome, and after the formation of the rupture disk dome.

Abstract: An improved rupture disk assembly and methods and apparatuses for forming a rupture disk are disclosed. The rupture disk assembly includes a rupture disk having a flange connected to a dome-shaped rupturable portion by a transition area. The rupturable portion includes a structural apex formation at or near the apex of the dome and is configured to rupture when exposed to a fluid having a predetermined pressure. Preferably, a safety member is disposed adjacent the rupture disk. The safety member includes a hinge about which the disk bends when the disk ruptures. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus and method for consistently, accurately, and repeatably forming a structural apex formation in a rupture disk before the formation of to the rupture disk dome, during the formation of the rupture disk dome, and after the formation of the rupture disk dome.

Abstract: An improved rupture disk assembly for a pressure relief system is disclosed. The rupture disk assembly is sealed between an inlet support member and an outlet support member, each of which define a central fluid pathway. A rupture disk that includes a flange connected to a dome-shaped rupturable portion by a transition area is sealed between the support members. The rupturable portion may include an indentation positioned at the apex of the dome and a score line having a first and a second end. A safety member that has a hinge including a knuckle and a tongue is positioned between the rupture disk and the outlet support member. The knuckle extends downwardly into the dome and extends laterally across the dome to a point that is inside the area circumscribed by the score line or inside the area circumscribed by an arc connecting the two ends of the score line.

Abstract: A self-positioning rupture disk assembly which includes a rupture disk clamped between supporting members. A gasket member is attached to a peripheral portion of the rupture disk for providing a seal between at least one side of the rupture disk and the adjacent supporting member. A first protuberance is formed on the gasket member which is received by a complimentary recess in the adjacent supporting member whereby when the rupture disk and gasket member are clamped between the supporting members with the protuberance positioned within the recess, the rupture disk is aligned between the supporting members with the inlet and outlet sides thereof positioned adjacent the inlet and outlet supporting members, respectively.

Abstract: An improved composite rupture disk assembly adapted to be supported between inlet and outlet supporting members is provided. The assembly is comprised of a resilient sealing member and a rupture member having a plurality of elongated openigs formed therein which extend outwardly from a central portion thereof. At least one rupture pressure determining score is formed in the rupture member connecting the inner ends of two or more of the elongated openings so that rupture of the composite assembly occurs when pressure is exerted on the sealing member and transmitted to the rupture member at a level equal to or exceeding the rupture pressure of the rupture member.