Unitary overpressure vent panel structure

Abstract

Unitary one-piece frameless overpressure vent panel assembly (10) includes a rigid, generally planar primary support member having a central relief opening (26), a rigid, generally planar secondary support member (44) provided with a central relief aperture (46), and a frangible vent panel (30) between the support members in full closing relationship to the relief opening and the aperture. A sealant element (48) may be provided between the vent panel and at least one of the support members in circumscribing relationship to the relief opening or aperture. At least one line of weakness (34) may be provided in the vent panel. A flexible gasket (58) secured to the secondary support member assures a fluid tight seal between the vent panel assembly and the structure defining a protected zone. Alternatively, a knife blade or the like may be provided adjacent the vent panel to effect severing thereof under a predetermined overpressure in lieu of a line of weakness in the panel.

Description

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] This invention relates to a unitary, one-piece, integrated, non-fragmenting overpressure vent panel assembly that may be installed in covering relationship to the pressure relief area of a combined zone to be protected from the buildup of uncontrolled overpressures, and to then be removed as a unit for replacement with a similar vent panel assembly after actuation thereof. The vent panel assembly is especially useful for instantaneously venting dangerously high internal pressures which result from an explosion in a manner to preclude catastrophic buildup of pressures within a confined area that is normally exposed to relatively low operating pressures. The vent panel assembly has utility for use in protecting equipment such as bag house dust collectors, cyclones, conveyors, bucket elevators, dryers, vacuum receivers, electrostatic precipitators, silos, storage bins, large pipes, and ducting.[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art[0004] Burst mem...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] A fluid tight seal should be provided between the panel and one or both of the support members in full surrounding relationship to the relief opening in the primary support member and the aperture in the secondary support member. A sealant element preferably of cross-sectional tubular configuration and containing a gaseous fluid may be provided between the panel and at least one of the support members which extends around the full perimeter of the relief opening and the aperture in respective support members. A planar spacer member in the form of an apertured plate is provided in association with the sealant element between the panel and a corresponding support member to prevent undue compression of the sealant element and thereby maintain the integrity of the seal over extended periods of time. As a result of the provision of the spacer member, a constant space is maintained between the rupture panel and the opposed secondary support member resulting in the sealant element always being compressed to the same degree regardless of the force applied in initial assembly of the vent panel assembly, or during in field work on the assembly. The sealant element always substantially returns to its original state because of its elastic memory when it is necessary to replace an actuated vent panel.

[0017] Although the rigid, integrated, one-piece overpressure vent panel assembly of this invention has primary and advantageous utility for protecting confined areas from uncontrolled explosions within the interior of the area, the one-piece assembly may also be used for relatively low pressure applications in which it is desirable or necessary to vent an area whenever a predetermined overpressure condition less than that occurring where an explosion hazard exists. In addition, in those applications where the required protective burst pressure is so low that full opening of the vent panel assembly may not be readily obtainable, especially if the vent panel of the vent assembly is not provided with burst pattern defining lines of weakness, one or more sharp knives or the like may be associated with the panel for effecting rupture thereof upon excursion of a relatively thin panel when a predetermined overpressure is applied to the vent.

[0018] The provision of a rigid, planar, spacer of predetermined thickness in surrounding relationship to the sealant element is torque independent thus preventing too high or too low torque pressures being applied to the vent panel during fabrication thereof as a result of overtightening or not applying sufficient tightening force to the mounting bolts of the vent panel assembly. In addition, a sleeve may be provided around each of the bolts securing the unitary vent panel assembly to the supporting structure of the confined area to prevent application of excessive force to a gasket between the secondary support member of the unitary vent panel assembly and the support frame on the bag house, vessel or other area structure to be protected.

Problems solved by technology

The mandated adoption of dust collectors has correspondingly increased the risk of explosion inherent in the provision of such dust collecting equipment.

The need for explosion protection with improved dust collection equipment is exacerbated by the fact that the dust collectors tend to be less rigidly constructed and not as able to withstand internal explosions than was once the case.

In addition, in those applications where the required protective burst pressure is so low that full opening of the vent panel assembly may not be readily obtainable, especially if the vent panel of the vent assembly is not provided with burst pattern defining lines of weakness, one or more sharp knives or the like may be associated with the panel for effecting rupture thereof upon excursion of a relatively thin panel when a predetermined overpressure is applied to the vent.

In addition, the vent panel cannot be touched, damaged or deformed during handling or installation.

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