MXPA00006850A - Multiple dome single-panel explosion vent - Google Patents

Abstract

An explosion vent (10) for covering an opening (12) in an enclosure (14) subject to the built-up of pressure is disclosed. The explosion vent includes a peripheral flange (16) configured for attachment to the enclosure around the opening, a pressure relief panel (18) positioned within and hingedly connected to the flange, and a plurality of connectors or rupture tab assemblies (19) connecting the unhinged portion of the pressure relief panel to the flange. The connectors break when the enclosure is subjected to pressure build-up for permitting the panel to shift outwardly from the enclosure for uncovering the opening in the enclosure. Rivets (72) are provided for attaching the rupture tab assemblies (19) to the pressure relief panel (18) which function to provide additional panel support and minimize localized bending of the rupture tabs (21) forming a part of assemblies (19) when the explosion vent is subjected to vacuum conditions, but do not interfere with rupture of the tabs and opening of the panel at a relatively low burst pressure. The pressure relief panel has a plurality of domed sections (46-52) presenting at least one valley defining bridge (54-58) therebetween. The domed sections and bridges cooperate to stiffen the panel so that it more uniformly distributes force on the connectors, causing all of the connectors to break at approximately the same time so that the panel more consistently opens at a selected burst pressure level.

Description

EXPLOSION FLOOD OF INDIVIDUAL PANEL OF MULTIPLE DOMOS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to explosion flaps to cover the relief openings in the enclosures subjected to rapid accumulations of pressure such as may occur during explosions or the like in the filter bag chambers. , the channeling leading to the filter bag chambers, or the equipment upstream of the pipeline. More particularly, the invention relates to an exploding vent that breaks or opens more consistently when the enclosure to which it is attached is subjected to a buildup of pressure of a predetermined amount without prematurely exploding at lower levels of pressure or collapsing when the enclosure is subjected to atmospheric conditions. The explosion vent is uniquely designed and configured to withstand continuous pressure cycles for a prolonged period of time, where individual cycles of REF .: 121429 pressure are each insufficient to deploy the des fogue.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Explosion flaps are commonly used to cover confinement relief openings such as filter bag chambers, tanks, etc., to prevent dangerous pressure build-ups within the enclosures. For example, filter bag chambers are constantly at risk of explosions due to the high concentration of dust inside the filter bag chambers. In this way, filter bag chambers are typically formed with a plurality of pressure relief openings, and burst ports are placed on these openings. Explosion flaps seal the openings when the filter bag chambers operate at normal pressures and then break or open when the filter bag chambers are subjected to a pressure buildup of a predetermined excess magnitude to discover the openings and vent the inside of the filter bag cameras. To prevent premature or delayed deployment, blasting devices must be designed to consistently break at a particular pressure level. Also, often filter bag chambers are subjected to vacuum conditions, particularly during the interval that their filters are being cleaned. The atmospheric pressure externally of the filter bag chamber causes an inward force in the explosion outlets which tends to collapse the outlets. Additionally, filter bag chambers are frequently cycled between pressure and vacuum conditions, causing the explosion flaps to flex back and forth. For example, it is common practice to direct pulses of air against the surface of a bag filter that collects dust therein, to dislodge the particles from the filter surface so that the particles thus fall to a collection area below. of the filter bags. This cleaning of the surface of the filter bags results in pressure differences that are created within the filter bag chamber which results in a pressure cycle of the protective vent. During this pressure cycle, the vent panel undergoes an inward and outward movement. In this way, the explosion outlets must also be configured to withstand or withstand vacuum pressures and cycles between pressure and vacuum conditions without collapsing inward in the enclosure. Typically, prior art blasting flaps included a panel that was grooved or formed with lines of weakness to define a rupture portion that breaks or opens when subjected to pressure buildup on one side thereof. A plurality of rupture tabs or tongues are attached to the groove or lines of weakness to hold the panel in its closed position until it is subjected to a pressure buildup of predetermined magnitude. Unfortunately, these types of pressure reliefs of the prior art frequently open to pressure levels below or above their burst pressure levels, delayed, because the panels do not distribute forces uniformly across all the tabs of rupture, causing any of the rupture tabs to break prematurely. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that when one or more of the break tabs is broken prematurely, the remaining break tabs are broken too early according to a so-called "domino effect". To prevent this premature opening, additional outlets with additional rupture tabs have often been provided. However, this frequently causes panels to open "late", or at pressure levels greater than their rated explosion pressures. It is not uncommon to use out-of-camera cycles of filter bags that occur as frequently as every six seconds in order to allow cleaning air to be directed against the bag filter. In this case, the vent panel will be exposed to five hundred thousand cycles per year. The procedures for cleaning the filter elements of the filter bag chambers are written in detail in the article entitled "Optimize Pulse Jet Dust Collector Performance", published in Chemical Engineering Progress, August 1997, pp. 58-61, and in the article entitled "Five ays to Upgrade your Pulse-Jet Bag House with the Latest Technology", which appears in Powder and Bulk Engineering, October 1997, pp. 61-67. The rapid on-off cycle of filter cleaning processes in the filter bag chamber causes the bursting flaps and their bursting tabs to flex and bend back and forth, and can result in premature wear. and rupture of the rupture tabs. This means that the explosion vent for a filter bag chamber subjected to pressure cycles of the order of magnitude described, must be replaced on a sufficiently frequent basis to avoid premature failure of the lines of weakness that define a rupture portion of the panel, depending on the number of pressure cycles to which the vent panel is exposed for a defined period. Another limitation of the blasting flaps of the prior art relates to the limited capacity to withstand high vacuum pressures. Frequently, closures such as filter bag chambers are subjected to vacuum pressures that are far from the excess of burst or rupture pressures at which burst ports are designed to break. These high vacuum pressures cause the rupture tabs to break or cause the entire vent panel to collapse inward. Therefore, when prior art blasting devices are used in these applications, either they should be reinforced, because they increase their cost and weight or they should be used in conjunction with a separate, vacuum protection panel. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has issued recommendations regarding weight limitations, which suggest in practice that, if ferrous materials are used to make blasting devices, these materials should not exceed approximately 0.1524 cm. (0.060 inches) thick. This has imposed a significant limitation in the manufacture of blast-off devices characterized by significant differential pressure parameters. The higher the pressure vacuum resistance value, the thicker the vent material that must meet the severe differential pressure requirements.

OBJECTS AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved explosion vent that more effectively prevents the buildup of excessive pressure within a confinement. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an explosion vent that breaks or opens more consistently at a selected pressure level without prematurely breaking at lower pressure levels. It is another object of the present invention to provide an explosion vent that distributes forces in its rupture tabs so that the rupture tabs break in a relatively more uniform time, when the vent is subjected to a vacuum or explosion pressure. ion. It is another object of the present invention to provide an explosion vent that can withstand vacuum pressures in excess of its vacuum pressures passed without collapsing. A further object of the invention is to provide an explosion vent that is less subject to variations in the pressure at which it ruptures as a result of the temperature pressures of the environment in which the vent is operating. A still further important object of the invention is to provide an explosion vent that is capable of withstanding a significantly greater number of pressure cycles without adversely affecting the characteristics of explosion or rupture of the vent, which has been the case until now. The present invention achieves these objects and other objects that become apparent from the description of the preferred embodiments of the invention herein by providing an improved explosion vent to cover an opening in a confinement such as a baghouse. filter. The preferred blast vent widely includes a peripheral flange configured for joining around the opening of the enclosure, a pressure relief panel positioned inside and connected with a hinge to the flange, and a plurality of rupture connectors or tabs for joining together. the non-hinged portion of the panel to the flange. The pressure relief panel substantially covers and seals the opening when the enclosure is subjected to normal operating pressures. The connectors break or separate, thereby allowing the inner section of the panel to vent defined by a groove around a portion of the perimeter thereof opening when the enclosure is subjected to a pressure buildup of a predetermined amount to discover the opening in the confinement. In accordance with the present invention, the pressure relief panel is formed with a plurality of dome sections defining at least one bridge therebetween. Dome sections and the bridge stiffen or harden the panel, so that it distributes more evenly the force on the connectors when the enclosure is subjected to pressure buildup. This causes all connectors to be released in a relatively more uniform time, so that the panel opens more consistently at a burst pressure or rupture level, selected. This also reduces the tendency of the panel to open prematurely. The dome sections also allow the joined connectors to extend in the approximate direction of load or opening of the panel. This configuration reduces the flexing or bending of the rupture tabs, or the release of the connectors linking the central section of the panel to the peripheral flange portion thereof when the enclosure is subjected to a cycle between the pressure and vacuum conditions. and in this way further reduces the tendency of the panel to open prematurely.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: Figure 1 is a plan view of an explosion vent constructed in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention shown attached to an opening in a confinement and illustrated with separate parts to show more clearly the union of the explosion vent to the enclosure; Figure 2 is a fragmentary sectional view of the exploding vent taken substantially along line 2-2 of Figure 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows; Figure 3 is an elevation, end terminal view of the exploded vent shown removed from the enclosure; Figure 4 is a fragmentary, enlarged plan view of the exploding vent illustrating one of the breaking tabs in broken lines; Figure 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 5-5 of Figure 4, and looking in the direction of the arrows; Figure 6 is a fragmentary, enlarged rear view of the explosion vent with the rupture tab or the support tab for the same removed and illustrating the openings in the vent panel to receive fasteners securing a respective rupture tongue and the support tab to the vent panel; Figure 7 is a fragmentary, enlarged plan view of the explosion vent illustrating one of the rupture tabs with the support tab for the same removed; Figure 8 is a fragmentary, enlarged plan view of an exploding vent illustrating one of the rupture tabs with the support tab therein and held in place by rivet fasteners; Figure 9 is a fragmentary, enlarged view of the rear surface of a corner of the explosion vent, illustrating the slot and bottom side of the rivets securing the break tab and support tab assembly to the vent; Figure 10 is a fragmentary sectional view, enlarged through one of the valleys between the multiple domes in the central part of the explosion vent panel; Figure 11 is a plan view of an explosion vent constructed in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention shown attached to an opening in a confinement and illustrated with separate portions to more clearly show the junction of the explosion vent to the confinement; Figure 12 is a fragmentary, enlarged plan view of a portion of the explosion vent panel, illustrating the line of weakness between the adjacent segments of the slot extending around the vent panel, with the rivets having connectors between the central panel and the flange portion thereof removed for clarity; Figure 13 is an enlarged plan view of the exploded vent of Figure 12 with the rivet connectors shown and attached to the panel and encircling the flange portion of the vent; Figure 14 is a fragmentary, enlarged plan view of the vent panel portion illustrated in Figure 3 and showing additional details of the rivet connectors between the inner panel portion and the flange portion of the explosion vent; Figure 15 is a fragmentary, enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines 15-15 of Figure 14; Figure 16 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the invention which is circular in configuration, complete using break tabs and support tabs to connect the central panel of the explosion vent to the flange portion thereof which are similar to the rupture tabs and to the support tabs of the first embodiment as shown in Figures 1-11 inclusive; and Figure 17 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 17-17 of Figure 16 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES MODE OF THE FIGURES 1-10 Figures 1-10 illustrate an exploding vent 10 constructed in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention. The explosion vent 10 is configured for connection to an opening 12 of a filter bag chamber, tank, grain silo, or other enclosure 14 which is subjected to excessively rapid accumulation of pressures resulting from an explosion. As best illustrated in Figure 1, the explosion vent 10 broadly includes a peripheral flange 16 or edge configured for joining in general in a circumscribing relationship to the opening 12 of the enclosure 14, a pressure relief panel 18 placed within and hinged to the flange, and a plurality of connectors 19 for connecting the non-hinged portions of the panel 18 to the flange 16. The panel can be moved from a normally closed position shown in Figure 1, where it substantially seals the opening during the time that the enclosure experiences normal operating pressure conditions, but then moves and opens when the enclosure is subjected to an accumulation of excess pressure that accompanies a case such as an explosion. The connectors normally retain the panel in its closed position and break or detach when the enclosure is subjected to a pressure buildup of a predetermined amount to allow the panel to open. In more detail, the exploding vent 10 is preferably rectangular in shape to cover a rectangular opening but may be circular, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, or in any other equivalent manner. The peripheral flange 16 is in the form of a rectangular frame and includes opposite upper and lower sections, and opposite left and right sections. Each section includes a plurality of spaced holes 32 and flanges 32 through it to receive appropriate fasteners such as bolts and associated nuts to releasably secure the explosion vent 10 over the opening 12 of the enclosure 14 as described in more detail. detail later. The pressure relief panel 18 has opposite and opposite front and rear surfaces 34 and 36 (Figure 2), upper and lower, opposite margins, 38, 40 (Figure 1), and opposite left and right side margins 42, 44. upper margin of the panel connects with hinges to the upper portion of the peripheral flange 16 by. a hinge 22. The panel can be moved around the hinge between its open and closed positions as described above. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the explosion vent can be oriented over the opening 12 in any of several different directions so that the hinge can be positioned adjacent the sides or bottom of the opening. In preferred forms, the peripheral flange 16 and the pressure relief panel 18 are formed integrally from a single sheet of stainless steel, Inconel or other suitable material. Three sides of the panel are cut to form a continuous slot 20 or line of weakness defining the hinge section 22, integral, around which the panel opens or breaks. The peripheral flange and the pressure relief panel can also be formed separately and connect with a hinge through a hinge or other connector. In a preferred form of the invention, two or more uncut areas are left to remain in the panel during the formation of the slot 20. These uncut areas are served during the final manufacture of the vent 10 after the connectors 19 are also they have adequately secured the panel 18. The type and thickness of the material used to manufacture the explosion vent 10 affects the rupture rate of the vent and is therefore a matter of design choice. The preferred material is chosen from the 300 Series stainless steel group, with stainless steel types 300, 304 or 316 that are preferred, or an appropriate alloy of Inconel. As noted above, the thickness of the material should not exceed about 0.060 inches (0.1524 cm) and is actually chosen to meet the requirements of a particular job. In the case of a vent panel that is 30.48 x 45.72 cm (12 X 18 inches), a material thickness of approximately 0.061 cm (0.024 inches) has been found to be satisfactory. For panels that are 60.96 X 91.44 cm (24 X 36) or 45.72 X 88.9 cm (18 X 35 inches) the preferred material thickness is (0.036 inches) 0.0914 cm and for a panel that is 91.44 X 111.76 cm (36 X 44 inches) the preferred thickness of material is approximately 0.124 cm (0.050 inches). For example, a pressure relief panel having total divisions of 24 X 36 inches and of a thickness as described, and which is constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of Figures 1-10 of the invention as described later in this one, has a resistance evaluation of - 0.21 kg / cm2 (-3 pounds / in2) and an evaluation of rupture or explosion pressure of 0.078 kg / cm2 (1,110 pounds / in2), in addition, the panel was found to withstand an excess of 1,000,000 pressure cycles without vent failure. According to the present invention, the pressure relief panel is formed with a plurality of elongated, outwardly extending sections 46, 48, 50, 52 that are defined by a plurality of connecting bridges 54, 56 , 58 among these. As illustrated in Figure 2, the height "x" of the dome sections of a panel that is 18 X 24 inches and measured from the peripheral flange is approximately 3,302 cm (1.3 inches). In larger relief panels, each dome will not normally exceed about 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) high. In the preferred forms, the explosion vent includes four dome sections and three interconnecting bridges; however, any number of sections can be provided in. dome. The domes are nominally approximately 11.45 cm (4 1/2 in.) To approximately 15.24 cm (6 in) in width (valley to valley dimension) despite the total size of the explosion vent. Dome sections 46-52 and bridges 54-58 harden and add rigidity to the panel so that the panel opens ormly and evenly. The stiffness and rigidity of the panel causes it to exert a orm force on the connectors 19 when the enclosure is subjected to a buildup of pressure. This prevents some of the connectors from breaking prematurely as a result of a "domino effect" and ensures that the panel is opened in a consistent manner to a selected evaluation of rupture or burst pressure and pressure as described in more detail below. In the preferred forms, the domed sections 46-52 and the bridges 54-58 extend generally transversely from the hinge 22. The bridges are the most rigid portion of the panel; therefore, this operation strengthens and hardens the panel further and prevents the panel from fl exing or bending while it is being opened. The slot 20 is preferably formed slightly within the perimeter of the dome sections 46-52 so that it is slightly separated above the flange as illustrated in Figure 2. In this way, the slot is separated to a short distance. distance from the enclosure wall and is placed in the angled portion of the pressure relief panel 18. In manufacturing the relief portion of the panel 18, it is preferred that the domed sections 46-52 be formed first, and the slots 20 are subsequently cut into the material using suitable tool for that purpose. For example, dome sections 46-52 can be formed by providing an appropriate number of parallel metal plates through a rectangular opening that receives the panel to be formed, after which pressurized fluid is exerted against the surface of the panel. panel opposite the forming plates to cause the protuberances or dome sections to be formed in the metal. It has been found that a forming pressure of 21.09-28.12 kg X cm2 (300-400 pounds / in2) is suitable for dome formation of the panel. The connectors 19, which are preferably in the form of a height tab assembly as illustrated, are joined over the slot 20 between the pressure relief panel 18 and the flange 16. Preferred connectors include a part of a shape in general irregularly of a thin gauge material as best shown in Figures 4 and 7 of the drawings. It can be seen from these Figures that each of the connectors 19 is made of a rupture tongue 21 having a section 23 of essentially triangular, main body, connected in integral to a smaller rupture section 25, in General circular connected by section 27 of the connector filament. The thin filament sections 27 are designed to break when the explosion vent is subjected to a pressure buildup of a predetermined amount to allow the pressure relief panel to open or break as described below. The type of material and the thickness of the material used to form the rupture tabs 21 affects the bursting velocity of the explosion vent 10 and is therefore generally a design choice material. The preferred rupture tabs 21 are formed from Inconel, although 300 Series stainless steel can be used, that is, 300, 304 or 316. Inconel is preferred because the alloy has a higher breaking pressure stability over a longer temperature range. The thickness of the rupture tabs 21 can vary from about 0.0254 cm to about 0.0762 cm (0.010 to about 0.030 inches), with 0.0254 cm (0.010 inches) which is the preferred thickness. In addition, the thickness of each of the filament sections 27 varies depending on the overall dimensions of the vent panel. The width of the filament 27 is usually within the range of about 0.1016 cm (0.040 inches) to about 0.254 cm (0.1 inches). In the case of the illustrative vent panel which is 45.72 X 60.69 cm (18 X 24 inches) as described above, a rupture tongue 21 having a thickness of 0.254 cm (0.010 inch) is preferably provided with a width dimension of filament 27 of approximately 0.1016 cm (0.040 inches). The cross-sectional dimension of each filament 27 is chosen to obtain the desired breaking characteristics of the panel. A trapezoidal support tab 29 (Figure 8) is provided in an overlap relationship to each of the generally triangular body sections 23 of each of the rupture tabs 21. Again, the support tabs 29 are manufactured preferably of Inconel, or stainless steel of the 300 Series as suggested above, with the thickness thereof varying from about 0.04572 cm (0.018 inches) to about 0.1219 cm (0.048 inches) depending on the full dimensions of the panel. As best illustrated in Figures 4 and 7, each rupture tab 19 is preferably connected to the relief panel 18 over the slot 20 by a plurality of rivets 72. The rivets are inserted through three rivet holes 74 formed by the section 23 of the triangular body of a respective rupture tongue 21 and the corresponding aligned rivet holes 76 formed in the panel. Two of the panel rivet holes 76 are preferably formed on the slot 20 and two additional rivet holes are formed on opposite sides of the slot as best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6. A fourth rivet hole 74 is formed in FIG. the secondary circular portion 25 of each rupture tongue 21 in spaced relation to the adjacent segment of the groove 20, so that however a small portion of the body section 23 is on the same side of the groove as the circular portion 25 , the circular portion 25 is generally on an opposite side of the slot 20 of the body section 23. The holes 76 each receive a corresponding rivet 72. It will be seen from Figures 4 and 7 that the triangular section 23 of each rupture tongue 21 is placed in separation relation to the slot 20, while the portion 25 of circular tabs is located in relation proximate the flange portion 23 of the panel. As illustrated in Figure 5, each rivet 72 includes a shaft 78 and a head 80 of relatively large diameter. The rivets are inserted through the holes 74 of the rupture tongue and the holes of the panel 76 from the outer surface of the panel. This arrangement of the rivets is not critical and the location of the head portion thereof can be reversed, if desired, so that the rivet heads are co-located along the interior surface of the panel. The rivets provide a vacuum support for the panel without affecting the evaluation of the rupture pressure of the panel as described in more detail below. When joined to the panel, the tear tabs 19 nd outwardly from the wall of the enclosure 14 at an angle greater than 45 ° measured from the flange 16 as best illustrated in Figure 2. This will orient the rupture tabs close to the same direction of the break or load of the panel. Although an angularity of 45 ° is preferred, satisfactory results can be obtained according to the present invention at other equivalent angles.

Advantageously, the tear tabs 19 and the rivets 72 can be attached to the panel 18 immediately before the explosion vent is installed in a confinement to customize the vent 10. This allows a large number of outlets to be manufactured and then Store until ready for use. Once the vent for installation is ready, a particular number of rupture tabs and rivets having a desired vacuum resistance and rupture pressure evaluation can be attached over the slot 20 of the panel to provide the desired evaluation of the pressure of rupture or expression for a specific application of the vent. This allows the explosion vent 10 to be manufactured economically in large quantities and then customized for particular applications when installed. In addition, an elastomeric seal 73 is preferably provided on the underside 36 of the panel 18 in a sealing relationship to the slot 20, and also the overlap relationship to the underside of the rivets 72 securing a respective connector 19 to the panel. . Advantageously, the elastomeric seal 73 is formed by extending a silicone composition over the lower surface of the panel through the slot 20 along the entire length of the longitudinal extension thereof. A preferred sealing agent is a silicone based on iron oxide mixed with sufficient naphtha to allow the extension thereof on the surface of the panel. The thickness of the spray coating can be varied but not inally it is approximately 0.051 cm (0.020 inches). Alternatively, a seal coating may also be applied to the upper surface of the vent panel through the slot 20 in alignment with the sealing agent on the bottom surface of the panel. As a further alternative embodiment, the elastomeric coating agent can be a preformed member that is adhesively secured to the bottom surface of the panel and / or to the top surface thereof through the slot 20 as described, with the preferred sealing agent which is again a strip of silicon containing iron oxide as an additive.

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION The installation of the explosion vent 10 on the opening 12 in a confinement 14 is best illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The enclosure wall adjacent the periphery of the opening first desirably must be equipped with a plurality of shelves 82. threaded and extending out. A frame 84 of the metal assembly having a plurality of spaced holes 86 therethrough is placed on the shelves and secured to the enclosure wall by a plurality of threaded nuts 88 screwed to the shelves. The frame also includes a plurality of threaded shelves 90, extending outward, spaced apart, within the noses 86. The exploding vent 10 is then secured to the mounting frame 84 by placing the flange holes 32 on the shelves. 90 of the mounting frame. A clamp 92 in the form of a rectangular frame having a plurality of holes 94 aligned with the flange holes 32 is then placed on the shelves 90 of the mounting frame so as to cover the flange 16. The clamp and the flange are then clamped in place. securely to the frame by a plurality of nuts 96 bolted to the mounting frame shelves 90. A gasket 98 can be placed between the confinement wall and the mounting frame 84 and a gasket 100 can be placed between the mounting frame and the flange 16 as illustrated in Figure 2 to seal the exploding vent 10 over the opening. . When the explosion vent 10 is installed, the pressure relief panel 18 substantially covers and seals the opening 12 in the enclosure 14. While the enclosure is subjected to normal operating pressures, the pressure relief panel remains in this position. closed position. When the enclosure 14 is subjected to an accumulation of pressure, the pressure exerts a force outwardly on the back or inner surface 36 of the pressure relief panel 18. The panel in turn transfers this force to the rupture tabs 21. Once the pressure builds up to a predetermined amount, the thin filaments 27 of the rupture tabs are broken so that the secondary, circular sections 25 of the tabs are separated from their corresponding, triangular, main body 23.

This allows the pressure relief panel to move out away from the enclosure to discover the opening to vent pressure out of the enclosure, thus preventing or minimizing any damage to the enclosure. After the filaments 27 of the rupture tabs are broken, the panel opens at a controlled rate. It is to be noted from Figures 1, 7 and 8 that in order for the hinged panel 18 of the vent 10 to move outwardly relative to the flange portion 16 thereof, the rivets 72 encompassing the slot 20 they must be rid of the opposite edges of the slot 20 defining the panel, and the filament portions 27 of each rupture tongue 21 must be broken. It is this combination of releasing the rivets 72 and the 'rupture of the respective filaments 27 which controls the rupture pressure of the vent 10, while at the same time providing resistance required for rupture under vacuum conditions that the vent is subjected during use. By virtue of the fact that the triangular portions 23 of each of the rupture tabs 21 are located in a bridge relation to the slot 20 and the location of the rivets 72 securing each of the triangular portions 23 of the rupture tabs 21, the complete assembly resistant to adverse rupture and opening of the panel 18 during pressure cycle variations that are of lower values than the pressure required to effect the opening of the panel 18 to vent the interior of a filter bag chamber or Similary. It can be seen from Figure 4, for example, that the filament portion 27 of each rupture tongue 21 is separated from a respective segment of the slot 20, and thus during the intermittent pressure cycles occur during the Pulsed cleaning of the bag filters does not exert an adverse bending or tension forces on the filament portions 27 of the rupture tab assemblies 21. As a result, the life of the vent 10 is not decreased as a consequence of a succession of forces that are applied to the filament portions 27 of the rupture tab assemblies 21 that will unduly shorten the life of the explosion vent 10. the provision of the pressure tabs 29 in overlapping relation to the triangular portions 23 as well as the filament portions 27 of each of the rupture tab assemblies 21 (see Figure 8) reinforces the filament portions 27 and minimizes bending and tensile forces that would otherwise be applied to the filaments 27 during the intermittent cycle of the pressure conditions to which the explosion vent 10 is subjected during the cleaning of the bag filters. Advantageously, the dome sections 46-52 and bridges 54-58 harden the panel to a degree that the forces are distributed more evenly to all the break tabs 19 when the enclosure 14 is subjected to rapid pressure buildup. This causes all the rupture tab assemblies 21 to break at essentially the same time so that the pressure relief panel 18 is opened more consistently at a selected rupture pressure level. This also prevents the rupture tongue from breaking according to a "domino effect" described above. Additionally, since the rupture tab assemblies 21 extend in the approximately loading or opening direction of the panel 18, and because the vacuum support rivets 32 cause the panel 18 and the tongue assemblies 21 to move essentially As a unit, the rupture tabs are not subjected to localized bending and bending as explained above when the enclosure is subjected to a cycle between pressure and vacuum conditions. This prevents the rupture tabs from breaking prematurely from metallic fatigue and further reduces the tendency of the panel to open prematurely. When panel 18 opens in the forward direction, the panel can be easily removed from the stem portions of the rivets 72, and thus the only resistance to the opening of the panel 18 is the series of filament portions 27 of the corresponding break tab assemblies 21. However, under vacuum conditions, the orientation of the rupture tab assemblies 21 with respect to the dome sections 46-52 of the panel 18 provide vacuum support for the panel 18 without affecting the rupture speed of the explosion vent 10. Furthermore, when the panel 18 is forced against the rivets, the rivet heads couple the inside edge of the panel 18 defined by the slot 20. In this way significant resistance is offered by the rivets, thereby increasing the panel's capacity of vacuum when resisting a significant void. The heads of the rivets allow the vent to be used with vessels that are subjected to a vacuum pressure such as filter bag chambers without reinforcing the panel or without using the separate vacuum resistance panel. It has been determined that a pressure relief 10 constructed in accordance with the embodiment of the invention described in detail above can be manufactured to operate and open at a large range of differential pressures relative to atmospheric pressure. As a single example, explosion flares can be constructed in accordance with the concepts herein to operate and open at a pressure differential from about 0.035 kg / cm2 (0.5 psi) to about 0.35 kg / cm2 (5 psi) ) in the case of a vent having total dimensions of approximately 111.76 cm by 175.26 cm (44 x 69 inches), from approximately 0.105 kg / cm2 (1.5 pounds / in2) to approximately 0.35 kg / cm2 (45 1 ibras / in2) of differential pressure in the case of a typical vent having dimensions of approximately 45.72 cm pos 88.9 cm (18 x 35 in.), and a differential pressure of approximately 0.105 kg / cm up to approximately 0. 35 kg / cm2 (1.5 to 5 pounds / in2) with respect to smaller outlets that measure approximately 22. 86 centimeters (9 inches) by approximately 30.48 centimeters (12 inches).

MODALITIES OF FES 11-15 Fes 11-15 illustrate an exploding vent 10a constructed in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention. The exploding vent 10a is almost identical to the exploding vent 10 of the first embodiment of the invention; therefore, the components of the explosion vent 10a that are similar to the vent components 10 are identified by the same numbers followed by an "a". As best illustrated in Fe 8, the vent 10a broadly includes a peripheral flange 16a or edge confed for joining around the opening 12a of a confinement 14a and a pressure relief panel 18a placed inside and connected with hinges to the tab. The pressure relief panel includes a plurality of dome sections 46a, 52a and interconnecting bridges 54a-58a identical to those described above. The peripheral flange 16a and the pressure relief panel 18a are preferably formed integrally from a single sheet of stainless steel or other suitable metal that is cut or slit to define a hinge 22a along the upper margin of the panel around from which the panel opens or breaks. However, different from the vent 10 of the first embodiment of the invention, the explosion vent 10a is cut to form a plurality of integral connectors or filaments 558 that replace the rupture tongues 19 in the first embodiment of the invention. Specifically, a needle 110 is cut through the upper left corner of the panel, a pair of adjacent holes 112, 114 intersect through the midpoint of the left-side panel margin, a pair of adjacent holes 116, 118 they are cut through the lower left corner of the panel, pairs d adjacent holes 120, 122; 124, 126; and 128, 130 are cut through the bottom margin of the panel directly below the bridges 54a-58a, a pair of adjacent holes (not shown) intersect through the lower left corner of the panel, a pair of adjacent holes 136 , 138 are cut through the midpoint of the margin on the right side of the panel, and a hole 140 is cut through the upper right corner of the panel. The additional holes 160 shown between the holes 110-140 are rivet holes described below. A slot 142 is cut between the holes 110 and 112, a slot 144 is cut between the holes 114 and 116, a slot 146 is cut between the holes 118 and 120, a slot 148 is cut between the holes 122 and 124, a slot 150 is cut between the holes 126 and 128, a slot (not shown) is cut between the holes 130 and 132, a slot 154 is cut between the holes 134 and 136, and a slot 156 is cut between the holes 138 and 140. the slots 142-156 partially part the non-hinged portion of the pressure relief panel 18a of the peripheral flange 16a. However, the regions between the pairs of adjacent holes 112, 114; 116, 118; 120, 122; 124, 126; and 128, 130 are not cut. The uncut portions define a plurality of thin filaments 158 spaced along the hinged non-hinged periphery of the panel 18a which serves as integral connectors. These filaments 158 serve for the same function as the rupture tabs 19 described above. Specifically, when the enclosure is subjected to an accumulation of pressure, the pressure exerts a force on the inner surface of the pressure relief panel 18a. The panel in turn transfers this force to the filaments. Once the pressure builds up to a predetermined amount, the thin filaments break. This allows the pressure relief panel to move out away from the enclosure to discover the opening to vent the pressure buildup of the enclosure, preventing or minimizing in this way the damage to the confinement. A plurality of separate rivet holes 160 are also cut through the panel 18a along the length of the slots 142-156. The rivets 162 are inserted through the holes from the inner surface of the panel so that the heads of the rivets 164 are placed on the inner surface of the pressure relief panel as best illustrated in Figures 14 and 15. The rivets 162 provide support or vacuum pressure resistance for the panel. Specifically, when the enclosure is subjected to vacuum pressure, the pressure relief panel 18a is subjected to an inward force that attempts to collapse the panel. The rivets 162 support the panel and prevent the panel from collapsing inward toward the enclosure. However, the stem or front portions of the rivets do not provide resistance to rupture or forward explosion of the panel. In this way, the heads of the rivets allow the vent to be used with vessels that are subjected to vacuum pressure, such as the filter bag chambers without the panel being reinforced or without using an empty resistance panel, separated. The explosion vent 10a is installed in the same manner as the explosion vent 10 described above.

FIGURE MODE 16-17 Explosion vent 200 as illustrated in Figures 16 and 17 differs from the previously described embodiment as shown in Figures 1-10 mainly in the overall configuration thereof. As can be seen from these essentially schematic representations, the vent 200 includes a circular panel 202 having an annular peripheral flange portion 204 that integrally joins the central circular segment 206 thereof. The central segment 206 the panel 202 is provided with a series of parallel, elongated, dome sections 208, 210, 212 and 214 which are joined by respective, elongated rectilinear bridges 216, 218 and 222, respectively. The domed sections 208-214 and the associated valleys defining the bridges 216-220 are essentially the same configuration as the dome sections 46-52, and the bridges 54-68 described above. The dome sections 208-214 of the associated bridges 216-220 are preferably oriented such that the bridges 216-220 are generally in a relationship perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the hinge portion 224. In the embodiment illustrated in the Figure 17, the peripheral portion of the panel 202 is provided with an arcuate slot 222 having terminal segments 222a and 222b terminating a separate relationship with each other. The adjacent ends 222a and 222b are spaced a sufficient distance from each other to define a hinge portion 224 for the central segment 206 of the panel 202. A series of holes 228 is provided in the flange portion 204 of the vent 200 to facilitate attachment from venting to a circular opening for the same provided in the wall of the installation to be protected. When an explosion occurs one or the other high pressure event within the protected enclosure interior, the filaments 226 break substantially at the same time allowing the central portion of the panel 202 to move outwards such that the central portion oscillates around the portion of the enclosure. hinge 206. Rupture tongue assemblies 219, identical to the snap-off tongue assembly 21 as depicted in Figures 1-10 herein, and described in detail with respect to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, are provided around the perimeter of the slot 222 as shown in Figure 16. The rupture tab assemblies 219 are mounted on the circular panel of the explosion vent 200 in the same manner as described with respect to the rupture disc assemblies 21. and the mounts 219 operate in exactly the same manner as described in detail with reference to the mounts 19. It is to be understood that the mounts 19 The rupture nipple and the rupture tongue assemblies 219 respectively can be mounted on the lower surface of the panel 18 or 200, as the case may be, in relation to the bridge of a respective slot 20 or 220, and similar results obtained while the Parts are manufactured in dimensions to give results equivalent to those previously described in detail beforehand. Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment, illustrated in the appended figures, it is noted that equivalents and substitutions made herein may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention as cited in the claims. Having thus described the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is claimed as new and it is desired to protect by letters, the patent includes the following.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the present invention, is the conventional method for manufacturing the objects to which it refers. Having described the invention as above, the content of the following is claimed as property:

Claims (29)

1. CLAIMS 1. An explosion vent to cover an opening in a confinement, the explosion vent is characterized in that it comprises: a peripheral flange configured for the connection to the enclosure around the opening; a pressure relief panel positioned inside and hinged to the flange to substantially cover and seal the opening when the enclosure is subjected to normal operating pressures and to move outward from the enclosure to at least partially discover the opening when the enclosure it undergoes pressure buildup of a predetermined amount; and a plurality of connectors for connecting the panel to the flange and configured to break when the enclosure is subjected to the predetermined amount of pressure buildup to allow the panel to move outwardly from the enclosure to discover the opening in the enclosure; the pressure relief panel having a plurality of dome sections defining at least one bridge therebetween to harden the panel to more evenly distribute the force in the connectors when the closure is subjected to the predetermined amount of pressure buildup .
2. 2. The explosion vent according to claim 1, characterized in that the peripheral flange and the pressure relief panel are integrally formed of a single sheet of metal and partially separated by at least one slot defining a hinge between the panel and the hinge to connect the panel to the tab by hinge.
3. 3. The explosion vent according to claim 2, characterized in that the bridge extends generally perpendicular to the hinge.
4. The explosion vent according to claim 2, characterized in that the connectors consist of non-slotted portions of the metal sheet defining filaments connecting the peripheral flange to the pressure relief panel.
5. The explosion vent according to claim 2, characterized in that the connectors consist of rupture tongues configured for joining the panel to the slot.
6. 6. The explosion vent according to claim 5, the pressure relief panel having an interior surface in communication with the interior of the enclosure and an exterior surface in communication with the exterior, characterized in that the rupture tabs are configured for the union on the groove along the outer surface of the panel.
7. The explosion vent according to claim 2, characterized in that it also includes a plurality of vacuum pressure supports' placed on the slot to prevent the panel from moving into the enclosure when the enclosure is subjected to a pressure of empty .
8. The explosion vent according to claim 5, characterized in that the vacuum pressure supports comprise a plurality of rivets inserted through the panel and placed on the slot to prevent the panel from moving into the confinement when the closure it is subjected to vacuum pressure and to reduce localized bending of the rupture tongue.
9. 9. The explosion vent according to claim 8, characterized in that the rivets connect the rupture tabs to the panel and the flange.
10. The explosion vent according to claim 2, characterized in that each of the connectors includes a rupture tab having a main body portion, a secondary body portion separated therefrom, and a portion of filament that connects the main body portion to the secondary body portion, the main body portion that is secured to the panel in bridging relationship to the groove, and the secondary body portion that is secured to the panel in separate relation to the groove, the portion of filament that is configured in the interval to initiate the rupture of the vent, causing the portion of the pressure panel thereof to move out of the enclosure to discover the opening and closure.
11. 11. The explosion vent according to claim 10, characterized in that a support tab is provided in overlapping relationship to the main body portion and the filament portion of each rupture tab to reinforce the filament portion against the localized bend. and the tension forces during the pressure cycle of the explosion vent.
12. 12. The explosion vent according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure relief panel is of generally circular configuration, with the bridge extending generally perpendicular to a hinge between the pressure relief panel and the flange peripheral.
13. 13. The exploding vent to cover an opening in a confinement to vent the accumulation of pressure inside the enclosure, the explosion vent is characterized in that it comprises: a sheet of metal that has at least one slot in it that defines: a flange peripheral configured for attachment to the enclosure around the opening, a pressure relief panel within the flange to substantially cover and seal the opening when the enclosure is subjected to normal operating pressures and to move away from the opening, to expose the opening when the enclosure is subjected to a pressure build-up of a predetermined amount; and a plurality of connectors for connecting the anel to the flange and configured to break when the enclosure is subjected to the predetermined amount of pressure build-up; the pressure relief panel having a plurality of dome sections defining at least one bridge therebetween for hardening the panel to more evenly break the connectors when the enclosure is subjected to the predetermined amount of pressure build-up; and a plurality of vacuum pressure supports, placed on the slot to prevent the panel from moving into the enclosure when the enclosure is subjected to a vacuum pressure.
14. 14. The explosion vent according to claim 13, characterized in that the bridge extends generally perpendicular to the hinge.
15. The explosion vent according to claim 13, characterized in that the connectors consist of non-slotted portions of the individual metal sheet defining filaments connecting the peripheral flange to the pressure relief panel.
16. 16. The explosion vent according to claim 13, characterized in that the connectors consist of rupture tongues configured for joining the panel to the slot.
17. The explosion vent according to claim 13, characterized in that the vacuum pressure supports comprise a plurality of rivets inserted through the panel and placed over the slot to prevent the panel from moving inwardly in the confinement when the confinement undergoes a vacuum pressure.
18. The explosion vent according to claim 17, characterized in that the pressure relief panel has an outer surface in communication with the interior of the enclosure, wherein the rivets each include a rivet head, wherein the rivets are Insert through the panel so that the heads of the rivets are placed on the inner surface of the panel.
19. The explosion vent according to claim 17, characterized in that the pressure relief panel has an interior surface in communication with the interior of the enclosure, wherein the rivets each include a rivet head, wherein the rivets are They insert through the panel so that the heads of the rivets are placed on the outer surface of the panel.
20. 20. The explosion vent according to claim 19, characterized in that the rivets connect the connectors to the panel and the flange.
21. 21. The explosion vent according to claim 13, characterized in that the pressure relief panel has dome sections separated by three bridges.
22. 22. The explosion vent according to claim 13, characterized in that the pressure relief panel is of generally circular configuration, with the bridge extending generally perpendicular to the hinge.
23. 23. A rupture tab assembly for use with an explosion vent having a pressure relief panel surrounded by a peripheral flange with a groove that partially separates the relief panel from the peripheral flange, the rupture tab assembly characterized in that it comprises a rupture tab including: a body section for connection to at least one of the relief panel and the peripheral flange; a separation section for connection to one of either the relief panel and the peripheral flange and which is generally on an opposite side of the groove of the body section; and a narrow connector filament joining the body section to the separation section and which is designed to break when the explosion vent is subjected to a pressure buildup of predetermined magnitude.
24. 24. The rupture tab assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that: the body section comprises a generally triangular body for connection to the relief panel, the separation section comprises a circular separation section for connection to the peripheral flange, the body section, the separation section and the connector filament are integrally formed, and the connector filament comprises a width in the range of approximately 4 x 10 ~ 2 inches to approximately 1 x 10"1 inches
25. 25. The rupture tab assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that in addition a trapezoidal support tab for connection to the body section and on this to
26. 26. The rupture tab assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that the body section comprises a plurality of fastener holes for receiving fasteners for the connection of the body section to the explosion vent, and at least one hole which is placed over the slot of the explosion vent
27. 27. The rupture tab assembly in accordance with the reivi 26, characterized in that fastener holes are placed on the slot in the explosion vent and another fastener hole is separated from the slot.
28. 28. The rupture tab assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that the body section is connected to the relief panel and the slot, and the separation section is connected to the peripheral flange.
29. 29. The rupture tab assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that the body section, the separation section and the connector filament are oriented in a direction close to it as a direction of rupture of the relief panel. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An explosion vent (10) is described for covering an opening (12) in a confinement (14) subjected to pressure build-up. The pressure relief includes a peripheral flange (16) configured for attachment to the enclosure around the opening, a pressure relief panel (18) positioned within and connected with a hinge to the flange, and a plurality of connectors or mounts ( 19) of rupture tab connecting the non-hinged portion with hinge of the pressure relief panel to the flange. The connectors break when the closure is subjected to pressure buildup to allow the panel to move out from the closure to discover the opening in the enclosure. The rivets (72) are provided to attach the rupture tab assemblies (19) to the pressure relief panel (18) that functions to provide additional panel support and minimize localized bending of the rupture tabs (21) which form a part of the assemblies (19) when the explosion vent is subjected to vacuum conditions, but does not interfere with the breaking of the tabs and opening of the panel at a relatively low rupture pressure. The pressure relief panel has a plurality of dome sections (46-52) that have at least one valley defining a bridge (54-58) therebetween. Dome sections and bridges cooperate to harden the panel so that the force of the connectors is more evenly distributed, causing all connectors to break at approximately the same time so that the panel is opened more consistently to a level of rupture pressure, selected.