Patent ID: 6651687
Filing Date: 2003-11-25
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A pressure relief system for detecting an overpressure situation in a pressurized fluid, comprising:first and second rotatable shafts; a pressure responsive member configured to mechanically fail when a predetermined force is applied to the member; first means for applying a force to the member in relation to a pressure of the pressurized fluid and for rotating the first shaft when the pressure exceeds a predetermined level sufficient to induce mechanical failure of the member; second means for establishing an overpressure path for the pressurized fluid upon rotation of the second shaft; and third means for decoupling the first and second shafts prior to and during initial stages of mechanical failure of the member and for subsequently coupling the first and second shafts during remaining stages of mechanical failure of the member so that forces associated with the second shaft are isolated from the first shaft prior to and during the initial stages of mechanical failure.