US 10,527,183 B1 · Pressure relief valve

Abstract

Pressure relief valves may be tapped into flow lines. The pressure relief valves are normally shut and are adapted to open at a threshold pressure in the flow line. The valves comprise a body which is adapted to allow the valve to be tapped into the flow line. A passage is defined in the body. The passage provides a valve inlet and a valve outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the flow line. A sacrificial closure is disposed in the passage and blocks flow through the passage. The closure is exposed to fluid pressure in the flow line. The valve also comprises means for compromising the sacrificial closure in response to detection of the threshold pressure in the flow line. The integrity of the closure will be compromised such that fluid from the flow line may flow through the passage and out the valve outlet.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A pressure relief valve adapted for installation in a system conveying frac fluid into a well under high pressure and flow rates, said pressure relief valve being normally shut and adapted to open at a threshold fluid pressure in said frac system, said pressure relief valve comprising, when said valve is installed in said frac system:

(a) a body connected to said frac system;
(b) a passage defined in said body providing a valve inlet and a valve outlet, wherein said inlet is in fluid communication with frac fluid flowing through said frac system;
(c) a sacrificial closure blocking flow of frac fluids through said passage, said closure being exposed to fluid pressure in said frac system;
and
(d) means for compromising said sacrificial closure in response to detection of said threshold pressure in said frac system whereby frac fluid transported through said frac system flows through said passage and out said valve outlet.

2 more elements

(a) a body connected to said frac system;
(b) a passage defined in said body providing a valve inlet and a valve outlet, wherein said inlet is in fluid communication with frac fluid flowing through said frac system;
(c) a first sacrificial closure blocking flow of frac fluids through said passage, said closure being exposed to fluid pressure in said frac system and blocking flow through said passage at fluid pressures below a first rated pressure;
(d) a second sacrificial closure blocking flow through said passage, said closure being downstream from said first closure and blocking flow through said passage at fluid pressures below a second rated pressure;
(e) said first and second closures defining a chamber having a port allowing outflow of fluid into said chamber, said chamber having a relievable internal fluid pressure;
(f) wherein
i) said first rated pressure is less than said threshold pressure;
ii) said second rated pressure is less than said threshold pressure;
iii) said chamber pressure is
(1) less than said first and second rated pressures;
and
(2) greater than the difference between said threshold pressure and said first rated pressure;
(g) whereby the pressure differential across said first sacrificial closure at said threshold pressure is less than said first rated pressure;
(h) wherein said chamber pressure is relievable in response to detection of said threshold pressure in said frac system, thereby causing said pressure differential to increase above said first rated pressure;
(i) whereby fluid pressure from said frac system opens in sequence said first and second closures.

12 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Pressure relief valve

Life of this patent

Pressure relief valve

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22