BACKGROUND

[0001] Pressure vessels are commonly used for containing a variety of fluids under pressure, such as storing hydrogen, oxygen, natural gas, nitrogen, propane and other fuels, for example. Suitable container materials include laminated layers of wound fiberglass filaments or other synthetic filaments bonded together by a thermosetting or thermoplastic resin. A polymeric or other non-metal resilient liner or bladder often is disposed within the composite shell to seal the vessel and prevent internal fluids from contacting the composite material. The composite construction of the vessels provides numerous advantages such as lightness in weight and resistance to corrosion, fatigue and catastrophic failure. These attributes are due to the high specific strengths of the reinforcing fibers or filaments that are typically oriented in the direction of the principal forces in the construction of the pressure vessels.

[0002] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an elongated pressure vessel 10, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,476,189, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Vessel 10 has a main body section 12 with end sections 14. A boss 16, typically constructed of aluminum, is provided at one or both ends of the vessel 10 to provide a port for communicating with the interior of the vessel 10. The vessel 10 is formed from an inner polymer liner 20 covered by an outer composite shell 18. In this case, "composite" means a fiber reinforced resin matrix material, such as a filament wound or laminated structure. The composite shell 18 resolves all structural loads and liner 20 provides a gas barrier.

[0003] When a pressure vessel is exposed to intense heat, as in the case of a fire, the heat increases the pressure of the gas in the vessel. In a typical steel vessel, one or more rupture discs are provided in a valve body at the end port of the vessel. These discs react to the pressure increase to release gas before the tank ruptures.

[0004] In the case of a composite vessel, however, the composite does not heat like steel and thus the pressure does not rise in the tank in the same manner (so that a pressure release valve actuated by an increase in pressure is not appropriate). However, upon continued exposure to heat, the pressure in the composite vessel increasex, ultimately causing a rupture, thereby resulting in an uncontrolled release of gas and/or an explosion. [0005] In the prior art, a plurality of temperature sensors are positioned at discrete locations along a tank. Such sensors are operably coupled to one or more pressure relief valves for the tank. Such coupling may be accomplished electrically, chemically, mechanically, or by a pressurized line. In an example, a plurality of discrete sensors are fastened into a pressurized tubing that runs along the outside of the tank. However, some authorities regulating the transportation of certain goods (e.g., high pressure gas) discourage the use of lines or manifolds that are pressurized during transportation. Moreover, the use of sensors positioned at discrete locations on a tank leaves portions of the tank that are free from sensor coverage.

SUMMARY

[0006] This disclosure describes an apparatus comprising a valve and an elongated shape memory alloy element. The valve comprises a lever in a first position, whereby the valve is closed. The elongated shape memory alloy element has a first end connected to the lever. The shape memory alloy element has been strained to have a first length, wherein exposure of at least a portion of the shape memory alloy element to a temperature at or exceeding its austenite transformation temperature causes the shape memory alloy element to shorten to a second length, the second length being less than the first length, thereby causing the first end of the shape memory alloy element to pull the lever to a second position, whereby the valve is opened. [0007] This summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the disclosed or claimed subject matter and is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed or claimed subject matter. Specifically, features disclosed herein with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to another. Further, this summary is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The disclosed subject matter will be further explained with reference to the attached figures, wherein like structure or system elements are referred to by like reference numerals throughout the several views.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a typical elongated pressure vessel. [0010] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view through one end of such a pressure vessel, taken along line 2 — 2 of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of an elongated pressure vessel incorporating an exemplary shape memory alloy trigger for a pressure relief valve of the present disclosure. [0012] FIG. 4A is a schematic view of a portion of an end section of the pressure vessel of FIG. 3, with the pressure relief valve in a closed position.

[0013] FIG. 4B is a schematic view of a portion of an end section of the pressure vessel of FIG. 3, with the pressure relief valve in a first open position.

[0014] FIG. 4C is a schematic view of a portion of an end section of the pressure vessel of FIG. 3, with the pressure relief valve in a second open position.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an elongated pressure vessel incorporating an exemplary shape memory alloy trigger connected to a pressure relief valve at each end of the vessel.

[0016] While the above-identified figures set forth one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the disclosure. In all cases, this disclosure presents the disclosed subject matter by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of this disclosure.

[0017] The figures may not be drawn to scale. In particular, some features may be enlarged relative to other features for clarity. Moreover, where terms such as above, below, over, under, top, bottom, side, right, left, vertical, horizontal, etc., are used, it is to be understood that they are used only for ease of understanding the description. It is contemplated that structures may be oriented otherwise. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] This disclosure provides a sensor and valve assembly for controlled depressurization of a pressure vessel, such as a composite cylindrical gas storage vessel, in particular when the vessel is exposed to a fire. The present disclosure provides a temperature activated sensor and valve assembly 21 for releasing gas from within the vessel, rather than relieving excess gas using a valve based upon pressure. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a piece of tubing 22 is mounted on the outside of the pressure vessel 10' to run along the length of vessel 10'. In an exemplary embodiment, tubing 22 is made of stainless steel and has an outside diameter of 0.25 inch. In an exemplary embodiment, tubing 22 has perforations 40 (shown in FIG. 4C) to allow freer heat flow into tubing 22. Pressure relief or release valve (PRV) 24 is mounted on boss 16' near first end 26 of tubing 22 (see FIG. 4A).

[0019] An elongated shape memory alloy (SMA) element, such as wire 28, is 'set' by straining (stretching of wire 28) approximately 10%. This straining is achieved at a temperature below the SMA' s austenite start temperature. The strained wire 28 is threaded inside tubing 22, which is fixed relative to a lever 32 of PRV 24. A first end 30 of the wire 28 is attached to lever 32 of PRV 24. A second end 34 of wire 28 is fixed relative to tubing 22, such as by being attached to a second end 36 of tubing 22 (such as by a mechanical fastener or by swaging the second end 36 of the tubing 22 over the second end 34 of wire 28). In an exemplary embodiment, second end 34 of wire 28 is positionally fixed relative to pressure vessel 10'. [0020] In an exemplary embodiment, PRV 24 is a conventional quarter-turn valve. FIG. 4A shows PRV 24 in a closed position, wherein lever 32 is in a vertical position. With such a conventional quarter-turn valve, rotating lever 32 about ninety degrees (to the positions shown in FIGS. 4B or 4C) opens the valve, thereby allowing gas to escape from boss 16'. [0021] In an exemplary embodiment, heating of wire 28 to or beyond its austenite transformation temperature causes the wire 28 to shrink by 6-8 %. Thus, for each foot of wire transformed, the strain recovered by wire 28 causes it to shorten by 0.72 to 0.96 inch. As it shortens, first end 30 pulls with a force of approximately 120 pounds (for a wire diameter of 0.06 inch) and thereby turns lever 32 to open PRV 24. In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosed trigger is designed so that exposure of a requisite portion of the vessel 10' to or in excess of the transforaiation temperature of wire 28 causes a shortening of wire 28 that is adequate to pull lever 32 to the open position illustrated in FIG. 4B. In an exemplary embodiment, PRV 24 is designed to trigger with a total wire 28 shrinkage of 1 inch. While end 30 of wire 28 is attached to an end of lever 32 in the illustrated embodiments, wire 28 can be attached to lever 32 at another location, as appropriate for a particular application, taking into account the displacement and pulling force required to open PRV 24.

[0022] The heat for triggering sensor and valve assembly 21 can be present anywhere along the length of the SMA wire 28. In an exemplary embodiment, SMA wire 28 is run in a substantially straight line parallel to the vessel surface along substantially the entire length of vessel 10', thereby protecting the pressure vessel 10' over its entire length. In other embodiments, tubing 22 and wire 28 are run to additional locations where a fire or elevated temperature might be detected. If any portion of the wire 28 is heated past an established temperature, the wire will shrink by a certain degree. If enough of the wire 28 shrinks, movement of the end 30 of wire 28 pulls on lever 32 to open PRV 24. With PRV 24 thus opened, pressurized gas from within the vessel 10' can escape through the open PRV 24 in a controlled manner.

[0023] Accordingly, SMA wire 28 acts as a temperature sensor along the entire length of the vessel 10' and can thus react to localized fires to allow release of gas from vessel 10'. The disclosed trigger arrangement can be used to protect a vessel of any length, even very long pressure vessels. More than one tubing 22 and wire 28 can be used on a single valve 24. The tubing 22 and wire 28 are not limited to straight runs, but can be bent, so long as the wire 28 is moveable within the tubing 22. For example, SMA wire 28 laid in a spiral configuration from one end of the tank to the other offers protection on all sides of the tank as well as protection for the length of the tank. The tubing 22 protects the sensor wire 28 from environmental conditions that might adversely affect its performance. This arrangement results in a relatively inexpensive sensor assembly 21. The disclosed sensor assembly 21 minimizes false triggering, since the PRV 24 will only be triggered when the wire 28 is exposed to a temperature that exceeds the austenite transformation temperature. The transformation temperature is determined by the wire alloy composition. In one exemplary embodiment, the alloy is 54.79 weight percent Nickel and 45.21 weight percent Titanium and has a transformation temperature of 100°C (212 ⁰ F). The amount of force can be controlled by selecting the cross-section area (e.g., diameter) of the shape memory element or wire 28. An exemplary wire having a diameter of about 0.06 inch produces approximately 120 pounds of pull once the ambient temperature exceeds the transformation temperature of the particular alloy. More force is accomplished with a wire having a larger cross-sectional area. The force developed is essentially independent of length and temperature; thus, higher temperatures or more heat input will not significantly increase or decrease the force developed due to transformation. Once sensor assembly 21 is put in place, it is essentially maintenance free for the life of the pressure vessel 10'. The shape memory wire 28 is essentially under no stress until transformation occurs.

[0024] The pressure release device can also be set to be triggered if the wire 28 is severed. In an exemplary embodiment, lever 32 is biased (such as by spring 38) in the direction shown in FIG. 4C, which is offset from the "off position of FIG. 4A by a rotational angle of about 90 degrees (in the direction opposite the offset between the "off and "on" positions shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively). Thus, if wire 28 is severed and no longer exerts a pulling force on lever 32, lever 32 automatically springs into the position illustrated in FIG. 4C, thereby opening PRV 24.

[0025] In another exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5, second end 34 is wire 28 is attached to the lever of a second PRV. This would allow two PRVs to activate, venting the vessel 10' from both ends 14'. In yet another embodiment, the disclosed tubing and SMA valve and sensor assembly 21 can be used to actuate any device (not just a PRV) such as, for example, a fire suppression system.

[0026] Although the subject of this disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In addition, any feature disclosed with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated in another embodiment, and vice- versa.