EXPLOSION MITIGATING VAULT

摘要

A controlled pressure release vault panel assembly is capable of functioning as a second, or auxiliary, relief port to allow the escape of fluid from the vault in the event of pressure build-up inside the vault or in an explosion event. The vault panel assembly may define an opening that includes a manhole cover assembly. The manhole cover assembly may also be vented, and may function as a primary vent. The vault panel assembly may include a retention assembly extending from the vault panel underneath a portion of the vault, enabling a limited range of motion of the vault panel for the escape of fluid and allowing the reseating of the vault pane on the vault once the pressure inside the vault approaches ambient pressures.

主权项

1. A controlled pressure relief vault panel capable of moving to an unseated position from a seated position with respect to a vault opening to relieve pressure, the vault opening having a vault panel receiving surface and peripheral wall, the vault panel comprising:
a vault panel inner surface, outer surface opposing said inner surface, and a vault panel peripheral edge; at least one projection with a first end affixed to said vault panel inner surface and a second end including a retention assembly defining a length therebetween, said retention assembly including at least one component extending past said vault panel peripheral edge and into the vault such that in response to increased pressure, the panel has a panel range of movement outwardly from the vault to allow the escape of fluids through the vault opening, the panel range of movement defined by characteristics of said retention assembly; an access opening extending from said vault panel inner surface through said vault panel outer surface and defining a cover frame; and a cover adapted to move from a cover seated position to a cover unseated position with respect to said cover frame.