TEMPERATURE RESPONSIVE PRESSURE RELIEF APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

A fluid pressure relief apparatus of the rupturable type which ruptures at different pressures depending upon the temperature of the fluid in contact therewith. A rupture member is provided supported by a support member which is maintained in place by a material having a selected melting point. When the fluid under pressure reaches the temperature at which the material melts, the support member ceases to support the rupture member causing the pressure at which rupture occurs to be lowered. A method of relieving pressurized fluid at a predetermined pressure level when the temperature of said fluid is below a preselected temperature and at a lower pressure level when the temperature is above said preselected temperature is also provided.