Rupture Pin Valve Technology

Obsolete product

After thorough legal review, TRANSFORMER PROTECTOR CORPORATION was confirmed as the patent holder for Rupture Pin Valve Technology. However, in alignment with our commitment to innovation and safety, we have chosen not to promote, recommend, market, or manufacture this technology. Extensive studies and industry research have highlighted limitations in the effectiveness of Rupture Pin Valve Technology in preventing transformer explosions and fires. Specifically, it has been determined that this system is not well-suited to prevent a transformer’s tank from exploding in the event of low impedance failure, which generates in all cases a significant dynamic pressure within the tank.

To better understand this subject is useful to do a quick review on how this technology works:

The Rupture Pin Valve Technolog y works based on the principle of “Euler Buckling”. The Euler Buckling theory is used to explain how slender structures, like columns or beams, can suddenly bend or buckle compressive loads. The principle of Rupture Pin Valve Technology is shown in schematic on the right. Euler buckling occurs when the loading occurs statically. In contrast, the loads experienced during an internal arcing event is transient and can result in pulse buckling. This can lead to higher order deformation modes/configuration as shown in schematic, resulting in a possibly non opening of the valve.

The pulse buckling theory describes the phenomenon where a slender structural element, such as a column, beam, or shell, undergoes sudden buckling or deformation in response to a short-duration, high-intensity load, or pulse. The prediction of such behavior is influenced by large number of parameters that are difficult to control.

As Pulse Buckling is a complex phenomenon influenced by many factors, its use for product design becomes questionable. For more information on this topic, the readers are encouraged to review the papers/books by “H. E Lindberg et al., “Dynamic Pulse Buckling”, Martinus Nijhoff Publishers.” and “Gladden et al., “Dynamic Buckling and Fragmentation in Brittle Rods”, PRL 94, 035503 2005”. Transformer Protector has made an independent study using Finite Element Analysis and will be shared on request.

Our priority is to provide solutions that ensure the utmost safety and reliability for transformers and electrical systems. As such, we have opted to focus our efforts on developing and promoting technologies that have demonstrated superior performance in preventing catastrophic failures. Our decision reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality and most effective solutions to our customers, ensuring the protection and longevity of their critical infrastructure.

 

Reliability is at the core of our values and principles at TRANSFORMER PROTECTOR CORPORATION. Our commitment to delivering dependable solutions is evident in products like the TRANSFORMER PROTECTOR (TP). This system has been designed and tested rigorously to ensure it provides reliable protection for electrical transformers. However, it’s important to note that while our Rupture Pin Valve Technology was once part of our product lineup, it did not meet our stringent reliability standards. As such, we have chosen not to promote or manufacture this technology, as it does not align with our commitment to delivering reliable solutions for our customers.

CONCLUSIONS OF THESE STUDIES:

  • Transformer Arcing Events involve Dynamic Pressures. The Pin used in the RUPTURE PIN VALVE is NOT designed for Dynamic Pressure.
  • NFPA 850 Recommendation requires a Fast Depressurization System to be activated by Dynamic Pressure.
  • The RUPTURE PIN VALVE does not open with Dynamic Pressure, thus, it is not compliant with NFPA 850 Recommendation
  • Improper and Unreliable Design can lead to Transformer Explosions and Fire.

I want to learn more about how to enhance the safety of your transformer’s fleet and electrical installations with a robust reliable solution

Discover how