MATERIALS INVESTIGATION OF THERMAL TRIGGERS USED IN PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES ON TRANSIT BUSES
This investigation pertains to the composition and general condition of the thermally activated trigger mechanism of Pressure Relief Devices (PRDs), safety devices used on compressed natural gas cylinders commonly used to store fuel on transit buses. These trigger mechanisms provide the essential function of the PRD, and any problems with the trigger will result in poor device performance. The report analyzes the condition of the eutectic material used in the triggers, its composition, condition, and any flaws that may occur. Following the experimental investigation, failure criteria for the triggers were computed based on observed flaws in the trigger material. These computations provide a measure of the reliability of the triggering devices, and thereby of their effectiveness.
- Record URL:
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Corporate Authors:
Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
Cambridge, MA United States 02142Tufts University
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Medford, MA United States 02155Federal Transit Administration
Office of Planning, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Authors:
- Rolander, N
- Matson, D
- Chernicoff, W P
- Publication Date: 2003-6
Language
- English
Media Info
- Features: Figures; Photos; References;
- Pagination: 33 p.
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Compressed natural gas; Defects; Fuel storage and delivery devices; Materials; Pressure relief valves; Reliability; Safety; Transit buses
- Uncontrolled Terms: Trigger mechanism
- Subject Areas: Materials; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00962120
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-FTA-MA-26-7071-03-2,, DOT-VNTSC-FTA-03-06,, Final Report
- Contract Numbers: TT-383 U3077
- Files: NTL, TRIS, USDOT
- Created Date: Aug 19 2004 12:00AM