An Application of Magnetorheological Suspension Seal to Pressure Relief Device

The feasibility of the application of a magnetorheological (MR) suspension to the seat surface seal is examined to completely prevent the leakage of inner fluid at the seat surface of pressure relief devices. The burst pressure of the MR suspension seal (MRSS) formed between fixed magnetic poles is measured and the relationships between the burst pressure and the shape factors of the magnetic pole are clarified. The burst pressure of the MRSS is at least 4.0 MPa. Furthermore, the accuracy and repeatability of the relief operation are evaluated by using a model of pressure-relief device, which applies the MRSS. It is confirmed that the general requirement of the pressure-relief device, that the device has an opening pressure variation of within 3%, can be satisfied by the MRSS from the experimental results.