Releasing pressurized fluid from a vessel

Abstract

A cover is provided for a removable pressure vessel lid and the cover has a peripheral flange extending over the interface of the lid and pressure vessel to direct escaping pressurized fluid away from the operator upon release of the lid fasteners. In another version, the peripheral flange is provided on the lid.

1 . A method of protecting a user during release of pressurized fluid from a vessel of the type having an access opening with a removable closure therein comprising:
 (a) sealing between the closure and the access opening;   (b) providing user releasable retaining apparatus for securing the closure over the access opening; and,   (c) forming an exclusive flow passage upon user release of the retaining apparatus and directing escaping pressurized fluid in a direction away from the user.   
     
     
         2 . The method defined in  claim 1 , wherein the step of forming an exclusive flow passage includes forming a peripheral flange on the closure. 
     
     
         3 . The method defined in  claim 2 , wherein the step of forming a peripheral flange includes forming an annular flange. 
     
     
         4 . The method defined in  claim 1 , wherein the step of forming an exclusive flow passage includes forming an annular channel between the closure and the vessel. 
     
     
         5 . The method defined in  claim 1 , wherein the step of providing user releasable retaining apparatus includes providing a plurality of threaded fasteners. 
     
     
         6 . The method defined in  claim 1 , wherein the step of sealing includes disposing a resilient seal between the closure and access opening. 
     
     
         7 . A pressure vessel of the type having an access opening and a removable closure thereover comprising:
 (a) wall structure defining a fluid pressure chamber having an access opening;   (b) a closure disposed over the access opening;   (c) means operable for sealing the closure over the access opening;   (d) means operable for releasably retaining the closure over the access opening; and,   (e) means operable, upon user release of the retaining means for directing flow of pressurized fluid in a direction away from the user.   
     
     
         8 . The pressure vessel defined in  claim 7 , wherein the means for directing flow comprises a channel formed in one of the wall structure and the closure. 
     
     
         9 . The vessel defined in  claim 7 , wherein the means for directing flow includes a channel formed in the wall structure and the closure. 
     
     
         10 . The vessel defined in  claim 7 , wherein the means for directing flow includes a peripheral channel about the access opening. 
     
     
         11 . The vessel defined in  claim 10 , wherein the channel has an annular configuration. 
     
     
         12 . The vessel defined in  claim 7 , wherein the means operable for sealing comprises an annular seal. 
     
     
         13 . The vessel defined in  claim 12 , wherein the annular seal comprises an O-ring. 
     
     
         14 . The vessel defined in  claim 7 , wherein the means operable for releasable retaining includes threaded fasteners.