Kelso Technologies has filed a patent application for a new externally mounted dual-rating pressure relief valve (DPRV) design for use on new rail tank cars and retrofits of existing rail tank cars.
Kelso has initiated a proactive design strategy and, as a result, created a new DPRV design based on mechanical engineering innovations that provide safety benefits in both accident and non-accident environments. In general terms, in an accident involving fire, the DPRV will significantly lower its operating pressure rating to a level that will keep the valve open in order to evacuate the tank car in less than 100 minutes as required by AAR recommendations. Kelso believes the DPRV will provide economic advantages to the impact of the expense of retrofits facing the railroad industry.
The patent has been filed under a Non-Publication Request, which keeps the patent filing private until the patent is issued, for competitive reasons. The final patent will take two years or more to be granted, and will carry a 17-year life starting from the date the patent is granted.
The DPRV will enter Association of American Railroads (AAR) approval process shortly after the prototypes are completed in May 2014. The company will announce AAR approvals by press release when they are received.
