US Patent 7284563 Surge relief apparatus and method

A surge relief apparatus for sensing, tracking and responding to pressure changes in a flow system. The apparatus includes a fluid storage tank that is in fluid communication with the flow system. The apparatus also includes a control valve that is connected to the fluid storage tank, wherein the control valve compensates for pressure in response to pressure change in the flow system. The control valve also controls the rate of pipeline pressure rise in the flow system. The surge relief apparatus also includes a hydraulic accumulator in fluid communication with the control valve along with a surge relief valve in fluid communication with the accumulator.