Impact velocity of blown off cover

I have a vertically oriented vacuum vessel with a bottom cover held to an
o-ring seal with a quick release device. The device is just enough to hold
the weight of the cover for lowering and raising during normal operation,
vacuum pressure holds the cover in place during the normal process time.

We have the potential for an overpressure condition (steam) in the vessel
which I want to relieve by letting the cover "blow down". The cover will be
guided and directed to a set of shock absorbers (hydraulic type) to absorb
the impact. I am trying to define the impact velocity at the shocks by
adding the energy stored in the vessel at the quick release device setting,
to the potential energy of the cover mass and equating that to the kinetic
energy seen at the shocks.
I think this is overkill because the stored energy when the cover leaves
the o-ring seal will start dispersing outward and will not continue to
contribute to the cover dynamics. I guess I am concerned about having
shocks too stiff.
Any thoughts on the proper direction to take? I left out actual operating
values but could supply them if anyone wants. I am mostly looking for
direction not an answer. I think I'm starting to see integration in my
future (which I left by the side of the road some years ago).

Thanks,

Ralph
.

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