Getting the most out of your rupture disc: Fid-Bau Portal

Getting the most out of your rupture disc

Miller, Dean

Rupture disc devices maintain a leak-tight seal. They are passive till the occurrence of excess pressure and thus provide overpressure protection for a variety of storage and process vessels and equipment. But rupture disc performance may be adversely affected through various installation, operation and maintenance practices which therefore must be considered for optimum rupture disc performance. Real-life observed consequences and corrective or preventative measures for improved rupture disc performance are reviewed here, starting with the discussion of situations where combinations of rupture discs with relief valves should be considered. For liquid-full systems, indications of pressure spike problems such as a water hammer are given. Common solutions are listed for rupture-disc-selection and pipe-design problems rising due to solidifying materials. Details are discussed of piping and flange connections with special emphasis on torque, lubrication, and gaskets, including a description of the influence of piping and piping-support design on the rupture disc, indications of a falsly loaded rupture disc, and maintenance details such as frequency, device removel and holder inspection. A list of items is given for data collection in case of an unexpected burst of a rupture disc.