Process Equipment Update
Release the time and cost pressure
Gauging the benefits of rupture discs over valves. By Michael Lloyd.
challenges faced by many industries. Most modern plants now proactively manage variations in pressure using relief devices to prevent hazards caused by over-pressurisation. Traditionally, engineers used reclosing safety relief
A
valves to address this danger. However, alternative devices, such as rupture discs, are now a popular substitute. They are simple to install, maintenance-free and often preferable due their ability to withstand a wide range of process conditions. Offering instantaneous and unrestricted pressure
relief, rupture discs require a much lower up-front installation investment than valves. They also act as a more effective seal due to their leak-tightness.
Increased reliability The introduction of computer-controlled production equipment has greatly increased the accuracy of rupture discs, which now offer a burst-pressure tolerance of ± 3% – a vast improvement on historical values of ± 10-15%. The benefits of this development include the reduction in variation, lower stock holdings and the ability to pump a process harder to produce more product. Testing procedures also contribute to improved precision, with many discs now being tested to over one million cycles, and reducing the level of fatigue experienced by earlier designs has given users more confidence in the rupture disc solution.
Fig. 1. Technically advanced pressure relief solutions. Knowing that a disc has burst ensures limited
downtime. The incorporation of a sophisticated, magnetic, non-invasive burst detection system that is integral to the rupture disc now means that only this one item has to be replaced after there is a burst. This gets the systems back up and running faster, reduces purchasing time by eliminating stock and further cuts costs of ongoing wiring – reinstating alternative burst detection systems requires a qualified electrician. Recent failsafe detection is also not susceptible to process change and false signals, so does not affect the performance of the disc. The sensor can be tested in situ without interrupting the process, making maintenance checks more efficient and simple. To control pressure build up within modern process
plants, valves are being replaced by rupture discs due to their improved specification and reliability. Recent technological advances in rupture discs and associated detection systems have gained the trust of users in safety-critical plant processes worldwide, making them the preferred pressure relief option to protect against disastrous explosions. n
For more information ✔ at
www.engineerlive.com/epe
Fig. 2. Rupture discs are widely used in the oil and gas sector. 14
www.engineerlive.com
Michael Lloyd is with Elfab in Tyne & Wear, UK.
www.elfab.com
s pressures on process plants increase, operating expenses must be cut at every opportunity. Reducing downtime, limiting stock variation and ensuring the process is operating efficiently are
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