CHEMICALS & PHARMACEUTICAL
Innovative sanitary rupture disk optimised for low burst pressure in atmospheric storage systems
In the Irish food, beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, atmospheric tanks are commonly used to store raw materials, in-process formulations and
T
he term atmospheric refers to vessels designed to operate at or near ambient pressure, meaning the internal pressure is
roughly equal to the surrounding air pressure. In many applications, these tanks must also
comply with strict hygienic standards to prevent contamination and maintain product integrity. Typically constructed from stainless steel with with an emphasis on cleanliness, smooth internal cleaning or sterilisation.
internal pressure, atmospheric tanks are not subject to the same stringent requirements as pressure vessels, which are designed to handle atmospheric levels. Atmospheric tanks typically operate at pressures no greater than 1 psi (0.07 barg).
Nonetheless, pressure remains a critical factor.
Even at low levels, atmospheric tanks must be equipped with proper venting systems to prevent excessive vacuum or overpressure that can arise emptying cycles. Without proper venting, a tank can collapse under vacuum or rupture due to overpressure. Even normal ambient temperature variations,
particularly in vessels installed outdoors or exposed to daily temperature cycles, can cause pressure, when placed in a closed container even
equipment operation can generate overpressure (as temperature rises) or vacuum (as temperature falls). the danger of a pressure build-up in a tank or and its contents, causing the liquid to expand and vapourise. This increases internal pressure, which, if not relieved, can rupture the tank. To prevent structural failure, the tank must exposure conditions. The goal is to release vapour fast enough to prevent the internal pressure from “Once a low-pressure-rated vessel or tank is sealed, it is necessary to provide protection so a properly designed rupture disk is essential to manage that emergency condition safely,” says Geof Brazier, Director of Development, BS&B Safety Systems, LLC. According to Brazier, protecting vessels from vacuum collapse or minor overpressure typically requires a rupture disk sensitive enough to activate at only a few inches of water column—just a fraction of a bar. To address the need for a more streamlined approach for low pressure applications, Brazier tasked BS&B’s R&D department to develop a new type of rupture disk, called the GHI, which is capable of providing one-way or two- way (pressure and vacuum) relief. The disk is engineered to operate reliably at pressures so minimal they are comparable to the force of an ordinary sneeze. The GHI (Gasketed Hi/Lo) rupture disk activates at extremely low burst pressures as low as 12.5 mbar/5 in water column in 4 in/100 mm
10 May/June 2026 Irish Manufacturing
sizes.
“Low-pressure rupture disks have traditionally required a separate safety head that adds cost, complexity and weight. To achieve the desired low burst pressure also often requires the use of an oversized rupture disk and an adapter that makes the entire device even bigger and heavier,” explains Brazier, adding that the size and complexity of the combined component parts inevitably increase the material, installation and maintenance costs. The GHI rupture disk eliminates the need
for a safety head. It is a self-contained assembly that installs directly between sanitary piping connections using industry-standard clamps and replacement.
By combining high sensitivity at low pressures GHI rupture disk design addresses longstanding compliance within Irish industries that demand hygienic conditions for very low burst pressures. integrity, helping facilities maintain consistent pressure conditions.
www.bsb.ie www.irish-manufacturing.com
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