Understanding the Software Options

FOCUS ON
Rupture Discs and
Pressure Relief
The lowest K R values in
rupture discs
K R values are used to determine
the frictional flow
loss in rupture discs. While
the perception is that all rupture
discs have high K R values,
this company’s FAS (Forward Acting
Scored; photo) and PRO+ (Precision
Reverse Operating) discs debunk this
perception by offering the best flow
characteristics available in a rupture
disc. Having a lower K R value means
that the FAS [K RG = 0.223 (gas), K RL
= 0.19 (liquid)] and PRO+ (K R = 0.29)
rupture discs provide a larger opening
that allows a greater flowrate than
other rupture discs on the market,
says the company. The ability of these
two discs to reach such low K R values
allows for better flow and faster system
relief in the event of overpressurization.
The FAS and PRO+ are both
used for safety-relief valve isolation.
The FAS is used in high-pressure applications,
while the PRO+ is ideal
for situations requiring a lower burst
pressure. The PRO+ is also suitable
for isolation relief valves in high-cycling
applications. — Oseco, Broken
Arrow, Okla.
www.oseco.com
A system that manages all
overpressure relief devices
This company has introduced Relief
Device Manager (RDM; photo) for
optimizing the safety, integrity and
total ownership of overpressure relief
devices, including rupture disks;
buckling-pin relief valves; safety and
pressure-relief valves; tank vents;
flame arrestors; and explosion vents.
This Windows-based system provides
peace of mind to plant operators and
owners by continuously monitoring
overpressure relief devices. RDM provides
warnings, alarms and performance
history if events compromise
the integrity of pressure safety management
systems. RDM was designed
because overpressure relief devices,
such as rupture disks, activate instan-
Fike
48 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING WWW.CHE.COM AUGUST 2011
BS&B Safety Systems
taneously, which presents
challenges to process plant
owners and operators in
pinpointing precise
operating conditions
of an overpressure
event. Without RDM,
inaccurate conclusions
regarding the
relationship between process
conditions and overpressure relief
devices can be made, risking repeated
incidences and compromised safety.
Inaccurate conclusions are frustrating,
if devices are bursting frequently
without the ability to diagnose causes,
or if you are trying to maximize longevity
of overpressure relief investments
through precise replacement
schedules. — BS&B Safety Systems,
Tulsa, Okla.
www.bsbsystems.com
Reverse-acting rupture discs for
aggressive, sanitary applications
The Axius reverse-acting rupture
(bursting) disc (photo) is said to represent
a revolutionary advancement
in high-performance pressure-relief
technology. The manufacturer has
continued to expand Axius capabilities,
since its introduction in 2005,
by offering higher burst pressure, a
sanitary version and a range of larger
sizes. Axius is designed to be used in
aggressive chemical, pharmaceutical
and sanitary applications, and typically
outperforms all other types of
rupture discs in these applications,
says the company. Axius rupture discs
are unique because they have no score
lines, no stress zones that can fatigue
Oseco
and a completely smooth
process side. — Fike Corp.,
Blue Springs, Mo.
www.fike.com
Micro-scored rupture discs offer
added benefits
This company has recently introduced
its SCD (forward acting) and SCR
(reverse buckling) rupture discs with
micro-scored calibration sections. The
patent-pending technology makes the
discs very flexible so that scoring in
six or more sections is possible instead
of the usual four. This allows a better
opening of the disc, reducing the risk
of petal detachment, even at higher
pressures, says the company. This
technology is also very effective for the
manufacture of high-performance reverse
buckling discs for low-pressure
bursting ranges. The discs react to excessive
pressure in a few milliseconds
without fragmentation, have a good resistance
to corrosion and are especially
suitable for protection of relief valves.
The company has also recently tested
new materials for rupture discs, such
as titanium and tantalum. — Donadon
SDD Srl., Corbetta, Milan, Italy
www.donadonsdd.com
Proportional venting assured
with these relief valves
RHPS Series PRV model proportional
relief valves (photo, p. 56) provide
Note: For more information, circle the 3-digit number
on p. 54, or use the website designation.