Proper Selection of Rupture Disks
Proper Selection of Rupture Disks
Proper Selection of Rupture Disks
2003
Overview
The purpose of Figure 1 is to provide a structured
approach for selecting rupture disks for an applica
tion. It is assumed that the user of this chart has
already sized a disk for the application. As the user
progresses from the top to bottom box, rupture disk
designs are eliminated by the question and task
listed. The user should have a list of disks suitable
for the given application at the end of the process.
If all rupture disk designs are eliminated, the appli
cation will need to be modified.
A real-world example
In this example we will look at providing a rupture
disk to protect the shell side of a shell and tube heat
exchanger. The burst pressure is 400 psig @ 100 F
and requires a 4 diameter disk (based upon sizing for
the application). The customer has informed us
that the shell side normally operates at 350 psig and
is liquid filled. Based upon compatibility with the
process, 316SS is the material choice. There is a
possibility of an upset condition in which the shell
side sees full vacuum.
We start with a list of all disk types provided in a
vendors catalog. We have listed the first two selec
tion criteria in the two right columns. The operat
ing ratio for the application is 350/400 psig =
87.5%. Any disk with a maximum operating ratio
below 87.5% will be crossed out. Any disk that is
gas only will be crossed out, as this is a liquid ap
plication. Disk types CO, FMS, FST, FLCO, GR,
and STD are eliminated due to operating ratio. Disk
type PCR is eliminated due to the liquid service.
Type
CO
FAS
FASS
FMS
FST
FLCO
GR
PCR
PLR
PSR
PRO
PROS
STD
Gas/Liquid
Gas or Liquid
Gas or Liquid
Gas or Liquid
Gas or Liquid
Gas or Liquid
Gas or Liquid
Gas or Liquid
Gas Only
Gas or Liquid
Gas or Liquid
Gas or Liquid
Gas or Liquid
Gas or Liquid
Holder Type
Insert (ANSI)
Sanitary
Insert (ANSI)
Insert (ANSI)
Insert (ANSI)
Sanitary
Nonfragmenting
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
2003
Maximum Operating
Ratio
80%
90%
90%
50%
85%
50%
60%
90%
90%
90%
90%
90%
70%
Withstands Full
Vacuum Without
Support
Yes
Vacuum Support
Option
Avail
able?
No, see column #1
In this case, only one disk type was left due to the
stringent requirements of the application. In other
less stringent applications you may end up with sev
eral disk types acceptable after the elimination.
Soft criteria would then be used to decide upon
one final disk type.
Conclusion
There are several key benefits of using the top-down
approach as defined in Figure 1. The user can
quickly eliminate rupture disks that are not well
suited for the application, especially those that pose
a threat due to safety (i.e. gas-only disks being used
in liquid service). A more in-depth review can be
conducted on the remaining rupture disks to make
the best selection possible. The user is not forced
into making one size fits all rupture disk selec
tions that unnecessarily increase cost without direct
benefit to the application. All of these benefits will
result in lower cost of ownership with an increase in
ammonia plant safety.
REFERENCES
1
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
TENSION LOADED RUPTURE DISK: A tension
loaded disk is installed into a system such that the
burst pressure is on the concave or cupped side of
the formed crown. The disk opens by yielding at
the set point.
2003