Graphite Rupture Disc:

Graphite is a valuable material from which low-pressure rupture discs can be

produced. The graphite commonly used for manufacture of rupture discs is the resin-
impregnated grade.
Some Favorable Properties of Graphite to be used as Rupture Disc:

1. Graphite is brittle and ruptures almost without deformation.

2. Its structure is homogenous and the strength of the material is low compared
with the strength of metals.

Because of this reasons Graphite Rupture discs are therefore much thicker than
metal rupture discs and can be made to small burst pressure tolerances.
Pure Graphite is a flexible material that is used fro the manufacturing of reverse-
buckling (compression loaded) discs. Because pure graphite is free of resin
impregnation, pure graphite discs may be exposed to higher operating temperatures
as graphite is non-conductor.
• Rupture Disc Holders:
• Rupture Discs holders are in two parts and the rupture disc is clamped
between the two parts and one holder have dowels for locating the other
holder.
Two Problem Faced in early Ages:
1. The disc would tend to shear on the sharp edge of the top holder, resulting in
unpredictable failure.
2. As pressure increased, the disc would tend to slip between the flat faces,
resulting in leakage and unpredictable failure.
The first problem was overcome by radiusing the inside corner of the top holder.
The second problem is overcome by changing the flat seat to a 30º conical seat that
wedges the disc between two faces as shown in picture below.
The over tightening of the bolts also damage the disc, so before tightening the disc
one must check the torque for it in mannual.
• Clean-Sweep Assembly:
The clean-sweep assembly, as shown in the side
Figure is also known as Viscous Tee, is intended
for applications in which viscous fluid could cause
product build-up and plugging of the flow passage.
The sweeping flow passage reduces this problem.

Accessories:
Jackscrews: These are used as a means for separating the flange carrying the
disc holder from the flange of a separately supported discharge pipe. The
jackscrews are must be properly spaced to allow the disc holder to be removed
or installed.
Eyebolts: These are used primarily to hoist heavy rupture disc holders into
position.
Baffle Plate: These are used in connection with free-venting rupture disc
assemblies in which deflection of the discharging fluid would protect personnel.
The deflection of the discharging fluid absorbs, in addition, the discharge
reactive force.
Burst Indicator: These give an instantaneous indication of a rupture disc failure
by actuating a visible or audible signal that may be locally or remotely located.
These can be designed to be intrinsically safe within an explosively hazardous
environment.
• Double Disc-Assemblies:
These discs as shown in the side figure are being
Used in corrosive services to warn of product
leakage due to corrosion damage of the disc
on the process side. In another application,
double disc assemblies are used as a
quick-opening device.

When compared with PR valves, rupture discs have following:

Advantages

+ Reduced fugitive emissions - no simmering or leakage prior to bursting.

+ Protect against rapid pressure rise cased by heat exchanger tube ruptures or
internal deflagrations.
+ Less expensive to provide corrosion resistance.
+ Less tendency to foul or plug.
+ Provide both over pressure protection and depressuring.
+ Provide secondary protective device for lower probability contingencies
requiring large relief areas.
Rupture Discs Are Less Well Suited For Other
Applications

When compared with PR valves, rupture discs have:

Disadvantages

– Don’t reclose after relief.

– Burst pressure cannot be tested.
– Require periodic replacement.
– Greater sensitivity to mechanical damage.
– Greater sensitivity to temperature
• A rupture disc is a
– Thin diaphragm
– Thick diaphragm
– Thin plate
– Thick plate
• Rupture disc is used as a ____________ element
– Weak
– Strong
– Flexible
• A rupture disc can also be used in conjunction with a pressure relief valve to
provide corrosion protection to PRV
– True
– False
• Rupture disc can be damaged if not properly installed
– True
– False
• Rupture discs are also available as reverse buckling type
– True
– False
• Rupture discs can be used for gas as well as liquids
– True
– False
• Rupture disc can be tested for burst pressure
– True
– False
Bring the answers of these questions in the
next class:

• What type of rupture disc are used in United

(tension loaded or compression loaded) and
in which Plant?
• Describe how will you install a rupture disc?
• What care should be taken while installing
rupture disc?