Rupture discs

What is a Rupture Disc

Rupture discs (Rupture / Bursting Discs) are also called rupture discs, rupture membranes, and explosive discs. The names aptly describe the disc’s function. A rupture disc is a specially engineered metal or graphite disc that is manufactured with a specific rupture pressure. In a process pipe, the rupture disc is completely sealed and retains the pressure behind it, provided the rupture pressure is not exceeded. When the pressure is exceeded, the rupture disc bursts, releasing the pressure out of the system. Once the pressure has dropped back to the normal line, a new intact disc is installed.

Rupture discs can be equipped with sensors and/or gauges that indicate the disc’s rupture.

A rupture disc is usually installed in a separate holder. The holder is a good solution because the risk of changes in rupture pressure during installation or operation is significantly smaller.

A rupture disc can also be used together with a safety valve, in which case it protects the safety valve from, for example, an aggressive or corrosive medium.

An explosion panel works in a similar way, but they are typically used for structural explosion protection, for example in dust explosions.

Rupture Disc Selection

Rupture discs are especially significantly lighter than safety valves of equivalent size, particularly in larger dimensions.

When selecting and sizing a rupture disc, several factors must be considered. These include, for example, operating pressure, desired rupture pressure, whether the load is pulsating or steady, whether the disc needs to withstand vacuum conditions, whether disc fragmentation is acceptable, whether rupture information should be transmitted to the control room, liquid/gas applications, etc. Rupture discs come with different manufacturing and rupture tolerances, which are nowadays incorporated into the operating range tolerance (min./max.). Our sales team will size and select the appropriate, cost-effective rupture disc from ZOOK’s range on your behalf.

Material options include, for example, nickel, RST/HST, hastelloy, inconel, monel, tantalite, titanium, silver, gold, graphite, etc.

Media include, for example, steam, other gases, liquids, (liquid) nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, ozone, helium, fuels, cryogenic fluids, etc.

From ZOOK’s YouTube channel you can find a lot more material in English.