Rupture Disc Blow off 1

[EngrDesign]

All our reactors are installed with rupture disc. Sometimes due to the operator's mistake, rupture disc blew off and we need to stop the process completely. To avoid this we are planning to put one ON-OFF type control valve parallel to rupture disc which opens before the bursting pressure of rupture disc.
Please suggest other ideas by which we can save a process from contaminating from atmosphere due to rupture disc failure.

 

[Latexman]

EngrDesign,

I recommend you look at the root cause of these mistakes and try to prevent them, versus adding a system that will make it easy to cover-up the mistakes. It will pay off in the long run with fewer environmental insults, less exposure to chemicals, and probable better trained operators.


Good luck,
Latexman

 

[hacksaw]

rather than taking advantage of jury system response, you need to research you system needs and then set down with your suppliers.

there are various modes of failure that need to be looked at before you install any valving.

 

[sailoday28]

Follow the advice of latexman. Train your operators.

 

[Montemayor]

EngrDesign:

You don't furnish enough basic data to make practical, moral sense out of what you propose. Let me cite the specifics:

1) If you can safely route the excess (gases, vapors?) of a reaction out of control to a safe target place by the use of a quick-opening block valve, why aren't you doing this also with the discharge of the rupture disc? In other words, why don't you route the rupture disc discharge to the same place you plan to send the same vapors through the proposed control valve?

2) You obviously are operating in such a manner that you can't warrant the safe, operating pressure of your reactor. If this is so - and the rupture disc activation proves this - then how can you continue to foster or accept such uncontrolled reaction results? The root cause of the run-away reaction should be identified and eliminated from the reaction - as your immediate, first step.

I would not tolerate or design around such a run-away event. Deal with -and resolve - the CAUSE of the event; don't try to work with the EFFECTS of the event. This is a very unsafe and un-recommended manner of dealing with an expected hazardous event. You are worrying about contaminating your atmosphere. I would severely criticize you for not even mentioning the danger and hazards you are subjecting your personnel to experience. Human life and well-being are more important than the damn atmosphere if it comes to a choice! You don't state where your reactor is located; if it were in my county or state I would report your unsafe actions to the local jurisdictions. I consider your decision(s) to put atmospheric contamination on a level above human safety to be below my personal and professional standards of proper engineering. I cannot see justification for such a decision. This is the best and most professional advice I can give you or anyone trying to pacify a run-away reaction.

Art Montemayor
Spring, TX

 

[pandora]

Montemayor,

Got to back you to the hilt. If the bursting discs are failing that often then the system is not designed/operated correctly. A bursting disc should never be used in anger, or that is how I try to design a plant. Find the root cause, or someone will have put in an incorrectly rated BD because they are fed up with them "going off so often"