graphite rupture disk 1

[edanyel]

Hello everybody, please, does anyone of you have any comments or special condsiderations about replacement period of a graphite rupture disk or do you consider them just as any metal one?
thanks
Daniel

 

[JimCasey]

1. Definitely replace it if there is a loud bang and then process fluid is pouring out of the pipe.
( sorry, I couldn't stop myself)

Seriously:
2. It is suspect if the process pressure ever exceeds 90% of the rated burst pressure. Next time the process pressure gets to 90% it will probably blow.

3. Once a year.

Never Never Never install a graphite ruptire disc in series with a safety-relief valve. People have died because of that.
Rupture discs do marvelous things for SRV reliability but the rupture disc must be a nonfragmenting design.

 

[edanyel]

JimCasey thanks for your answer... and your sense of humor!

 

[StoneCold]

We use the one year aproach as well. Mostly because material tends to build up under the disks and could cause problems.


Regards
StoneCold

 

[BenThayer]

our site had been inspecting them once per year but gave it up since they can be damaged when re-installed.

for our service, we have never had any instance of corrosion and we have periodic documented cleanups that include looking at the disc via mirrors (but alas, no smoke).

we have taken to replacing every 5 years since that is the maximum interval used on site for relief device testing in clean service.