Combining the use of Rupture Discs with Relief Valves

Pressure-relief solutions are commonly used in the chemical process industries (CPI) to ensure safe working environments for personnel and to protect equipment and assets. Relief valves (RV) and rupture discs (RD) are the most commonly used pressure-safety devices and are generally specified and selected according to application-specific requirements. For pressure-system designers looking for viable pressure-relief solutions, the two device classes offer specific pressure safety features and require consideration of different factors. Using rupture discs in combination with relief valves offers a wide range of benefits to end-users. Possible benefits include improved environmental performance, cost savings, better emissions control, higher safety and reliability levels and improved performance of plant safety systems. To realize the benefits, process system designers need to evaluate the effects of each of the devices and select the arrangement that works best, based on the individual plant requirements. Various industry standards and legislation exist to help set up safe and effective solutions. In most applications, using rupture discs together with relief valves offers higher overall value and a host of worthwhile benefits. Pressure…