When pressure conditions exceed safe limits, the impact on industries like oil & gas, chemical processing, and power generation can be severe. Rhembe’s bursting discs offer fast, precise pressure relief, acting as essential safety devices in these pressure-sensitive environments. Unlike mechanical valves, bursting discs provide a simple, maintenance-free solution with immediate, one-time activation to prevent system failures. As a regional distributor for Rembe, we’re strengthening our portfolio with these trusted products to offer an expanded range of reliable safety solutions.
Overpressure in a system can occur due to various factors, such as equipment malfunctions, blockages, or sudden chemical reactions. A bursting disc is a thin, sealed membrane made of metal, plastic or graphite, designed to rupture or burst at a specific pressure threshold. When a system’s pressure exceeds this threshold, the disc bursts, releasing the excess pressure and thereby preventing equipment damage or explosions. This simple yet effective safety feature is often used in tandem with other safety valves and pressure relief systems for a robust safety setup.
Bursting discs are common in industries where pressurised systems are integral to operations:
- Storage tanks and piping systems
- Chemical reactors
- Boilers and heat exchangers
- Cryogenic systems
Bursting discs are particularly valuable because they:
- Provide instantaneous relief once the pressure threshold is reached.
- Cost-effective and simple, with minimal maintenance needs.
- Act as passive devices, requiring no external power or activation
Types of Bursting Discs: Overpressure, Vacuum, and Bidirectional
"Most bursting discs are designed to be unidirectional, meaning they only activate when pressure exceeds a set threshold in one direction, typically outward from the system," explains Nick Evans, Project Engineering Manager, KLINGER Australia. "While overpressure is a primary consideration in safeguarding systems, vacuum protection is just as crucial. In many industries, particularly those with sensitive processes, maintaining a stable internal vacuum is essential for operational integrity and safety.
Most bursting discs are unidirectional, meaning they only rupture when the pressure reaches a set limit in one direction (typically outward from the system). While overpressure is often the primary focus in system protection, vacuum protection is equally critical, especially in industries where sensitive processes depend on maintaining a stable internal vacuum. For instance, large storage tanks or sensitive equipment may not be designed to handle significant negative pressures, which could cause them to implode if the internal pressure drops too low.
To accommodate different safety concern requirements, various options are available to meet different safety requirements:
- Overpressure Protection Discs: These traditional bursting discs are unidirectional, designed specifically to handle overpressure. They provide a reliable solution when there is a risk of excess pressure from within the system but no risk of vacuum conditions. These discs are calibrated to rupture outward when the pressure surpasses a set point.
- Vacuum Protection Discs: In some cases, a system may require protection from vacuum conditions rather than overpressure. Vacuum protection discs are designed to open inward under negative pressure, allowing air or gas to enter the system to equalize pressure. This prevents implosion or inward collapse in systems sensitive to low pressure.
- Bidirectional Discs: Certain systems require protection from both overpressure and vacuum. Bidirectional bursting discs are engineered to rupture outward for overpressure relief and to open inward when vacuum conditions arise. This dual functionality can be valuable for systems that experience fluctuations in both positive and negative pressures. For example, during filling and emptying processes in storage tanks, bidirectional bursting discs can provide seamless protection regardless of pressure direction.
Protection and dual protection
Whether for overpressure or vacuum, a well-chosen bursting disc contributes to both safety and operational efficiency, making it critical for industrial pressure management. When selecting a bursting disc, understanding your system’s unique pressure requirements and environmental conditions will help you choose the option that provides the best protection.
With REMBE Bursting Discs for example, you have options for unidirectional overpressure protection, bidirectional protection, and vacuum protection. These discs provide a reliable safeguard against overpressure incidents that could otherwise result in explosions, leaks, or significant equipment damage. The vacuum protection feature further ensures that sub-atmospheric conditions do not lead to implosion, preventing equipment collapse in processes where low pressure is a concern.
- Provides rapid pressure relief the moment preset limits are exceeded, responding within milliseconds to prevent equipment failure.
- Guarantees leak-proof sealing under normal operating conditions using KLINGER Gaskets
- Crafted to withstand harsh chemicals and high temperatures, ensuring long-term durability
- Provides the option for both overpressure and vacuum relief, ensuring comprehensive system safety in vacuum-sensitive processes like distillation or filtration. The standard configuration offers one-directional protection, with bidirectional available upon request.
- Compliant to international standards like ASME BPVC.XIII and PED
A Strategic Partner in Trust
KLINGER has a long relationship with Rembe- our KLINGER gaskets have been used in REMBE’s assemblies to enhance the integrity of the bursting disc design by creating a dependable seal around the disc. This prevents leakage and ensures the disc only activates at the correct pressure. The pairing of our gaskets with bursting discs is particularly valuable, as the gasket provides a buffer between the disc and the flange, protecting against vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and potential damage over time.
Beyond being a trusted partner, we also recognise REMBE as a global leader in safety and measurement solutions and proud to be an authorised distributor.
This collaboration allows us to expand our offerings with products that align with our own high standards of quality and safety. We are better equipped to offer a more comprehensive suite of solutions that enhance safety and operational resilience for our clients, together with Rembe.
