Two Layers
to increase
your Profit
Double layer rupture disc KUBV:
Unique rupture disk design solves Safety &
Control Issues
– by Stefan Penno, REMBE Germany
I
ssues of safety and control
are frequently on the
agenda within the Oil and
Gas industry particularly in
challenging times such as these. One
of the most interesting products in
this field: the innovative double layer
rupture disc from Germany’s REMBE
GmbH Safety + Control.
According to Stefan Penno, REMBE’s
Managing Director, the KUB V rupture
disc improves on ordinary single
layer designs by eliminating the
disadvantages common to many
reverse acting rupture disks. These
traditionally designed discs often
exhibit premature failure because of
fatigue, pre-weakening of the disc’s
dome as the result of scoring of the
fragile burst membrane, and even
installation difficulties caused by the
sensitivity of some single layer disks to
torque levels.
The KUB V solves the conundrums of
the single disc design by the addition
of a single vital feature, a specially
re-inforced second protection layer
capable of withstanding twice the
pressure in reverse direction as it does
in the venting direction. The disk’s first
layer handles the burstpressure by
incorporationg buckling pin elements
added to the dome by high-precision
laser cutting. The second layer acts
as a sealing membrane that isolates
the first layer from the harsh process
conditions found in the offshore,
chemical, food, pharmaceutical and
other process industries.
This general description of this unique
rupture disc doesn’t do full justice to a
number of technical features developed
by REMBE’s engineers.
The KUB disc has a burst layer 8
times thicker than scored designs
and the buckling pin formula and
the number and shape of buckling
pins precisely determine the burst
pressure, which is independent of the
material thickness. In essence, the
burst layer is completely unaffected
by the reverse force when put under
backpressure. Only the sealing layer,
which protects the burst membrane
under normal process conditions,
holds the backpressure and is subject
to negative pressure. The design,
says Stefan Penno, makes it possible
to stretch maintenance intervals and
eliminate downtime. The disc’s socalled VIP-feature (Valve Inspection in
Place), allows operators to check their
safety valves without having to shut
down the process, and then dismantle
the valve and bring it to the workshop.
In-situ maintenance with the KUB V
saves both time and money.
REMBE can also supply a Volution-unit,
a ready-to-use device fitted between
the rupture disc and the valve that
can link up with an operator’s in-house
air-pressure system. By putting the
space between the rupture disc and
valve slowly under pressure, users
can monitor the performance of safety
valve easily and quickly with nothing
more than a pressure gauge. This
feature alone reduces maintenance
times from hours to minutes.
Author: Stefan Penno, MBP BA IBA
REMBE GmbH Safety + Control,
Brilon * Germany
Contact: [email protected];
T: +49 2961 74050
66
PECM Issue 21