REMBE rupture discs in hygienic design
HEALTH & SAFETY LEAK-TIGHTNESS & EASY INSTALLATION
REMBE
REMBE rupture discs in hygienic design
In processing plants that require the highest levels of hygiene , sterility and leak-tightness , excessive overpressure or vacuum can occur due to a wide variety of causes . In such cases , rupture discs protect both vessels and pipelines from deformation and further damage . Above all , they protect the lives of the employees who work in these plants . The primary goal here is to provide optimum protection for these systems , considering technical and economic aspects , while at the same time minimising system downtime .
Excessive overpressure can occur in almost all production areas and processes in the pharmaceutical and food industry . If the pressure exceeds or falls below the limits defined for the process , serious damage can occur to the respective plant components . Possible consequences include production stoppages and significant economic damage . Therefore , in situations where the pressure exceeds or undershoots the permissible operating range , a reliable and fast-acting pressurerelief device is essential .
Many operators hygienically demanding processes already use REMBE highperformance rupture discs in their processing plants – because the advantages of these pressure-relief devices ensure permanently safe operation :
• Thanks to their leak-tightness , these rupture discs prevent the escape of process media .
• The complete cross-sectional release of the burst element provides immediate pressure relief for the system .
• REMBE rupture discs have a response time of mere milliseconds .
In order to customise the design of the rupture discs for each customer , numerous factors must be considered ahead of time . Reliable and economical rupture discs are not standardised products . Instead , they are individually adapted to the respective process conditions , designed accordingly and then manufactured specifically for
Fig . 1 : The KUB clean can be installed inside the existing tri-clamp pipe connections instead of the existing seals .
The unique design of the KUB clean is based on a two-layer structure , whereby the side facing the process has a completely smooth surface , which prevents product build-up .
the customer ’ s applications . Numerous parameters are taken into account to ensure optimal performance .
These parameters include for example : the medium in the system to be protected , the operating temperature for which the rupture disc is designed ( room or max . operating temperature ), the required resistance to vacuum , the mounting method , the required pressure-relief area and many more .
As well as pipelines , in hygienically demanding processes there are additional plant elements , such as reactors , filling plants and tank farms , which must be protected against overpressure and vacuum and equipped with safety-related components . However , protection against impermissible pressures is not the only
Fig . 2 : KUB clean rupture disc with integrated signalling .
consideration . Leak-tightness and the sterility of the respective components are also critical factors . Finally , reducing downtime is a key requirement with regard to the use of rupture discs .
In order to keep costly system downtime to a minimum , it is essential that the rupture discs can be installed quickly and easily . REMBE ’ s rupture discs can be installed using a tri-clamp connection , which provides a sterile and extremely reliable seal . When REMBE developed the KUB clean reverse acting buckling pin rupture disc , one of its goals was to meet the requirements for sensitive processes , such as leak tightness and sterility . This reverse acting rupture disc is installed with the bulge facing the process and allows the operator to achieve an operating pressure ratio of up to 98 %. Overall , this reverse acting rupture disc is an extremely durable and robust solution that virtually eliminates the risk of premature bursting .
The unique design of the KUB clean is based on a two-layer structure , whereby the side facing the process has a completely smooth surface , which prevents product build-up . The integrated seal ensures the required degree of tightness for the rupture disc . It meets all hygienic design requirements ( FDA and USP Class VI compliant ) and is suitable for both CIP and SIP . In addition , the seals can be replaced ; the rupture disc can thus be reused immediately after an inspection or cleaning . Each KUB can be optionally equipped with a signalling function .
For further information , please visit www . rembe . de
52 PECM Issue 63