Stefan Rüsenberg details the move from mechanical scoring to an innovative manufacturing method
Ever-changing challenges in various manufacturing processes are increasing the demands of plant operators for smooth, efficient and totally safe processes.
The continued development of in-house technology by the German rupture disc manufacturer Rembe allows the company to manufacture rupture discs with sustainable advantages and impressive performance characteristics for a wide range of industries and sectors.
Contour precision lasering (CPL) and contour precision profiling (CPP) enable high quality, accurate burst control even in the harshest of chemical environments. With the CPL the predetermined breaking points are sublimated using a laser with high-tech equipment and not, as is the case with other manufacturing methods, mechanically scored. This advanced production method includes a digitisation of the rupture disc contour, whereby extremely high structural stability of the rupture disc as well as the most precise burst pressure and opening geometries are achieved when bursting. Based on this innovative technology, Rembe has created the CPX technology series. Thanks to its improved, high-precision and at the same time robust features, CPX is excellently suited for industries with harsh conditions, aggressive process media and even for processes in which strict hygiene standards must be met.
In contrast to traditional mechanical scoring, with the CPL manufacturing method, the material structure of the rupture disc (including the opening lines of the rupture disc) is not thermally affected or mechanically integrally weakened. The surface facing the process remains completely smooth and without unevenness, scratches or indentations, which means that the rupture disc cannot be affected by product deposits from the often-aggressive process medium. Two common causes for a premature failure of the rupture disc, namely corrosion and pin-holing, are therefore virtually eliminated. These phenomena in conventional scored rupture discs can ultimately lead to leaks in the process or to premature bursting of the rupture discs. The loss of toxic or expensive process media into the environment as well as the premature operational shutdown are only the most serious examples for the undesired and sometimes devastating consequences of a rupture disc failure in running processes.
A Successful Series
The known IKB, IKB-X- and SFD types are the “classics” of the CPX series. Even rupture discs already installed in plants can easily and quickly be replaced with a CPX version, which means that, in addition to maximising plant availability, the incurred operating costs can also be reduced without much effort.
In summary, rupture discs of the innovative manufacturing method CPL offer the following advantages: durability thanks to a robust design; lower burst pressures with tighter tolerances; precise bursting behaviour and extreme reliability; resistance to corrosion and pin-holing; and cost efficiency thanks to the high production speed.
Stefan Rüsenberg is chief technical officer at Rembe
