I'm currently a co-op/intern for a polymer company, and one of the projects that I'm working on is to decrease polymer buildup on a pair of rupture disks.

The rupture disks are installed on a 20" overhead vapor line from a contactor cyclone for solvent removal. Due to design, some polymer crumb has been carried overhead. Some polymer is being deposited on the rupture disks. Because of the fouling, the burst pressure of the rupture disk may be greater than the set pressure.

One of the ideas currently being considered are studding pads, which would allow the rupture disk to be seated flush on the piping wall, thereby preventing any dead space on the line. Are there other names for these? Also, which companies should I contact for more information on these?

Last question, can anyone think of better alternatives than this?

Thanks.

Most definitely discuss this with some vendors:

1. BS&B

2. Continental Disc Corporation

3. OSECO

You might consider a sanitary rupture disk for this application. They are used in pharmaceutical facilities and for that reason they usually sit flush mounted. Again talk to one of the vendors I list above.

Add a Y connection upstream of (under) the RD. Insert a full cone spray nozzle into the Y so it will spray the under side of the RD during every solvent addition phase.

You may consider to install a RD minimum distance from the vapor line, flush with liquid to avoid solid accumulation. In addition, provide 2 nd RD in series in the event 1st RD give away due to fatigue and flushing head hit the RD.

Above shall always check with RD vendor for confirmation.

JoeWong