REVERSE BUCKLING RUPTURE DISC

摘要

An improved reverse rupture disc (10) for use as a safety pressure relief device is provided. The disc is defined by an annular flat flange region (12), a concave-convex disc dome region and a transition region (14) that joins the disc-shaped flat flange region to the concave-convex disc dome region (16). One or more deformations (18) are formed at or near the apex of the disc dome region for weakening the disc to the point that incidental damage to the disc will not weaken the disc any further, thereby ensuring that the disc will reverse at a cerain pressure, and no lower. The disc is also formed with an irregular transition region (20) at the base of the disc and a partial circular groove (30) in the transition region. The irregular transition region of the disc cooperates with a protrusion formed in a support ring disposed downstream of the disc to sever the disc dome from the annular flat flange region along the groove in the transition region. An ungrooved region of the transition region acts as a hinge holding the ruptured disc dome to the flat flange region after the disc has ruptured. The ruptured disc dome hangs over an arcuate projection formed in the support ring, which helps to prevent the disc from fragmenting.