WO2021009564A1

WO2021009564A1 - Rupture disk replacement apparatus and system

Info

Publication number: WO2021009564A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/000608
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yann FUMANAL; Walter M. KENNEDY; Caroline COVA
Original assignee: Bs&B Innovations Limited
Priority date: 2019-07-17
Filing date: 2020-07-17
Publication date: 2021-01-21

Abstract

A rupture disk replacement apparatus is disclosed. A clamp (350), a gate (300), a first rupture disk assembly (110) and second rupture disk assembly (120) may be provided, with the first rupture disk assembly mounted on a first aperture of the gate and the second rupture disk assembly mounted on a second aperture of the gate. The gate may be configured to slide between a first position, to position the first rupture disk assembly to be sealed within the clamp, and a second position, to position the second rupture disk assembly to be sealed within the clamp.

Description

RUPTURE DISK REPLACEMENT APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION

Field

[001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and system to facilitate removal and/or replacement of a rupture disk from a contained system.

Background

[002] Pressure relief devices are commonly used as safety devices in systems containing pressurized fluids in gas or liquid form, or in contained systems containing volatile (e.g., flammable) conditions that may lead to a potentially dangerous increase in pressure. A pressure relief device will vent fluid from a system when the pressure in the system reaches a predetermined level— usually before it reaches an unsafe level. One type of pressure relief device is known as a rupture disk.

[003] A rupture disk may be used to relieve pressure from a contained process in response to a potentially dangerous overpressure situation. Generally, a rupture disk has a flange that is sealed between a pair of support members, or safety heads, forming a pressure relief assembly known as a rupture disk device. One or more seals, such as gaskets, may be used to create a sealing engagement between the rupture disk and the support members and/or between the two support members themselves.

[004] The pressure relief assembly may then be clamped or otherwise sealingly disposed between a pair of pipe flanges in the contained process. One or more seals, such as gaskets, may be used to create a sealing engagement between the pressure relief assembly and the pipe flanges between which it is disposed. A first pipe conducts process fluid to one side of the pressure relief assembly, and a second pipe provides an outlet to a safety reservoir or may be open to the environment. The support members include central openings that expose a portion of the rupture disk to the process fluid in the system. The exposed portion of the rupture disk will rupture when the pressure of the fluid reaches a predetermined differential pressure between the inlet and outlet sides. The ruptured disk creates a vent path that allows fluid to escape through the outlet to reduce the pressure in the system.

[005] A rupture disk typically has a dome-shaped, rounded-shaped, conical shape, truncated conical shape, or other generally curved rupturable portion and can be either forward-acting or reverse-acting. A forward-acting rupture disk is positioned with the concave side of the rupturable portion exposed to the contained process, placing the disk under tension when the process is pressurized. Thus, when an over-pressure condition is reached— i.e. , when the system pressure exceeds a safe or desirable level— the rupture disk may relieve pressure by bursting outward. Conversely, a reverse-acting rupture disk (also known as a reverse buckling rupture disk) is positioned with its convex side exposed to the contained process, placing the material of the disk under compression when the process is pressurized. Thus, when an over-pressure condition is reached, the rupture disk may buckle and reverse— i.e., invert— and tear away to vent pressurized fluid. Further rupture disk technology may be flat and respond in a tension-loaded manner.

[006] A reverse buckling rupture disk may rupture by itself upon reversal. Alternatively, additional features may be provided to facilitate rupture. For example, physical features, such as score lines and shear lines (and other areas of weakness, also known as lines of weakness), may be used to facilitate opening of a rupture disk and control the opening pattern of a rupture disk. In a reverse buckling disk, for example, the disk will tear along a score line when the disk is reversing. Selected portions of the disk may be left unscored, acting as a hinge area, to prevent the disk from fragmenting upon bursting and the fragments from the disk escaping along with fluid from the pressurized system. A central portion of the disk that is partially torn away from the rest of the disk may be referred to as a“petal.”

[007] When a rupture disk opens, it may create a risk of fragmentation— i.e. , a risk that one or more portions of the opened disk (petals) will tear away and be carried downstream along with a released fluid. Fragmentation may be controlled by a hinge located downstream of a rupture disk or by the lines of weakness such as a score pattern themselves. Such is the case with an X shaped line of weakness in either a forward acting or reverse buckling rupture disk.

[008] The predetermined pressure differential at which a rupture disk will rupture or activate is known as the“burst pressure” or the“activation pressure.” The burst pressure for which a rupture disk is rated is known as the“nominal burst pressure.” The burst pressure may be set by way of the rupture disk’s physical parameters, such as material thickness and dome height (also known as“crown height”). The burst pressure also may be set using various physical features, such as structural modifiers or indentations.

[009] A rupture disk device’s best performance depends on two principal factors: proper alignment within a pressurized system and proper sealing within a contained process. First, it is desirable for the rupture disk to be aligned as close as possible to the center of the fluid flow path of the pressurized system. Centering or aligning the rupture disk stabilizes flow resistance (Kr) when the rupture disk ruptures, which desirably increases (or otherwise optimizes or stabilizes) the rate at which an over-pressure fluid may exit the system. Second, a proper seal will prevent fluid from leaking into the environment.

[010] Damage to a pressure relief device may compromise the device’s integrity and change its activation pressure. Such damage may come from mechanical impact (e.g., collision with an object external to the device), exposure to harsh chemicals, or other sources. There is a need for a mechanism to facilitate inspection and/or replacement of a pressure relief device in the event of damage. The need for such a mechanism is particularly strong in the case of large pressure relief devices— e.g., pressure relief devices having rupture disk devices used with piping systems having flow diameters in excess of 10 inches (250 mm). Typically, large pressure relief devices are very heavy. As such, large pressure relief devices are difficult to remove and replace, and removal/replacement may take hours or days to complete with requirements such as special lifting equipment and user site permits. Adding to the difficulties of replacing large pressure relief devices, it is critical to achieve proper alignment between the pressure relief device and the process piping, as noted above.

[011] Previous attempts to remove/replace large rupture disk devices typically have relied on multiple jack screws to directly separate mated pipe flanges to allow removal and replacement of an installed rupture disk device. Such mechanisms typically were constructed by the end-users of the rupture disks— not by the rupture disk manufacturers. Those previous systems suffered from several drawbacks. Using multiple jack screws to separate the mated pipe flanges created an undue risk of misaligning the pipe flanges and/or the pressure relief devices positioned therebetween. In addition, such methods are typically very time consuming and result in significant delays in removing/replacing the pressure relief device.

[012] Delays in removing/replacing a pressure relief device may be undesirable for an operator. The process system may be unusable during the removal/replacement process, leading to system-downtime. Additionally, a pressure relief device may be deployed in a sensitive or hazardous environment (e.g., a toxic environment), and it may be dangerous for personnel to spend long amounts of time in such an environment while a pressure relief device is removed or replaced even when equipped with personal protection equipment. As such, there is a need for a removal/replacement system that can remove/replace and achieve proper alignment of a pressure relief device— especially a large pressure relief device— in less time.

[013] Due to the foregoing difficulties of efficiently replacing pressure relief devices, operators in certain industries have disfavored using (potentially heavy) rupture disk pressure relief devices. Instead, those operators have focused on pressure release devices with more easily replaced components, such as buckling pin release valves. In some instances, however, rupture disk pressure relief devices may be advantageous. Therefore, there is a need for an improved

removal/replacement system that may make rupture disk pressure relief devices a more attractive alternative to buckling pin release valves or other pressure release systems.

[014] According to the present disclosure, a rapid-action device may be used to quickly remove and/or replace a rupture disk. The device may allow removal and/or replacement with minimal process line exposure to personnel and the environment. The present disclosure solves the foregoing problems (and others) and achieves several desirable advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[016] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a rupture disk exchange gate;

[017] FIG. 2 illustrates another perspective view of the rupture disk exchange gate illustrated in FIG. 1 ;

[018] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate perspective views of the rupture disk exchange gate illustrated in FIG. 1 with various pressure relief device components installed;

[019] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial exploded view of the rupture disk exchange gate illustrated in FIG. 1 ;

[020] FIG. 5 illustrates another partial exploded view of the rupture disk exchange gate illustrated in FIG. 1 ;

[021] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate perspective views of another rupture disk exchange gate;

[022] FIG. 7 illustrate a cross-sectional view of the rupture disk exchange gate illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C;

[023] FIG. 8 illustrates another cross-sectional view of the rupture disk exchange gate illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C;

[024] FIG. 9 illustrates another rupture disk exchange gate, in combination with a clamp;

[025] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another rupture disk exchange gate, in combination with a clamp; [026] FIG. 11 illustrates a top-down view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10;

[027] FIG. 12 illustrates another rupture disk exchange gate, in combination with a clamp; and

[028] FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the embodiment illustrated in

FIG. 12.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[029] Reference will now be made in detail to the present exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The drawing figures of this application are intended to provide a general understanding of the working elements of the underlying system. Accordingly, the figures do not necessarily represent a literal depiction of proportional dimensions or the precise locations for the illustrated inter related components.

[030] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary rupture disk exchange gate 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. The example of FIG. 1 shows a first pressure relief device 110 and a second pressure relief device 120, each of which is mounted to a plate 190. The plate 190 is provided with a first handle 191 and a second handle 192, which may be used to move the gate from a first position (with the first pressure relief device 110 in operating position) to a second position (with the second pressure relief device 120 in operating position) as will be described in more detail below in connection with FIG. 9.

[031] The first pressure relief device 110 includes a rupture disk 111 engaged between an inlet support member 113 (also known as an inlet safety head) and an outlet support member 114 (also known as an outlet safety head). The inlet support member 113 is mounted to the plate 190 by way of mounting screws 193. The support members 113, 114 are held together by way of assembly bolts 115. This configuration allows for the support member 113, 114 to be pre- torqued together with the rupture disk 111 between them. Thus, a manufacturer, vendor, or end user may apply the optimal amount of torque to assembly bolts 115, eliminating the need for an end user to create sealing engagement between the rupture disk and the support members 113, 114. By providing a pre-torqued assembly, a manufacturer or vendor may therefore deliver a pressure relief device 110 already having an optimal sealing engagement with an inserted rupture disk 111.

[032] In similar fashion, the second pressure relief device 120 includes a rupture disk 121 engaged between an inlet support member 123 (also known as an inlet safety head) and an outlet support member 124 (also known as an outlet safety head). The support members 123, 124 are held together (e.g., pre-torqued) by way of assembly bolts 125, and the inlet support member 123 is mounted to the plate 190 by way of mounting screws 193. Each outlet support member 114, 124 is provided with a sealing gasket 116, 126, which is designed to form a fluid-tight seal with a pipe flange (not shown). In one embodiment, a sealing gasket may be, for example, an elastomer o-ring or a graphite seal, with the seal selected based on process temperatures and media compatibility. As illustrated, a tag 112, 122 extends outward from the rupture disks 111 , 121 between the support members of each pressure relief device. The tag 112, 122 may include identifying information regarding the rupture disk 111 , 121. [033] As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the first rupture disk 111 is in a ruptured (post activation) configuration. The second rupture disk 121 is in an unruptured (pre activation) configuration. As will be described further below, the rupture disk gate 100 may be used to quickly remove the first rupture disk 111 from service after it has ruptured and install the second rupture disk 121 in its place.

[034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom side of the rupture disk exchange gate 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown, each inlet support member 113, 123 is provided with a sealing gasket 117, 127, which is designed to form a fluid- tight seal with a pipe flange (not shown). In one embodiment, a sealing gasket may be, for example, an elastomer o-ring or a graphite seal, with the seal selected based on process temperatures and media compatibility. As illustrated in FIG. 2, each inlet support member 113, 123 fits integrally within an aperture of the plate 190, allowing the bottom of the inlet support member 113, 123 to engage directly with a process piping flange (as will be described below in connection with FIG. 9). In this manner, the disclosure minimizes the number of fluid-tight seals required for installation of the pressure relief devices 110, 120. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, each outlet support member 114, 124 will form one fluid-tight seal when engaged with an outlet pipe flange (not shown), and each inlet support member 113, 123 will form another fluid-tight seal when engaged with inlet pipe flange (not shown). According to the illustrated embodiment, no fluid-tight seal will be required between any pressure relief device and the plate 190. Nor will any fluid- tight seal be required between the plate 190 and any inlet or outlet pipe flange.

[035] FIG. 2 also illustrates that each inlet support member 113, 123 may be shaped specifically to fit a recess of in the plate 190. As illustrated, the outlet support members 114, 124 will not fit those recesses. This feature provides a level of safety that will prevent an operator from installing a pressure relief device in an improper (reverse) orientation.

[036] FIG. 2 further illustrates the inlet support member 113, 123 as a separate component from the plate 190. This configuration beneficially allows each component to be formed of different materials. For example, an inlet support member may be made of an expensive wetted material (e.g., Flastelloy) due to its exposure to a process enclosed within system piping (e.g., corrosive or toxic processes). The plate 190, in contrast, may be made of a cheaper material, such as carbon steel or stainless steel, because it will not be exposed to the enclosed process during operation. Such a configuration may provide significant

manufacturing cost savings.

[037] FIGS. 3A-3D provide additional illustrations of the components of the rupture disk exchange gate 100. FIG. 3A depicts the plate 190, including the handles 191 , 192. FIG. 3B depicts the inlet support members 113, 123 installed onto the plate 190 via mounting screws 193. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the inlet support members 113, 123 may be provided with alignment pins 118, 128, which may ensure proper positioning of a rupture disk. FIG. 3C depicts rupture disks 111 , 121 installed on top of the inlet support member 113, 123. FIG. 3D depicts the outlet support members 114, 124 positioned to engage with the inlet support members 113, 123.

[038] As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D, the disclosed gate 100 permits simple removal of an entire pressure relief device (e.g., by removing the mounting screws). Additionally, or alternatively, an operator may perform on-site replacement of only certain components of a pressure relief device. For example, an outlet support member 114, 124 may be removed from the inlet support member 113, 123 to allow replacement of a rupture disk 111 , 121 while the inlet support member 113, 123 remains affixed to the plate 190.

[039] FIG. 4 is a partial exploded view of a rupture disk exchange gate 100, illustrating the plate 190, an inlet support member 113, rupture disk 111 , and outlet support member 114.

[040] FIG. 5 provides an additional partial exploded view of a rupture disk exchange gate 100, with a second pressure relief device 120 removed from plate 190.

[041] FIGS. 6A-6C depict another exemplary a rupture disk exchange gate 200.

[042] FIGS. 7 and 8 depicts cross-sectional views of the rupture disk exchange gate 200 of FIGS. 6A-6C. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the inlet support member 223 may be dimensioned to fully protect a rupture disk dome during installation and service— i.e. , the walls of the inlet support member 223 surround the entire height of the rupture disk 221 dome, thereby protecting the dome from impact. FIGS. 7 and 8 depict a reverse buckling rupture disk with its convex surface directed toward the inlet side. In an alternative configuration, a forward buckling rupture disk may be used with its convex surface directed toward the outlet side. In such an alternative configuration, the outlet support member may be dimensioned to protect the forward-buckling rupture disk in analogous fashion.

[043] As also illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the outlet support member 214 may be dimensioned to wholly contain one or more petal(s) of a rupture disk 211 after activation. Preventing the petal(s) from extending beyond the height of the outlet support member 214, will prevent the petal(s) from impeding removal of the pressure relief device from service following activation (as described below in connection with FIG. 9).

[044] FIG. 9 depicts another embodiment of a rupture disk exchange gate 300. As illustrated, a first pressure relief device 310 and a second pressure relief device 320 are mounted to a plate 390. The plate 390 is provided with a first handle 391 and a second handle 392. In the illustration of FIG. 9, the gate 300 is in a first position, with the first pressure relief device 310 in an operating position, such that a rupture disk (not shown) in the first pressure relief device 310 is positioned into an alignment with fluid flow paths created by an inlet pipe (not shown) and outlet pipe 382. In such a position, the pressure relief device is sealingly engaged between a flange of an inlet pipe and a flange 384 of the outlet pipe 382, by way of a clamp 350. Specifically, the outlet support member is sealingly engaged with the flange 384 of the outlet pipe 382, and the inlet support member is sealingly engaged with the flange of the inlet pipe (not shown).

[045] Clamp 350 is designed to be installed within a process piping system, with the inlet pipe in fluid communication with the contained process. Clamp 350 is configured to efficiently and symmetrically push apart and bring together two mated pipe flanges with a pressure relief device (e.g., device 310) between them.

Clamp 350 advantageously allows two mated pipe flanges to be separated while keeping the mated pipe flanges in alignment and without disconnection of the pipe flanges (as normally would be required). In the clamp-closed position (illustrated in FIG. 9), the pressure relief device 310 is sealed within the system. In the clamp- open position (described below), the pressure relief device 310 is released from the system for quick removal and/or replacement. [046] In operation, an overpressure condition may cause the rupture disk of the first pressure relief device 310 to rupture and release pressure from the system, thereby necessitating replacement of the rupture disk. To remove the ruptured disk from the system, an operator may release a clamp locking mechanism 351 and pull up on a clamp lever 352, which will cause outlet pipe flange 383 to move away from the inlet pipe flange, thereby releasing the pipe flanges from engagement with the first pressure relief device 310. Once the first pressure relief device 310 is released, the operator may slide the gate 390 into a second position (e.g., by manipulating handles 391 , 392). In the second position, a second rupture disk in the second pressure relief device 320 is precisely positioned into alignment with fluid flow paths created by an inlet pipe (not shown) and outlet pipe 382. After the second position is achieved, the operator may press down on the clamp lever 352, which will cause the outlet pipe flange 383 to move back toward the inlet pipe flange, thereby sealingly engaging the second pressure relief device 320 between the inlet and outlet pipe flanges. The clamp locking mechanism 351 may then be re-engaged to lock the flanges into place. The clamp locking mechanism 351 may be a self locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the disclosed system may facilitate the replacement of a small-line-size rupture disk in seconds (e.g., less than 10 seconds) or a larger-line-size rupture disk in minutes. In one embodiment, replacement may be performed by a single operator.

[047] Clamp 350 may be manually operated or may be provided with an actuator (mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.) to facilitate spacing apart the mated flanges. Although FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment wherein the gate 300 is manually moved between two positions, it is contemplated that the movement of the gate 300 may be automated. Other aspects of the clamp 350 also may be automated, such as the locking/unlocking of lock mechanism 351.

[048] In the apparatus of FIG. 9, the gate 300 may be provided with features to ensure proper positioning of a pressure relief device in an operating position. For example, the gate 300 may be precisely dimensioned so that (1 ) when the gate is pushed to its full extent in a first direction (e.g., the gate hits a

mechanical stopper) the first pressure relief device will be optimally aligned for operation and (2) when the gate is pulled to its full extent in the opposite direction (e.g., the gate hits an opposite mechanical stopper) the second pressure relief device will be optimally aligned for operation. Proper alignment also may ensure that the pressure relief device is symmetrically loaded within the system, which may optimize leak-tightness.

[049] As illustrated in FIG. 9, a rupture disk tag 322 for each rupture disk may be visible to the operator when the pressure relief device is both installed within and removed from the piping system. This feature provides important advantages, such as allowing an operator to verify the presence of an appropriate rupture disk by simple visual inspection. In addition, one or more of the inlet and outlet support members of a pressure relief device may be provided with markings that also may be kept visible before, during, and after operation. For example, a support member may be provided with an arrow or other direction indicating the intended flow direction. By keeping such markings visible to an operator, the operator may verify by visual inspection that a pressure relief device is oriented properly.

[050] In the foregoing descriptions of FIGS. 1 -9, it is contemplated that the rupture disk in each pressure relief device will have identical burst pressure ratings. As such, one rupture disk is will be functionally identical to the other. In an alternative embodiment, a rupture disk exchange gate may be provided with two rupture disks having different burst pressure ratings. Such a configuration may allow a user to quickly exchange rupture disks to adapt to different processes or operating conditions, as needed.

[051] Although the above description of FIG. 9 discloses an apparatus and process for replacing a ruptured disk with a new, un-ruptured disk, the present disclosure contemplates other apparatus and processes. For example, the rupture disk exchange gate 390 may be used to remove the first pressure relief device 310 from operation temporarily for (1 ) inspection (e.g., inspection of the rupture disk, support members, sealing gaskets) prior to the rupture disk bursting or (2) periodic replacement of components of the pressure relief device 310 (e.g., the rupture disk, sealing gaskets) at the end of a scheduled lifecycle.

[052] Although FIG. 9 discloses a rupture disk exchange gate 300 having a first and second pressure relief device, the present disclosure contemplates an alternative configuration in which only one pressure relief device is provided in a first position on a gate. According to this alternative configuration, a second position on the gate may be occupied by a line blind, designed to block fluid flow. Such a gate may be installed in the first position during normal operation— i.e. , with the pressure relief device exposed to the enclosed process. The gate may be moved into second“blind” position to block fluid flow while permitting quick replacement or inspection of the pressure relief device or its components. Once replacement or inspection is completed, the gate may be returned into the first position to return the pressure relief device into normal operating position. According to this embodiment, replacement or inspection may be completed with minimal downtime. [053] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the second pressure relief device 320 is exposed to the ambient environment. It is contemplated that a protective cover may be provided to protect the second pressure relief device 320 from dust, moisture, impact, or other adverse or contaminating conditions. In one embodiment, such a protective cover may be stationary, such that the cover cannot migrate into the process when the gate 390 is moved.

[054] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a rupture disk exchange gate 400, having a first pressure relief device 410 and second pressure relief device 420 installed on a plate 490. In the illustration of FIG. 10, the gate 400 is in a first position, with the first pressure relief device 410 in an operating position, such that a rupture disk (not shown) in the first pressure relief device 410 is positioned into an alignment with fluid flow paths created by an inlet pipe (not shown) and outlet pipe 482. In such a position, the pressure relief device is sealingly engaged between a flange of an inlet pipe and a flange 484 of the outlet pipe 482.

Specifically, the outlet support member is sealingly engaged with the flange 484 of the outlet pipe 482, and the inlet support member is sealingly engaged with the flange of the inlet pipe (not shown).

[055] FIG. 11 is another view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10.

[056] FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a rupture disk exchange gate 500, having a first pressure relief device 510 and second pressure relief device 520 installed on a plate 590. In the illustration of FIG. 12, the gate 500 is in a first position, with the first pressure relief device 510 in an operating position, such that a rupture disk (not shown) in the first pressure relief device 510 is positioned into an alignment with fluid flow paths created by an inlet pipe 581 and outlet pipe 582. In such a position, the pressure relief device is sealingly engaged between a flange 583 of an inlet pipe and a flange 584 of the outlet pipe 582.

Specifically, the outlet support member 514 is sealingly engaged with the

flange 584 of the outlet pipe 582, and the inlet support member 513 is sealingly engaged with the flange 583 of the inlet pipe 581.

[057] FIG. 13 is another view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12.

[058] In another embodiment of a rapid rupture disk replacement system, one or more rupture disk devices may be prepared in a unitized construction.

Examples of such a unitized construction may include (1 ) welding the rupture disk between one or more safety head members, (2) using a mono construction design typical for graphite rupture disk devices and machined reverse-buckling or machined tension-loaded rupture disk devices, which may be made from a single piece of contiguous material.

[059] In one embodiment, a rapid rupture disk replacement system may be used with rupture disks having a nominal size between 0.5 inches (12mm) and 44 inches (1120mm), although other sizes are contemplated. In one embodiment, the disclosed system may be used with ANSI, DIN, or JIS standard flange

configurations. It is contemplated that the disclosed system may be used with liquid, vapor, steam, two-phase, and/or multiphase process media. One or more components of the disclosed system, including the rupture disk(s), may be made from a wide range of materials, including, e.g., carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy 400, alloy 600, Alloy C-276, and others. It is contemplated that the disclosed system may be used at operating pressures up to 95% of marked rupture disk burst pressure, or 100% of minimum burst pressure. In one embodiment, the system may be used with design pressures up to 6100 psig (420 barg), and/or in temperature ranges of -155 °F (-104 °C) to 1200 °F (650 °C). [060] It is contemplated that individual features of one embodiment may be added to, or substituted for, individual features of another embodiment.

Accordingly, it is within the scope of this disclosure to cover embodiments resulting from substitution and replacement of different features between different embodiments. It is also within the scope of this disclosure to provide features from an inlet safety head to an outlet safety head, and vice versa.

[061] The above described embodiments and arrangements are intended only to be exemplary of contemplated apparatus and methods. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A rupture disk replacement apparatus, comprising:

a clamp, comprising:

an inlet pipe having an inlet pipe flange; and

an outlet pipe having an outlet pipe flange;

a first pressure relief device, comprising:

a first inlet support member;

a first outlet support member; and

a first rupture disk;

wherein the first rupture disk is sealingly engaged between the first inlet support member and the first outlet support member; a second pressure relief device, comprising:

a second inlet support member;

a second outlet support member; and

a second rupture disk;

wherein the second rupture disk is sealingly engaged between the second inlet support member and the second outlet support member;

wherein the second inlet support member is configured to selectively engage with the inlet pipe flange of the clamp; and

wherein the second outlet support member is configured to selectively engage with the outlet pipe flange of the clamp;

a gate defining a first aperture and a second aperture;

wherein the first aperture is configured to receive the first inlet support member;

wherein the second aperture is configured to receive the second inlet support member;

wherein the gate is configured to slide between a first position and a second position;

wherein in the first position the gate is configured to position the first inlet support member into sealing engagement with the inlet pipe flange of the clamp and position the first outlet support member into sealing engagement with the outlet pipe flange of the clamp; and

wherein in the second position the gate is configured to

position the second inlet support member into sealing engagement with the inlet pipe flange of the clamp and position the second outlet support member into sealing engagement with the outlet pipe flange of the clamp.

2. The rupture disk replacement apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first rupture disk is pre-torqued between the first inlet support member and the first outlet support member, and wherein the second rupture disk is pre-torqued between the second inlet support member and the second outlet support member.

3. The rupture disk replacement apparatus of claim 1 , wherein one or both of the first pressure relief device and second pressure relief device is pre-torqued into sealing engagement with the gate.

4. The rupture disk replacement apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising: a first tag extending from the first rupture disk, the first tag displaying identifying information for the first rupture disk; and

a second tag extending from the second rupture disk, the first tag displaying identifying information for the second rupture disk;

wherein both the first tag and second tag are configured to be visible.

5. The rupture disk replacement apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second rupture disk is a reverse-buckling rupture disk, and wherein the second inlet support member is dimensioned to protect the second rupture disk from impact.

6. The rupture disk replacement apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second rupture disk is a forward-buckling rupture disk, and wherein the second outlet support member is dimensioned to protect the second rupture disk from impact.

7. The rupture disk replacement apparatus of claim 1 ,

wherein the first inlet support member has a first shape,

wherein the first outlet support member has a second shape,

wherein the first shape is different from the second shape, and

wherein the first aperture is configured to fit the first shape.

8. The rupture disk replacement apparatus of claim 1 ,

wherein the second inlet support member has a first shape,

wherein the second outlet support member has a second shape, wherein the first shape is different from the second shape, and wherein the second aperture is configured to fit the first shape.

9. The rupture disk replacement apparatus of claim 1 ,

wherein the first rupture disk has a first pressure rating,

wherein the second rupture disk has a second pressure rating, and wherein the first pressure rating and second pressure rating are different.