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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to our most frequently asked questions below. If you can't find what you are looking for please contact us.

Who do I call if I need to purchase a BS&B product?

A global network of factory trained sales representatives and distributors coordinates sales activity for BS&B products. Your local representative can be identified through the ‘contact by location’ function at our web site find a representative.

How can I figure out who the BS&B representative is for my location?

Visit find a representative and go to the ‘contact by location’ search function.

Are there a quantity discounts for BS&B products?

Rupture disk device and explosion vent panel pricing is generally quantity sensitive.

At what temperature do you specify a rupture disk?

Rupture disks are temperature sensitive and therefore it is important to evaluate the operating temperature range of an application to verify material compatibility and then to select a ‘coincident temperature’ at which the burst pressure condition is designed to arise. Although some people specify rupture disks at the normal operating process temperature, disks should be specified at the temperature to which the disk will be exposed when required to rupture. The BS&B rupture disk certification process includes destructive burst testing at this coincident temperature. Both elevated and sub ambient temperature testing is conducted at BS&B and reported on the ‘burst test certificate’ that accompanies each rupture disk product shipment.

Can BS&B provide alternatives to a competitor’s rupture disk product?

The breadth of BS&B’s product capabilities typically allows us to propose a choice of alternatives to competitor product. Remember that a rupture disk device comprises both the rupture disk and the holder (or safety head) in which it is used. The BS&B sales team will guide you through the selection of the best alternative or upgrade to your existing technology, and you can help yourself by using the selection tool on our web site which can be found at Selection-Guide . Ask us about Burst Alert® rupture disk / bursting disk sensors that assist in providing a signal to your process control system in the event of rupture disk activation.

Can I operate a rupture disk under vacuum?

Vacuum resistance depends upon the rupture disk product type and its burst pressure. Most (but not all) rupture disk devices having a burst pressure of 22psi (1.51 Bar) or higher will have an intrinsic ability to resist vacuum. BS&B identifies the vacuum resistance characteristics of each rupture disk type on the product specific web site pages and in downloadable catalogs – please check your application conditions against this data. Vacuum resistance is interpreted to mean the ability to resist a 1 atmosphere negative pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the rupture disk device.

Forward acting rupture disk types (also called tension loaded) will typically require an additional vacuum support. Composite type forward acting rupture disks will always require a vacuum support when exposed to any negative pressure differential in order to support the internal seal membrane of such multi layered products (refer Type D and Type AV rupture disk catalogs).

A pressure difference higher than 1 atmosphere due to such as back pressure acting upon the outlet of a rupture disk device requires further consideration. All rupture disks are differential pressure sensitive devices. The BS&B Type SKi reverse buckling disk has unique back pressure independence characteristics that can simplify safety system design.

Can the Buckling Pin to be interchangeable from one valve to another?

No, Buckling Pins are not interchangeable, each Buckling Pin is unique to each particular valve even if the valves are the same size/pressure.

Can the Buckling Pin Valve operate with back pressure?

Yes, there are Buckling Pin Valve models back pressure independent, please consult with BS&B sales team for the selection of the optimum model for your application

Can you help me size a rupture disk for my application?

Approximations for rupture disk sizing are available through the BS&B web site by selecting the ‘sizing’ tool from the home page and registering for use of this online tool. It is the responsibility of the user / specifier to ensure that appropriate relief system sizing is conducted within which the rupture disk device is just one component that must be considered according to international design codes.

Do Buckling Pin Valves need to be periodically calibrated?

No, there is no need to calibrate the Buckling Pin Valves periodically, as the Buckling Pin is already calibrated from BS&B. BS&B recommendation is to do every 3-5 yeas online plug torque testing as indicated in the IOM.

Do Flame Arresters require maintenance?

Periodic maintenance is recommended because depending on the level of impurities/particles of the system, with time there can be clogging in parts of the flow area of the Arrester Elements of the Flame Arrester and this can cause higher pressure drops, it is also recomended to inspect the internal against damages therefore periodic inspection and cleaning/maintenance is recommended for a long lasting performance.

Do rupture disks on new pressure vessels after January 2, 1999 need to be "UD" stamped if they are installed under a safety relief valve?

ASME Code requires UD certified rupture disks for all new construction subsequent to January 2, 1999, regardless of the application. This applies to whether a rupture disk / safety relief valve combination is employed or a stand-alone rupture disk device. Many jurisdictions require compliance with the latest revision of the ASME Code which will trigger an upgrade to ASME UD certified rupture disks and safety heads. Both the rupture disk and the safety head, and rupture disk assemblies shall be ASME Code stamped when applied for the protection of ASME Code stamped pressure vessels.

Does a Fluoropolymer liner add to the burst pressure of a rupture disk?

This depends on the type of rupture disk and pressure. Whenever a Fluoropolymer liner is applied to a BS&B rupture disk, whether as a seal or an additional corrosion barrier, the liner is present for burst pressure verification testing.

How can I figure out who my representative is for my area?

Visit www.bsbsystems.com or call (918) 622-5950. States have been divided into sections according to the local representative. Pick the one that is closest to the area you are calling from.

How do Breather Vents (Pressure/Vacuum Relief Vents) work?

The Pressure/Vacuum Relief Vent is provided with Pressure and/or Vacuum Pallets which are components that are calibrated to open and vent at a certain pre-determined set pressure. Once the vessel pressure achieves the set point the Vent Pallets would open and start relieving the excess of pressure or vacuum, for vacuum the pallet opens and external air is allowed into the tank, which will prevent the vessel from deformation and/or explosion/implosion when the required relief is properly sized (when the vessel has the right amount of vents required).

How do I install my BS&B Burst Alert® rupture disk activation sensor?

Every shipment of Burst Alert® sensors is supplied with Installation Instructions that indicate recommended practices, and the latest information can always be accessed at the Catalogues-Publications of the ‘downloads’ section of our web. In general, the Burst Alert® sensor is placed between the outlet flange of the holder and the downstream companion flange. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that local electrical code requirements are met by typically using such sensors in an intrinsically safe monitoring circuit.

Note: Armored type BS&B Burst Alert® sensors are always recommended for use where higher piping loads or extreme ambient operating conditions may be present, and with larger nominal size rupture disk devices. The armored ring incorporated into the sensor provides strong anchoring of the cable to the device & avoids unwanted bending during handling and installation.

How does a Flame Arrester work?

Static Flame Arresters use technology based on the principle of heat dissipation to make the flame lose energy to a point where it is extinguished.

How often should a rupture disk (bursting disc) be replaced?

Recommendations are typically given in product specific installation instructions that can be viewed and downloaded from Catalogues-Publications page. Please check the model of BS&B rupture disk that you have and locate the corresponding installation instruction manual. Remember too that the function of a rupture disk device is determined by the relationship between the rupture disk and its corresponding holder. While holders are intended for reuse (unless part of a single use rupture disk assembly), if impaired by such as damage or corrosion, a safety head may need to be replaced.

BS&B offer products that assist the customer in tracking and optimizing service life of rupture disk devices, such as Rupture Disk Manager. Service support is always available to assist the user of any rupture disk device in the quest for answers to service life questions. A request for assistance may be sent through our sales representative or distributor, or through the messaging option at our web site find a representative. Please identify your request as ‘rupture disk service support’ for such requests.

How to recorder new Buckling Pins?

New Buckling Pin to be ordered by the Lot number and the serial number indicated on the name plate.

How to specify a Flame Arrester

First it is important to define the type of Flame Arresters based on the arrangement of the installation, if it is an End-of-line or In-line Flame Arrester for example that is required. The source of ignition and the location where the Flame Arrester will be installed are key points to be determined in order to define the type of In-line Flame Arrester needed, because depending on the distance Detonation Flame Arrester may be needed instead a Deflagration Flame Arrester. If Detonation type is required it needs to be defined if DET1 (Detonation for unstable detonations with restriction), DET2 (Detonation for unstable detonations without restriction), DET3 (Detonation for stable detonations with restriction) or DET4 (Detonation for stable detonations without restriction) are required. Also based on the process it is necessary to define what type of burning protection is required for that flame arresters.

There are three basic types:

No burn - Where the flame is contained and instantly eliminated on the unprotected side.

Short Time Burning - Where the flame is contained but due to process conditions it continues to burn (stabilized burning) on the unprotected side and in this case the flame arrester must be equipped with a sensor that will detect the burn and customer must take measures to eliminate the fire within half the time for which the device is short time burn proof (0.5 x tBT).

Endurance Burning - Where the flame is contained but due to process conditions it continues to burn and as per Flame Arrester's Design Code: "If the flow of the explosive mixture can't be stopped or, for operational reasons, is not intended to be stopped within 30 min, Flame Arresters which, when tested prevent flame transmission for this type of stabilized burning are suitable for that hazard, and they are classified as safe against endurance burning".

I’ve heard that we should be installing rupture disks with a torque wrench. Does it really make much difference?

Yes! Installing a rupture disk device between companion flanges should always follow the manufacturer’s recommended torque instructions that are provided in the installation manual. This best engineering practice will optimize the users’ experience with respect to leak tightness, longevity and burst pressure precision. The performance of a rupture disk is a result of the relationship between the disk, its holder, and the mounting arrangement in which it is used (such as companion flanges). Accuracy and consistency of installation bolt torque values is an important contributor to this relationship. A rupture disk should be treated as an instrument and installed with proper torque alongside the other installation requirements of the manufacturer.

What advice can BS&B provide with respect to rupture disk installation?

BS&B product installation instructions are available from our web site at Catalogues-Publications and are identified by the product name which is always marked on the tag which is normally attached to the rupture disk and the holder (safety head). Please pay attention to the warnings and cautions identified in our instruction manuals. Rupture disk device installation should always be carried out by a suitably qualified individual with experience in the field of careful handling of instrumentation. It is recommended to store and keep rupture disks in their packaging until after review of the BS&B installation instructions and until site readiness; this will help protect your investment in this important safety device. In case of questions, please contact BS&B or your local Representative. Site training of your personnel with respect to safe handling and installation of rupture disk devices is available from BS&B.

What is a Detonation Flame Arrester?

Detonation Flame Arrester are Flame Arresters design to contain flames propagating at supersonic velocity and characterized by a shock wave.

Detonation Flame Arresters are categorized in four different types:

  • DET1 - Detonation for unstable detonations with restriction
  • DET2 - Detonation for unstable detonations without restriction
  • DET3 - Detonation for stable detonations with restriction
  • DET4 - Detonation for stable detonations without restriction

What is a Flame Arrester?

A Flame Arrester is a safety device that is fitted to the opening of an enclosure, or to the connecting pipe work of a system of enclosures, and whose intended function is to allow flow but prevent the transmission of flame in case of an ignition. Flame Arresters are critical safety devices as they have the capability to eliminate the event that could lead to catastrophic damage to life and property and it also has the capability of preventing that an incident propagates further, taking the rest of the plant.

What is a Pressure/Vacuum Relief Vent?

Pressure/Vacuum Relief Vents (Breather Vents) are safety devices designed to protect tanks/vessels from under or over pressurization. Overpressure can cause deformation to storage tanks or their explosion in severe cases. Underpressure is a situation where to vessel is exposed to negative pressure beyond its mechanical capacity then this causes an implosion and the vessel is severely damaged and this is a more common occurrence than failure caused by overpressure. The Vents must be appropriately sized to prevent overpressure and underpressure. Overpressure can be caused due to a variety of reasons and the most common are normal filling of the tank, atmospheric heat and nearby fire effect. Underpressure are typically caused by normal emptying activity of the tank and by atmospheric cooling and precipitation which can build a vacuum inside for which the vessel may not be strong enough to resist.

BS&B FlameSaf produces a variety of Breather Vents and some models are provided with Flame Arrester for application where there is risk of external deflagration entering the tank when the device is venting, the Flame Arrester would block external flames from entering the vessel.

What is an End-of-line Flame Arrester?

End-of-line Flame Arresters are Flame Arresters design to prevent flames from entering a protected vessel. This type of device is typically installed on top of tanks/vessels to prevent flames, generally created at the atmosphere by lighting or other ignition source, from entering the vessel which can cause to explosion and serious damage to property and life.

What is PSID?

Pounds per square inch differential. This can be a useful pressure unit (also Bar d = Bar differential), reflective of the fact that rupture disk devices are differential pressure sensitive.

What is the Arrester Element function in a Flame Arrester?

One of the key components of a Flame Arrester is the Element Bank, where the Arrester Elements are kept. The Arrester Elements combined in their proper construction design will have the ability to prevent that the flame gets to the other side of the Flame Arrester. Depending on the level of impurities/particles of the system, with time there can be clogging in parts of the flow area of the Arrester Elements therefore it is recommended to do periodic inspection and cleaning on them for a long lasting performance.

What’s the ASME code applicable for the Buckling Pin Valves?

The ASME code applicable is ASME sec XIII. BS&B has ASME UD certification for all Buckling Pin Valves models.

What’s the largest size Buckling Pin Valve BS&B can supply?

BS&B can supply the Buckling Pin Valves up to 96” diameter.

What’s the preventive maintenance requirement for the BPRV?

BS&B recommendation is to do every 3-5 yeas online plug torque testing as indicated in the IOM.

What’s the recommended spare parts for the BPRV?

The recommended spare parts is the Buckling Pin, as it has to be replaced each time the valve is activated. Also PTFE main body seal which needs to be replaced each 5-7 years of operation or 20-25 times of activation whichever earlier.

Where are Flame Arresters used?

Flame Arresters are widely used to protect plants/systems where inflammable gases or vapour/air inflammable mixtures are present and there is a risk that these mixtures are ignited. Once ignited thill will result in a flame that will start travelling through the pipeline and create damage and if not stopped explosions and further damages to life and property might occur. Several plants around the world fall in this scenario such as Oil and Gas, Chemical, Pharma, Energy among other sectors.

Who do I call for pricing or if I need to purchase PV Vents and Flame Arresters, BS&B or my representative?

Since all U.S. domestic sales are coordinated through a factory trained sales representative organization the best customer service can be acquired through your local sales representative.