Rupture disc pressure relief structure for polymerization reactors

Abstract

Abstract A rupture disc assembly for use in a system susceptible to both positive and negative pressures and wherein polymerization of resinous materials necessitates cleaning of the assembly. The need for a heretofore required separate vacuum support is eliminated by constructing the rupture member in a manner such that it will withstand substantial negative pressures while still being rupturable at a preselected positive pressure. The nonfragmenting rupture member is provided with a pair of intersecting grooves extending across the low-pressure side thereof, and the member is constructed of a thickness at least three times as great as would be required to rupture it in the absence of the grooves. A layer of chromium on the high-pressure side of the rupture member presents a surface to which resinous materials have little tendency to adhere and which may be readily and effectively cleaned. The disc clamping unit of the assembly has opposed inner annular edges which tightly engage the disc without the usual groove therearound to preclude accumulation of polymer around the exposed perimeter of the disc.

Inventors

• 👤 Lester L Fike Jr

Bibliographic Details