Enhanced reverse buckling rupture disc

Abstract

An improved reverse rupture disc for use as a safety pressure relief device is provided. The disc is defined by an annular flat flange region, a concave-convex disc dome region and a transition region that joins the disc-shaped flat flange region to the concave-convex disc dome region. One or more deformations may be 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 certain pressure, and no lower. The disc may also formed with one or more irregular transition regions at the base of the disc and a partial circular groove in the transition region. The irregular transition region of the disc cooperates with a shear enhancing means such as a protrusion or notch formed in a support ring or disc holder disposed downstream of the disc to sever the disc dome from the annular flat flange region along the groove in the transition region. A back pressure support means extends over the transition region and potentially over the dome region to prevent vacuum and forward to reverse cyclical pressures in the convex direction from damaging or destroying the disc. 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 or disc holder, which helps to prevent the disc from fragmenting.