Holder with v-knife blade for bi-directional rupture disc assembly

Abstract

This invention relates to a cylindrical holder member for a bi-directional bulged rupture disc. The support body of the holder has a rim that supports the rupture disc with the concave surface of the disc facing the holder. The support body is provided with a unitary one-piece, centrally creased cutting element that is of generally V-shaped configuration in plan view. The cutting element has a pair of elongated converging leg components with each leg component being connected to and supported by the interior wall surface of the holder body, with each leg component having an arcuate cutting edge. The cutting edges of the leg components merge at the crease in the cutting element to define a central cutting edge peak section. The cutting element is positioned in the holder with the cutting edge peak section extending beyond the rim of the support body into the concave area of the disc. The V-shaped cutting element functions to provide for a fuller and more rapid opening of the disc upon reversal and engagement with the cutting element as compared with prior reverse buckling disc three-knife blade cutter units. The invention has especial utility in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications requiring sanitary pressure relief rupture disc structure.