Safety valves and bursting membranes
Safety valves and rupture disks can be used separately as primary safety features or they can be used together. Bursting diaphragms are generally considered as an alternative to relief valves.
Comparison of Relief Valve and Burst Diaphragm
| Rupture membrane |
Safety valve |
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Cannot be closed again
They are designed to open and thereby release a closed pressure system when a predetermined pressure value is exceeded.
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Can be closed again
They are designed to open and thereby release a closed pressure system when a predetermined pressure value is exceeded, and then close the system again when the pressure drops to the permitted values.
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Advantages
Simple design, low cost, no moving parts, airtight, guarantees flow without obstructions or contact with rough surfaces.
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Advantages
There is no permanent opening and therefore operation can continue after intervention in the system.
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Disadvantages
If opened, it cannot be reused and must be replaced.
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Disadvantages
Relatively complex design with holes and flaps that reduce pressure relief and can be sources of media leakage.
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