Block Valve and Rupture Disc: how can I avoid overP?
I have this one rupture disc (set at 2.5 kscg) in a line with 3.0 kscg Steam line for extinguishing internal fires in a Tank. The disc porpouse is to avoid steam contact with tank's atmosphere, so I have a block valve normally closed upstream the RD to be opened when fire is detected. Is there any means (apart from excess flow valves) for avoiding overpressure in the middle of the two devices? Should it be enough with a TSO valve?
I can't say I have any good suggestion for your problem but here's some observations to think about if you haven't already.
Just to re-state what I think you said, the rupture disc is not intended for overpressure protection
but for temporary isolation. The disc is purposely set below the
operating pressure of the steam so that it will burst when you open the
steam valve.
When you say "avoiding overpressure", I assume you
mean avoiding pressure buildup between steam valve and rupture disc such
that the disc bursts before it is intended, for example, if the block
valve leaks through. In that case, the disc alone can not provide
temporay isolation and requires additional means to achieve what is
desired.
A block valve + rupture disc + excess flow valve
arrangement sounds similar to a double block and bleed system. A double
block valve arrangement would seem to be less of a maintenance problem
since you would never have to worry about replacing a rupture disc but
maybe it is not quite as quick as having to open a single block valve in
response to a fire event. If the downstream block valve was a quarter
turn ball valve, maybe that wouldn't be so bad. Just be sure your bleed
valve or excess flow valve was vented to a safe location.
When
you ask if a TSO valve is sufficient, are you referring to a tight
shutoff valve? If so, and you deem TSO sufficient to prevent blowing
the rupture disc, then it would seem the TSO valve/globle valve alone could be used
without the need for a rupture disc.
Is it possible to use some
other form of isolation device rather than relying on one that is
pressure sensitive? For example, could a fusible plug be used that
would be sensitive to fire temperature but not steam temperature?
Actually i have this 3/4" weep hole and a 3/4" drain (normally close, of course) in between the valve and the RD,
Is the weep flow, in effect the flow from the blocked valve?
If
these flow are blocked, then in time the block valve downstream
pressure will build up and tend to equalize with that of the upstream
and burst the RD.
With a small vent line and a trap for
condensate upstream of the RD----An energy balance can determine the
pressure upstream of the RD
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