Abstract: A two-way rupturable pressure relief apparatus adapted to be clamped between a pair of connection members connecting first and second pressure zones is provided. The apparatus is comprised of a rupture member including a plurality of openings therein, a support member including one or more arcuate slots defining a circular blowout portion and a hinge portion connected to the blowout portion therein positioned adjacent the rupture member and a flexible sealing member positioned adjacent the side of the support member opposite the rupture member. The sealing member is adhered to the support member whereby during the operation of the apparatus, the support member and the sealing member function as a single part and the sealing member is prevented from flexing except in the areas of the one or more arcuate slots in the support member.

Abstract: A reverse buckling rupture disk apparatus, adapted to be clamped between inlet and outlet companion bolted flanges, the operation of which is unaffected by the torque applied to the bolts of the companion flanges. The apparatus is comprised of a reverse buckling rupture disk which is welded at its periphery to an annular support ring. The annular support ring is in turn welded to an annular support member. Methods of manufacturing the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: An improved knife blade apparatus adapted to be installed in a rupture disk assembly whereby upon failure of the rupture disk in the assembly, the disk is severed by the knife blade apparatus. The apparatus includes an annular support member adapted to be installed in the assembly adjacent the rupture disk having an annular groove and at least two longitudinal grooves intersecting the annular groove disposed interiorly therein. Knife blade means are disposed interiorly of the support member including exterior portions which extend into the grooves in the support member. The exterior portions of the knife blade means are moved by way of the longitudinal grooves in the support member into the annular groove thereof and then within the annular groove to positions away from the longitudinal grooves to thereby removably attach the knife blade means to the support member.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing a rupture disk containing one or more scores or perforations from a sheet metal section comprising the steps of cutting the sheet metal section into a disk, forming a concave-convex dome in the disk by applying pressurized fluid to one side thereof, and then forming one or more scores or perforations in the concave-convex dome of the disk while continuing to apply pressurized fluid thereto. Automated apparatus for carrying out the method of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods and apparatus for manufacturing scored reverse buckling rupture disks. The scores on the disks radiate outwardly from central portions thereof toward the peripheries thereof and have known depths and depth variances.

Abstract: Rupturable pressure relief apparatus are provided which are less subject to damage and premature failure as a result thereof and which reliably rupture at very low pressure differentials. The apparatus are adapted to be clamped between conventional pipe flanges or annular support members and are basically comprised of a first circular rupturable member formed of solid flexible material and a second circular rupturable member also formed of flexible material positioned adjacent the first rupturable member. The second rupturable member includes a solid annular flange portion and a plurality of arcuate slots circumscribing a substantially circular central portion wth rupture tabs between the arcuate slots. Knife means having a cutting edge forming at least a portion of a circle are positioned adjacent the second rupturable member on the side thereof opposite from the first rupturable member so that when the second rupturable member ruptures, the first rupturable member is severed by the knife means.

Abstract: An improved reverse buckling rupture disk apparatus which includes a reverse buckling rupture disk, an annular rupture disk support member and knife structure for severing the rupture disk upon the reversal thereof. The knife structure are comprised of at least three blade legs having sharpened cutting edges formed thereon facing the rupture disk attached together at the internal ends thereof and attached to or supported by the annular support member at the external ends thereof. Each of the blade legs has at least a portion of the cutting edge thereof inclined towards the rupture disk from the internal end to the external end thereof whereby upon reversal of the rupture disk, the rupture disk is progressively severed by the cutting edges of the blade legs from points near the periphery of the reversing portion of the rupture disk to the center of the rupture disk.

Abstract: An improved knife blade apparatus adapted to be installed in a rupture disk assembly whereby upon failure of a rupture disk in the assembly the disk is severed by the knife blade apparatus. The apparatus includes an annular support member adapted to be installed in the assembly having an annular groove disposed interiorly therein, knife blades disposed interiorly of the support member including one or more exterior portions each of which includes a groove therein, and an annular snap ring disposed in the annular groove in the support member and in the grooves in the one or more exterior portions of the knife blades whereby the knife blades are held within the support member but are free to expand or contract therein.

Abstract: A safety pressure relief device is provided for the venting of fluid pressure between first and second pressure zones. The relief device includes a first rupture disk having flexible sealing membrane located on one side thereof, and a knife means located on the other side of the first rupture disk. The first rupture disk includes a plurality of arcuate slots circumscribing a substantially circular blowout portion. The knife means includes a circular cutting blade located radially inward of the arcuate slots. Upon rupture of the first rupture disk, due to excess pressure in the second pressure zone, the substantially circular blowout portion passes through a circular opening in the knife means, allowing the flexible sealing membrane to contact the cutting blade and be severed thereby. Alternative embodiments add a second rupture disk to relieve excess fluid pressure from the first pressure zone to the second pressure zone.

Abstract: A safety pressure relief device is provided for the venting of fluid pressure between first and second pressure zones. The relief device includes a first rupture disk having a flexible sealing membrane located on one side thereof, and a knife means located on the other side of the first rupture disk. The first rupture disk includes a plurality of arcuate slots circumscribing a substantially circular blowout portion. The knife means includes a circular cutting blade located radially inward of the arcuate slots. Upon rupture of the first rupture disk, due to excess pressure in the second pressure zone, the substantially circular blowout portion passes through a circular opening in the knife means, allowing the flexible sealing membrane to contact the cutting blade and be severed thereby. Alternative embodiments add a second rupture disk to relieve excess fluid pressure from the first pressure zone to the second pressure zone.

Abstract: A safety pressure relief device including a rupture disk having a concave-convex portion and a radially outer flange portion joined by a curved transition connection. An improved knife means is located adjacent the concave side of said rupture disk, said knife means including a radially outer flange portion which supports said curved transition connection. A substantially circular inner opening is disposed in said knife means. Said knife means includes first and second spaced cutting means projecting radially inward into said opening and inclined towards said concave portion of said rupture disk. Said knife means further includes first and second arcuate non-cutting portions each partially defining said inner opening. The first cutting means is located between said first and second non-cutting portions so that upon reversal of said rupture disk said first and second cutting means will puncture said rupture disk without severing a portion of the disk therefrom.