The PB Series Rupture Disk: Compact, Reliable, and Built for High Pressure

ZOOK’s PB Series Rupture Disk stands out in overpressure protection, combining compact size with the capability to manage exceptionally high pressures. Designed for versatility and safety, this forward-acting rupture disk is a simple yet effective solution for industries requiring reliable pressure relief.

In this blog, we’ll explore how the PB Series works, its key advantages, and limitations, helping you understand why it’s a trusted choice across various applications.

The PB Series is a single-element, pre-bulged metal disk. Its operation is based on the principles of tensile material failure:

1. The disk is factory “pre-bulged” to withstand system pressures up to 75% from the low end of the burst tolerance. This is also commonly known as the safe operating pressure.
2. As system pressure increases beyond this point, the disk’s material begins to further bulge. This increased pressure is where fatigue of the disk begins.
3. Burst occurs when the disk material’s tensile strength is exceeded, resulting in a controlled failure to relieve overpressure.

This straightforward mechanism ensures reliable performance across a range of conditions.

The pre-bulged design of the PB Series offers a host of benefits:

• Simplicity: A single-element construction minimizes complexity, reducing the potential for failure.
• Cost-Effective: It provides a reliable solution at an economical price.
• Fail-Safe Design: Rupture Disks damaged or installed incorrectly will rupture at or below the stamped rupture pressure.

Note: Some PB-V rupture disks equipped with a vacuum support are not fail-safe.

• Versatility: Performs reliably in liquid or gas service.
• High Operating Ratios: Supports pressures up to 75% of the low-end burst tolerance due to its pre-bulged construction.
• Capacity for High Pressures: Designed to handle pressures as high as 60,000 psi(g) (4136.85 bar(g)).

While the PB Series is highly effective, understanding its limitations is essential for optimal use:

• Material Flexing: Can limit cycling ability and contribute to metal fatigue, potentially causing nuisance bursts.
• Burst Pressure Constraints: Dependent on the availability of foil thicknesses.
• Vacuum Service Considerations: The disk may require an additional vacuum support when installed on systems with vacuum conditions.

Despite these limitations, the PB Series remains a preferred solution for applications prioritizing simplicity and high-pressure capacity.

Ideal for industries such as chemical processing, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, and more, the PB Series ensures safety and efficiency in various environments. Its ability to accommodate liquid and gas services further enhances its versatility.

For systems exposed to corrosive media, Teflon liners or other coatings are available to extend durability and maintain performance.

Whether you need overpressure protection for liquid, gas, or two-phase flow, the PB Series is designed to deliver. Its fail-safe, pre-bulged design, coupled with compliance in international standards like ASME (UD Stamp) and PED (CE Mark), makes it a trusted solution for demanding applications.

The PB Series Rupture Disk is more than a safety component—it’s a smart, cost-effective solution. By understanding its operation, advantages, and limitations, you can ensure it meets your specific application needs, safeguarding your systems with confidence.

For more information on the PB Series Rupture Disk, please contact us.