In high-risk industrial sectors such as petroleum, chemical, and power generation, the bursting disc serves as a critical safety pressure relief device. Its selection not only affects equipment operational safety but also directly impacts maintenance costs and production continuity.
This article compares the structural characteristics, performance differences, and applicable operating conditions of the Positive arch bursting disc and the Reverse arch bursting disc, combined with analysis of common issues, to help enterprises make more accurate product selections.
Structure and Working Principle:
Positive arch bursting disc: The arch faces the direction of pressure. When the system pressure exceeds the preset value, the arch undergoes tensile stress and tensile rupture, achieving rapid pressure relief. Its structure is simple, with a short response time, and it is suitable for gases, liquids, or gas-liquid two-phase media.
Reverse arch bursting disc: The arch faces away from the pressure direction, withstanding loads through compressive stress. When the pressure reaches the set value, the arch undergoes instability, flips, and ruptures along a preset score line, instantly opening the relief path. This structure generates no fragments after bursting and offers excellent sealing performance.
Performance Characteristics and Response Behavior:
Positive arch bursting disc performs well within low to medium pressure ranges and is suitable for various media such as gases, liquids, and steam. Its bursting pressure is significantly affected by operating temperature, requiring temperature compensation during use.
The Reverse arch bursting disc performs stably under high-pressure conditions, exhibits excellent fatigue resistance, and is suitable for applications with pulsating pressure or frequent pressure fluctuations.
Comparison of Applicable Operating Conditions:
| Comparison Item | Positive Arch Slotted Bursting Disc (LF) | Reverse Arch Clamp Type Bursting Disc (YJ) |
| Suitable Media | Gases, liquids, two-phase flow | Primarily gases and steam |
| Suitable Pressure Range | Low to medium pressure | Medium to high pressure |
| Fatigue Resistance | Moderate | Excellent |
| Fragments After Bursting | Generated in standard models | No |
| Typical Applications | Reactors, storage tanks, pipelines | Compressors, heat exchangers, high-pressure gas systems |
Operational Stability and Maintenance:
Positive arch bursting disc has a mature structure and is easy to install. However, under corrosive media or high-cycle pressure conditions, its fatigue life is relatively short, requiring periodic replacement. Generally, the entire disc needs replacement after bursting, with moderate maintenance costs.
The Reverse arch bursting disc adopts a compressive stress structure, offering strong resistance to cyclic pressure. Its service life is typically 2–3 times that of the positive arch type. It generates no fragments after bursting, allows fast equipment recovery, and has lower maintenance costs, making it particularly suitable for automated production lines with high requirements for operational continuity.
Selection Recommendations:
Prioritize Positive arch bursting disc in scenarios involving: low to medium pressure, liquid or two-phase media, cost sensitivity, and general chemical applications where fragments are not a critical concern.
Prioritize the Reverse arch bursting disc in scenarios involving: high pressure, gaseous media, presence of pressure pulsation, and critical process nodes with high requirements for safety and operational continuity.
FAQ：
Q1: Can Positive arch bursting disc and the Reverse arch bursting disc be used interchangeably?
A: Direct interchange is not recommended. The two types have different requirements for holders, installation orientation, and system pressure conditions. Reselection and redesign based on actual operating conditions are necessary.
Q2: Which type allows faster production recovery after bursting?
A: The Reverse arch bursting disc generates no fragments after bursting, maintains a complete sealing surface, and enables faster replacement.
Q3: Can the bursting disc be customized according to on-site operating conditions?
A: Yes. Reputable manufacturers can provide customized design and manufacturing services based on parameters such as medium, temperature, pressure, and connection size.
Both Positive arch bursting disc and the Reverse arch bursting disc have their respective advantages. The key to selection lies in matching the actual operating conditions. The positive arch type is suitable for general scenarios with low to medium pressure and complex media; the reverse arch type performs better in high-pressure, gas, and high-fatigue conditions. Proper selection not only enhances equipment safety but also significantly reduces lifecycle maintenance costs.
Shenyang Xinguang Aerospace Safety System Co., Ltd. , established in 2000, has focused for many years on the R&D and manufacturing of industrial safety pressure relief devices. The company has accumulated extensive engineering experience and established a mature technical system in both Positive arch bursting discs and Reverse arch bursting discs, providing technical support ranging from selection calculations and solution design to after-sales service. If you have procurement needs but are unsure how to select the appropriate model, please feel free to contact us.
