Burst indicator

, a European supplier of pressure-relief systems, has added detection to each of its main product lines, giving end-users immediate indication that a bursting device has operated.

The company’s ATEX-approved, non-invasive and reusable Integral Flo-Tel sensor is now fitted as standard to Opti-Gard, Safe-Gard, Posi-Gard, Vac-Gard, Arma-Gard, Bursting Panels, and both Flat and Domed Composite Discs. Elfab claims to be the first manufacturer to offer this service as standard.

Unlike most alarm systems, which are activated by the flow created after a bursting disc has operated, Integral Flo-Tel is installed on the vent side of bursting discs and is activated by the operation of the disc itself. During operation, a magnet arcs away from its rest position, removing the magnetic field from the sensor, and comes to rest in a position which no longer influences the sensor. This causes the sensor to switch to its fail-safe condition of an open circuit and a latched alarm condition is the result.

After operation, the bursting disc, complete with magnet, is the only part of the assembly that needs replacing. The sensor probe can be easily withdrawn from the bursting disc holder, prior to the holder being removed from the flange, and does not need to be electrically disconnected from the control system.

Similarly, verification of the sensor’s operation is achieved by removing the sensor from the bursting disc holder. This triggers the sensor to change state (closed circuit to open circuit) and allows the plant control and monitoring system to confirm that a reading has been detected.

Integral Flo-Tel is IP65-rated and suitable for use in both chemically aggressive and hygienic environments. Since all of the sensor’s electrical parts are non-invasive and situated outside the pipe or vent bore, they are subject to much higher levels of mechanical protection than more traditional membrane warning systems, and benefit from a greatly reduced potential for spurious alarms.

Integral Flo-Tel also remains unaffected by damage from handling or installation and downstream back-pressure fluctuations; these can impact on the performance of other detection devices, leading to unnecessary and costly downtime.