Rupture disc technology in the 1990s and its application in modern NPPs

Application and development of bursting discs or rupture discs as safety devices for the protection of nuclear power plants against excessive pressure or vacuum is overviewed. The technology of conventional discs (simple metal membranes) and reverse buckling discs has been followed by recent innovations using special metals and alloys to withstand corrosion. Their applications for the safety of PWRs, for the protection of containment structures, fast breeder reactors, and for the isolation of safety relief valves are presented. Discharge factors, leak tightness and rupture disc monitoring systems are also considered. (N.T.). 13 figs