Fike – Leading Manufacturers of Bursting Discs

Keith Avila, Commercial Manager UK & IE, Fike Europe BV

Fike has been manufacturing bursting discs for almost 80 years and is one of the world's leading companies in this field, often leading the way.

Their groundbreaking G2 technology provided the first disc where the calibrated point of weakness was not derived from mechanical "damage" to the surface. They also produce hygienic discs for the food & pharma sectors, standard flange held discs that are conventionally bulged and/or scored, bespoke OEM engineered products for industrial, aerospace & military customers and downhole tool for the O&G industry - where Fike are the unrivalled supplier.

For valve manufacturers specifically, the integration of bursting discs alongside safety relief valves in industrial processes significantly enhances safety measures, offering a dual-layered protection system. Fike bursting discs act as a critical supplementary safety device to safety relief valves, providing rapid and precise pressure relief in case of emergency situations. Their discs are designed to rupture at a predetermined pressure, offering an immediate and reliable response to overpressure scenarios.

When used standalone, or in parallel to a safety relief valve, a key advantage is the speed of response, as they react almost instantaneously to pressure spikes, ensuring rapid relief and preventing potential catastrophic consequences. This setup offers redundancy in the safety system, as the bursting disc is a mechanically passive device that is guaranteed to provide pressure relief if the valve is compromised. This redundancy is particularly valuable in high-risk industries where the consequences of equipment failure can be severe and is crucial in safeguarding equipment, personnel, and the environment.

When used in series with a relief valve, the burst pressure is paired to the set pressure of the valve to negate any change to the set pressure. A big advantage is that the material of construction of the bursting disc could handle a far broader range of corrosive, toxic or viscous substances and isolate the valve itself from having to come into direct permanent contact with them; whilst maintaining the same relief capacity as the valve it is protecting.

In summary, Rupture Discs and Safety Relief Valves complement each other; the Disc/Valve combination provides unrivalled safety allowing the highest operating pressures, extended service life and greatly reduced leakage whilst maintaining the benefits of the Relief Valve reclosing once the pressure has normalised.

If you wish to offer either option above to your customers as part of your relief valve offering, contact our team at Fike: