In the chemical and petrochemical
industries – in particular on classified
SEVESO II plants – vessels, tanks and
reactors are normally equipped with
protection devices consisting of safety
valves with rupture discs to avoid
damage due to high and low pressure
shocks.

The condition of the rupture disc is
often monitored with glycerin
manometers installed between the
safety valve and the disc.However,
according to VEGA, there are issues as
these devices are not able to transmit
measuring information and are often
not SIL qualified. They often have
limited resolution in low pressure
ranges, which doesn’t allow for a very
precise set point.

To resolve these issues, the
implementation of a
SMART pressure sensor
with ceramic cell enables
the measurement of
very small pressure
variations and detection
of the slightest leak
to prevent
fissuring of the
rupture disc.