What hazard does a rupture disc typically protect against?

A rupture disc is a safety device designed specifically to protect against excessive pressure in systems that handle gases or liquids. When the pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, the rupture disc will fail and create an opening. This allows the pressure to be released, thereby preventing potential damage to equipment, explosions, or catastrophic failures that may result from uncontrolled pressure build-up.

Pressure management is essential in many industrial processes, as it directly affects the integrity and safety of vessels and piping systems. By utilizing rupture discs, facilities can maintain operational safety and adhere to process safety management practices effectively, ensuring that they are compliant with regulations and protecting personnel and equipment from harm.

The other hazards, while important in various contexts, are not the primary function of a rupture disc. Flow control devices manage the rate of substances passing through a system, temperature indicators or controllers regulate heat levels, and corrosion prevention methods focus on protecting materials from chemical degradation. However, these do not fulfill the purpose that a rupture disc serves in pressure safety.