What type of disc is commonly used in low-pressure chiller systems for safety purposes?

In low-pressure chiller systems, a ruptured disc serves a critical safety function by acting as a passive pressure relief device. If the pressure in the system exceeds safe operational limits, the ruptured disc will rupture, allowing excess pressure to escape. This prevents potential catastrophic failures, such as explosions or system ruptures, that could occur if the pressure rises uncontrollably.

The ruptured disc is specially designed to respond at a predetermined pressure point, and once it has ruptured, it must be replaced to restore the system to a safe operating condition. This characteristic makes it distinct from other devices such as a relief valve, which can reset and resume function after relieving pressure, or pressure gauges, which merely monitor pressure without providing a physical solution to excess pressure situations. A stop valve, while crucial for isolating parts of a system, does not inherently provide a safety mechanism against overpressure.