In short: the SANITRX HPX® brings the concept of the HPX® disc (semicircular, scored, reverse-acting) to the hygienic world. It is made to protect pharmaceutical, biotechnology and food and beverage equipment against overpressure, mounting directly on sanitary connections and releasing no particles on opening.
How it works
The opening mechanism is that of any reverse-acting disc: the dome receives the pressure on its convex side and, on reaching the burst value, it reverses and opens along the score line, leaving the petal held by a hinge. In a sanitary process this has extra value: a clean, fragment-free opening prevents pieces of metal or seal from ending up in the product or in the downstream line.
What sets this version apart is everything around the dome. It installs between standard sanitary ferrules (Tri-Clamp®, DIN, SMS) or hygienic flanges without adapters, which eliminates parts and corners where dirt could lodge. The product-contact surface is polished, with a finish on the order of 20 µin Ra according to the manufacturer, to hinder bacterial adhesion and make cleaning easier. The materials, according to the manufacturer, comply with ASME BPE, USP Class VI and 3-A, and the disc is designed to withstand CIP/SIP cycles, steam and caustic cleaning agents.
The manufacturer states an operating/burst ratio of up to 90 %, meaning the process can run close to the burst value without causing premature openings, which means fewer shutdowns for replacement.
When it makes sense (and when it does not)
- Suitable in bioreactors, fermenters, process tanks, and CIP/SIP lines where cleaning and validation are as important as protection.
- Suitable for isolating a safety valve from the product: non-fragmenting versions allow the disc to be placed upstream of the valve, protecting it from fouling and reducing fugitive emissions.
- Suitable for lines of 1 to 3 inches (25 to 80 mm), which is the indicated size range.
- Not suitable if the required burst pressure exceeds what this model covers; the SANITRX HPX® II exists for that.
- Nor in 3/4" lines, which have their own version.
Data to specify it
- Burst pressure and temperature, including the steam sterilization temperature.
- Maximum operating pressure, to take advantage of the operating/burst ratio.
- Connection type and size (Tri-Clamp®, DIN, SMS or hygienic flange).
- Seal material: 316L stainless steel, Hastelloy®, or PTFE.
- Documentation requirements: material certificates, traceability, surface finish.
- If it will be used upstream of a safety valve (non-fragmenting version).
| Characteristic | According to the manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Type | Semicircular, scored, reverse-acting |
| Connections | Tri-Clamp®, DIN, SMS, hygienic flanges |
| Sizes | 1 to 3 inches (25 to 80 mm) |
| Seals | 316L, Hastelloy®, PTFE |
| Operating/burst ratio | Up to 90 % |
| Declared standards | ASME BPE, USP Class VI, 3-A |
To go deeper: Sanitary rupture discs and Rupture disc vs. pressure relief valve.
Descriptive sheet for educational purposes. For availability and a quote for this model, consult P&V Control Devices.