At what pressure will a rupture disk for a low-pressure chiller rupture?

The correct answer relates to the operational characteristics and safety design of rupture disks used in low-pressure chillers. Rupture disks are safety devices that are designed to relieve excess pressure to prevent equipment damage or explosive failures. For low-pressure chillers, the standard setting for rupture disks is typically at 15 psig. This is because 15 psig is often the maximum allowable working pressure for many low-pressure systems, ensuring that the rupture disk will activate and relieve pressure before reaching a critical failure point.

Choosing a rupture disk rated at 15 psig effectively balances safety and operational efficiency, as it allows for safe venting of pressure without initiating failure at a lower threshold that could disrupt normal system operation. Thus, setting the rupture pressure at this level helps to ensure that the chiller operates within safe limits while still allowing for the necessary pressures during normal operation.

Higher pressure settings, such as 20 psig or 25 psig, may not provide adequate protection against overpressurization, thereby increasing the risk of damage to the system, while a lower pressure setting, such as 10 psig, may lead to unnecessary activation of the rupture disk during normal operational conditions.