🔍10 Critical Questions to Ask Assentech, Your Bursting Disc Supplier

Plus the Certifications You Should Always Request

1. Has the disc material been assessed for compatibility with the process media and environment in which it will operate?
   Why it matters: Incorrect material selection can lead to corrosion, embrittlement, or premature failure — especially in aggressive or variable environments. Material suitability must be assessed against the specific chemical and thermal properties of your media.
   What it evidences: That the disc has been selected using verified chemical compatibility data and material performance information for your application. This ensures long-term reliability and that the disc will maintain its integrity and burst characteristics in service.
   ✅Required Certification:
   – Application Data Sheet confirming media compatibility
   – Material Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1)
   – Chemical resistance chart or media compatibility reference
   – Documented material selection record
2. Has the disc been tested under actual service conditions, or only at ambient temperature?
   Why it matters: Process conditions often differ from test conditions. Burst performance must be verified under the actual temperature and pressure range of your system.
   What it evidences: That the disc will perform accurately in real-world conditions — not just in controlled laboratory settings.
   ✅Required Certification:
   – ASME Section XIII burst test report at specified temperature
   – ISO 4126-2 burst performance data
   – PED Module B or G test certificate (for EU)
3. Has this bursting disc been performance tested at my required operating temperature, and does it have third-party certification to verify burst tolerance within allowable limits under ASME codes?
   Why it matters: Burst pressure shifts with temperature. Third-party validation removes bias and confirms product integrity.
   What it evidences: That the disc meets ASME performance limits under your actual process temperature.
   ✅Required Certification:
   – ASME Section XIII certification
   – Third-party inspection certificate (e.g. TÜV, Lloyd’s, or equivalent)
   – Temperature-specific burst test report
4. What test data and certification can you supply to confirm the disc’s burst pressure accuracy and temperature compatibility under my process conditions?
   Why it matters: You need assurance that the disc matches the specific requirements of your process — not generic ratings.
   What it evidences: Precision testing to confirm burst pressure and temperature performance.
   ✅Required Certification:
   – Manufacturer’s burst test report (specific to your ordered pressure and temperature)
   – ASME Section XIII or ISO 4126-2 certification
5. Can you provide documented proof that the bursting disc has been tested and certified to perform at the specified burst pressure and temperature range, in accordance with ASME Section XIII or Section VIII?
   Why it matters: These are the key codes governing safety in pressure relief systems — especially for pressure vessels.
   What it evidences: That the disc is legally and technically suitable for use in ASME-code applications.
   ✅Required Certification:
   – ASME Section XIII certificate
   – ASME Section VIII, Division 1 UD stamp (where applicable)
   – Test and inspection certificate with stated burst tolerance
6. Can you confirm full compliance with ASME Section XIII, and provide supporting documentation such as test reports or material traceability records?
   Why it matters: ASME XIII requires thorough documentation — its value lies in the traceability it demands.
   What it evidences: That the disc has been manufactured, tested, and documented under a rigorous and traceable quality system.
   ✅Required Certification:
   – ASME Section XIII test report and conformity statement
   – Material Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2)
   – Unique disc serial number with batch traceability
7. What is the allowable burst tolerance for this disc, and how is that verified across your manufacturing process?
   Why it matters: Tight tolerance = predictable performance. This protects your process from both premature and delayed bursting.
   What it evidences: That the disc will burst within the specified pressure window, consistently across batches.
   ✅Required Certification:
   – Manufacturer’s quality control certificate
   – ASME Section XIII or ISO 4126-2 tolerance compliance documentation
   – Production test records (per lot or serialised disc)
8. Does the disc have CE (PED) or ATEX certification for my region or application, and what evidence is available to support this?
   Why it matters: PED and ATEX are legal requirements in the EU for pressure and explosive environments, respectively.
   What it evidences: That the disc is certified for use in regulated markets or hazardous areas.
   ✅Required Certification:
   – PED Module B or G certificate
   – ATEX certificate (Directive 2014/34/EU)
   – Declaration of Conformity with CE mark
9. How is each disc traceable back to its batch, test results, and material certification?
   Why it matters: In the event of an incident or audit, you need complete traceability for liability and quality assurance.
   What it evidences: That each disc can be tracked from raw material through to installation.
   ✅Required Certification:
   – Serialised disc ID
   – Production batch record
   – EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 certificate
   – ASME data report (if applicable)
10. What assumptions have been made in sizing and setting this disc, and do I understand the consequences if those assumptions change?
    Why it matters: Pressure relief devices must be sized accurately. Any change in operating conditions can affect performance.
    What it evidences: That the disc has been selected based on sound process data — not assumptions — and has safety margins built in.
    ✅Required Certification:
    – Sizing calculation report (from supplier or consultant)
    – Application data sheet (signed off by both parties)
    – Design assumptions summary (pressure, temperature, media, back pressure, etc.)