Burst Alert^® Sensor

Burst Alert^® Sensor For Immediate Warning of a Pressure Relief Event

Burst Alert^® Sensor Operation & Electrical Information

Each Burst Alert® Sensor is designed to operate in a “normally closed” electrical circuit. A polymer membrane is used to support an electrical conducting circuit. When the pressure event (disk rupture/valve opening) occurs, the flow of fluid places the polymer membrane in tension which leads to the break of a tantalum electrical conductor. This changes the electrical status of the sensor to “normally open.” Recommended operating limits for Burst Alert Sensors are a maximum current of 500mA, maximum voltage 24 VDC; satisfactory operation can be obtained at a few milliamperes current.

Materials

Gaskets. Compressed fiber is the standard gasket material. Optional materials such as glass filled Tef, Garlock® 3000, and Tef are available upon request. The maximum service pressure for standard compressed fiber gaskets is 1450 psig (100 barg). (1000 psig/69 barg for Garlock 3000 and 800 psig/55 barg for Tef). Tef is limited to a maximum service temperature of 200ºF/93ºC.

Membrane. Each Burst Alert Sensor type uses a film of polymer material to support the electrical conductor and provide electrical insulation. Either Polyimide (yellow color in photographs) or PTFE (white color in photographs) is used for this purpose.

All Burst Alert Sensors use a flattened tantalum wire as the electrical conductor. This offers optimum corrosion resistance. The user shall determine the compatibility of Burst Alert Sensor materials for each application.

Temperature Range

• Burst Alert Sensors are suitable for a temperature range of:
• -40ºF (-40ºC) to 500ºF (260ºC); 400ºF (204ºC) for the LDAS family
• When supplied with standard cable, the cable temperature capability is: -22ºF (-30ºC) to 221ºF (105ºC).
• Optional high/low temperature cable permits use over the range from: -85ºF (-65ºC) to 392ºF (200ºC).

Sensor Cable-Optional Features

Each Burst Alert Sensor is supplied with a 3 ft./1 m length of standard cable. The following options are available:

1. Standard cable, customer selected length.
2. High/low temperature, 3 ft./1 m length attached to sensor.
3. High/low temperature, customer selected length.
4. Wipe-down “clean service” two-part cable with molded water resistant connector; 3 ft. + 9 ft. (0.9 m + 2.7 m) standard package or cut smaller (purple color).
5. Extension cables available per ft./m (WSC connector required).
6. SmartDiskTM System Connector added to the normally free end of each sensor cable.

Size Availability

Standard BAS+, DAS and BAS family sensors are available up to size 12"/300 mm. Larger sizes are available upon request. The KBA and LDAS family sensors are available up to size 8”/200 mm.

Tagging and Packaging

Each Burst Alert Sensor is individually tagged and packaged.

Burst Alert sensors are tagged indicating type, size, flange rating

(where applicable), part number and traceable lot number.

Intrinsic Safety

Burst Alert Sensors are compatible with the requirements for operation of intrinsically safe electrical systems. All types of Burst Alert Sensor store no electrical energy; they are a “simple device” suitable for use in Classes I and II, Division I, Groups A through G provided that appropriate electrical apparatus is used (powered through a Zener Barrier).

Atex Compliance

Burst Alert Sensor types BAS+, ABAS+, LDAS+, DAS and ALDAS+ comply with the requirements of the European Union Atex directive. Special tagging is required and it is essential that the application service temperature is identified for each sensor order item.  For further information, please consult the Burst Alert Sensor installation manual or BS&B Safety Systems.

Optional Armored Design

Sensor families BAS+, KBA, DAS and LDAS+ are available in optional armored configuration. The sensor is mounted to a stainless steel support concealed within the gaskets. This greatly increases the rigidity of the sensor for handling and installation. In addition, armored sensors have a perimeter extension tab to which the cable is tied. This isolates the “cable to sensor” connection avoiding damage should the cable be pulled hard or blown in the wind for an extended period.

Optional Connector

Each Burst Alert Sensor can be supplied with an optional weatherproof connector. The standard connector option is type WSC.

• The characteristics of the type WSC connector are:
• Durable threaded internal pin connections (3 pin-positive/negative/shielding)
• Durable Nylon housing, threaded assembly of housing with Nitrile O-ring seals
• 10 Amps, 250 V AC
• UL listed IP 68, EN 60529:1992 conformance.
• Cable Gland suitable for cable diameters from 3.5~5 mm
• Operating Temperature range -4ºF (-20ºC) to 158ºF (70ºC)
• Alternative connectors available upon request.

Cautions:

1. The user is recommended to operate Burst Alert Sensors with a latching control and alarm system.

2. Caution when using Burst Alert Sensor technology with conducting fluids. Even though the electrical conductor path is broken, conducting liquids may enable a new electrical circuit to be completed.

3. In the event of back pressure, the operation of a Burst Alert Sensor may be influenced. Seek the advice of BS&B Safety Systems, L.L.C. or BS&B Safety Systems, Ltd.

4. When using the LDAS+ family of sensors, the user must consider the impact that accumulation of pressure upstream of the sensor will have on the set pressure of differential pressure sensitive relief devices located further upstream.

For correct Burst Alert Sensor selection please download the brochure from the further information link.