Every component of a bulk tank is important for its operation, but from a safety standpoint, the single most important part is the diverter assembly. Why? It holds the main ASME pressure relief valves that are crucial for safe tank operation and preventing catastrophic failures. Every tank that Ratermann sells has a Herose diverter assembly included.
Decades ago, someone would have to incorporate pipe, elbows and three-way valves during the initial tank build, which cost time and money. The development of the diverter assembly – also frequently referred to as a three-way diverter valve, safety tree or safety assembly – sped up tank build time dramatically.
Designed for side placement on the bulk tank, the diverter assembly is essentially a three-port valve that allows cryogenic liquid or gas to move from the bottom valve and either right or left, depending on which valve is in use. The bottom of the assembly is a safety burst disk, set at 1.5x the pressure as a secondary safety. The intent is to only have one side in use at a time.
Any problem will set off the safety, and the operator can easily flip to the other valve so the tank can continue to safely operate. A quick call to Ratermann customer service gets a replacement relief valve and burst disc on the way, and your tank keeps running without service interruptions.
Diverter assemblies are made in full stainless steel and bronze, with sizes from ¾ to 1.5 inches. Ball valves have been the most commonly used in this setup, but a newer plug-style design was recently introduced that opens like a plunger. This increases flow by three to four percent, with a much higher CV factor. Depending on your application, a variety of diverter styles and components are available.