Double Block and Bleed Valve: Introduction, Working, Benefits,
Applications
Written by Anup Kumar Dey in Mechanical ,Pipeline ,Piping Design Basics ,Piping
Interface ,Piping Materials
Table of Contents
Working of a Double Block and Bleed Valve
Codes and Standards for Double Block and Bleed valves
Benefits of Double Block and Bleed Valve
Applications of Double Block and Bleed Valve
Factors affecting Double block and Bleed Valve (DBB) Selection
DBB vs DIB
Double Block and Bleed Valve is a single assembly of two inline-block valves and
one bleed valve. The task of three separate valves is performed by this assembly
while saving huge space, installation and maintenance time, weight, and cost. An
NPS 3/4 inch or 1-inch bleed valve is installed between two block valves for venting
or draining as shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 1: Schematic of Double block and Bleed valve
Working of a Double Block and Bleed Valve
Two block valves provide isolation from the upstream and downstream flows. A set of gate,
ball, needle, or globe valves is normally used as the block valves that are placed back to
back. In the center cavity of the two-block valves, a third valve known as the bleed valve is
positioned.
Fig. 2: Typical Double Block and Bleed valve
The main function of the the bleed valve is
to drain/vent the cavity created between two isolation valves.
flow diversion
sampling and injection point connection
integrity or maintenance check connection to monitor leakage
Bleed valves can be vented to the atmosphere directly or a hose connection/piping
system can be used for a closed disposal system.
Codes and Standards for Double Block and Bleed valves
Double Block and Bleed Valves or a DBBV is designed and manufactured based on
any of the governing codes
API 6D
API 607
API 6FA
BS6755-Part 2
ASME B16.34
EEMUA 182
API 598
BS EN ISO 17292
ISO 14313
Benefits of Double Block and Bleed Valve
The advantages of double block and bleed valve can be summarised as follows:
Compact design
Provides sealing against pressure from both upstream and downstream end of the
valve.
The capability of venting the cavity in between the block valves.
Around 60% savings in weight and 70% savings in installation time.
High reduction of leak paths, ensuring low probability of hazard. Improved safety in
operation.
Great savings in space as compared to a conventional arrangement using
separate valves.
Can be used as chemical injection and sample points.
Prevent product contamination.
Remove equipment from service for cleaning or repair
Reduced Stresses from load and vibration
Uninterrupted flow for negligible pressure drop
Applications of Double Block and Bleed Valve
Double Block and Bleed Valve or DBB is widely used in systems requiring critical
isolation. The major uses of DBB Valve include
Oil & Gas, Chemical and Petrochemical industries
LNG and Natural Gas industrial processes
Isolate instrumentation such as level gauges, pressure indicators, etc.
Liquid pipelines and manifolds
transmission and storage, refined products transmission lines.
Meter Calibration.
Chemical injection and sampling.
Liquid service near waterways or municipalities.
Instrument drain connections.
Factors affecting Double block and Bleed Valve (DBB) Selection
The parameters that affect the selection of a double block and bleed valve are
Process Media and Application
Temperature and Pressure
Toxicity and Operating Environment
The material of Valve Parts
Depending on requirement various types of DBB Valve configuration is available in the
market. In general, three types of double block and bleed valves are available; Single unit
DBB, Cartridge Type Standard Length DBB, and Three Piece Non-Standard Length DBB.
DBB vs DIB
Double isolation and bleed valve or DIB is a single valve with two seating surfaces. In
a closed position, each of these seating surfaces provides a positive seal against
pressure from a single source. There is a means of draining/venting from the cavity
between seating surfaces. So, DIB looks almost similar to DBB and quite confusing
among many. The main differences between DBB and DIB valves are listed below:
Double Block and Bleed Double Isolation and
Valve (DBB) bleed valve (DIB)
A DIB provides an
A DBB Valve provides sealing
additional sealing against
against pressures from both
pressure from one side of
sides of the valve.
the valve.
A DBB Valve has two A DIB uses one or two bi-
unidirectional self-relieving directional seats which are
seats which are independent not self-relieving requiring
of outside mechanism for external pressure relieving
pressure relieving. mechanism.
In a DBB, if the first seal
DIB provides an additional
leaks, the second will not
pressure barrier from the
provide sealing in the same
main pressure barrier.
direction.
DBB vs DIB
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Anup Kumar Dey
I am a Mechanical Engineer turned into a Piping Engineer. Currently, I work in a
reputed MNC as a Senior Piping Stress Engineer. I am very much passionate about
blogging and always tried to do unique things. This website is my first venture into
the world of blogging with the aim of connecting with other piping engineers around
the world.
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