What is the safest way to separate an activity and the attached pressure measurement technology? The HSG 253 standard should be put on this question, also it answers unequivocally: by way of an instrumentation valve with double block & bleed (DBB). This configuration for risk minimisation applies especially, however, not only, to processes with critical media.
Behind The Scenes with double block & bleed is normally a monoblock. It features two shut-off valves (block) and one vent valve (bleed). If the shut-off valve on the procedure side no more closes in case of a fault, the second shut-off valve prevents uncontrolled media leakage or contamination of the process from outside.
For applications with liquid or viscous media, shut-off valves with a ball valve design are employed. For optimised damage prevention, ball valves from WIKA have a combination of plastic and metal sealing: If the PEEK or PTFE seal fail, the pressure pushes the ball seamlessly towards the metal ring. The redundant system is leak-tested relative to BS6755 / ISO 5208 leakage rate A.
Measuring assembly with ball valve in DBB design: Ball valves from WIKA feature a redundant plastic-metal sealing system. In case of failure of the ?soft? seal (marked in yellow), the pressure pushes the ball seamlessly towards its metal seat.
Each double block & bleed configuration supplies a triple protection:
For personnel
Fitters and technicians can work at a measuring location with critical media without fear of coming into connection with them. Maintenance or replacement of the measuring instrument is thus possible without danger with a double-blocked valve.
For the environment
Instrumentation valves with double block & bleed avoid the process medium from escaping into the environment. WIKA ball valves and needle valves even prevent fugitive emissions in the appropriate design. These variants are manufactured in accordance with the ISO 15848-1 and VDI 2440 (TA Luft) standards.
For the instruments
Double block & bleed supplies the connected measuring instrument optimum protection against potential damage from the process, for example throughout a cleaning process with aggressive substances. At the same time, this configuration ensures long-lasting and reliable valve operation.
Compact solution rather than self-build
Shut-off solutions as described here could, in principle, be constructed from individual components. However, they might have a correspondingly large dimension, which would affect the stability of the measuring assembly. As a result of numerous parts and connections, there would also be considered a higher risk of leakage.
Valve solutions in a concise body eliminate the disadvantages mentioned above. For risk-free applications, however, you should use standard valves (e.g. WIKA models IV10, IV20 and BV). In the case of critical media, monoblocks with double block & bleed configuration are clearly the first choice.
WIKA supplies a comprehensive DBB portfolio for a wide range of applications (from left to right): model IBM, model IBF (with flange connection), model IBS (for sampling) and model IBJ (for injection processes) as well as the monoflange model IVM. The high-quality workmanship of all valve parts enables smooth and precise operation, even at high pressures and after prolonged insufficient use.
Note
To learn more on monoblock instrumentation valves with double block & bleed, please go to the WIKA website. Assuming you have any questions, your contact will gladly help you.
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