5- Way Manifold Valve

1. Introduction
Using DP flow meters is wide, as known, every DP (Differential pressure) flow meter is consisting of
two main components, which are:
i. Sensing device
ii. Scanner or computing device ( transmitter)

They are not compact; every part is a dependent component.

The sensor responsible for sending the signal to the scanner, then the scanner processes the signal
and does some calculations and displays the result.

This scanner often needs calibration or maintenance, so, if the scanner is installed directly on the
sensing device, the pipe line should be shut to remove this scanner.

Another part solved this problem is installed between these two parts is the Manifold valve

This report is concerned with the five-way manifold type, but firstly, a brief overview of the types
of this manifolds valves.

2. Definition
What is the Manifold valve?

Manifold valve is an intermediate valve receives the signal from

the sensor device and delivers it to the scanner with the ability of
a) Isolating
b) Venting
c) Equalizing

In order to remove the scanner, it is needed to isolate it from the

system.
If the signal was higher than the scanner range the excess amount
is vented.
When dealing with high pressures it is recommended to equalize
the pressures.
3. Manifold valves Types
There are four types of manifold valves

a) Single block & bleed screw

In the case of gauge pressure applications, the low pressure

port is vented to atmosphere the high pressure port is
connected to the process.

b) Two-way manifold valve

The same application like the single block valve, only the
difference in replacing the screw with vent valve in order
to be capable of venting, draining & calibration.

c) Three-way manifold valve

In this case another valve is added called equalizer

valve, the responsible of equating the pressure in
the transmitter lines in case of removing.
This type is designed for connecting system
impulse lines & transmitters.

With two block valves & the equalizer & two

screw vents – sometimes – the three way
component completes.

The equalizer is important because it used in applications with high pressures

d) Five-way manifold valve

With the same concept of exchanging the bleed

screw in the single type with venting valve to
make the two way type, with exchanging the bleed
screws with vent valves was the first use of 5 way
valve for the same reasons.
Bleeding, venting & calibrating.
 Another setting of this type , instead of two vent valves
& one equalizer, one vent & two equalizer valves are
replaced.

This setting used with natural gas, allowing single drain

& venting for each line with extra protection provided
with two equalizer valves.

4. Five – way manifold valve

As mentioned, the five way manifold valve is the best type to work with natural gas under high
pressures due to the ease of controlling.

a) Construction
There are three types of valves involved in that type but it is only one compact part.
In order to understand the types a brief illustrating of each type separately will be held but it
doesn`t mean that it consists of three parts, they are all compact in one part.

1) Block / Isolating valve

An isolation valve is a valve in a fluid handling

system that stops the flow of process media to a
given location, usually
for maintenance or safety purposes. They can
also be used to provide flow logic (selecting one
flow path versus another), and to connect
external equipment to a system. A valve is
classified as an isolation valve because of its
intended function in a system, not because of the architecture of the valve itself.
Therefore, many different types of valves can be classified as isolation valves.

So, it Is clear that any valve that blocks the fluid is called block or isolating valves
despite its construction.
 2) Vent valve

In order to maintain a specific value of pressure passing

through, the extra is vented by exerting force on the internal
components then a path is opened allowing the extra amount to
escape.

It is used for safety purposes

3) Equalizing valve

The main idea of the equalizer valve is

to make two line with different pressure at
the same pressure by compensating the
difference.
A simple mechanism illustrate the idea
of working with a spring & diaphragm ,
after venting the diaphragm rests to its neutral position.

This is what happening inside the five-way manifold valve.

b) Normal operation

During the Normal operation, the pressure lines are open and the
equalizers & the vent are closed as shown

c) Installing steps
In order to install the valve, 5 main steps should be done respectively:

i. Close all valves

ii. Open equalizing valve ( to be sure there is zero differential pressure)
iii. Slowly open the high pressure block valve, check for leakage from the transmitter sides
iv. Close equalizing valve
v. Open the low pressure valve

Now the transmitter is in service .

 d) Removing steps
For any circumstances that require removing the transmitter, only three steps are required to be
done

i. Close high & low pressure block valves

ii. Open the equalizer valves
iii. Open the Vent valve

Now the transmitter is out of the service and saves to remove.

5. Conclusion
The Five-way manifold valve is very important for DP flow meters devices to enable the operator
Isolating, Venting & calibrating in custody transfer processes.
According to the conditions of the system, it is easy to select the most suitable type of the manifold
valves.