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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