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DBB Vs DIB
DBB Vs DIB
I
n recent years some have incorrectly unidirectional seats. The unidirectional cavity to relieve to the upstream piping.
used the phrase “double-block seats, when energized, isolate the When one bidirectional seat and one
and bleed” in reference to double pressure in the piping from the body unidirectional seat are used together
isolation and bleed. Double isolation cavity between the seats. If pressure is the valve provides double isolation in
and bleed provides double isolation reversed, the seats are urged away from one direction only. This configuration
barriers from the pressure source with the ball and allow pressure to relieve retains the capability to relieve body
a bleed cavity between the barriers. from the body cavity to the piping. This cavity pressure without any external
This misuse of the phrase has led to is a desirable function, par ticularly in apparatus. Figure 1 shows a ball valve
confusion. API 6D / ISO 14313 includes liquid service. In the case where the with one bidirectional seat and one
definitions of “double-block and bleed valve body cavity is filled with liquid unidirectional seat. The bidirectional
valves” as well as “double-isolation and
bleed valves” making the difference
between the two types very distinct. API 6D / ISO 14313 term definitions
End users and manufacturers must • Double-Block and Bleed Valve (DBB) – A single valve with two seating
be accurate when describing valve surfaces that, in the closed position, provides a seal against pressure from both
functionality in order for the resulting ends of the valve with a means of venting/bleeding the cavity between the
system to perform as expected. Use seating surfaces. NOTE: This valve does not provide positive double isolation
of the terms only as defined above when only one side is under pressure.
will clarify the understanding of • Double-Isolation and Bleed Valve (DIB) – A single valve with two seating
requirements and valve capabilities. surfaces, each of which, in the closed position, provides a seal against pressure
While double-block and bleed valves from a single source, with a means of venting/bleeding the cavity between the
(DBB) are well suited for most ball seating surfaces.
valve applications, there are many
applications where double-isolation and NOTE: This feature can be provided in one direction or both directions.
bleed valves (DIB) would be a better
Conclusion
A clear understanding of the similarities
and differences of DBB and DIB valves
is necessary when designing piping
systems and ordering valves. The basic
information presented has described
the mechanics behind how each of the
Figure 7 valves functions. It has also addressed
how the functional differences between
the valves can impact their effectiveness
types of valve perform identically. Figure downstream seat pushes away from the in par ticular applications. The purpose for
4 shows a standard DBB valve. Figure 5 valve once the body cavity pressure is this article is to enlighten users and sellers
shows a DIB valve. Upstream pressure higher than the downstream pressure, of ball valves and to prevent the common
is stopped at the upstream seat and allowing fluid to flow downstream past misuse of “double-block and bleed”.
is prevented from reaching the body the closed valve. In the DIB valve the When double isolation is required,
cavity or the downstream piping. downstream seat seals and prevents the specify double-isolation and bleed valves.
The performance of DBB and DIB upstream pressure from reaching the Not double-block and bleed valves.
valves star t to deviate when a seat downstream piping.
becomes compromised. Figure 6 shows When piping modification or
a DBB valve when the upstream seat maintenance is considered the About the author
has been damaged. Figure 7 shows a performance of a DIB valve provides Mr Jeff Par tridge
DIB valve when the upstream seat has significant operating options that a DBB directs
been damaged. In the DBB valve, the valve does not. If maintenance is to engineering
and product
development
for Eii Valve
in Houston,
Texas. He has
worked as an
engineer in the oil
and gas industry since 1992
in roles ranging from product
design and development, project
engineering, product evaluation,
engineering consulting, and business
management. Mr Par tirdge has
developed multiple ball valve
products, other valves, and
specialized equipment. He is a
registered professional engineer
in the state of Texas and has a
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical
Engineering from Texas A&M
Figure 8
University.