Single Unit Double Block And
Bleed Valves – Compact Solution
For Extra Safety
F
rom reservoir to final product the
oil and gas industry is concerned
about safety.
When an operator wants to isolate a
pipeline, whether this is part of the
routine operation of a facility, to carry
out maintenance, or in response to a
potential crisis, it’s critical that the valve
used is 100 per cent effective. Following
the events of the Piper Alpha disaster,
double isolation has become mandatory.
By combining two isolation ball valves
and an intermediate bleed valve within a
single compact assembly, Oliver lead the
world with their range of double block
and bleed (DBB) valves.
Single unit DBB’s cut down potential
leak paths for emissions to the
environment. Being more compact that
using single isolate valves assembled
together to form a double block and
bleed configuration, reduces space and
weight in installations and provides and
overall safer solution.
Another key advantage is that the whole
system can be built to have the same
face-to-face length as a standard single
isolate valve, as specified in the relevant
international standards – API 6D and
ASME B16.10.
Not only does this mean the system
can be easily installed into an existing
system without any re-working of the
surrounding pipes, but also that the
space required for a DBB system is
reduced by more than half. This frees up
room for other equipment and easier
personnel access or, in the case of
floating facilities, saves critical weight
and space.
Oliver have recently manufactured their
220,000th DBB valve. Demonstrating
the popularity of the single unit DBB.
As global energy businesses face
challenges like increasingly inaccessible
oil and gas reserves and the need to
reduce fugitive emissions, technological
innovation at ground level will play
a central role in delivering solutions.
Single unit DBB valves are just one
example of how the valve industry has
developed in recent years in response to
industry needs.
Paul Shillito M.Sc., M.Phil., D.M.S., C.Eng.,
F.I.Mech.E. Technical Director at Oliver.
www.valves.co.uk
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