• TECH TALK •
The OSHA ' s confined space entry standard( 29 CFR 1910.146) specifically addresses isolation methods for permit-required confined spaces, explicitly recognizing blanking or blinding and double block and bleed as acceptable isolation techniques while noting that a single valve alone does not meet the isolation requirement.
At the industry standards level, the American Petroleum Institute( API) provides guidance through a suite of documents relevant to FCCU isolation, including API Recommended Practice 2217A. This addresses work in inert confined spaces across the petroleum industry; API 598 on valve testing and inspection; and API 600 on bolted bonnet gate valves.
The Center for Chemical Process Safety( CCPS) guidelines on mechanical integrity and process safety provide further technical depth on the hierarchy of isolation methods and the integration of isolation into broader process safety management systems.
Slide valves provide the ability to monitor valve condition continuously and plan intervention at the optimal point in the asset lifecycle is a significant advancement.
8. Lifecycle Management of Isolation Systems
A lifecycle perspective is essential to ensure that isolation systems continue to perform as intended over time.
Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Units typically operate for run lengths of five to six years between major turnarounds, during which time isolation valves in critical service are subject to continu-
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Trunnion Ball Valves— Proven in Critical Service.
30 Valve World Americas | May 2026 | www. valve-world-americas. com