Safety When Using Double Block and Bleed Valves

THE PETER SMITH VALVE COMPANY LTD wWW.PETERSMITHVALVE.CO.UK SAFETY WHEN USING DOUBLE BLOCK AND BLEED VALVES When using Double Block and Bleed valves in a process system, it is important to understand your application and how to operate it correctly. For example, sometimes it is important to use caps and plugs on process vent lines and drains, and other times they should not be used. A Double Block & Bleed valve is used to stop process fluid from getting into an area where work is being done. When both In-line valves are closed, the Bleed Flange is then opened. Fluid/Steam is drained once both valves are closed to ensure safe working on the non pressure side of the system. BLOCK VALVE BLOCK VALVE BLEED FLANGE PROCESS FLUID DRAIN VALVE SAFETY MEASURES Be aware of any double block and bleed valves in the system you maintain and ensure you understand when the bleeds should be open and when they should be closed or plugged for each installation (it may vary from service to service). Know how to operate a manual double block and bleed system properly - open and close the valves in the correct order. Understand whether the bleed should be closed, left open or plugged for each double block and bleed installation. The bleed is often not plugged in an automatic safety shutdown system, however, it's always best to check to be certain. What can be vented through the bleed in your system? Be sure to know this and that it vents to a safe place. What constitutes a "safe place" will depend on what the fluid is and its temperature and pressure. Ask your management to confirm anything you are unsure about. The Peter Smith Valve Company Limited are specialists in the design and manufacturing of double block and bleed valves and other small to medium high quality valves for the control of fluids and gases in most pipe conveying systems. For more information on our products visit www.petersmithvalve.co.uk THE Peter Smith Valve Company Limited PETER SMITH VALVE Occupation Road, Cinderhill Road Bulwell, Nottingham NG6 8RX COMPANY LTD T: +44 (0)115 927 2831 www.petersmithvalve.co.uk