How does it work: Double Block-and-Bleed

& Double Isolation-and-Bleed

Introduction
There is a lot of misunderstanding surrounding the term double block-and-bleed
(DBB) as used to describe valve functionality. It seems almost every valve buyer
and manufacturer has a different idea of what the term means for valve selection,
which can result in the wrong specifications or valve type. Some of this confusion
in the oil and gas industry stems from the fact that there are two credible sources
that define the term differently. Another point of confusion comes when many
people use the term double block-and-bleed when they really want a valve with
capabilities of double isolation-and-bleed (DIB), Ron Manson, Camerons Director
of Applications Engineering, explains. These differences in definitions and terms
are important when it comes to which valve capability to use in what type of
system.
Whenever a customer says they want DBB, it is mainly based on the application
and their past experience with what they consider DBB valves to be, says Mike
Hintz, Camerons District Manager for Engineered & Process Valves. Based on
customers preferred valve type and application, we can then offer ball, gate, or
expanding plug valve options with DBB capabilities.
The most basic thing that a user is looking for when they specify a double blockand-bleed valve is a compact valve or valve system that provides more reliable
isolation in critical areas than a standard, single valve would. This smaller system
or single valve unit serves to reduce the installation footprint, saves on extra
piping requirements, and reduces weight in critical areas. These all save space,
time, and cost.
DBB and DIB Definitions
There are two entities in the United States that define DBB the American
Petroleum Institute (API) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA). API is a trade organization that acts as an advocate as well as researcher
for Americas oil and natural gas industry, outlining many industry guidelines for
safe operation. OSHA is the branch of the United States Department of Labor that
is charged with enforcing health and safety legislations, outlining legislation that
protects both people and our environment.
According to API 6D Specification for Pipeline Valves standards, a double blockand-bleed valve is a single valve with two seating surfaces that, in the closed
position, provides a seal against pressure from both ends of the valve, with a
means of venting/bleeding the cavity between the seating surfaces. API also

notes in this definition that this valve does not provide positive double isolation
when only one side is under pressure.
In contrast, the OSHA Federal regulation describes DBB as the closure of a line,
duct or pipe by closing and locking, or tagging, two in-line valves and by opening
and locking, or tagging, a drain or vent valve in the line between the two closed
valves.
APIs DBB definition does not achieve the same level of isolation as the OSHAs
definition. API allows DBB valves to be one single valve with two unidirectional
seats, while the OSHA standard can only be achieved with two separate valves
with a method to bleed pressure in between. There are some valves that utilize a
twin valve design. By combining two valves into one body, a twin valve design
reduces weight and potential leaks paths, while meeting the OSHA requirements
for double block-and-bleed.
Valve associations usually choose to follow either APIs or OSHAs definition, but
some have created their own handbook with their own definitions for industry
terms, DBB included. For example, the British Valve & Actuator Association (BVAA)
defines double block-and-bleed as a manifold that combines one or more
isolation valves, usually ball valves, and one or more bleed/vent, usually a needlestyle global valve, into one assembly for interface with other components (e.g.,
pressure measurement transmitters, pressure gauges, and switches).
BVAA, like API, says that for DBB capabilities, only one valve is required, not a
system. According to BVAA, DBB valves replace the previous traditional
technique employed by pipeline engineers to create a double block-and-bleed
configuration in the pipeline, usually by fabricating three valves using flanges,
Tee pieces, and associated bolting.
Double isolation-and-bleed (DIB) is another term in the industry that makes the
debate about DBB even more confusing. API defines DIB as a single valve with
two seating surfaces, each of which, in the closed position, provides a seal against
pressure from a single source, with a means of venting/bleeding the cavity
between the seating surfaces. This feature can be provided in one direction or in
both directions.
The difference between APIs DBB and DIB is that a double block-and-bleed valve
seals against pressures from both sides of the valve, while a double isolation-andbleed valve provides an additional seal against pressure from only one side. It is
important to use a DIB valve instead of a DBB valve in applications that require an
additional pressure barrier that seals separately of the main pressure barrier. This
is important to fulfill certain operational safety requirements or according to the
nature of the service, such as low tolerance for leakage or the cleanliness of the
fluid.
Another big difference between DIB and DBB is the ability to relieve pressure.
Usually with a DBB valve, there are two unidirectional self-relieving seats. These

seats do not rely on an outside mechanism to relieve pressure. On the other hand,
a DIB valve utilizes one or two bidirectional seats. The valve provides double
isolation from pressure at both ends of the valve, but there is usually one
operational drawback, a DIB valve cannot relieve body cavity pressure past the
seats, meaning its seats are not self-relieving. When using a DIB valve, an
external relief system is necessary to relieve pressure buildup.
A DBB or DIB valve can provide isolation in both the upstream and downstream
directions, even in high-pressure or high-temperature situations. Isolation is
important in cases where leakage through a valve could have major
consequences.
Once the fluid is isolated, the bleed mechanism can drain the area between the
two valves or two seating surfaces. This is important for maintenance and/or
integrity check situations where leakage can be monitored.
Applications and Benefits of DBB and DIB
Both DBB and DIB valves save space, reduce the need for costly multivalve
systems, and provide zero leakage capabilities from upstream to downstream. The
valve also allows for an integrity check of seat seals. In addition, both valves can
be used in a variety of applications and markets, such as LNG, petrochemical,
transmission and storage, natural gas industrial processes, mainline and manifold
valves in liquid pipelines, and refined products transmission lines.
DBB and DIB valves are used in applications where critical isolation is needed to
ensure that leakage does not occur. Depending on the application and type of
service, a wide range of DBB or DIB valve types and options are available to fit
specific needs. For example, in liquid service near waterways or municipalities,
double-expanding gate valves with DBB capabilities, like Cameron's WKM Pow-RSeal gate valves, are preferred for critical isolation because they provide a tight
mechanical seal, upstream and downstream simultaneously, which is normally
unaffected by pressure variations or vibrations.
When I teach our sales force and customers about double block-and-bleed, I use
the API 6D definition, says Camerons gate valve product manager, Anthony
Carrea. In my presentations, I explain that a DBB valve is a valve with two seats
and when closed, will seal against pressure from both ends of the valve allowing
the body cavity to be bled.
Another application in which DBB and DIB valves are used is the meter calibration
market. Every closed valve in the meter system must seal drop tight. Even a small
leak will cause errors in the meter calibration and the incorrect meter factor will
persist until the next proving operation. This can cost end users huge sums of
money. Choosing the correct API verified DBB or DIB valve can help ensure correct
calibration almost every time.

The mechanical wedge action of a double block-and-bleed plug valve, like

Cameron's GENERAL VALVE Twin Seal, compresses both the upstream and the
downstream seals firmly against the valve body, needing no help from the line
pressure to affect a positive seal. Double block-and-bleed plug valves, which are
used a great deal in the transmission and storage markets, provide consistent and
provable zero leakage of various fluids.
Conclusion
When determining whether to use a DBB or DIB valve and which definition to
follow, API or OSHA, says Manson, it is important to have a clear understanding
of the similarities and differences of the types of block-and-bleed valves and the
specific application the valve will play in. Additionally, it is important that the
features required for isolation are fully tested during factory acceptance testing of
the valve.
Since DBB and DIB have become such generic terms in the industry, it is
important to take into consideration the application, media, and various
environmental challenges when choosing the appropriate solution and valve type.
The following table will be part of an Informative Appendix in the next edition of
API 6D which is currently out for ballot. The table has been augmented with a
column showing where the valve types comply with OSHA regulations.
Greenhalgh, Martin. Valve and Actuator User' Manual. 6th ed. Oxfordshire: British
Valve & Actuator Association, 2010. Print.
1

Valve Type

Sealing Arrangement

Two block valves Any valves with bi-directional sealing

with bleed
between
Slab and/or
Pressure energized downstream
through-conduit
sealing only/fixed seats (1)
gate
Slab and/or
Pressure energized upstream and
through-conduit
downstream sealing (1)
gate (DIB-1)

BlockandBleed
Yes

Double
Double Isolation-and- OSHA Double
Block-andBleed
Block-andBleed
Bleed
Yes
Yes
Yes

No (2)

No

No

No

Yes

Yes (3)

Yes (3)

No

Trunnion
mounted ball
valve
Trunnion
mounted ball
valve (DIB-1)

Upstream sealing, pressure energized

seats, both self- relieving (1)

Yes

(4)

No (5)

No

Upstream and downstream sealing,

pressure energized,
example, two bi-directional sealing
seats (1)

Yes

(4)

(6)

No

Trunnion
mounted ball
valve (DIB-2)

Upstream and downstream sealing,

pressure energized, example, one bidirectional and one unidirectional
sealing seat (1)

Yes

(4)

Only if the bidirection seat is on

the downstream side
(6)

No

Floating ball
valve
Plug

Expanding Plug
(DIB-1)
Expanding Gate
(DIB-1)

Pressure energized

No (2)

No

No

No

Pressure energized, downstream sealing No (2)

(1)

No

No

No

Mechanically energized

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Mechanically energized

Yes

Yes (3)

Yes (3)

No

Notes:
1. The terms upstream and downstream refer to the pressure source and open
end/equipment respectively and do not refer to flow direction.
2. Not possible to bleed from valve body, but bleed may be in downstream
pipework/pipeline
3. Depending on detail design of the valve, some valves can have preferred sealing
direction and/or a specified sequence of operation.
4. Depending on detailed design
5. Downstream seat can provide a second barrier at pressures below the cavity relieving
pressure, but will not provide a high pressure barrier.
6. Depending on detailed design and ability to achieve testing per section D13