Monoflanges combine the event as high as three valves in a particularly compact body, because of a precise network of internal passages and valve chambers. But what really happens inside Pitfall , once installed?
In a chemical process a high response speed is required for some control applications. One of many variables that affect the response time may be the volume and the distance between process and instruments. If the medium to be measured is gas, and the procedure tends to fluctuate strongly at times or if the control is critical, mounting the instrument close to the process is the solution.
Vibrations may also be critical, for example, in case that impulse lines are connected to a vessel. The longer the hook-up, the wider is the amplitude of the vibration causing possible failures of the nozzle. A monoflange includes one, two or three needle valves in the compact, flange-shaped body, allowing a substantial decrease in volume, dimensions, weight and potential leakage points.
Monoflange may be the solution
Based on the requirements of the plant it really is installed in, the monoflange can incorporate one, two or three valves. In a monoflange with two valves (block & bleed), one valve (with a blue cap) isolates the procedure and another (with a red cap) regulates the venting of the medium trapped inside the instrument. That is mostly found in applications that are relatively uncritical (e.g. low pressure) or where a first shut-off valve is provided just before the monoflange.
The safest configuration, and the main one we advise for aggressive media or critical operating conditions, may be the three-valve monoflange or the so-called double block & bleed (DBB), which features two shut-off valves in series and something valve for venting.
Monoflange functionality
The monoflange bodies are drilled internally with holes which connect the annular valve chambers.
The next picture illustrates the process inside a DBB monoflange:
The flow enters the monoflange from the pipeline and stops below the first shut-off valve [1];
When the first shut-off valve [1] opens, the flow proceeds towards the next shut-off valve [2] ; when the valve [2] is open, the instrument is thus linked to the process line;
When the first shut-off valve [1] is closed, the medium trapped between valve and instrument could be discharged via the vent valve [3] through the vent outlet. The two shut-off valves [1, 2] come in an angled position, that allows the flow to pass through them.
Both shut-off valves allow an improved isolation from the process: In case the first shut-off valve will not isolate the medium properly, the second one will become a safety means against accidental leaks. Occasionally, customer specifications do not allow the medium to stay touch with the instrument when it is not measuring. For this reason the medium shall be discharged utilizing the vent line. In other cases ? as a result of vent line ? instruments can be easily calibrated without dismounting them from the line.
Note
Further information on our valves can be found on the WIKA website or in the video What is a monoflange? In case you have any questions, your contact will gladly help you.