Monoflanges combine the function of up to three valves in a particularly compact body, because of an accurate network of internal passages and valve chambers. But what really happens in the monoflange valve, once installed?
In a chemical process a higher response speed is required for some control applications. One of the variables that affect the response time may be the volume and the length between process and instruments. If the medium to be measured is gas, and the process will fluctuate strongly at times or if the control is crucial, mounting the instrument near the process is the solution.
Vibrations are also critical, for example, if impulse lines are linked to a vessel. The longer the hook-up, the wider may be the amplitude of the vibration causing possible failures of the nozzle. A monoflange includes one, two or three needle valves inside a compact, flange-shaped body, allowing a significant decrease in volume, dimensions, weight and potential leakage points.
Monoflange is the solution
Based on the requirements of the plant it 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 process and the other (with a red cap) regulates the venting of the medium trapped in the instrument. That is mostly used 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, is the three-valve monoflange or the so-called double block & bleed (DBB), which features two shut-off valves in series and one valve for venting.
Monoflange functionality
The monoflange bodies are drilled internally with holes which connect the annular valve chambers.
เครื่องมือวัดความดัน following picture illustrates the process within a DBB monoflange:
The flow enters the monoflange from the pipeline and stops below the initial 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] are in an angled position, that allows the flow to feed them.
Both shut-off valves allow a better isolation from the procedure: In case the first shut-off valve will not isolate the medium properly, the second one will become a safety means against accidental leaks. Sometimes, customer specifications do not allow the medium to stay touch with the instrument when it’s not measuring. Because of this the medium will 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 Exactly what is a monoflange? When you have any questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.