A manifold valve is an essential component of pressure and differential pressure transducers. A manifold valve’s primary function is to block or isolate fluid flow to isolate process media from pressure instrumentation. A valve manifold included in a tool allows it to be replaced or calibrated without requiring a shutdown. This article will teach us about the various types of manifold valves.
What is a Manifold Valve?
A valve manifold is a component of a hydraulic system that consists of one or more block or isolation valves. Ball, needle, bleed, and vent valves are common valves that make up a valve manifold. A manifold valve with a block and bleed system prevents the upstream fluid from coming into contact with the downstream components by separating the fluid.
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Types of Manifold Valves
Depending on the design configuration and the number of valves, manifold valves are classified as follows:
2-Way Valve Manifold
A 2-way manifold valve, also known as a 2-valve manifold, is designed in a single block with an isolation valve and a calibration/vent (bleed) valve. They have screwed inlet and outlet ports that can be male or female. The block valve is identified by a blue handle, whereas the bleed valve is identified by a red handle.
3-Way Manifold Valve
A 3-valve manifold, also known as a 3-way valve manifold, is made up of two block valves and one equalizing valve. Differential pressure transmitters are common applications for 3-way manifold valves. Blue handles are used to identify block valves, while green handles are used to identify equalization valves. The block valves are open and the equalizing valve is closed during normal operation.
A 3-way manifold valve’s block valves provide instrument isolation. The equalizing valve is located between the pressure instrument’s high and low process connections and provides equal pressure on both sides.
Due to the lack of a test connection, the 3-valve manifold is rarely used in the oil and gas industry. Some 3-valve manifolds include a blocked test connection.
5-Way Manifold Valve
Two block valves, one equalizing valve, and two vent or test valves comprise a 5-way manifold valve or a 5-valve manifold. The block valves on the high and low-pressure sides have blue handles, the equalization valve has a green handle, and the bleed valves have red handles.
Characteristics of a Manifold Valve
A manifold valve has the following characteristics:
- Brush with an anti-rotational thrust to provide pressure-tight sealing, consistent packing compression, and minimal cold flow channels.
- Bonnet/body washer with on-site bonnet retrofitting and a guarantee of 100% re-sealing.
- T-bar for added convenience.
- Two caps
- Lock nut for the gland adjuster.
- The gland packing is adjusted to compensate for gland wear.
- Positive gland sealing is provided by an anti-blowout spindle with a high-quality micro mirror stem finishing.
- For optimal sealing, use gland packing with the least amount of air adjustment.
- A shutoff spindle tip that is bubble-tight. It provides the user with leakage-free performance and downstream functional safety.
Advantages of Manifold Valve
Valve manifolds are used in a wide range of applications, from small mobile devices to large industrial complexes. The manifold valve provides numerous benefits to the system. Some of the most common advantages are:
- Pressure and heat loss are reduced as a result of shorter flow paths.
- Enhancing energy efficiency.
- Installation is simple.
- Reduce installation costs.
- There is a reduction in the number of fluid connections.
- Because there are fewer connections, oil leaks and maintenance are reduced.