Monoflanges combine the event of up to three valves in a particularly compact body, thanks to an accurate network of internal passages and valve chambers. But what really happens inside a monoflange valve, once installed?
In a chemical process a higher response speed is necessary for some control applications. Among the 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 process tends to fluctuate strongly at times or if the control is crucial, mounting the instrument near the process may be 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 in the compact, flange-shaped body, allowing a significant reduction in volume, dimensions, weight and potential leakage points.
Monoflange is the solution
With regards to the requirements of the plant it is installed in, the monoflange can incorporate one, several valves. In Turbocharges 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 inside the instrument. Improved 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 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.
The following picture illustrates the procedure 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 second shut-off valve [2] ; when the valve [2] is open, the instrument is thus connected to the process line;
When the first shut-off valve [1] is closed, the medium trapped between valve and instrument can 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.
The two shut-off valves allow a better isolation from the procedure: In case the first shut-off valve will not isolate the medium properly, the next one will act as a safety means against accidental leaks. In some cases, customer specifications don’t allow the medium to be in touch with the instrument when it’s not measuring. Because of this the medium will be discharged using 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 are available on the WIKA website or in the video Exactly what is a monoflange? Assuming you have any questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.