Double block and bleed valves enable maintenance on a section of process piping. They allow plant staff to block off and depressurize the section that requires maintenance. They consist of two block valves and one bleed valve. One of the valves blocks the upstream fluid from flowing. The bleed valve relieves the pressure from the downstream side to enable work to be performed.
I share this as background for what is required in hydrogen fueling stations. The TESCOM AGI Double Block Bleed (DBB) and Hand Valves enable fueling station operators to maintain a safe working environment during instrumental maintenance routines. These maintenance-free valves feature a positive double-block arrangement that protects workers after they isolate process pressures, while their modular design reduces the number of potential leakage points. These 15,000 psi (103.4 MPa) double block bleed and hand valves offer redundant protection from high pressure and superior sealing technology to avoid leaks.
The DBB valve’s positive double block arrangement provides two layers of positive shutoff that shield maintenance staff from high pressure during instrument maintenance. Its modular design reduces the number of potential leakage points, and the reinforced sealing technology reduces the risk of fuel entering the atmosphere through the valve stem. They comply with ISO 19880-3:2018: Gaseous Hydrogen Fueling Stations and are available in various configurations to suit instrumentation valve applications, supporting a full range of system designs.
In 2021, 142 new hydrogen refueling stations began operating, the most significant increase in a single year, raising the total to 685 active stations worldwide. And in January 2022, Global Market Insights Inc. predicted that the FCEV market will exceed $15 billion by 2027. To meet this growing demand, fueling station original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) must source reliable, high-performance components to ensure overall equipment effectiveness and station safety.
The H2 Valve Series provides several safety features for OEMs looking to minimize safety risks for operators. Each valve has a convenient QR code, allowing operators to access the valve’s specs during maintenance and installation quickly. The product also ensures that no high-pressure liquid or gas is released during maintenance.
Visit the TESCOM Anderson Greenwood Instrumentation H2 Valve Series page and the Hydrogen Refueling section on Emerson.com for more on this and other technologies and solutions to help assure safe, efficient, and reliable hydrogen dispensing operations.
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