Written by Michael Keys
on May 24, 2017

Cost savings through better performance during installation and in use

Traditional DBB Systems

Traditional installations of Double Block & Bleed (DBB) valve systems at plants are very time consuming and an expensive practice. A traditional system consists of two single ball valves, a needle valve, various connectors, adaptors and flanges.

Installation cost can be a critical expense for end-users, especially when it is unscheduled maintenance. Costs are depending on the location of the installation and the application itself. Estimates are between $500 and $10,000 per hour. The installation time frame varies between 2 to 3 days and in some cases even up to one week.

There are many steps to consider when completing the installation process. In total, there can be as many as 41 steps required for a traditional installation of DBB valves setup.

Modern DBB Systems

There is only one step for the installation when using a Compact Dual Body DBB Valve unlike the 41 steps using the traditional system.

Using DBB Valves brings end-users a cost reduction of 30% up to 80% for installation. Besides that, using double block & bleed valves also reduces the installation time from 2-3 days to only a few hours.

Dual Ball DBB: The Better Choice Reducing Costs

I have received many comments from our customers asking me why should they buy a Dual Ball DBB Valve when a Single Ball Valve is much cheaper. My response to our clients is along with providing a 100% safety that they can only achieve by using a Dual Ball DBB Valve. End-users must also consider the extra time and cost of installation when selecting valves.

Very often, customers are only considering the material cost when valves are requested. But if we take the total cost of e.g. manpower, days of installations, long plant shutdown time, the extra material required to setup the traditional system including the safety concerns that must be addressed when testing and setting up the traditional system.etc., it adds up and gets very expensive.

Installation of DBB valve systems are also a significant factor increasing the costs. This cost is more than the simple cost of buying and using a Ball Body DBB valve in one single compact body.

Here you can find out more about why you should always use a Dual Ball DBB Valve, have a look at this infographic.