Hi all. Just wondering, is it possible to safely remove or plug bleeder (PRV) in an ESD valve? Not thinking of any special manufacturer here, only in general.
We would need a better description of the valve. Are you addressing a plug in the valve body, the actuator or the actuator pneumatic accessories? ESD (emergency shutdown) valves are diverse. Clarify what you mean by plug bleeder (PRV) in an ESD valve. I would assume PRV to be pressure relief valve.
If you are addressing a small pressure relief valve in the air supplied to a piston actuator you must check the maximum air supply pressure available - and the MAWP for that cylinder. Within one manufacturer, the cylinder rating varies for each size. Some are as low as 70 psig while others may be near 150 psig. The pressure rating for many diaphragm actuators could be lower than the lowest piston actuator.
Some pneumatic arrangements include a plugged connection for use during commissioning to apply air to the piston while servicing the pneumatic accessories. With such an arrangement may be able to isolate accessories such as the PRV. However, any such arrangement can be left in a bypassed state that eliminates the safety shutdown function. Assure that you understand that emergency shutdown valve arrangement before considering any modifications even on a temporary basis.
