GEKO DBB Hard Sealed Ball Valve – Zero Leakage for Natural Gas and Hydrocarbon Gases

In the critical stages of natural gas and hydrocarbon gas transportation, valve performance directly affects both safety and efficiency. GEKO’s latest shipment of the DBB (Double Block and Bleed) Hard Sealed Ball Valve has received exceptional feedback from clients, thanks to its ISO 5208 standard gas-tight sealing performance with Rate A zero leakage.

1. DBB Hard Sealed Ball Valve: The Ideal Choice for Natural Gas and Hydrocarbon Gas Applications

1.1 Core Features: Zero Leakage Sealing and Extreme Condition Adaptability

The GEKO DBB Hard Sealed Ball Valve employs a metal-to-metal sealing design, achieving gas-tight sealing through precision-ground valve seats and ball contact surfaces. It meets the ISO 5208 Rate A leakage standard, fully preventing gas leakage during high-pressure tests. This ensures it meets the stringent zero leakage requirements for natural gas pipelines. The valve body is made from high-strength alloy steel, heat-treated to a hardness of over HRC 60, significantly improving wear resistance and ensuring long-term stable operation in the corrosive environments of hydrocarbon gases like methane and propane.

1.2 Structural Advantages: Dual Isolation and Safety Redundancy

The DBB design includes two independent sealing surfaces with a middle bleed valve, creating a dual isolation barrier. If the primary seal fails, the backup seal immediately activates, while the bleed valve releases residual gas, preventing pressure buildup. This design is crucial in natural gas processing plants, where it effectively prevents leakage-related explosion risks. The valve body is modular, making on-site maintenance easier and reducing downtime.

1.3 Performance Parameters: Covering Full-Spectrum Demands

Pressure Range: Class 150 to Class 1500, suitable for varying pressure levels from low-pressure gathering to high-pressure long-distance pipelines.

Temperature Range: -46°C to 200°C, covering extremely cold areas and high-temperature refining environments.

Nominal Diameter: DN 15 to DN 600, meeting flow control needs from small branch lines to main pipelines.

Actuation Methods: Supports manual, pneumatic, electric, and hydraulic actuators, compatible with automation control systems.

2. In-Depth Analysis of Natural Gas and Hydrocarbon Gas Application Scenarios

2.1 Natural Gas Transport: Core Component for Long-Distance Pipelines

In long-distance natural gas pipelines, the DBB Hard Sealed Ball Valve serves as a critical shut-off device, performing the following functions:

High-Pressure Control: In Class 900 and above pressure pipelines, valves need to endure frequent open/close operations. GEKO valves have passed fatigue tests, maintaining seal integrity after 100,000 cycles.

Emergency Shutdown: When linked to SCADA systems, the valve can open or close fully within 5 seconds, responding to pipeline leak alarms.

Pipeline Cleaning: The quick-opening and closing function of the ball valve, in conjunction with a pigging device, ensures the removal of impurities from the pipeline, maintaining efficient transport.

2.2 Hydrocarbon Gas Processing: Reliable Support for Refining and LNG Facilities

In LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) receiving stations and refineries, valves face dual challenges of low temperatures and corrosion:

Low-Temperature Sealing: Special low-temperature sealing materials maintain elasticity at -196°C, preventing leaks caused by cold shrinkage.

Corrosion Protection: The valve body is coated with a nickel-based alloy coating, resisting corrosion from acidic gases such as H₂S and CO₂, prolonging service life.

Process Isolation: In distillation towers, compressors, and other equipment, the valve enables precise flow control of hydrocarbon gases, supporting process optimization.

2.3 Typical Application Cases

Case 1: In a multinational natural gas pipeline project, after adopting GEKO DBB Ball Valves, the leakage rate dropped from the industry average of 0.5% to 0%, saving over $2 million in annual maintenance costs.

Case 2: In a Middle Eastern refinery’s high-temperature cracking unit, GEKO valves have been in continuous operation for 3 years without seal failure, replacing the original imported product.

3. How to Match Requirements with Product Features

3.1 Key Parameter Selection

Pressure Rating: Choose valves with Class 300 to Class 1500 ratings based on pipeline design pressure to avoid overpressure risks.

Temperature Range: Opt for low-temperature valves in cold regions, while high-temperature environments require consideration of heat dissipation designs.

Actuation Method: For remote control scenarios, electric actuators are recommended, while pneumatic drives are ideal for emergency shutdown systems.

3.2 Installation and Maintenance Tips

Pre-Installation Check: Confirm the valve’s flow direction marking matches the pipeline and that the flange connection surfaces are clean and undamaged.

Seal Grease Injection: Use specialized seal grease to enhance low-pressure sealing, ensuring the injected amount complies with manufacturer specifications.

Regular Maintenance: Check seat wear every 6 months and perform gas-tightness tests annually. Replace aging components promptly.

3.3 Industry Standards and Certifications

ISO 5208 Certification: Ensures the valve passes stringent gas-tight tests, with a leakage rate lower than 0.01%.

API 6D Compliance: Meets petroleum and natural gas industry standards, ensuring reliability in design, manufacture, and inspection.

CE Certification: Complies with EU pressure equipment directives, supporting global procurement.

Choose GEKO Valves Today: Visit the GEKO website or contact authorized distributors. info@geko-union.com