A valve manifold is a standard accessory for pressure transmitters and differential pressure transmitters. Providing a valve manifold in the tool enables the tool to be calibrated or changed without the need to shut down the plant.
There are three types of valve manifolds: 2-way valve manifold, 3-way valve manifold, and 5-way valve manifold.
Applications of 2-way valve manifold:
For pressure sensors, only a 2-way valve tube is used. The typical 2-way valve manifold consists of 1 block valve and 1 drain or test valve.
- To calibrate the pressure transmitter.
- Steps: Close the block valve and open the drain valve. Then connect the drain valve to the pressure generator to test the pressure
Applications of 3-way valve manifold:
A 3-way valve manifold is used for a differential pressure transmitter. The typical 3-way valve manifold consists of 2 block valves and 1 equalizer valve.
- To check the zero of the differential pressure transmitter, close the block valve and open the equalizing valve.
- The 3-valve manifold is rarely used in the oil and gas industries, especially on offshore platforms, due to the absence of a test connection.
- Some companies altered the 3-valve manifold, by providing a plugged test connection.
Applications of 5-way valve manifold:
The 5-way valve manifold is also used for a differential pressure transmitter. The typical 5-way valve manifold consists of 2 block valves, 1 equalizer valve, and 2 vent or test valves.
- To check the zero of the transmitter, close the block valve and open the equalizing valve.
- To calibrate the transmitter for 3 or 5 point calibration, after the pressure is equalized, connect the test valve to a pressure generator.
- This 5-way valve manifold is the most common valve manifold for a differential pressure transmitter.
