PLEASE NOTE: THE SUBMISSION CUT OFF DATE FOR THIS CALL HAS CHANGED. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS NOW 13/01/20.

Standard practice across the UK gas transmission and distribution operators is that a ball valve can only be opened if there is less than a 3.5 bar differential pressure across it.  

However, in some circumstances it may be necessary for ball valves with a larger diameter to operate under differential pressures, higher than 3.5 bar. Conversely, that same differential pressure may result in damage for other configurations. 

Our industry partner is seeking out a simple “look up” procedure, which will provide clear guidance on whether a valve can be safely operated during maintenance work, depending on the given valve size and upstream/downstream operating pressure. 

This procedure will provide guidance for a network operator on when a valve may be operated with or without harm.