A bleed ring is a ring section with one or more radial pipe connections designed to fit between standard flanges within the bolt circle, using conventional gasket material. The ring normally comes with a 3/4" tapped or 1/2" socket weld for connecting with valves and instruments. The face of the ring can also be made to matched with any flange type. A bleed ring has different sizes based on the ANSI flange rating of the process piping.




A bleed ring can be used instead of an orifice flange union. It is easier to install and cheaper than installing orifice flanges, especially in a brown field application. It comes in many different materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, PVC, ect., depending on the use. They provide a convenient way of draining piping, taking samples, attaching instruments or even bleeding of a valve. When used with a valve and blind flange, it allows you to relieve the pressure if your valve is leaking before you remove the flange.
Bleed Ring Advantages and Disadvantages
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Advantages | Disadvantages |
- The primary purpose of a bleed ring is to provide a controlled outlet for excess pressure, preventing overpressurization in the piping system. This helps in protecting the equipment and components downstream.
- Bleed rings facilitate easy maintenance and inspection of the system without the need for complete disassembly. This can be crucial for systems that require periodic checks or adjustments.
- Using a bleed ring can be more cost effective than implementing alternative pressure relief solutions. It provides a simple and efficient method for pressure relief without the need for complex systems.
- Bleed rings are versatile and can be used in various applications and industries where pressure relief is necessary.
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- The presence of a bleed ring can cause some flow restriction in the system, as it introduces an additional element in the piping. This restriction may be a consideration in systems where high flow rates are crucial.
- The size of the bleed ring and the space required for its installation can be a limiting factor in certain applications. It's important to consider the available space when deciding to use a bleed ring.
- While bleed rings are designed to allow controlled bleeding of pressure, there is still a potential for leakage. Proper installation and maintenance are essential to minimize the risk of leaks.
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Bleed Ring Standards
ASME Standards
- ASME B16.5 - Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings: NPS 1/2 through NPS 24 Metric/Inch Standard
- ASME B16.20 - Metallic Gaskets for Pipe Flanges: Ring-Joint, Spiral-Wound, and Jacketed
- ASME B16.47 - Large Diameter Steel Flanges: NPS 26 Through NPS 60 Metric/Inch Standard
- ASME B16.48 - Line Blanks
