Blowdown Valves

Blowdown valves provided by PAC are typically ball or butterfly valves coupled with an actuator and associated control system that ensures that when the signal is lost from the PCS or SIS or other safety system, or in any other failure circumstance, the valve is forced into the open position thereby “blowing down” the associated upstream system, typically to a flare or other controlled pressure vent.

Blowdown valves typically sit in the closed position for long periods without operation and have high differential pressure against the closure member. These valves therefore often have the greatest torque requirements to break away to the safe position. PAC engineers ensure that the appropriate safety factors are met for actuator selection as well as the full torque transmitting drive train. PAC’s in house engineering and manufacturing & test facilities ensure that the valve will fail to the open position every time when required even after many years of service.