MSS SP-154-2018

Low Pressure
Knife Gate Valves
for
Double Block and Bleed

Standard Practice
Developed and Approved by the
Manufacturers Standardization Society of the
Valve and Fittings Industry, Inc.
127 Park Street, NE
Vienna, Virginia 22180-4602
Phone: (703) 281-6613 www.msshq.org
Fax: (703) 281-6671
E-mail: standards@msshq.org
MSS STANDARD PRACTICE SP-154

This MSS Standard Practice was developed under the consensus of the MSS Technical Committee 409, and the
MSS Coordinating Committee. The content of this Standard Practice is the resulting efforts of competent and
experienced volunteers to provide an effective, clear, and non-exclusive standard that will benefit the industry
as a whole. This MSS Standard Practice describes minimal requirements and is intended as a basis for common
practice by the manufacturer, the user, and the general public. The existence of an MSS Standard Practice does
not in itself preclude the manufacture, sale, or use of products not conforming to the Standard Practice.
Mandatory conformance to this Standard Practice is established only by reference in other documents such as a
code, specification, sales contract, or public law, as applicable. MSS has no power, nor does it undertake, to
enforce or certify compliance with this document. Any certification or other statement of compliance with the
requirements of this Standard Practice shall not be attributable to MSS and is solely the responsibility of the
certifier or maker of the statement.

“Unless indicated otherwise within this MSS Standard Practice, other standards documents
referenced to herein are identified by the date of issue that was applicable to this Standard Practice
at the date of approval of this MSS Standard Practice (see Annex A). This Standard Practice
shall remain silent on the validity of those other standards of prior or subsequent dates of issue even
though applicable provisions may not have changed.”

By publication of this Standard Practice, no position is taken with respect to the validity of any potential claim(s)
or of any patent rights in connection therewith. MSS shall not be held responsible for identifying any patent
rights. Users are expressly advised that determination of patent rights and the risk of infringement of such rights
are entirely their responsibility.

In this Standard Practice, all text, notes, annexes, tables, figures, and references are construed to be essential to
the understanding of the message of the standard, and are considered normative unless indicated as
“supplemental”. All appendices, if included, that appear in this document are construed as “supplemental”. Note
that supplemental information does not include mandatory requirements.

The U.S. customary units and SI (metric) units in this Standard Practice are regarded separately as the standard;
each should be used independently of the other. Combining or converting values between the two systems may
result in non-conformance with this Standard Practice.

Non-toleranced dimensions in this Standard Practice are nominal unless otherwise specified.

Excerpts of this Standard Practice may be quoted with permission. Credit lines should read ‘Extracted
from MSS SP-154-2018 with permission of the publisher, Manufacturers Standardization Society of the
Valve and Fittings Industry.'. Reproduction and/or electronic transmission or dissemination is
prohibited under copyright convention unless written permission is granted by the Manufacturers
Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry Inc. All rights reserved.

Originally Approved: March 2018

Originally Published: March 2018

MSS is a registered trademark of Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry, Inc.

Copyright ©, 2018 by
Manufacturers Standardization Society
of the
Valve and Fittings Industry, Inc.
Printed in U.S.A.

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MSS STANDARD PRACTICE SP-154

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

1 SCOPE AND FIELD OF APPLICATION ................................................................................ 1

2 STANDARDS UNITS ............................................................................................................... 1
3 PRESSURE-TEMPERATURE RATINGS ............................................................................... 1
4 SIZE ........................................................................................................................................... 1
5 MATERIALS ............................................................................................................................. 2
6 DESIGN ..................................................................................................................................... 2
7 TOLERANCES .......................................................................................................................... 3
8 PRODUCTION TESTS ............................................................................................................. 3
9 WELDING ................................................................................................................................. 3
10 MARKING ................................................................................................................................. 3
11 SHIPPING INFORMATION ..................................................................................................... 4
12 INSTALLATION ....................................................................................................................... 4

TABLE

1 Pressure-Temperature Ratings ....................................................................................................1

2 Face-to-Face Dimensions ...........................................................................................................4

ANNEX

A Referenced Standards and Applicable Dates ..............................................................................5

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MSS STANDARD PRACTICE SP-154

LOW PRESSURE KNIFE GATE VALVES FOR DOUBLE BLOCK AND BLEED

1. SCOPE AND FIELD OF APPLICATION

1.1 This Standard Practice covers stainless-steel-lined, cast, or fabricated bonnetless, low pressure knife
gate valves that are designed and manufactured to serve as a “Double Block and Bleed”(1) single valve
system in pipelines. These valve types shall have flanged body designs compatible with ASME B16.5
flanges for NPS 2 (DN 50) through NPS 24 (DN 600), ASME B16.47 Series A flanges for NPS 26
(DN 650) through NPS 36 (DN 900).

1.2 The valves identified in this Standard Practice are intended for use in applications where shock
loadings are not encountered. Applications at conditions other than those specified in Section 3 require
special design consideration.

1.3 The valves identified in this Standard Practice are intended for use in applications where a “Double
Block and Bleed” type of isolation is required, and where two individual isolation valves with a removable
or drain-containing spool piece between them is typically used.

2. STANDARD UNITS

2.1 The values stated in either U.S. customary units or SI (Metric) units are to be regarded as the standard.
Within the text, the SI (Metric) units are shown in parenthesis. The values stated in each system may not
be exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other. Combining or
converting values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with this Standard Practice.

3. PRESSURE-TEMPERATURE RATINGS

3.1 This Standard Practice covers values with a gauge pressure rating not exceeding the values in
Table 1, at temperatures between 32 °F and 150 °F (0 °C and 66 °C). Higher pressure knife gate
valves for double block and bleed involving Class 125, 150, 250, and 300 pressure-temperature ratings
are addressed in MSS SP-152.

TABLE 1
Pressure-Temperature Ratings
U.S. Customary SI (Metric)
NPS psi DN bar
2 – 24 150 50 – 600 10.3
30, 36 100 750, 990 6.9

4. SIZE

4.1 The valve sizes in Table 2 are equal to the nominal sizes of the end connections.

NOTE: (1) For the purpose of this Standard Practice, “Double Block and Bleed” refers to a valve (or valve application)
with two seating surfaces that, in the closed position, provide a seal against pressure from both ends of the valve with a
means of venting/bleeding the cavity between the seating surfaces.

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MSS STANDARD PRACTICE SP-154

5. MATERIALS

5.1 Valves shall be constructed of Materials per the following codes and standards:

5.1.1 Carbon, Stainless, and Alloy Steels: MSS SP-81

5.1.2 Gray Iron: MSS SP-148
5.1.3 Ductile Iron: MSS SP-148
NOTE: Unlisted materials may be used only by agreement between purchaser and the manufacturer.

5.2 Internal parts, center isolation chambers and drains/purges shall have a corrosion resistance
equivalent to or better than the valve body. Exceptions may be made by agreement between purchaser
and the manufacturer in cases where abrasion or friction reducing overlays are used.

6. DESIGN

6.1 The design of these valves shall consist of a fully flanged (cast or fabricated) body with two
independent seats, two sets of packing or gate seals, two independent gates operated by a single actuator
manufactured to MSS SP-81 or SP 148 and a center isolation chamber located between the gates.
INFORMATIONAL NOTE: The center isolation chamber is located between two valve seats (as a
component of the final product) and allows for the upstream or downstream piping to be isolated. The
center isolation chamber also contains vents for pressure relief.

6.1.1 The center isolation chamber shall have a minimum of three (3) threaded vent/purge ports located
around the outside perimeter of the body to allow for verification of isolation, and also for purging if
required.
6.1.2 Vent or purge ports (see Section 6.1.1) shall be a minimum of 5% of the valve size, but not less
than 1/2 in. (12 mm) and be adequate to prevent plugging, which causes pressurization of the center
isolation chamber in the event of valve seat leakage. Larger vent/purge ports may be provided per
agreement between purchaser and manufacturer.
6.2 Valves shall be equipped with a positive type lockout device for the open and closed positions that
prevents the gates from moving off of the seats when in place and locked. The lockout device shall be
capable of withstanding the maximum actuator load. Because of variations in design, the manufacturer
shall provide instructions for the proper operation of the lockout device.
6.3 The design of each valve shall provide a bubble tight, bi-directional seal, with no leakage allowed
into or out of the center isolation chamber when valve is closed and locked out.
6.4 The valve design shall prevent permanent distortion of the body or seat when tested, as specified in
Section 8.
6.5 Unless otherwise specified by the customer, threaded holes for flange bolting shall be tapped in
accordance with the applicable requirements in MSS SP-81 or MSS SP-148 based on body material.
6.6 The valve port minimum flow diameter shall be equal to the port diameters listed in MSS SP-81 or
MSS SP-148.
6.7 Because of variations in basic valve design, differential pressure, and valve accessibility, it is not
possible to standardize the conditions under which a manually operated valve requires mechanical
assistance. Consideration should be given to the use of mechanical assistance on all valves where the
differential pressure, when operating, approaches the valve’s rated working pressure. In addition,
consideration should be given to the use of mechanical assistance on all NPS 6 (DN 150) and larger valves,
regardless of differential pressure. See MSS SP-91 for information and guidance relating to the use of
mechanical assistance or manual operation of valves.

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MSS STANDARD PRACTICE SP-154

6.8 Body Wall Thickness

6.8.1 All valves, center isolation chambers and drains/purges shall have a minimum wall thickness as
required by the standards listed in Section 5 of the appropriate size and rating marked on the
identification plate.

6.8.2 When center isolation chambers are made from a pipe, the chamber must have a wall thickness
that assures the same or better pressure-temperature rating than the valves.

6.9 Face-to-face dimensions shall be in accordance with Table 2.

6.10 Flange bolt holes shall align radially within one (1) degree from end-to-end of assembly.

7. TOLERANCES

7.1 The following tolerances shall be followed:

Face-to-Face:
NPS 10 (DN 250) and smaller: +0.12 in. (+3 mm)
NPS 12 (DN 300) and larger: +0.25 in. (+6 mm)

8. PRODUCTION TESTS

8.1 Shell Test Each valve shall be hydrostatically pressure tested in accordance with MSS SP-151.

8.2 Seat Test Each valve shall be seat tested in accordance with MSS SP-151. Valves shall have no
detectable leakage for the duration of the seat test.

8.3 Center Isolation Chamber Test After successful completion of the seat and shell tests, the center
isolation chamber shall be filled with fluid, pressurized and tested in accordance with Section 5.2 of MSS
SP-151. Valves shall have no visible leakage from either seat for the duration of the test.

9. WELDING

9.1 Body pressure boundary welds shall be accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code,
Section IX, and shall meet the requirements of Section 2.1.6 of ASME B16.34. Abrasion resistant overlay
welds are also acceptable by agreement between purchaser and the manufacturer.

10. MARKING

10.1 Valves shall be marked in accordance with MSS SP-25, and in accordance with the following
requirements and modifications:

10.1.1 A tag or weatherproof label shall be attached to the valve(s) for installation purposes, indicating
the following information:
1. Care to be taken when installing studs or bolts in the tapped holes of the flange in the area
of the chest, to prevent chest damage. The chest is the body area between the packing
chamber and the flanges.
2. Manufacturer’s name, trademark, or logo.
3. The body, gate, and seal materials of construction or code. When more than one material or
grade of material is used, each shall be identified.
4. Packing nuts may require adjustment to obtain a tight seal.
5. Proper operation of lockout device.
NOTE: The stem material need not be listed.

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MSS STANDARD PRACTICE SP-154

11. SHIPPING INFORMATION

11.1 Valve packing nuts may be loosened prior to shipment to extend packing life. These nuts may
have to be adjusted after installation.

11.1.1 If packing nuts are loosened for shipment, there must be a tag attached indicating;
(1) that they have been loosened and
(2) include the procedure for proper tightening at installation. See Section 10.1.1, Item 4.

11.2 Unless indicated otherwise, valves shall be shipped with covers to protect the raised faces of the
flanges.

11.3 Valves may be shipped with plastic protective plugs in the vent/purge ports, or with plugs of a
material that is equal to or greater in corrosion resistance to the body material.

12. INSTALLATION

12.1 When bolting cast iron valves to steel flanges, recommendations in Section 5.3.5 of ASME
B16.5 and Section 9.5 of MSS SP-44 should be considered so as to prevent damage to the valve.

12.2 Valve packing may need to be adjusted when the valve is installed to prevent packing leakage.

TABLE 2
Face-to-Face Dimensions
Valve Size Short Pattern Long Pattern
NPS DN in. mm in. mm
2 50 3.75 95 7.50 191
3 80 3.75 95 7.50 191
4 100 3.75 95 7.50 191
6 150 4.00 102 9.25 235
8 200 5.13 130 9.88 251
10 250 5.13 130 9.88 251
12 300 5.75 146 10.38 264
14 350 5.75 146 11.13 283
16 400 6.50 165 12.00 305
18 450 6.50 165 12.50 318
20 500 8.13 206 14.50 368
24 600 8.13 206 14.50 368
30 750 12.25 311 15.50 394
36 900 14.75 375 16.25 413

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MSS STANDARD PRACTICE SP-154

ANNEX A
Referenced Standards and Applicable Dates

This Annex is an integral part of this Standard Practice and is placed after the main text for convenience.

Standard Name Description

ASME; ANSI/ASME
B16.34-2017 Valves – Flanged, Threaded and Welding End
B16.47-2017 Large Diameter Steel Flanges: NPS 26 Through NPS 60 Metric/Inch Standard
B16.5-2017 Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings: NPS 1/2 through NPS 24 Metric/Inch Standard
BPVC-IX-2017 Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX: Welding, Brazing, and Fusing
Qualifications

MSS; ANSI/MSS
SP-25-2017 Standard Marking System for Valves, Fittings, Flanges, and Unions
SP-44-2016 (2017 Reissue) Steel Pipeline Flanges
SP-81-2017 Stainless Steel Lined, Bonnetless Knife Gate Valves with Flange Ends
SP-91-2009 Guidelines for Manual Operation of Valves
SP-148-2014 Low Pressure Flanged or Lugged Carbon Steel and Iron or Ductile Iron,
Cast or Fabricated, Bonnetless, Knife Gate Valves Without Liners
SP-151-2016 Pressure Testing of Knife Gate Valves
SP-152-2017 Knife Gate Valves for Double Block and Bleed

The following organizations appear in the above list:

ANSI American National Standards Institute

25 West 43rd Street, Fourth Floor
New York, NY 10036-7406

ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME International)

Two Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016-5990

API American Petroleum Institute

1220 L Street NW
Washington, DC 20005-4070

MSS Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry, Inc.
127 Park Street, NE
Vienna, VA 22180-4602

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MSS STANDARD PRACTICE SP-154

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Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry

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 Purchase or View a Full Listing of MSS Standards at:
http://msshq.org/Store/PriceList.cfm
MSS Standard Practices (SPs) related to or referenced in this publication:
ANSI/MSS SP-25 Stainless Steel Lined, Bonnetless Knife Gate Valves with Flange Ends
ANSI/MSS SP-44 Steel Pipeline Flanges
MSS SP-81 Stainless Steel Lined, Bonnetless Knife Gate Valves with Flange Ends
MSS SP-91 Guidelines for Manual Operation of Valves
MSS SP-148 Low Pressure Flanged or Lugged Carbon Steel and Iron or Ductile Iron, Cast or
Fabricated, Bonnetless, Knife Gate Valves Without Liners
MSS SP-151 Pressure Testing of Knife Gate Valves
MSS SP-152 Knife Gate Valves for Double Block and Bleed
–––––––––––
American National Standards Published by MSS, an ANSI-accredited Standards Developer:
ANSI/MSS SP-25 Standard Marking System for Valves, Fittings, Flanges, and Unions
ANSI/MSS SP-44 Steel Pipeline Flanges
ANSI/MSS SP-55 Quality Standard for Steel Castings for Valves, Flanges, Fittings, and Other Piping Components
– Visual Method for Evaluation of Surface Irregularities
ANSI/MSS SP-58 Pipe Hangers and Supports - Materials, Design, Manufacture, Selection, Application, and
Installation
ANSI/MSS SP-96 Terminology for Valves, Fittings, and Their Related Components
ANSI/MSS SP-114 Corrosion Resistant Pipe Fittings Threaded and Socket Welding Class 150 and 1000
ANSI/MSS SP-122 Plastic Industrial Ball Valves
ANSI/MSS SP-134 Valves for Cryogenic Service, including Requirements for Body/Bonnet Extensions
ANSI/MSS SP-135 High Pressure Knife Gate Valves
ANSI/MSS SP-138 Quality Standard Practice for Oxygen Cleaning of Valves and Fittings
ANSI/MSS SP-144 Pressure Seal Bonnet Valves
–––––––––––
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About MSS
The Manufacturers Standardization Society (MSS) of the Valve and Fittings Industry is a non-profit technical association
organized for development and improvement of industry, national and international codes and standards for Valves, Valve
Actuators, Valve Modifications, Pipe Fittings, Flanges, Pipe Hangers and Supports, and Associated Seals. Since its establishment
in 1924, MSS has been dedicated to developing standards for national and global applications, in cooperation with other
standardizing bodies and regulatory authorities.
For more information on membership and eligibility requirements, visit: http://msshq.org/Store/Membership.cfm

Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry, Inc.

127 Park Street, NE, Vienna, VA 22180-4620 • Phone (703) 281-6613 • Fax (703) 281-6671
“The Technical Voice of the Industry”

TECH-MSS SP-154-2018