Bleed Ring

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.

Bleed ring used to vent between two gate valves

Single outlet bleed ring

Bleed rings can have more than one outlet.

Bleed ring with PI (pressure indicator)

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.