IMI PBM Block & Bleed Ball Valves
Sanitary Block & Bleed ball valve, IMI PBM Igenix® range
IMI PBM Valve Solutions – Double isolation valves with integrated vent for certified isolation and sterile sampling points
The IMI PBM Igenix® Block & Bleed range is designed for processes where the isolation of a section must be proven, not just performed: work on pressurised equipment, separation of safety zones, sterile sampling points, isolation between incompatible product lines.
Two successive seals (double block) separated by a vent port (bleed) make it possible to verify the absence of leakage between the two blocks by pressure check at the vent, without dismantling or residual doubt.
Used in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, fine chemicals and aseptic manufacturing, at critical safety points, sterile sampling points and interfaces between CIP and product lines.
Principle and benefits in sterile processes
On a section isolated by a single valve, an internal leak can only be detected after the fact, once contamination has already reached downstream.
In a conventional installation with two separate valves divided by a vent branch, the dead volume between the two valves creates a zone not swept by CIP/SIP and a contamination risk.
The Block & Bleed integrates both seals and the vent in a single compact body, with a CIP-sweepable fluid path and minimised dead volume.
Isolation is verified by venting to atmosphere: any leakage from the upstream block immediately appears as residual pressure at the vent, with no ambiguity or major intervention.
Configuration and operation
A single stem controls two balls in series mounted in a single body.
The “isolated” position simultaneously closes both blocks and opens the vent port to atmosphere, allowing leak-tightness verification and zeroing of the isolated section.
The “service” position opens the main passage and closes the vent.
Alternative configuration with independent controls for both blocks and the vent, available for processes where sequencing must be enforced (locking, interlock).
Body and wetted-part materials
Low-ferrite 316L stainless steel as standard, forged.
Alternatives available in AL-6XN® (UNS N08367) for chloride-bearing fluids and in Hastelloy® C-22 (UNS N06022) for extremely corrosive media.
Composition and traceability compliant with ASME BPE. 3.1 material certificate supplied for all wetted parts.
Seats, seals and sealing
Standard V-TEF™ (modified PTFE) seats. FKM and EPDM alternatives available depending on chemical compatibility and temperature.
USP Class VI elastomers, FDA-compliant materials.
Bidirectional bubble-tight sealing upstream and downstream on each of the two blocks, compliant with ASME BPE hygienic requirements.
Full vacuum rated as standard.
Adjust-O-Seal® technology
Progressive tightening of the seats against the ball by adjusting the body bolts, in-line, without dismantling or process interruption.
Compensates for normal seat wear and extends the valve’s service life.
Elimination of O-rings in the fluid path, removing as many retention and potential contamination points.
Hygienic design and CIP
Main fluid path sweepable by CIP, with no dead zone between the two blocks.
Vent port designed to fully drain the intermediate volume by gravity, allowing SIP sterilisation of the isolated section and drainability between batches.
Surface treatments performed without animal-derived ingredients (ADI-free).
Mechanical finishes and electropolishing available according to application requirements.
Surface finish
| Finish | Internal Ra | Target applications |
| Fine mechanical | ≤ 0.76 µm (30 µin) | Sanitary applications, standard biotech |
| High-purity mechanical | ≤ 0.51 µm (20 µin) | Standard pharma, WFI |
| Electropolished | ≤ 0.38 µm (15 µin) | High-purity pharma, sterile sampling |
Dimensions and connections
Sizes available from 1/2″ to 3″ (DN 15 to DN 80) on the main line, vent port sized for sampling or zeroing depending on use.
Available main line and vent connections: hygienic clamp (Tri-Clamp), extended tube ends for orbital welding, sanitary thread, flanges to specification.
Compatible with ASME BPE, DIN 11864 and SMS dimensional standards.
Reduced axial length compared with an equivalent two-separate-valve installation, making integration into skids and compact manifolds easier.
Operating range
Operating pressure up to 62.1 bar (900 psig) depending on seat material.
Temperature up to 232 °C with V-TEF™ seats, reduced ranges with FKM or EPDM seals depending on compatibility.
SIP compatible under repeated cycling, subject to appropriate elastomer selection.
Actuation
Manual operation by lockable handle or automation.
Integrated Direct Mount Actuation interface on the stem axes, ensuring precise alignment with pneumatic or electric actuators.
On configurations with enforced sequential operation, mechanical trapped-key interlocking is available to guarantee the operating sequence (upstream block, vent, downstream block).
Traceability and packaging
Each valve is supplied with a 3.1 material certificate according to EN 10204 for all wetted parts (CMTR), a USP Class VI declaration of conformity for elastomers and an FDA statement for product-contact materials.
Laser marking on the body: reference, size, material, serial number, flow direction and position markings.
Individually packed in a polyethylene sleeve, with capped ends.