When blinding piping for pump removal, blinds should be placed on?

Blinding piping for pump removal is a critical safety procedure that ensures the system is adequately isolated from the rest of the piping network. When considering the placement of blinds, the goal is to prevent fluid flow into or out of the pump during maintenance.

Placing blinds downstream of the suction valve (the point from which the pump draws fluid) and upstream of the discharge valve (the point where the pump sends fluid out) effectively isolates the pump from both the supply and pressure sides. This configuration ensures that no fluid can flow into the pump from the supply while also preventing any pressurized fluids from exiting it during removal, significantly enhancing the safety of the maintenance work.

In contrast, placing the blinds on both sides of the suction and discharge valves could also effectively isolate the pump, but it is not as efficient for ensuring no accidental flow can reach the pump. Similarly, placing the blinds upstream of the suction valve or downstream of the discharge valve does not sufficiently isolate the pump, as it would leave parts of the system potentially under pressure or could allow backflow. Therefore, the specified placement of blinds downstream of the suction valve and upstream of the discharge valve is the most effective approach to ensure complete isolation during pump removal.