1. n. [Production]

A special pipe plug having a small Allen-wrench-operated vent valve. These special plugs are located at the bottom of most ball valves. With the line valve closed (and under pressure), the body cavity pressure can be vented through this small valve to check the tightness of seat seals or to make minor repairs. Having vented the body pressure, the vent plug can be removed to blow out debris and foreign material or to flush the body cavity. On some gate valves, the vent plug is installed on the bonnet for the purpose of venting the body. Such valves have separate drain valves.