EMB ERJ 190/195 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Diverted
Aircraft
The aircraft was dispatched with #2 Bleed valve on MEL. We were climbing out; and at approximately 17;500 FT; we received an EICAS message 'Bleed 1 Leak'. A quick scan of 'ECS' page showed the #1 Bleed and both air conditioning pack [valves] were now closed; and now we did not have any bleed [air] providing pneumatic pressure. I immediately requested a descent to 10;000 FT and told the ATC Controller that we were having pressurization problems. We were given 13;000 FT; as we were approaching 13;000 FT we were handed off to another ATC Controller who cleared us to 11;000 FT. We were then switched to another Controller and were given a descent to below 10;000 FT. When the EICAS message was received; the cabin altitude was near 3;000 FT and climbing at 500-800 FT-per-minute; eventually getting to 950 FT-per-minute. The maximum cabin altitude reached in this event was 7;000 FT. I did not declare an emergency and no priority handling was requested or received; however; had the descent not been immediately granted; I would have declared an emergency. An announcement was made to the passengers that we were experiencing a pressurization problem; and other than more frequent popping in the ears; everything else was normal. QRH was referenced. Dispatcher was notified during flight; and again upon reaching the gate.
The pilots of an Embraer 190 experienced a pressurization problem following a takeoff with one bleed valve deferred as inoperative.