VALVES / ACTUATORS

A Norwegian drilling ship has ordered 230 Class F hose pressure regulating titanium valves from IMI Bailey Birkett, Manchester, UK. The company has also supplied its WB series safety relief valves for Conoco's Heidrun installation, in 6MO, lightweight super alloy, also with titanium trim.

Jun 1st, 1995

Valve, actuator product news:

Titanium valves for drillship

Blackhall protecting Statoil pumps

Blackhall Engineering, Brighouse, UK has just won its first titanium valve order from Statoil, for the 1.5-in. CL150 automatic re-circulation valve for pump protection. Titanium offers a 25 year-plus working lifespan, claims Blackhall, as well as a 50% weight saving. To meet anticipated demand for this material, the company is now offering the full-range of its re-circulation valves in titanium.

Actuator cuts out spare trims

One of the first developments arising from the technology alliance between Dresser-Masoneilan and Honeywell is the recently introduced Varimax rotary globe valve. This offers an externally adjustable actuator, claimed to be unique, which eliminates the need for spare trims.

The adjustable travel (torque) actuator externally locates seven possible settings, corresponding to trim factors of 1.0, .9, .8, .7, .6, .5 and .4 where 1.0 is the full size trim. The actuctor is designed so that the full actuator stroke and positioner signal is used at each of these settings.

Safety valve test facility

BHR Group in Bedford, UK has installed a dedicated facility to test subsurface safety valves and control fluid at pressures up to 1,350bar and temperatures of 200C. Two valve actuators can be tested simultaneously with the ability to open and close valves, whilst simulating the pressure drop across a control line typically 300 metres long. BHR can also simulate the chilling effect of deep sea water hitting the control fluid as it travels to and from the safety valve.

Half-turn composite actuator

ACO, Shefford, UK has introduced a half-turn version of its composite actuator, for use on three-way valve applications. The new actuator is made largely from epoxy-filled composite - 40% lighter than aluminum typically - and employs a specially designed rack and pinion unit. Temperature rating is 140C, pressure up to 8 bar, for sizes up to 6-in. (ball) and 14-in. (butterfly).

Self-reliant, leak-free valves

Amot Controls, Bury St Edmunds, UK has introduced a range of leak-free valves that do not rely on external shafts or seals. These self-acting, internally sensed thermostatic valves incorporate expanding wax technology: movement generated by thermal expansion of the wax mixture is transformed into linear movement, which in turn operates the valve to regulate flow and control temperature.

The valves' positive three-way action ensures all flow on start-up is through the bypass line, leading to a very short warm-up time. Then the correct flow is established to maintain the temperature by passing fluid through the heat exchanger or cooling system. Control temperatures range from 13-132C, with flowrates up to 600 cm/hr and pressures up to 70 bar.

Skoflo chosen for Birch

Chemical Injection Engineering has been established in Aberdeen to market Skoflo adjustable valve systems for topside and subsea applications in the UK. Its first contract came from AOC/Brown & Root to supply two self-contained Skoflo chemical injection units - located on Brae A, but supplying chemicals to five locations on the Lasmo Birch subsea template.

Skoflo valves can accurately control flowrates up to 4,700 litres/d of fluids independent of system pressures up to 10,000psi. Last year, CIE's parent company in Stavanger supplied systems to four Phillips platforms.

Snubber checks actuator speed

Orbit of Ashchurch, UK has introduced a shock absorbing device to control actuator stroking speed. The Snubber is mounted on Orbit actuators and contains a piston that displaces fluid in a sealed cylinder. An external screw adjustment allows accurate selection of the stroking speed by controlling the flow of fluid from one side of the piston to the other.

The company has also introduced dual stem guides for its valve range. The ball is backed away from the stationary seat prior to rotation. This operates through machined groves and the dual guide pins, giving a friction-free operation, in so far as there is no contact during rotation between the ball and seat - thereby enhancing the valve's life.

Diagnostic circuits cut out inspection

Compact 67 and Namur Series solenoid valves, recently introduced by Alexander Controls, Birmingham, UK, feature diagnostic circuits. These give a positive electrical indication of the valve position, removing the need for a physical inspection when the valve is mounted in remote or inaccessible positions. The 67 series is suitable for all process control applications, within a pressure range up to 10bar and temperatures from -50 to +40C.

Improved actuator accuracy

The Skilmatic Model 481 electric linear actuator, new from Skil Controls, Skelmersdale, UK, features an upgraded internal hydraulic system with digital technology for pulse control. Resultant accuracy and speed of response to a change in input signal is claimed to be superior to other electric actuators and pneumatic systems. Positioning control is accurate to 0.04mm. Other features include thermal cut-out and integral relief valve to protect the actuator should the valve jam.

Comprehensive valve guide

Mechanical Engineering Publications, publishers to the UK's Institute of Mechanical Engineers, has introduced a 208-page introductory guide to valve selection. For details contact Kate Cooper, MEP at Northgate Ave, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 6BW, UK. Tel: (44) 1284 724384 or fax (44) 1284 704006.

Pipe valve insulation

AIC, Rugeley UK is offering prefabricated insulation covers for pipe valves, claimed to offer easier access for offshore maintenance applications that defeat conventional insulation techniques. The covers are formed from non-combustible flexible, foil-faced mineral fibre insulation in varying thicknesses. An outer layer of woven glass fibre bonded to silicon rubber, and seamed with lubricated polyester thread, is certified for Class 1 surface spread of flame to BS476 Pt7. Quick, secure fastening is effected using pull cords.

West of Shetland pump placement

A 6MW steam turbine-driven version of Frank Mohn's Framo booster integrated pump for water injection is being supplied to the BP Foinaven production ship. This follows over 30,000 running hours on Statoil's Gullfaks B platform for two Framo 6.8MW booster pump units.

Amoco links up with IDP on pumps

Ingersoll-Dresser Pump Co has been chosen to supply all API and non-single stage ANSI centrifugal pumps for Amoco's worldwide manufacturing and distribution facilities. Consequent cycle-time reduction, simplified inspection process and elimination of the bidding process should save Amoco $2 million.

Sulzer opens workshop

Sulzer Rotacare, the maintenance and spare parts division of Sulzer (UK), has opened a service and repair workshop in Leeds, which will refurbish all brands of reciprocating compressor valves. It will also provide complete overhaul and repair of rotating machinery including centrifuges and vacuum pumps.