Oil & Natural Gas: Improved Maintenance & Safety With Valves

In modern oil and gas implementations where the working temperatures and pressures are rising, the necessity for the need for assured valve shut off and safety providing verifiable and absolute segregation are constantly becoming the norm for crucial execution. Globe valve product line is considered to play a vital role in several critical operations where extreme temperatures and pressures are concerns.

Importance Of Valves

Valves are a crucial component of procedures in the industry since they bring partitioning and flow control. In an ideal situation, all valves will give a 100% guaranteed bubble-tight shutoff for increased life span. However, for most of the sector, it is not the case. In challenging operations, service tasks are rarely kind or clean to valves.

Problems Encountered

The problems range from high speeds (especially while valves are opened on multi-phase flow/gas against high-pressure differential) to liquids that are driven with pipelines or foreign particles affected by corrosion, scale, and other debris. These issues are aggravated when valves protect machinery that needs periodic maintenance. In such scenarios, plant operators require two levels of segregation to ensure the integrity and safety of a system. Due to this Globe valve, Double Block and Bleed valve systems were created.

For several years the standard procedure to facilitate double isolation was to have two valves conjunctively and a bleed point amongst these valves to put in place the sealing integrity of the upstream valve. This arrangement is not exactly desirable as more space is required. Along with significant extra costs and extra weight related to the maintenance of having two valves in operation.

Recent Trends And Technology

Nowadays, there are various state-of-the-art technologies accessible to consumers, each of these provide several benefits. There are two major product groupings for this application, Instrument Double Block and Bleed valve. They are the bigger and more exacting application of in-line valves. There are some supplemental technologies and alternatives feasible for the bigger DBB valves.

The primary original technique to double block valve and bleed was to utilise the indentation relief on a trunnion mounted ball valve to ensure corroboration of discharge. The issue here was that the seats were still susceptible to ingress and damage. If the primary seal failed the elastic force on the secondary was usually not enough to hold the pressure. Hence, the secondary seal was inclined to crash. Several seat designs have been used to surmount this issue, and generally, two-seat designs are used.

In DBB ball valves the end product can be top entry, side entry, and also fused body and can be endowed in a sub-sea or above-sea composition. The bleed system for these valves can be globe valve, gate, or ball. The pronounced benefits of these variations of valves contrasted to the conventional DBB approach include lower costs, space and weight-saving; fewer discharge ways, several operational benefits when actuation is needed. Optimum valve selection is crucial to the efficient and smooth operation of all plants.

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Key Benefits of Using Different Types of Valves

Valves serve a variety of purposes in the engineering, manufacturing, industrial, and scientific industries. Choosing the right valve can determine the failure or success of the process. The major purpose of a valve is to regulate flow through a system. Valves may be used to throttle or stop the flow to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the process.

There are different types of valves that can be used to control the flow within the system.

Float Valve

A float valve is used to stop the flow of liquids at a pre-determined level. When adjusted properly, it is accurate and reliable. It is used in various applications in homes, as well as industries. It is located inside the cistern in the toilet. The reserve tank, then refills and the valve gets closed. When the water level is low, then it allows water to come inside the tank. If the water reaches a certain level then it stops the water to come in. The idea of this type of valve is simple, which accounts for its reliability and extensive usage. However, a float valve is not suitable for high-pressure applications.

Swing Check Valve

A swing check valve allows unobstructed flow and automatically closes as pressure decreases. Full closure occurs when the flow reaches the zero level. It is recommended for use in systems that use gate valves because of the low-pressure drop across the valve. Instead of a ball controlling flow, this valve uses a small closure that opens when water draws in and closes when the water flow is stopped, thus not allowing any liquid to drain out of the valve’s entrance. The internal disc of the swing check valve enables flow to pass forward, which opens the valves.

Advantages of using different types of valves –

•        They ensure leakproof service
•         They open and shut quickly
•         They are lighter in weight
•         Minimal friction and turbulence 
•        They are robust, compact, and durable by design
•         They prevent backflow
•         They can sustain pressure
•         They serve as a backup system
•     These valves are used in an array of markets and applications as they are available in versatile designs and different material options
•          They help in preventing backflow and maintaining pressure
•     These are used in industries, including refining, petrochemical, and chemical, oilfield production, steam, refining petrol, and viscous fluids
•          They are commonly found in manufacturing and waste-water management systems

Different Types of Control Valves – Applications and Advantages

Industrial valves are devices that are used to control slurries, liquids, and gases. The flow of gases or liquids can be regulated using valves. These are being used in several areas to control the temperature, pressure, flow, or different levels of any liquid. They work by opening or closing either partially or fully when signals are received from the regulators. Owing to this quality, a float or globe valve is increasingly being used in manufacturing as well as in the oil & gas industries. Apart from this, a float valve can also be used at homes to control the water flow.

Different types of valves –

•         Globe Valve

Globe Valve is one of the most popular types of valves used in various applications. It is used for controlling the flow in a pipeline which can be further regulated by the position of a movable disk. The key advantage of a globe valve is, it does not leak as compared to the other valves.

Here are some of the major advantages of using a globe valve –

•         It has a good regulating power
•         The closing-opening time is shorter
•          It can be used as a stop-check valve
•          It contains a positive shut-off

Key applications –

·         Globe valve is used primarily for regulating purposes. In addition to this, it is considered the best flow control valve for high-temperature applications.            

• Float Valve

The float valve is used to control the flow of substances from one opening to the next. This valve works by enabling the hole to be opened, blocked or opened partially to control the flow of liquid/gas. It is available in an array of various materials to ensure compatibility with the liquid in the storage tank.

Here are some of the major advantages of using a float valve –

•         It contains a compact design that requires less maintenance and zero lubrication
•          It is economical among all of the valves
•          It provides a leak-proof facility
•         It has quick turn on-off operation
•          It comes with a multi-way design flexibility

Key applications

•         The float valve is used to control the flow and pressure of corrosive slurries, fluids, liquid, and gases.
•          It is used in the natural gas and oil industry, manufacturing sectors, residential uses, and even chemical storage. 

The above-mentioned valves are easy-to-maintain, user-friendly, small in size, and low in weight. Also, these valves can be bought at economical price rates from global manufacturers.

How Float Valves are Different from Swing Check Valves

Valves are essential in water supply systems to regulate the flow of water properly and minimise the wastage of water. Depending on the requirement, valves can be used to start/stop the flow of water, control the speed of the water, and direct the flow of water in one direction only. When it comes to the float valves, they are made using a variety of materials, including aluminium, steel, and plastic. Apart from the material, they come in various sizes and specifications. Therefore, one can choose a float valve depending on his/her specific requirement. On the other hand, a swing check valve is differently designed and has a different functioning that allows forward flow and blocks the reverse flow. Have a look at the functioning of these two types of valves to understand the difference.

Functioning of Float Valves

While controlling the amount of water in a tank system, a float valve opens and closes as the water level rises or falls. One of the most common examples of this type of valve is the ballcock, which is found in almost every toilet. It is used to turn off and on the water that’s refilling the cistern. The valve is closed when the ballcock is sitting on top of the water in the tank, whereas the water continues to fill when it’s hanging.

Be it any other kind of float valves, they all serve a similar function like ballcock. Float valves are extensively used in automated filling systems, which find applications in irrigation, animal watering, aquariums, etc. In order to control the flow, these valves notify the system when to start refilling and when to stop. When it comes to the precautions, one should avoid using these valves for high-pressure applications, as these won’t be able to handle a large pressure.

Functioning of Swing Check Valves

Various kinds of check valves are used in a wide range of applications. Usually, these valves are a part of common household items. Available in a number of sizes, these valves are quite simple, small, and inexpensive. A swing check valve allows the flow of water in a single direction and closes automatically if the flow reverses. It is one of the few self-automated valves that don’t need the assistance to open and close thereby making it easier to operate.

It is significant to note that these valves are not designed for extremely tight spaces. One can use these valves for either vertical or horizontal pipe layouts. It is allowed to move freely when a hinged disc assembly is suspended from the body. This type of configuration eases the fluid flow by minimising pressure loss.

Know Your Valve Properly Before Purchase to Get the Best Results

Valves are the automated devices that control or regulate the flow of liquids and pressure inside a framework. They are used in the oil and gas industry, hydraulic machinery and for irrigation and residential uses to ensure a steady and regulated supply of liquid upstream for the efficient functioning of the fluid transport framework or the machine. For this, a double block and bleed valve are used for pressured systems or hazardous fluid processes.

However, it is important to know the type and benefits of the block and bleed valves when undertaking a commercial or industrial project. There are different types of valves, which can be used for various applications and purposes. When it comes to valves, the float valve is considered as one of the most effective as one does not need to monitor/control the inflow of water.

How do block and bleed valves function?

The double block and bleed valve can be operated to control liquid from flowing into a specific component and restrict letting it vent out of the compartment. They comprise a single valve that has two seating surfaces. If the valve is closed, it provides an efficient seal from both parts that enable the liquid to flow out from the cavity between the seating surfaces. This type of single isolation takes place when one of the sides faces extreme pressure.

Different types of block and bleed valves

Different types of block and bleed valves provide various features. In addition, they are known as isolation manifolds or isolation valves. A manifold that features a wide range of valves is helpful for using it in gas trains and several other industrial contexts.

Other kinds of block and bleed valves are:

•        Single unit DBB
•         Block and Bleed Needle Valves
•        Three Piece Non-Standard Length DBB
•         Cartridge Type Length DBB

From the above-mentioned list, the standard double block and bleed valves are used for chemical injections under excessive pressure setting or for controlling toxic fluid processes. On the other hand, needle valves are used in hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

In contrast, the float valve in the optimal working condition provides the most accurate and reliable results. It is widely used in the toilet, inside the flush tank on the back of the seat.

Major benefits of block and bleed valves

Block and bleed valves are advantageous for averting leakages or mixing of liquids with crucial components. This makes it perfect for use in petrochemical settings wherein there is a requirement of handling and managing harmful waste and other toxic chemicals.

The high-quality interlocking provided in the valve enables the easy flow of the liquid and offers maximum safety in a high-risk environment.

In an industrial setting, valves are regarded as the most effective for bringing operation and production expenses to a minimum. The effectiveness of the valves prevents the requirement of multivalve systems and ensures better operational efficiency.

Things to know about Swing Check Valve and Globe Valve

A valve is a mechanical device used for controlling fluids and gases in most pipe conveying systems. A valve is a control part of the pipe, which is used to change the passage section, to minimise the pressure of the flow or to check the flow of liquid, slurries or molten solids in only one direction. 

Valves carry out other functions like a diversion, cut off, throttling, check back, or overflow relief. Based on the structure and mechanism of functioning various types of valves are available in the market that includes ball valve, duckbill valve, gate valve, globe valve and different types of disc check valve like diaphragm check valves, swing check valve, stop check valves, lift check valve, in-line check valve and pneumatic valve.

The check valve is one of the most important types of valve that allows fluid to move through it in only one direction. It consists of only two openings in the body; one is used for inflow of the fluid and the other is used for the outflow of the fluid. Swing check valve is a butterfly-style valve perpendicular to the centreline between two parts. Swing check valve comes in a variety of sizes. Check valve impedes the backflow by placing a barrier to the normal flow of the liquid that can only be opened in one direction by pressure.

Swing check valve has a disc inside that covers the opening of the valve. The opening of the valve has to be very clear for the passage of the liquid or gaseous material. The disc of the valve is attached to a hinged so that the disc can swing open or closed when liquid hits the disk. It is like a circular door. The direction of the flow is the most important thing when using these valves. When enough pressure is applied in one direction of the pipe, the flap swings open allowing the flow of liquid or gas to pass easily through it. Once the pressure decreases, the flap automatically falls back into place. In case the pressure is applied from the opposite direction, the flap is pressed firmly against the valve seat stopping the overflow of liquid.

On the contrary, globe valve is spherical in shape, separating the two parts of the valve with an internal baffle. It is different from ball valve and used for regulating the flow in the pipeline.

The globe valve consists of a movable disk-type element that can be screwed in the manual and a stationary ring seat. Its design offers good regulation characteristics, but it causes a more pressure drop owing to a high disturbance in the flow path. The pressure can be dropped by increasing the opening area to bring the cross sectional area closer to the pipe. The flow across the partition gets smoother and reduces the level of pressure. This type of valve is used by numerous industries such as oil systems, cooling water systems, boiler vents drain, turbine seal, main steam vents, and drains.