Solutions for a Sustainable Energy Future
VALVES & FLOW CONTROL ADVANCING VALVE TECHNOLOGY
OLIVER VALVES
Solutions for a Sustainable Energy Future
The global need for reliable , clean energy is indisputable and becoming increasingly urgent . However , there is ongoing debate about the most effective processes for producing green energy , and even the precise definition of green energy remains contested . This debate is likely to continue for many years , if not decades . Despite these uncertainties , the demand for clean energy solutions is ever-present . The evidence of global sea temperatures rising and the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events worldwide underscores the necessity for immediate action .
Green energy projects are gaining traction across the globe . Numerous pilot schemes are being implemented to demonstrate proof of concept , indicating progress in the right direction . However , the question remains whether these efforts are sufficient . Can the planet afford to wait for standard committees to determine the best course of action when the impacts of climate change are already being felt ?
Decarburizing the entire energy chain presents a monumental challenge . The transition from longestablished processes , which have been refined over several decades , to green alternatives will not happen overnight . This move involves considerable risk and requires careful planning and execution . The complexity and scale of this task highlights the need for a coordinated and sustained effort to achieve a future with truly sustainable energy .
One aspect of the complex challenge of decarburizing the energy sector is the development of reliable and cost-effective valves . According to the Environmental Protection Agency
( EPA ), over 60 percent of fugitive emissions originate from gas valves . This raises the question of how to develop a safe and reliable product in an emerging market when the standards governing such products have yet to be established .
A British company , Oliver Valves , has developed an advanced metal-seated pipeline valve range designed to address these challenges .
Ball valves are known for their simple quarter-turn operation and unrestricted flow path . Features such as non-rising stems and compact geometries make them a common choice for many operators across various processes . The metal-seated variant of the ball valve offers several advantages over the more commonly used soft seat or polymer sealing alternatives , including enhanced resistance to abrasives , increased reliability , and a longer service life . Additionally , the design of metalseated ball valves makes them suitable for applications involving temperatures above 200 degrees Celsius .
The development of metal-seated ball valves represents a step forward in creating reliable , high-performance components essential for the energy sector . This innovation addresses the need for improved valve technology to reduce fugitive emissions and support the transition to greener energy systems .
Creating a metal-to-metal , gas-tight seal is a complex and challenging task that requires a comprehensive understanding of several critical factors . This includes the topography of the components , the stresses involved , and the relative displacements needed to maintain the necessary contact stress for achieving a gas-tight seal . Achieving this level of precision and reliability is essential , particularly in high-pressure environments where even the smallest leak can lead to significant issues .
Engineers at Oliver Valves have developed substantial expertise in metal-to-metal sealing over more than thirty years , particularly through their work on sub-sea gate valves . These valves are known for their high performance and reliability in demanding conditions , providing valuable insights and experience that inform their current developments .
However , in the context of pipeline ball valves , special considerations must be made regarding the size and geometry of the ball and seat . Both components are inherently complex in shape , and their often-asymmetrical nature complicates the prediction of deflection under pressure . Unlike soft , more compliant seats , a metal seat must deflect at the exact same rate as the ball when subjected to full working pressure to maintain sufficient contact stress and create a reliable seal . These deflections , although microscopic , can contribute to leaks if not managed correctly .
Ensuring that the metal seat and ball deflect in unison requires meticulous design and precise engineering . This challenge underscores the importance of understanding the intricate behaviours of materials under stress and the need for advanced engineering solutions to achieve reliable , gastight seals in metal-seated pipeline valves . The expertise developed by Oliver Valves in this field highlights the critical role of experienced engineering in addressing the complex requirements of modern energy systems .
96 PECM Issue 73