• SPECIAL TOPIC: SEVERE SERVICE •
of each application to specify the right materials and related components. Definitions set by the Manufacturers Standardization Society( MSS) have created benchmark standards for what qualifies as a severe service valve.
Severe service applications have to be carefully monitored to avoid costly failures. Experienced maintenance engineers and plant managers have rigorous inspection protocols and tiered maintenance strategies, which vary in scope and frequency.
These maintenance strategies can be enhanced and integrated with intelligent asset management systems. Advanced algorithms collect data on a variety of parameters that can be analyzed to assess conditions in severe service applications, preventing failures, safety incidents, and process shutdowns. As more applications become electrified, these intelligent asset management systems become more prevalent.
End users who determine severe service valves must understand the unique features of each application to specify the right components for each situation.
Actuator selection is another important consideration to ensure precise control for long term productivity.
Electric actuators in these applications are equipped with data loggers. New network protocols continuously monitor operations and provide critical data such as flow rate, pressure, temperature, and valve position.
Intelligent electric actuators enhance efficiency, safety, and environmental performance.
In conclusion, the severe service segment of the valve industry is the most complex in terms of requirements, extreme operating conditions, and the costly implications associated with failures.
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