SPECIAL TOPIC : SEVERE SERVICE APPLICATIONS
Meeting the Demands of Extreme Environments
In the world of industrial operations , severe service valves are essential components that must withstand harsh conditions , including high pressures , extreme temperatures , and corrosive substances . Understanding the specific requirements for various applications is critical to maintaining safety and operational efficiency .
By Foster Voelker II , Director of Engineering – Williams Valves & Mike Dunn , Co-owner , JS Machine & Valve
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Severe Service Applications
Severe service valves find their applications across multiple industries , including oil and gas , petrochemicals , power generation , water treatment , and more . These valves are vital for processes where failure is not an option , as the consequences of valve failure can lead to hazardous material leaks , significant environmental impacts , and costly downtime .
The importance of severe service valves extends beyond basic functionality ; they are essential in maintaining safety and compliance with environmental regulations . The design and functionality of these valves are paramount to sustaining the integrity of complex systems , where even minor leaks or failures can trigger catastrophic events . Hence , a comprehensive understanding of each application is necessary for engineers and decision makers alike .
Applications for Severe Service Valves
This section focuses on three critical applications : Hydrofluoric Acid , Hydrogen , and
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Chlorine / Ammonia , detailing some industry best practices , necessary precautions , material requirements , testing protocols , and decontamination procedures .
Hydrofluoric Acid Valves
Valve Exposure Assessment :
When dealing with valves that will be exposed to Hydrogen Fluoride Alkylation service , understanding the exposure level
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is key to choosing the right materials and valve design for safe and long-lasting performance . This depends on whether the application is full-strength HF , diluted HF , or Acid Soluble Oils ( ASO ).
Guidelines like API RP 751 ( Safe Operation of Hydrofluoric Acid Alkylation Units ) and MSS SP-160 ( Valves for Hydrogen Fluoride Alkylation Service ) help in making informed decisions regarding safety , material selection , and valve construction .
Material and Fastener Requirements
Material Compatibility :
Material selection is everything in HF service . Using incompatible materials , such as stainless steel , can lead to rapid corrosion . Low Residual Element ( RE ) Carbon Steeland specialized alloys like Monel and Alloy C276 are recommended . Choosing the right materials ensures longer valve life and fewer system failures .
Low Residual Element ( RE ) Carbon Steel :
One of the more recent changes in material specifications for valves in HF Alkylation service is the use of Low Residual Element ( RE ) Carbon Steel . This is because certain residual elements , specifically copper ( Cu ), chromium ( Cr ), and nickel ( Ni ), can significantly accelerate corrosion in HF environments , leading to valve failure .
To minimize corrosion risk , Low RE Carbon Steel used in HF service must meet the following limits on residual elements :
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4 Valve World Americas | November 2024 • www . valve-world-americas . net