TECH TALK
• One should also avoid NAMUR connections between the actuator and the positioner . While adequate in many applications , they are not tight enough for the high cycling of PSA applications . They tend to wear quickly and lose throttling accuracy . A better alternative is a connection that utilizes a spring that biases the positioner shaft to maintain positive contact with the actuator linkage .
Key questions for plant operators to answer :
- Has the valve / actuator / positioner completed a one million-cycle endurance test per the rigorous procedures accepted by PSA process licensors ?
- Is the valve / actuator / positioner licensor approved for use in PSA applications ?
2 . Ensure that the valve supplier can provide expert , timely support , and services when urgently needed .
PSA is a demanding application for valves and related automation equipment . Even the best valves on the market can fail . When they do , an offline PSA bed can shut down as much as 20 % of a refinery ’ s capacity , potentially costing millions of dollars each day .
Avoid this risk by working alongside an expert partner who provides superior technical support and services that minimize planned and unplanned downtime .
Confirm that the valve OEM has PSA unit experience and offers remote and on-site technicians to quickly troubleshoot issues and make repairs . Some OEMs provide aftermarket support by referring you to a third-party workshop . A better option is to partner with a valve provider that has a global network of quick response centers located in the same country or region as your production facilities . This will provide the user with immediate access to the engineers who designed the valves , actuators , and positioners , and experienced technicians trained to work on the equipment .
Long-term Service Agreements to Improve PSA Valve Reliability .
Many OEMS offer long-term service agreements to ensure their flow control equipment meets performance expectations . Agreements can be designed around key performance indicators ( KPIs ) to ensure that the PSA unit supports the business objectives .
Look for a partner who can :
• Create a program based on a budget and KPIs ,
• Support only those assets deemed necessary ,
• Incorporate parts , on-site or off-site support , repair / upgrades , and training programs .
Smart Monitoring to Predict Maintenance Needs .
Further insights and support are available by utilizing smart positioners and advanced predictive maintenance solutions that monitor and analyze valve conditions and performance . In addition , some OEMs operate remote monitoring centers where trained specialists track equipment performance and identify issues inside valves and positioners before they disrupt production .
These advanced solutions can enable unit operators to schedule needed maintenance before equipment issues occur . They can extend the time between maintenance , minimize unplanned downtime , and help reduce costs .
Key questions for plant operators to answer :
• Does the OEM operate a global network of response centers staffed by engineers and expert specialists available to support the PSA applications locally ?
Technology-Driven Excellence
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• Does the OEM also offer a predictive maintenance solution based on digital condition monitoring and analytics ?
3 . Complete projects on agreed-upon schedules and within budget by partnering with an OEM experienced in PSA applications .
When OEMS do not deliver valves and other flow control equipment on time , significant project delays and missed production targets result . The unplanned costs escalate quickly for plant operators , their engineering , procurement and construction consultants , and the PSA skid licensors .
Ideal solutions can be found by working with a valve OEM who employs a project management team with a history of successfully supplying PSA solutions . These specialists will not be surprised by the quality and testing requirements specified by PSA skid licensors , contractors , and end users .
Be sure to partner with a flow control OEM that has a reputation for delivering , installing , and commissioning valves and other equipment on time for PSA applications .
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management specialists will be able to call upon their supply chain contacts to meet the project ’ s timeline .
Key questions for plant operators to answer :
• Does the OEM have a proven record of delivering valves and other equipment for PSA units according to agreed-upon lead times ?
• How many times has the OEM completed PSA unit projects with licensors ?
• How prepared is the OEM to leverage multiple suppliers when necessary to expedite the materials and components needed for the PSA project ?
Picking the Ideal PSA Valve Partner
Select reliable control valves , actuators , and positioners that can withstand the high pressures of PSA skid applications to increase process efficiency and / or the quality of the hydrogen produced . These choices can enable unit operators to avoid unplanned downtime , maintenance , product loss , and penalties and / or fines incurred for regulatory non-compliance that can cost plant operators millions of dollars .
This becomes especially important when global supply chains remain constrained and difficult-to-source materials or parts are necessary to complete the PSA project . It is important to look for a partner that has established business relationships worldwide along with global service capabilities . The OEM ’ s project
The three steps recommended herein can help . Completing each with the support and services of an expert PSA valve partner can prevent costly risks . Instead , the company will be able to meet hydrogen production targets for quality and profitability while also ensuring uninterrupted plant operations .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cris Sidwell is Global Product Leader for Flowserve control valves . In his role , he is responsible for strategic planning and execution for multiple industrial valve product lines engineered and manufactured in North America , Europe , China , and India . He previously worked as an application engineer focused on control valves for a wide range of oil and gas , power , and chemical applications . Cris also has led the qualification testing and writing of test procedures for metering valves for upstream oil and gas production .
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