OXYGEN VALVES
with the latest industry standards . This collaboration covers three crucial areas : design safety review , cleaning process protocol validation and comprehensive training . Cleanliness , the second pillar of safety , often requires clean room manufacturing and third-party validation . Velan ’ s cleaning processes have been validated to conform to CGA G-4.1 and EIGA Doc 33 standards , ensuring valves are free from contaminants that could potentially ignite in an oxygenrich environment . The third element , training , represents a significant cultural shift within organisations . Velan has implemented a comprehensive training program developed in partnership with WHA International Inc . This program ensures that all personnel involved with processing oxygen cleaned valves are trained in the hazards of oxygen service , current design standards and proper cleaning techniques .
Material selection
Material selection is a cornerstone of safe valve design for oxygen service . Contrary to common assumptions , stainless steels often fall short in a vast range of these applications due to their potential for ignition in oxygen-rich environments . Instead , manufacturers must use specialised materials such as Monel ® , Inconel ® or specific bronze alloys . These materials offer superior ignition resistance and maintain their integrity under the extreme conditions found in oxygen applications . For example , Monel K-500 has an exemption pressure of 3000 psi , compared to 375 psi for 316 stainless steel .
Oxygen cleaned gate valve . Photo credit : Velan
Vahe explains , “ Material selection is crucial . We ’ re not just looking at corrosion resistance , but also at a material ’ s propensity to ignite in an oxygenrich environment . This often rules out common stainless steels in favour of more specialised alloys keeping in mind , of course , the unique material limitations that need to be additionally addressed for each valve type ( i . e . gate , globe , check , ball and TOV .”
Meeting industry standards
Velan ’ s valves for oxygen and clean gas applications comply with the latest harmonised standards set by international industry associations . These include : 1 . CGA G-4.1 / EIGA Doc 33 ( 2018 ): Cleaning of Equipment for Oxygen Service
2 . CGA G-4.4 / EIGA Doc 13 ( 2020 ): Oxygen Pipeline and Piping Systems for gaseous oxygen with a temperature range between -30 ° C and 200 ° C ( -22 ° F and 400 ° F ) 3 . CGA G-4.14 / EIGA Doc 200 ( 2017 ): Design , Manufacture , Installation , Operation , and Maintenance of Valves Used in Liquid Oxygen and Cold Gaseous Oxygen Systems for temperatures less than -30 ° C ( -22 ° F )
The semiconductor surge
The semiconductor industry has emerged as a significant driver of innovation in specialised valve technology . Modern chip manufacturing processes require ultra-high purity oxygen , often at 99.9999 % ( 6N ) purity or higher . This demand has pushed valve manufacturers to provide more highly clean valves for both safety and clean gas applications .
Oxygen cleaned valves ready to be shipped . Photo credit : Velan
26 Valve World December 2024 www . valve-world . net