EMISSION SOLUTIONS
exceptions . Three common actuators - gas over oil , direct gas , and natural gas-driven low-pressure , will need modifications for new installations . Self-contained natural gas-driven controllers with recompression systems and those with vent recovery systems will still be allowed , but owners will be required to perform quarterly inspections and maintain records . Despite the USEPA allowing “ no detectable emissions ” ( NDE ) components and testing standards proving valves operate at less than 100 ppm on average , many components are still found leaking greater than 500 ppm over time . The USEPA ’ s statement during the public comments of NSPS VVa indicates that NDE components would be considered in violation if found leaking , discouraging their use . This raises the question : what if the industry could find a true NDE component or one that never exceeds the ambient air reading ? Producing zero-emission components is a reality that has been around for many years on pumps . Production of valve components has shown significant improvement against USEPA standards but have yet to reach a true zero-emission possibility . What if technology has finally caught up on valves ? Magnetic valves are designed to both meet both NDE and zero-emission environments . To hit the global goal of “ net zero ” by 2050 , these technological strides will be a strategic piece in achieving a viable “ net zero .”
Embracing magnetics and change
For the industry to keep pace with everchanging regulations , it must be agile and willing to seek alternatives or advancement . The “ old ” way may seem to be working perfectly well , but it does not stay current with technological improvements and a better understanding of environmental impacts . When considering new technologies , questions arise about the capabilities of magnets in valve operation . Magnetics have great potential , with a half-inch diameter shaft capable of being sheared when magnetic actuation creates 900 to 1000 in-lbs in torque . This allows for the calculation of infinite shear , enabling the magnets to skip when maximum torque is achieved in either opening or closing . Magnets can also work in high and low temperatures , with some gaining up to 40 % additional strength at cryogenic temperatures and others operating over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit , where leaks are often a significant problem . Since the valve doesn ’ t rely on a dynamic packing with magnets , testing has shown a magnetic valve actuating over 40,000 additional actuations even after completing an
API 6FA fire test . With some new technology , changes must be made to the existing structures . As with most new technologies , changes must be made to existing structures . These footprint changes may be costly , and sometimes , the existing infrastructure can limit the redesign opportunities for new technology installation . With magnetics , valve infrastructure does not have to be redesigned ; the magnetic components are installed over the valves already in place , and you no longer would have to worry about the safety hazard of the stem sticking out .
52 Valve World June 2024 www . valve-world . net