ANTI-SURGE VALVES
IMI upgrades offshore facility with
A major offshore upstream production facility in the North Sea is set to receive a significant upgrade with the installation of seven state-of-theart anti-surge valves .
This development promises to enhance system reliability , efficiency and environmental performance .
By Melonie Dodaro new anti-surge valves
In a significant move towards improved energy efficiency and environmental performance , IMI has secured a multi-million Euro contract to supply seven advanced anti-surge valves to a major North Sea offshore upstream production facility . This project marks a crucial step in upgrading legacy systems with cutting-edge technology . The new anti-surge valves , designed to replace existing IMI valves , incorporate several innovative features aimed at boosting system reliability and efficiency . At the heart of these valves is IMI ’ s patented DRAG™ technology , which utilises additive manufactured components . This multistage , multi-path design guides fluid through a highly resistant tortuous path , gradually reducing inlet pressure . The result is a significant limitation on fluid velocity at the trim , effectively eliminating risks associated with vibration , noise and erosion .
Advanced control and monitoring systems
Another key feature of these valves is the incorporation of IMI ’ s SC / V actuators . These actuators employ a special piston design , ensuring smooth and precise operation . Furthermore , the valves are equipped with IMI ’ s latest development , the high-capacity , high-precision digital pneumatic SHP ( Smart High Performance ) positioner . The SHP positioner represents a leap forward in valve control technology . It utilises a sophisticated control algorithm system and patented logic to achieve remarkably low stroking times while maintaining high dynamic control . Additionally , it offers both online and offline diagnostic capabilities , allowing for real-time monitoring of valve operation and the ability to conduct step , valve signature and frequency tests .
Environmental considerations
Environmental considerations have played a significant role in the design of these new valves . Fugitive emissions pose a major sustainability challenge to offshore upstream production platforms . To address this , the anti-surge valves include IMI ’ s EEEasy-Seal™ stem packing solution . This innovative feature provides up to ISO Class AM FE leakage protection and has been third-party certified to ISO 15848-1 , setting a new standard in emissions control for valve technology . Giuseppe Buscemi , EMEA President of Process Automation at IMI , emphasised the importance of this project : “ We are proud to once again assist our longstanding customer in the North Sea with such a critical infrastructure upgrade . Valve
design has come a long way in recent years , and our ability to match state-of-the-art additive manufactured components with the very latest in positioning and stem packing technology was crucial to a successful re-tender .”
The future of offshore energy operations
Buscemi also highlighted the growing importance of environmental performance in the offshore energy sector : “ With environmental targets for offshore upstream production facilities becoming increasingly stringent , it is more important than ever that every component can make a tangible contribution to a site ’ s emissions reduction strategy . For this customer , our anti-surge valves will do just that .” This project not only represents a significant technological upgrade for the North Sea facility but also underscores the growing trend towards more environmentally conscious operations in the offshore energy sector . As regulations tighten and sustainability becomes an increasingly critical factor , innovations like IMI ’ s advanced anti-surge valves are likely to play a crucial role in the industry ’ s future .
About IMI IMI plc is a specialist engineering company that designs , manufactures and services highly engineered products controlling the precise movement of fluids . The company ’ s innovative technologies enable vital processes to operate safely , cleanly , efficiently and cost-effectively across various sectors including energy , transportation and infrastructure .
58 Valve World October 2024 www . valve-world . net