Angle and globe valve flashing solutions stand to significantly increase control valve service life and alleviate costly erosion issues, says an industry expert.
Flashing caused by pressurised steam is a destructive phenomenon that occurs in many industries. When controlling steam flow, flashing can take place, and when this happens it can result in severe erosion and damage to the valve components. By reducing flow capacity and eroding the valve itself, flashing is causing unplanned maintenance, reduced reliability, and unacceptable critical safety risks, says Mike Semens-Flanagan, Global Engineering Director at IMI Critical Engineering. With the issue continuing to put pressure on bottom lines in the petrochemical/ gas processing/ power/ oil and gas sector, Mr. Semens-Flanagan is calling for the adoption of new technologies to help resolve these timely and costly issues.
“For years, plant operators in industries where pressurised steam is used, have struggled with reduced operational performance and diminished valve lifespan as a result of flashing erosion,” explains Mr. Semens-Flanagan. “The spiralling maintenance and repair costs that ensue can partially be attributed to the wide-scale adoption of control valves ill-suited to withstand the extreme velocity and pressures over the valve structure.”
“To mitigate the safety risks of valve erosion and reduced asset performance, the sector must be open to new and accessible innovations,” he continues. In line with this approach, IMI Critical Engineering has developed EroSolve Flashing solutions to cope with severe flow conditions based on IMI proven technology.”
