Next-level reliability: mission-critical flow control solutions from Valmet

Industry-giant Valmet boasts an impressive array of top-brand automated on-off valves, control valves and controllers that are renowned for delivering long-term reliability in the most demanding applications. In an interview with Valve World, Ville Kähkönen, Director of Renewable Energy and Gases, and Andreas Pischke, Global Industry Manager for Renewable Energy and Gases, kindly gave insights into Valmet’s innovative solutions and their significant impact across multiple industrial sectors.

By KCI Editorial

Valmet’s vast scope of expertise continues to grow. With a history in flow control dating back to the 1950s, it has long earned its spurs in sectors such as pulp and paper, bioproducts, oil and gas refining, mining and metals processing, chemicals and various other process industries. And coming up to date, Valmet is now meeting the needs of the energy transition.

Valmet’s strength in flow control is its range of products and services – including valves and valve automation – which are renowned for setting standards as regards quality, reliability and safety. Mr Kähkönen: “Let me start by highlighting our valve brands: Neles, Neles Easyflow, Jamesbury, Stonel, Valvcon and Flowrox. To say that these are established names hardly does them justice; these brands have been tried and trusted by our most discerning customers for decades!”

Colleague Mr Pischke concurs. “In our industry, customers value company experience and long-term product reliability. We bring products to market that are based on field-proven technologies and have undergone rigorous testing in our state-of-the art laboratories. For example, products intended to be used in SIS applications are certified by independent third parties.”

This commitment to reliability ensures that Valmet’s customers can trust products such as the Neles 6D valves and Neles NDX 2.0 valve controller to perform consistently in any given application.

Ongoing innovation

Valmet leads the field in managing industrial fluid control, with ongoing innovation across all product lines. The Neles 6D ball valve family stands out as a prime example, showcasing the company’s dedication to creating reliable, high-performing equipment that meets the diverse needs of multiple industries.

One of the key innovations in the Neles 6D family is its ease of integration with smart technologies. “API 6DX actuators and smart controllers with advanced diagnostics and predictive maintenance capabilities can be easily integrated with the Neles 6D,” Mr Kähkönen explains. “This allows our customers to monitor valve performance in real-time, predict potential issues before they occur and optimise their maintenance schedules.”

The Neles 6D also stands out for its sustainable environmental performance. “These valves are designed to be fire safe and virtually emission-free,” Mr Pischke notes. “This makes them an excellent choice for customers in the growing renewable energy industry and hydrogen industry where safety and environmental concerns are paramount.”

To further enhance the customer experience, Valmet offers the Nelprof sizing and selection tool. “Whatever your process requirements, the free-to-use and fully secure Nelprof tool makes selecting the right valve easy. This software can thereby help you to maximise process efficiency, minimise raw material losses, avoid common mistakes in valve selection such as oversizing as well as optimise valve and actuator selection for specific needs,” Mr Kähkönen says. “Nelprof is part of our commitment to providing not just a product, but a complete solution that includes support throughout the valve’s entire lifecycle.”

“We’re not just focused on how our valves perform when they’re first installed. We consider the entire lifecycle, from manufacturing to end-of-life.”

Ease of maintenance

Continuing with the topic of innovation, Mr Pischke adds that Valmet takes ease of maintenance into account when designing valves and actuators. “Take the Neles XH ball valve, designed with serviceability in mind thanks to ease of maintenance and readily accessible wear parts. This reduces downtime for our customers and extends the overall lifecycle of the valve, further contributing to sustainability and reliability.” A notable evolution in the Neles XH ball valve is its reduced size and weight. “We’ve managed to decrease the valve’s weight and dimensions without compromising on reliability, robustness or performance,” Mr Kähkönen explains. “The carbon footprint of the Neles XH is therefore significantly lower than traditional valves of similar capacity. This aligns with our customers’ increasing focus on reducing their environmental impact across their supply chains.”

“Operational safety is a given for any industrial valve,” Mr Pischke notes. “But with the Neles XH, we’ve taken it a step further by improving safety during manufacturing, transportation, handling and installation. This comprehensive approach to safety includes features like new detachable lifting mounts for larger valves, improving manoeuvrability and safety during installation.”

The Neles XH is particularly well-suited for demanding applications in the oil and gas and petrochemical industries. “We’ve also seen excellent performance in high-pressure, high-temperature hydrogen applications,” Mr Kähkönen reports.

The valve’s versatility is further enhanced by its range of material options. “We offer the Neles XH with various proven valve body material technologies and coatings, including our proprietary Q-trim technology,” Mr Pischke explains. “This allows us to tailor the valve to specific process conditions, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.”

Project strengths

Valmet’s flow control business can look back with pride on the countless new-build, revamp and upgrading projects it has served. Asked what makes Valmet an attractive partner in EPC projects, Mr Kähkönen states: “it is so much easier to partner with someone you know you can trust, isn’t it? Our field-proven technologies already serve plants and facilities in the wide range of our core industries from refining and chemicals to mining, pulp, paper and renewable energy to name just a few. While such proof of performance speaks to EPCs and end customers alike, it is often the added value that we as a company, and as people, bring to the table that makes us more attractive.” Of course, Valmet’s portfolio of automated on-off and control valves are at the core of what the company delivers to projects. Distributed control systems (DCS) and safety systems can additionally be furnished.

“This holistic approach means that with our offering, we can provide total coverage for all these project needs. From there it is much easier to build a strong working relationship where trust is extended to both the equipment and the people involved,” adds Mr Kähkönen.

“What sets Valmet apart is our undeniable ability to provide both valve and automation systems,” says Mr Pischke. “This integrated approach offers significant advantages to our customers. By choosing Valmet as a supplier for both valves and automation systems, customers benefit from seamless compatibility and optimised performance across their control and valve systems.” Another service Valmet offers is for valve OEMs and skid manufacturers who require engineered valve automation solutions for their own valves. With our engineered solutions, our customers experience a comprehensive offering that meets their specifications.

From actuators and on/off valve controllers to positioners, limit switches, and instrumentation requirements, our unique approach means that we are their one-stop shop for all valve automation components. All our market-leading solutions are based on proven technologies and are guaranteed to meet appropriate performance and environmental regulations, regardless of valve make, model or original manufacturer, Mr Pischke notes.

Hydrogen & oxygen

In recent years, hydrogen has increasingly entered the public spotlight. Confirming that this smallest of molecules could well play a major role in the energy transition, Mr Pischke reassuringly adds that Valmet has already acquired an extensive track record with valves destined for hydrogen as well as oxygen applications. “We have been serving hydrogen applications for over forty years in sectors like refining and chemicals and industrial gas processes. I believe this long-standing experience gives Valmet a significant advantage in tackling all emerging hydrogen-related challenges.”

Mr Kähkönen elaborates on these challenges. “Fugitive emissions is a critical concern when working with hydrogen. We’ve developed stem packings and seal solutions to address this. Additionally, we always consider the potential for hydrogen embrittlement in our material selection process. Such awareness during the design phase helps us to ensure product reliability.”

Valmet’s extensive knowledge of valves for oxygen applications is also beneficial. “We’ve installed over 30,000 valves for oxygen use globally. This experience reinforces our competence when looking to serve hydrogen facilities associated with the energy transition,” Mr Kähkönen notes. The company’s valves have already been proven in both atmospheric alkaline pressure and pressurised alkaline electrolysers. High temperature valve solutions are available for solid oxidiser electrolyser cells. “Our segment, butterfly, ball and other designs cover practically all valve needs in the energy transition, whether for hydrogen, oxygen or carbon dioxide service,” Mr Kähkönen adds.

Moving forward

As industries worldwide face up to major challenges, Valmet is on hand to deliver field-tested, reliable flow-control solutions. In that light, Mr Pischke stresses again the value in the company’s strong portfolio.

“Neles, Neles Easyflow, Jamesbury, Stonel, Valvcon and Flowrox are trusted brands with a proven track-record. But we will continue to innovate and develop new products that can bring extra value to customers. Such as the Neles XH ball valves plus our versatile butterfly valve range, as well as the Neles N1 series heavy-duty scotch yoke actuator and Neles B1 series pneumatic cylinder actuators. These ‘top works’ can be easily configured to suit a wide range of applications and industrial requirements.” “Valmet’s Flow Control business line is
a leader in mission-critical flow control solutions and services,” concludes Mr Kähkönen.

“Whatever your industry, application and operating conditions, whether you require pre-engineered products for standard applications or custom-designed and built flow-control solutions for unique processes, you can rely on Valmet to deliver world-renowned valves and actuators that will help to move your business forward.”

For additional information, visit www.valmet.com/flowcontrol