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As regular readers of valve World Magazine may recall, Dr. Baumann’s article in the May 2018 issue of Valve World gave an easy-to-use graphical method of estimating hydro-noise from control valves in liquid applications. This second article presents an equally versatile method for estimating aerodynamic noise caused by gases.

The optimization of plant layout is important in any project needing to utilize the available space in a compact manner and also to achieve better maintainability and operability. The degree of optimization becomes even more important in the case of modular projects, to maximize the extent of modularization. This paper discusses the module design philosophy and various plant and piping layout considerations for vessels, pumps, compressors, heat exchangers and air coolers during modularization.

Interview with Bengt Westman, Managing Director at the AFAB refuelling depot at Stockholm’s Arlanda International Airport. Before your next flight, take a moment to consider how your plane has been refuelled – and the steps taken to ensure that fuel is 100% free from any contaminants.

“The future of anti-surge control valves (ASCV) lies in electric actuation, like the servomechanism that Shell developed with Festo. It is less complex than pneumatic actuation and so requires less maintenance and less expertise to set up.”

Held from 27 to 29 November In Düsseldorf, Germany, the Valve World Conference and Expo again scored highly amongst presenters, delegates, exhibitors and visitors alike, thanks to the unique concentration of flow control expertise, engineering and passion in a single location.

The variety in modular double block and bleed (MDBB) valves is staggering – the millions of possible combinations drives up cost for end users. By implementing delayed customisation, suppliers can reduce supply chain complexities.

It is with great sadness that we report of the death of our colleague, boss, friend, mentor and – above all - inspirator, Donald Wiedemeyer, at the age of 58.

Getting out more of an existing asset and its valve park is a challenge. This also rings true for Marty van Tilburg, valve specialist at Sitech Services. “It is a matter of continuous improvement and more efficient maintenance. If we can transform an unplanned stop into a planned one, we already have earned our pay check.”

Spare parts management will become a more crucial factor in the coming years as end users aim to reduce inventory cost while still maintaining production targets. Equipment suppliers who are able to incorporate speed and agility into their operations, would assist plant managers in their quest for more efficient operations.

The market in oil and gas has forced the industry to rationalize in terms of CAPEX and OPEX for new and existing projects, including valves. This especially applies to off the shelf products. For more demanding applications, however, quality remains key. “The cost factor remains important but we tend to look more at the TCO for these critical applications.”