Tyco Valves & Controls has provided an alternative zero leakage solution for high-pressure benzene applications, by supplying a comprehensive process automation package worth EUR 1,250,000 to new BASF plants in Antwerp and Ludwigshafen. The package includes Vanessa butterfly valves, Descote bellows sealed globe valves, Biffi, Morin and Keystone actuators, and Keystone limit switches. In addition, five Tyco AVID SmartCal digital positioners were installed at the plant in Ludwigshaven and 2 Air Fail-Safe backup systems were supplied to BASF Antwerp. The 450 valves are installed in pipelines carrying styrene monomer, benzene and ethylbenzene at pressures of up to 55 Barg and temperatures reaching 300°C. Both the Vanessa & Descote valves offer advanced sealing mechanisms to comply with the low emission requirements for such hazardous & toxic substances. The Vanessa valves incorporate a standard TA-Luft certified, fully adjustable packing arrangement and the Descote Globe Valves make use of a high quality stainless steel bellows seal.
In addition, five SmartCal, hazardous-area certified, digital analogue positioners, part of Tyco’s innovative new AVID range of intelligent controls, have been supplied to the plant in Ludwigshaven. SmartCal enables the plant operators to make use of valve status information in process control algorithms. As the data is fed back by utilizing non-contacting means, the control device can be mounted remotely from the valve, offering protection from vibration, corrosion, etc. They will be installed in large low-pressure steam lines, operating in temperatures from 135°C to over 250°C.
