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. Since it is not allowed for the atmospheric concentration of Volatile Organic Compounds, such as benzene, to exceed 1 ppm at the plant, 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.
