The pick of the crop

01 January 2001 00:00  [Source: APC]

With growth picking up again in the Asian chemical sector, there is renewed demand for valves and fittings technology. Here APC reviews some recent developments and new products

Fisher Controls International has introduced a new concept in electric actuation for demanding control valve use. Designated the 330SA High-Performance Electric Actuator, this new design differentiates itself through these performance attributes:

• High speed
• High accuracy
• High thrust force
• Long stroke capability
• Spring-fail capability
• High cycle life
• Sliding-stem or rotary-shaft applications
• Third party certificationThe 330SA utilises a brushless servomotor combined with an inverted roller screw to convert rotary torque into linear thrust of up to 44 500N (10 000lb) continuous. The roller screw design, rated at 5000 rpm, can produce stroke speeds as fast as 60 milliseconds for 19mm (0.75 inch) travel. Maximum travel capability is 254mm (10in).
  
  

Available in four actuator sizes that offer a total of six thrust capabilities, the 330SA allows an economical matching of actuator to control requirements. Its high-cycle design allows the actuator to achieve a cycle life as high as 750 million millimetres (approximately 30 million inches) of travel. The 330SA actuation system operates with a combined repeatability and hysteresis as low as 0.25% to yield highly accurate output positioning.

The 330SA actuator is used in conjunction with a programmable, microprocessor-based servo drive that allows onsite tuning to meet changes in performance requirements. It can be configured to move the valve to any position desired upon loss of command signal, and is also available in spring-fail configurations. The 330SA is CSA-approved for Class I, Division I Groups B, C, & D.

The company has also introduced its Fieldvue DVC6000 Digital Valve Controller, the latest development in their range of intelligent valve positioners. Building on performance levels and diagnostics capability customers have come to expect from Fieldvue devices, the DVC6000 introduces two additional pressure sensors for improved diagnostics on double acting actuators. As well as monitoring both pneumatic outputs to the actuator, the new version measures the supply pressure being fed to the Fieldvue device.

Meanwhile, Fisher Controls International, a division of Fisher-Rosemount under Emerson Electric and a global leader in process control, is celebrating its 120th anniversary as a major supplier to the process industries.

Since the first founding and invention of the Type 1 constant pressure pump governor in Marshalltown Iowa, US, in 1880 by William Fisher, Fisher Controls has come a long way to its present leadership position. For 120 years, the company has been making quality control valves for the power, chemical, refining and pulp and paper industries. Indeed, Fisher's quality is embodied and time-tested in its trusted and reliable brand name. The winning formula of quality products and people has sustained the company as a leader in regulators, control valves and valve instrumentation for the last century.

###9946###

On their 120th anniversary celebration, many were taken on a trip back in time to the humble beginnings of Fisher Controls and the developments that brought the company to where it is today.

Commenting on the 120th anniversary, company president Terry Buzbee stated 'Few companies today would be able to celebrate 120 years of continuous prosperity. The fact that we can is a tribute to the members of the Fisher Controls' family.' Buzbee further acknowledged the Fisher employees' contributions to the company by saying:

'This is an achievement that Fisher will celebrate around the world, since our employees are the ones who deserve the credit for making Fisher a truly global company.'

In the company's history of change and renewal, Fisher underwent two major changes of hands at the corporate level. It was bought over first by Monsanto in 1970 and subsequently by Emerson Electric in 1992.

Today, Fisher Controls has spread its wings and grown further. The global presence of Fisher is testimony to this.

###9947###

Its skilled manufacturing facilities in Asia-PaciÞc and around the world are fully ISO accredited. Presently, Fisher Controls' valves and instruments manufacturing span countries in US, Malaysia, China, Japan to Australia, India and Singapore. Coupled with an expansive sales network, Fisher Controls provides an unmatched response to the needs of customers.

On its anniversary, the company and all its employees worldwide look forward to more good years and prosperity ahead.

Neles Automation

Neles Automation has received significant automation orders from China.The total value of these orders is over $3m.

For Jilin Shixian Paper, Neles Automation will supply nelesDNA (Dynamic Network of Applications) for machine and process control for the whole new papermaking line from stock preparation to dry end. Automation delivery includes Valmet PaperIQ quality management system with two measuring frames, one before OptiLoad calender and another before OptiReel. Neles Automation will equip the OptiLoad calender with Sensodec 6S condition and runnability monitoring system. Neles Automation will also supply Parsytec Web Inspection System, which will be located before the OptiReel. Two IQTension units will be supplied for measuring web tension. In addition to this, the automation delivery also includes a SteamTech profiler for moisture control, and IQHeadbox for controlling CD weight at the dilution headbox.

The new paper making line supplied by Valmet will be located at the customer's mill site in Shixian, city of Tumen in northeast China. The line will produce colour-offset newsprint, telephone book paper and SC-B printing paper with a design capacity of around 620 to 640 tonne/day depending on the paper grade. The start-up is scheduled for late 2002.

For Jilin Paper Neles Automation will supply nelesDNA for PM10. Automation delivery includes Valmet PaperIQ quality management system and IQSlice profiling system to control the newsprint quality.

Jilin Paper is located in the city of Jilin. It is one of the biggest paper makers in China with an annual capacity of 270 000 tonne of newsprint. The company is rebuilding its biggest paper making line, PM10. The start-up is scheduled for March 2001.

Meanwhile, an emergency shutdown (ESD) system to be installed in production trains A through F at the PT Badak LNG plant in Bontang, Kalimantan, Indonesia, will use unique metal-seated caustic and cryogenic service MBV and D-series ball valves. Neles Automation will supply ball valves, equipped with spring return actuators, accessories and volume tanks with fireboxes. The order is valued at $1.7m.

###9948###

Albert Ng, national sales manager for Neles Automation in Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines, said that the valves would be certified to API 598, ANSI Class VI tightness at Neles Automation's testing facilities in Helsinki, Finland. Some of the LNG process occurs at temperatures from -80ûC to -165ûC, which requires Neles Automation to perform stringent cryogenic testing procedures, T-0098GB, in the company's state-of-the-art Cryogenics Lab. 'We don't know of any other company in our industry that can meet these requirements,' Ng concluded.

To compensate for thermal shrinkage under cryogenic conditions, the valves are equipped with a proprietary metal ball and seat combination that is precision-machined and matched for superior tightness. During cryogenic leak testing, temperatures are brought to -196ûC with liquefied nitrogen. The valves are pressurised and leak-tested with helium because traces of moisture found in other media would freeze under those conditions.

The total order includes 72 ball valves for ESD and BDV (Blow Down Valve) services, which use Neles Automation's MBV and D-Series ball valves and series B actuators with manual latching devices for on-line testing. The instrumentation and volume tanks for the actuators are equipped for three-stroke operation. This allows for a manual override so valves can be reset quickly and the plant restored to normal production conditions if the emergency system is tripped when default settings (temperatures, pump pressures) are exceeded. All the instrumentation and actuators are housed in fire proof enclosures (fireboxes).

A special project management team for the PT Badak LNG upgrade has been established at the company's manufacturing plant in Helsinki to ensure all logistical and engineering matters are handled expeditiously. This makes it possible for the EPC contractor, Chiyoda Corporation, to deal directly with the manufacturing unit, ensuring timely responses in resolving any technical changes or issues.

The valves will be installed in three separate phases - two trains at a time - to ensure the plant continues to meet its production commitments. The first two trains are scheduled for upgrading in early May.

ITT Industries

Goulds Pumps, one of the fluid businesses of ITT Industries, has introduced a new line of ISO magnetic drive process pumps. The ICM the pump was developed utilising the combined expertise of ITT Richter Chemie-Technik (Germany), Vogel Pumpen (Austria), and Goulds Pumps (USA) research and development engineers to create the optimum sealless pump. Numerous applications for the product exist in process fluid services throughout the chemical, paper, and general industries.

The ICM has been designed for flows up to 1760 GPM (400 m3/h) and heads to 685 feet (210 m) at 3500 rpm. Standard operating pressures are up to 232 psig (16 bar) with options for 362 psig (25 bar). Operating temperatures range from -40û to 550ûF (-40û to 180ûC), optionally to 536ûF (280ûC).

The ICM is specifically designed to pump difficult fluids such as corrosives, ultra-pure, and toxic liquids. Its sealless, sturdy design combines with a wide variety of wetend materials (stainless steel, Hastelloy, ductile iron, Alloy 20 and titanium) to provide a reliable pump which maximises service life.

The ICM series completes the range of Goulds process pumps. Plant operators can now choose magnetic driven and mechanically sealed pumps of a metal or plastic-lined design, both to ISO and to ASME/ANSI standards.

###9949###

Modern technologies such as the FEM Finite Element Method and CFD Computational Fluid Dynamics were used in developing the ICM.

The bearings are chemical and abrasion resistant Silicon Carbide (SSiC). The proven Safeglide Plus dry run protection can be provided. In the case of bearing failure, the wetted rotor cannot come in contact with the separating can nor will larger SSiC parts get out of the cartridge. Therefore the separating can - the most important sealing towards the atmosphere - remains on the safe side.

There are no welding joints exposed to the pumpage: The can is homogeneous material, the wetted surface is smooth and resistant to corrosion. A moulded-in bead prevents medium vortexing in the rear can, which in case of solid contents could erode the can.

Other features include:

• Integrated connection provisions for a variety of pump monitoring
• Optional Hydrovar and PumpSmart flow control equipment
• Inducer technology to overcome insufficient NPSHa conditions
• External plain bearing flushing for liquids containing solids or crystallising media
• Pump is designed for easiest maintenance: few subassemblies, no need for special tools, no need for alignments.
  
  

ITT Industries, Inc. (www.ittind.com) is a global engineering and manufacturing company with leading positions in the markets it serves, generating 1999 sales of $4.6bn. ITT Industries is the world's premier supplier of pumps, systems and services to move and control water and other fluids. The company is a major supplier of sophisticated military defence systems, and provides advanced technical and operational services to a broad range of government agencies. It also produces connectors, switches, keypads and cabling used in telecommunications, computing, aerospace and industrial applications, as well as network services. Furthermore, ITT Industries makes industrial components for a number of other markets, including transportation, construction and aerospace. Based in White Plains, New York, ITT Industries employs approximately 37 000 people around the world.

Swagelok

Swagelok has announced the release of the new DP series - the next generation of Swagelok high-purity, springless diaphragm valves. These valves feature high flow, long cycle life, and a new seat technology, which offers superb shut-off performance. The DP series includes both high-pressure and low-pressure valves, offered in 1Ú4in and 6mm sizes, with a choice of pneumatic or manual actuation. Multi-port and multi-valve configurations are available as well.

DP Series Highlights

• The high-pressure DP series valve is rated to 3045 psig (210 bar), and the low-pressure DP series valve is rated to 145 psig (10 bar).
  
  

• The valve temperature rating is -10û to 150ûF (-23 to 65ûC).
  
  

• The body is manufactured from 316L VIM-VAR. The internal surface finish is 5 µin (0.13 µm) Ra avg.
  
  

• The PCTFE seat is fully contained in the body.
  
  

• Two Elgiloy diaphragms provide the seal to the atmosphere.
  
  

• Two quarter-turn handle designs are available - a directional handle and a locking handle which can be locked out in the closed position. The standard handle colour is blue for low-pressure DP series valves and white for high-pressure DP series valves.
  
  

For the latest chemical news, data and analysis that directly impacts your business sign up for a free trial to ICIS news - the breaking online news service for the global chemical industry.

Get the facts and analysis behind the headlines from our market leading weekly magazine: sign up to a free trial to ICIS Chemical Business.

Printer Friendly