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3. THE PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY – VALVES ARE CRUCIAL

Petroleum is used for a number of applications in everything from creating plastics to rubber, and the petrochemical industry works at refining these products as well as fibre raw and natural gas materials. As pointed out by a leading valve stockist in Dubai, a valve which may seem like such a minor engineering component is, in fact, one of the most vital in the petrochemical industry.

the petrochemical industry – valves are crucial

5 Most Common Types of Petrochemical Valves

A petrochemical plant is a fairly dangerous place as many of its daily operations are governed by extreme temperatures and pressure, as mentioned by a leading valve manufacturers. They help to control the temperature and pressure of these material fluids as they move around each plant. As such, the petrochemical industry is colossal and valve components are central to its success and safety as an industry.

VALVES IN THE PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY:

Essentially, valves are mechanical devices used in piping applications since they efficiently control, regulate, open, and close the flow and pressure of material fluids.

Typically, petrochemical valves are used to manage the following processes:

• Start or stop the flow of fluids such as hydrocarbons, oil, steam, water, and acid
• Modulate the flow of fluid through a pipeline
• Control the flow of fluid through a pipeline
• Change the direction of the flow of certain fluids in a pipeline
• Regulate the pressure of fluids in a particular process
• Protect a piping system from overpressures or backpressures
• Filter debris that could be flowing through a pipeline and protect equipment that could be damaged by solid parts

TYPES OF VALVES EMPLOYED:

Valves used throughout the oil and gas industry are classified in a number of different categories.
This includes disc type, body material, type of actuation, and design.

Some of the most important in the petrochemical industry based on their design include:

Ball Valves :

• Ball valves are the main industry standard valves which are used for on/off applications which implies in other words that, they’re used to open and shut off the flow of fluid.
• Ball Valves supplier says that they are generally lighter and more compact than gate valves, which serve a similar function.

Butterfly Valves :

• These valves serve the same purpose as ball valves, however, butterfly valve supplier says that they are available in a concentric or eccentric design, with a far more compact shape.
• They effectively control the piping system, which is especially critical when working with chemicals and extreme pressure/temperature as you do in the petrochemical industry.

Knife Gate Valves :

• Knife gate valves can easily cut through thicker substances and fluids like petroleum.
• Knife gate valves  are used to cut through very thick fluids such as petroleum and crude oil which helps to regulate and modulate the flow of this material.
• These gates can only handle a certain amount of pressure, so other gate valves are also valuable to a petrochemical plant, such as slide gate valves. Selecting the best gate valves supplier for petrochemical industry is a very important factor to be considered.

Globe Valves :

• Globe valves are highly efficient at regulating fluids such as fuel and other toxic chemicals.
• These valves work only in one direction, so you must make sure to install them correctly.
• They can be used to stop and start flow with high precision, which effectively regulates many pipe systems.
• These type of valves are often used for oil, fuel, and chemical control and transport in the petrochemical industry.
• Global valves supplier says that they versatile in their design and are easy to maintain, which is great for this industry.

Plug Valve:

• This cylindrical or cone shaped valve works to either allow or stop/plug the flow.
• It switches between the “open” and “plugged” position via rotation.
• In the open position, the internal hollow passages are open and allow the liquid and/or chemicals to flow.
• In the “plugged” position, the valve is rotated to block the hollow internal passages and stop flow.
• Since they are higher capacity valves that can handle high temperatures and function best in low pressure applications, they are often used in petroleum pipelines.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP:

As mentioned, the petrochemical industry is massive, and its applications aren’t just limited to the production of oil and gas. This is why valves are essential to the operation petrochemical plants.

We Fevisa being one of the largest valve suppliers with our team of experts have done intense R&D with our valves that are UL FM approved valves and WRAS approved valves, which are the paramount safety and quality standards in terms of the industrial valves. Our team of experts are well versed in providing you the solution for the right choice of valves for your industrial requirements. We have a wide range of ex-stock valves and stock valves and our valves made in Europe as they spell quality in all aspects, guaranteed monitoring, and are completely capable of meeting all industrial market verticals.

Contact us for further assistance!

The company is the world’s best eccentric valve supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

5 Most Common Types of Petrochemical Valves

5 Most Common Types of Petrochemical Valves

Valves are used in a variety of industry types in order to control flow and pressure of liquid, gas, oil, vapor, etc. They effectively control the piping system, which is especially critical when working with chemicals and extreme pressure/temperature as you do in the petrochemical industry.

Petroleum is used for a number of applications in everything from creating plastics to rubber, and the petrochemical industry works at refining these products as well as fiber raw and natural gas materials.

While there are many types of valves out there, this article is going to detail five of the most common petrochemical valves. We’ll detail how the valve works and what it does for the petrochemical industry.

1. Plug Valve

This cylindrical or cone-shaped valve works to either allow or stop (aka “plug”) the flow. It switches between the “open” and “plugged” position via rotation.

In the open position, the internal hollow passages are open and allow the liquid and/or chemicals to flow. In the “plugged” position, the valve is rotated to block the hollow internal passages and stop flow. Check out this video to see a visual of how this works.

Since they are high-capacity valves that can handle high temperatures and function best in low-pressure applications, they are often used in petroleum pipelines.

2. Globe Valves

Globe valves work only in one direction, so you must make sure to install them correctly. They can be used to stop and start flow with high precision, which effectively regulates many pipe systems. These type of valves are often used for oil, fuel, and chemical control and transport in the petrochemical industry.

They’re versatile in their design and are easy to maintain, which is great for this industry. O-SEAL® Globe Valves from CPV are examples of this type; they are designed to ensure leak-proof, bubble-tight seating for thousands of cycles.

3. Knife Gate Valves

Petroleum is a viscous and thick substance, which is why knife gate valves are often used. Knife gate valves can easily cut through thicker substances and fluids like petroleum. However, they aren’t good under high pressure, which limits their versatility.

As the name suggests, this valve uses a knife-like blade that physically cuts through thick substances to regulate flow.

4. Slide Gate Valves

The slide gate valve is a linear motion valve that, unlike the knife gate valve, is designed to handle dry powders, granules, pellets, etc. It uses a sliding plate, as opposed to the blade in a knife gate valve, in order to stop the flow of dry materials.

Depending on the application in the petrochemical industry, you could use either a knife gate or a slide gate valve.

5. Vacuum Relief Valves

Vacuum relief valves are also called “breather” valves because they provide pressure and temperature relief to pipes and tanks.

Many areas of the petrochemical industry will result in building high pressure and temperature that needs to be relieved to avoid dangerous explosions, damage, and other consequences.

Before installing, speak with your manufacturer to ensure that it follows the American Petroleum Institute’s standards.

Using the Right Petrochemical Valves Is Important for Safety and Efficiency

These five common petrochemical valves ensure the petrochemical industry runs smoothly in all contexts. They’re also imperative for maintaining safety.

Need more information? Contact us to learn more and ask any questions you still have.

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