Valves intended for the application in volatile air pollutants and hazardous fluids

A well-known and internationally active pumps and valves manufacturer placed the enquiry for test equipment for their new HP butterfly valve production facility in the South-West of France. The enquiry described some interesting challenges;

Range:                      10 – 48 Inch up to Class 1500

Test position:          in both horizontal position and vertical position

Test fluids:               high pressure water, Nitrogen, Helium and Ethanol..!

A large portion of their newly produced ‘high end’ valves where intended for the application in volatile air pollutants and hazardous fluids. This calls for the highest level of testing and quality control. The Ventil Engineered Solutions team studied the application and found solutions for some technical ‘concerns’;

Test fluids

Besides the common test fluids, air and water, the valves where to be tested with high pressure Nitrogen, Helium and Ethanol. Nitrogen and Helium are wonted fluids, regularly installed in the Ventil test equipment. However, the application Ethanol is rare and required extensive measures. The reason for the use of Ethanol is that it evaporates, and leaves the valve clean and dry after testing. Yet, it led to an potentially explosive atmosphere in the test bay. To protect against sources of ignition, the clamping construction and a variety of related systems, installed in the direct surrounding, where designed and equipped to meet the demanding ATEX, directive 99/92/EC standards.

Large valves and actuators

To accommodate the complete range valves with large actuators and production quantities, the range was split in two; A ‘small’ test unit, designed for 10 – 24” and the large for 24 – 48”. To prove the performance of the valves and their controls, HVC’s where installed. These hydraulic controlled ‘tilting’ clamping systems enable easy positioning and clamping in horizontal position (stem vertical) and testing in any position between 0 – 90 degrees.

Safety is paramount

The use of high pressure gas and the potentially explosive Ethanol is not without risk. Therefore both clamping systems where placed in a dedicated test bunker with crane and ventilation system. To enable accurate testing and inspection from a separated operating and control room, a remotely controlled test and operating system was foreseen. The Ventil Engineered Solution team developed this unique system, existing of smart controls, intelligently designed CRS software an fully integrated camera system. The HD optical zoom cameras give the operator a complete view on the test objects, but also enables meticulous inspection of critical parts.

Get in touch

Do you have questions about a certain project or you have a similar challange in hands..?

Get in touch with the Ventil Engineered Solutions team.