Application: Molecular sieve dehydration of natural gas Objective: Zero-leakage, longer life for isolation switching valves Solution:

Vanessa triple offset metal-to-metal, non-rubbing valves

Overview Molecular sieve dehydration (MSD) is used to remove water from natural gas. The dehydration is necessary to mitigate problems caused by hydrate formation and corrosion. MSD is common to many processes that use natural gas as a feedstock, including pipelines, natural gas processing plants, LNG regasification, and power plants. These dehydrating systems typically consist of multiple adsorption columns filled with solid desiccant. The columns are cycled between adsorption, regeneration (where the desiccant bed is heated to drive off water), and cooling.
Catalyst particles, temperature, and frequent cycling require specialized isolation switching valve performance. Isolation switching valves control the flow of gas through the MSD process, including input and outflow to the system, and each of the desiccant columns. Zero-leakage is critical to the process. Water that remains in the gas reduces process effectiveness, can lead to corrosion and increased dehydrator maintenance.

Critical dehydrator performance

WATER KNOCK OUT

REGENERATION GAS COOLER

WET GAS CV

ISV ISV ISV ISV

OPEN VALVE CV = CONTROL VALVE ISV = ISOLATION SWITCHING VALVE

ADSORBING COLUMN

REGENERATING COLUMN

COOLING COLUMN

ISV

ISV

ISV

DRIED GAS HEATER

Valve challenges

Valves in MSD applications face multiple challenges to zero leakage and service life. A key aspect of enhancing system performance is addressing all of them. Perhaps the most critical valve challenge comes from the catalyst. Molecular sieve beds generate catalyst carryover. The granular material can abrade the seat and sealing surfaces on conventional valves. Temperature is also an issue. The valve must withstand high regeneration temperatures that typically range up to 800F [427C]. MSD Isolation switching valves must also endure frequent cycling during the regeneration process. The constant use can accelerate wear and reduce valve life. Catalyst, temperature, and cycling demands like these place high demands on valves that can result in premature failure and leakage.

The Vanessa advantage

Vanessa triple offset valves (TOV) ensure zero leakage and longer valve life in MSD applications. A cam-actuated sealing design avoids the scuffing that occurs with conventional valves when catalyst particles are ground into the seal face. Instead, the TOV design applies torque to radially charge a seal ring fitted to the valve disc. The ring uniformly distributes torque to the seat to create the seal. This sealing process avoids the wear inherent in dragging catalyst particles across the sealing surface during frequent cycling. A leak-proof closing is ensured even if particles are caught in the seal. These particles lodge between the resilient metal seal ring and a body seat featuring a weld overlay of Stellite grade 21. This maintains a zero-leak seal to API 598 and API 6 D standards, and enhances wear resistance to maintain the efficiency of the drying system. Temperature cycles during regeneration are easily handled by the TOV design. The valve disc is made of the same metal as the valve body. As a result, there is no temperature limitation due to thermal expansion and contraction up to the limit imposed by ASTM to WCB. MSD applications create tremendous demands on valves. Failure compromises the process and causes costly problems. Vanessa metal-to-metal, non-rubbing valves provide all the key characteristics to ensure performance in difficult MSD applications.

VANMC-0646-US-1205 Copyright 2012 by Tyco Flow Control, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The Vanessa Triple Offset Valve offers the following benefits:

Vanessa Feature Standard Stellite hardface seat

Benefit for molecular sieve dryer operators

Further enhances durability at higher temperatures and resists abrasion.

High-cycle thrust bearing

The design rigidly fixes a super-hardened thrust washer to the shaft while maintaining an intermediate sliding thrust washer, further extending service life.

Two-piece packing gland assembly with externally retained anti-blowout stem

Compliant with API 609 and requirements from EPA and TA Luft, fugitive emissions are minimized.

Upper and lower graphite bearing protectors

Bearing protectors keep catalytic solids from the bearing journal, extending service life.

Resilient metal seal

A duplex stainless steel seal ring is installed in the disc assembly to provide true zero leakage (as per API 598 and or API 6D) maintaining the efficiency of the drying system.

Triple offset seat design

Imparts a camming effect resulting in no metal-to-metal rubbing between the seat and the seal. This prevents abrasion from catalyst carryover.

Quarter turn operation

Quarter turn valves are easier to actuate and more reliable than linear valves. Packing wear is greatly reduced.

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VANMC-0646-US-1205 Copyright 2012 by Tyco Flow Control, Inc. All Rights Reserved.