Pressure Relief Valves: Take the pressure of more than just storage tanks

Pressure Relief Valves: take the pressure of more than just storage tanks.

By LVSA Group

Written by Chriselda Pillay

The oil and gas industry produce enormous amounts of fluids daily. These products must be stored, (usually for a short period of time) before transportation or further processing. The oil and gas industry as well as many other industries use storage tanks. Due to the nature of oil and gas, it is no surprise that the strictest rules govern the materials, manufacture and maintenance of storage tanks. The American Petroleum Institute’s API 650 standard, outlines minimum requirements for the: design, materials, fabrication, erection, and examination of welded storage tanks. These standard outlines, protect the structure, safety of people and environment of the storage tanks. If a storage tank fails during an act of God or in an emergency situation the results could be fatal.

On the second of April 2015 around 10:00 am, a fuel tank storage facility in Santos near Sao Paulo went up in flames. It took over 80 fire fighters with 22 fire trucks almost 5 days to put out the blaze. The facility stores up to 301,300 cubic meters of fuels, chemicals, vegetable oils, ethanol and corrosive products. An estimated 8 tanks were completely destroyed and many others damaged in the fire. Fortunately, no lives where lost. Are there products that can stop or even prevent disasters like this? Yes, Pressure relief devices are major emission control devices. These devices can take more than just the pressure of storage tanks.

Relief valves protect against damage from pressure or vacuum and reduce losses from product evaporation. Deflagration and detonation arresters reduce the risk of damage or injury from fire. Blanket gas regulators maintain a constant gas pressure inside the vapor space of a tank to protect against fire or evaporation.

LVSA Group are the proud agents of Groth Corp Valves. Groth is a global leader in manufacturing pressure/vacuum relief valves, flame and detonation arresters, blanket gas regulators, and other low-pressure relief products. Groths products have been protecting refineries, chemical processing plants, and any facility with atmospheric, fixed-roof storage tanks: from tank farms all the way down to single storage tanks – for more than 40 years. LVSA Group provides solutions for: oil and gas, Chemical Processing, Pharmaceutical, Food and Beverage, and Bio Gas Processing.

For more information visit: http://lvsa.co.za/groth-corp-valve-official-supplier-durban-johannesburg-capetown-south-africa/

For enquiries: sales@lvsa.co.za

Bibliography

• Paulo Whitaker/Reuters, 2 April 2015, Smoke rises from fire at a fuel tank storage facility, viewed July 2019, <https://www.businessinsider.com/r-fuel-tank-fire-enters-third-day-in-santos-brazil-2015-4?IR=T>.

• Groth Corporation 2017, LVSA Group (Pty) Ltd official distributor of Groth Corporation Valves, Viewed July 2019, < http://lvsa.co.za/groth-corp-valve-official-supplier-durban-johannesburg-capetown-south-africa/>.

Bell-o-seal Valves

One of the most frequent and serious problems valves face is gland leakage, results in wasted and increased plant downtime. Apart from the high cost of energy losses, Gland leakages can also cause serious environmental, ecological and health hazards to plant workers and personnel.

UST USE A BELLOW SEAL VALVE
100% ZERO LEAKAGE TO ATMOSPHERE AND SAVE

Leakage of sensitive material can also constitute to a fire hazard, explosion, or damage to equipment by corrosive material. Air entering the pipeline could produce inflammable explosive or poisonous mixtures. Gland packed valves often demand continual maintenance in accessibility creating particular difficulties. The bellows comply to conditions at high temperatures and are capable of withstanding over 10,000 cycles without failure.

Product Range

Bell-O-Seal Valves are well qualified to provide technological assistance for applications involving hazardous and difficult to- handle fluids and gases.

• Bellow seal globe and  gate valves
• Bellow seal valve for chlorine service
• Bellow seal y-type and angle valves
• Jacketed & non  jacketed polymer  valves
• Bellow seal bellow operated valves & bellow seal  isolation valve and 3 valve manifold

Gate Valve

For More Details Visit: Neway Gate Valve Supplier

Neway Butterfly Valve

    For More Details Visit: Neway Butterfly Valve Supplier

Groth Corp Valves Supplier in Africa - Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town

Groth is a global leader in manufacturing pressure/vacuum relief valves, flame and detonation arresters, blanket gas regulators, and other low pressure relief products.

Groths products have been protecting refineries, chemical processing plants, and any facility with atmospheric, fixed-roof storage tanks: from tank farms all the way down to single storage tanks - for more than 40 years.

When ordering from Groth Corporation, you can be assured that our expertise and devotion to quality will translate into efficiency and safety, and that our every effort will demonstrate our commitment to provide innovative solutions, quality products, and comprehensive service.

Some of the markets Groth provides solutions for are: oil and gas, Chemical Processing, Pharmaceutical, Food and Beverage, and Bio Gas Processing. LVSA Group is the Proud Agent of Groth Corp throughout Africa.

Products:

• Valves and Tank Equipment
• Regulators
• Test SandsValve & Flame Arrester
• Flame Control
• Valve & Flame Arrester
• Wastewater Biogas

Basic Guidelines for Valve Selection Across Process Applications

Gate, Ball and Butterfly Valves are the most common form of shut-off valve, with ball and even butterfly valves rapidly becoming the primary choice due to the ease of automation and fast shut-off abilities, and in the case of ball valves the barest minimum of flow restrictions. We are often supplying ball and butterfly valves fully actuated, as plants of today become more and more automated, and are often now run by computers and the flick of a switch.

Getting the right selection of valves across a diverse process application can be a difficult task for many design engineers, however with a step by step approach one can definitely narrow down to the most suitable valve to meet any process across variable temperature, pressure and flow media. But first of all you should know a little more about the service conditions. To identify the same you could start by listing down answers to the following questions.

1. Where the valve is to be used, what function you want to perform?
2. What are the pressure/temperature requirements?
3. What kind of fluids will be in line?
4. What size is the line?
5. Are the conditions moderate or extreme?
6. How much room have you got for valve stems/handles?
What are the service requirements, are the valves to be regularly dismantled for cleaning? Is the installation permanent, or likely to be cut into frequently?
If you can answer these questions the choice of valve becomes evident very quickly, especially to one of our experienced valve sales staff.

1. Starting and Stopping flow:
Gate, Ball and Butterfly Valves are the most common form of shut-off valve, with ball and even butterfly valves rapidly becoming the primary choice due to the ease of automation and fast shut-off abilities, and in the case of ball valves the barest minimum of flow restrictions. We are often supplying ball and butterfly valves fully actuated, as plants of today become more and more automated, and are often now run by computers and the flick of a switch.

2. Regulating Flow:
Regulating or throttling flow is most commonly done with the use of a globe valve, and to a much lesser extent an angle valve. The seat design forces the flow evenly around a disc or plug arrangement that enables a closer regulation of flow. Globe valves are often used for the control of steam. Your garden tap is a very common and basic form of a globe valve design.

3. Preventing Back Flow:
This is the function of a check valve; it prevents flow reversal in piping, a primary cause of water hammer. Check valves most commonly are swing checks, normally used with gates and ball valves, and lift check or spring checks, which are normally used with Globe and Control type valves.

4. Regulating Pressure:
Pressure Regulators and Control Valves are used to reduce incoming pressure and maintain it at a required service pressure. Fluctuations to the inlet pressures of a pressure regulator will not affect the outlet pressure for which it is set at.

5. Relieving pressure:
These are known as Safety Valves, normally used for steam, air, and gases, and Relief Valves, usually used for liquids. These are normally spring loaded valves which open automatically when the pressure exceeds a set limit. They can either vent to atmosphere or to other piping. Excessive pressures in something like a Boiler could cause major damage, if a relief valve was not used. Selection of industrial valves also depend on the functionalities required as well as service applicaton. Please find below a comparative chart to help you better select between a gate valve, globe valve, ball valve and butterfly valve.

Common materials valves are made with are
Brass and Bronze: Brass is the stock standard material used in most small bore, standard cold water applications. Bronze an alloy of copper, tin, lead and zinc, is normally used for steam and higher temperatures up to 230°C.
Cast Iron: Normally used for lower pressure applications and in butterfly valves bodies where it provides a cost effective alternative to steel. Common in the fire protection and water industry.
Carbon and Stainless Steel: Steel is recommended for higher pressure and temperature applications and/or in services conditions that may be too harsh for Brass, bronze and Cast iron.
Alloys: Used in severe corrosive or acidic applications, or for use at extreme temperatures. Many different types of alloys are available, but these are normally manufactured and imported as required, as some of the more exotic materials can be quite expensive to have sitting around a shelf gathering dust.
PVCs: Plastics and PVCs are becoming an alternative to brass for use in low pressure/temperature air, water and even chemical applications.
Valve markings
In addition to the maker’s brand and valve size, is a basic service rating which appears on the body of most valves. Pressure and Temp ratings are normally expressed in pounds and are in terms of steam, unless otherwise indicated.Steel ratings bear a mark such as 150, 300, 600, 900 etc. The figures denote a maximum pressure (in pounds) at a certain maximum temperature, for which the valve is suited. And will also reflect on any ANSI flanges required for the end connections.The important effect temperature has on pressure ratings means it is imperative that manufacturer’s service tables are referred to.

Article from Amrutha Technologies Blog,

Read More: http://amruthatechnologies.blogspot.com/2016/05/why-is-it-essential-to-have-right-valve.html

LVSA Group Pty Ltd - Capabilities & Services

Capabilities & Services

At LVSA Group we pride ourselves in working with the best manufacturers and partners world wide. This gives us access to open slots for accelerated delivery times. With standardized production of products like materials and trims, we achieve efficient production.
Lastly, by reviewing the client’s system requirements and aiding them in their Valve Selection Process, we can help our clients Capitalize on maximum benefits.

What we Offer

• A Full Service Modification Shop with Engineering Support.
• A Capital Project Management and Support.
• Technical Support for Contracts and EPC’s.
• Project and Inventory Management.
• Valve Modification and Refurbishment.

Powell Valves Supplier in South Africa

LVSA Group (Pty) Ltd - Official Distributor and Supplier of Powell Valves all over South Africa.

Importance of Valve Selection

Importance of Valve Selection

Often, site maintenance engineers are getting tired of all those problems with valves. Issues such as leakages and/or blocked valves are common. Often the problems start before installation, namely at the selection stage. In short, selecting the right valve for the given application and process conditions.
By Michel F. Bolle

In this article, an overview of the most prominent valve failures is given as well as possible ways to prevent or reduce the frequency of such problems. Admittedly, it is a very broad subject. There are so many different valve types, applications, and processes that there would be enough material to write a book about it!

In any case, and regardless of the application, many valve users experience similar problems. While talking about valve failures we naturally think about seat leakage, packing leakage or a valve getting blocked in the open or closed position. These problems often occur with standard, off the shelf valves and far less with engineered or bespoke valves. Here it is very important to understand that such failures are, in many cases, the consequence of errors made long before the valve started to leak. In my 25 years of visiting power plants and refineries all over the globe, one thing has become clear: in more than 80% of cases, the valves have been wrongly selected at the beginning of a project.

Knowledge gap
The reasons for wrong valve selections are various: missing or insufficient knowledge, copying & pasting from previous projects, choosing the cheapest solution, missing process data, to just mention a few. The first two factors are more or less the result of the previous departure of older technical experts in the industry. In several sectors, most notably oil and gas, companies have cut their workforce drastically. As a result, a lot of knowhow has disappeared with them. Now that the economy is doing better, the younger technical experts in general do not have the same knowhow and especially the experience, which is not a surprise. Because of this knowledge gap, projects are often executed by using the copy & paste method. That’s where mistakes are being made. For example, the material selection depends on the geographical location. A project in a subtropical climate has other demands than in near-Artic conditions. If the material specifications are not changed accordingly, (valve) failures are bound to happen.
More active role
In conclusion, the easiest way to reduce valve failure is to select the right valve for the given application and process conditions. This sounds easy, but as I have explained, it is far from it. Suppliers of valves and actuators could and should play a more active role to assist customers with technical information and advice, and if needed, to steer them in the right direction when selecting valves. In some cases, it might even be better to not take a job, rather than being in big trouble a few months later because the valves are failing. The selection process is very important but not the be-all and end-all. Installation, operation, and maintenance are equally important and often not conducted according to suppliers’ specifications. For example, over the years I have been involved in so many cases of failures of swing check valves. It is hard to believe, but sometimes the valves have been installed upside down or in the wrong direction. Another very common installation problem with check valves is that there should be a certain distance from a pipe elbow to the valve, or from a pump outlet to the valve. This is to prevent turbulences, which will ultimately render the check valve useless.

Better communication

It is my firm conviction that the communication from suppliers to end users can be improved to prevent common mistakes such as the installation of (swing) check valves. Easy to understand, but technically precise Installation, Maintenance and Operating manuals should be a standard for all of us. I notice that in the US, these manuals are better structured and more clear for end users. Maybe it is because of liability issues, but the end result in this case is more important, namely to instruct in a clear, concise manner. It doesn’t help if critical information is ‘buried’ somewhere in a 500 page manual. Last but not least, offering training courses (online and offline) is definitely an option that could reduce valve failure. There are several suppliers, including Famat, or other organizations, such as KCI Publishing, who are active in this field. Finally, it should be noted that, even with a correctly selected valve, that every elastomer, seat, gasket, ball, etc. has a life cycle. Considering the difficulty of the application (for example high temperatures/ pressures, abrasive mediums, high velocities) the failure of these parts after a certain time of use can be considered as “normal”. The only way to extend the life-cycle is to choose high quality materials and more specific technical solutions, which unfortunately will have an important impact on the cost.

Valve failures often are a result of:

• wear of the elastomers, seats, seals, and gaskets
• wear of the valve stem The above wear and tear can be the cause of:
• cavitation
• temperatures or pressures outside the designed operating parameters, especially unexpected pressure peaks in the pipeline (common error made is to design valves to operating conditions and not design conditions)
• wrongly chosen actuators (for example to much force on the seat while closing)
• foreign debris in the pipeline (for example insufficient Blow-Out after welding, or missing filters)
• material incompatibility with the product being processed
• incorrect assembly, installation, or maintenance procedures performed on valve

Article By,
Michel F. Bolle

More Details Visit: http://www.lvsa.co.za

Electra Mining 2018 - Tradeshow

Visit us at Electra Mining Trade Show Johannesburg

Dates: 10th September to 14th September

Stand: B29

Hall Number: 6

LVSA Group (Pty) Ltd - Your PVF Partner - Official Supplier of Neway Valves

Neway API 6D - Through Conduit Gate Valve Supplier - LVSA Group (Pty) Ltd

Neway through conduit gate valves has 2 main series: Slab Gate and Expanding Gate, both are fully comply with API 6D standard. For conventional temperature service, Neway slab gate valves are designed for temperature service ranging from -46°C to 200°C. For high-temperature service, Neway expanding gate valve can be used up to 500°C. Neway through conduit gate valve size range from 2" - 48" class rating from class 150-2500, all available in bolted bonnet or pressure seal bonnet.

#Neway #API6D #Gate_Valve #LVSA_Group #Industrial_Valve #Valve_Supplier #Durban #Johannesburg #Cape_Town #South_Africa

#Petrochemical #Pulp & Paper #Iron & Steel #Power Generation #Mining #Sugar #Food & Beverage #Oil&Gas

Xanik HF Plug Valve - LVSA Group (Pty) Ltd - Official Xanik Valves Supplier Africa

Gate Valve Bolted Bonnet Flanged

Thermal Valve Manufacture (Pty) Ltd

Valve Name: Gate Valve Bolted Bonnet Flanged

Material: Stainless Steel

Size Available: 1/2" to 48"

Pressure Class: 150,300,600,900,1500,2500

Applications: Water, Oil and Gas

Industries: Paper & Pulp, Sugar Mills, Water line, Plumbing

Sales Person Needed for Valve Industry - Durban, Johannesburg

Sales Person Needed for Valve Industry– Durban

A major valve distributor is looking for an experienced salesperson in the Valve industry. We have two vacancies, one internal sales and one external sales.
The individual must have experience in selling a general range of valves to Project houses, consulting engineers and bringing in new business. Position is target based. Salary will be based on experience.
Position based in Durban.

Kindly email your detailed resume with supporting documents to: careers@lvsa.co.za

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 Sales Person Job – Johannesburg

A major valve distributor is looking for an experienced sales person in the Valve industry. We have two vacancies, one internal sales and one external sales.

The individual must have experience in selling a general range of valves to Project houses, consulting engineers and bringing in new business. Position is target based. Salary will be based on experience.

Position based in Johannesburg.

Kindly email your detailed resume with supporting documents to: careers@lvsa.co.za

Happy Easter

Bellow Seal Valves Supplier - South Africa

Bellow Seal Valves Supplier - Durban, Johannesburg, Capetown

Zero Stem - leakage design eliminates product losses, hazards to human and the environment and costly downtime ordinary required for packing maintenance.

Official Neway Valves Distributor - South Africa

LVSA Group the official distributors of Neway valves in Africa.

We are the official supplier of Neway valves in Durban, Johannesburg, Capetown and all over Africa.

We supply,

• Neway Gate Valve
• Neway Globe Valve
• Neway Check Valve
• Neway Forged Steel Valves
• Neway Floating Ball Valves
• Neway Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve
• Neway Dual Plate Check Valve
• Neway Butterfly Valve
• Neway Pipeline Valve
• Neway Double Eccentric Butterfly Valve
• Neway Triple Eccentric Butterfly Valve

SAGA Approved Ball Valves Supplier - Durban, Johannesburg, Capetown

We are pleased to announce that, we have just received our permits with The South Africa Gas Association (SAGA) for our Ball Valves.

Product Description: Steel Ball Valve/Casting Ball Valve

Class: 150, 300
Size: DN32-DN1000
Gas Type: Natural Gas/LP Gas

About Us

LVSA GROUP AS AN ORGANISATION

At LVSA Group our goal is to be an exemplary model of the South African BEE initiative, impacting our employees, their families and affected community’s quality of life positively.

We endeavour to provide economic and social empowerment to people in Africa through our NGO LVSA Helping Hands.

OUR VISION

To become the leading PVF Supplier, Valve Repair and Modification Company.

OUR MISSION

We at LVSA Group continually strive to meet and exceed the needs of our customers, by paying attention to detail and working with Clients to thoroughly understand their requirements and offer quality products and superior service.

Our organization strives to become a model of success and true potential in the growing Global Market.

Our highly-qualified staff and partners together with our ISO Certified system works tirelessly to meet our planned objectives in order to serve you exclusively.

MARKET SECTORS

• Petrochemical
• Pulp & Paper
• Iron & Steel
• Power Generation
• Mining
• Sugar
• Food & Beverage
• Oil & Gas

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