Valve solutions: overview of sector-specific requirements
In oil & gas, “high pressure, H₂S/CO₂ exposure and ESD safety” are key drivers. In power generation, “high temperature in the steam cycle and cavitation management” are decisive. In chemicals, “corrosive media, solvents and emission limits” shape the selection criteria. In all three, valve solutions are based on the correct combination of standards (ASME/ANSI, API, EN/DIN), materials and actuators.
Valve solutions for oil & gas applications
Summary objective: Maximum process safety, low fugitive emissions and operational continuity.
Typical lines: Wellhead/flowline, gathering–separation, transfer lines, manifolds, storage–loading.
Upstream: production and separation lines
Recommended types: Thru-conduit gate valves, trunnion ball valves, choke/plug valves, dual plate check valves.
Rationale: Full bore, low pressure drop, fast shut-off and tolerance to solid particles.
Materials & compliance: Sour-service compliant alloys, NACE/MR compliance; metal-to-metal or soft-seated designs are selected based on the process fluid.
Midstream: pipelines and stations
Recommended types: API 6D trunnion ball valves, slab/expanding gate valves, swing/dual-plate check valves, emergency shutdown (ESD) valves.
Notes: Pigging compatibility, low operating torque and low-emission stem and body sealing (targeting ISO 15848, API 641).
Downstream & LNG/LPG: refineries and terminals
Recommended types: Trunnion ball valves for high-cycle lines; globe valves for throttling; silent check valves for backflow protection.
Materials: Austenitic stainless steels for cryogenic lines; PTFE/graphite-based gasket configurations in sealing areas.
Valve solutions for power plants
Summary objective: Shape stability at high temperature, throttling performance and cavitation/noise control.
Steam cycle and auxiliary lines
Recommended types: Globe valves (throttling/droplet control), gate valves (main line isolation), check valves (pump protection) and high-performance butterfly valves in larger diameters.
Application examples: Boiler feedwater regulation, bypass lines, attemperation lines, condensate discharge.
Materials: High-temperature alloys (e.g. Cr–Mo steels), metal-to-metal seating and graphite gaskets.
Cooling water and auxiliary fluids
Recommended types: Butterfly valves and check valves; corrosion-resistant bodies/shafts with suitable coatings.
Notes: For cavitation risk, multi-stage trims or special disc geometries are preferred.
Valve solutions for chemical and petrochemical processes
Summary objective: Chemical resistance, tightness class and emission control (alignment with LDAR programmes).
Corrosive and solvent-based environments
Recommended types: Plug/ball valves (low torque and full bore), globe valves (precise throttling), diaphragm valves (abrasive/cleanable lines).
Materials/linings: Stainless steels, superalloys, PTFE/PFA linings; soft-seated designs with low-leakage focus.
Hygienic applications & process safety
Applications: CIP/SIP lines, reactor feed/discharge, heat exchanger inlets.
Rationale: Smooth wetted surfaces, easy maintenance and traceability; support for validation and documentation.
