Sulfur Valve Actuation

[Engr2017116]

Hi,

We have some manual quarter turn valves on a sulfur service. Typically molten sulfur flows thru them and into a sulfur pit, but in the event of a process shutodwn, the sulfur will harden. If operations needs to open the valves, they typically have to use a cheater bar. Are there any changes we can make to the existing quarter turn valves that will allow us to actuate the valve if needed? Maybe an pneumatic actuator with a volume tank nearby? Also, is there anything we can add to indicate the valve position so they can be aware when making their rounds?

 

[hacksaw]

Good grief, that is an extremely incompetent design.

Find out if you have access to someone in piping design, this is not just an operator issue, it is poor engineering.

There are solutions, but specific design issues require far more than a simle answer...

 

[hacksaw]

Liquid sulfur has very clear piping requirements. If not followed, you have the issues you describe.

It can be fixed to a temporary or provisional fix is not what you need in an operating plant. You need an engineered solution, a safe one, and one that works reliably.

 

[georgeverghese]

Shouldnt molten sulphur piping and vessels be heat traced?