Ball valve for throttling minor dp
Ball valve for throttling minor dp
(OP)
Hello
We have three amine sweetening units operating in paralle, with a common inlet header bringing reduced CO2 raw gas from upstream membrane units. The common header splits into 3 branches as inlet to each amine unit, but there are no flow control valve, or even globe valves on these brach lines which could be use to balance flow across the 3 units, so, we find one of the 3 units only gets less than 15% of the total flow
There are a number of ball valves on the inlet line to each ASU, however everyone in the operations team is adamant even a few psi of differential pressure would render them damaged.
Question is, is it really detrimental to a ball valve if subject to a few psi of diff pressure to load balance the units.
Thanks.
We have three amine sweetening units operating in paralle, with a common inlet header bringing reduced CO2 raw gas from upstream membrane units. The common header splits into 3 branches as inlet to each amine unit, but there are no flow control valve, or even globe valves on these brach lines which could be use to balance flow across the 3 units, so, we find one of the 3 units only gets less than 15% of the total flow
There are a number of ball valves on the inlet line to each ASU, however everyone in the operations team is adamant even a few psi of differential pressure would render them damaged.
Question is, is it really detrimental to a ball valve if subject to a few psi of diff pressure to load balance the units.
Thanks.
RE: Ball valve for throttling minor dp
For a ball valve so long as it is more than 30-40% open when throttling, the increase in velocity is not big enough to cause any damage.
The majority of quarter turn taps in your house are ball valves.... Remind them of that when you talk next.
Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.
RE: Ball valve for throttling minor dp
There are actually ball valves with special balls that are designed for some throttling,
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P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed
RE: Ball valve for throttling minor dp
You'll need the piping layout, the various pressures, fluid properties, and desired flows to each unit.
You are only trying to balance the flows, so, it is entirely possible that you only need two plates.
In the case of minor changes in the pressure distribution bast for each tower, you should have to worry about complexities of high pressure drop restrictions.
RE: Ball valve for throttling minor dp
If this is a short-term measure, go for it. As LI said, if you need a fixed dP for the long run, orifice plates are the way to go. Also, manual ball valves that are partially throttled have a tendency to become "unthrottled" when nobody is looking (i.e. new guy comes in, sees a partially open valve on an online system, and opens the valve fully because he doesn't know any better and thinks it should be open).
RE: Ball valve for throttling minor dp
IMO, the potential damage of the valve seat could be a risk issue to the process or operation which need to be discussed and documented.
RE: Ball valve for throttling minor dp
In the long term, flow control would be better, with metal seated ball valves.
RE: Ball valve for throttling minor dp
That might be enough to make a difference.
Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.
RE: Ball valve for throttling minor dp
You can easily calculate the different flow rates you get through the valves with a few psi difference using the Cv or Kv coefficients. Normally a few psi does mot even make any significant theoretical difference in flow, unless the valves are small. Whether it does make a difference or not is mostly related to diameter.
--Einstein gave the same test to students every year. When asked why he would do something like that, "Because the answers had changed."
RE: Ball valve for throttling minor dp
Some ball valves have a dissimilar dedicated design. I have positive experience with control valves 3 psi (20 kPa) dP (at norm conditions) either in gas and liquid services. Consult a reputable vendor for details, we dealt with Emerson
https://www.emerson.com/documents/automation/instr...
Note that you don't need an excellent accuracy and all range of Cv curve. Combination of accuracy and rangebility is an important info for a vendor's tech support in your case.
RE: Ball valve for throttling minor dp
E.g. https://www.bray.com/valves-actuators-controls/con...
Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.