The Importance of Controlling Fugitive Emissions in the Petrochemical Industry

Petrochemical plants and industrial operations often struggle with a problem that is both difficult to detect and correct. Tiny leaks in a pressurized system can often become a huge issue for these facilities. As much as a third of all emissions from some industrial plants can come from inadvertent leaks in pressurized systems. Gases released from these small leaks are called fugitive emissions. Pressurized systems across the upstream, midstream, and downstream petrochemical markets experience losses due to fugitive emissions. Unfortunately, fugitive emissions in the petrochemical industry have a number of negative impacts on both petrochemical companies and their employees as well as the outside environment.

The Dangers of Fugitive Emissions

There are three main negative impacts associated with fugitive emissions. First, leaks in petrochemical operations can hurt companies economically. Preventable fugitive emissions could potentially account for a significant percentage of a petrochemical facility’s total emissions. In addition, companies can face financial consequences if they violate health and environmental regulations on fugitive emissions. Second, many of the fugitive gases released in oil and natural gas operations are very dangerous to humans, even in small amounts. Fugitive emissions can threaten the health of workers in petrochemical facilities and operations, as well as the well-being of others in proximity to these emissions. Finally, fugitive emissions can negatively affect the environment. Reports have shown that fugitive emissions account for 5.2 percent of greenhouse emissions worldwide.

Mitigating Fugitive Emissions

In a pressurized system, points like valves, pumps, pipe connections, and seals are some of the most prominent locations for fugitive emissions to escape. Not all pressurized systems release the same amount of fugitive emissions. The design, quality, and condition of this primary equipment can drastically affect the amount of fugitive emissions released. Operations procedures, specially designed equipment, and regular maintenance can help mitigate the amount of fugitive emissions released during an operation. CPV Manufacturing creates valves and fittings for the petrochemical industry that are designed to reduce fugitive emissions and resist corrosion. High-quality, well-designed valves can reduce the financial burden of fugitive emissions, help keep workers safe, and mitigate the negative environmental impacts of a petrochemical operation.

At CPV Manufacturing, we have decades of experience controlling fugitive emissions in the petrochemical industry. For assistance, contact our team at salesadm@cpvmfg.com.

What is the Downstream Stage of Petroleum Refining?

The petroleum refining process involves three distinct stages. We refer to these as upstream, midstream, and downstream. While CPV Manufacturing works with clients involved with each of these steps, today we want to focus on the downstream market stage. This stage involves turning petroleum into marketable products, distributing those products, and selling them to consumers. While petroleum resources are very valuable, they aren’t useful for the average person. More refining and processing is necessary to bring them to market. Downstream is where the raw natural gas or oil is converted into usable products, including gasoline, kerosene, lubricants, diesel oil, waxes, and others. People use these products every day, so the downstream market stage is very important for keeping demand met and the supply chain operating smoothly.

Another important part of the downstream market stage is hydrodesulfurization. Petroleum materials in their unrefined forms contain poisonous hydrogen sulfide. This makes the materials dangerous for consumers and severely limits their use. Through hydrodesulfurization, the hydrogen sulfide is removed from crude oil or natural gas, rendering it safe for further refining. The hydrogen sulfide itself is converted into elemental sulfur or sulfuric acid, which both have industrial applications.

The downstream market stage is the final link in the petrochemical industry chain, connecting the average consumer to the vast industrial operation which supplies them. At CPV Manufacturing, we work with companies to ensure they are prepared for the unique challenges of the downstream market stage. From outfitting to repair, we provide the highest quality in materials and experience.

If you’d like to learn more about the downstream market stage, the petroleum refining process, or the products we provide at CPV Manufacturing, please contact us.

Flow Control Valve Checklist – Avoid These Common Errors

Selecting the right flow control valve for industrial gas or filling operations can help optimize performance, ensure safety and avoid the loss of tens of thousands of dollars in downtime or lost production. An extreme example was the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. According to the author of an article in New Scientist, within a list of eight contributing factors, one was valve failure—leading to a disaster that was responsible for billions of dollars’ worth of damage and immeasurable environmental devastation. There are certain variables engineers should consider, in order to avoid making mistakes when selecting or specifying flow control valves.

A few of the industries that rely most on flow control valves for gas filling operations would include:

Chemical manufacturing–This is an industry that often requires precise control of gas flow during various stages of production and filling processes, to meter and regulate gas flow for chemical reactions, blending processes or packaging operations.
Food and beverage industry—Processing for various product types relies on carbonation, modified atmosphere packaging or cryogenic freezing, with flow control valves ensuring the controlled release of the appropriate gases, such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen, which help maintain desired product characteristics, extend shelf life, ensure quality or are pivotal to product creation itself.
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology—Precise gas control can help maintain sterile environments, control pressure differentials and/or regulate gas flow during filling and packaging processes, with precision necessary to maintain quality control or comply with regulatory standards.

Common miscalculations for flow control valves

Improper flow rate estimation. One of the most critical mistakes engineers can make is incorrectly estimating the required flow rate. Insufficient flow rate can lead to production inefficiencies, delays and even equipment failure. It is essential to consider factors such as gas properties, system requirements and potential future expansion when estimating the flow rate accurately.

Consult with the engineers at the valve supply company or manufacturer, look up relevant industry standards or utilize a simulation tool to help avoid this mistake.

Consider gas properties for compatibility

Different gases possess unique characteristics that can impact valve material selection. Gases can be temperature sensitive, reactive or corrosive, among other factors. An inexperienced engineer might not consider the entire list of characteristics when selecting a flow control valve, which can lead to material degradation or leakage. The consequences can include decreased system performance or increased safety risks.

Hydrochloric acid for example, is compatible with a variety of different fluoropolymers for soft goods such as O-rings, but only with one main metal, Hastelloy, for the valve itself.

The manufacturer can refer to material compatibility charts that supply important information to help match up materials with gas properties. This can help guide fabrication of the control valve.

Ignoring the pressure differential

This oversight can cause more than one issue:

Inadequate flow rate: Engineers should pay attention to the required pressure drop as pressure differentials play an important role in determining the flow rate through a system. Ignoring this can result in an inadequate flow rate, causing inefficiencies or reduced system performance.
Imbalanced system: The proper pressure differential helps maintain a balanced flow within a system. Ignoring this can disrupt the equilibrium and lead to uneven distribution of fluid or gases. This can create pressure fluctuations, backflows or erratic flow behavior, which if ignored for too long, can potentially damage system components.
Increased expenditures: If a valve is not sized correctly and the pressure drops, the system must work harder to increase the pressure requiring more energy.
Safety hazards: The system’s safety can be compromised if excessive pressure builds up downstream. This can increase leaks, or the risk of equipment failure.
Inaccurate control: The valve may fail to provide the desired level of flow regulation, which can lead to inconsistencies in fill rates, instability or the system’s inability to meet required operating conditions.

Disregarding maintenance

A flow control valve, like other mechanical components, will require occasional, but regular maintenance to help it reach its potential for lifespan. It is important not to neglect routine inspections, or the occasional lubrication that can benefit a flow control valve. Doing so can help improve valve efficiencies and avoid malfunctions or unexpected downtime.

More often than a complete valve replacement, typically the soft goods can be replaced to provide extended life to the valve itself. In an existing application, CPV Manufacturing has provided upgraded valves. For example, an older style valve regulating oxygen flow for 15 or 20 years formerly was made of bronze. This style is being phased out of service and replaced with brass—an easy slip in/slip out replacement for fit, form and function.

Like any other task, selecting the right flow control valve for industrial gas applications requires attention to detail and when in doubt, consultation with the valve manufacturer. Engineers can avoid many of the common mistakes associated with valve malfunctions by paying attention to pressure differentials and gas properties, among other aspects. This can improve system performance, operational efficiencies and plant safety with a valve that operates faithfully for many years without interruption.

CPV Manufacturing operates its domestic manufacturing facility to fabricate the highest quality valves such as flow control valves. It has supplied valves that meet stringent standards within the U.S. Navy as well as components for the aeronautics industry and gas processing operations of all types. Learn more about our product line and view our valve selection or call to speak with one of our engineers.

Mark VIII<sup>®</sup> Direct Weld/Braze Fittings Prove Reliable in Tight Spaces

Look to Welding and Brazing Options When Leak Proof Fittings are a Necessity

Many valves manufactured by CPV provide leak protection via an O-ring, to supply critical seals within high pressure environments. While greatly reliable, certain applications require an even stronger degree of leak-proof security and in this instance, the best choice might be a welded connection, such as CPV’s Mark VIII^® direct weld/braze fittings. This fitting was designed for tight spaces and can be heat sealed for critical applications via welding, orbital welding or brazing. Find out when to specify a welded fitting like the Mark VIII^® direct weld/braze, designed for pressures from vacuum up to 6000 PSI.

Welded Fittings Supply Permanent, Leak-tight Seals

Welded fittings can be considered superior to O-ring joins for a few reasons. The weld creates a permanent, leak-tight seal that cannot be loosened, while the best O-ring seals can wear out or degrade over time, leading to leaks. In addition, welded fittings can withstand higher pressure and temperature ratings, generally, compared to O-ring joins. Finally, welded fittings are better able to resist vibration and/or mechanical stress, for a robust join that will supply a longer lifespan than an O-ring connection.

Space constraints are another factor. When they dictate fewer parts or more narrow fittings, or the connection will be located in an area difficult to service, a welded fitting supplies a permanent connection for these small spaces.

Other applications that might demand a hermetically sealed, leakproof fitting can involve hazardous, flammable, toxic or even costly substances. In these instances, operations require a hermetically sealed fitting to protect worker safety, the environment, surrounding equipment or to try to minimize material losses to maximize the return on investment. As one example, in nuclear power plant instrument lines, tubing connections are most often welded, to withstand both temperature surges and pressure variations, and is one example of an application for Mark VIII^® direct weld/braze fittings.

Potential use case scenarios for Mark VIII^® direct weld/braze fittings:

Shipboard or maritime applications
Power plants other than nuclear
Industrial gas filling operations
Critical life support systems in aerospace and undersea apparatus
Marine-based oil and gas drilling systems’ hydraulic controls (in blowout preventer stacks)

Weld Standards and Benefits of Welded Joints

Customers are responsible for adhering to industry standards for welding within the application environments governed by the nuclear industry, or Department of Defense for naval shipboard use, for example. Brazing offers the option to make a more permanent connection when joining dissimilar metals, while welding forms a bond between metals of the same type.

A welded fitting offers a greater degree of structural integrity compared to a metal-to-metal fitting or even a joint connection using an O-ring seal, with the weld creating a hermetic seal against leakage, as long as the weld is properly done. Leak testing is always recommended for a welded joint or fitting.

CPV offers step-by-step instructions for brazing in a tutorial with a photo guide illustrating the process. Find that resource here.

Options for Mark VIII^® direct weld/braze Fittings

Mark VIII^® direct weld/braze fittings are available in stainless steel as well as various specialty alloys or metals, such as brass or Monel^®. Specifications should include:

Outer dimension
Pressure rating
Wall thickness
Temperature ranges
Connection sizes

CPV’s main product line for direct weld fittings ranges from an eighth inch to a two-inch outer diameter. The easy connect/disconnect tube fittings connect without swivel joints, for another Mark VIII^® advantage.

Mark VIII^® welded fittings replace the leakage prone metal-to-metal sealing of an ordinary hose end connection with positive O-ring sealing. For a permanent branch line, the Mark VIII^® direct weld/braze fitting supplies an economical leakproof means of making the connection with the direct weld/braze elbow allowing operators to avoid making a 90-degree bend in a tube, which can crimp the tube decreasing material flow capabilities or stress the metal.

The Mark VIII^® direct weld/braze socket is available in various configurations including direct couplings, elbows (including 90 and 180-degree bends), a Tee connection and o-ring face seal unions. The fittings supply a cost-effective solution for tight fitting joins or a permanent branch line. In addition, the fittings adapt easily to a vast library of valve types, sizes and configurations, available from CPV, for a single source supplier.

CPV keeps Mark VIII^® direct weld/braze fittings and its selection of valves in stock, for a quick turnaround. It offers size changes in the form of reducers or increases to meet custom connection sizes when required.

Trust CPV’s vast experience when requiring a fitting designed for weld and braze applications, to supply a permanent, hermetically sealed connection in critical applications for maritime use, power plants, industrial gas operations and manufacturing. For more information, visit our main company site at www.cpvmfg.com.   

Oxygen Valve Quality Hinges on Compatibility and Cleanliness

Any compressed gas poses a potential risk of ignition and corresponding hazards. Oxygen for example, does not burn by itself. However, it supports combustion and, if not properly contained and managed, oxygen can react explosively or cause spontaneous ignition of other materials. This risk increases as oxygen is put under pressure and as temperatures rise.

CPV Manufacturing fabricates oxygen control valves for oxygen filling systems. Several industries and applications rely on pressurized oxygen stored in cylinders or containers, such as medical, pharmaceutical, chemical, welding, and waste treatment, among others. Quality, durability, and sensitivity all factor into selection of an oxygen valve that supplies the proper balance of control and protection.

Oxygen Highly Regulated Due to Hazard Potential

OSHA standards regulate bulk oxygen systems installed on industrial and institutional consumer locations. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) considers medical oxygen a hazardous material, regulating its transportation, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies it as a prescription drug.

State fire codes regulate its handling. International agencies are no exception, with a publication available from the European Industrial Gases Association (EIGA) that discusses the valves involved in their control and specifications for a proper oxygen valve.

Oxygen Valve Purpose and Placement

An oxygen valve controls and regulates the flow of pressurized oxygen gas, stored in cylinders or traveling through pipelines. Of all the components within the system, the part most prone to issues and subsequent system failure is the valve.

Issues related to an improperly functioning oxygen valve can include rapid pressure change and subsequent heat generation or leaks. Many of these issues and their associated dangers are discussed in a previous blog post found here.

Quality and Durability Begin with Compatible Material Selection

CPV manufactures all oxygen valves of either naval brass or Monel®, depending on customer preference. Naval brass is a copper alloy that contains zinc for extra strength in fact, making naval brass stronger than other types.

The zinc content in naval brass (39%) also makes it less ductile than brass containing less zinc. A hint of lead helps make it machinable and the addition of one percent tin increases its corrosion resistance.

Monel(®) is a nickel/copper alloy and typically more expensive than naval brass. Either choice is highly compatible with oxygen applications.

Customers should avoid oxygen valves made of materials susceptible to oxidation or corrosion, which will weaken the valve and could create a leak. An iron containing material for example, can add moisture to the oxygen, stimulating a chemical reaction that will lead to corrosion.

Copper alloys have proven to be the most effective among metal options to resist ignition because a copper alloy has the slowest combustion rate. For any type of hazardous gas containment or control, naval brass is a preferred selection for fire and explosion safety purposes.

Oxygen Cleaning and Government Certifications

Our cleaning process, CPV OX-1, meets the cleaning standards for oxygen cleaning and packaging per the Compressed Gas Association (G-4.1) and ASTM-G93, or related cleanliness standards.

Separate standards exist for government issue valves. CPV Mfg. and its aqueous component cleaning process recently received approval by NAVSEA for MIL-STD-1330D and MIL-STD-1622B Oxygen Cleaning.

Obtaining this approval enables CPV to meet the needs of the U.S. Navy and other applications that would benefit from military grade or intensive cleaning standards.

The MIL-STD-1330D applies to other systems outside of oxygen, including Department of Defense Standard Practice, Precision Cleaning and Testing of Shipboard Oxygen, Helium, Helium-Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Hydrogen Systems.

Reliability and Design Functionality

CPV earns the business of new customers who come to the company because their other valves are leaking and are unreliable. CPV valve customers will find our oxygen valve is the most robust and well-designed oxygen valve available. While no valve is ever completely worry free, operators can anticipate a service life that lasts for thousands of cycles without leaking or other issues.

In many cases, CPV valves are rated for higher pressures than most competitors. In the United States, an oxygen valve pressure expectations are typically a maximum of 4,500 PSI (307 BAR). CPV oxygen valves exceed that to meet overseas standards for 6,000 PSI (414 BAR).

Our valves also feature a soft seated design, which includes a Vespel® SP-21 Disc for bubble-tight, leak-free performance, at the highest-pressure ratings for oxygen valves.

Clean Room Packaging and Training

CPV expanded its cleanroom in 2021 and is certified to meet ISO 14644 Class 7 standards. Our employees are trained and certified as Oxygen Clean Workers and validated to meet MIL-STD 1330D standards.

All oxygen valves manufactured at CPV are thoroughly wiped down and packaged in the clean room in a double-layered vacuum-sealed bag, protecting them from moisture or contamination up to the point of installation.

Find more information, including specifications and available sizes for the CPV OXNB ® O-EAL® Series of valves includes a Naval Brass Oxygen Valve, for oxygen service in fill plants, high-pressure manifolds, and other piping systems, visit pages 32 and 33 of our catalog.

The CPV GSB Master valves also service high-pressure gas shutoff and control, with approval for 6,000 PSIG operating pressure in oxygen service for commercial applications worldwide, for safe, reliable control. Learn more about GSB Master Valves or visit our main company site at www.cpvmfg.com.

Master Valves: The Importance of Ergonomics in the Manufacturing Industry

Manually operated valves, otherwise called master or control valves, are a critical component for refineries, industrial gas production facilities and distribution centers. These valves control the movement of gas to fill industrial gas cylinders, or that traverse pipes for processing.

Due to their ubiquitous presence, these master valves must offer operators reliability, durability, cost effectiveness and one other characteristic not always factored into the design— ease of use

The original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that fabricate or construct the manifolds, fill plants, panels and high-pressure piping systems need a reliable partner for these integral components.

CPV Manufacturing is a world-renowned industrial valve manufacturer with a reputation built on our precision craftsmanship of robust, high-pressure solutions engineered to withstand the most demanding conditions.

Safety First

The Compressed Gas Association and regulatory agencies like OSHA offer information about the hazards of compressed gas cylinders of all types, dangerous due to the high pressurization of their contents. Gaseous oxygen packaged in compressed gas cylinders serves multiple purposes and industries around the globe. These include the recreational, medical, power, chemical processing and metal refining industries, among others.

This particular compressed gas also requires unique safety measures or extra requirements in regard to medical or industrial oxygen cylinder filling. This includes having the valve complete and pass an oxygen surge pressure test, which evaluates the ignition sensitivity of the valve.

In addition to the hazards associated with a highly compressed gas, oxygen cylinders present the risk of fire. Any valve designed for use in this type of application must obtain an oxygen-safe approval at a specific operating pressure, without showing any indication of ignition failure.

Dependability

Operators expect this type of valve to operate flawlessly for thousands of cycles, and ideally, do so without maintenance. CPV master valves offer worry-free operations for countless hours of smooth, accurate, efficient, and consistent filling of valves and cylinders.

Ergonomics or Ease of Use

During many years of operation, multiple industries have relied on brass hand valves, although not without some difficulties for the operator. Operator fatigue or other ergonomic repercussions stem from a few common characteristics associated with these valves. Namely, most require high torque to open and close, repeated numerous times over the course of a single shift.

Plant operators and operations can benefit from a valve with an ergonomically designed handle. The GSB master valve from CPV requires low torque to open and close while still providing a bubble-tight seal.  

Consistent Sealing

While constructing a more ergonomically friendly master valve, it is critical to ensure leak rates are controlled. In addition to ergonomics, leak rates both internally and externally have historically created issues with master valves.

Any components such as seals which can degrade over time, can cause parts failure. Leaky or degraded seals can force a company to replace these master valves as often as every three to six months. Despite their generally economical price point, frequent replacement of even an inexpensive part can unnecessarily strain a capital expense budget, not to mention the added maintenance impact and associated downtime for replacement.

The Answer

The CPV GSB Valve answers all critical performance factors for a master valve that is reliable, dependable, durable, safe and ergonomically designed for ease of use.

Highest Pressure Rating in the Industry

The CPV GSB Valve is rated for 6,000 PSIG (414 bar) for Oxygen Service for commercial applications worldwide. It has passed oxygen pressure surge testing with 100% oxygen gas, approved by WHA International, Inc. for ISO 10297 and ISO 7291. In this case, the master GSB valve was tested up to 7,200 PSIG (496 bar) in oxygen, with no sign of failure or leaks.

CPV Manufacturing’s GSB master valve is the only master or control valve available that meets these stringent requirements. OEMs can rely on the GSB master valve for safety and reliability for high-pressure cylinder filling and processing projects.

Leak Prevention

CPV prevents leaks by offering the GSB valve fitted with our O-Ring Face-Seal, or O-SEAL separable union connections. This valve is rated for 7,800 PSIG (538 bar) service in inert gas applications, including acetylene, helium, hydrogen, nitrogen, mixed gases and others.

Ergonomic Design

The larger, four-prong aluminum handle has an updated design to make it even easier to operate. Its performance was tested internally and externally with several customers.

In just four turns, the master valve can open or close and with a lower torque than the competition. Further, there are no leaks for a bubble-tight seal for the life cycle of the valve. While other valves become more difficult to turn after multiple cycles, the master valve from CPV Manufacturing remains easy to turn supplying trouble-free operation for thousands of cycles.

This is a considerable benefit considering the number of valves present on a single panel. There can be anywhere from a few to more than a dozen valves on an individual control panel.

Thorough Testing

Many manufacturers order sufficient quantities to maintain continuous production without waiting for replacement parts. Each GSB Valve from CPV Manufacturing is fully tested and vacuum sealed to preserve optimal product integrity and cleanliness.

This GSB master valve best serves critical applications and requirements for gas cylinder fill plants, manifolds, panels, and tube trailers. The robust design is leak-free and supplies the same reliable sealing mechanisms common to other CPV valves used in the high-pressure filling industry for the past 80 years.

GSB features and benefits:

Oxygen safe – Approved per ISO 10297 and ISO 7291 for 6000 PSIG in Oxygen Service
Highest flow coefficient in the industry
Ergonomically designed handle
Low torque operation even at full pressure
Four turns
Ease of use over thousands of cycles
Low torque operation
Good flow characteristics
100% Oxygen Cleaned & Packaged per CGA G-4.1 and ASTM G93 standards
Soft-seated sealing for bubble tight, leak free operation

The CPV GSB master valve is interchangeable with existing master valves. OEMs and operators find it easy to install to replace under-performing, lower quality valves with a lower pressure rating.

For more information on available sizes or custom requirements, contact CPV Manufacturing, for master valves or fittings that supply the quality, durability, safety, and leak-proof integrity that allow your operations to run smoothly. 

Globe Valves Offer a World of Difference for Tighter Seals

Globe valves operate as a linear motion valve to stop, start and regulate flow. The design incorporates a disc-to-seat ring contact at a perpendicular or 45-degree angle, to regulate the flow of gas or liquid either under or above the disc and seat, depending on the application, allowing for a tight seal. This capability allows globe valves the flexibility for use in both high- and low-pressure applications and eliminates potential seat leakage.

This reliability and flexibility explain why at one time, globe valves were utilized across industries more than any other type. As valve designs evolved, new designs better suited for various applications replaced globe valves in some instances. However, for a tight regulation of flow, the globe valve performs better than other types of valves, such as gate or ball valves. Determine whether a globe valve will best suit your flow parameters and requirements, and the best applications for its use.

Globe Valve Design and Operation

As its name implies, a globe valve is constructed with a round or spherical body, plus a seated disc and a vertical stem. The flow inside the globe valve is regulated by this stem’s movement, either up or down. And depending on its operational position, either fully or partially open or closed, the globe valve regulates the liquid flow within a pipeline.

The seats are designed to line up parallel with the flow of the liquid, utilizing its force to help seat the disc for a tight seal, without leakage. The farther the disc is positioned away from the seat, the more fluid will flow through the valve. The globe valve’s design and construction make it an ideal component for high-pressure and high-temperature systems.

The Importance of Directional Flow in a Globe Valve

The reason globe valves can operate in a wide range of pressure and temperature applications has to do with the way the disc operates. Globe valves used in low-pressure and low-temperature applications are designed to have the pressure flow under the disc. This directional flow allows the disc to rotate freely on the valve stem. The free rotation and low-pressure application allow the disc to fit snugly against the seat as the valve closes, for less leakage.

When pressure flows above the seat in a high-pressure and/or high-temperature system, this helps prevent the stem from contracting as it cools down, and also keeps the disc from lifting off the seat. A globe valve body should have an arrow indicator to point to the valve flow direction.

Globe valves come in a range of sizes, depending on the pressure and flow required. These valves can be either air or electronically actuated for reliability and better regulation. This actuation gives the globe valve another advantage over other style valves, such as a gate valve, which can be heavy and difficult to turn.

A globe valve can supply:

Automated actuation (shutoff) for greater reliability
A shorter stroke (compared to a gate valve)
Ability to:
- operate under extreme temperatures, hot or cold
- regulate flow of abrasive or caustic substances
- regulate low- or high-pressure applications
Wide range of material options

Typical applications or industries for use of a globe valve would include:

Petrochemical for flow-regulated fuel oil systems
Industrial gas applications
Bulk filling in high pressure systems
Water cooling systems
Chemical feed systems
Steam vents, boilers and drains
Naval and commercial vessels (bilge suction or to prevent back flooding)

Types of Globe Valves Available

Globe Valve Design Based on Fluid Flow

The difference as explained earlier, is in the discs, and the method of closure or operation in accordance with the direction of the material flow, of either a gas or a liquid. A disc that closes against the direction of the flow offers a quick opening valve. Applications that require a quick closing valve might select a globe valve with a disc that closes with the direction of the flow.

Ball vs. Needle Disc Types

A ball disc globe valve is recommended for a low-pressure, low-temperature system. A needle disc is more often indicated for a high-pressure, high-temperature system

Z vs. Y Globe Valves

A Z style globe valve features a disc and seat that are perpendicular or sit at 90° to the pipe axis.

A Y-type of globe valve is designed to have the stem and seat of the valve at 45° to the pipe axis.

CPV Manufacturing offers its customers a wide range of globe valve sizes and material choices, with custom elements and design options available. CPV has the capability to design globe valves to handle specialty connections. Sealing integrity is built into any globe valve manufactured by CPV. For flexibility, reliability and a tight seal on a globe valve that will operate trouble-free for years, contact CPV Manufacturing today.

Bring the Hammer to a Standstill—Silent Check Valves Protect Pumps and Pipes

A silent check valve, sometimes called a poppet check valve, non-return valve or even one-way valve, might have different names but they all supply the same function. This type of valve helps control and protect against pressure surges in water lines, or reverse flow, and the potentially devastating consequences or effects on pipes and pumps. When a pump pauses or stops and the flow of liquid also abruptly stops, this in turn stimulates high pressure shock waves that, if unchecked, can damage the pump and pipes. A silent check valve, when functioning properly, prevents these shock waves and the knocking or banging that signifies a water hammer phenomenon, thus protecting pumps, pipes and surrounding equipment.

The operation of a silent check valve hinges on a spring assisted disc, engineered to close the valve the instant the forward flow of liquid ceases. This prevents reverse flow to eliminate water hammer.

Consequences of a Water Hammer

Water hammer is a phenomenon that occurs when the pump shuts off and forward momentum propels the liquid on its course until offset by gravity or friction. When this happens and the liquid must suddenly either stop or change direction, this creates a shock wave or hydraulic surge. When a valve closes suddenly, and the water slams into it, this impact creates the water hammer that causes the knocking or banging sound inside a pipe after a pump abruptly shuts down.

Depending on the size of the column of liquid and its speed, the force of this momentum is powerful enough to cause serious damage to capital equipment, such as snapping the pump shaft or bursting the pump casing or pipes.

While this can occur during a single event, the effect can accumulate over time as the water hammer beats on the pump or the pipes, eventually resulting in ruptured pipes or a leak. This has the potential to create safety hazards for the workforce, damage surrounding equipment and/or cause extensive downtime and costly maintenance and repairs.

Other consequences besides water hammer could include over pressure from one side or potential contamination if the silent check valve is designed to prevent two different types of liquid from mixing together.

Silent Check Valve Construction

Design and materials for CPV Manufacturing’s silent check valves conforms to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Standard valve bodies are cast of carbon steel with trim of either stainless steel or brass, however silent check valve bodies can be manufactured of bronze or cast iron as well. The choice of material depends on the potentially corrosive nature of the liquid the valves are designed to regulate.

CPV supplies check valves in a range of smaller sizes up to eight inches in diameter as the largest available. Most of in line piston style check valves are a low-pressure flange connection that meet the ANSI B16.5 flange bolt pattern, in class 125 to class 1500 (pressure).

Each has a spring-actuated disc that opens when flow starts and automatically closes when flow stops. The reliable checking action, designed and engineered into each valve, will not allow flowback. While a check valve isn’t a safety valve per se, it is critical to system performance and reliability.

All of the silent check valves manufacturing by CPV are fast closing, offering a:

Sealing, bubble-type shut off
Quiet operation
Wide pressure range
Broad temperature range
Decades of leak-free and trouble-free operation

The full flow design offers good flow rates through CPV silent check valves, to minimize head loss and pressure loss. Both help increase the valve and overall system efficiency.

Description of Check Valve Features

1. Helical Springs

These springs are engineered to ensure proper and complete valve closure automatically at zero velocity, when forward flow stops and before the beginning of reverse flow. CPV uses springs that can provide the lowest stiffness or K-factor consistent with optimum silent check valve operation. The springs are engineered for a conservatively estimated lifespan or performance of at least 10 million closures.

2. Guided Lift Design

A two-point bearing guides the disc with widely spaced bearings both above and below the seating surface. This eliminates any potential of the SCPV silent check valve disc tilting or becoming misaligned.

3. Full Flow Area

This design feature increases the valve’s efficiency and minimizes head loss.

  Silent check valves are ubiquitous across industries and commercial buildings and compounds, found in pipelines and wherever there is a water system, including:

Manufacturing or processing operations that use liquid or water
Chemical processing
Oil and gas industry
Small communities
Residential facilities
Hospitals and universities

Work With Us

Companies in the market for silent check valves can count on CPV for reliability. It isn’t uncommon for silent check valves manufactured by CPV to have seen continuous service for 50 years or more. Once they are installed, it is a “set it and forget it” durable valve that will not need to be replaced for years, and supply trouble –free service in piping systems around the world.

Top Considerations When Selecting a High-Pressure Relief Valve

High-pressure relief valves fulfill a critical safety function in multiple applications, ranging from petrochemical to power, marine and aerospace industries. Regardless of the application, certain primary features can help guide engineers when selecting a durable high-pressure relief valve that will help avoid catastrophic failure to protect your workers’ health and safety while also preserving capital equipment.

What’s the Primary Purpose of a Relief Valve?

A relief valve functions as an operational safety feature, to help control and regulate the flow of high-pressure fluids and gases. It is designed to vent off extra pressure, whether from gas or a liquid. The design triggers the valve to open once a system reaches a predetermined set pressure.

This protects systems from experiencing pressures that exceed their design limits. Once a system reaches that predetermined level or valve set pressure, the relief valve opens, and a portion of the liquid or gas is removed from the system by diverting it through an outlet in the valve.

The relief valve helps maintain safe pressure levels to prevent potential damage or catastrophic failure. Once system pressure drops to its predetermined normal level, the relief valve closes or “reseats” until it is needed again. While a relief valve functions as a safety feature, it differs from a safety valve which only triggers in an emergency.

A safety valve opens instantly to its full venting capacity while a high-pressure relief valve opens gradually when system pressure reaches the preset level.

A catastrophic failure could mean loss of capital equipment such as pipes if the pressure doesn’t diminish. Pressure build up, if unrelieved, can lead to more serious consequences such as an explosion, potentially harming personnel and causing more widespread damage to equipment and surroundings.

High-pressure relief valves are found in several different industries including marine applications on naval and commercial vessels, aerospace, industrial gas, the petrochemical industry, power plants and many industrial applications as well.

Factors for Specifying a Relief Valve

There are several factors to take into consideration when specifying a relief valve. These can include:

1. Set pressure limit

The set pressure limit is the threshold that triggers the high-pressure relief valve action. For example, if the normal system pressure is 3000 PSI the engineer might determine the set pressure limit is 3300 PSI. Once pressure reaches that threshold it triggers the relief valve which then vents the excess liquid or gas. Consistent triggering of the relief valve often indicates a problem with the system.

2. Valve capacity

This relates to the amount of flow the valve is able to relieve.

Connection size and type—The connection of the valve or valve size needs to correspond to the size of the discharge piping. Operators must also determine the connection type for the inlet and outlet ends, typically threaded or flanged.

3. Shock and vibration

Material selection, design and testing will reveal the ability of the valve to withstand shock and vibration without triggering its action. Naval vessels require parts such as relief valves pass specifications for shock and vibration.

4. Environment

This particularly plays a role in material selection for the valve construction when it will come into contact with a corrosive or abrasive substance. An example of this would be a marine relief valve that can or will regularly encounter salt water. All CPV Mfg. high-pressure relief valve specified for marine purposes are manufactured of bronze.

5. Temperature

This factor impacts O-ring material selection. Depending on the temperature range, CPV can specify a specialty elastomer or material for the O-ring.

6. Orifice size

This relates to the relief capacity of the valve. When the orifice size is smaller, the relief valve can rate to a higher pressure but relieve less capacity. The larger the orifice, the lower the pressure but the higher the relief capacity of the valve.

7. Positive Reseating

All relief valves manufactured by CPV have a positive reseating, which means after it blows at pressure, it reseats itself or reseals once the pressure drops into the normal range. This reseating capability allows for continuous operations. Look for a soft seating design which acts as a bubble tight seal, versus a metal-to-metal interface, which can be prone to leaking.

8. Spring adjustment

A sensitive spring, such as those incorporated into a CPV high-pressure relief valve, allows the operator to adjust the release for a very narrow PSI range. For example, the spring itself might be rated for 1,000 to 2,000 PSI, but the sensitivity enables the operator to set it at a specific target, such as 1,015 PSI, for example.

Add to this testing capabilities, and the cooperative efforts of the engineering design team and the valve manufacturer can produce a valve with the most accurate control of the blowdown pressure setting.

Why Choose CPV Manufacturing?

CPV manufactures relief valves in two different series: the 150 series and our flagship O-SEAL® line. The 150 series is a line of soft-seated female threaded relief valves with set pressures that range from the low end of 5 PSI up to 300 PSI.

The O-SEAL® line of soft-seated valves and separable fittings allow for positive control of high-pressure liquids and gases. This line offers leak proof performance from vacuum up to 6000 PSI (414 bar).

CPV has been supplying high-pressure relief valves to the U.S. Navy for mission critical applications since the 1950s. Each individual valve built by CPV Manufacturing undergoes testing, not random or batch testing, but each valve.

Valves must meet a safety factor for the pressure rating of four to one. If a valve is rated for 6,000 PSI for example, the valve strength is up to or in excess of 24,000 PSI. In addition, all valves meet the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Our valves are over-engineered to exceed the pressure strength rating, for the utmost in reliability.

Trust CPV Manufacturing for durable, reliable, high-pressure valves that meet the stringent requirements of the U.S. Navy, found in service in submarines, aircraft carries and other vessels throughout the fleet. We can work within your specifications or consult for customized projects and applications.

A Pointed Solution for Precise, Regulated Gas Flow—the Needle Valve

Looking for an alternative to a shut off valve? An option that can supply you with some alternatives for more sensitive gas flow control? Companies can help minimize stress and strain on machinery and components by slowing gas flow in a regulated, orderly manner with a needle valve. This type of industrial valve is commonly used in gas filling, petrochemical and chemical processing applications.

Come explore the basics of needle valves including features and their applications in industrial gas and petrochemical processing.

What are needle valves?

Needle valves are a type of valve that is used to control the flow of fluid or gas in a system. It can be manufactured of stainless steel, brass or bronze. Its construction is comprised of a valve body, a stem and a small, tapered point called a needle or alternatively referred to as a plunger. They are known for precision and accuracy in flow control.

How does a needle valve operate?

The needle moves up and down via a knob or handle that is attached to the stem, similar to the action of a needle in a sewing machine. As the needle or plunger moves, it adjusts the size of a small orifice within the valve body. This in turn, regulates the flow of fluid or gas, as the opening within the orifice regulates or determines the amount of flow of fluid or gas.

This operation of a needle valve can be automated or adjusted by hand. In a manual operation, the handwheel controls the distance between the plunger and the valve’s seat. Turned in one direction, the plunger or needle lifts, opening the valve to allow fluid or gas to pass through. If turned in the other direction, the plunger decreases the opening in the orifice as it moves closer to the seat, to decrease the flow rate or close the valve.

An automated needle valve usually is connected to a hydraulic motor or air actuator. While larger manifolds might rely on automated valves, specialty gas filling operations often choose manual regulation to provide individual control for different gases. Needle valves from CPV Manufacturing for automated systems are pneumatically operated.

This style generally has low flow rates and a large pressure drop. This gives the operator the ability to throttle or better regulate gas flow.

Standard sizing for needle valves from CPV Manufacturing would range 1/8th inch tube size up to 2-inch pipe on the high end. In terms of pressure, there are two series of needle valves available. One is a 3,000-psi series while the other is a 6,000 psi series. Some select products of up to 7,500 psi also are available.

Desirable features for this type of valve

Needle valves have several features that make them a popular choice for industrial gas and petrochemical processing applications:

Precise flow control – allowing users to adjust flow rates with great accuracy. This makes them ideal for applications with critical specifications for flow control rates, such as chemical processing or pharmaceutical manufacturing or aeronautics.
High pressure capability – making them a popular valve in the oil and gas industry. Typical pressure ratings for needle valves can range from 3,000 up to 7,500 psi or more. Needle valves can be specified for high pressure gases including elusive gases like helium, hydrogen and oxygen.
Temperature resistance – designed to withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for use in applications such as steam systems or petrochemical processing.

Some of the most common applications for needle valves, over a wide range of industrial gas and petrochemical processing applications can include:

Aerospace
Chemical processing
Gas cylinder filling
Petrochemical processing
Pharmaceuticals
Propane systems

Companies know they can rely on CPV Manufacturing for the highest quality engineered equipment. For more than a century, CPV has specialized in supplying valves that fit the high standards and specifications of organizations from the U.S. Navy to the aeronautics industry and gas processing operations of all types. Investigate our valve selection to find a needle valve or other type that suits your operations.