Low fugitive emissions valves for mining projects
Low emission valves, compliant and safe piping systems
As low-fugitive emission valves are used in critical applications, it is important to select products with correct specifications. And so, AZ-Armaturen South Africa (Pty) Ltd advises mining companies to be discreet in the product selection of Low-fugitive emission valves.
Mining companies are obligated to comply with legislation to reduce emissions in their operations from pit to port. To achieve this, they should explore every available avenue. Relating to piping systems, one of the common problem areas is uncontrolled leaks of gas or vapours.
This is an area where special fugitive emissions valves are utilised to eliminate fugitive emissions. Nonetheless, things do not always go according to plan as mining pipes handle corrosive and abrasive substances. Unfortunately, failure can occur when least expected, usually at a huge cost. This is in the form of potential breaches of regulation in case of over-the-limit emissions, accidents due to exposure to fumes or explosions, above and beyond downtime and expenses on fixing the problem.
Discreet production selection
Concerned about how poor choice of low-fugitive emissions impacts operations, Application Engineers at AZ-Armaturen South Africa (Pty) Ltd tells mining companies to be prudent in product selection. “Low-fugitive emission valves are used in critical applications and it is important that products with correct specifications are selected,” they say in response to Mining Business Africa.
Engineered for rugged requirements
Low emissions fugitive valves should be engineered to handle rugged requirements of mining-specific piping systems, the application engineers say, demonstrating AZ-Armaturen’s approach to designs, customising products to operational conditions, materials of construction, and adherence to quality standards.
- The design
Regarding the design of plug valves and related equipment, the emphasis is on the following characteristics:
Free of cavities maintenance free
Self-lubricating
Mounting-flange for actuators acc. to DIN ISO 5211
Easily accessible adjustment of the plug, even with a mounted actuator
Vacuum tight
Fugitive emission resp. German clean air act certified (TA-Luft 2002 approval)
Directive 2014/68/EU
Firesafe design API 607 / ISO 10497
- The operational conditions
The operational conditions can be in the following parameters for a two-way plug valve for fluctuating temperatures:
Firesafe DIN-EN:
- DN 15 – 600
- PN 10 – 40
ASME:
- NPS ½“– 24“
- Class 150 – 300
PT range:
- -30 < T < 230/280°C
- Vacuum 10-8 mbar.
- The material of construction used
The nature of some liquids or solids can accelerate the wear of valves. Thanks to tons of experience gathered from and investment in continuous product research and development, AZ-Armaturen South Africa (Pty) Ltd has built a reputation as an expert in “3D media”: Dirty, Difficult, and Dangerous.
“Depending on the media, the pressure and the temperature combination of the application, the right combination of standards materials for the body and the plug, as well as the sealing materials are chosen by the client´s process expert,” explain the Application Engineers.
Typical standard body materials include:
Carbon Steel 1.0619, ASTM A216 WCB
Stainless Steel 1.4408, ASTM A351 CF8M
Stainless Steel 1.4308, ASTM A351 CF8
Unalloyed stainless-steel casting (low Temp.) 1.1138
LCC/LCB/A352
The standard plug materials include:
Stainless Steel 1.4408, ASTM A351 CF8M
Stainless Steel 1.4308, ASTM A351 CF8
Available special materials, with which the company is also familiar, are:
Ductile cast iron ENJS 1049, ASTM Gr 60-40-18 / A395
Alloy
Monel
Nickel
Zirconium
Titan
Tantalum
and other materials on request according to the application
- Adherence to quality standards
The popularity of AZ-Armaturen’s low-emission valves pivots around quality. The FSN-sealing range for Low-Emission-Valves is certified and classified according to ISO 15848-1 and API 641.
High-quality standard is evident in two sealing systems for the low emission range:
- Firesafe safety sealing (API 607) Type FSN for fluctuating temperatures with 3x graphite packing (adjustable) for additional stem sealing; Tmax 280°C
- Firesafe safety sealing (API 607) Type FSN-SL for fluctuating temperatures with 3x graphite packing (live loaded disc springs) for additional stem sealing; Tmax 280°C.
Industry endorsement
Low-emissions valves have been endorsed by the industry. Thus, far, there has been positive feedback from clients on their experience of switching to Armaturen low-fugitive emissions valve brands. “A multitude of mining-related industries and large players in the mining industry itself relies on our valves and have hundreds installed. Due to discretion, we cannot disclose them in detail. However, there are several SA Industry heavyweights included.”
