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TFE VRING
BONNET GASKET
GROOVE
PIN
SEAT RING
GASKET
Figure 12. Standard globe slidingstem valve design is typified by the Design ET. A broad range is available in sizes,
materials and end connections. The balanced plug reduces plug force and allows use of smaller actuators. These
valves are the first choice for applications less than 3inch size.
W3290
Figure 13. Severe service capability in globe valves demonstrated by this large Design EWNT2. The drilled hole
cage provides attenuation of flow noise by splitting the flow into multiple passages. Spacing of the holes is carefully
controlled to eliminate jet interaction and higher resultant noise levels.
1-2
Slidingstem Valves
The most versatile of control valves are the
slidingstem designs. Globe, angle, and Ypattern
valves can be purchased in sizes ranging from 1/2
through 36inch. More choices of materials, end
connections and control characteristics are
included here than in any other product family.
The globe valve's precise throttling capabilities, Figure 14. Design EHD is typical of highpres
overall performance and general sturdiness make sure globe valves. Rated at ANSI Class 2500, it
them a bargain despite their slight cost premium. provides throttling control of highpressure steam
With the globe valve, the buyer gets a rugged, and fluids. Antinoise and anticavitation trims are
dependable unit intended for long, troublefree available to handle flow problems.
service.
1-3
W7618
SST. Pressure classes generally stop at ANSI Figure 17. Compact, lightweight valve featuring
Class 300. Compared to regular slidingstem a piston actuator and a FIELDVUE Digital Valve
valves, these units are very simple; their actuators Controller.
are smaller, and their construction is economical.
Severe service trims for noise and cavitation Segmentedball valves with their splined shaft
service are not available in these products. connections are engineered to eliminate lost
motion, which is detrimental to performance. The
use of heavyduty metal and fluoroplastic sealing
elements allows wide temperature and fluid
applicability. Their straightthrough flow design
achieves high capacity with sizes ranging through
24inch and pressure ratings to ANSI Class 600.
Ball Valves Price is generally lower than that of globe valves.
1-4
THRUST
BODY OUTLET WASHER
VALVE BALL
OUTLET
MAIN SHAFT
VALVE BODY BEARING
SEAL
CARRIER
DRIVE SHAFT
VALVE BALL
SEAL PROTECTOR INLET SEAL
SHIM SEALS
W7169 RING OR FLOW RING
Figure 18. Highpressure ball valves feature heavy shafts and full ball designs. This Type V250 is suitable for
pressure drops to 2220 psi. ANSI Class 600 and 900 bodies are availablesizes range to 24inch.
Figure 19. Applications to ANSI Class 600 can be handled by the Design V150/V200/V300 VeeBall.
This product incorporates many features to improve throttling performance and rangeability. Tight shutoff is
achieved by using either heavyduty metal seals or composition seals.
1-5
VALVE PLUG
RETAINER
FACE SEALS
SEAT RING
PACKING
BEARING
VALVE SHAFT
BEARING STOP
Figure 110. The V500 eccentric plug valve is specially designed for severe rotary applications. Since the valve plug
cams" into the seat ring upon closure, it features tight shutoff with globe valve style seating. It also offers excellent re
sistance to abrasive wear and flashing induced erosion.
W3806
W4081
Figure 111. Swingthrough butterfly valves Figure 112. Lined butterfly valves offer tight
provide an economical solution to high flow rate shutoff but are limited to low temperature
throttling applications. Leakage is higher than applications. The liner material keeps the process
other designs, as no sealing is employed. away from the metal body eliminating many
corrosion problems.
1-6
TAPER PINS
SEAL AND HOLLOW
SPRING PINS PACKING FOLLOWER
RING
Figure 113. High performance butterfly valves provide excellent performance and value. Highpressure capability,
tight shutoff and excellent control are featured as standard. This Type 8560 design is made for ANSI Class 150
applications.
The requirement for zero or low leakage gave rise valves. Considering this tight shutoff capability
to new designs such as the lined and high and heavyduty construction, high performance
performance butterfly valves (BFV's). butterfly valves can be a suitable option to many
applications where slidingstem valves are
Lined butterfly valves feature an elastomer or normally specified.
fluoropolymer (TFE) lining that contacts the disk to
provide tight shutoff (Figure 112). Since this valve
design depends on interference between the disc
and liner for shutoff, it is more limited in pressure
drop. Temperature ranges typically are limited due
to the elastomer disk seal.
In addition to serving as the disk seal, the liner
also protects the inner bore of the valve body from General Selection Criteria
the process fluid, which allows these valves to be
used in many corrosive situations. Elastomerlined Most of the considerations that guide the selection
BFV's are generally the lowest price products of valve type and brand are rather basic. However,
available as control valves in medium to large there are some matters that may be overlooked by
sizes. users whose familiarity is mainly limited to just one
or a few valve types. Table 11 below provides a
Heavy shafts and discs, fullrated bodies and
checklist of important criteria; each is discussed at
sophisticated seals that allow tight shutoff against
length following the table.
high pressures characterize high performance
butterfly valves such as the one in Figure 113.
These valves provide an excellent combination of
performance features, lightweight and very
reasonable pricing. Table 11. Suggested General Criteria for Selecting Type
and Brand of Control Valve
In offset disc designs, eccentric shaft mounting Body pressure rating
allows the valve disc to swing clear of its seal to High and low temperature limits
minimize wear and torque. The offset disc allows Material compatibility and durability
uninterrupted sealing and a seal ring that can be Inherent flow characteristic and rangeability
replaced without removing the disc. High Maximum pressure drop (shutoff and flowing)
performance butterfly valves come in sizes from 2
Noise and cavitation
through 72inch, with flangeless or lugged
End connections
connections, carbon steel or stainless steel
Shutoff leakage
bodies, and pressure ratings to ANSI Class 600.
Tight metaltometal seals, made possible with Capacity versus cost
advanced eccentric design, provide tight shutoff in Nature of flowing media
applications that are too hot for elastomer lined Dynamic performance
1-7
Pressure Ratings Material Selection
Body pressure ratings ordinarily are considered The third criterion in Table 11, material
according to ANSI pressure classesthe most compatibility and durability, is a more complex
common ones for steel and stainless steel being consideration. At issue may be corrosion by the
Classes 150, 300 and 600. (Source documents process fluid, erosion by abrasive material,
are ASME/ANSI Standards B16.34, Steel Valves," flashing, cavitation or simply a matter of process
and ANSI B16.1, Cast Iron Pipe Flanges and pressure and temperature. The piping material
Flanged Fittings.") For a given body material, each usually indicates the body material. However,
ANSI Class corresponds to a prescribed profile of since velocity is higher in valves other factors must
maximum pressures that decrease with be considered. When these items are included,
temperature according to the strength of the often valve and piping materials will differ.
material. Each material also has a minimum and
The trim materials, in turn, are usually a function of
maximum service temperature based on loss of
the body material, temperature range and qualities
ductility or loss of strength. For most applications,
of the fluid. When a body material other than
the required pressure rating is dictated by the
carbon, alloy or stainless steel is required, use of
application. However, since all products are not
an alternate valve type such as lined or bar stock
available for all ANSI Classes, it is an important
should be considered.
consideration for selection.
Flow Characteristic
Temperature Considerations The next selection criterion, inherent flow
characteristic, refers to the pattern in which the
Required temperature capabilities are also a flow at constant pressure drop changes according
foregone conclusion, but one that is likely to to valve position.
narrow valve selection possibilities. The
considerations include the strength or ductility of Typical characteristics are quickopening, linear
the body material as well as relative thermal and equalpercentage. The choice of characteristic
expansion of various parts. may have a strong influence on the stability or
controllability of the process (see Table 13), since
it represents the change of valve gain relative to
Temperature limits also may be imposed due to travel.
disintegration of soft parts at high temperatures or
loss of resiliency at low temperatures. The soft Most control valves are carefully "characterized"
materials under consideration include various by means of contours on a plug, cage, or ball
elastomers, plastics, and PTFE. They may be element. Some valves are available in a variety of
found in parts such as seat rings, seal or piston characteristics to suit the application, while others
rings, packing, rotary shaft bearings and butterfly offer little or no choice. To quantitatively determine
valve liners. Typical upper temperature limits for the best flow characteristic for a given application,
elastomers are in the 200350F range, and the a dynamic analysis of the control loop can be
general limit for PTFE is 450F. performed. In most cases, however, this is
unnecessary; reference to established rules of
thumb will suffice.
Temperature affects valve selection by excluding
certain valves that do not have high or The accompanying drawing illustrates typical flow
lowtemperature options. It also may have some characteristic curves (Figure 114). The quick
effect on the valve's performance. For instance, opening flow characteristic provides for maximum
going from PTFE to metal seals for high change in flow rate at low valve travels with a fairly
temperatures generally increases the shutoff linear relationship. Additional increases in valve
leakage flow. Similarly, high temperature metal travel give sharply reduced changes in flow rate,
bearing sleeves in rotary valves impose more and when the valve plug nears the wide open
friction on the shaft than do PTFE bearings, so position, the change in flow rate approaches zero.
that the shaft cannot withstand as high a In a control valve, the quick opening valve plug is
pressuredrop load at shutoff. Selection of valve used primarily for onoff service; but it is also
packing is also based largely on service suitable for many applications where a linear valve
temperature. plug would normally be specified.
1-8
Rangeability
Another aspect of a valve's flow characteristic is its
rangeability, which is the ratio of its maximum and
minimum controllable flow rates. Exceptionally
wide rangeability may be required for certain
applications to handle wide load swings or a
combination of startup, normal and maximum
working conditions. Generally speaking, rotary
valvesespecially partial ball valveshave
greater rangeability than slidingstem varieties.
Use of Positioners
A1265
1-9
NPT (National Pipe Thread) on the valve body.
They form a metaltometal seal by wedging over
the mating male threads on the pipeline ends.
This connection style is usually limited to valves
not larger than 2inch, and is not recommended for
elevated temperature service.
End Connections
The three common methods of installing control
Shutoff Capability
valves in pipelines are by means of screwed pipe Some consideration must be given to a valve's
threads, bolted flanges, and welded end shutoff capability, which usually is rated in terms of
connections. At some point in the selection Classes specified in ANSI/FCI702 (Table 14). In
process, the valve's end connections must be service, shutoff leakage depends on many factors,
considered with the question simply being whether including but not limited to, pressure drop,
the desired connection style is available in the temperature and the condition of the sealing
valve being considered. surfaces.
In some situations, this matter can limit the
selection rather narrowly. For instance, if a piping Since shutoff ratings are based on standard test
specification calls for welded connections only, the conditions that can be very different from service
choice usually is limited to slidingstem valves. conditions, service leakage cannot be predicted
accurately. However, the shutoff Class provides a
Screwed end connections, popular in small control good basis for comparison among valves of similar
valves, offer more economy than flanged ends. configuration. It is not uncommon for valve users
The threads usually specified are tapered female to overestimate the shutoff class required.
1-10
Conclusion
We may simplify the process of selection as
follows:
1-11
Table 12. Major Categories and Subcategories of Control Valves, with Typical General Characteristics
Typical Size Typical Typical Relative
Main Typical Standard Relative Flow
Valve Style Range, Standard Body Pressure Shutoff
Characteristics End Connection Capacity
inches Materials Ratings Capability
Carbon Steel ANSI Flanged
Regular Heavy Duty
1 to 24 Cast Iron Welded To ANSI 2500 Moderate Excellent
Slidingstem Versatile
Stainless Screwed
Machined from Bar Flangeless
Bar Stock to 3 Variety of Alloys To ANSI 600 Low Excellent
Stock Screwed
Bronze
Economy Light Duty
to 2 Cast Iron Screwed To ANSI 125 Moderate Good
Slidingstem Inexpensive
Carbon Steel
Carbon Steel
ThruBore Ball OnOff Service 1 to 24 Flangeless To ANSI 900 High Excellent
Stainless
Characterized for Carbon Steel Flangeless
Partial Ball 1 to 24 To ANSI 600 High Excellent
Throttling Stainless Flanged
Carbon Steel
Eccentric Plug Erosion Resistance 1 to 8 Flanged To ANSI 600 Moderate Excellent
Stainless
Carbon Steel Flangeless
SwingThru
No Seal 2 to 96 Cast Iron Lugged To ANSI 2500 High Poor
Butterfly
Stainless Welded
Carbon Steel
Elastomer or Flangeless
Lined Butterfly 2 to 96 Cast Iron To ANSI 300 High Good
TFE Liner Lugged
Stainless
High
Offset Disk Carbon Steel Flangeless
Performance 2 to 72 To ANSI 600 High Excellent
General Service Stainless Lugged
Butterfly
1-12
Table 13. Control Valve Characteristic Recommendations
Liquid Level Systems
Best Inherent
Control Valve Pressure Drop
Characteristic
Constant P Linear
Decreasing P with increasing load, P at maximum load > 20% of minimum load P Linear
Decreasing P with increasing load, P at maximum load < 20% of minimum load P Equalpercentage
Increasing P with increasing load, P at maximum load < 200% of minimum load P Linear
Increasing P with increasing load, P at maximum load > 200% of minimum load P Quick Opening
Best Inherent
Application
Characteristic
Liquid Process EqualPercentage
Gas Process, Large Volume (Process has a receiver, Distribution System or Transmission Line Exceeding 100 ft. of
Nominal Pipe Volume), Decreasing P with Increasing Load, P at Maximum Load > 20% of Minimum Load P Linear
Gas Process, Large Volume, Decreasing P with Increasing Load, P at Maximum Load < 20% of Minimum Load P EqualPercentage
Gas Process, Small Volume, Less than 10 ft. of Pipe between Control Valve and Load Valve EqualPercentage
1-13
Table 14. Control Valve Leakage Standards
ANSI
Maximum Leakage Test Medium Pressure and Temperature
B16.1041976
Service P or 50 psid (3.4 bar differential),
Class II 0.5% valve capacity at full travel Air
whichever is lower, at 50_ or 125_F (10_ to 52_C)
Service P or 50 psid (3.4 bar differential),
Class III 0.1% valve capacity at full travel Air
whichever is lower, at 50_ or 125_F (10_ to 52_C)
Service P or 50 psid (3.4 bar differential),
Class IV 0.01% valve capacity at full travel Air
whichever is lower, at 50_ or 125_F (10_ to 52_C)
5 x 104 mL/min/psid/inch port dia. (5
Class V Water Service P at 50_ or 125_F (10_ to 52_C)
x 1012 m3/sec/bar/mm port dia)
Nominal Port Bubbles per Test
Class VI mL per Minute Pressure & Temperature
Diameter Minute Medium
In mm
1 25 1 0.15
11/2 38 2 0.30
2 51 3 0.45 Service P or 50 psid (3.4 bar
21/2 64 4 0.60 Air differential), whichever is lower, at 50_
3 76 6 0.90 or 125_F (10_ to 52_C)
4 102 11 1.70
6 152 27 4.00
8 203 45 6.75
Copyright 1976 Fluid Controls Institute, Inc. Reprinted with permission.
1-14
Chapter 2
Actuator Selection
It was at this time also that the first pneumatic Power Source Availability
controllers were used. Development of valve The power source available at the location of a
controllers and the adaptation of standardized valve often can point directly to what type of
control signals stimulated design of the first, true, actuator to choose. Typically, valve actuators are
control valve actuators. powered either by compressed air or by electricity.
However, in some cases water pressure, hydraulic
The control valve industry has evolved to fill a fluid, or even pipeline pressure can be used.
variety of needs and desires. Actuators are
available with an array of designs, power sources Since most plants have both electricity and
and capabilities. Proper selection involves process compressed air readily available, the selection
knowledge, valve knowledge and actuator depends on the ease and cost of furnishing either
knowledge. power source to the actuator location. Reliability
and maintenance requirements of the power
A control valve can perform its function only as system must also be considered. Consideration
well as the actuator can handle the static and should also be given to providing backup operating
dynamic loads placed on it by the valve. power to critical plant loops.
Therefore, proper selection and sizing are very
important. Since the actuator can represent a
significant portion of the total control valve price,
careful selection of actuator and accessory
options can lead to significant dollar savings. Failsafe Requirements
The overall reliability of power sources is quite
The range of actuator types and sizes on the high. However, many loops demand specific valve
market today is so great that it seems the action should the power source ever fail. Desired
selection process might be highly complex. It is action upon a signal failure may be required for
not! With a few rules in mind and knowledge of safety reasons or for protection of equipment.
fundamental needs, the selection process can be
very simple. Failsafe systems store energy, either
mechanically in springs, pneumatically in volume
The following parameters are key as they quickly tanks, or in hydraulic accumulators. When power
narrow the actuator choices: fails, the failsafe systems are triggered to drive
the valves to the required position and to then
DPower Source Availability maintain this position until returned to normal
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operation. In many cases the process pressure is Throttling actuators have considerably higher
used to ensure or enhance this action. demands put on them from both a compatibility
and performance standpoint. A throttling actuator
Actuator designs are available which allow a receives its input from an electronic or pneumatic
choice of failure mode between failing open, failing instrument that measures the controlled process
closed, or holding in the last position. Many variable. The actuator must then move the final
actuator systems incorporate failure modes at no control element in response to the instrument
extra cost. For example, springanddiaphragm signal in an accurate and timely fashion to ensure
types are inherently fail open or closed, while effective control. The two primary additional
electric operators typically hold their last position. requirements for throttling actuators are:
2-2
An actuator made specifically for a control valve shaft eliminates lost motion, is easy to
eliminates the chance for a costly performance disassemble and is capable of high torque.
mismatch. An actuator manufactured by the valve
vendor and shipped with the valve will eliminate Sliding stem actuators are rigidly fixed to valve
separate mounting charges and ensure easier stems by threaded and clamped connections.
coordination of spare parts procurement. Since they don't have any linkage points, and their
Interchangeable parts among varied actuators are connections are rigid, they exhibit no lost motion
also important to minimize spareparts inventory. and have excellent inherent control characteristics.
2-3
DIAPHRAGM CASING
DIAPHRAGM
DIAPHRAGM
PLATE
ACTUATOR SPRING
ACTUATOR STEM
SPRING SEAT
SPRING ADJUSTOR
STEM CONNECTOR
YOKE
INDICATOR SCALE
W03641
W03631
Figure 21. Springanddiaphragm actuators offer an excellent first choice for most control valves.
They are inexpensive, simple and have builtin, failsafe action. Pictured above are cutaways of the popular
Type 667 (left) and Type 657 (right) actuators.
Piston Actuators
Piston actuators are generally more compact and
provide higher torque or force outputs than
W03682
springanddiaphragm actuators. Fisher piston
styles normally work with supply pressures
between 50 and 150 psi and can be equipped with
Figure 22. Springanddiaphragm actuators can
be supplied with a topmounted handwheel. The
spring returns (however, this construction has
handwheel allows manual operation and also acts limited application).
as a travel stop or means of emergency operation.
Piston actuators used for throttling service must
be furnished with doubleacting positioners, which
Actuators are available for either failopen or simultaneously load and unload opposite sides of
failclosed action. Faillock is also available by the piston. The pressure differential created
utilizing a pneumatic switching valve such as a across the piston causes travel toward the lower
Fisher Type 164A, piped as a lock valve. pressure side. The positioner senses the motion,
and when the required position is reached, the
The only real drawback to the positioner equalizes the pressure on both sides of
springanddiaphragm actuator is a relatively the piston.
2-4
W2291
W3827-1
W3813
2-5
W3827
2-6
Electrohydraulic actuators from Fisher are
available in two basic configurations:
selfcontained, and externally powered. The
selfcontained unit includes its own motor, pump,
fluid reservoir, etc. (this type of unit can be
available with springreturn fail mode.) The
external power supply unit requires a separate
motor, pump, reservoir, hydraulic hoses and other
accessories. This type requires an accumulator to
achieve a fail mode.
Actuator Sizing
The last step in the selection process is to
W2286 determine the required actuator size.
Figure 28. The Type 350 is a selfcontained" Fundamentally, the process of sizing is to match
electrohydraulic actuator. The single unit as closely as possible the actuator capabilities to
incorporates a hydraulic pump and reservoir. the valve requirements.
Most electrohydraulic actuators are capable of Actuator Spring for Globe Valves
very high outputs, but they are handicapped by The force required to operate a globe valve includes:
high initial cost, complexity and difficult
DForce to overcome static unbalance of the valve
maintenance. Failsafe action on electrohydraulic plug
actuators can be accomplished by use of a return
spring or a hydraulic accumulator and by DForce to provide a seat load
shutdown systems.
DForce to overcome packing friction
Like electric actuators, the electrohydraulic DAdditional forces required for certain specific
actuators are suitable for remote mounting where applications or constructions
no other power source is available (such as
pipelines). Total force required = A + B + C + D
2-7
A. Unbalance Force Table 21. Typical Unbalance Areas of Control Valves
Unbalance Area
Unbalance Area
The unbalance force is that resulting from fluid Port Diameter, SingleSeated
Balanced Valves,
Inches Unbalanced
pressure at shutoff and in the most general sense Valves, In2
In2
can be expressed as:
1/4 0.049
3/8 0.110
Unbalance force = net pressure differential X net 1/2 0.196
unbalance area 3/4 0.441
1 0.785
Frequent practice is to take the maximum 1 5/16 1.35 0.04
upstream gauge pressure as the net pressure 1 7/8 2.76 0.062
differential unless the process design always
2 5/16 4.20 0.27
ensures a back pressure at the maximum inlet
3 7/16 9.28 0.118
pressure. Net unbalance area is the port area on a
4 3/8 15.03 0.154
single seated flow up design. Unbalance area may
have to take into account the stem area 7 38.48 0.81
depending on configuration. For balanced valves 8 50.24 0.86
there is still a small unbalance area. This data can
be obtained from the manufacturer. Typical port Table 22. Recommended Seat Load Per Leak Class for
areas for balanced valves flow up and unbalanced Control Valves
valves in a flow down configuration are listed in Class I As required by customer
Table 21. specification, no factory leak test
required
Class II 20 pounds per lineal inch of port
B. Force to Provide Seat Load circumference
Class III 40 pounds per lineal inch of port
Seat load, usually expressed in pounds per lineal circumference
inch or port circumference, is determined by Class IV Standard (Lower) Seat only40
pounds per lineal inch of port
shutoff requirements. Use the guidelines in Table
circumference (up through a 43/8
22 to determine the seat load required to meet inch diameter port)
the factory acceptance tests for ANSI/FCI 702 Standard (Lower) Seat only80
and IEC 5344 leak classes II through VI. pounds per lineal inch of port
circumference (larger than 43/8
inch diameter port)
Because of differences in the severity of service Class V Metal Seatdetermine pounds per
conditions, do not construe these leak lineal inch of port circumference
classifications and corresponding leakage rates as from Figure 29
indicators of field performance. To prolong seat
life and shutoff capabilities, use a higher than The manufacturer should either supply this
recommended seat load. If tight shutoff is not a information or take it into account when sizing an
prime consideration, use a lower leak class. actuator.
C. Packing Friction
Actuator Force Calculations
Packing friction is determined by stem size,
Pneumatic springanddiaphragm actuators
packing type, and the amount of compressive load
provide a net force with the additional air pressure
placed on the packing by the process or the
after compressing the spring in airtoclose, or with
bolting. Packing friction is not 100% repeatable in
the net precompression of the spring in
its friction characteristics. Newer live loaded
airtoopen. This may be calculated in pounds per
packing designs can have significant friction forces
square inch of pressure differential.
especially if graphite packing is used. Table 23
lists typical packing friction values.
For example: Suppose 275 lbf. is required to close
the valve as calculated per the process described
D. Additional Forces earlier. An airtoopen actuator with 100 square
inches of diaphragm area and a bench set of 6 to
Additional forces to consider may include bellows 15 psig is one available option. The expected
stiffness, unusual frictional forces resulting from operating range is 3 to 15 psig. The
seals or special seating forces for soft metal seals. precompression can be calculated as the
2-8
Table 23. Typical Packing Friction Values (Lb)
Stem Size ANSI PTFE Packing Graphite
(Inches) Class Ribbon/
Single Double Filament
5/16 All 20 30
3/8 125 38 56
150 125
250
300 190
600 250
900 320
1500 380
1/2 125 50 75
150 180
250
300 230
600 320
900 410
1500 500
2500 590
5/8 125 63 95
150 218
250
300 290
600 400
3/4 125 75 112.5
150 350
A2222-4/IL
250
300 440
600 660
Figure 29. Recommended seat load. 900 880
1500 1100
2500 1320
1 300 100 150 610
600 850
difference between the lower end of the bench set 900 1060
(6 psig) and the beginning of the operating range 1500 1300
2500 1540
(3 psig). This 3 psig is used to overcome the
11/4 300 120 180 800
precompression so the net precompression force 600 1100
must be: 900 1400
1500 1700
2500 2040
3 psig X 100 sq. in. = 300 lbf. 2 300 200 300 1225
600 1725
900 2250
1500 2750
This exceeds the force required and is an 2500 3245
adequate selection. Values shown are frictional forces typically encountered when using standard
packing flange bolttorquing procedures.
2-9
Table 24. Typical Rotary Shaft Valve Torque Factors VNotch Ball Valve with Composition Seal
A B C
Valve Shaft
Valve Size, Composition Maximum TD,
Diameter, 60 Degrees 70 Degrees
Inches Bearings LbfIn.
Inches
2 1/2 8 0.11 0.60 515
3 3/4 0.15 280 0.15 3.80 2120
4 3/4 0.10 380 1.10 18.0 2120
6 1 0.10 500 1.10 36.0 4140
8 11/4 750 3.80 60.0 9820
10 11/4 1250 3.80 125 9820
12 11/2 1.80 3000 11.0 143 12,000
14 13/4 4.00 2400 75 413 23,525
16 2 42 2800 105 578 23,525
18 21/8 60 2800 105 578 55,762
20 21/2 5200 190 1044 55,762
Tabel 25. Typical High Performance Butterfly Torque Factors for Valve with Composition Seal
Valve Shaft
Maximum Torque,
Size, Diameter
A B C InchPounds
Inches Inches
60_ 75_ 90_ Breakout TB Dynamic TD
3 1/2 0.50 136 0.8 1.8 8 280 515
4 5/8 0.91 217 3.1 4.7 25 476 225
6 3/4 1.97 403 30 24 70 965 2120
8 1 4.2 665 65 47 165 1860 4140
10 11/4 7.3 1012 125 90 310 3095 9820
12 11/2 11.4 1422 216 140 580 4670 12,000
This method assumes the valve has been properly Maximum Rotation
sized for the application and the application does
not exceed pressure limitations for the valve. Maximum rotation is defined as the angle of valve
disk or ball in the fully open position.
2-10
The Selection Process Safety is another consideration that must never be
overlooked. Enclosed linkages and controlled
In choosing an actuator type, the fundamental compression springs available in some designs
requirement is to know your application. Control are very important for safety reasons. Table 26
signal, operating mode, power source available, below lists the pros and cons of the various
thrust/torque required, and failsafe position can actuator styles.
make many decisions for you. Keep in mind
simplicity, maintainability and lifetime costs.
2-11
BYPASS
LEVER
ADJUSTING
NOZZLE SCREW BELLOWS
ROTARY
SHAFT
ARM
OPERATING
CAM
W4920
Figure 211. The standard pneumatic positioner
for springanddiaphragm actuators is Type 3582.
This timeproven design features ease for reversal
Figure 210. The Type 3620JP is an electropneu
and calibration as well as availability of character
matic positioner that combines the functions of
izing cams to alter its input/output
transducer and positioner into one unit. The com
relationship.
bustion unit generally is more economical but may
not be as flexible as separate units.
2-12
W4727
W4908
W5940
2-13
2-14
Chapter 3
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3. Determine Fp , the piping geometry factor. valve to be sized. If such fittings are attached to
Fp is a correction factor that accounts for pressure the valve, the Fp factor must be considered in the
losses due to piping fittings such as reducers, sizing procedure. If, however, no fittings are
elbows, or tees that might be attached directly to attached to the valve, Fp has a value of 1.0 and
the inlet and outlet connections of the control simply drops out of the sizing equation.
3-2
Table 32. Equation Constants(1)
N w q p(2) g T d, D
0.0865 m3/h kPa
N1 0.865 m3/h bar
1.00 gpm psia
0.00214 mm
N2
890 inch
0.00241 mm
N5
1000 inch
2.73 kg/h kPa kg/m3
N6 27.3 kg/h bar kg/m3
63.3 lb/h psia lb/ft3
Normal Conditions 3.94 m3/h kPa deg K
TN = 0_C 394 m3/h bar deg K
Standard Conditions 4.17 m3/h kPa deg K
N7(3)
Ts = 15.5_C 417 m3/h bar deg K
Standard Conditions
1360 scfh psia deg R
Ts = 60_F
0.948 kg/h kPa deg K
N8 94.8 kg/h bar deg K
19.3 lb/h psia deg R
Normal Conditions 21.2 m3/h kPa deg K
TN = 0_C 2120 m3/h bar deg K
Standard Conditions 22.4 m3/h kPa deg K
N9(3)
Ts = 15.5_C 2240 m3/h bar deg K
Standard Conditions
7320 scfh psia deg R
TS = 60_F
1. Many of the equations used in these sizing procedures contain a numerical constant, N, along with a numerical
subscript. These numerical constants provide a means for using different units in the equations. Values for the
various constants and the applicable units are given in the above table. For example, if the flow rate is given in U.S.
gpm and the pressures are psia, N1 has a value of 1.00. If the flow rate is m3/hr and the pressures are kPa, the N1
constant becomes 0.0865.
2. All pressures are absolute.
3. Pressure base is 101.3 kPa (1.013 bar)(14.7 psia).
For rotary valves with reducers (swaged using the procedure for determining qmax, the
installations), and other valve designs and fitting Maximum Flow Rate, or Pmax, the Allowable
styles, determine the Fp factors by using the Sizing Pressure Drop. If it can be recognized that
procedure for Determining Fp, the Piping choked flow conditions will not develop within the
Geometry Factor, page 34. valve, Pmax need not be calculated.
4. Determine qmax (the maximum flow rate at 5. Solve for required Cv , using the appropriate
given upstream conditions) or DPmax (the equation:
allowable sizing pressure drop). DFor volumetric flow rate units
The maximum or limiting flow rate (qmax), q
Cn +
commonly called choked flow, is manifested by no
additional increase in flow rate with increasing N 1F p P *P
1
Gf
2
The IEC standard requires the calculation of an In addition to Cv, two other flow coefficients, Kv
allowable sizing pressure drop (Pmax), to account and Av, are used, particularly outside of North
for the possibility of choked flow conditions within America. The following relationships exist:
the valve. The calculated Pmax value is
compared with the actual pressure drop specified Kv = (0.865)(Cv)
in the service conditions, and the lesser of these Av = (2.40 X 10-5)(Cv)
two values is used in the sizing equation. If it is
desired to use Pmax to account for the possibility 6. Select the valve size using the appropriate flow
of choked flow conditions, it can be calculated coefficient table and the calculated Cv value.
3-3
Determining Piping Geometry where,
Factor (Fp) d = Nominal valve size
Determine an Fp factor if any fittings such as
reducers, elbows, or tees will be directly attached D = Internal diameter of piping
to the inlet and outlet connections of the control
valve that is to be sized. When possible, it is If the inlet and outlet piping are of equal size, then
recommended that Fp factors be determined the Bernoulli coefficients are also equal, KB1 =
experimentally by using the specified valve in KB2, and therefore they are dropped from the
actual tests. equation.
Calculate the Fp factor using the following The most commonly used fitting in control valve
equation. installations is the shortlength concentric reducer.
The equations for this fitting are as follows:
*12
2
C DFor an inlet reducer
Fp + 1 ) SK 2v
N2 d
2
K1 + 0.5 1 * d 2
2
where, D
2
K2 + 1.0 1 * d 2
2
d = Assumed nominal valve size D
SK = K1 + K2 + KB1 - KB2
The Bernoulli coefficients, KB1 and KB2, are used Values for FF, the liquid critical pressure ratio
only when the diameter of the piping approaching factor, can be obtained from figure 31, or from the
the valve is different from the diameter of the following equation:
piping leaving the valve, whereby:
KB1 or KB2 = 1 - d D
4
FF + 0.96 * 0.28 PP v
c
3-4
Figure 31. Liquid critical pressure ratio factor for water.
Values of FL, the recovery factor for rotary valves Determining Allowable Sizing
installed without fittings attached, can be found in
published coefficient tables. If the given valve is to Pressure Drop (DPmax )
be installed with fittings such as reducer attached
to it, FL in the equation must be replaced by the DPmax (the allowable sizing pressure drop) can be
quotient FLP/Fp, where: determined from the following relationships:
) F1
*12
2
K 1 Cv
FLP +
N2 d2 L
2
DPmax(L) + F L2P 1 * F FPv
K1 = K1 + KB1
FF P * F P
2
LP
DPmax(LP) + 1 F V
P
where,
where,
K1 = Resistance coefficient of upstream fittings
(See the procedure for Determining Fp, the Piping P2= Downstream absolute static pressure
Geometry Factor, for definitions of the other
constants and coefficients used in the above Pv = Absolute vapor pressure at inlet
equations.) temperature
3-5
Figure 32. Liquid critical pressure ratio factor for liquids other than water.
Values of FF, the liquid critical pressure ratio further distinction can be made to
factor, can be obtained from figure 31 or from the determine whether the choked flow
following equation: is caused by cavitation or flashing.
The choked flow conditions are
FF + 0.96 * 0.28 PP v
c
caused by flashing if the outlet
pressure of the given valve is less
than the vapor pressure of the
An explanation of how to calculate values of FLP, flowing liquid. The choked flow
the recovery factor for valves installed with fittings conditions are caused by cavitation
attached, is presented in the preceding procedure if the outlet pressure of the valve is
Determining qmax (the Maximum Flow Rate). greater than the vapor pressure of
the flowing liquid.
Once the DPmax value has been obtained from the
appropriate equation, it should be compared with
the actual service pressure differential (DP = P1 - Liquid Sizing Sample Problem
P2). If DPmax is less than DP, this is an indication Assume an installation that, at initial plant startup,
that choked flow conditions will exist under the will not be operating at maximum design
service conditions specified. If choked flow capability. The lines are sized for the ultimate
conditions do exist (DPmax < P1 - P2), then step 5 system capacity, but there is a desire to install a
of the procedure for Sizing Valves for Liquids must control valve now which is sized only for currently
be modified by replacing the actual service anticipated requirements. The line size is 8inches,
pressure differential (P1 - P2) in the appropriate and an ANSI Class 300 globe valve with an equal
valve sizing equation with the calculated DPmax percentage cage has been specified. Standard
value. concentric reducers will be used to install the valve
into the line. Determine the appropriate valve size.
Note 1. Specify the necessary variables required to
size the valve:
Once it is known that choked flow
conditions will develop within the DDesired valve designANSI Class 300 globe
specified valve design (DPmax is valve with equal percentage cage and an
calculated to be less than DP), a assumed valve size of 3inches.
3-6
DProcess fluidliquid propane where,
*12
DP = 25 psi 2
Fp + 1 ) 1.11 121
890 3 2
T1 = 70_F
Gf = 0.50
+ 0.90
Pv = 124.3 psia
4. Determine DPmax (the Allowable Sizing
Pc = 616.3 psia Pressure Drop.)
2. Use an N1 value of 1.0 from the Equation
Constants table. Based on the small required pressure drop, the
3. Determine Fp , the piping geometry factor. flow will not be choked (DPmax > DP).
2
*12 N 1F P Gf
C
Fp + 1 ) SK 2v
N2 d
800
where, +
(1.0)(0.90) 0.5
25
D out.
2
(3)2
+ 1.5 1 * Assuming a 4inch valve, Cv = 203. This value
(8)2 was determined from the flow coefficient table for
an ANSI Class 300, 4inch globe valve with an
+ 1.11 equal percentage cage.
3-7
Recalculate the required Cv using an assumed Cv This solution indicates only that the 4inch valve is
value of 203 in the Fp calculation. large enough to satisfy the service conditions
given. There may be cases, however, where a
where, more accurate prediction of the Cv is required. In
such cases, the required Cv should be
SK + K1 ) K2 redetermined using a new Fp value based on the
Cv value obtained above. In this example, Cv is
121.7, which leads to the following result:
2
+ 1.5 1 * d 2
2
*12
2
C
1.0 ) SK 2v
2
Fp +
+ 1.5 1 * 16 N2 d
64
+ 0.84
*12
*12
2
C + 0.97
Fp + 1.0 ) SK 2v
N2 d
The required Cv then becomes:
*12
2 q
+ 1.0 ) 0.84 203 Cv +
890 4 2
N 1F p P *P
1
Gf
2
+ 0.93
+ 800
and (1.0)(0.97) 0.5
25
q
Cv + + 116.2
N 1F p P *P
1
Gf
2
3-8
Chapter 4
Sizing Valves for Compressible constants and their applicable units are given in
the Equation Constants Table 32 in Chapter 3.
Fluids
Following is a sixstep procedure for the sizing of Use either N7 or N9 if sizing the valve for a flow
control valves for compressible flow using the ISA rate in volumetric units (scfh or m3/h). Which of
standardized procedure. Each of these steps is the two constants to use depends upon the
important and must be considered during any specified service conditions. N7 can be used only
valve sizing procedure. Steps 3 and 4 concern the if the specific gravity, Gg, of the following gas has
determination of certain sizing factors that may or been specified along with the other required
may not be required in the sizing equation service conditions. N9 can be used only if the
depending on the service conditions of the sizing molecular weight, M, of the gas has been
problem. If it is necessary for one or both of these specified.
sizing factors to be included in the sizing equation
for a particular sizing problem, refer to the
appropriate factor determination section(s), which Use either N6 or N8 if sizing the valve for a flow
is referenced and located in the following text.4 rate in mass units (lb/h or kg/h). Which of the two
constants to use depends upon the specified
1. Specify the necessary variables required to service conditions. N6 can be used only if the
size the valve as follows: specific weight, g1, of the flowing gas has been
specified along with the other required service
DDesired valve design (e.g. balanced globe conditions. N8 can be used only if the molecular
with linear cage) weight, M, of the gas has been specified.
DProcess fluid (air, natural gas, steam, etc.)
and 3. Determine Fp , the piping geometry factor.
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4. Determine Y, the expansion factor, as follows: q
Cv +
x
N 7FpP 1Y x
GgT1Z
Y+1*
3F kx T
where,
DIf the molecular weight, M, of the gas has
Fk = k/1.4, the ratio of specific heats factor been specified:
k = Ratio of specific heats
y+1* x + 1 * 13 + 0.667
3F kx T Cv + w
DIf the specific gravity, Gg, of the gas has 6. Select the valve size using the appropriate flow
been specified: coefficient table and the calculated Cv value.
4-2
Determining xTP, the Pressure 1. Specify the necessary variables required to
size the valve:
Drop Ratio Factor
DDesired valve designDesign V250 valve
If the control valve is to be installed with attached
fittings such as reducers or elbows, then their DProcess fluidNatural gas
effect is accounted for in the expansion factor
equation by replacing the xT term with a new DService conditions
factor, xTP.
P1 = 200 psig = 214.7 psia
*1
2
xT x TK i C v P2 = 50 psig = 64.7 psia
x TP + 1)
F p 2 N 5 d2
DP = 150 psi
Determine the size and percent opening for a x = 0.70 (This was calculated in step 1.)
Fisher Design V250 ball valve operating with the
following service conditions. Assume that the Since conditions of critical pressure drop are
valve and line size are equal. realized when the calculated value of x becomes
4-3
equal to or exceeds the appropriate value of FkxT, 6.0x106
+
these values should be compared. 13601.0214.70.667 0.237
(0.6)(520)(1.0)
Fkx T + (0.94)(0.137)
+ 1118
+ 0.129 The reason that the required Cv has dropped so
dramatically is attributable solely to the difference
Because the pressure drop ratio, x = 0.70 exceeds in the xT values at rated and 83 degrees travel. A
the calculated critical value, FkxT = 0.129, choked Cv of 1118 occurs between 75 and 80 degrees
flow conditions are indicated. Therefore, Y = travel.
0.667, and x = FKXT = 0.129.
The appropriate flow coefficient table indicates
5. Solve for required Cv using the appropriate that xT is higher at 75 degrees travel than at 80
equation. degrees travel. Therefore, if the problem were to
be reworked using a higher xT value, this should
q result in a further decline in the calculated required
Cv +
N 7FpP 1Y x
GgT1Z
Cv.
So, + (0.94)(0.328)
+ 0.308
6.0x10 6
Cv + + 1515
13601.0214.70.667 0.129
(0.6)(520)(1.0)
and,
q
6. Select the valve size using the flow coefficient Cv +
table and the calculated Cv value. N 7FpP 1Y x
GgT1Z
4-4
1. Specify the necessary variables required to SK + K1 ) K2
size the valve:
2
+ 1.5 1 * d 2
2
a. Desired valve designANSI Class 300 D
Design ED valve with a linear cage. Assume
valve size is 4 inches.
2
+ 1.5 1 * 4 2
2
6
b. Process fluidsuperheated steam
+ 0.463
c. Service conditions
Finally:
w = 125,000 lb/h
*12
+1 ) 0.463
P1 = 500 psig = 514.7 psia
Fp
(1.0)(236)
2
+ 0.95
DP = 250 psi
4. Determine Y, the expansion factor.
x = DP/P1 = 250/514.7 = 0.49
Y+1* x
3F kx TP
T1 = 500_F
where,
g1= 1.0434 lb/ft3 (from Properties of
Saturated Steam table)
Fk + k
1.40
k= 1.28 (from Properties of Saturated Steam
1, 28
table) +
1.40
2. Determine the appropriate equation constant, + 0.91
N, from the Equation Constants Table 32 in
Chapter 3. x + 0.49 (As calculated in step 1.)
Because the specified flow rate is in mass units, Because the 4inch valve is to be installed in a
(lb/h), and the specific weight of the steam is also 6inch line, the xT term must be replaced by xTP.
specified, the only sizing equation that can be
used is that which contains the N6 constant.
*1
2
Therefore, x x K C
x TP + T2 1 ) T i 2v
F p N5 d
N6 + 63.3
where,
3. Determine Fp , the piping geometry factor.
N5 = 1000, from the Equation Constants table
*12
2
C
Fp + 1 ) SK 2v d = 4 inches
N2 d
Fp = 0.95, determined in step 3
where,
xT = 0.688, a value determined from the
N2 = 890, determined from the Equation appropriate listing in the flow coefficient
Constants table table
and
valve at 100percent total travel.
+ 0.5 1 * d 2
D
2
2
) 1* d
D
4
4-5
+ 0.5 1 * 4 2
6
2
2
) 1* 4
6
4 5. Solve for required Cv using the appropriate
equation.
Cv + w
+ 0.96 N 6FPY xP 1g1
125, 000
where D = 6 inches Cv +
(63.3)(0.95)(0.73) (0.49)(514.7)(1.0434)
so: + 176
4-6
Table 41. Representative Sizing Coefficients for Rotary Shaft Valves
Valve Degrees of
Size Valve Style Valve Cv FL XT FD
(inches) Opening
1 V-Notch Ball Valve 60 . 15.6 0.86 0.53
90 34.0 0.86 0.42
1 1/2 V-Notch Ball Valve 60 28.5 0.85 0.50
90 77.3 0.74 0.27
2 V-Notch Ball Valve 60 59.2 0.81 0.53
90 132 0.77 0.41
High Performance Butterfly Valve 60 58.9 0.76 0.50 0.49
90 80.2 0.71 0.44 0.70
3 V-Notch Ball Valve 60 120 0.80 0.50 0.92
90 321 0.74 0.30 0.99
High Performance Butterfly Valve 60 115 0.81 0.46 0.49
90 237 0.64 0.28 0.70
4 V-Notch Ball Valve 60 195 0.80 0.52 0.92
90 596 0.62 0.22 0.99
High Performance Butterfly Valve 60 270 0.69 0.32 0.49
90 499 0.53 0.19 0.70
6 V-Notch Ball Valve 60 340 0.80 0.52 0.91
90 1100 0.58 0.20 0.99
High Performance Butterfly Valve 60 664 0.66 0.33 0.49
90 1260 0.55 0.20 0.70
8 V-Notch Ball Valve 60 518 0.82 0.54 0.91
90 1820 0.54 0.18 0.99
High Performance Butterfly Valve 60 1160 0.66 0.31 0.49
90 2180 0.48 0.19 0.70
10 V-Notch Ball Valve 60 1000 0.80 0.47 0.91
90 3000 0.56 0.19 0.99
High Performance Butterfly Valve 60 1670 0.66 0.38 0.49
90 3600 0.48 0.17 0.70
12 V-Notch Ball Valve 60 1530 0.78 0.49 0.92
90 3980 0.63 0.25 0.99
High Performance Butterfly Valve 60 2500 0.49
90 5400 0.70
16 V-Notch Ball Valve 60 2380 0.80 0.45 0.92
90 8270 0.37 0.13 1.00
High Performance Butterfly Valve 60 3870 0.69 0.40
90 8600 0.52 0.23
4-7
Table 42. Representative Sizing Coefficients for Design ED Single-Ported Globe Style Valve Bodies
Rated
Valve Size Port Dia.
Valve Plug Style Flow Characteristic Travel CV FL XT FD
(inches) (in.)
(in.)
1/2 Post Guided Equal Percentage 0.38 0.50 2.41 0.90 0.54 0.61
3/4 Post Guided Equal Percentage 0.56 0.50 5.92 0.84 0.61 0.61
Micro Formt Equal Percentage 3/8 3/4 3.07 0.89 0.66 0.72
1/2 3/4 4.91 0.93 0.80 0.67
1 3/4 3/4 8.84 0.97 0.92 0.62
Cage Guided Linear 1 5/16 3/4 20.6 0.84 0.64 0.34
Equal Percentage 1 5/16 3/4 17.2 0.88 0.67 0.38
Micro-Formt Equal Percentage 3/8 3/4 3.20 0.84 0.65 0.72
1/2 3/4 5.18 0.91 0.71 0.67
1 1/2 3/4 3/4 10.2 0.92 0.80 0.62
Cage Guided Linear 1 7/8 3/4 39.2 0.82 0.66 0.34
Equal Percentage 1 7/8 3/4 35.8 0.84 0.68 0.38
Cage Guided Linear 2 5/16 1 1/8 72.9 0.77 0.64 0.33
2
Equal Percentage 2 5/16 1 1/8 59.7 0.85 0.69 0.31
Cage Guided Linear 3 7/16 1 1/2 148 0.82 0.62 0.30
3
Equal Percentage 136 0.82 0.68 0.32
Cage Guided Linear 4 3/8 2 236 0.82 0.69 0.28
4
Equal Percentage 224 0.82 0.72 0.28
Cage Guided Linear 7 2 433 0.84 0.74 0.28
6
Equal Percentage 394 0.85 0.78 0.26
Cage Guided Linear 8 3 846 0.87 0.81 0.31
8
Equal Percentage 818 0.86 0.81 0.26
4-8
Chapter 5
Noise Control
In closed systems (not vented to atmosphere),
any noise produced in the process becomes
airborne only by transmission through the valves
and adjacent piping that contain the flowstream.
The sound field in the flowstream forces these
solid boundaries to vibrate. The vibrations cause
disturbances in the ambient atmosphere that
propagate as sound waves.5
This trim design can reduce the valve noise as DExit jet independence that avoids noise
much as 40 dBA by utilizing a combination of regeneration due to jet coalescence.
several noise reduction strategies: DVelocity management is accomplished with
expanding areas to accommodate the expanding
DUnique passage shape that reduces the gas.
conversion of total stream power generated by the
valve into noise power. DComplementary body designs that avoid flow
impingement on the body wall and secondary
noise sources.
DMultistage pressure reduction that divides the
stream power between stages and further reduces For control valve applications operating at high
the acoustic conversion efficiency. pressure ratios (nP/P1 > 0.8) the series restriction
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W2618/IL
5-2
Aerodynamic Noise Prediction
Industry leaders use the International
Electrotechnical Commission standard IEC
534-8-3: Industrial-process control valvesPart 8:
Noise ConsiderationsSection 3: Control valve
aerodynamic noise prediction method. This
method consists of a mix of thermodynamic and
aerodynamic theory and some empirical
information. The design of the method allows a
noise prediction for a valve based only on the
measurable geometry of the valve and the service
conditions applied to the valve. There is no need
for specific empirical data for each valve design
and size. Because of this pure analytical approach
W2673/IL to valve noise prediction the IEC method allows an
objective evaluation of alternatives.
Figure 5-4. Special valve design to eliminate
cavitation The method defines five basic steps to a noise
prediction:
Path treatment such as heavy wall pipe or external 3. Convert acoustic power to sound pressure.
acoustical insulation can be an economical and The final goal of the IEC prediction method is
effective technique for localized noise abatement. determination of the sound pressure level at a
However, noise is propagated for long distances reference point outside the valve where human
via the fluid stream and the effectiveness of the hearing is a concern. Step 2 delivers acoustic
heavy wall pipe or external insulation ends where power, which is not directly measurable. Acoustic
the treatment ends. or sound pressure is measurable and therefore
53
has become the default expression for noise in 5. Account for distance and calculate the sound
most situations. Converting from acoustic power to pressure level at the observer's location.
the sound pressure uses basic acoustic theory.
Step 4 delivers the external sound pressure level
4. Account for the transmission loss of the at the outside surface of the pipe wall. Again,
pipewall and restate the sound pressure at the basic acoustic theory is applied to calculate the
outside surface of the pipe. sound pressure level at the observer's location.
Sound power is constant for any given situation,
Steps 1 through 3 are involved with the noise but the associated sound pressure level varies
generation process inside the pipe. There are with the area the power is spread over. As the
times when this is the area of interest, but the observer moves farther away from the pipe wall,
noise levels on the outside of the pipe are the the total area the sound power is spread over
prime requirement. The method must account for increases. This causes the sound pressure level
the change in the noise as the reference location to decrease.
moves from inside the pipe to outside the pipe.
The pipe wall has physical characteristics, due to Hydrodynamic
its material, size, and shape, that define how well
the noise will transmit through the pipe. The Noticeable hydrodynamic noise is usually
fluidborne noise inside the pipe must interact with associated with cavitation. The traditional
the inside pipe wall to cause the pipe wall to description of the sound is as if rocks were flowing
vibrate, then the vibration must transmit through inside the pipe. This association of hydrodynamic
the pipe wall to the outside pipe wall, and there the noise with cavitation is reflected in the various
outside pipe wall must interact with the prediction methods available today. The methods
atmosphere to generate sound waves. These account for one noise characteristic for liquids in
three steps of noise transmission are dependent nonchoked flow situations and another
on the noise frequency. The method represents characteristic in choked, cavitating flow situations.
the frequency of the valve noise by determining There are a variety of situations where the fluid is
the peak frequency of the valve noise spectrum. a twophase mixture. These include liquidgas
The method also determines the pipe transmission twophase fluids at the inlet of the valve, flashing
loss as a function of frequency. The method then fluids, and fluids that demonstrate outgassing due
compares the internal noise spectrum and the to throttling. Noise prediction methods for these
transmissionloss spectrum to determine how cases are not yet well established. Test results
much the external sound pressure will be and field surveys of installed multiphase systems
attenuated by the pipe wall. indicate these noise levels do not contribute to
overall plant noise levels or exceed worker
exposure levels.
5-4
W6343/IL
W6851/IL
Figure 57. Ball-style valve with attenuator to
Figure 56. Globe-style valve with noise reduce hydrodynamic noise
abatement cage for aerodynamic flow
Noise Summary
The amount of noise that will be generated by a
proposed control valve installation can be quickly
and reasonably predicted by use of industry
standard methods. These methods are available in
computer software for ease of use. Such sizing
and noise prediction tools help in the proper
selection of noise reduction equipment such as
shown in Figures 56 and 57. Process facility
requirements for low environmental impact will
continue to drive the need for quieter control
valves. The prediction technologies and valve
designs that deliver this are always being
improved. For the latest in either equipment or
prediction technology, contact the valve
manufacturer's representative.
5-5
5-6
Chapter 6
Cavitation and a related issue, flashing, are To understand the conditions in a control valve
hydrodynamic flow phenomena that began to that can cause cavitation or flashing, consider the
receive recognition as technical engineering simple restriction shown in Figure 61. In this
problems in the early 1900s. At that time, figure the pressure of the liquid, P, is plotted as a
observations led to the conclusion that function of the distance, x, through the simple
vaporization of water in the vicinity of highspeed restriction shown at the top of the figure. Figure
propellers was responsible for a decrease in their 62 is a plot of the velocity, V, of the liquid versus
effectiveness. This liquid vaporization was defined the distance, x, as it relates to the pressure profile.
later as cavitation. 6
Cavitation and flashing are a concern to the
control valve industry not only because they There is a point called the vena contracta where
decrease flow capability through control valves, the flow area of the liquid will be at a minimum.
but also because they create noise, vibration, and The vena contracta will be downstream some
material damage. distance of the minimum flow area. This distance
This chapter will define cavitation and flashing and will vary with pressure conditions and actual type
will discuss the negative effects of both flow of restriction.
phenomena. Control valves designed to prevent
cavitation and flashing damage will be discussed
along with other considerations in choosing control
valves for cavitating and flashing services. Figure 62 shows that at the vena contracta point,
the pressure will hit a minimum that will be defined
as the vena contracta pressure, Pvc. After the
vena contracta pressure occurs, the liquid
Cavitation and Flashing pressure will recover to the downstream pressure.
Cavitation and flashing are purely liquid flow Note that the downstream pressure is less than
phenomena. Gases and vapors can neither the upstream pressure because some of the
cavitate nor flash. While there are three available energy is converted into heat.
recognized types of cavitation, the most significant
type, as applied to control valves, is vaporous
cavitation.
To maintain a constant flow rate through the
Vaporous cavitation consists of explosive vapor restriction, the flow velocity must increase to offset
cavity growth within a liquid resulting from local the effect of the decreased crosssectional flow
liquid vaporization. Cavity formation is followed by area. As the energy due to fluid velocity (kinetic
rapid cavity collapse due to vapor energy) increases, other forms of fluid energy
recondensation. The phase change sequence is must be offset accordingly, which accounts for the
caused by local pressure fluctuations in the liquid. pressure drop of the liquid through the restriction.
www.Fisher.com
the pressure profile (Figure 61) of flow through a
FLOW
fixed restriction in relationship to the vapor
pressure of the liquid. Figure 63 shows this
P1
P2
relationship and graphically defines the difference
between cavitation and flashing.
6-2
E0110
Figure 63. Pressure recovery above the vapor
pressure of the liquid results in cavitation. Figure 64. The Pallowable equation will predict
Remaining below the vapor pressure incure flash the occurrence of fully choked flow
ing.
normally proportional to the square root of the
pressure drop. The constant of proportionality is
the liquidflow coefficient of the restriction, Cv,
Bubble Cycle divided by the square root of the specific gravity,
G.
The bubble cycle refers to the phase changes
from a liquid to a vapor and back to a liquid that Therefore,
occur when a liquid cavitates. The behavior of
P *G P
these bubbles has a direct bearing on the degree
of the negative side effects that will result. There Q + Cv 1 2
(62)
are four primary events in the bubble cycle:
nucleation, growth, collapse, and rebound.
This relationship suggests that increasing the
In order for a liquid to cavitate at or near the vapor pressure differential across the restriction can
pressure of the liquid, it is necessary to have a continually increase the flow rate. However, in
place for the cavity to form. Often this is a small practice the relationship begins to break down
bubble of an entrained noncondensible gas in the when a sufficient amount of the vapor phase
liquid. These nuclei must be of a certain minimum (produced in the cavitation process) is formed.
size in order to explosively grow or cavitate. This Less of a flow increase is realized for the same
process of initiating bubble formation is known as pressure differential increase (at a given P1), until
nucleation. finally the flow remains constant despite an
increase in the pressure drop. Figure 64 portrays
this choking phenomenon graphically.
Once the bubble is formed, it proceeds across the
reduced pressure region and grows in response to
The exact mechanisms of liquid choking are not
the continually decreasing pressure and increasing
fully confirmed, although there are parallels
liquid vaporization. This portion of the bubble cycle
between it and critical flow in gas applications. In
is known as the growth portion. Eventually, the
gas flows, the flow chokes when the flow velocity
pressure recovery halts the growth of the bubble
is equal to the acoustic wave speed (sonic
and forces it to collapse which is the third event in
velocity).
the bubble cycle.
For pure liquids (incompressible fluids) the
Under certain circumstances, several growth and acoustic wave speed is very high. In liquids that
collapse cycles can occur in a series of rebounds. partially vaporize, however, the fluid is actually a
twophase mixture and typically has a very low
There are four primary negative side effects of acoustic wave speed (actually lower than that of a
cavitation: excessive noise, excessive vibration, pure gas). Therefore, it is possible for the mixture
material damage, and deterioration of flow velocity to become equal to the sonic velocity and
effectiveness. The flow through a restriction is choke the flow.
6-3
Material Damage
Cavitation damage is usually the most
troublesome negative side effect plaguing the
control valve industry. It does not take many
examples of such damage to fully demonstrate the
destructive capabilities of cavitation.
6-4
E0111
Figure 67. The implosion of cavitation vapor cavities is rapid, asymmetric and very energetic. The mechanics of
collapse give rise to high velocity liquid jets, which impinge on metallic surfaces. Ultimately, the metal fatigues and
breaks away in small pieces.
least during the initial collapse. Experimental resulting in a decrease in the intensity of the
studies bear this out. They also reveal that cavitation.
resulting collapse pressures increase in magnitude
with subsequent rebound collapses and become An additional pressure effect unrelated to the
potentially damaging. above concerns the location of damage. As the
backpressure is changed, the pressure required to
The other primary component of attack, chemical collapse the cavities moves upstream or
attack, is perhaps more significant since it downstream, depending on whether the pressure
interacts with the mechanical component, rather is increased or decreased, respectively. In addition
than acting by itself. After a period of mechanical to a change in the severity of the total damage,
attack many of the protective coatings of a there may be an accompanying change in the
material, (films, oxides, etc.) are physically physical location of the damage when pressure
removed, making the base material more conditions are altered.
vulnerable to chemical attack.
It should now be apparent that the cavitation and
flashing damage process is a complex function of:
Just as a number of variables have an effect on
the behavior of individual cavities, so too there are 1. Intensity and degree of cavitation (cavitation
influences affecting the degree and extent of attack)
material damage. The principal influences include
such variables as air content, pressure, velocity, 2. Material of construction (material response)
and temperature. 3. Time of exposure
While the abovementioned influences have been
Air content impacts cavitation damage primarily
observed, they remain to be quantified. Often,
through its effect on cavity mechanics, as
experience is the best teacher when it comes to
previously discussed. Again, two opposing trends
trying to quantify cavitation damage.
are evident on increasing the amount of air.
Adding air supplies more entrained air nuclei,
which in turn produce more cavities that can
increase the total damage. After a point, however,
continued increases in air content disrupt the
mechanical attack component and effectively Noise
reduce the total damage. Although the noise associated with a cavitating
liquid can be quite high, it is usually of secondary
Pressure effects also exhibit two opposing trends. concern when compared to the material damage
Given a fixed inlet pressure P1, decreasing the that can exist. Therefore, high intensity cavitation
backpressure P2 tends to increase the number of should be prevented to decrease the chance of
cavities formed, which creates a worse situation. material damage. If cavitation is prevented, the
However, a lower backpressure also creates a noise associated with the liquid flow will be less
lower collapse pressure differential (P2 Pv), than 90 dBA.
6-5
For a flashing liquid, studies and experience have
shown that the noise level associated with the
valve will be less than 85 dBA, regardless of the
pressure drop involved to create the flashing. RESTRICTEDTRIM
ADAPTOR
D Valve Design
LINER
D Materials of Construction
W0970
D System Design
Figure 68. Design EAS valve with outlet liner is
used for flashing service. The liner resists erosion
and protects the body.
Valve Design
While valve design has no bearing on whether
flashing does or does not occur, it can have a
large impact on the intensity of flashing damage. Materials of Construction
Generally, there are two valve designs that are
more resistant to flashing damage than the There are several factors which determine the
generally accepted globe body. performance of a given material in a particular
flashing and/or cavitating situation, including the
An angle valve with standard trim in the flow down materials' toughness, hardness, and its
direction and with a downstream liner is perhaps corrosion-resistance in the application
the best solution to preventing flashing damage. environment. Within a given material family (for
Figure 68 shows a typical angle valve for flashing example, the 400-series stainless steels),
service. hardness is a fairly accurate method for ranking
materials. However, when comparing materials
The reason this construction is an excellent choice from different families, hardness doesn't correlate
is that flashing damage occurs when high velocity with overall resistance to damage. For example,
vapor bubbles impinge on the surface of a valve. cobalt-chromium-tungsten based Alloy 6 has
An angle valve reduces the impingement by much more resistance to cavitation and flashing
directing flow into the center of the downstream than either hardened type 410 or 17-4 stainless
pipe, not into the valve body. If damage does steels, even though they all exhibit roughly the
occur, the downstream liner can be replaced much same hardness. In fact, Alloy 6 equals or exceeds
more economically than the valve body. the performance of many materials with
hardnesses of 60 HRC and higher. The superior
A rotary plug style of valve is also an excellent performance of Alloy 6 is attributed to a built-in
choice for medium to low pressure flashing energy-absorbing" mechanism shared by a
applications. This valve can be installed with the number of cobalt-base alloys. However, Alloy 6 is
plug facing the downstream side of the body not without its weaknesses; in many
(Figure 69) so when flashing occurs, it does so amine-treated feedwater applications, Alloy 6
downstream of the valve. In some cases, a spool suffers accelerated attack by an erosion-corrosion
piece of sacrificial pipe is used to absorb the mechanism (see Alloy 6 Corrosion" in Chapter 10
flashing damage. for more information).
6-6
W8359
Figure 69. Rotary plug valves, such as the Design V500 (reverse flow trim direction, trim level 3) have excellent
erosion resistance and perform well in flashing service.
Materials commonly used for flashing and contents (9% Cr, 1% Mo) would indicate excellent
cavitating services are Alloy 6 (solid and overlays), cavitation resistance.
nickel-chromium-boron alloys (solid and
overlays), hardened 440C stainless steel, While angle bodies are a better choice for flashing
hardened 17-4 stainless steel, and hardened applications than globe bodies, they are also a
410/416 stainless steel, more economical choice in most cases. The
reason is that carbon steel bodies can be used in
Since the standard materials used in valve bodies an angle valve with an optional hardened
are relatively soft, selection for caviation and downstream liner, (17-4PH SST, Alloy 6,etc.)
flashing resistance must rely on factors other than since only the downstream portion of the valve will
hardness. In general, as the chromium and experience the flashing liquid. See Figure 6-8. If a
molybdenum contents increase, the resistance to globe valve is used, it is better to use a
damage by both cavitation and flashing increases. chromium-molybdenum alloy steel body since the
Thus the chromium-molybdenum alloy steels flashing will occur within the body itself.
have better resistance than the carbon steels, and
the stainless steels have even better resistance
than the chromium-molybdenum alloy steels. System Design
In the past, ASME SA217 grade C5 was the most This section discusses system design where it is
commonly specified chromium-molybdenum alloy assumed that flashing will occur. The optimum
steel. However, because of the poor casting, position of the valve in a flashing service can have
welding, and manufacturing characteristics of C5, a great impact on the success of that valve
ASME SA217 grade WC9 has become a more installation.
popular alternative. Experience indicates that WC9
Figure 610 shows the same application with the
performs on par with C5 in cavitation and flashing
exception of the location of the control valve.
services despite its lower chromium content
These figures are fairly representative of a valve
(2-1/4% vs. 5%). This is apparently because its
that controls flow to a condenser.
higher molybdenum content (1% vs 1/2%) makes
up for the lower chromium content. In the top illustration, the flashing will occur in the
downstream pipe between the control valve and
ASTM A217 grade C12A is becoming more the tank. Any damage that occurs will do so in
common in the power industry. This material has that area.
excellent high-temperature properties, and is
usually used at temperature exceeding 1000_F In the bottom illustration, the flashing will occur
(538_C). Its higher chromium and molybdenum downstream of the valve within the tank.
6-7
Since the tank has a very large volume compared
to the pipe, high velocity fluid impingement on a
material surface will not occur since there is
essentially no material surface. This system
design will help prevent flashing damage.
The design theories or ideas behind the various A welldesigned pressurestaging device will be
trim designs include: able to take a large pressure differential, yet
maintain the vena contracta pressure above the
D Tortuous path vapor pressure of the liquid, which prevents the
liquid from cavitating.
D Pressure drop staging
For the same pressure differential then, the vena
contracta pressure in conventional trim will be
D Expanding flow area lower than for the staged trim, and the liquid will
be more prone to cavitate.
D Drilled hole design
Trims that dissipate available energy have an
D Characterized cage additional advantage. If the design pressure
differential is exceeded and cavitation does occur,
D Separation of seating and throttling locations the intensity will be less. This is because the
pressure that causes the collapse of cavities (i.e.,
D Cavitation control in lieu of prevention the recovered pressure) will be less.
This approach to damage control routes flow The expanding flow area concept requires fewer
through several restrictions in series, as opposed pressure drop stages to provide the same
to a single restriction. Each restriction dissipates a cavitation protection as the equal area concept.
certain amount of available energy and presents a Since the pressure drop of the last stage is rather
lower inlet pressure to the next stage. low compared to the total pressure drop, if
6-8
E0113-1/il
Fisher Controls uses drilled hole cages to provide One disadvantage of cavitation control trims is the
a tortuous path, pressure drop staging, and potential for flow passages to become plugged.
expanding flow area in its Cavitrol line of The flowing media often times contains small
cavitation control trims. The design of each particulate such as sand that can plug the
particular drilled hole has a significant impact on passages, restricting or totally stopping flow
the overall pressure recovery of the valve design. through the valve. If this potential exists, the
particles must be removed from the flow stream,
Figure 612 shows a cross section of three types usually by filtration, or an alternative approach to
of drilled holes that could be used in a cavitation cavitation should be taken.
control cage. The thin plate design is a very
inefficient flow device, but it does provide a high An alternative is to use a trim that is designed to
FL2 and therefore a low pressure recovery. The allow the particulate to pass, but still control
thick plate design provides an efficient design, but cavitation. The Fisher Dirty Service Trim (DST)
also provides a high pressure recovery as denoted has been designed to allow particles up to " to
by a low FL2 value. be passed and to control cavitation up to pressure
drops of 4000 psi. This trim has been used
The Cavitrol trim hole design is a balance between extensively in feed pump recirculation, feedwater
the thick plate and the thin plate hole designs. startup, and numerous recycle applications.
6-9
Characterized Cages
The characterized cage design theory has evolved
from the fact that capacity is inversely related to a
design's ability to prevent cavitation." In those
applications where the pressure drop decreases
as the flow rate increases, characterized cages
can be used to optimize cavitation prevention and
capacity.
6-10
even the best system design is likely to need the amount of air to be injected, etc. are
cavitation type control valves, but by applying sometimes hard to quantify.
certain design features, the complexity of these
control valves may be simplified.
Since air is being injected into the system, this
The most common and oldest method of method of cavitation control is usually used on
designing a liquid flow system where large large valves dumping to a tank or pond or where
pressure drops must occur is to use a standard solids in the system prevent the use of other
trim control valve with a downstream cavitation control devices.
backpressure device. Although these devices
come in various sizes, shapes, and designs, they Cavitation is an interesting but destructive
all perform the same function of lowering the phenomenon. Preventing cavitation is the most
pressure drop across the control valve by raising acceptable way of limiting potential for damage.
its downstream pressure. Proper application of available products based on
sizing equations and field experience will provide
Since the downstream pressure of the valve is long term success.
increased, the vena contracta pressure is
increased. If the backpressure device is sized
correctly, the vena contract pressure will not fall
below the vapor pressure, and cavitation will not
occur.
6-11
6-12
Chapter 7
Steam Conditioning
www.Fisher.com
These lines curve and meet at
705.4 deg F the critical
temperature, above
which water cannot
300 exist as a liquid
TH DIAGRAM
WATER
200
Temperataure, def F
970 Btu to Atmospheric pressure
boil water
Temperataure, def F
14.7 PSIA
144 Btu to melt ice
VAPOR
32 LIQUIDVAPOR
Ice heating at about
0
1/2 Btu per degree
0 500 1000
E0118 ENTHALPY, BTU/LBM
Btu added to 1 pound of water Figure 72. Temperature enthalpy diagram for
E0117 water showing that saturation temperature varies
with pressure. By choosing an appropriate
Figure 71. Temperature enthalpy diagram for
pressure, both correct system temperature and
water. Note that the greatest amount of thermal
thermal efficiency can be accommodated.
energy input is used to vaporize the water.
Maximum efficiency in heat transfer requires
operation at near saturation temperature to recover
The water begins once again to change state, in
this energy.
this case from water to steam. The complete
In the lower left portion of the graph, the water is evaporation of the water requires the addition of
frozen, at atmospheric pressure and below 32F. 970 BTUs per pound. This is referred to as the
At this point, heat is being rejected from the water latent heat of vaporization and is different at each
as it maintains its solid state. As heat is gradually individual pressure level. During the vaporization
added, the ice begins to change. Addition of heat process, the liquid and vapor states coexist at
to the ice raises the temperature and slows the constant temperature and pressure. Once all the
rate of heat rejection. It requires approximately water, or liquid phase, has been eliminated, we
1/2 BTU of thermal energy to be added to a pound now have one pound of steam at 212F. This is
of ice to raise its temperature 1F. Upon reaching called the saturated vapor stage. The addition of
32F, the addition of more heat does not further thermal energy to the steam will now again
immediately result in an increase in temperature. increase the temperature. This process is known
Additional heat at this point begins to melt the ice as superheating. To superheat one pound of
and results in a transformation of state from a steam 1F requires the addition of approximately
solid to a liquid. A total of 144 BTUs is required to .4 BTUs of thermal energy.
melt one pound of ice and change it to water at
32F. The potential thermal energy release resulting
from a steam temperature change differs
Once the phase change from a solid to a liquid is significantly depending on temperature and
complete, the addition of more heat energy to the superheat condition. It is much more efficient, on
water will again raise its temperature. One BTU of a mass basis, to cool by addition of ice rather than
heat is required to raise the temperature of one by the addition of cold fluids. Similarly, it is more
pound of water by 1F. This relationship remains efficient to heat with steam at temperatures near
proportionate until the boiling point (212F) is the saturation temperature rather than in the
reached. At this point, the further addition of heat superheated region. In the saturated region,
energy will not increase the temperature of the much more heat is liberated per degree of
water. This is called the saturated liquid stage. temperature change than in the superheated
7-2
range because production of condensate liberates DControl temperature and flow with load
the enthalpy of evaporation, the major component variation
of the total thermal energy content. The
temperatureenthalpy diagram in Figure 72 is As mentioned earlier, dry superheated steam is
generalized to show the thermodynamic ideally suited for mechanical work. It can be
relationship at various pressures. readily converted to kinetic energy to drive
turbines, compressors and fans. However, as the
The graph in Figure 72 illustrates three distinct steep temperatureenthalpy line slope would
phases (i.e., liquid, vapor, and liquidvapor) and indicate, the amount of heat output per unit of
how enthalpy relates to temperature in each phase temperature drop is very small. A heat exchanger
at constant pressure. The rounded section in the using superheated steam would have to be
middle of the graph is called the "steam dome" extremely large, use great quantities of steam, or
and encompasses the twophase, liquidvapor take tremendous temperature drops. A 10F drop
region. The left boundary of the steam dome is in temperature liberates only 4.7 BTU per pound.
called the saturated liquid line. The right boundary
line is the saturated vapor line. The two If this same steam had been desuperheated to
boundaries meet at a point at the top of the dome near saturation the thermal capabilities would be
called the critical point. Above this point, 3206 psi greatly enhanced. The same 10F drop in
and 705F, liquid water will flash directly to dry temperature would result in the release of over
steam without undergoing a twophase 976 BTU of heat. This illustrates the obvious
coexistence. When conditions exceed this critical advantages of desuperheating when thermal
point they are considered to be existing in the processes are involved. Only by desuperheating
supercritical state. the superheated steam is it possible to
economically retrieve the energy associated with
In the lower left side of the graph, the saturated vaporization. By changing steam pressure, the
liquid line intersects the temperature axis at 32F. saturation temperature can be moved to match the
At this point we have water and a defined enthalpy temperature needs of the process and still gain
of 0 BTU/LB. As heat is added to the system, the the thermal benefits of operating near saturation.
temperature and enthalpy rise and we progress up
the saturated liquid line. Water boils at 212F at The previous discussion centered on why we
14.7 psia. Thus, at 212F and 180 BTU/LB, we superheat steam (to do mechanical work) and
note a deviation from the saturated liquid line. when it should be desuperheated back to
The water has begun to boil and enter a new saturation (to heat.) There are many situations
phase; LiquidVapor. when saturated steam suddenly and
unintentionally acquires more superheat than the
As long as the liquid stays in contact with the downstream process was designed to
vapor, the temperature will remain constant as accommodate. This "unintentional" superheat
more heat is added. At 1150 BTU/LB (at 14.7 psi) produces the same thermal inefficiencies
we break through to the saturated vapor line. mentioned previously. In this case, we are talking
Thus, after inputting 970 BTU/LB all of the water about the sudden expansion and temperature
has been vaporized and enters the pure vapor change associated with a pressure reducing valve.
state. As more heat is added, the temperature Take the following steam header conditions for
rises very quickly as the steam becomes example:
superheated.
Conditions: P1 = 165 psia
T1 = 370F
Enthalpy = 1198.9 BTU/LB
Why Desuperheat?
Saturation temperature at 165 psia is 366F.
Desuperheating, or attemperation as it is Therefore, the steam has only 4F of superheat
sometimes called, is most often used to: and would be excellent for heat transfer. Assume
that another thermal process requires some
DImprove the efficiency of thermal transfer in steam, but at 45 psia rather than 165 psia. The
heat exchangers simple solution is to install a pressure reducing
valve. Since throttling devices, such as valves
DReduce or control superheated steam and orifices, are isenthalpic (constant enthalpy
temperatures that might otherwise be harmful to processes) the total heat content of the steam will
equipment, process or product not change as flow passes through the restriction.
7-3
After the valve, the steam will have the following
conditions:
Conditions: P2 = 45 psia
Enthalpy = 1198.9 BTU/LB
of this steam for heat transfer could be Figure 73. Insertion style desuperheater injects a
uneconomical and return on investment on a controlled amount of cooling water into super
desuperheater would be most favorable. heated steam flow.
7-4
W63101 W69821
Figure 74A. Design DMA/AF desuperheater Figure 74B. Design DVG/AF variablegeometry,
utilizes variablegeometry, backpressure mechanically atomized, selfcontained
activated spray nozzles. desuperheater for moderate to high flow variation.
7-5
energy helps to impart energy transfer to the
droplets and assists in breakup, mixing, and
vaporization. This style is best suited for medium
turndown applications typically around 15:1.
7-6
C0817 / IL
DESIGN DSA DESUPERHEATER
Figure 75. Design DSA desuperheater utilizes two external control valves: a spraywater unit and an atomizing steam valve.
7-7
Since a desuperheater is not a final control
element, its performance is linked directly to its
system environment. Therefore, the actual
turndown is more a function of system parameters
rather than based on the equipment's empirical
flow variations. Once this is understood, it is
obvious that even a good desuperheater cannot
overcome the limitations of a poorly designed
system.
failure if the unit isn't designed for the operation. Figure 77. Detail of Type AF Spray Nozzle.
Design upgrades for this application consist of
thermal liners to reduce thermal loads and
structural optimization to reduce induced vibration Steam conditioning valve designs can vary
at stress sensitive welds. considerably, as do the applications they are
required to handle. Each has particular
To summarize the requirements to size a characteristics or options that yield efficient
desuperheater correctly, the following system and operation over a wide range of conditions and
operating information is required: customer specified requirements.
The TBX steamconditioning valve (Figure 76)
DMinimum & Maximum Steam Flow combines pressure and temperature control in a
single valve. Finite element analysis (FEA) and
DSteam Pressure & Temperatures computational fluid dynamic (CFD) tools were
used in its development to optimize the valve's
DCooling Water Pressure & Temperature operating performance and overall reliability. The
rugged design of the TBX proves capable of
DRequired System Turndown Ratio handling full mainstream pressure drops, while its
flowup configuration in conjunction with Whisper
DPipe Size & System Layout Trim technology prevents the generation of
excessive noise and vibration.
DPlanned Mode of Operation The simplified trim configuration used in the TBX
accommodates rapid changes in temperature, as
experienced during a turbine trip. The cage is
casehardened for maximum life and is allowed to
expand during thermally induced excursions. The
valve plug is continuously guided and utilizes
Steam Conditioning Valves cobaltbased overlays both as guide bands and to
provide tight, metaltometal shutoff against the
Steam conditioning valves represent seat.
stateoftheart control of steam pressure and
temperature by integrally combining both functions The TBX incorporates a spraywater manifold
within one control element unit. These valves downstream of its pressure reduction stage. The
address the need for better control of steam manifold features variable geometry, backpressure
conditions brought on by increased energy costs activated Type AF nozzles that maximize mixing
and more rigorous plant operation. Steam and quick vaporization of the spraywater.
conditioning valves also provide better
temperature control, improved noise abatement, Type AF nozzle (Figure 77) was developed
and require fewer piping and installation originally for condenser dump systems in which
restrictions than the equivalent desuperheater and the downstream steam pressure can fall below the
pressure reduction station. saturation level. In these instances, the
7-8
spraywater may flash and significantly change the
flow characteristic and capacity of the associated
nozzle at a critical point in the operation.
W87861
The TBX injects the spray water towards the
Figure 78. Design TBXT Cooler.
center of the pipeline and away from the pipe wall.
The number of injection points varies by
application. With high differentials in steam
pressure, the outlet size of the valve increases
drastically to accommodate the larger specific
volumes. Correspondingly, an increased number
of nozzles are arranged around the circumference
of the outlet, making for a more even and
complete distribution of the spray water. Installation Guidelines
Installation of desuperheaters and steam
The simplified trim arrangement in the TBX conditioning valves is key to long term success
permits extending its use to higher pressure and performance. It is best to install
classes (through ANSI Class 2500) and operating desuperheaters in a straight run of horizontal or
temperatures. Its balanced plug configuration vertical pipe. Installation in elbows is also possible,
provides Class V shutoff and a linear flow but it can affect system turndown and thermal
characteristic. stratification due to momentum caused changes in
the velocity profile.
The TBX typically uses highperformance,
pneumatic piston actuators in combination with
FIELDVUE Digital Valve Controllers to achieve full Momentum forces the majority of the steam flow
stroke in less than two seconds while maintaining to the outside surfaces of the bend. This results in
highly accurate step response. The FIELDVUE a low velocity void on the inside of the elbow. If
instruments along with AMS ValveLinkR software high turndowns are not required, this installation is
provide a selfdiagnostic capability that gives satisfactory since the voids would rarely be below
answers about valve performance. The current minimum velocity at maximum flow. As the flow is
valve/actuator signature (seat load, friction, etc.) reduced, however, these areas may lose their
can be compared against previously stored ability to perform as required to desuperheat the
signatures to identify performance changes before steam.
they cause process control problems.
When piping dictates, the TBX valve can be Other installation parameters that are always of
provided as separate components, allowing interest to the piping designer are how much
pressure control in the valve body and straight run of pipe is required and where the
temperature reduction in a downstream steam temperature sensor should be located. Both are
cooler. The steam cooler (Figure 7 8) is equipped thermally derived questions and require thermally
with a water supply manifold (multiple manifolds derived answers. It is desirable to have the
are possible also.) The manifold provides cooling thermal sensor as close as possible to the
water flow to a number of individual spray nozzles desuperheater in order to reduce the signal lag
that are installed in the pipe wall of the cooler time. It is also desirable not to have any piping
section. The result is a fine spray injected radially components (e.g., elbows or tees) that would
into the high turbulence of the axial steam flow. detract from the thermal process.
7-9
The following equations provide guidelines for The following will concentrate on the general
designing a proper system. These equations application of bypass systems as used in fossil
relate to time required for complete vaporization fueled utility power plants. The closed
and mixing. water/steam heat cycle of such typical units may
be comprised, but not limited to, sub or
Downstream Straight Pipe Requirements (SPR): supercritical pressures, to single, double, or triple
reheat sections and to condensation at or near
SPR (ft) = 0.1 Sec. x Maximum Steam Velocity ambient temperatures. The steam generating
(ft/sec) principles where such bypass systems are
employed include natural or assisted circulation
Downstream Temperature Sensor Distance (TS): drum boilers, combined circulation boilers, and
oncethrough boilers. The turbine may be of
15% Spraywater or less: single or double shaft design and operated either
at fixed inlet pressure or on sliding pressure.
TS (ft) = 0.2 Sec. x Maximum Steam Velocity
(ft/sec)
Bypass System Benefits
Greater than 15% Spraywater:
Just how beneficial a bypass system proves to be
TS (ft) = 0.3 Sec. x Maximum Steam Velocity depends upon many factors (e.g., plant size,
(ft/sec) mode of operation, age of existing components,
size of the condenser, main fuel type, control
philosophy, etc.) However, the main benefits for
Temperature control is not limited to receiving a
the application of a comprehensive bypass system
signal from a downstream temperature sensor.
in the 25100% size range are:
Another valid alternative is feedforward control.
Feedforward control is accomplished using an DThe matching of steam and heavy turbine
algorithm that is characterized specifically to the metal component temperatures during the
valve installed in the application. The algorithm is startup and shutdown phase. This has proven
programmed into the distributed control system to to be of major economic significance in terms of
provide an accurate calculation of the spray water fuel savings and the thermal protection of critical
that is required to reduce the steam enthalpy and heavy wall boiler and turbine components. By
temperature to the desired outlet set point. The limiting temperature differentials during turbine
algorithm requires input of upstream temperature admission, the effects of thermal fatigue are
and pressure as well as the position of the valve. minimized and longevity of components
Upstream and spraywater enthalpies are then maximized. This is especially important for life
determined using an inherent steam table within extension programs were the role and justification
the DCS. The total spraywater required is of the bypass system may be centered solely on
calculated from a heat balance using the final this aspect.
enthalpy into the condenser. This method of
temperature control is a practical solution for DThe ability to avoid a boiler trip following
applications that do not have enough downstream a full load rejection. A boiler (HRSG) / turbine
pipe distance for accurate measurement by a unit with a bypass can withstand a complete
temperature sensor. system load rejection and remain available for
rapid reloading after the disturbance has been
removed. This important advantage for system
Turbine Bypass Systems flexibility and operating efficiency can make the
difference between a more costly and time
The most severe and critical application of any consuming warm start and a hot start.
steam conditioning installation is that of the turbine
bypass. DReduction in solidparticle erosion of
turbine components. The loss of material from
The concept of the turbine bypass has been the boiler tubing and internals is most prevalent
around for a long time; however, its application during commissioning startup and after the unit
and importance has broadened significantly in has been shutdown for an expended period of
recent years. Steam turbine bypass systems time. Thermal transients assist in the dislodging
have become essential to today's power plant of scale, oxides, and weldments within the boiler
performance, availability, responsiveness, and circuit to form an abrasive steam flow that, over
major component protection. time, could accelerate the wear of sensitive
7-10
turbine blades and seriously affect operating counteract the pressure buildup resulting from the
efficiencies and maintenance costs. Damage can isolation of the boiler piping circuit when the
be reduced or eliminated by routing the steam turbine valves close in this trip situation.
through the bypass system.
7-11
E0866
Figure 79.
Spraywater for cooling is normally obtained from manufacturer interfaces specific condenser control
the boiler feed pump discharge and is regulated by permissives with these bypass control systems. If
an external spraywater control valve that is any of these permissives is not met or is exceeded
properly sized to handle the required flow and during bypass operation, the valve is quickly shut.
pressure drop. These permissives include, but are not limited to:
7-12
Spraywater for cooling is normally obtained from
the condensate boost pump discharge and is
regulated by a properly sized external spraywater
control valve.
Bypass Size
A comprehensive bypass system includes HP
bypass, HRH bypass and LP bypass valves.
However, they may or may not be sized for the
same capacity. There are many variables that can
influence the required size of each bypass system.
7-13
rejections. Modern bypass systems operate or quick restart.) All systems are protected, and a
during: minimum of condensate is lost.
7-14
DAnother reason to desuperheat is to control DSteam conditioning is the process of
the unintentional superheat" created by pressure combining pressure reduction and desuperheating
reduction valves. into a single control element.
DProper installation is key to best DTurbine bypass systems are beneficial and
performance. Guidelines for piping geometry and instrumental for achieving high efficiency,
placement of downstream temperature sensors flexibility, and responsiveness in today's power
are available. plants.
7-15
7-16
Chapter 8
A steam power plant is a means for converting the This is all you need to know about an electric
potential chemical energy of fuel into electrical generator nowjust think of it as a rapidly rotating
energy. In its simplest form, it consists of a boiler magnet inside of a coil of wire. This produces an
and a turbine driving an electric generator.8 electric current in the wire. Later, we will elaborate
on this simple description.
The boiler is a device for turning water into steam.
The steam jet issuing from the spout spins the fan You may wonder, if a power plant is basically as
(turbine) and also the generator. In the sketch the simple as this, why we build the complex plants
very simplest kind of boiler and turbine are shown. we see described in POWER ENGINEERING
The boiler is a tea kettle, and the turbine is nothing Magazine? The answer is quite simple: the plant
more than a little windmill. Actual turbines are shown in the sketch is not very efficient. Indeed,
more complicated but the principle is the same. its efficiency is close to zero. Since we want to
get as much power as possible out of a given
quantity of fuel, it is necessary to make our plants
as efficient as possible.
www.Fisher.com
Boiler Components supplying more oxygen than is actually needed to
combine with the carbon, and this excess oxygen
Looking at it again, it is obvious that it can be will play no part in the combustion process. Not
broken down into several divisions. only will it play no part but it will actually detract
from the efficiency by absorbing heat that
First, there is the fire under the boiler. This otherwise could be used to heat the water in the
involves not only the fuel itself, but also the boiler. In actual practice it is not possible to supply
method of placing the fuel under the boiler and the exactly the required amount of air, so somewhat
arrangement for burning it properly. more than enough is supplied. This is commonly
referred to as excess air.
So let us extend the diagram to look like this:
So, in the process of combustion, we are dealing
with chemistry. It involves knowledge of the
composition of the coal, its physical condition, its
behavior under various conditions of temperature,
moisture, etc. Actually, the combustion of coal is a
very complex process requiring a good knowledge
of both physics and chemistry. In a large plant it
involves a major problem in materials
handlingfuel, ashes, air and flue gas. Remember,
to burn coal, you have to supply about 11 pounds
E0171 of dry air for each pound of dry coal used.
Because of widely varying coal compositions, and
allowing for excess air and moisture, the actual
Here, we see a belt conveyor transporting coal to amount required is usually somewhat more than
the furnace where it is burned on a traveling grate this.
stoker. A bellows supplies air for combustion.
So far, we have merely mentioned ashes and flue
Remember, when you burn coal you are really
gas. These have to be removed continuously. In
promoting a chemical reactiona chain reaction.
the days of hand firing the removal of ash was
When coal is heated to a high enough temperature
simple, though laborious. The fireman merely
in the presence of air, the carbon in the coal
raked the ash out of the ashpit and carried it away
combines with the oxygen of the air to form either
in wheelbarrows. Today, in large plants, the
carbon dioxide (CO2) or carbon monoxide (CO).
removal of ash is a complicated process requiring
These, of course, are both gases. Which gas is
rather elaborate equipment. So, we must add ash
formed depends upon the quantity of oxygen
removal equipment to our diagram; also a chimney
present. The CO means that the coal is only
for the removal of flue gas.
partially burned, indeed, the CO can be combined
with more oxygen to form CO2.
Furthermore, the process of combustion is
In burning coal we do not want CO because that stimulated by heat; indeed, the process will not
means the coal is only partially burned: there is start until the fuel is brought to the kindling
still energy left in the gas, energy that we can temperature. Everything must be done, therefore,
recover if we can burn it to CO2. It is desirable, in to maintain a high temperature in the furnace. This
the operation of our boiler furnaces, always to get makes it desirable to heat the air for combustion
as much CO2 as we can because in that way we before it is delivered to the furnace. This aids
get all the heat out of the fuel. combustion and increases the efficiency.
We can obtain the CO2 by supplying more air to With these facts in mind, let us redraw our
the fuel as it is burning. But we do not want to diagram to incorporate these improvements. This
supply too much air, because if we do we will be way:
8-2
E0172
E0173
8-3
This single example, then, shows what the room for the steam to collect. To check the water
engineer runs into when he begins to refine the level a water gage is fitted to the steam drum. This
simple system we began with. He may add shows the water level in the boiler at all times.
something to improve it but he may find that the
improvement is not an unmixed blessing; it may Now, it is obvious that if the amount of steam
also have deleterious effects. These he must leaving the boiler was always the same as the
guard against. amount of water entering, the water level would
remain the same. This state of affairs seldom
But let's get on with our power system. The tea occurs. Variations in load causes variations in
kettle representing the boiler is not a very efficient steam flow; variations in the fuel supply and air
generator of steam. Let's see if we cannot design supply cause variations in the rate of combustion,
a better one. which in turn results in variations in the rate of
evaporation, and all of these cause changes in the
water level. This makes it necessary for the
operator to maintain a continual watch on the
water level. If it drops, he increases the water
supply; if it rises, he decreases it.
E0174
8-4
expedient to heat the water before pumping it into
the boiler; so it is run through a feedwater heater.
E0177
E0177
8-5
E0178
E0180
8-6
E0180
exhaust steam coming from the turbine than you No. There is a much better way of disposing of
could use in the feedwater heater Remember, this exhaust steam. That is by using it to create a
practically the entire boiler output passes through vacuum at the exhaust end of the turbine.
the turbine and out into the exhaust.
A vacuum? Why a vacuum? What good would that
do? Well, remember that the turbine is surrounded
If you want, you can pipe this exhaust steam to on all sides by the atmosphere which, at sea level,
radiators and use it to heat houses and buildings exerts a pressure of about 15 lb. per square inch
in winter. (psi). In order to get out of the exhaust opening,
the steam has to push against this 15 psi
Note that part of the exhaust steam goes to the pressure, and this requires work, just as it does to
feedwater heater Most of it, however, goes to the push the turbine blades around. But suppose, by
building heating system. some means we could remove the atmosphere
from around the exhaust opening so that the
steam issuing from the exhaust opening would
Now, this is fine if you have a building you want to encounter no resistance whatever. You would find
heat or if you need steam heat for other purposes that you could develop more power in the turbine;
such as cooking, heating stills in food or chemical indeed, it would be equivalent to an increase in
plants or any of scores of different purposes in steam pressure.
industry. In practice, that is how a great deal of
exhaust steam is used. Indeed, this is one of the To understand how we can accomplish this
reasons it pays the owners of an industrial plant, a (removal of the atmospheric pressure) it is
paper mill for example, or a textile mill or a food necessary to know a few facts about steam.
products plant, to have their own power plant. Steam, remember, is evaporated water When
They can use practically all of the exhaust steam water is heated to a temperature of 212F at
from the turbine for heating and other purposes. atmospheric pressure it turns into steam. If the
water is enclosed in a tightly closed vessel such
If they did not have the turbine, they still would as a boiler, the temperature at which the water
need a boiler to generate steam. By first running turns into steam will be higher. In any case. Also,
the steam through a turbine they can get the the volume of the steam produced will be very
electric power so produced for a very low cost. much larger than the volume of the water from
which it was produced. At atmospheric pressure,
for example, a pound of steam occupies a volume
Suppose, however, there is no building to be of 26 cubic feet.
heated or no factory process to use up the
exhaust steam; what then? Take a public utility Suppose, now, that you had a pound of steam at
plant for example. A public utility plant is designed atmospheric pressure in a closed vessel with a
solely to generate electricity to sell. Such plants volume of exactly 26 cu ft. This vessel would be a
usually are far away from buildings where the trifle less than 3 feet on a side, assuming it to be a
exhaust steam might be used for heating. Should cube. It would be full of steam. There would be no
the exhaust steam be permitted to be wasted to air. If you suddenly placed this vessel on a large
the atmosphere? block of ice, or cooled it by spraying cold water on
8-7
it, what would happen? The steam would demonstrating the production of a vacuum by the
condenseit would turn back into waterinto one condensation of steam.
pound of water This pound of water, however, Remember, we wanted to create a vacuum at the
would occupy only 1/60th of a cubic foot. It would exhaust end of the turbine. Now that we know how
look about like this. to create a vacuum, just how can we apply the
principle to our turbine? Well, suppose we attach a
large hollow vessel to the exhaust opening of the
turbine and install a bank of small tubes in the
vessel through which we can pump cold water.
E0181
8-8
E0184
Now, our system looks like the drawing above. makeup water or simply makeup. The idea is to
keep the amount of makeup as low as possible.
Steam produced in the boiler flows through the
main steam header to the turbine. In the turbine it There is only one additional requirement to make
passes, successively, through the various stages, a working system. Wherever there is a vacuum,
losing pressure at each stage and giving up its there will be some air leakage into the system,
energy to the blades on the rotor. This turns the and this air must be removed or it will gradually
electric generator and produces electricity. build up and destroy the vacuum. If the vacuum
Emerging from the exhaust opening at the bottom required is not too high, a combination
of the turbine, the steam enters the condenser condensateair removal pump can be used. For
where it condenses on the tubes through which higher vacuums, separate air removal equipment
the cool circulating water flows. is needed.
Condensation of the steam creates a vacuum Condenser air pumps separate the air from the
which reduces the back pressure which otherwise water vapor and return the water to the
would impede the flow of steam to a considerable condensate system. They generally are of the
extent. The condensed steam collects in the steam ejector type. Even these are fitted with heat
hotwell of the condenser and is drawn off by the exchangers to recover the heat that might
condensate pump that pumps the water into the otherwise be lost in extracting the air from the
feedwater heater. Here the water is further heated condenser.
by the exhaust steam from the boiler feed pump If you are interested only in the basic principle of a
(or other steamdriven auxiliaries) and then is power plant, this is all you need to know. True,
pumped back into the boiler by the boiler many more refinements can be added which will
feedpump. The latter, it will be noted, is run by further improve the efficiency but the system
steam from the main highpressure header. shown in the last diagram would work.
We now have a completely closed system. All the If this explanation, so far, has made sense to you
water that is turned into steam in the boiler is and if it has been of interest, maybe you would like
condensed back into water in the condenser and to go a little further and learn something about
pumped back into the boiler again. Of course, actual plants as they are built today.
there are slight losses at various points in the
system, leakage through pump bearings, steam The boiler plant shown in the diagrams is fired by
leakage through valve packing, etc. To make up a chaingrate stoker. Most people are reasonably
for this loss a small quantity of raw water has to familiar with a stoker. Power plant boilers are also
be pumped into the system. This is known as fired by oil or pulverized coal. Where pulverized
8-9
coal is used, the coal is first passed through a pressure, that is, 15 psi absolute pressure, steam
pulverizer which grinds the coal to the consistency has a temperature of 212F. At 500 psi absolute,
of flour. Then, by means of a fan, the powdered the temperature of steam is 449F.
coal is blown into the furnace where it burns very
much as a gas flame. The efficiency of a turbine, or any other kind of
heat engine such as a steam engine or a gas
engine, does not depend upon the nature of the
working mediumsteam, compressed air,
ammonia, etc. Instead, it relies upon the quantity
and the absolute temperature of the heat received
and the heat rejected.
Now, what about steam pressure? In one of the Now the thermal efficiency of such a perfect
foregoing paragraphs we said something about engine is easily figured by means of a very simple
efficiency being related to steam pressure. Is this equation. Here it is:
true?
E = (T1 T2 / T1) x 100
Yes, but largely because steam pressure is
related to temperature. The higher the pressure of In this expression, E stands for efficiency in
steam, the higher its temperature. At atmospheric percent, T1 is the absolute temperature of the
8-10
steam entering the engine, and T2 is the absolute and construction, and, of course, economics. High
temperature of the steam leaving the engine. So, steam temperatures and pressures together with
with 400F (860 absolute)* for the entering steam systems of higher and higher capacity necessitate
and 212F for the exhaust, the efficiency of this alloy steels capable of withstanding the high
theoretical engine is: temperatures and pressures. High rates of
evaporation in boilers together with high pressures
100 x (860672/860) = 188/860 = 21.8 percent and temperatures make elaborate feedwater
treating system necessary, involving constant,
Instead of letting the steam from this engine close chemical control. High pressures and
exhaust against atmospheric pressure, suppose temperatures also affect the character of the
we attach a condenser to the exhaust opening to piping arrangements, valves, fittings, and methods
produce a backpressure of 5 psia. As explained of insulation as well as many other things.
previously, at this pressure the temperature of
steam is 162F (162 + 460 = 622 abs). With the use of high pressures and temperatures,
the simple method of heating the feedwater by
Now the equation will give us an efficiency of exhaust stem from the boiler feed pump or other
steam driven auxiliaries will no longer suffice. This
100 x (860 622)/860 = 238/860 = 27.5 percent is because the feedwater must be heated to a far
higher temperature before it enters the boilers.
So, by the addition of the condenser, we have Modern boilers operating at steam pressures of
raised the efficiency of the engine from 21.8 to 2500 or 3500 psi require higher feedwater
27.5%. temperatures to avoid severe strains. The use of
higher temperatures and more heaters also
This simple example, then, shows why power improves plant efficiency, as explained below.
engineers have been striving, not only for higher
and higher steam temperatures, but also for lower So we have the problem of increasing the
exhaust temperatures. The greater the range feedwater temperature. What is the best way of
between the temperature of the steam entering doing it? Of course, one way of doing it would be
and leaving the turbine, the higher will be the to use highpressure, hightemperature live steam
efficiency of the turbine. from the main header and feed it into a special
feedwater heater capable of withstanding the high
Of course, there is no such thing as a perfect heat pressure. This, however, would be wasteful. The
engine, and in practice the efficiencies obtained steam in the main header is the most valuable
are much lower than those considered in this commodity we have in the system, and every
example for similar temperature ranges. By using pound of it should be delivered to the main turbine
much higher temperatures, higher actual where it can do the most good.
efficiencies can be obtained. The most efficient
conventional steam power plant in operation has
an overall efficiency of about 40%.
And this is as it should be; it makes the power Another method would be to supply the heat
engineer's job interesting regardless of which required for feedwater heating from a separately
branch of the field he may specialize in. Take this fired water heater, but this would be even less
quest for the attainment of higher steam efficient than taking live steam from the boiler
temperatures and lower exhaust temperatures, for itself.
example. This has led the power engineer into all
sorts of complex things involving chemistry, Suppose, however, that feedwater is heated by
physics, metallurgy, techniques of manufacture steam extracted from an intermediate stage of the
8-11
main turbine. Then power will be developed by the more power that can be generated by extracted
steam used for feedwater heating. Moreover, this steam, the higher will be the average plant
additional power generated by the extracted steam efficiency. Of course, the amount of steam that
will be produced at a very high efficiency, and this can be used for feedwater heating is determined
in turn, will increase the average efficiency at by the amount of heat needed to raise the
which the total power output of the system is temperature of the boiler feedwater to the required
generated. level. This places an upper limit on the gain in
efficiency that can be made in this way.
Now, why is this so? Why does this extracted In order that the temperature of the feedwater be
steam produce power at a much lower fuel cost high enough, it is necessary in this case to extract
than that of power produced by steam flowing to the steam at a point in the turbine where the
the condenser? temperature is somewhere in the neighborhood of
the temperature of the water in the boiler. This, of
The answer to this question lies deep in course, limits the amount of power that can be
thermodynamic theory, but for practical purposes obtained from this extracted steam. It would be
it can be explained as follows. better if an extraction point could be located closer
to the exhaust end of the turbine in the manner
shown below.
In even the best modern condensing turbine
power plants, approximately twothirds of the heat
present in the steam at the turbine inlet is still in In heating water or any other substance to a
the steam at the exhaust. Even if it were possible higher temperature, however, only a portion of the
to have a 100% efficient turbine, the amount of total heat necessary need be at the highest
heat thrown away at the exhaust would not be temperature. Much of the total heat is used in
greatly reduced. Actually, the cooling water flowing heating the water through a lower range of
through the condenser carries this heat away. temperatures. With this fact in mind, it becomes
possible to heat the feedwater successively in two
or more stages.
This means, then, that even at best, less than
onethird of the heat in the fuel can be turned into
power in a straight condensing cycle. However, if Here we have two feedwater heaters: a
we extract a portion of the steam from the turbine lowpressure, lowtemperature open heater
before it reaches the condenser and use it to heat receiving extracted steam from a stage close to
the feedwater, none of the heat in this steam will the condenser; and another one receiving steam
be wasted. The reason is that it all will be from an extraction point closer to the throttle.
absorbed in the boiler feedwater Thus it
decreases, heat unit for heat unit, the heat that
Water from the hotwell is first pumped to heater
must be supplied to the boiler
H1 where it is raised to a relatively low
temperature. Then it is pumped through the
Putting it another way, of the steam flowing from second heater where it is raised to a temperature
the throttle to the condenser, over twothirds of the close to the temperature of water in the boiler.
heat will be thrown away. Of the steam flowing This is a closed heater in that the feedwater
from the throttle to an extraction opening, no heat passes through tubes, and the steam condenses
will be wasted. It follows directly, then, that the on the outside of the tubes.
8-12
E0189
With this arrangement, it will be obvious that more from the turbine at various points and used to heat
power can be obtained from the total amount of the feedwater.
extracted steam. In other words, by the use of two
heaters instead of one, we have increased the In the diagram below we have incorporated four
efficiency of the system. stages of feedwater heating in our system with
three open heaters indicated and one closed
So the question arises, if two heaters are better heater. At each heater the water is raised to a
than one, why would not three be better than two, higher temperature. Since the pressure in each
or four better than three? The answer, of course, open heater is higher than in the one preceding, a
is that each additional stage of extraction pump is necessary between successive heaters.
improves the thermal efficiency. Finally, after the water passes through the last
open heater, the boiler feed pump pumps it
However, in this instance, as in all engineering through the closed heater and delivers it to the
projects, there is a point of diminishing returns economizer section of the boiler.
beyond which the further addition of heaters
becomes uneconomical. Theoretically, maximum It is very evident from this diagram that a steam
efficiency would be obtained by means of an power plant can become quite complex when we
infinite number of extraction points and feedwater try to take advantage of all the methods available
heaters. Actually, four or five stages are to increase its efficiency. Indeed, the diagram, as
commonly used and some of the most modern shown, is still far from complete.
stations use seven or eight.
While an air heater is shown, the fans and
The method of heating the boiler feedwater in this connection to the air heater have been left out so
fashion is known as regenerative feedwater as to keep the diagram simple. Actually, the air is
heating. It is used in all modern steam power forced through the air heater by means of a fan,
generating systems. With such systems a total of and after being heated it is forced into the furnace;
20 to 30% of the throttle steam may be withdrawn in this manner:
8-13
The plant as we have now designed it is a fairly
good power plant but it lacks several important
elements. One of these is a superheater. The
purpose of a superheater is to heat steam above
the temperature at which it is produced in the
boiler.
E0188
This shows how the forced draft fan forces cold air
through the air heater and how the warm air is
forced through ducts (which must be insulated)
E0190
8-14
reheated in the reheat superheater. Finally it is is worthwhile because such stations use millions
sent back to the lower pressure stages of the of tons of coal a year. Even small gains in thermal
turbine and so to the condenser. efficiency reflect large savings in fuel costs.
As a rule, the reheated steam has a temperature As indicated at the beginning of this discussion,
only a little below that of the primary steam, but modern steamelectric generating stations use
the pressure is considerably lower. For example, less than one third the amount of coal for the
the primary steam may have a pressure of 1400 same kilowatt output than they did in early years.
psi and a temperature of 1050F. After this has This savings has been brought about by continual
passed through a number of stages in the turbine, refinements such as described in these pages.
it is extracted at, say, 200 psi where its
temperature will be around 400F. In the reheat It is obvious, then, that in the operation of a power
section of the boiler this steam will then be heated station, every effort has to be made to keep the
to a temperature of 1000F. Its pressure, temperatures, pressures, and the vacuum in the
however, will still be nearly 200 psi with just a condenser at their optimum values at all times. A
small pressure drop in the piping. change in any one of these values affects the
efficiency of the system as a whole.
So now we have superheat, reheat, and
regenerative feedwater heating in our system In the condenser, for example, the vacuum must
(diagram above), and it is becoming very efficient, be maintained at its highest value by the use of
as steam cycles go. With systems of this kind, the coldest available circulating water. Since the
thermal efficiencies of about 32% can be obtained circulating water usually is drawn from rivers or
(i.e., 32% of the heat energy in the fuel will be lakes, the temperature varies throughout the year,
converted into electricity.) warming up in summer and becoming cooler in
winter. This means, generally, that a better
You may wonder why this figure is so low. The vacuum can be maintained in the winter than in
reason, as implied earlier in this treatise, lies in the the summer, and a somewhat greater power
fact that most of the heat is carried away by the production is possible.
condenser cooling water. Unfortunately, this low
efficiency is a consequence of the second law of One element in power station operation that has
thermodynamics, and there is practically nothing received an everincreasing amount of attention in
that engineers can do about it. recent years is that having to do with the delivery
of pure feedwater to the boiler. Modern
If the temperature of the steam at the exhaust of highpressure boilers evaporate several million
the turbine could be brought down to absolute pounds of water per hour, and they do this 24
zero, we could recover almost all of the heat hours a day, 365 days a year. With such
energy in the fuel. But we live in a world where tremendous rates of evaporation, it is obvious that
the ambient temperature is some 490F above if the water delivered to such boilers contained
absolute zero, and there is no economical way by even small amounts of scaleforming materials,
which we can reduce the temperature of the exit the internal heating surfaces of the boilers would
steam below ambient temperature. Of course, we soon become so coated with scale that
could do it by refrigeration, but the refrigeration overheating and subsequent failure would result.
system would require power. We would gain
nothing, and indeed, we would lose efficiency. Because of this, elaborate systems of chemical
feedwater treatment have been developed which
We have now incorporated into our system about not only reduce the scaleforming materials to
all the known methods for improving the efficiency. practically zero but also reduce the oxygen
Further improvement can be made in any system content to reduce corrosion.
by going to still higher pressures and
temperatures, by refinements in the condensing Oxygen in hot water is an extremely corrosive
system, and by the further reduction of heat agent. Sometimes these feedwater treatment
losses wherever they occur. The latter can be systems involve evaporators in which raw water is
achieved by improved equipment, insulation, and evaporated by steam extracted from the turbine
recovery of minor wastes, but the gains to be and then condensed. Other systems use ion
expected by these means are relatively small. exchange type demineralizers or chemical
treatment which precipitates the scaleforming
In large power stations, however, each increment, materials in the form of sludge before the water
each fraction of a percent in the overall efficiency enters the boiler.
8-15
It should be obvious that the amount of water that spent in developing equipment for collecting such
needs to be added to the system while in dust before it enters the stacks.
operation is small since all the steam flowing
through the turbine is condensed and returned to A number of different methods are in use. In one
the boiler. There are small losses, however, which type of system, the flue gases are passed
have to be replaced by what is known as makeup between electrically charged plates. The intense
water. This makeup is the water that has to be electrostatic field charges the dust particles,
treated. causing them to be attracted to the plates. After
the dust has accumulated to a certain thickness
on the plates, it is scraped or knocked off. In other
systems, the flue gas is whirled through cyclone
Another factor that has become important in the separators or passed through sprays of water.
operation of large power stations is the emission Whatever system is used, it is expensive and
of dust and flash from the stacks. In plants where involves high orders of engineering skill in its
many thousands of tons of coal are burned each design.
day, the emission of fine ash from the stacks can
become a serious nuisance. In most communities, All new coalfired boilers will probably also have to
ordinances have been enacted requiring power be equipped with flue gas desulfurization systems
stations to reduce the emission of flash and dust to remove sulfur oxides from the flue gases. This
to a minimum. This has not been an easy problem is another highly complex system that increases
to solve, and many millions of dollars have been operating problems.
8-16
E0191
The Complete Plant rotating magnetic field cuts the convolutions of the
stationary coils, electric currents are set up in the
So far we have been concerned only with the coils. By properly connecting them, currents of
steam end of the power system, and have almost any required voltage can be produced.
mentioned the electric generator only in passing.
This is due to the fact that most of the economies Modern generators produce current anywhere
that can be achieved in the operation of a between 13,000 and 26,000 volts. Where the
steamelectric generating station lie on the steam electricity has to be transmitted over long
side. distances, the generator voltage is stepped up by
means of transformers. A transformer is a sort of
electrical lever by means of which voltages can be
The modern electric generator is an extremely
stepped up or reduced to any desired value.
reliable and efficient machine. Modern generators
Transformers are the most efficient large
have efficiencies as high as 99%, so the additional
machines man has yet devised; some of the larger
gains that can be made in the improvement of
units have efficiencies higher than 99%.
generators is small.
Now, in the light of all this, let us finally redraw the
As pointed out at the beginning of this booklet, an diagram of our power plant (page 14) to
electric generator consists basically of a magnet incorporate everything we have mentioned. As you
spinning inside a group of coils of wire. As the see, it has become a highly complex affair
8-17
involving many branches of sciencephysics, heated by exhaust steam from the boiler feed
chemistry, metallurgy, thermodynamics, pump turbine or other steam driven auxiliaries. As
hydraulics, structural engineering and electricity. already mentioned, a demineralizer may be used
instead of an evaporator.
Complex as it may seem, this diagram is still only
the simplest of schematic diagrams; an actual Note that the boiler feed pump turbine receives
power plant layout has in it countless other small steam from the main steam header through a
and large devices and subsystems not shown or reducing valve and a desuperheater. It is not
only indicated on this drawing. For example, so far usual to use superheated steam for small auxiliary
in this treatise we have said nothing about the turbines for several reasons.
combustion control system. It is indicated on this
diagram merely in bare detail, showing only the First, the metals that must be used with
basic devices. superheated steam are very expensive; and
second, high thermal efficiency is not so important
Actually the combustion control system in a large in an auxiliary turbine since the heat in the exhaust
plant would require a large separate drawing, is returned to the system.
since it is very important and the operation of the
station would be virtually impossible without it. In It becomes expedient, therefore to first reduce the
its simplest form, it consists of a device that is highpressure steam from the main steam system
sensitive to slight variations in steam pressure. to a lower pressure by means of a reducing valve,
This device, in turn, controls a variety of relays and then to desuperheat the steam by spraying
and actuating mechanisms that automatically water into it. In this way, lowpressure, saturated
control the flow of fuel, air, and water to the boiler steam is delivered to the auxiliary turbines.
in accordance with the varying load conditions.
The diagram shows a symbol labeled continuous
The diagram also incorporates reheat and both blowdown." Because of the continual recycling of
highand lowpressure turbines. After the steam the water through the boiler and because of slight
has passed through the highpressure turbine, it is leakage in the system, the boiler water tends to
returned to the boiler, and after being heated increase its concentration of
again, it is delivered to the lowpressure turbine. impuritiesscaleforming salts. To keep this
concentration to a minimum, it is necessary to
Also, there are two sets of water heaters, three blow down the boiler periodically or continuously.
lowpressure heaters taking extraction steam from
the lowpressure turbine, and two highpressure In small power plants, this is done periodically by
heaters using extraction steam from the the operator by merely opening a blowoff valve for
highpressure turbine. a few seconds and blowing out the water in the
lowest part of the boiler where the concentration is
Between the two sets of heaters is a deaerating highest.
heater in which the oxygen in the feedwater is
boiled off. Oxygen in boiler water at high In large plants, the amount of heat lost by such
pressures is extremely corrosive and must be blowdown practice tends to be rather high, so
removed before the water is delivered to the continuous blowdown systems are used. With
boiler. This is done by the deaerating heater such systems a small amount of water is
which, in effect, is merely a large tank of water withdrawn continuously and run through a heat
boiling under atmospheric pressure. exchanger in which the heat from the blowdown is
transferred to the incoming feedwater.
The necessity for proper feedwater treatment has
been mentioned already. On the diagram, the These are some of the thousand and one details
feedwater treating system is merely indicated. It of a modern power plant that make it the complex
consists of a chemical treating system feeding into thing it is. It is not the intent here to consider all
the plant system through an evaporator. All the these details but merely to point out that they
makeup into the plant system passes through the exist. Little has been said about control except
evaporator . Thus the makeup water (the water brief mention of the combustion control. The latter,
which has to be added to the system continually to however, constitutes only one element of the
replenish water lost by leakage and blowdown) station control as a whole. Today, most power
enters the system in the form of vapor, which is stations are controlled from a single control room
delivered, as shown, to the deaerating feedwater where quantities from all parts of the plant are
heater. In the evaporator, the incoming water is measured, indicated, recorded and integrated.
8-18
The modern generating station is one of the most An electromagnet is magnetized by electricity
completely automated systems man has devised; flowing through coils wound around the magnet
it has to be because it would be virtually structure. In the case of a large generator a very
impossible for operators to watch and accurately powerful direct current is sent through the coils on
control all the varying quantities involved in the the rotor. These windings are known as the field
operation of the plant. Indeed, it has become coils, since they produce the magnetic field in the
impossible to keep track of all the pressures, generator.
temperatures, liquid levels and speeds of all the
various machines without some type of automatic To supply the field coils with current makes it
monitoring or supervisory system for recording necessary to provide an arrangement of sliding
and announcing all the hundreds of items contacts to conduct the current from the stationary
involved. to the rotating part of the machine. Also, it
becomes necessary to provide a separate source
The protective features of the station are complex of current to excite the field coils.
and involved. In case of trouble due to failure of a
piece of apparatus or an electrical fault on the Basically, here is how it is done, though in an
external electrical system, events happen rapidly. actual generator the shape of the rotor is quite
different from the simple bar magnet shown in this
If the load on a large generator suddenly dropped diagram.
and the turbine governors failed to act, the
machine, normally rotating at 3600 rpm, would
suddenly increase its speed and would explode
from centrifugal force within just a few seconds.
The 40ton rotor of a modern electric generator
spinning at 3600 rpm has a rotational energy of
650 million footpounds. This is approximately the
same kinetic energy that a 40ton jet airliner would
have at a speed of 500 miles per hour.
8-19
In fact, the generator speed is so closely From all this, it should be clear that a modern
controlled that it serves as our time standard. power plant engineer has to be a specialist of a
Most of us these days measure our time by very high order. Although the system operates
means of synchronous electric clocks. These automatically, it still needs the guidance of
clocks depend upon the constant speed of the engineers who are thoroughly conversant not only
generator. with details of the equipment but also with the
basic principles upon which it operates. Power
Means are provided to check this speed in relation
engineering is a field calling for the highest
to accurate independent clocks at the National
engineering talent in both design and operation. It
Bureau of Standards. Temperature recorders
provides an occupation that is at once stimulating
measure the temperature deep in the interiors
and challenging, and at the same time affords
ofthe windings of the generator; differential relays
steady employment in a rapidly growing field with
guard against internal electrical failure of the
practically unlimited opportunity.
machine. Elaborate hydrogen cooling systems are
provided to remove heat from the generator, and
Also, despite this rather long treatise on power
by means of hydrogen coolers in the condensate
plant design and operation, it should be obvious
system, this heat is returned to the feedwater. No
that it is, basically, still only a primer.
heat is lost that possibly can be saved. Even the
heat produced in the bearings is returned to the
feedwater by means of the oil coolers in the
condensate system.
8-20
Chapter 9A
Conventional Power
The demands placed on control valves within Shown on the following pages are typical
power generating systems vary dramatically. schematics of boiler systems and major control
Some valves handle only lowpressure water while valves. Each valve shown is considered to be a
in others extreme service conditions create high severe service valve that sees cavitation, flashing,
intensity noise or highly destructive erosion and noise, or a combination of high pressure and low
cavitation. Service conditions often tell only part of flow rates. This section will look closely at the
the story... application experience and application tough and specialized valve requirements for
specific products are a must in order to be these applications. Use of the best available valve
successful. This section will talk about the valve technology and application expertise tames these
solutions available for the key applications difficult applications and provides longer valve life
common to fossil fuel power stations and most and higher reliability.
industrial boilers.
For ease of discussion, the material has been
Power plants can be broken down into two main further broken down into five subsystems of the
types. The first style utilizes a drum style boiler basic Power Cycle. These subsystems include the
and steam drum that acts as a separator between condensate system, the feedwater system, the
the steam and the boiling feedwater. These boilers main steam system, the heater drain system, and
are referred to as subcritical" since the pressure the scrubber and ash handling system. The key
in the boiler is less than the critical pressure of severe service valves for each system are noted
water. These boilers generally operate with below.
pressures from 2400 to 2800 psi. Drum style
boilers are used in most commercial and industrial The Condensate System
power plants because of their simplicity, load
swinging ability and relative ease of startup. DCondensate Recirculation Valve
DDeaerator Level Control Valve
The second style of power plant utilizes a
oncethrough boiler. The oncethrough boiler is The Feedwater System
designed such that all the feedwater is turned to
steam as it journeys through the boiler tubes, and DBoiler Feedwater Recirculation Valve
therefore, a steam drum or separator is not
required. In this style of boiler, the steam pressure DBoiler Feedwater Startup Valve
leaving the boiler is generally over 3206 psia, the
DBoiler Feedwater Regulator Valve
critical pressure of water. Most oncethrough
boilers are supercritical", operating at pressures The Main Steam System
to the turbine of around 3500 psi. However, there
are some subcritical oncethrough boilers in DSuperheater Attemperator Spray Valve
operation.
DReheater Attemperator Spray Valve
Large, oncethrough supercritical boilers are most
DTurbine Bypass Valves
often base load plants since they have higher
efficiencies than drum style boilers. They are DDeaerator Pegging Steam Valve
handicapped, however, by difficulty of startup and
poor ability to vary plant output. DSoot Blower Valve
www.Fisher.com
E0121
Figure 9A1. The steam cycle of a fossil power plant has control valves in 11 key severe service applications. Valves
shown in this diagram will be discussed in detail by application.
The Heater Drain Systems pressure. The condensate is pumped from the
hotwell through the lowpressure heaters, and into
DHigh Pressure Heater Drain Valves the deaerator. There are two severe service
valves in this system. They include the
DLow Pressure Heater Drain Valves condensate recirculation valve and the deaerator
level control valve. Figure 9A2 shows them
schematically.
Scrubber Slurry Handling and Condensate recirculation valve. As with most
Ash Handling Systems large centrifugal pumps, the condensate pump
must have a minimum amount of flow at all times
DScrubber Effluent Valves to prevent it from overheating and to avoid
cavitation. Therefore, a recirculation line runs from
DChemical Service Valves the pump outlet back to the condenser. When
recirculation is necessary, the 300 to 600 psig,
DAsh Removal Valves 100150F condensate is dumped to the
condenser, which is very close to atmospheric
Condensate system pressure or at a vacuum. The condensate
recirculation valve must absorb the entire pressure
The condensate system spans the portion of the drop. At the highpressure drop experienced, the
plant from the hotwell of the condenser to the condensate will be cavitating in a standard valve.
deaerator. The condenser acts as a heat
exchanger that condenses the steam from the The service conditions derived from plant data
turbine. The low pressure, low temperature steam sheets often will indicate that flashing is occurring
passes its heat to the cooling water, is condensed, [Application Ratio (AR) = P/P1Pv>1]. But
and collects in the hotwell. The effect of the experience shows that this is always a cavitating
volume decrease caused by condensation creates application. It appears to be flashing because
a vacuum inside the condenser, which increases often the effects of pipe friction, elevation and
the efficiency of the turbine by lowering its outlet condensate sparger backpressure are ignored
9A-2
FROM
results. Therefore, the twostage
TURBINE
600
500
PRESSURE
300
CONDENSATE PUMP
200
LEVEL RECIRCULATING
CONTROL VALVE
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
E0122 VALVE
E0123 PLANT LOAD (% FULL CAPACITY)
9A-3
are building which back pressure the DALC valve
and raise its outlet pressure. The combination of
higher flow requirements and lower valve pressure
drop creates a need for much more capacity.
Cavitation is no longer a concern.
P1 = 300600 psig
P = 100600 psid
T = 100150F
9A-4
CAUTION
9A-5
FROM
CONDENSATE
PUMP
TO BOILERS
DEAREATOR
BOILER
BOILER FEEDWATER
FEEDWATER REGULATOR
STARTUP VALVE
VALVE
BOILER
FEEDWATER
RECIRCULATION
VALVE
E0124
BOILER FEEDWATER PUMP
9A-6
Typical service conditions are:
DrumStyle
P1 = 28003200 psig
P = 27003100 psid
T = 250400F
OnceThrough
P1 = 37004500 psig
P = 38004400 psid
T = 350450F
9A-7
E0125
Figure 9A9. The main steam system features five critical service control valves.
startup valve generally does not need the same speed pumps use the pump to control flow and
amount of cavitation protection at all valve travels use the valve to control drum pressure and
since pressure drop changes with travel. maintain spraywater differential. The valve in this
Therefore, a Cavitrol Ill characterized cage may be case is usually a motor operated valve, but it can
used. be a control valve.
P = 100600 psid
P=27003100 psid
T = 300400F
T = 300400F
Fisher designed the large, high capacity EH to
The normal recommendation is a small HPT handle this application (Figure 9A8). The modified
or EHT with Cavitrol III threestage trim. Trim equal percentage characteristic gives the high
materials should be chosen to avoid use of capacity and large turndown ratio required.
Alloy 6. Depending on the specific utility, tight shutoff may
or may not be required. Again, avoid use of Alloy 6
Feedwater regulator valve. Depending on the trim components.
A/E, utility and boiler manufacturer, the feedwater
regulator valve will either be a large motor In many smaller plants, A/E's and utilities are
operated valve or a large, high capacity control looking to combine the Feedwater Startup and
valve. In plants with constant speed, motor Regulator application into one control valve.
operated feedpumps, this application usually Depending on the actual service conditions, a
requires a control valve, and it controls feedwater Design HP or EH with characterized Cavitrol Ill
flow. Those plants with steam driven, variable trim can often provide the low travel cavitation
9A-8
protection along with the high capacity
requirement. Sizing is critical, however.
9A-9
W5624
DrumStyle Unit
P = 100200 psid
P1 = 28003200 psig
T = 300400F
P = 23002600 psid
Application requirements include high pressure,
good control performance and tight shutoff. The T= 300400F
valves most often used in this application are a
ANSI Class 2500 Design HPS or EHS with OnceThrough Unit
MicroForm trim. The MicroForm trim is used
since the flow rates are fairly small, and it gives an P1 =36003900 psig
excellent control characteristic. Tight shutoff is
required to eliminate unwanted spraywater flow P = 23003600 psid
and to allow for the best possible temperature
control of the steam. T = 300400F
9A-10
Two trims have been designed for and perform turbine exhaust temperature by spraying
well on this application. A unique Fisher trim used feedwater into the outlet of the bypass valves.
in the Design HP and EH is the first of these. The This flow is then combined with highpressure
trim is called MicroFlat trim. It is designed to exhaust steam and passes through the reheater.
accommodate low flow and can throttle to a Cv as The control system must provide the logic to open
low as 0.01. This trim is limited to a maximum the valve quickly and then modulate with feedback
pressure drop of 1000 psi. It utilizes a plug and control to predetermined pressure and
seat ring with a relatively low recovery coefficient, temperature set points. Opening speeds of less
but does not prevent cavitation. Rather it isolates than two seconds are typical. In operation, the
the cavitation, preventing it from causing seat highpressure bypass provides the same
damage. By putting this trim in a carbon steel expansion, pressure reduction and cooling which
angle body and also by using a liner, body would have happened in the highpressure turbine.
damage can be prevented. Assuming a It protects the reheat section of the boiler and
chromemoly or stainless steel body is used, a quickly unloads the turbine without requiring boiler
liner is not required. trip.
For applications where very high pressure drops Typical service conditions are:
and higher flow rates are encountered, the
MicroFlat trim is used with a Cavitrol Ill cage. DrumBoilers
With the combination of the MicroFlat plug and P1 =2800 psig
the Cavitrol III cage, the maximum allowable
pressure drop is dependent on the selected cage. P = 24002800 psid
This combination gives a high recovery coefficient T = 1000F
and eliminates cavitation at the high flow condition
OnceThrough Boilers
while preventing seat damage at the low flow
condition. The resulting trim provides long life, P1 = 4500 psig
good throttling performance and eliminates
P = 30004500 psid
problems related to cavitation.
T = 1000F
Turbine bypass valves. Use of sophisticated
turbine bypass systems is increasing. These Lowpressure turbine bypass. The lowpressure
systems save energy, allow quicker startup, cope bypass system provides a flow path around the
better with load rejection and help eliminate solid lowpressure turbine and controls pressure and
particles in steam. temperature whenever the highpressure bypass
system is operating. The lowpressure bypass
As more large generating facilities swing their valve takes steam from the reheat section of the
output to meet varying demand, they place boiler and conditions the steam to be accepted
additional requirements on the turbine bypass into the condenser. High pressure and
valve, which formerly served only as an on/off temperature drops are taken by valve throttling
device. The bypass function now requires the and by addition of large amounts of
valve to quickly change load on the turbine during desuperheating spray. Temperature control is not
startup, emergency or cleanup situations. critical except to protect the condenser. This
Desuperheating functions to control steam protection is accomplished by deliberate overspray
temperature often are necessary to protect piping, and by quick closing capability. The Type TBXT
reheaters and the condenser. Valve noise and the usually handles lowpressure bypass or condenser
damage it can cause are major concerns because dump applications.
of the extended periods that turbine bypass and
steam conditioning valves may operate. Product requirements for both high and low
pressure bypass valves include high pressure and
Highpressure turbine bypass. A highpressure temperature, noise attenuation, tight shutoff and
turbine bypass system provides an alternate flow desuperheating.
path for highpressure, hightemperature steam.
Typical service conditions are:
Flow passes around the turbine and back to the
reheat section. This bypass system permits stable P1 =500 psig
operation of the boiler when the turbine trips off
line or during startup operations. Steam flowing P= 300 psig
through the high pressure bypass valve (TBXT) is
cooled to a temperature slightly above the H.P. T=1000F
9A-11
W84931
W87402A
For these applications, either an EHD or HPD with The steam is usually at a higher pressure than
Class V shutoff utilizing a CSeal can be used. needed and, therefore, must be reduced. When
Steam cooling can be accomplished through use steam is subject to a substantial pressure drop
of a cooling chamber downstream or across a control valve, there are inevitably noise
desuperheaters. Noise trim is not always required problems to consider. The deaerator pegging
because of the infrequent use of the valves, but steam valve is considered a severe service valve
the noise should always be kept below 100 dBA to because the noise levels will probably be of
prevent trim damage. concern and some sort of noise abatement
equipment should be specified.
Deaerator pegging steam valve. The deaerator Typical service conditions are:
is a contact heater (a heater where steam and
feedwater are mixed) that is especially designed to
DrumBoilers
remove the noncondensable gases from the
feedwater. These noncondensable gases include P1 =2400 psig
oxygen and carbon dioxide that attack and corrode
piping and boiler tubes. Generally hot steam is
P = 23002400 psid
mixed with the feedwater entering the deaerator
bringing it to saturation temperature, thus
T = 650F
liberating any dissolved noncondensable gases.
OnceThrough Boilers
For drumstyle boilers, the steam that is supplied
to the deaerator is usually taken from an auxiliary P1 = 200400 psig
line off the main steam line. For oncethrough
boilers, steam is taken from the flash tank or the P = 200350 psid
final highpressure heater. Thus, it is at a lower
pressure than a comparable drumstyle unit. T = 650F
9A-12
Product requirements must be able to handle high experience, the soot blower valve should be
pressure, highpressure drop and high supplied with a drilled hole cage in the flow up
temperature. Long life in a throttling application is direction and an oversized valve stem connection.
required. Because of the wide variety of service This combination, known as soot blower trim, will
conditions seen by valves in this service, there is minimize wear and vibration and maximize life.
no `typical' valve for the application. For selection Usually, chromemoly body materials will be used
purposes, start with a standard trim valve. If high due to the high temperatures involved. For soot
noise levels are indicated they should be treated blower valves that utilize air, the valve selection
using Whisper Trim Ir, Whisper Trim I plus a could range from an easyer globe valve to a
diffuser, Whisper Trim Ill or WhisperFlo. VeeBall rotary valve, depending on the pressure
Experimentation may be necessary to come up and temperatures for the specific application.
with the best combination of noise abatement
versus money spent.
Heater Drain System
Soot blower valves. The efficiency of a fossilfuel There are two sets of feedwater heater systems in
boiler is highly dependent on the heat transfer a typical power plant. The lowpressure system
effectiveness of the boiler tubes. These tubes are heats the condensate coming from the
fairly delicate, and hot spots due to soot buildup condensate pump so that it is near saturation
cannot be tolerated as a leak could result. A when it enters the deaerator. The other set, called
cleaning process for the boiler tubes is needed highpressure heaters, heat the feedwater coming
even while the boiler is in operation. This process from the boiler feedwater pump so that it is near
is called soot blowing and is accomplished one of saturation at the higher pressure conditions when
two ways. Some plants spray steam bled off their it enters the boiler. Both systems work in the same
main or secondary steam lines to blow the carbon way with the exception of the heating media. In
deposits off the tubes. Others use air blowers for the lowpressure heaters, exhaust steam from the
the same purpose. lowpressure turbine is used while the
highpressure heaters use extraction steam from
The applications that are most difficult for control the reheat section.
valves are the soot blowers that use steam.
Product requirements include a high pressure Feedwater heaters are shell and tube heat
class rating due to the pressures and exchangers. Steam is introduced, cooled and
temperatures as well as needing tight shutoff so ultimately condensed back to liquid. In the process
the valves don't leak valuable steam. Soot blower it passes its heat to the feedwater. The level of
valves are often operated numerous times during condensate in the heaters must be closely
the day. This leads to temperature cycling of the controlled for best system efficiency, so the drain
valve, especially if a block valve isolates the soot system is fairly elaborate.
blower valve from the steam line. In addition to
A potential problem is that the condensate in the
temperature cycles, large pressure drops create
bottom of the heater is at saturation. When the
high noise levels and can cause excessive wear
condensate is drained to the condenser it loses
and vibration to occur in the trim. Use of trim
pressure and flashes. The flashing fluid causes
specially designed for this service will provide
erosion damage to the control valve and
much improved performance. The combination of
associated piping. The important thing in choosing
cyclic conditions, high noise levels and frequent
control valves in this application is to use a low
operation is likely to create problems otherwise.
resistance valve to keep the velocities as low as
possible and keep flashing damage to a minimum.
Typical service conditions for the steam soot
Material selection is also critical.
blower valves are:
For the highpressure heater drain system, a
P1 = 24003600 psig globe valve is probably required to handle the
static pressures involved. The primary
P = 2800 psid recommendation is to use a WC9 alloy steel
Design EW with hardened trim. The materials
T = 650950F resist erosive attack, and oversized end
connections slow fluid velocity in the body. When
For most steam service applications the Design an ANSI Class 1500 valve is required, the
HPS or EHS should be used. They provide high recommendation is an HP or EH. An angle body
pressure and temperature capability along with the will eliminate body erosion concerns due to its
tight shutoff that is required. From Fisher's configuration.
9A-13
A5551
Figure 9A15. Schematic of typical turbine bypass system featuring both high pressure and low pressure
bypass application.
Regardless of pressure class, material erosion is a Fisher has had excellent results utilizing the
common problem in flashing service valves such Design V500, level 3 trim, reverse flow, for heater
as feedwater heater drains. This wear is caused drain applications. The reverse flow direction
by impingement of high velocity liquid droplets on keeps flashing from damaging the control valve.
the trim and body surfaces. Chromemoly steels Reduce velocities by using a line size valve.
are often used to improve valve body erosion
resistance. While C5 has commonly been used, it
has largely been phased out by use of WC9 which Scrubber Slurry
is more resistant to erosion and is much better
from a manufacturing viewpoint. Federal regulations require a sulfur dioxide
removal system on every utility boiler, even when
it is burning the lowest sulfur coal available.
Erosion resistance is a function of both Because of these regulations, many power plants
molybdenum and chromium content. While WC9 have added sulfur dioxide removal systems.
has lower chromium content, its much higher
molybdenum content more than compensates. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a gas formed when the
WC9 is more erosion resistant than C5 and also is sulfur in the fuel is burned. All but a small
much easier to cast, weld repair and manufacture percentage of the sulfur is converted to sulfur
reliably. dioxide during the combustion process. Wet
scrubbers using lime or limestone, dry scrubbers,
There are several recommendations for the fluidizedbed combustion and reducing the sulfur
lowpressure heater drain system. If globe valves content of the fuel are methods of reducing the
are required, the WC9 Alloy EW with hardened amount of this pollutant released to the
trim is the answer. A low pressure EA also can atmosphere.
eliminate problems associated with body erosion
due to its angle configuration. Because of the low There are many designs for wet scrubbing
resistance, high recovery characteristics of rotary systems, such as lime, dualalkali, and
valves, it has been Fisher's experience that the doubleloop processes, the last of which produces
rotary line is an excellent choice for this service. a commercial byproduct, gypsum. The singleloop
9A-14
E0127
W8380
wet limestone process is the system most continuously throttle a 30% or more solids slurry
commonly used in today's plants and will be containing calcium sulfate/calcium sulfite and ash,
discussed here. which is very erosive and corrosive. It is located
immediately following the scrubber and controls
Wet scrubbing, by its name, means that a wet the scrubber effluent dumping into settling ponds,
product is produced after the sulfur dioxide has maintaining the scrubber level so it is not flooded.
been removed from the flue gas. Today, the wet Typical valve service conditions are: 150350 gpm
limestone throwaway type of fluegas and 50 psi pressure drop.
desulfurization (FGD) system is most commonly
used. The system is based on a closedloop waste Boot valves have been commonly used in this
disposal system. Solids are removed from the service, using the boot as a sacrificial part to be
FGD system in the form of sludge. replaced periodically with wear. This can become
a frequent, difficult, expensive, and messy
The sulfur dioxide removed in the scrubber is maintenance job, in some cases as often as every
converted to calcium sulfite (CaSO2) and calcium three months.
sulfate (CaSO4). These are the waste products
that must be continuously removed and sent to The Design V500 has proved to be a very
disposal. effective valve for this application with level 3 trim
materials; 316 SST body and solid Alloy 6 valve
A magnesiumoxide wetscrubbing system is often plug, seat ring, retainer; and sealed bearing with
used for sulfur recovery. Magnesia solutions or Viton orings and a Nitronic50 shaft. The higher
slurries are used to remove up to 95% of the sulfur initial cost of the V500 can be paid for quickly
oxides and 99% of the particulates from the flue compared to the alternative of using a boot valve
gas. The scrubbing effluent is regenerated to requiring frequent boot changeouts.
recover MgO for reuse. A saleable sulfur product
is produced. Erosive and corrosive slurries are to Sulfuric acid disposal may also require a throttling
be handled similar to the system described above, or on/off control valve. A chemical service valve,
requiring similar valve applications outlined below. such as the 585CCP with Alloy 20 body and trim
parts is a suitable selection for 1020% solution
Despite the ultimate disposal method or the end sulfuric acid service. Ninetyeight percent sulfuric
use of the scrubber's effluent, piping is used to acid solutions can be adequately handled utilizing
move the sludge from the scrubber. A control more standard 316 SST and nickel based alloys
valve is used in this sludge disposal pipeline to such as Hastelloyr C.
9A-15
When choosing and specifying alloy materials it is The Design V500 can be very effective in ash
important to note the quality of the vendor's slurry flow applications, including ash disposal.
material process technology. Seemingly small This application can also be highly erosive and
differences in raw material processing can make corrosive, requiring frequent valve maintenance
the difference between long life and quick failure. and changeouts. The V500 with level 3 trim and
Nickel base cast parts should at a minimum be sealed bearings will provide extended service life.
specified from AOD material.
9A-16
Chapter 9B
closed to reduce turbine inlet pressure. All valves Figure 9B2. Oncethrough main steam system
may move closed equal amounts in unison (full arc sliding pressure control
admission) or they may close sequentially (partial
arc admission). This is known as constant
pressure operation, since the inlet pressure to the variations are reduced and the net thermal
turbine control valves is essentially constant. efficiency is improved.
Constant pressure operation has two adverse Figure 9B1 shows the typical main steam system
effects when large load changes occur. First, the of a supercritical, oncethrough fossil unit from the
turbine will experience temperature fluctuations boiler to the turbine. In order to cycle the plant, the
that cause fatigue and reduce its life. Second, the inlet pressure to the turbine must be varied. In
net thermal efficiency or heat rate of the turbine constant pressure operation, turbine throttle
drops at lower loads. valves control the inlet pressure to the turbine,
which is in proportion to plant load.
Sliding pressure operation is designed to eliminate
these effects. In general, it consists of adding For units with sliding pressure control, a large
pressurereducing valves upstream of the turbine valve or series of large valves are installed
control valves. These valves reduce the discharge between the primary superheater and the
pressure from the boiler and allow the turbine secondary superheater (Figure 9B2). Although
control valves to remain fully open. Temperature the turbine throttle valves are still in the system,
www.Fisher.com
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E0132
Figure 9B3. Constant pressure control Figure 9B5. 70% sliding pressure control
9B-2
temperature loss reduces the efficiency of the constant pressure control are many, the function
turbine. Additionally, this uncontrolled inlet steam of the valves in the startup system are very
temperature places increased stress and potential similar. Generally, only the sizing of the valves is
wet steam erosion problems in the latter stages of different between the two modes of operation.
the turbine.
The supercritical boiler is required to have a
Under sliding pressure control, the pressure drop minimum flow inside the furnace waterwalls to
and corresponding temperature drop occurs prevent overheating of the boiler tubes. This flow
upstream of the secondary superheater. The must be established before firing of the boiler. A
steam then travels into the secondary superheater bypass system that is integral with the main
where the temperature is elevated to its full load steam, condensate, and feedwater systems is
limit of around 1005 degrees F. As a result, sliding required so that the minimum design flow can be
pressure control allows constant temperature maintained at startup and at times when the
steam to enter the turbine at all plant loads. This required minimum flow exceeds the turbine steam
increases turbine efficiency and reduces thermal demand.
cycle effects on the turbine.
The bypass system performs the following
Sliding Pressure Operation also provides the additional functions:
following benefits:
DReduces the pressure and temperature of
DFull ARC admission of steam to the turbine. the steam leaving the boiler during startup to
conditions that are suitable for the flash tank,
DLower turbine thermal stresses. condenser, and auxiliary equipment.
DFaster load changes because of reduced DProvides a way of recovering heat from the
temperature differentials. feedwater that flows to the bypass system by
utilizing the feedwater heaters.
DImproved overall plant heat rate.
DProvides a means for conditioning the water
during startup without delaying boiler and turbine
DLower minimum load capabilities.
warming operations.
Sliding pressure control is generally associated
DProtects the secondary superheater against
with larger supercritical pressure units, although thermal shock from water during startup.
drum style subcritical units can operate under
sliding pressure control. The main reasons that DProvides a means for relieving excess
supercritical units are better candidates for sliding pressure in the boiler during a load trip.
pressure control than drum style units can be
obtained from looking at the inherent differences As previously mentioned, bypass arrangements
between the two boiler types. Supercritical, differ considerably in detail, but are similar in their
oncethrough units are typically larger, harder to general design. The slight differences are required
startup, and more difficult to cycle than drum style to accommodate the needs of the turbine as well
units. Therefore, the benefits of quick load as the supercritical boiler. The following sections
changes are of greater magnitude in a describe each type of bypass system and sliding
supercritical unit. The efficiency that sliding pressure control system in detail.
pressure control provides is of far greater concern
to the utility for the larger supercritical units than
the smaller drum units. Therefore, sliding pressure
control will be discussed only as it concerns
supercritical boilers in the upcoming sections.
Sliding Pressure Control &
In order to look at the control valves required for Supercritical Startup Systems for
sliding pressure control, a basic understanding of Babcock & Wilcox Boilers.
the oncethrough startup systems for various
boiler manufacturers must be obtained. Startup Babcock and Wilcox (B&W) has the largest
systems for Babcock & Wilcox, Combustion number of supercritical boilers operating in the
Engineering, and Foster Wheeler boilers will be United States. Approximately 79 B&W Universal
discussed in the following sections. Although the Pressure Boilers are available for operation with
benefits of sliding pressure control versus the units ranging up to 1300 MW in size. During
9B-3
E0133
Figure 9B6. Babcock and Wilcox universal pressure boiler bypass system
the course of a plant startup, the Universal 2. BW201, pressure reducing valve; BW201A,
Pressure Boiler bypass system is operated in pressure reducing stop valve; BW200, high
various modes. The following sequence describes pressure superheater stop valve; and BW207
the startup of a B&W oncethrough boiler. Figure secondary superheater (SSH) bypass valve are
9B6 shows a typical B&W Universal Pressure closed.
Bypass System.
3. BW202, primary superheater (PSH) bypass
valve is set to maintain 600 psig at the outlet of
Cold water cleanup mode. The cold water the primary superheater.
cleanup mode is used to adjust the water
chemistry of the feedwater to predetermined 4. BW241, flash tank level control valve, is open
values prior to firing the boiler. The boiler dumping all the flow to the condenser and
feedpumps are used to circulate approximately condensate polishing system. The flash tank will
25% of full load flow through the condensate be flooded and pressurized during this mode to
polishing system for the fastest possible clean up allow BW241 to pass total startup flow.
of the cold water. This mode is used until the 5. BW242, flash tank steam stop valve, is kept
water cation conductivity is less than one closed until the flash tank level starts to fall below
micromho at the inlet to the economizer. The flash the flash tank center line. It then will open until the
tank serves as a moisture separator during flash tank level hits a predetermined high level
startup to keep water from being carried through point.
to the turbine, much like a steam drum in a
conventional subcritical boiler. 6. Circulation is maintained in this manner until
the fluid cation conductivity entering the
economizer and at the entrance to BW202 is
Figure 9B7 shows the arrangement of the bypass
below one micromho.
system in this mode. The following typical
operating sequence is used for the cold cleanup 7. No firing of the boiler is done in this mode.
mode.
When sliding pressure control is employed,
1. Approximately 25% of full load flow is BW202 valves are eliminated and the BW207
established. valve is used to complete the function of the
9B-4
E0134
BW202. Figure 9B8 shows a sliding pressure 5. BW202 operates to maintain 3650 psig at the
control unit in the cold water cleanup mode. primary superheater outlet.
6. At a fluid temperature of 3005F, BW207 opens
Initial firing mode. The initial firing mode begins to a minimum position. As the fluid temperature
when firing is initiated in the boiler and it is leaving the primary superheater increases,
completed when steam is allowed to enter the BW207 operates to maintain a programmed
secondary superheater. primary superheater outlet temperature.
7. BW220, high pressure heater steam control
Figure 9B9 shows the bypass system in the initial
valve, and BW240, flash tank overpressure
firing mode. The following operating sequence is
control valve, will open to limit the flash tank
followed in this mode of operation.
pressure at its setpoint of 500 psig.
1. Firing is initiated in the boiler. 8. During this period the secondary superheater
will be boiling out to remove all the water.
2. All flash tank drain flow will be transferred from
the condenser to the deaerator. BW241 is held 9. The flash tank pressure increases as firing is
closed and BW230, Deaerator Water Pegging continued.
Control Valve, is held open until the deaerator is
pegged at its full load operating pressure, which is The initial firing mode for a unit with sliding
typically around 145 psig. After the deaerator is pressure control is the same as for constant
pegged, BW230 will limit flow to the deaerator to pressure control except that the BW207 valve
maintain its pressure at setpoint. replaces the BW202 valve. Figure 9B10 shows
the initial firing mode for a sliding pressure control
3. BW241 will control flash tank about its normal unit.
level after the deaerator is pegged.
4. When the fluid temperature at the primary Initial turbine roll mode. Initial turbine roll begins
superheater inlet exceeds 300 degrees F the with the opening of the BW205, low pressure
primary superheater outlet pressure setpoint will superheater nonreturn valve. The turbine is rolled
be ramped automatically from 600 to 3650 psig so and once synchronization is established, the unit
the unit will operate under supercritical conditions. load can be increased by using a ramp function.
9B-5
E0135
E0136
9B-6
E0137
Figure 9B11 shows this mode of operation as the increased to 1000 psig. This will increase the flash
following sequence occurs. tank setpoint to 1000 psig.
1. At a flash tank pressure of 300 psig, BW205, 8. BW220 and BW240 are automatically set to
lowpressure superheater nonreturn valve, will hold the flash tank at its pressure setpoint of 1000
open. psig.
9. At a flash tank pressure of 1000 psig, the
2. BW210, turbine above seat drain valve is
turbine can be synchronized and loaded. The unit
opened to pass approximately 2% of full load flow
load is ramped to approximately 7% load.
through the secondary superheater to warm the
main steam lines. The flash tank pressure will 10. BW210 is closed after the turbine is
continue to increase, as firing is continued, to its synchronized.
setpoint of 500 psig.
Figure 9B12 shows the operation of a sliding
3. At the flash tank pressure of 500 psig, the pressure control unit in the initial turbine roll mode.
turbine can be rolled. Approximately 2% of full As in both previous modes of operation, the only
load flow is required to roll the turbine. BW210 difference between normal operation and sliding
should be kept open to pass an additional 2% of pressure operation is in the use of the BW207
flow to the drains. valve instead of both the BW202 and BW207
4. The firing rate should be adjusted until the gas valves.
temperature is approximately 50 degrees above Transfer to oncethrough operation mode. Up
the desired steam temperature to the turbine. to this point in the startup sequence, valves
5. After the turbine steam requirements are met, BW201, BW201S, and BW200 have been closed
BW220 will open to limit the flash tank pressure and all the flow has been through the BW202 and
at its setpoint of 500 psig. BW207 valves to the flash tank. During the
transfer to oncethrough operation mode, this is
6. BW241 is still maintaining flash tank level.
reversed and the flash tank is isolated from the
BW230 is maintaining deaerator pressure.
main steam system. Once this mode is completed,
7. When the capacity of BW220 is exhausted, the flash tank is no longer used, and the primary
the steam pressure entering the turbine should be job of the bypass system is complete. This mode
9B-7
in the startup sequence is also where the main 10. BW260, flash tank warming line nonreturn
differences in constant pressure control and valve, will be opened to pass a small amount of
sliding pressure control become evident. steam from the deaerator back to the flash tank.
This is required in order to keep the flash tank
Figure 9B13 shows a boiler in the transfer to warm in case valves BW202 and BW207 open
oncethrough operation mode, but before the flash for overpressure relief. (BW260 bypasses valve
tank is taken out of service. Figure 9B14 shows BW231 and is not shown.)
the boiler after the flash tank is taken out of
11. During this time, BW241 operates to maintain
service and at a minimum load operation that will
be continued up to full load. Both these figures the flash tank level.
apply to a boiler operating under constant
pressure control. The following operations When sliding pressure control is utilized, the
sequence occurs in the transfer to oncethrough above sequence is followed up through Step 5.
operation mode: The main difference between constant pressure
control and 100% sliding pressure control is that
1. When the load on the turbine reaches under 100% sliding pressure control, there is no
approximately 7%, BW201, pressurereducing BW200 valve. All the steam is controlled by the
valve, BW201S, pressure reducing stop valve, sliding pressure control valve, BW401. The
will begin to open. This will allow steam to flow BW401 valve is then used to ramp the pressure
directly to the secondary superheater rather than to the turbine, which defines the plant load (Figure
to the flash tank. 9B15).
2. Pressurization of the secondary superheater
occurs as BW201 is opened. When the When other than 100% sliding pressure control is
secondary superheater inlet pressure exceeds the used, such as 70% SPC (Figure 9B5) the
flash tank pressure, BW205 will close. BW201 is called the sliding pressure control valve
and the BW200 valve is still used. The BW201
3. BW201 will continue to be opened at a valve is sized to handle 70% of main steam load.
predetermined rate to allow the load on the turbine Above this point, BW200 is fully opened and the
to increase to approximately 25% of full load. turbine throttle valves control load.
4. As BW201 opens, BW207 will close to control
the primary superheater outlet temperature at
In summary, the capacity of the BW201 valve
setpoint.
determines the amount of sliding pressure control
5. The flash tank drain flow to the deaerator will capability of a unit. If it is sized to handle 100% of
decrease as BW201 is opened. The deaerator the steam flow, it is called a BW401 valve.
pressure will decay as the flash tank drains
decrease. When the deaerator pressure decays
One of the secondary benefits of the B&W sliding
below 25 psig, BW231 will open to hold the
deaerator pressure at 25 psig with flash tank pressure control system is obtained by adding two
control valves.
steam. (Refer to Figure 9B14)
6. The flow to the secondary superheater is
through BW201, until its full capacity is The furnace bypass control valves, BW263 and
exhausted, which is typically around 25% of full BW264, are used in conjunction with lower
load. The highpressure superheater stop valve, furnace modifications that allow the minimum load
BW200, will then be fully opened to achieve full of the unit to be reduced to 12% from the
pressurization of the secondary superheater. conventional 25%. Typically, 25% load is
necessary to prevent `pseudo film boiling' which
7. As BW200 and BW201 are opened, BW202 causes sudden reductions in heat transfer and the
will close to hold the primary superheater outlet potential of tube failure. With the addition of
pressure at 3650 psig. BW263 and BW264, two passes are made
through the lower furnace which doubles the
8. As the flow to the flash tank decreases, the
velocity which reduces the possibility of `pseudo
heaters and deaerator will be pressurized by
film boiling." The disadvantage is an increased
steam from turbine extraction points.
pressure drop in the system created by the
9. As the load on the turbine reaches 25%, valves increased velocity. This increased pressure drop is
BW202 and BW207 will close and their opening reduced by the addition of furnace bypass control
setpoint will be 4250 psig. These valves will now valves BW263 and BW264, and corresponding
act as relief valves during a unit trip. mixing bottles (Figure 9B16).
9B-8
E0138
E0139
9B-9
E0140
Figure 9B13. Transfer to oncethrough operation mode with the flash tank in service constant pressure control
E0141
Figure 9B14. Transfer to oncethrough operation mode after the flash tank is out of service sliding pressure control
9B-10
E0142
Figure 9B15. Sliding pressure control system 121/2% to 100% plant load
E0143
9B-11
W42821
9B-12
E0144
Figure 9B18. Typical service conditions for a BW207, secondary superheater bypass valve
The actuator is also very important in the design of the turbine throttle valves control the unit. Sliding
a sliding pressure control valve assembly. It is pressure control can be accomplished by sizing
Fisher Controls' experience that an electric the BW201 valves for 60% load (60% SPC), 70%
actuator is best suited for the BW401 service. load (70% SPC), etc. Typically, the sizing of the
The requirements for this service are as follows: valve is accomplished by choosing a valve to
provide approximately 25 psi pressure drop at the
1. Very precise positioning accuracy (0.5%). required flow rate. Above that flow rate, the valve
2. Stiffness of operation to eliminate any position capacity is being exceeded and useless pressure
variances due to friction (packing, piston rings, drop is introduced into the system. The following
etc). typical service conditions illustrate the sizing for
constant pressure operation and 70% sliding
3. Reliable positioner throttling capabilities. pressure control.
4. Accurate stem position feedback. Constant Pressure Operation
5. Continuous throttling capability instead of on/off
or multiposition service. P1 = 3650 psig
6. The actuator must fail in last position. P2 = 3625 psig
P = 25 psid
An electric ball screw actuator with LVDT
T = 845F
feedback meets all of these requirements.
Q = 25% of maximum boiler flow divided by the
BW201 pressure reducing valve and sliding number of valves
pressure control valve. It was previously
mentioned that a normal operation unit and a 70% Sliding Pressure Control Operation
sliding pressure unit's control operation varies
mainly in the sizing of the BW201 valve. Under P1 =3960 psig
normal operation, the BW201 valve is used only
to throttle the unit from approximately 12% to 25% P2 = 3940 psig
of full load. The BW200 valve is then opened and P = 25 psid
9B-13
T = 845F
Q = 70% of maximum boiler flow divided by the
number of valves
9B-14
and high temperatures. The valves will still
provide tight shutoff using the Cseal trim design.
P1 =1000 psig
P2 = 0 psig
P = 1000 psid
T = 550F
P1 = 500 psig
P2 = 0 psig
P = 500 psid E0146
9B-15
BW219 reheat steam attemperator control
valve. The BW219 valve controls steam
temperature at the outlet of the reheat section of
the boiler by using main steam from upstream of
the secondary superheater. Reheat attemperation
is needed to 35% load due to the natural tendency
of high reheat steam temperatures at low loads.
Typical service conditions for the BW219 valve
are as follows:
Condition 1 Condition 2
P1 =3950 psig P1 = 1000 psig
P2 = 3500 psig P2 = 450 psig
P = 450 psid P = 550 psid
T = 830F T = 550F
E0147
9B-16
GUIDELINE SUMMARY
B & W Oncethrough Supercritical Boilers
Critical
Valve Description Fisher Recommendations
Parameters
High Pressure Large, High Pressure, Design EHD
BW401
High Temperature with an Installed Linear
100% Sliding Pressure
Low Travel Noise Characteristic (Whisper Trim III
Control Valve
Rangeability Characterized)
BW201 High Pressure Large, High Pressure, Design EHD
Pressure Reducing Valve, High Temperature with an Installed Linear
Constant Pressure Control or Low Travel Noise Characteristic (Whisper Trim III
Sliding Pressure Control Valve Rangeability Characterized)
Cavitation
BW202 & BW207 Flashing Design CAV 4 or
Superheater Bypass Valve Noise Cavitrol III 4Stage Trim
Tight Shutoff
BW240
High Temperature Large Design EWD or EUD with
Flash Tank Pressure
Noise Whisper Trim III or WhisperFlo Trim
Control Valve
Large Design EUD or EWD in
BW241
Flashing Chrome Moly Material or EAD in
Flash Tank Level Control Valve
Carbon Steel with a Liner
BW205
High Pressure
Low Pressure Superheater Large Design EHD
High Temperature
NonReturn Valve
BW230 Flashing
Design ES
Deaerator Pegging Valve Rangeability
BW263 High Pressure
Large Design EHD
Furnace First Bypass Supercritical Liquid
BW264 High Pressure
Large Design EHD
Furnace Second Bypass Supercritical Liquid
BW218 High Pressure
Design EH or HPS
Secondary Superheater High Temperature
with MicroForm Trim
Attemperator Control Low Flow Rates
BW219 High Pressure
Design EH or HPS
Reheat Steam Attemperator High Temperature
with MicroForm Trim
Control Low Flow Rates
9B-17
The concept of separating waterwall protection handle approximately 80% of the maximum steam
requirements from plant cycle requirements is also flow of the boiler with approximately 40 psi
used in CE's sliding pressure units as shown in pressure drop compared to handling 30%
Figure 9B22. The other main difference between maximum plant steam flow load with constant
the CE unit and the B&W unit is that the pressure operation. Figure 9B32 further defines
mainsteam control valves (boiler throttle and boiler the BE/BTB transfer point and the BTB/BT
throttle bypass valves) are located upstream of the sequencing of operation.
initial superheater (primary superheater) instead of
between the superheaters. Although the location
of these valves is different for the two bypass
designs, the function of the valves is essentially BT boiler throttle valve. The BT valves are
the same. The following can be used as a guide similar to the BW401 or the BW201 valve in the
for comparing the function of the B&W to the CE function of the valve. Under constant pressure
bypass system valves. operation the BT valves are sized to handle
approximately 30% plant load which corresponds
in operation to the BW201 valve. Above 30%, the
CE Valves B&W Valves valves would be wide open and will take an
BE BW202, BW207 increasing pressure drop as the flow rate
BTB BW201 increases. For sliding pressure control the BT
BT BW400 or BW401 valves are sized to handle approximately 80%
plant load. Above 80% the turbine throttle valves
SA BW205 are used to control the plant load and essentially
WD BW241 this would be considered an 80% sliding pressure
SP BW240 control system. Typical service conditions for the
IS BW218 BT valves are as follows:
IR BW219
9B-18
E0148
9B-19
E0149
E0150
9B-20
E0151
E0152
9B-21
E0153
E0154
9B-22
E0155
E0156
9B-23
BE valve must provide some noise attenuation.
The BE valve also acts as a safety relief valve for
the furnace in case of a unit trip. Typical service
conditions for the BE valve are as follows:
Condition 1 Condition 2
P1 =3500 psig P1 = 3900 psig
P2 = 750 psig P2 = 1000 psig
P = 2750 psid P = 2900 psid
T = 200F T = 805F
P1 = 3700 psig
BTB boiler throttle bypass valve. Boiler throttle
bypass valves are similar to the BW201 valve in P2 = 3400 psig
the constant pressure operation. These valves are P = 300 psid
used during the initial turbine loading to maintain
T = 200500F
the furnace wall pressure setpoint of 3500 psig.
The BTB valves are used in sequence with the BT
valves to bring the unit online. These BTB valves The Fisher Design HPT or EHT is an excellent
are generally smaller valves but of the same choice for the FWB service. Typically this is a
design as the BT valves. Generally, a middle size large valve with standard trim in equal percentage
Design EHD with WhisperTrim Ill style of trim is or modified equal percentage characteristic.
required due to the noise attenuation requirement
of these valves. Typical service conditions are as SP spillover valve. The SP valve is similar to the
follows: BW240 valve in that it limits pressure in the
startup separator to approximately 950 psig.
Above that point the SP valve automatically
Condition 1 Condition 2 opens. Typical service conditions for the SP valve
P1 =3500 psig P1 = 3500 psig are as follows:
P2 = 1000 psig P2 = 2500 psig
P1 = 950 psig
P = 2500 psid P = 1500 psid
T = 805F T = 805F P2 = 0 psig
P = 950 psid
T = 950F
BE boiler extraction valve. The BE valve is used
to control the furnace wall pressure at
approximately 3500 psig during startup. This The SP valve will typically be a medium to large
valve passes water and eventually steam from the size, highpressure valve such as the Fisher
furnace walls to the startup separator, which is at Design EUD. Noise attenuation trim will probably
significantly lower pressure than the furnace be required due to the highpressure drop
pressure. The BE valve will see cold water where conditions of this valve.
cavitation occurs, hot water where flashing occurs,
and then high temperature, high pressure steam WD water drain valve. The WD valve is used to
with very high pressure drops. In this condition the maintain the level in the startup separator during
9B-24
E0158
startup. It automatically opens on high level in the typically 100 psig. Once the valve is open and
separator. The WD valve passes the water from transfer to oncethrough operation is complete, the
the startup separator to the condenser, which is SA valve acts as a standard check valve to
at or near a vacuum. Therefore, flashing will occur prevent flow through the BT and BTB valves from
across the WD valve. Either a globe valve in WC9 returning to the startup separator. Typical service
ChromeMoly body material or an angle valve in conditions for the SA valve are:
Carbon Steel body material with a liner should be
used to minimize the damage caused by flashing P1 = 100 psig
in this service. Typical service conditions for this P2 = 0 psig
valve are:
P = 100 psid
P1 = 35 psig T = 950F
P2 = 0 psig
Typically, the SA valve is a large, high pressure
P = 35 psid flow valve such as the Design EHD.
T = 225F
IS, IR, IC superheat, reheat and condenser
spray valves. The IS, IR, and IC valves are used
SA steam admission valve. The steam to control steam temperature at various locations
admission valve is similar to the BW205 valve in the mainsteam system. The IS valve controls
and is used to pass steam from the startup steam temperature at the outlet of the initial
separator to the inlet of the initial superheater superheater, the IR valve controls steam
during startup. The SA valve is open when temperature at the inlet to the reheater and the IC
startup pressure reaches a predetermined value, valve controls steam temperature at the inlet to
9B-25
the condenser. Although the pressures for each
one of these valves may be different, the problem
associated with each of these valves is the same.
The valve is called on to throttle at very low lifts,
so valves such as the Fisher Design HPS or EHS
Series are used in this service. Figure 9B34
shows an HPS with special microform trim for low
flow control. Typical service conditions of these
valves are:
IS Valve:
P1 = 4000 psig
P2 = 3900 psig W3670
W3668
P = 100 psid
T = 500F Figure 9B33. Stembalanced Design CAV4 with
Cavitrol IV trim
IR Valve:
P1 = 2000 psig
P2 = 1850 psig
P = 150 psid
T = 400F
IC Valve:
P1 = 330 psig
P2 = 250 psig
P = 100 psid
T = 120F
W5817
ISPR superheater injection water Figure 9B34. HPS with MicroForm trim
pressurereducing valve. The ISPR valve is
used to control pressure at the inlet of the IS
valve. This valve also regulates the pressure drop
across the IS valve. In case of a unit trip, this SD steam drain valve. The SD valve is used to
valve automatically closes to reduce the chance of warm the main steam lines and to depressurize
water getting in the main steam line and creating the superheater during startup. The SD valve
water hammer. Typical size and conditions for the opens when the startup separator reaches 100
ISPR valve are: psig. Prior to the SD opening, the SA valve must
be open. The SD valve is located downstream of
the final superheater and upstream of the
P1 = 4000 psig highpressure turbine. This valve dumps
P2 = 3900 psig highpressure steam from this location down to the
P = 50 psid condenser. Typical service conditions for the SD
valve are:
T = 500F
P1 = 3500 psig
The ISPR valve is typically a small, highpressure P2 = 0 psig
valve with standard trim. The Fisher Design HPS
with standard trim meets the requirements of this P = 3500 psid
service. T = 907F
9B-26
E0159
The very high pressure and temperatures of this The second system uses an integral separator
valve along with the very high pressure drop installed between the furnace outlet and the
makes the SD valve somewhat of a unique valve. primary superheater. (Figure 9B36) The integral
To accommodate the high noise levels that are separator also acts as a moisture separator during
obtained by the highpressure valves, the SD startup.
valve has to provide some sort of noise
attenuation. The Fisher Design EHD with Whisper However, unlike the flash tank, the integral
Trim Ill is used to accomplish this task. The EHD separator is rated for the full design pressure and
can also be used with an inline diffuser, which will temperature of the boiler, and is kept in the loop
further aid the noise attenuation required by this during oncethrough operation. Pressure reduction
valve. of the superheated steam occurs at valves
installed just upstream of the integral separators.
By keeping the separators in line, Foster Wheeler
Sliding Pressure Control & avoids some of the controls and extra valves
required in the Babcock and Wilcox system to
Supercritical Startup Systems for isolate the flash tank.
Foster Wheeler Boilers
Foster Wheeler's research has led to conclusions
Several systems can be used to implement sliding that the optimum sliding pressure configuration is
pressure operation. One, using a flash tank one in which the pressure reducing valves control
between the primary and secondary superheaters turbine inlet pressure up to 60% load, and the
is typical of Babcock and Wilcox installations. turbine throttle valves control turbine inlet pressure
(Figure 9B35.) The flash tank is used as a from 60% to 100% load. The strong points are that
moisture separator during startup, and when temperature variations are reduced and efficiency
superheated steam is available from the primary is increased at low loads, but at full load, the unit
superheater, the flash tank is blocked out of the can respond quickly to load changes. This mode
loop. Valves installed between the primary and of operation is called hybrid sliding pressure and is
secondary superheater perform pressure the mode used by the Integral Separator Startup
reduction of the superheated steam. System (lSSS).
9B-27
GUIDELINE SUMMARY
CE Oncethrough Supercritical Boilers
Critical
Valve Description Fisher Recommendations
Parameters
High Pressure
BT High Temperature
Large, High Pressure, Design EHD
Boiler Throttle Valve Rangeability
Tight Shutoff
High Pressure
BTB High Temperature Medium to Large Design EHD with
Boiler Throttle Bypass Valve Noise Whisper Trim Ill
Tight Shutoff
Cavitation
BE Flashing Design CAV 4 with Cavitrol IV trim or
Boiler Extraction Valve Noise Cavitrol III / 4stage Trim
Tight Shutoff
Large, High Pressure, Design HPT
FWB
High Pressure or EHT with Modified
Feedwater Bypass Valve
EqualPercentage Characteristic
High Pressure
SP Large Design EUD or EWD with
High Temperature
Spillover Valve Whisper Trim Ill or WhisperFlo Trim
Noise
WD Design ED in ChromeMoly Body
Flashing
Water Drain Valve Material
SA
High Temperature Design EHD
Steam Admission Valve
IS
High Pressure Design HPS or EHS
Superheat Injection Water
Low Flow Rates with MicroForm Trim
Spray Valve
IR
High Pressure Design HPS or EHS
Reheat Injection Water
Low Flow Rates with MicroForm Trim
Spray Valve
IC
Low Pressure
Condenser Injection Water Design EHS with MicroForm Trim
Low Flow Rates
Spray Valve
ISPR
Superheat Injection Water High Pressure Design HPS
Pressure Reducing Valve
High Pressure
SD Fisher Design EHD with Whisper
High Temperature
Steam Drain Valve Trim Ill and/or Diffuser
Noise
9B-28
E0160
The operation of the ISSS can be separated into increase. At 15% flow, the boiler pressure will
five stages. reach 1200 psig at 450F. When the inlet
temperature of the PPR valves reaches 450F, the
1. Flushing feedwater flow is ramped to 25% of full load flow.
2. Light off to 8% load The boiler pressure will begin to rise and the W
valves open to regulate boiler pressure to 3550
3. Ramp boiler, 825% load psig. Valves E and F open, and along with valve
4. Ramp boiler, 2560% load D, begin to throttle. Valve E holds the
highpressure heater outlet temperature constant.
5. Full pressure operation, 60100% load Valve F controls the deaerator pressure. Valve D
passes any excess fluid to the condenser. The
Flushing. When the flushing cycle (Figure 9B37) firing rate is increased to raise the separator
is initiated, the Primary Pressure Reduction (PPR) pressure to 500 psig. The turbine stop valve is
valves are opened. Valves D, E, F, W, and Y are opened to warm and roll the turbine. The initial
closed. P1, P2, and Pb are on automatic and turbine load is applied, and turbine inlet pressure
control water level in the separators. The is maintained at 500 psig up to 8% load.
feedpump is started and as feedwater flow begins,
valve D opens and routes water to the condenser
until the water quality is correct. Valve E then Valves D, E, and F will normally require ANSI 600
opens and routes water to the highpressure special or ANSI 900 Class ratings. The service is
feedwater heater. Feedwater flow is increased to usually flashing, so WC9 bodies are
15% of full load flow, and circulation continues recommended. Typical service conditions are as
until the conductivity of the water is below 1.0 follows:
micromho. At this point, the PPR valves maintain
boiler pressure at 1000 psig. Valves D, E, F
P1 = 100275 psig
Light off to 8% load. Firing (Figure 9B38 & 39)
begins after the water chemistry is correct. As the P = 100275 psid
unit is fired, the boiler pressure and temperature T = 212350F
9B-29
Ramp boiler, 825% load. To ramp to 25% load, P1 = 3550 psig
the firing rate is increased and the turbine control P = 35002000 psid
valves are held at 60% open. Valves P1, P2 and
Pb (Figure 9B40) control separator pressure and, T = 700850F
therefore, control turbine inlet pressure. These
valves move closed which ramps the turbine inlet Typical valves used in this service are high
pressure to 1400 psig at 25% load. The W valves temperature CAV4 or Cavitrol III fourstage trim.
open as necessary to control boiler pressure to By properly selecting the capacity of the W valves,
3550 psig. The SU valve sprays water which the need for PPR valves may be eliminated, as
attemperates the steam between the primary and both the CAV4 and Cavitrol III fourstage trim are
secondary superheater. At 25% load, steam capable of throttling at very low capacities.
output equals water input and full oncethrough
operation is obtained. Valves P1, P2, and Pb are Ramp boiler, 2560% load. As load increases
fully closed and the startup system is bypassed. (Figure 9B41), the firing rate is increased and the
The W valves are almost fully opened. Y valves open, gradually increasing the turbine
inlet pressure. The Y valves continue to open until
60% load is reached and the valves are about
The fluid at the inlet of valves P1, P2, and Pb is 85% open. Turbine inlet pressure is 3500 psig.
normally hot condensate, near its saturation
temperature. As these valves close, the upstream As the Y valves open, the inlet pressure will be
pressure will increase, the upstream temperature about 3550 psig, and the outlet pressure will be
will increase, and the flow rate will decrease. 1400 psig.
These valves are usually closed sequentially, with
The valve will be flowing superheated steam. As
P2 closing first, followed by P and Pb Flashing will
the valve opens, the pressure drop will fall to 50
occur, so WC9 bodies are recommended. These
psid. Typical service conditions are:
valves must handle the full pressuretemperature
rating of the boiler, so ANSI Class 2500 bodies P1 = 3550 psig
are normally used. Typical service conditions are
as follows: P = 215050 psid
T = 700850F
9B-30
E0161
E0162
9B-31
E0163
E0164
9B-32
E0165
W5601
9B-33
9B-34
Chapter 9C
Geothermal Power
The term geothermal applies to an enormous Reinjecting geothermal fluid that remains after
underground heat reserve that offers the promise steam is extracted can help preserve the fluid
of a clean, renewable source of energy. volume of the reservoir, but it does not regenerate
Geothermal uses today range from direct heating the heat content. Studies suggest that the
applications, such as spas, greenhouses and the recovery period of a geothermal resource used for
like, to electric power generation. electricity generation is several hundred years.
Balancing that against the typical 50year life span
While direct heating occurred in ancient times, the of a generating facility suggests that the periodic
first commercial use of geothermal electricity construction of a new plant at a new site would
dates back only to the early 1900s. In 1913, a allow reservoir recovery.
250kWe geothermal power plant began operation
in Larderello, Tuscany, Italy.
www.Fisher.com
E0843
E0842
Figure 9C1. Schematic of Flash Steam Power Plant Figure 9C2. Schematic of Binary Cycle Power Plant
DCarbon dioxide corrodes steam and What valves should be used in dirty" service? A
condensate lines. superior candidate is the V500, which is known for
its ability to fight off the effects of erosive slurries
DHydrogen sulfide gas is corrosive and lethal and other toughtocontrol abrasive fluids. It is
at high concentrations. available with a ceramic plug, seat and seat
retainer for unsurpassed erosion resistance.
DSulfates themselves are not a corrosion Depending upon the composition of the
factor, but when they combine with the water's geothermal brine, one option is to use
calcium, calcium sulfate scale forms. This scale CV500 eplugt valves with Alloy 6 chrome oxide
adheres to the inside of pipes and heat exchanger coating on internal components for the more
tubing. severe, dirty steam conditions. CV500 valves also
have been used on wellhead applications where a
DChlorides increase the corrosiveness of minimum pressure drop across the valve is
water. preferred.
DAmmonia reacts with copper and zinc alloys. VeeBallr valves typically are used both on
reinjection level tanks where there is a high
9C-2
E0844
Figure 9C3. Location of Frequently Referenced Valves in a Flash Steam Cycle Plant
pressure drop and before the separator. Another valve is on the clean" side or inside the fence",
valve that can be used before the separator (a.k.a. PEEK elastomerlined bearings may be used.
production valve) is a highperformance butterfly
valve such as the PosiSeal A41. Taking into
account service conditions, the butterfly valve
should incorporate a metal disc seal or an
elastomer disc seal with a metal backup (firesafe Geothermal Industry Future
construction.) Geothermal electricity has proven to be clean,
reliable, and an economical alternative to fossil
fuels. Continued research and technology
development in exploration, drilling and energy
What kinds of bearings should be used? First, conservation offer a promise of increased
know where the valve is being placed in the geothermal power production, making this power
process. If on the dirty" side or outside the source a future major energy contributor in many
fence" of the plant, then sealed metal bearings are countries around the world.
an option. Metal bearing materials include
316SST, Alloy 6 and 440C. Conversely, if the
9C-3
W8359
Figure 9C4. The V500 eplug valve offers a reverse flow advantage in that highest velocity flow is isolated in
the port or outlet area where the seat and retainer can be protected by utilizing erosionresistant materials.
Bibliography
(1)
Kutscher, C.F., The Status and Future of Geothermal Electric
Power, presented at American Solar Energy Society
Conference, June 2000.
(2)
Rybach, L., Megel, T., Eugster, W.J., How Renewable are
Geothermal Resources?, Geothermal Resources Council
Transactions, Vol. 23, October 1720, 1999.
9C-4
Chapter 9D
www.Fisher.com
Figure 9D1. Gas Turbine Simple Cycle (From Pow
er Plant Engineering @ Black & Veatch)
9D-2
operation. Typically the capacity factors for these Application Discussion
machines may be less than 10%. One attractive
feature of simple cycle units is that they are Fuel Control. Prior to connecting to the electrical
modular in construction and may be placed in grid the fuel control system is responsible for
service in a relatively short period. Later, the extra maintaining the turbine at the correct rotational
efficiency of a combined cycle can be had by the speed (rpm), by positioning the fuel valve. Once
addition of a Heat Recovery Steam Generator and the unit is connected to the grid control of the load
Steam Turbine. on the unit's generator is essentially a function of
the amount of fuel supplied to the turbine. To
increase the load, the turbine fuel valve admits
Advantages of Simple Cycle units include: more fuel, and decreasing the fuel supply reduces
the generator output. In this mode the control
DUse of clean fuel sources such as natural system controls the fuel supply to the turbine so
gas and relatively low sulfur distillate fuels (No. 2 that it can supply the mechanical energy needed
fuel oil) to maintain the desired electrical energy output
form the generator.
DLower installed costs (approximately The fuel control system also has to be capable of
$300/kW verses $1000/kW for a conventional coal reacting to sudden and drastic changes in load on
fired plant) the turbine such as during a full or partial load
rejection. A load rejection occurs when the
DVery short onsite construction periods (as generator output breaker opens abruptly. When
little as six months) the breaker opens the load on the unit is
instantaneously reduced and the turbine will
overspeed and trip if the fuel supply is not quickly
DBecause of their compact, modular adjusted to maintain the turbine speed at less than
construction they occupy a very small foot print the overspeed trip value.
DFast startups and ramp rates Most gas turbines will use either natural gas or
fuel oil, typically #2 or #6. The type of fuel used
will depend upon the environmental requirements
DExcellent cycling capability of the area where the plant is installed. Most units
today are supplied with some manner of emissions
Disadvantages of Simple Cycle plants are: control. In natural gas fired systems, this is
accomplished through staged fuel control that
lowers the overall flame temperature that in turn
DLower efficiency limits the formation of harmful emissions.
9D-3
Figure 9D3. Fuel Gas Staged Combustion
Figure 9D4. Power Augmentation
9D-4
requirements of this application. In cases where
very low flows and cavitation control are required,
the multistage MicroFlat can be used. A set of
typical service conditions can be found below.
9D-5
Figure 9D6. Gas Turbine Generation Cycles Combined Cycle (from Power Plant Engineering @ Black & Veatch)
The exhaust heat from the Gas Turbine is ducted turbine. However, in some cases, the HRSG is
through a gas to water heat exchanger known as supplied with a natural gas or fuel oil fired duct
a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG). The burner. This supplemental heat is used to
exhaust gases heat the water and produce steam generate additional steam for either increased
at pressures and temperatures sufficient to power output or cogeneration. Figure 9D8 gives
operate a Steam Turbine Generator. a sectional view of a HRSG with duct firing.
HRSGs vary widely in construction. Smaller, less
The HRSG is similar to the conventional fossil complicated HRSGs may consist only of a
fired boilers, but uses finned tubes (Figure 9D7) highpressure steam drum, accompanying steam
to maximize the surface area and permit more generation tubes and possibly a superheater. As
efficient heat transfer from the hot exhaust gases the needs for unit efficiency increase,
to the water in the tubes. lowpressure drum, intermediate pressure drum,
high, intermediate and lowpressure economizers,
Normally, all the heat required to generate steam deaerators and superheaters are added. The tube
is furnished by the hot exhaust from the gas sections vary so that the hottest gases pass over
9D-6
improved internal cooling techniques have resulted
in machines that operate at higher more efficient
temperatures. The industrial machines also tend
to have higher exhaust temperatures, which may
be used to produce more steam in the HRSG and
provide more efficient superheat and reheat steam
to the steam turbine.
9D-7
Figure 9D8. Heat recovery steam generator with duct burner (from Combustion Fossil Power @ ABB)
9D-8
are not required. Coal storage and handling
equipment (another maintenance intensive
system) is not required.
9D-9
Application Discussion the low pressure pump from the intermediate/high
pressure pump.
The applications in a combined cycle and
cogeneration power plant are very similar to that in The feedpump recirculation valve is nearly
a conventional fossil fuel plant. The main identical to conventional designs. The valve is
difference is that all heating is done within the intended to maintain the net positive suction head
HRSG instead of external heaters. This reduces on the feedwater pump to keep cavitation from
not only the space requirements, but equipment occurring in the pump stages. Valve selection
requirements as well. depends upon the inlet pressure to the valve.
Service conditions and recommend valve solutions
The main systems are discussed in Chapter 9A, can be found in the table below.
but a brief description of the major combined cycle
systems will be discussed below. Pressures Pressures
<3000 psig >3000 psig
Inlet pressure (psig) 2400 3000 3000 3500
Pressure drop (psid) 2400 3000 3000 3500
Feedwater System Inlet temp. (F) 220 275 220 275
2" 4" HP/EH with
2" 3" HP/EH with
Note Valve selection Cavitrol trim or DST
Cavitrol trim or DST
or CAV4
Alloy 6 corrosion problems often Actuation Pneumatic Pneumatic
occur in feedwater systems.
Typically, boiler feedwater is treated Unlike conventional power plants, the startup
with ammonia, hydrazine or amine regulator and main feedwater regulator are
derivatives at the deaerator to typically combined into one valve. Characterizing
eliminate excess oxygen. These the trim, which provides cavitation protection as
chemicals attack the protective the valve first opens to address the startup
oxide films on Alloy 6 and allow condition followed by standard holes as the travel
initiation of an erosion/corrosion increases to provide the necessary capacity, does
process that degrades Alloy 6 this. This eliminates the need for additional piping
overlays. This phenomenon is and additional valves.
responsible for many valve trim
failures previously attributed to poor In most applications, these valves are installed at
design or maintenance. Selection of ground level so that the pressure drop is taken
solid 400 series stainless steel trim prior to the water passing through the economizer
or use of Colmonoy overlays will section of the drum. However, in some designs
eliminate the problem. the valve is mounted next to the steam drum to
prevent steam from forming in the economizer
The feedwater system in the combined cycle section of the boiler.
power plant encompasses the portion of the plant
from the outlet of the preheater section at the rear Product selection can vary on the IP and HP level
of the HRSG. It includes the feedwater pump, the control valves. With mounting the valve at the
economizer and vaporizing sections of the HRSG drum comes the possibilities of variances during
and the feedwater control valves. the startup condition. The valve must still address
cavitation during initial startup, but be able to
Unlike a conventional power plant, there are withstand flashing as the temperature increases.
typically two main applications to deal with in the An angle valve with cavitation protection is
combined cycle power plant. These are the recommended.
feedwater regulator and feedwater recirc valves.
However, unlike a conventional plant, the Standard After Economizer
combined cycle plant has separate feedwater Configuration Configuration
control valves for each drum of the HRSG. Inlet pressure (psig) 1500 3500 2600 3500
Pressure drop (psid) 200 3350 200 3500
There are usually one or two feedwater pumps Inlet temp. (F) 220 278 220 600
that feed each section of the boiler. Variable 3" 6" ET/HPT/EHT 3" 4" EHA with
staged pumps can provide low pressure, Valve selection with characterized characterized
intermediate pressure and high pressure water for Cavitrol trim Cavitrol trim
each boiler section. Some plant designs separate Actuation Pneumatic Pneumatic
9D-10
L.P. Bypass
Valve
H.P. H.P. Silencer
Safety
Vent Valve
L.P. H.P.
I.P.
Turbine Startup
Turbine
Vent Valve
HP
Turbine
I.P.
Bypass
Valve
H.P. HP
Bypass Configuration Turbine
Valve prevents boilout I.P.
Bypass
in RH section of
Valve
HRSG
Condenser
H.P.
Bypass
Valve
E0828
E0829
Figure 9D10 shows a conventional turbine bypass The startup vent valves are required to operate
system with reheat capability. This system during initial plant startup, but their role extends
desuperheats the HP steam to match that of the far beyond the startup cycle. Once the valves are
cold reheat steam prior to being admitted to the closed, they are required to maintain tight shutoff
reheater section. Once the steam passes through for long durations. This is because any lost steam
the reheater, it is then bypassed around the yields less efficiency and less power production.
turbine to the condenser. The LP Bypass Valve is Therefore, it is important that these valves be able
designed to bypass all low pressure steam to the to handle the high pressure drop requirements, but
condenser. The function of the LP turbine bypass also maintain long term shutoff. Figure 9D11
valves does not change. shows the schematic for the HP bypass system.
9D-11
Service conditions are the same as that seen for
the turbine bypass valves with the exception of the
mass flow rate. The startup vent valves typically
see 10% to 20% of the maximum flow that can
pass through the bypass valves.
W8037
9D-12
An EW with Cavitrol III/2stage trim is typically
used for this application. This will provide the
necessary cavitation protection and address any
issues with noise and vibration.
Condensate Recirc
Inlet pressure (psig) 600
Pressure drop (psid) 500 550
Inlet temp (F) 150
3" 4" EWT with
Valve selection
Cavitrol III/2stage
Actuation Pneumatic
9D-13
9D-14
Chapter 10
Materials Guidelines
Toughness
Toughness is a material's resistance to fracture.
Mechanical and Physical Toughness has traditionally been measured using
impact tests, such as the Charpy and Izod tests.
Properties These both measure the number of footpounds
required to fracture a sample with a preexisting
When selecting materials, the mechanical and stress riser. Recently, the science of fracture
physical properties that must be considered vary mechanics has introduced new methods for both
depending upon the component. Obviously, the determining a material's resistance to fracture and
properties that are important in the selection of a evaluating a structure's susceptibility to fracture in
body material are different from those used in the the presence of defects.
selection of a cage material. Some of the
properties that must be considered when selecting The measure of toughness in the fracture
valve materials are described in the following. mechanics realm is called fracture toughness, and
www.Fisher.com
it is a measure of the stress at the tip of a sharp cause abrasive damage to the metallic parts.
crack that is sufficient to cause catastrophic failure Whether sliding wear is adhesive or oxidative in
in a particular material. nature depends on a number of factors, including
the wear couple materials, the contact pressure,
Fracture toughness values, and even Charpy and and the environment. Galling is more likely to
Izod impact toughness values, are difficult to find occur in inert atmospheres, whereas oxidative
for many of the materials used in control valves. In wear is more likely in atmospheres that are
most cases, they are even more difficult to reactive toward the metal alloys involved.
correlate with operating conditions in a control
valve. In general, sliding wear resistance is optimized by
observing the following set of guidelines:
In many cases, the other mechanical properties
are examined to give an indication of toughness. Use a wear couple with dissimilar elemental
In general, a tough material displays a higher composition. This makes welding of the materials
percent elongation and/or percent reduction in at the wear interface less likely.
area than does a brittle material. Also, a tougher
material displays a greater difference in yield Use materials having different surface hardness.
strength and ultimate tensile strength (or, a
greater work hardening rate) than does a brittle Use lubricants where possible. Lubricants
material. And finally, austenitic materials (such as reduce frictional heating and interfere with welding
300 series stainless steels and nickelbase alloys) of the materials at the interface.
generally have much greater toughness than
ferritic materials (such as carbon and alloy steels In most cases, other factors (such as corrosion,
and 400 series stainless steels.) erosion, or strength considerations) prevent all of
these guidelines from being followed. In these
instances, the component materials providing the
best combination of properties must be
Wear Properties determined.
Wear is a term used in conjunction with a number
of mechanisms involving material removal or Erosion is mechanical damage caused by either
damage. The most important specific wear highvelocity fluid impingement or impact by
categories encountered in control valves are abrasive particles in the flow medium. A common
sliding wear, erosion, and cavitation damage. form of erosion in highpressure control valves is
wire drawing", which is localized erosion damage
to seating surfaces or cage holes.
Sliding wear refers to the damage caused when
two mating parts move relative to one another. Cavitation damage is caused by the shock waves
Sliding wear actually encompasses a number of generated when vapor bubbles implode during
different mechanisms. The two mechanisms most
pressure recovery. Both erosion and cavitation
often encountered in metallic components of damage can be minimized by material selection,
control valves are adhesive wear and oxidative although in most cases the use of an appropriate
wear.
valve and/or trim style is more effective.
Adhesive wear (usually called galling") occurs
when the frictional heat and contact pressure
between asperities on the surface of the two parts
Corrosion
are sufficiently high to cause localized welding. Corrosion is a major consideration in most of the
The relative motion of the parts causes repeated process control industries. However, the power
welding and fracture of these localized areas, industry is involved predominantly with systems
causing material transfer between the parts. The that are relatively inert. Most feedwater and
surface of both parts becomes rough, which in steam systems are noncorrosive to standard
most cases aggravates the situation. The control valve materials, and for this reason
roughness of the parts reduces mechanical selection is usually based upon other
efficiency and can even cause seizing of the parts. consideration such as wear resistance and
mechanical properties. Resistance to
Oxidative wear is similar to adhesive wear, except erosioncorrosion in certain treated feedwater and
that the frictional heat causes oxidation of the oxidation resistance at high temperatures are
asperities. Oxidative wear generally produces a about the only corrosion related factors to
fine, powdery wear product, which may or may not consider in the vast majority of applications.
10-2
Many materials achieve their corrosion resistance to temperatures in excess of 800F causes the
through the development of a passive layer" on carbides to decompose into iron and graphite
the surface. Most common are the corrosion reducing both the strength and toughness of the
resistant materials containing chromium and/or material, a phenomenon known as graphitization."
molybdenum. In these alloys, the chromium and/or Steel alloys with chromium and/or molybdenum
molybdenum will combine with oxygen at the are utilized above 800F because their carbide
surface to form a tough, adherent oxide layer phases are more stable.
which is resistant to attack in many environments.
Under highvelocity conditions in certain Metallurgical stability problems occurring at high
environments, this passive layer is washed off" of temperatures affect other materials and account
the surface, allowing the material to corrode, a for upper service temperature limits in many
phenomenon called erosioncorrosion". This cases. Some examples of materials limited by
problem can be prevented only by limiting the use elevated temperature stability problems include
of susceptible alloy/environment combinations to 174PH and related precipitation hardenable
lowvelocity applications. stainless steels (which become brittle), cold
worked 300 series stainless steels (which lose
their coldworked effects), and duplex stainless
steels (which become brittle).
10-3
material condition. Creep data is usually presented general discussion purposes. The carbon steels,
in graphical or tabular form displaying the stress to alloy steels, and 400 series stainless steels have
cause a certain amount of permanent deformation fairly low thermal expansion coefficients, whereas
as a function of temperature. At temperatures the 300 series stainless steels have very high
where creep is active, yield strength becomes expansion rates. The nickel alloys fall in between.
irrelevant.
When selecting materials for a valve that will be
used at low or elevated temperatures, thermal
expansion differences must be taken into account.
Differential thermal expansion between plugs and
cages can cause binding or excessive looseness
Effects of Elevated Temperature at operating temperature. Likewise, differential
on Elastic Modulus thermal expansion in a bodybonnetcageseat
ring system can cause loss of gasket load,
In metallic materials, stress (S = load divided by resulting in leakage. Differences in thermal
area) is proportional to strain (e = change in length expansion rates must be either eliminated (by
divided by initial length). The elastic modulus (E) selection of like materials) or accounted for (by
related stress and strain by the equation: proper dimensioning of parts) when a valve is to
be used at temperatures significantly above
S = E (e) ambient.
Since the strain remains constant (assuming that DThey must be reliable materials; i.e., they
all parts in the assembly have the same thermal must have known strength properties, and should
expansion coefficients), the stress in the bolt (and be produced and sold under adequate codes and
thus the load) is reduced by the same proportion. standards to ensure their integrity.
Each material has its own elastic modulus vs.
temperature profile that can be used to help DThey must have adequate mechanical
optimize the material selection for control valve properties while at operating temperature.
components.
DThey must be resistant to corrosion,
oxidation, and other adverse effects in the
environment(s) where they will be utilized so they
will retain their integrity.
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
Most Fisher valves are designed and
When metallic materials are heated, they expand manufactured per ASME/ANSI B16.34, entitled
in a predictable and repeatable manner. Each Valves Flanged and Buttwelding End. This code
alloy has its own characteristic thermal expansion specifies standard dimensions, markings, and
coefficient vs temperature curve which can be other design practices for valves in a series of
used to predict its growth as it is heated. In classes, ensuring that designs will fit into standard
general, related materials have similar thermal piping and will be produced according to sound
expansion properties, and can be grouped for design practices.
10-4
The ASME/ANSI code also specifies allowable In the past, C5 (5% Cr, 1/2% Mo) was commonly
pressures as a function of temperature for the specified for applications requiring
series of classes. Since the ASME/ANSI approved chromiummolybdenum steels. However, this
materials have different strength properties, material is difficult to cast, and tends crack when
pressure limits within a particular class vary welded. If casting defects are uncovered during
according to the material. ddddd, weld repair is very difficult, and bodies
must sometimes be scrapped and reordered due
When a valve is being selected for a particular to proliferation of cracking.
working pressure/temperature combination, it
usually turns out that the requirements can be For this reason, Fisher has standardized on WC9
satisfied with several materials selected from (21/4% Cr, 1% Mo) as its standard
different classes. A decision must then be made chromiummolybdenum steel material. WC9 is
whether to buy the lower strength material in a preferred by the foundries, and is much easier to
higher ANSI class, or buy the higher strength work with in manufacturing than C5. Use of WC9
material in a lower ANSI class. This decision is as a substitute for C5 has been successful in all
usually based upon economics, but in some cases applications for several years. Our experience has
other factors such as line stresses and transient shown little difference in erosion resistance.
conditions can affect the decision.
10-5
E0166
Figure 101.
Figure 101 is a plot of the pressuretemperature breakdown of the specific properties necessary in
ratings for WCB, WCC, WC8, C5, and CF8M the various trim components.
where the allowable pressure has been
normalized to 100%. This curve is representative
of the relative pressuretemperature ratings of Plugs
these materials for ANSI Classes 300 through Valve plugs provide throttling control and shutoff in
4500. Note that if the material providing the globe valves, and are directly impinged by the flow
maximum allowable pressure at any temperature stream. The seating surface on the valve plug
is determined from the plot, three material regimes must be capable of withstanding the seat loads
can be established. From ambient temperature to required for shutoff. It must also withstand the
700F, WCC (and C5) have the highest PT erosive forces generated by fluid jets from
ratings of this group of materials. From 700950F, Cavitrol trim or during lowlift throttling. In
WC9 has the highest ratings, and from 950F up, cageguided valves, the plug guide surfaces must
CF8M has the highest ratings. resist galling and excessive wear when sliding
against the cage material, and must withstand the
erosive action caused by clearance flow between
Trim Parts the plug and cage.
Valve trim components have much different
material requirements than valve bodies and
bonnets. They are not pressure retaining, so they
Cages
are not directly safety related. However, since the Valve cages can serve a number of functions in
trim components provide the flow control, they are the control valve depending upon the valve
very important with respect to the overall design. In most control valves, the cage provides
performance of the valve. In general, trim plug guidance and is involved in flow control. In
materials must have excellent resistance to some of these designs, the cage transfers a
corrosion by the process fluid in order to maintain portion of the bonnet bolt loading to the seat ring
adequate flow control and mechanical stability. to hold it in place and maintain gasket loading. In
Each individual component must possess certain Cavitrol designs, the cage provides a portion of
other characteristics depending upon the valve the pressure drop the fluid experiences within the
design and application. The following is a valve. Thus, the cage may be required to
10-6
withstand axial compressive loading due to the This material combination provides good
bonnet bolt load and radial compressive loading performance at a minimum cost. The
due to the pressure differential across it. It must 174/CB7Cu1 cage material has high strength
provide good sliding wear properties in properties, and displays good wear resistance
combination with the plug material. In some combined with the 416 plug for most general
designs, it must provide good erosion resistance. applications.
Seat Rings The 416 plug and seat ring have good erosion
resistance, and are easily machined and finished
Seat rings work with the valve plug to provide to provide shutoff. The stem material is a Fisher
shutoff. They must be able to withstand the seat standard in nearly all product lines, and provides
loads required for shutoff as well as the erosive excellent corrosion and pitting resistance in most
forces caused by the high fluid velocities that can environments.
be encountered during lowlift throttling. In some
designs, the seat ring is an integral part of the The 174PH or CB7Cu1 material is usually
cage. In certain seat ring designs, the seat ring supplied in the H900 condition, which provides the
flange must be strong enough to withstand the highest strength and hardness. However, the
bending loads imposed on it by the seat ring H1075 condition is being used in all Cavitrol
retainer. cages because of its superior resistance to stress
corrosion cracking. This is necessary to avoid
Stems cracking of the outer sleeves which are shrinkfit
around the main portion of the cage. The use of
The valve stem connects the valve plug with the the H1075 condition has caused no decrease in
valve operator through the packing box in the wear performance even though the hardness is
bonnet. The valve stem must be resistant to both lower.
general corrosion and pitting so that leakage
and/or damage to the packing will not occur. The
stem has to be strong enough to sustain the loads Trim for High Temperature/Pressure
required to provide good shutoff without bucking or
yielding. In certain designs, the stem must provide When higher temperatures and/or pressures are
good sliding wear properties in combination with involved, the standard trim combination may not
one or more guide bushings and with the valve be acceptable due to inadequate yield strength,
packing. creep resistance, or sliding wear resistance.
Fisher utilizes a number of trim material
Common Trim Materials combinations for these applications depending
upon the valve style and the actual operating
There are a large number of material combinations conditions.
that have been used for valve trim through the
years. Fisher has several combinations that are One of the most common trim combinations
considered to be somewhat standard, and these consists of a 316 or CF8M chromium coated cage,
have proven to provide excellent performance in a a 316/CoCrA plug, and a 316/CoCrA or solid
very wide range of applications. Alloy 6 seat ring. The chromium coating used on
these cages is a proprietary material that provides
galling resistance up to 1100F. Normal
chromium plating fails above approximately 500F.
Standard Trim Combination for The combination of this coated cage and a
CageGuided Globe Valve CoCrA hardfaced plug provides excellent high
Most Fisher globe valves used in the power temperature mechanical performance, and the
industry are cage guided. The standard valve trim CoCrA hardfaced or solid Alloy 6 seating surfaces
(usually called Trim 1) consists of: provide excellent erosion resistance in most
applications.
Cage 174PH or CB7Cu1 The Super 12% chromium stainless steels are a
newer family of specialty 400 series stainless
Plug 416 HT HRC 38 min steels. They contain small percentages of alloying
elements such as tungsten, vanadium, etc., which
Seat Ring 416 HT HRC 38 min serve to increase their resistance to tempering at
elevated temperatures. These materials are
Stem 316 Condition B sometimes used in plugs and cages (usually
10-7
chromium coasted) for high temperature steam chemicals, this passive layer can be weakened
applications. Availability of these materials has until it fails to protect the material from corrosion.
been poor.
This loss of corrosion resistance is most often
Alloy 6 Corrosion noticed in boiler feedwater applications where the
water is treated with hydrazine or some other
Cobaltchromium Alloy 6 has been a mainstay amine derivative. It occurs exclusively in regions
valve trim hardsurfacing material for many years. where the flow velocity is high, indicating that the
It has been used successfully for most failure mode is actually erosioncorrosion. There
applications considered either noncorrosive or are at least two possible explanations for this
slightly corrosive. Until recently, boiler feedwater phenomenon:
was classified as one of those noncorrosive"
applications. However, over the last ten years,
1. The presence of the amines weakens the oxide
more and more failures of Alloy 6 have been
passive layer so that it erodes easily. The passive
reported in valves which are controlling feedwater
layer is repeatedly eroded away, rebuilt, eroded
in electric utility power plants as well as in
away, rebuilt, etc., resulting in accelerated
cogeneration power plants.
corrosion.
Alloy 6, commonly called Stellite 6 (Stellite is a 2. The presence of amines prevents the oxide
registered trademark of Stoody Deloro Stellite) is passive layer from reforming after it has eroded
available in several forms, all of which have away initialy, thus leaving the alloy unprotected
separate grade designations and slight variations from corrosion. Further erosioncorrosion then
of composition. Briefly, the cast material occurs at accelerated rates.
designation is UNS R30006, and the
hardsurfacing material is designated as AWS There may be other possible mechanisms for this
CoCrA. The wrought material designation is Alloy type of failure, but the point remains that the alloy
6B, but it is commonly called Haynes Alloy 6B is attacked at higher rates than would be expected
(Haynes is a registered trademark of Haynes in an equivalent water application without the
International.) presence of the amine compounds.
Alloy 6 is a cobaltchromiumtungsten alloy with
approximately 1% carbon. The material consists Studies of the returned parts have demonstrated
of a soft matrix of cobaltchromiumtungsten solid that the attack definitely correlates to the presence
solution surrounding a small percentage of hard, of Alloy 6. Figure 102 shows a valve plug with
brittle chromium carbides. In the case of the Alloy 6 seat and guide surfaces that have suffered
wrought material, the carbides are dispersed erosioncorrosion damage. Figure 103 shows
uniformly throughout the network. how the plug was sectioned for the examination.
It highlights a damaged area that appears as a
It is the carbide phase that provides the hardness light colored band adjacent to the outer diameter
of approximately HRC 40, but research has shown of the plug.
that it is the cobaltchromiumtungsten matrix that
is responsible for the excellent wear and cavitation Figure 104 shows the sectioned area after
resistance that Alloy 6 demonstrates. This is due removal from the plug. The circle shows the
to a phase transformation (change in crystal location where the photograph in Figure 105 was
structure) that Alloy 6 undergoes when it is highly taken. The A" and B" planes are identified on
stressed, such as in a wear or cavitation implosion both.
situation. This phase transformation requires
energy, so some of the energy that would cause
damage is absorbed instead, thereby reducing the The A" surface was metallographic polished and
level of damage. etched to aid in identification of the base material
(S31600 SST) and the hardsurfaced layer
Alloy 6, like most corrosion resistant alloys (CoCrA). The scanning electron microscope
containing chromium as an alloying element, (SEM) photomicrograph of polished and etched
obtains its corrosion resistance from the formation face (plane A") in Figure 105 clearly shows the
of a stable, chromiumcontaining oxide passive interface between the S31600 and the CoCrA
layer. The oxide layer protects the underlying (identified by the lower arrow). The material to the
material from further reaction with the right of the interface is CoCrA, and to the left is
environment. In the presence of certain the S31600 base material.
10-8
W5703
W5700
W5702
Figure 10-3. End view of the same plug shown Figure 10-5. Scanning electron microscope
in Figure 10-2. Note the light band adjacent to photograph of the region shown in the circle in
the O.D. and the outside of the plug where the Figure 10-4. Note the microstructures of the
erosion-corrosion damage has occurred. S31600 (left-hand side) and the CoCr-A (right-
This view also shows how the sample was hand side) in plane A". Also note that the inter
removed for further evaluation. face between the two materials (lower arrow) coin
cided with the interface between the damaged and
undamaged areas on plane B" (upper arrow).
This indicates that the CoCr-A material is being
preferentially damaged.
Original Magnification: 100X.
10-9
such as NiCrC (commonly called Colmonoy 6, a Bolting
trademark of Wall Colomonoy), have been
necessary. Bolting is a confusing subject because of the
many different grades and the fact that the grade
There are instances where CoCrA hardfacing or designations are different than those used for
Alloy 6 castings must be avoided. The use of other products. While there are a large number of
hydrazine for removing oxygen from feedwater materials with slightly different compositions, heat
has become very popular in recent years, and treatments, and resulting mechanical
along with its increased use Fisher has characteristics, most needs can be met with just a
experienced an increased number of returns of few grades of material.
CoCrA hardsurfaced and solid Alloy 6 valve trim
parts. The most common bolting materials used in Fisher
products are ASME SA193 Grades B7, B8M, and
Most failures have occurred in boiler feedwater B16. The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
regulation valves utilizing standard trim types and Sections VIII allowable stresses (required per
operating at temperatures as low as 300F and ASME/ANSI B16.34) are the main criteria used to
pressure drops as low as 100 psi. It is suspected determine bolting materials for most applications.
that these failures actually are caused by Figure 106 shows the allowable stresses for
erosioncorrosion, and that the elimination of free these three bolt materials as a function of
oxygen by the hydrazine inhibits the repassivation temperature.
of the cobaltcontaining phase.
10-10
E0167
Figure 106.
Allowable stress levels are listed for B8M Class 1 LowTemperature Use
bolting up to 1500F, and above 1000F its
allowable stress values are greater than for B16. LCB
LCC
B8M Class 2 bolting has higher allowable stress
values up to 800F due to the strain hardening. LC3
However, above 800F, annealing reduces the
strainhardening effects. For this reason, the CF8M
allowable stresses for B8M Class 2 are equal to
those for B8M Class 1 from 850F to 1000F, and IntermediateTemperature Use
its use is not permitted above 1000F.
WCB
WCC
Materials Standardization
ElevatedTemperature Use
Due to the number of companies in different
industries served by Fisher Controls, a wide WC1 C5
variety of materials are specified by customers for
both pressure retaining and nonpressure retaining WC4 C12
parts. In a large number of these instances, the
materials specified are not commonly utilized in WC5 CF8
Fisher products, or are not standard materials for
the particular product being ordered. Sometimes WC6 CF8M
the use of these materials is necessary, but in
many cases a material that is standard to that WC9
Fisher product could be utilized more economically
and with a shorter leadtime. For example, the The materials are listed accordingly to increased
following are lists of ANSI approved casting capability in their particular category of use. They
materials: are also listed in order by price, if it is assumed
10-11
that alloying element content is the sole factor in S41600
determining price. Based upon performance and
price, applications exist for which each alloy in the S44004
list would be the most economical valve body
material. S31600/CoCrA
10-12
CF8M or CG8M / CoCrA this problem. The following sections describe the
UNS and ACI designation systems, which are two
Alloy 6 of the most common designation systems being
utilized.
Seal RIngs
10-13
numeric digits indicate the maximum carbon ACI designations are used for all cast stainless
content (percent x 100) of the alloy. and heat resisting steels and cast nickelbase
alloys.
Additional letters following the numeric digits
indicate the presence of supplementary alloying
elements. ASTM/ASME designations have been retained
for many special carbon and alloy steel products.
Two groups of materials have designations that do In addition, cast iron materials have retained their
not follow the above scheme. Nickelcopper ASTM grade designations. The fact that UNS
materials use M" as the first letter (examples are numbers have not been adopted for these
M351 and M25S). Nickelmolybdenum materials materials within the codes and standards is
utilize N" as the beginning letter (such as N7M probably due to the difficulty in relating their UNS
and N12MV). numbers with the commonly known designations.
10-14
Chapter 11
This chapter provides information and insight to Clarification of trade names is required for proper
help in selection of packing systems. Application understanding of the Table 111 shown in this
guidelines for each packing selection have been publication. From the perspective of Fisher,
developed to aid in the packing selection process. ENVIROSEAL packing is defined as an
These guidelines were developed based on test advanced system using a compact", liveload
results of various packing systems conducted in spring design. From a user perspective,
Fisher's technical center. Exceeding these ENVIROSEAL packing is most typically thought
guidelines may result in reduced service life. of as an emissionreducing packing system;
however, as shown in the following chart and
The ratings for these systems do not affect the graphs, it is highly useful in nonenvironmental
valve pressure/temperature class rating. applications as well.
Traditional valve selection entails selecting a valve
design based on pressure and temperature Although other packing materials and
capabilities, flow characteristics, and material combinations of packing materials are available,
compatibility. An additional factorpacking the recommendations for nearly all applications
selectionis now a critical factor in the valve are listed in Table 111. Simply select the
selection process. appropriate packing based on pressure,
temperature, leakage requirements, service life
Proper packing selection is being driven in the required, etc. Use the charts for additional
United States by the Clean Air Act Amendments, guidance.
subsequent Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) regulations, and our customers' increasing The packing selection guidelines in Table 111
concern for improved packing performance (less present two categories of service conditions. The
maintenance and longer service life.) first category defines those packing systems
designed for environmental or fugitive emission
In recent years, packing selection has been applications where 500 parts per million volume
primarily based on process temperature; that is, (ppmv) seal performance is required.
PTFE was selected for temperatures below 450F
(232C), and graphite was selected for The second category defines application
temperatures above 450F (232C). guidelines for nonenvironmental services.
Considerations now include the effect of packing Depending on category requirements, different
friction on process control, hysteresis, seal quality, pressure/temperature guidelines have been
and cycle life. established for the packing systems.
Given the variety of process applications and In addition, a given packing design has certain
installation conditions, these variables are difficult characteristics concerning seal performance,
to quantify. A relative packing performance service life, and friction. The pressure and
comparison can be made that provides an temperature guidelines and the relative
engineered approach to the packing selection comparison of these characteristics are defined in
process. Table 111 and the supporting charts.
www.Fisher.com
Table 111. Packing Selection Guidelines for SlidingStem Valves
Maximum Pressure & Application Guideline for
Temperature Limits for Nonenvironmental Seal Service
Packing
Packing System 500 PPM Service(1) Service(1) Performance Life
Friction((2))
Index Index
Customary U.S. Metric Customary U.S. Metric
300 psi 20.7 bar See figure 111 See figure 111
Single PTFE VRing Better Long Very low
0 to 200_F -18 to 93_C -50 to 450_F -46 to 232_C
See figure 2 See figure 2 See figure 111 See figure 111
ENVIROSEAL PTFE Superior Very long Low
-50 to 450_F -46 to 232_C -50 to 450_F -46 to 232_C
750 psi 51.7 bar See figure 111 See figure 111
ENVIROSEAL Duplex Superior Very long Low
-50 to 450_F -46 to 232_C -50 to 450_F -46 to 232_C
KALREZR with PTFE 350 psig 24.1 bar See figure 111 See figure 111
Superior Long Low
(KVSP 400)(3) 40 to 400_F 4 to 204 -40 to 400_F -40 to 204_C
1500 psi 103 bar 3000 psi 207 bar
ENVIROSEAL Graphite ULF Superior Very long High
20 to 600_F -7 to 315_C -325 to 700_F -198 to 371_C
HIGHSEAL Graphite with 1500 psi 103 bar 4200 psi(4) 290 bar(4)
Superior Very long High
PTFE 20 to 600_F -7 to 315_C -325 to 700_F -198 to 317_C
--- --- 4200 psi(4) 290 bar(4)
HIGHSEAL Graphite Better Very long Very high
--- --- -325 to 1200_F(5) -198 to 649_C(5)
--- --- 1500 psi 103 bar
Braided Graphite Filament Acceptable Acceptable High
--- --- -325 to 1000_F(5) -198 to 538_C(5)
1.The values shown are only guidelines. These guidelines can be exceeded, but shortened packing life or increased leakage might result. The temperature ratings apply to the
actual packing temperature, not to the process temperature.
2.See Catalog 14 for actual friction values.
3.The KALREZ pressure/temperature limits referenced in this bulletin are for Fisher Controls valve applications only. DuPont may claim higher limits.
4.Except for the 3/8inch (9.5 mm) stem, 1600 psi (110 bar).
5.Except for oxidizing service, -325 to 700_F (-198 to 371_C).
11-2
ensure a longer life. This is achieved by using galvanic corrosion in valves in storage that have
springs that deliver the required low force. graphite packing system installed.
KALREZ packing arrangements seal effectively, Fisher uses only the highest grades of base
due to the resilient properties of the KALREZ flexible graphite material that contain a
material and the shape of the Vrings, which nonmetallic, inorganic, passivating inhibitor for
concentrate the applied stress on the perimeter of galvanic corrosion resistance. All Fisher graphite
the packing rings. Laboratory testing has shown packing systems (with the exception of nuclear
excellent seal performance when the packing applications) also include sacrificial zinc washers
arrangement was loaded in this manner. However, to prevent galvanic corrosion.
in additional tests where high stress was applied
to the packing arrangement, the Vrings were However, even with these preventive measures,
damaged and material extruded out of the packing under humid conditions, in the presence of
arrangement. This test result confirmed the need chlorides, with air or oxygen present, there is
for a controlled low stress when using the potential for galvanic corrosion of the valve stem.
KALREZ arrangements. Because there are numerous variables associated
with galvanic corrosion it is near impossible to
In contrast, the ENVIROSEAL PTFE packing predict when it may occur.
system is designed to operate at high stress
(approximately 10 times the KALREZ stress). This The best policy is to remove the packing if the
gives the ENVIROSEAL PTFE packing system valve is to be stored for a long period. This,
the ability to tolerate lessthanperfect conditions however, may create a safety issue if someone
and continue to seal reliably. For example, in were to use the valve not realizing that there was
changing installed valves to ENVIROSEAL PTFE no packing in the valve. For this exact reason all
packing, minor imperfections in the stem finish or Fisher valves are supplied with the packing
packing bore can be tolerated because of the high installed.
stress design of the packing system. KALREZ with
PTFE Vring might have difficulty sealing in this
situation. ENVIROSEAL Graphite ULF
The KALREZ with PTFE Vring packing (SlidingStem and Rotary Valves)
arrangement is basically the same packing ENVIROSEAL Graphite ULF packing is designed
concept as the easye single PTFE Vring for environmental applications from 300 to 600F
packing, except two of the PTFE Vrings have (149 to 316C), or for those applications where fire
been replaced with two KALREZ Vrings. The safety is a concern and graphite packing is
KALREZ Vrings can be identified by their black desired. The ENVIROSEAL Graphite ULF
color. arrangement can also be used with higher
pressures up to 1500 psi (103 bar) and still
The total cost (initial and ongoing maintenance maintain the 500 ppmv EPA leakage criteria.
costs) will be less for the ENVIROSEAL PTFE
packing systems than for KALREZ packing
arrangements. On reviewing the pricing, you will
notice that KALREZ packing is markedly higher in ENVIROSEAL Graphite ULF packing systems
price than ENVIROSEAL PTFE. With KALREZ were developed by utilizing the benefits of both
packing, each time the packing is replaced when PTFE and graphite components. These special
maintaining the packing, the KALREZ packing packing systems provide the firesafe capability of
cost will be repeated. For ENVIROSEAL packing graphite packing along with reduced friction
systems, the replacement packing is only slightly advantages of PTFE packing. Thus,
higher than a set of single PTFE Vring packing. ENVIROSEAL Graphite ULF packing systems
provide a lower friction, lower emission, firetested
solution for applications with process temperatures
Flexible Graphite Packing Material up to 316_C (600_F). ENVIROSEAL Graphite
(SlidingStem Only) ULF packing systems were tested in accordance
with API Standard 589, Fire Test Evaluation of
It is important to understand some of the issues Valve Stem Packing", second edition. See Figure
associated with the base material that is common 111 for applications guidelines for 500 ppm
to all high temperature graphite packing systems. service. Figure 114 shows the ENVIROSEAL
The single most important issue is the potential for Graphite ULF packing system.
11-3
HIGHSEALt Graphite with PTFE for filament cannot sustain high packing stress levels.
Over time, the braided graphite filament will break
Environmental Applications down and compress, and sealing force will be lost.
(SlidingStem Only) Due to these characteristics, braided graphite
The HIGHSEAL packing system features filament will not provide the required seal
liveloading and unique packing ring arrangements performance for environmental services. The
for consistent, longterm sealing performance. It is braided graphite filament arrangement is also
offered without PTFE washers for nuclear service susceptible to stickslip action, which might cause
where PTFE is prohibited and with PTFE washers process control deviations.
for all other applications.
NonEnvironmental Services
Double Packing Arrangements
For the nonenvironmental pressure/temperature
guidelines, using ENVIROSEAL and HIGHSEAL Where an especially tight seal is required, double
packing systems can extend service life. packing is available. Consisting of two stacks of
packing and a spacer, double packing
As service pressures and temperatures increase, arrangements have more packing on the actuator
the ENVIROSEAL packing systems provide a side if a lubricating connection is used.
significant step change in performance, compared
to the traditional single PTFE Vring or braided
graphite filament arrangements. For example, an LeakOff Packing Arrangements
ANSI Class 1500 (Design HP valve) application at Certain rotary valve applications require that any
2000 psi and 200F (137 bar and 93C) frequently leakage from the inner set of packing be detected
required packing maintenance. The HIGHSEAL and channeled away before it can leak through the
packing system with PTFE washers was installed, outer set to the atmosphere. Leakoff packing
significantly reducing maintenance requirements. arrangements are designed for this purpose.
This system is rated to 420 psi and 700F (290
bar and 371C). The ENVIROSEAL packing Some standard packing arrangements, such as
system or compact Belleville spring arrangement double PTFE Vring, that have packing on either
is rated to 3000 psi and 700F (20.7 bar and side of a lubricator connection can also be used
371C). for leakoff applications. However, standard
packing arrangements are not specifically
Table 11 1 shows that the braided graphite designed for leakoff applications and do not have
filament arrangement is limited to 1500 psi (103 a suitable ratio of packing on either side of the
bar). Due to its construction, braided graphite lubricator.
11-4
Purged Packing Arrangement Conclusion
Certain rotary valve applications require that a It is important to recognize that many parameters
lantern gland and a tapped pipe connection be affect seal performance and service life. Even if
provided inboard of the packing itself to permit the optimum design is selected, other factors such
purging of any accumulated deposits around the as stem finish, packing bore finish, and installation
valve shaft and bushing. This arrangement is practices will have an effect on performance.
recommended for handling fluids with entrained
solids and where fluids condense or solidify with The knowledge gained by Fisher as a result of the
loss of temperature. ENVIROSEAL and HIGHSEAL packing
development program has provided an opportunity
to help you engineer" the packing selection.
Oxygen Service Proper selection has a bottom line result; that is,
Because liquid or gaseous oxygen supports the increased service life and reduced maintenance.
combustion of most lubricants or foreign material,
special precautions must be taken when cleaning If you need a more detailed engineering
and handling oxygen service equipment. Be sure discussion of the design principles affecting
to specify oxygen service when ordering packing packing seal design, contact your Fisher sales
or other equipment for this service so the packing office or sales representative. The sales
will be appropriately degreased. representative can provide you a copy of TM38,
Control Valve Packing Systems.
11-5
ENVIRO-SEAL Graphite ULF
HIGHSEAL Graphite with PTFE
ENVIRO-SEAL DUPLEX
KALREZ
WITH
ZYMAXX
(KVSP 500)
(KVSP 400)
A6158-2 / IL
11-6
and DUPLEX
ENVIRO-SEAL
Graphite ULF
KALREZ
WITH
ZYMAXX
(KVSP
500)
KALREZ
with PTFE (KVSP400)
A6159-2 / IL
11-7
A6161 / IL
A6163 / IL
SINGLE PTFE V-RING
ENVIRO-SEAL PTFE
A6843 / IL
SPRING
PACK
PTFE-CAR ASSEMBLY
BON/PTFE
PACKING
SET
LANTERN
RING BUSHING
(CARBON)
PACKING RING
(COMPOSITE) BUSHING
(CARBON)
A6162 / IL
PACKING
PACKING
WASH
DOUBLE PTFE V-RING BOX RING
ERS
(PTFE)
11-8
PACKING STUD LUBRICANT
PACKING NUT
BUSHING
PACKING RING
PACKING
WASHER
BUSHING
PACKING BOX
RING
E0818
HIGH-SEAL GRAPHITE
A6166 / IL
HIGH-SEAL GRAPHITE WITH PTFE
A6168 / IL
11-9
PACKING SPRINGS
BOX STUD
VALVE PACKING
FLANGE PACKING
BODY
ACTUATOR VALVE BOX
MOUNTING SHAFT RING
YOKE ANTI-
EXTRUSION
RINGS
VALVE
SHAFT
YOKE
BEARING
PACKING PACKING
FLANGE BOX RING SPRINGS GRAPHITE
PACKING
SET
PACKING
PTFE FOLLOWER
PACKING
PACKING V-RINGS W6125-1 / IL
FOLLOWER SHOWN
W5806-1 / IL
SINGLE PTFE PACKING GRAPHITE PACKING
11-10
Chapter 12
CODES AND STANDARDS the face of the first flange in bolted flanged
connections;
OVERVIEW
or
The design, manufacture and use of control valves
in power plants is governed by a variety of codes the first threaded joint in a threaded connection.
and standards. These documents provide for safe
design and operation as well as consistency of Boiler external piping extends up to and including
product to facilitate plant construction and the valves required by the ASME BPVC. This
procurement. may include water drum, superheater, reheater,
and economizer header drain and vent valves,
This section summarizes Fisher's position steam drum vent valves, and steam drum level
regarding conformance to the most common indicators. The ASME BPVC has administrative
codes and standards used to specify control jurisdiction, while the ASME Section Committee B
valves for fossil power plant applications. The 31.1 has technical responsibility. This means that
comments are divided into six groups: design design and construction rules are contained in
standards, dimensional standards, performance ANSI/ASME B 31.1, but that ASME code
testing, nondestructive examination, welding, and certification, data forms, code symbol stamping
painting/cleaning. These comments apply to and/or inspections by authorized inspectors are
guide preparation of purchase specifications, as per ASME BPVC Section I when required.
well as provide an awareness of situations where
pricing adjustments are required. In many cases a The remainder of the power plant piping
minor change in specification can have significant (nonboiler external piping) and is covered by
commercial ramifications and only minor technical ANSI/ASME B 31.1, Power Plant Piping.
benefit.
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
Design standards. The boiler proper includes Section I. While control valves are not included in
superheaters, economizers, reheaters, steam the boiler proper, the boiler external piping may
drums, water drums and other pressure parts include control equipment. (A common example is
connected directly to the boiler without intervening a steam drum level controller.) Design and
valves. The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel construction of these devices must comply with
Code (BPVC) has administrative jurisdiction and the requirements of ANSI/ASME B 31.1 and also
technical responsibility for the boiler proper. comply with the quality assurance requirements of
Fisher does not manufacture equipment that is ASME BPVC Section 1. This implies that vendors
installed in the boiler proper. must provide inspection, data reports and
stamping, which many are not authorized to
Boiler external piping is that piping which begins provide. However, the ASME BPVC Section I
where the boiler proper terminates. This waives these requirements for certain parts that
termination is considered to be: already comply with an ANSI product standard or
manufacturer's standard and which comply with
The first circumferential joining for welding end certain other requirements for material, welding
connections; and radiography and heat treatment
documentation. Under these conditions, Fisher
or may comply with ASME BPVC Section I without
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providing code stamping. The Comments to 2. Intermediate Standard Class
ANSI/ASME B 31.1 later contain more
information. These ratings fall between standard class ratings
and are achieved by designing the valve body and
bonnet with extra wall thickness and by designing
ANSI/ASME B 31.1, Power Piping Code. the bodytobonnet bolting to handle higher loads.
Control valves and other equipment may be NDE is not required. Only BWE valves may carry
supplied per ANSI/ASME B 31.1 to meet intermediate ratings. The intermediate ratings
requirements for either boiler external piping or many times allow use of less expensive products
nonboiler external piping. In most cases, this in high duty applications.
code will be applied to both valves and level
controls. 3. Special Class
These ratings are typically higher than standard
1. Valves class ratings and are obtained by ultrasonic or
radiographic testing of the body and bonnet
This code references ANSI B 16.34 as an castings. Any BWE globe or angle valves may be
applicable design standard for valves. To comply given a special class rating. See ANSI B 16.34 for
with ANSI/ASME B 31.1, Fisher builds valves per these ratings.
ANSI B 16.34 and provides some additional
4. Intermediate Special Class
marking requirements per ANSI B 16.34 and ANSI
B 16.5. The code prohibits the use of ungasketed, These ratings require both the nondestructive
screwed bonnets on source valves in steam examination of the body and bonnet (as in special
service over 250 psig. class) and the extra wall thickness/bolt strength
(as in intermediate class). These ratings fall
2. Level Controls between the special class ratings, and may be
applied only to BWE valves that have intermediate
ratings. Intermediate special class ratings for
Standard cagestyle level controls often require
applicable products are published in vendor
modifications before complying with ANSI/ASME
literature.
B 31.1. All branch welds (such as the side
connection saddle welds) must have a fillet weld Special Class, Intermediate Standard Class and
added. Torque tube retainer flanges must Intermediate Special Class ratings all require
conform to code dimensions. pricing considerations.
On both valves and level controls, fabrication Valves built to comply with B 16.34 must also
welds (including valve body to reducer welds) may meet marking requirements. To meet these
require radiographic or liquid penetrant/magnetic requirements, Fisher applies one nameplate with
particle examination. This requirement depends valve body information and one with actuator
on nominal pipe size, wall thickness at the weld, information. The full nameplate requirements are
design pressure and design temperature. met only when ANSI B 16.34 compliance is
specified in writing by the customer.
ANSI B 16.34. This standard covers ANSI B 16.5. This standard covers the design of
pressuretemperature ratings, dimensions, flanges and flanged fittings and also establishes
materials, nondestructive examination flanged fitting ratings. Although the current edition
requirements, testing and marking of cast, forged, of this standard is not a valve design standard,
and fabricated flanged and buttweld end, and earlier issues (before 1973) were applied to valve
wafer or flangeless valves. design. Design responsibility was transferred to
ANSI B 16.34 in 1973 for buttweld end valves and
Pressuretemperature ratings provided in the code in 1977 for flanged end valves.
are divided into four groups as follows:
ANSI B 16.5 may be applied to valves several
1. Standard Class ways:
These are the normal ANSI Classes 150 through 1. As a dimensional/design standard for the
4500 pressuretemperature ratings. Most flanged ends of valves. Literature will commonly
standard products fall in these standard classes. say Mates with ANSI XXX flanges."
Pressure temperature ratings are published for a 2. To designate the pressuretemperature rating
variety of materials. of the valve. The bulletin will commonly say,
12-2
Pressures consistent with the applicable ANSI ANSI B 16.37. This standard covers hydrostatic
flange rating." testing of control valves. Test pressures are 1.5
times the cold working pressure given in ANSI B
3. As a valve design standard. This is not 16.34. Fisher complies with ANSI B 16.37 on
common now that ANSI B 16.34 covers valve those products whose pressure shell is rated per
design, but many older valves or older ANSI Class B 16.34 (i.e., with ANSI 150,
specifications may reference ANSI B 16.5 as the 300...etc. ratings). Testing is completed when
design specification. specified in full compliance with methods
prescribed. As standard, Fisher product is hydro
MSS SP66. This standard was published as a
tested by component using ANSI B 16.37
valve design standard prior to ANSI B 16.34.
pressures and procedures. This component
Conformance to ANSI B 16.34 should generally be
hydrotest is followed by an aerostatic test after
specified in lieu of MSS SP66. Special
assembly to confirm gasket joint integrity. This
inspections" per MSS SP66 to increase the
procedure allows us to ensure the integrity of
pressuretemperature ratings are now replaced by
valve parts and joints and contributes to more
ANSI B 16.34 special class ratings.
efficient manufacture.
MSS SP67. This standard covers design and ANSI/FCI 702 (formerly ANSI B 16.104). This
test performance requirements for butterfly valves standard defines seat leak classes and testing
and divides them into three leak classes. In most procedures. Fisher complies with this standard on
situations, these leak classes have been those valves which are given ANSI leak rates (i.e.,
superseded for control valve usage by the ANSI Class III, IV, V, etc.). The standard
ANSI/ISA B 16.104 Standards. prescribes test procedures for each leak class as
well as allowable leak rates.
Type I: Tight shutoff valve. No leakage allowed.
MSS SP61. This standard covers pressure
Type II: Low leakage valve. Leakage within testing of steel valves but is not intended for use
tolerances is allowed in the closed position. Type with control valves. It includes shell tests and seat
II valves are not subjected to a seat test unless closure tests. The seat closure tests are
required by the purchaser. When a test is specifically for shutoff or isolation valves (this
required, the valve is to be subjected to a includes on/off drain and block valves).
hydrostatic or air seat test at the rated shutoff
pressure, and the leakage must not exceed the With regard to control valves the seat leak
leak rate specified by the purchaser. procedure is not adequate to recognize leak rates
of different trim styles and sizes which may lead to
Type III: Nominal leakage valve. No seat leak over or underspecification of the leak rate. For
test required. control valve seat leakage tests, refer to ISA
SS75.19 and ANSI/FCI 702.
MSS SP67 also defines facetoface dimensions SNTTC1A. This standard defines qualification
for certain butterfly valves. requirements for personnel who perform
nondestructive examination. All personnel doing
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code NDE should be qualified per SNTTC1A.
Section VIII. This code covers requirements for
pressure vessels. It is not used for valve design, ANSI B 16.34. This standard allows increased
although some design calculations for diffusers pressuretemperature ratings for valves that are
and actuators are based on Section VIII. nondestructively examined (special class).
Radiography or with customer acceptance,
ANSI B 16.10. This standard defines facetoface ultrasonic testing, is performed on certain areas of
dimensions for gate, plug, check, ball and control the body and bonnet. Consequently, this standard
valves. Control valves covered include Class 125 includes test procedures and acceptance criteria
and 250 cast iron through 8inch size, and Class for diographic, ultrasonic, magnetic particle and
150, 300, 400 and 600 steel flanged valves liquid penetrant examinations. Use of B 16.34 is
through 8inch size. Facetoface dimensions for recommended in lieu of comparable MSS
large valves and highpressure valves will vary by standards due to broader acceptance.
manufacturer as necessary to suit the constraints
of each design. Socket weld valves are covered MSS SP55. This standard covers visual
by ANSI B 16.11. examination of castings.
12-3
MSS SP54. This standard covers radiographic ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
examination of castings. Radiographic Section IX. This standard defines requirements
examination per ANSI B 16.34 or ASTM E94 for qualification of welders and welding
should be proposed, however, due to broader procedures. Welders and welding procedures
acceptance of the standard. should all comply with ASME Section IX.
Noncompliance will violate other code and
MSS SP53. This standard covers magnetic
standard requirements.
particle examination. Again, magnetic particle
examination per ANSI B 16.34 should be
SSPCSP5, SP6, SSPCSP10. These standards
proposed.
define requirements for blast cleaning metal
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code surfaces. Most vendor procedures will comply
Section V. Section V contains requirements and with either SSPCSP6 or SSPCSP10.
methods for nondestructive testing and describes Requirements for special blast cleaning will often
procedures for various types of testing. This be coupled with special painting requirements.
section is applicable only when it is specifically
referenced and required by other ASME BPVC
sections or other design specifications.
12-4
Chapter 13
This section provides guidelines for the installation General recommendations for control valve
of control valves and includes the topics of piping installation are:
arrangement, valve capacity, line size versus
valve size, velocity limitations, and control valve DAvoid arrangements that produce a nozzle
orientation. These guidelines answer many effect into the inlet of a control valve. This will alter
common questions about installing control valves the valve characteristic adversely.
and help to identify and avoid potential installation
problems. DAvoid closecoupled inlet block valves
reduced from line size, as it will affect
characteristic and capacity.
Control Valve Piping DIf a block and bypass arrangement must be
used around a control valve, the control valve is
Control valves are selected and specified after
best placed in a straightthrough section. Avoid
careful consideration of process conditions and
tortuous manifolds that are sometimes used to
performance requirements. Common sense
provide accessibility to a control valve.
suggests that to ensure the integrity of the valve
selection process, a similar degree of engineering DAvoid sharp turns close to the valve inlet.
should be given to where and how control valves
Straightline sections into and out of the control
are installed within the piping system. valve should simulate the piping that was used
originally to establish the flow capacity and
For example, an indication of how adjacent piping characteristic test data. As a general comment, it
may affect the capacity of a control valve is given is best if there are 10 to 20 pipe diameters of
by the following actual test data. straight pipe run upstream of the valve and five to
10 pipe diameters downstream of the valve.
When the control valve size is reduced from the
line size by 2:1 ratio and the adjacent block valves
are made the same size as the control valve, the Line Size Versus Valve Size
capacity of a typical 2inch control valve will be
reduced by approximately 5%. The consideration of line size versus valve size is
related primarily to the strength of the valve in
As the valve size is increased, while keeping a 2:1 relation to the strength of the adjacent piping.
ratio of line size to valve size, the reduction in Common rules of thumb used in this regard are:
capacity approaches 10%. 1. Valve size not less than 1/2 pipe size.
2. Valve size not less than two nominal sizes
Capacity reduction becomes less if the block
below the line size.
valves are made the same as line size and are
moved outside the reducers. Either of these rules may be used with adequate
assurance of safety. However, it should be noted
If other fittings are incorporated, such as elbows that they do not yield the same result (i.e., assume
between the block valves and reducers or elbows a 20inch line, which in Rule 1 would allow a
between the reducers and control valve, reduction 10inch valve, but in Rule 2 would allow a 16inch
in capacity may easily be as much as 15%. valve.)
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Velocity Limitations in Control Valves condition such as cavitation or severe vibration
exists.
Questions regarding fluid velocity limitations may
arise when valve and line sizes are being In general, control valves should be sized strictly
determined. Limitations vary between liquids and on the basis of capacity requirements. Instances
gases because the limits arise from different where velocity considerations dictate valve size
physical phenomena. are few and far between, particularly with
cagestyle valves and their superior guiding.
For vapors and gases, there is no limitation in Those designs that are limited have published
velocity except when noise is a consideration. In pressure drop limitations.
this case, the velocity should be kept below the
manufacturer's recommended velocity limit. For
Fisher, these limits are 0.3 Mach for Whisper Trim Actuator and Body Orientation
III and 0.5 Mach for Whisper Trim I. The primary considerations of actuator and body
orientation are:
Limitations on liquid service have been a concern
for many years. Fisher developed velocity DTrim wear
guidelines for use with topandbottom guided
valves. These guidelines were established to DPacking reliability
eliminate guide wear, vertical instability, body
erosion and noise. DMaintenance
On the other hand, cagestyle valves offer The ideal situation with regard to all of these
massive guiding at the point where pressure drop considerations is that the actuator be oriented in
occurs. The cage shields the valve plug from the vertical plane and on top.
direct fluid impingement and helps to prolong
guide surface life. These features make it possible Although Fisher sliding stem control valve
to operate cagestyle valves at maximum rated assemblies are not position sensitive, the
inlet pressure and full pressure drop with no recommended installation is with the actuator
danger of premature guide failure. vertical and on top. In this orientation, gravity does
not produce increased wear effects in the same
manner as it would with the valve assembly at
Vertical instability, often called buffeting, was
some angle.
associated with many doubleported,
topandbottomguided valves. The concern for Mounting the valve with the actuator underneath
vertical instability has been eliminated through the can allow all rust, weld slag, corrosion, etc. in the
application of cagestyle valves with their flow line to fall into the packing box area of the
singleseated, balanced trims. These valves have valve. This may shorten packing and valve stem
been designed not only to balance static forces, life since any of these entrained materials can be
but also to minimize dynamic ones. pulled into the packing by stem motion combined
with gravity. With the actuator under the valve,
Body erosion is considered by many to be the valve disassembly and reassembly will be very
primary reason for imposing fluid velocity limits. In difficult as well.
erosive slurry applications this is certainly a major
consideration; however, in clean" fluid there is no Bracing the actuator when it is installed at an
correlation between velocity and body erosion. angle will not offset the effects of gravity. One
must remember that bracing the actuator will only
Virtually all reported cases of body damage provide support to the extended structure. It will
attributed to body erosion have been traceable to NOT impact the effects of gravity on control valve
known trouble sources such as cavitation, internal parts such as valve plug, actuator
flashing, wet steam erosion, or erosion from diaphragm head, etc.
abrasive fines in the fluid. It is therefore believed
that irrespective of valve style or material, velocity These internal components will move due to
of clean fluids need not be limited simply to gravity, within their allowed tolerance, resulting in
prevent body erosion. increased wear in a localized area. Wear is
directly related to the weight of the parts, and it is
The noise contribution of a liquid passing through safe to say that the larger the actuator/valve
a control valve is usually considered assembly, the more likely there will be an
inconsequential, provided that no adverse increased wear rate.
13-2
Fisher ENVIROSEALr packing is the best Welding Procedures
selection for any sliding stem control valve from a
longterm performance standpoint. With any The welding process can be divided into three
sliding stem control valve that will be installed in a stages:
position other than vertical, with actuator on top, it 1. Preheating
is highly recommended that ENVIROSEAL
packing be used. This is because the 2. Welding
ENVIROSEAL packing arrangements contain 3. Postweld heat treating
bushing materials that support side load so that
the soft sealing portions of the packing system are Piping codes specify that preheat be used, which
not required to provide side load support. involves heating the two pieces to be welded prior
to beginning the weld. The heating may be
performed with heating pads or with a torch in the
If the actuator must be mounted horizontally, it is
area of the butt weld or socket weld ends.
recommended that hardened guides and seats be
used in the trim to reduce potential increased Depending on the material and joint thickness, the
wear. temperature may range upward to 300500 F.
This temperature is not damaging for most metal
Typically, increased wear will occur between: parts, but elastomeric and plastic parts may have
lower temperature limits. These parts may include
DPlug and cage (on a cageguided valve) orings, seal rings, backup rings, packing rings
and gaskets.
DPost and bushing (on a postguided valve)
There is usually little danger in the packing box
area as the bonnet and body will dissipate heat.
DPlug seat and seat ring (on all globe valves) Inside the body, however, temperatures may be
closer to the preheat temperature.
DValve stem packing
Caution should be used whenever the preheat
temperature is close to or higher than the
This increased wear eventually will cause
temperature limits for elastomeric or plastic parts
deformation of the trim parts and is likely to
in a valve. When in doubt, remove these
increase seat leakage, especially on valves used
components.
on high pressure drop water or steam service.
In the welding process (such as around a socket
Orientation of the actuator in a position other than weld end), as the welder begins, the temperature
vertical and on top will also complicate assembly of the first puddle of molten metal will be very
and disassembly of an installed valve. high. As the process continues, the first puddle will
continue to cool until the welder reaches the
starting point. The temperature of that first puddle,
Installation just as the first pass is completed, is called the
interpass temperature. The interpass temperature
Two main areas of concern appear during valve must be maintained below a maximum, which is
installation: dependent upon the material being welded. As an
example, chromemoly steels and stainless steel
DWelding procedures interpass temperatures are usually in the range of
300500 F, so the same cautions apply as with
DSystem flushing preheating.
13-3
valve body. Potentially, this may damage Chemical cleaning may cause similar problems.
elastomeric and plastic parts, but metal parts also Some cleaning solutions can etch seating or
may be damaged or warp. Shrunkfit pieces and gasket surfaces, especially if the solutions are not
threaded connections may loosen. In general, if neutralized after the cleaning is complete and if
PWHT is to be performed, all trim parts should be the solutions are allowed to sit in the valve body.
removed. In these cases, flushing trim should be used to
protect the seating and gasket surfaces and the
System Flushing real trim. Since many different acids or cleaning
Flushing and chemical cleaning also generate solutions can be used for chemical cleaning,
some special problems. Flushing involves the Fisher recommends that the real trim not be
flowing of water or steam through a system to exposed to the chemical cleaning solution.
remove solid particles (such as weld slag) prior to
operation of the system. Once it has been determined that a valve must be
disassembled because of welding requirements or
Valves are essentially restrictions in the because flushing trim must be installed, make
flowstream, especially when equipped with any sure that an extra set of packing and gaskets is
drilled hole or small orifice trim, i.e. Whisper Trim, available. Gaskets should always be replaced
Cavitrolr Trim, MicroFlat or standard drilled hole when the valve has been disassembled. It is
trim, etc. Solid particles may lodge in the valve recommended that the packing also be replaced
trim, which can lead to plugging. There is also the due to potential damage from removing the valve
possibility of scoring between the plug and cage stem from the packing box. Failure to replace
and nicking of the seating surface. these parts may lead to leaks and can result in
To protect valve trim, Fisher recommends use of a erosion of the gasket surfaces, the packing box
special set of flushing trim. This special flushing bore, or the valve stem.
trim normally consists of the following sacrificial
parts: cage or cage flange, seat ring,
doublenutted stem to seal the bonnet stem hole,
and gaskets. This sacrificial trim allows the
flushing fluid and any solid particles to pass freely
through the valve body and protects the seating
and gasket surfaces from damage.
13-4
Chapter 14
A7153 / IL 2-Sigma2-Sigma
Process Variability
Figure 141. Process variability
To deliver acceptable returns to their
shareholders, international industry leaders are
realizing they must reduce raw material and scrap point. A process that is in control, with only the
costs while increasing productivity. Reducing common causes of variation present, typically
process variability in the manufacturing processes follows a bellshaped normal distribution (Figure
through the application of process control 141).
technology is recognized as an effective method
to improve financial returns and meet global A statistically derived band of values on this
competitive pressures. distribution, called the +/2 sigma band, describes
the spread of process variable deviations from the
The basic objective of a company is to make a set point. This band is the variability of the
profit through the production of a quality product. process. Process Variability is a precise measure
A quality product conforms to a set of of tightness of control and is expressed as a
specifications. Any deviation from the established percentage of the set point.
specification means lost profit due to excessive
material use, reprocessing costs, or wasted If a product must meet a certain lowerlimit
product. Thus, a large financial impact is obtained specification, for example, the set point needs to
through improving process control. Reducing be established at a 2 sigma value above this lower
process variability through better process control limit. Doing so will ensure that all the product
allows optimization of the process and the produced at values to the right of the lower limit
production of products correctly, the first time. will meet the quality specification.
The nonuniformity inherent in raw materials and The problem, however, is that money and
production processes is the common cause of resources are being wasted by making a large
process variability both above and below the set percentage of the product to a level much greater
www.Fisher.com
one isolated parameter must be considered.
Research within the industry has found the
particular design features of the final control
element, including the valve, actuator, and
positioner, are very important in achieving good
process control under dynamic conditions. Most
importantly, the control valve assembly must be
optimized or developed as a unit. Valve
components not designed as complete assemblies
typically do not yield the best dynamic
performance. Some of the most important design
considerations include:
DDead band
DActuator/positioner design
14-2
provide effective reduction in process variability.
However, it is not uncommon for some valves to
exhibit dead band as great as 5% or more. In a
recent plant audit, 30% of the valves had dead
bands in excess of 4%. Over 65% of the loops
audited had dead bands greater than 2%.
14-3
friction to the control valve assembly than piston The most important characteristic of a good
actuators. An additional advantage of positioner for process variability reduction is that it
springanddiaphragm actuators is that their be a high gain device. Positioner gain is
frictional characteristics are more uniform with composed of two parts: the static gain and the
age. Piston actuator friction probably will increase dynamic gain.
significantly as guide surfaces and the Orings
wear with use, lubrication fails, and the elastomer Static gain is related to the sensitivity of the device
degrades. Thus, to ensure continued good to the detection of small (0.125% or less) changes
performance, maintenance is required more often of the input signal. Unless the device is sensitive
for piston actuators than for springanddiaphragm to these small signal changes, it cannot respond
actuators. If that maintenance is not performed, to minor upsets in the process variable. This high
process variability can suffer dramatically without static gain of the positioner is obtained through a
the operator's knowledge. preamplifier, similar in function to the preamplifier
contained in high fidelity sound systems. In many
pneumatic positioners, a nozzleflapper or similar
Backlash is the name given to slack or looseness
device serves as this high static gain preamplifier.
of a mechanical connection. This slack results in a
discontinuity of motion when the device changes Once a change in the process variable has been
direction. Backlash commonly occurs in gear detected, the positioner then must rapidly supply a
drives of various configurations. Rackandpinion large volume of air to the actuator to make the
actuators are particularly prone to dead band due valve respond promptly. The ability to do this
to backlash. Some valve shaft connections also comes from the high dynamic gain of the
exhibit dead band effects. Spline connections positioner. Although the positioner preamplifier
generally have much less dead band than keyed can have high static gain, it typically has little
shafts or doubleD designs. ability to supply the power needed. Thus, the
preamplifier function must be supplemented by a
While friction can be reduced significantly through high dynamic gain power amplifier that supplies
good valve design, it is a difficult phenomenon to the required air flow as rapidly as needed. A relay
eliminate entirely. A wellengineered control valve or a spool valve typically provides this power
should be able to virtually eliminate dead band due amplifier function.
to backlash and shaft windup.
Spool valve positioners are relatively popular
because of their simplicity. Unfortunately, many
For best performance in reducing process
spool valve positioners achieve this simplicity by
variability, the total dead band for the entire valve
omitting the high gain preamplifier from the design.
assembly should be 1% or less. Ideally, it should The input stage of these positioners is often a low
be as low as 0.25%.
static gain transducer module that changes the
input signal (electric or pneumatic) into movement
of the spool valve. This type of device generally
has low sensitivity to small signal changes. The
ActuatorPositioner Design result is increased dead time and longer overall
Actuator and positioner design must be response time of the control valve assembly.
considered together. The combination of these
Some manufacturers attempt to compensate for
two pieces of equipment greatly affects the static
the lower performance of these devices by using
performance (dead band), as well as the dynamic
spool valves with enlarged ports and reduced
response of the control valve assembly and the
overlap of the ports. This increases the dynamic
overall air consumption of the valve
power gain of the device, which helps
instrumentation.
performance to some extent if it is well matched to
the actuator. However, it also dramatically
Positioners are used with the majority of control increases the air consumption of these high gain
valve applications specified today. Positioners spool valves. Many high gain spool valve
allow for precise positioning accuracy and faster positioners have static instrument air consumption
response to process upsets when used with a five times greater than typical high performance
conventional digital control system. With the twostage positioners.
increasing emphasis upon economic performance
of process control, positioners should be Typical twostage positioners use pneumatic
considered for every valve application where relays at the power amplifier stage. Relays are
process optimization is important. preferred because they can provide high power
14-4
gain that gives excellent dynamic performance Also, from a loop tuning point of view, it is
with minimal steadystate air consumption. In important that the dead time be relatively
addition, they are less subject to fluid consistent in both stroking directions of the valve.
contamination. Some valve assembly designs can have dead
times that are three to five times longer in one
Positioner designs are changing dramatically, with stroking direction than the other. This type of
microprocessor devices becoming increasingly behavior is typically induced by the asymmetric
popular. These microprocessorbased positioners behavior of the positioner design, and it can
provide dynamic performance equal to the best severely limit the ability to tune the loop for best
conventional twostage pneumatic positioners. overall performance.
They also provide valve monitoring and diagnostic
capabilities to help ensure that initial good Once the dead time has passed and the valve
performance does not degrade with use. begins to respond, the remainder of the valve
response time comes from the dynamic time of
the valve assembly. This dynamic time will be
In summary, highperformance positioners with determined primarily by the dynamic
both high static and dynamic gain provide the best characteristics of the positioner and actuator
overall process variability performance for any combination. These two components must be
given valve assembly. carefully matched to minimize the total valve
response time.
14-5
reduces dead band, which should help to reduce positioners can consume up to five times the
the dead time of the assembly. However, both of amount of air required by more efficient
these alternatives mean that a greater volume of highperformance, twostage positioners that use
air needs to be supplied to the actuator. The relays for the power amplification stage.
tradeoff is a possible detrimental effect on the
valve response time through increased dynamic To minimize the valve assembly dead time,
time. minimize the dead band of the valve assembly,
whether it comes from friction in the valve seal
One way to reduce the actuator air chamber design, packing friction, shaft windup, actuator, or
volume is to use a piston actuator rather than a positioner design. As indicated, friction is a major
springanddiaphragm actuator, but this is not a cause of dead band in control valves.
panacea. Piston actuators usually have higher On rotary valve styles, shaft windup can also
thrust capability than springanddiaphragm contribute significantly to dead band. Actuator
actuators, but they also have higher friction, which style also has a profound impact on control valve
can contribute to problems with valve response assembly friction. Springanddiaphragm actuators
time. generally contribute less friction to the control
valve assembly than piston actuators over an
It is usually necessary to use a higher air pressure extended time. As mentioned, this is caused by
with a piston actuator than with a diaphragm the increasing friction from the piston Oring,
actuator, because the piston typically has a misalignment problems, and failed lubrication.
smaller area. This means that a larger volume of
air needs to be supplied with its attendant ill Having a positioner design with a high static gain
effects on dynamic time. In addition, piston preamplifier can make a significant difference in
actuators, with their greater number of guide reducing dead band. This can also make a
surfaces, tend to have higher friction due to significant improvement in the valve assembly
inherent difficulties in alignment, as well as friction resolution. Valve assemblies with dead band and
from the Oring. resolution of 1% or less are no longer adequate for
many process variability reduction needs. Many
These friction problems also tend to increase over processes require the valve assembly to have
time. Regardless of how good the Orings are dead band and resolution as low as 0.25%,
initially, these elastomeric materials will degrade especially where the valve assembly is installed in
with time due to wear and other environmental a fast process loop.
conditions. Likewise, wear on the guide surfaces
will increase the friction, and depletion of the One of the surprising things to come out of many
lubrication will occur. These friction problems industry studies on valve response time has been
result in a greater piston actuator dead band, the change in thinking about
which will increase the valve response time springanddiaphragm versus piston actuators. It
through increased dead time. has long been a misconception that piston
actuators are faster than springanddiaphragm
Instrument supply pressure can also have a actuators. Research has shown this to be untrue
significant impact on dynamic performance of the for small signal changes.
valve assembly. For example, it can dramatically This mistaken belief arose from many years of
affect the positioner gain, as well as overall air experience with testing valves for stroking time. A
consumption. stroking time test is normally conducted by
subjecting the valve assembly to a 100% step
Fixedgain positioners generally have been change in the input signal and measuring the time
optimized for a particular supply pressure. This it takes the valve assembly to complete its full
gain, however, can vary by a factor of two or more stroke in either direction.
over a small range of supply pressures. For
example, a positioner that has been optimized for Although pistonactuated valves usually have
a supply pressure of 20 psig might find its gain cut faster stroking times than most
in half when the supply pressure is boosted to 35 springanddiaphragm actuated valves, this test
psig. does not indicate valve performance in an actual
process control situation. In normal process
Supply pressure also affects the volume of air control applications, the valve is rarely required to
delivered to the actuator, which in turn determines stroke through its full operating range. Typically,
stroking speed. It is also directly linked to air the valve is only required to respond within a
consumption. Again, highgain spool valve range of 0.25% to 2% change in valve position.
14-6
Table 141. Valve Response Time
Td (v0.2) T63 (v0.6)
Valve Action Step Size % Valve A Valve B Valve C Valve A Valve B Valve C
Opening 2 0.25 5.61 4.40 0.34 7.74 5.49
Closing 2 0.50 0.46 NR 0.74 1.67 NR
Opening 5 0.16 1.14 5.58 0.26 2.31 7.06
Closing 5 0.22 1.04 2.16 0.42 2.00 3.90
Opening 10 0.19 0.42 0.69 0.33 1.14 1.63
Closing 10 0.23 0.41 0.53 0.46 1.14 1.25
NR = No Response
Extensive testing of valves has shown that pressure drop. This is not a normal situation in
springanddiaphragm valve assemblies practice, but it provides a systematic way of
consistently outperform pistonactuated valves on comparing one valve characteristic design to
small signal changes, which are more another.
representative of regulatory process control
applications. Higher friction in the piston actuator Under the specific conditions of constant pressure
is one factor that plays a role in making them less drop, the valve flow becomes only a function of
responsive to small signals than the valve travel and the inherent design of the
springanddiaphragm actuators. valve trim. These characteristics are called the
inherent flow characteristic of the valve. Typical
Selecting the proper valve, actuator, positioner valve characteristics are named linear, equal
combination is not easy. It is not simply a matter percentage, and quick opening.
of finding a combination that is physically
compatible. Good engineering judgment must go The ratio of the incremental change in valve flow
into the practice of valve assembly sizing and (output) to the corresponding increment of valve
selection to achieve the best dynamic travel (input) which caused the flow change is
performance from the loop. defined as the valve gain; that is,
Typically, these characteristics are plotted on a Knowledge of the inherent valve characteristic is
curve where the horizontal axis is labeled in useful, but the more important characteristic for
percent travel although the vertical axis is labeled purposes of process optimization is the installed
as percent flow (or Cv). Since valve flow is a flow characteristic of the entire process, including
function of both the valve travel and the pressure the valve and all other equipment in the loop. The
drop across the valve, it is traditional to conduct installed flow characteristic is defined as the
inherent valve characteristic tests at a constant relationship between the flow through the valve
14-7
Figure 144. Installed flow characteristic and gain
and the valve assembly input when the valve is the ratio of the percent change in output (flow) to
installed in a specific system, and the pressure the percent change in valve assembly input signal.
drop across the valve is allowed to change
naturally, rather than being held constant. The reason for characterizing inherent valve gain
through various valve trim designs is to provide
An illustration of such an installed flow compensation for other gain changes in the control
characteristic is shown in the upper curve of loop. The end goal is to maintain a loop gain,
Figure 144. The flow in this figure is related to the which is reasonably uniform over the entire
more familiar valve travel rather than valve operating range, to maintain a relatively linear
assembly input. installed flow characteristic for the process.
Because of the way it is measured, as defined
Installed gain, shown in the lower curve of Figure above, the installed flow characteristic and
144, is a plot of the slope of the upper curve at installed gain represented in Figure 144 are really
each point. Installed flow characteristic curves the installed gain and flow characteristic for the
such as this can be obtained under laboratory entire process.
conditions by placing the entire loop in operation Typically, the gain of the unit being controlled
at some nominal set point and with no load changes with flow. For example, the gain of a
disturbances. The loop is placed in manual pressure vessel tends to decrease with
operation, and the flow is then measured and throughput. In this case, the process control
recorded as the input to the control valve engineer would then likely want to use an equal
assembly is manually driven through its full travel percentage valve that has an increasing gain with
range. A plot of the results is the installed flow flow. Ideally, these two inverse relationships
characteristic curve shown in the upper part of the should balance out to provide a more linear
figure. The slope of this flow curve is then installed flow characteristic for the entire process.
evaluated at each point on the curve and plotted
as the installed gain as shown in the lower part. Theoretically, a loop has been tuned for optimum
performance at some set point flow condition. As
Field measurements of the installed process gain the flow varies about that set point, it is desirable
can also be made at a single operating point using to keep the loop gain as constant as possible to
openloop step tests (Figure 143). The installed maintain optimum performance. If the loop gain
process gain at any operating condition is simply change due to the inherent valve characteristic
14-8
does not exactly compensate for the changing It is good operating practice to keep valve swings
gain of the unit being controlled, then there will be below about 5%. However, there is also a danger
a variation in the loop gain due to variation in the in letting the gain get too large. The loop can
installed process gain. As a result, process become oscillatory or even unstable if the loop
optimization becomes more difficult. There is also gain gets too high at some point in the travel. To
a danger that the loop gain might change enough ensure good dynamic performance and loop
to cause instability, limit cycling, or other dynamic stability over a wide range of operating conditions,
difficulties. industry experts recommend that loop equipment
be engineered so the process gain remains within
Loop gain should not vary more than a 4to1 the range of 0.5 to 2.0.
ratio; otherwise, the dynamic performance of the
Process optimization requires a valve style and
loop suffers unacceptably. There is nothing magic
about this specific ratio; it is simply one which size be chosen that will keep the process gain
many control practitioners agree produces an within the selected gain limit range over the widest
possible set of operating conditions. Because
acceptable range of gain margins in most process
control loops. minimizing process variability is so dependent on
maintaining a uniform installed gain, the range
over which a valve can operate within the
This guideline forms the basis for the following acceptable gain specification limits is known as
EnTech gain limit specification (From Control the control range of the valve.
Valve Dynamic Specification, Version 2.1, March
1994, EnTech Control Inc., Toronto, Ontario, The control range of a valve varies dramatically
Canada): with valve style. Figure 145 shows a linesize
butterfly valve compared to a linesize globe valve.
Loop Process Gain = 1.0 (% of transmitter The globe valve has a much wider control range
span)/(% controller output) than the butterfly valve. Other valve styles, such
as Vnotch ball valves and eccentric plug valves
generally fall somewhere between these two
Nominal Range: 0.5 2.0 (Note 4to1 ratio) ranges.
Note that this definition of the loop process Because butterfly valves typically have the
includes all the devices in the loop configuration narrowest control range, they are generally best
except the controller. In other words, the product suited for fixedload applications. In addition, they
of the gains of such devices as the control valve must be carefully sized for optimal performance at
assembly, the heat exchanger, pressure vessel, or fixed loads.
other system being controlled, the pump, the
transmitter, etc. is the process gain. If the inherent characteristic of a valve could be
selected to exactly compensate for the system
Because the valve is part of the loop process as gain change with flow, one would expect the
installed process gain (lower curve) to be
defined here, it is important to select a valve style
essentially a straight line at a value of 1.0.
and size that will produce an installed flow
characteristic that is sufficiently linear to stay
Unfortunately, such a precise gain match is
within the specified gain limits over the operating seldom possible due to the logistical limitations of
range of the system. If too much gain variation providing an infinite variety of inherent valve trim
occurs in the control valve itself, it leaves less
characteristics. In addition, some valve styles,
flexibility in adjusting the controller. It is good such as butterfly and ball valves, do not offer trim
practice to keep as much of the loop gain in the alternatives that allow easy change of the inherent
controller as possible.
valve characteristic.
Although the 4to1 ratio of gain change in the loop This condition can be alleviated by changing the
is widely accepted, not everyone agrees with the inherent characteristics of the valve assembly with
0.5 to 2.0 gain limits. Some industry experts have nonlinear cams in the feedback mechanism of the
made a case for using loop process gain limits positioner. The nonlinear feedback cam changes
from 0.2 to 0.8, which is still a 4to1 ratio. The the relationship between the valve input signal and
potential danger inherent in using this reduced the valve stem position to achieve a desired
gain range is that the low end of the gain range inherent valve characteristic for the entire valve
could result in large valve swings during normal assembly, rather than simply relying upon a
operation. change in the design of the valve trim.
14-9
A7156 / IL
Although the use of positioner cams does affect valve range where a 1.0% process signal change
modifying the valve characteristic and can might be narrowed through this characterization
sometimes be useful, the effect of using process to only a 0.1% signal change to the valve
characterized cams is limited in most cases. This (that is, in the flat regions of the characterizing
is because the cam also dramatically changes the curve). Many control valves are unable to respond
positioner loop gain, which severely limits the to signal changes this small.
dynamic response of the positioner. Using cams to
characterize the valve is usually not as effective The best process performance occurs when the
as characterizing the valve trim, but it is always required flow characteristic is obtained through
better than no characterization at all, which is changes in the valve trim rather than through use
often the only other choice with rotary valves. of cams or other methods. Proper selection of a
control valve designed to produce a reasonably
Some electronic devices attempt to produce valve linear installed flow characteristic over the
characterization by electronically shaping the I/P operating range of the system is a critical step in
positioner input signal ahead of the positioner ensuring optimum process performance.
loop. This technique recalibrates the valve input
signal by taking the linear 420 mA controller
signal and using a preprogrammed table of
values to produce the valve input required to
Valve Sizing
achieve the desired valve characteristic. This Oversizing of valves sometimes occurs when
technique is sometimes referred to as forward trying to optimize process performance through a
path or set point characterization. reduction of process variability. This results from
using linesize valves, especially with
Because this characterization occurs outside the highcapacity rotary valves, as well as the
positioner feedback loop, this type of forward path conservative addition of multiple safety factors at
or set point characterization has an advantage different stages in the process design.
over characterized positioner cams. It avoids the
problem of changes in the positioner loop gain. Oversizing the valve hurts process variability in
This method, however, also has its dynamic two ways. First, the oversized valve puts too much
limitations. For example, there can be places in a gain in the valve, leaving less flexibility in adjusting
14-10
the controller. Best performance results when valve for present conditions and then replace the
most loop gain comes from the controller. valve when conditions change.
Notice in the gain curve of Figure 144, the When selecting a valve, it is important to consider
process gain gets quite high in the region below the valve style, inherent characteristic, and valve
about 25% valve travel. If the valve is oversized, size that will provide the broadest possible control
making it more likely to operate in or near this range for the application.
region, this high gain can likely mean that the
controller gain will need to be reduced to avoid
instability problems with the loop. This, of course,
will mean a penalty of increased process
variability. Economic Results
Consideration of the factors discussed in this
The second way oversized valves hurt process chapter can have a dramatic impact on the
variability is that an oversized valve is likely to economic results of an operating plant. More and
operate more frequently at lower valve openings more control valve users focus on dynamic
where seal friction can be greater, particularly in performance parameters such as dead band,
rotary valves. Because an oversized valve response times, and installed gain (under actual
produces a disproportionately large flow change process load conditions) as a means to improve
for a given increment of valve travel, this processloop performance. Although it is possible
phenomenon can greatly exaggerate the process to measure many of these dynamic performance
variability associated with dead band due to parameters in an openloop situation, the impact
friction. these parameters have becomes clear when
closedloop performance is measured. The
Regardless of its actual inherent valve closedloop test results shown in Figure 146
characteristic, a severely oversized valve tends to demonstrate the ability of three different rotary
act more like a quickopening valve, which results valves to reduce process variability over different
in high installed process gain in the lower lift tuning conditions.
regions (Figure 144). In addition, when the valve
is oversized, the valve tends to reach system This diagram plots process variability as a percent
capacity at relatively low travel, making the flow of the set point variable versus the closedloop
curve flatten out at higher valve travels (Figure time constant, which is a measure of loop tuning.
144). For valve travels above about 50 degrees, The horizontal line labeled Manual, shows how
this valve has become totally ineffective for control much variability is inherent in the loop when no
purposes because the process gain is attempt is made to control it (openloop). The line
approaching zero and the valve must undergo sloping downward to the left marked Minimum
wide changes in travel with very little resulting Variability represents the calculated dynamic
changes in flow. Consequently, there is little hope performance of an ideal valve assembly (one with
of achieving acceptable process variability in this no nonlinearities). All real valve assemblies
region. should normally fall somewhere between these
two conditions.
The valve shown in Figure 144 is totally Not all valves provide the same dynamic
misapplied because it has such a narrow control performance even though they all theoretically
range (approximately 25 degrees to 45 degrees). meet static performance purchase specifications
This situation came about because a linesized and are considered to be equivalent valves (Figure
butterfly valve was chosen, primarily due to its low 146). Valve A does a good job of following the
cost, and no consideration was given to the lost trend of the minimum variability line over a wide
profit that results from sacrificing process range of controller tunings. This valve shows
variability through poor dynamic performance of excellent dynamic performance with minimum
the control valve. variability. In contrast, Valves B and C fare less
well and increase in variability as the system is
Unfortunately, this situation is often repeated. tuned more aggressively for decreasing
Process control studies show that, for some closedloop time constants.
industries, the majority of valves currently in
process control loops are oversized for the All three valve designs are capable of controlling
application. While it might seem counterintuitive, the process and reducing the variability, but two
it often makes economic sense to select a control designs do it less well. Consider what would
14-11
A7157 / IL
happen if the poorer performing Valve B was increased throughput, less reprocessing cost for
replaced with the best performing Valve A, and the outofspec product, and so on are all ways a
system was tuned to a 2.0 second closedloop good control valve can increase economic results
time constant. through tighter control. While the initial cost might
be higher for the best control valve, the few extra
The test data shows this would result in a 1.4%
dollars spent on a wellengineered control valve
improvement in process variability. This might not
can dramatically increase the return on
seem like much, but the results over a time can be
investment. Often the extra initial cost of the valve
impressive. A valve that can provide this much
can be paid for in a matter of days.
improvement every minute of every day can save
significant dollars over a single year.
As a result of studies such as these, the process
By maintaining closer adherence to the set point, it industries have become increasingly aware that
is possible to achieve a reduction in raw materials control valve assemblies play an important role in
by moving the set point closer to the lower loop/unit/plant performance. They have also
specification limit. This 1.4% improvement in this realized that traditional methods of specifying a
example converts to a raw material savings of valve assembly are no longer adequate to ensure
12,096 U.S. gallons per day. Assuming a material the benefits of process optimization. While
cost of US $0.25 per gallon, the best valve would important, such static performance indicators as
contribute an additional US $3,024 per day directly flow capacity, leakage, materials compatibility, and
to profits. This adds up to an impressive US bench performance data are not sufficiently
$1,103,760 per year. adequate to deal with the dynamic characteristics
of process control loops.
The excellent performance of the better valve in
this example provides strong evidence that a
superior control valve assembly can have a
profound economic impact. This example is only
one way a control valve can increase profits
through tighter control. Decreased energy costs,
14-12
Summary Control valves are sophisticated, hightech
products and should not be treated as a
The control valve assembly plays an extremely commodity. Although traditional valve
important role in producing the best possible specifications play an important role, valve
performance from the control loop. Process specifications must also address real dynamic
optimization means optimizing the entire process, performance characteristics if true process
not just the control algorithms used in the control optimization is to be achieved. It is imperative that
room equipment. The valve is called the final these specifications include such parameters as
control element because the control valve dead band, dead time, response time, etc.
assembly is where process control is
implemented. It makes no sense to install an
elaborate process control strategy and hardware Finally, process optimization begins and ends with
instrumentation system capable of achieving 0.5% optimization of the entire loop. Parts of the loop
or better process control and then to implement cannot be treated individually to achieve
that control strategy with a 5% or worse control coordinated loop performance. Likewise,
valve. Audits performed on thousands of process performance of any part of the loop cannot be
control loops have provided strong proof that the evaluated in isolation. Isolated tests under
final control element plays a significant role in nonloaded, benchtype conditions will not provide
achieving true process optimization. Profitability performance information that is obtained from
increases when a control valve has been properly testing the hardware under actual process
engineered for its application. conditions.
14-13
14-14
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