Archive: Sep 2024

Join Us for an Exclusive Webinar on Check Valve Applications for LNG Service

Title: Check Valve Applications for LNG Service
Presented by: DFT Inc.
Hosted by: GlobalSpec
Date: September 18, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM EDT (7:00 AM PDT / 4:00 PM CEST)

REGISTER HERE

As the demand for Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) continues to rise, understanding the infrastructure behind this vital energy resource is critical for engineers and industry professionals. LNG is a key player in today’s energy markets, known for its efficiency in storage and transport, making it an attractive option for power generation, industrial use, and transportation.

LNG’s operating conditions — including cryogenic temperatures, high pressures, and flow dynamics — place specific requirements on the equipment used in its processing systems. That’s why selecting the right check valve is paramount for ensuring system reliability and avoiding costly disruptions.

This webinar, presented by DFT and hosted by GlobalSpec, will provide valuable insights into the application of spring-assisted non-slam check valves within LNG service. The session will feature Arie Bregman, a seasoned valve industry expert with decades of experience in valve engineering, as he explores how check valves function within LNG processes and why their proper installation and sizing is critical for efficient system performance.

Why Should You Attend?

The webinar is geared toward valve professionals, engineers, and plant managers who are involved in LNG systems and valve selection. Attendees will gain practical insights that can be directly applied to improving operational reliability and efficiency.

Key Topics to be Covered:

• Understanding LNG Fundamentals: A brief introduction to the basics of LNG, its properties, including the processes and equipment used in liquefaction, storage, and transportation.
• Check Valve Applications in LNG: Gain insights into where and how check valves are used within LNG systems, focusing on key applications that optimize system efficiency and prevent flow disruptions.
• Optimal Valve Placement: Learn how strategic valve placement within LNG systems can significantly reduce wear, tear, and potential failures.
• Importance of Valve Sizing: Sizing check valves correctly can prevent common operational issues such as chattering and improper flow control. We’ll guide you through the critical considerations in valve sizing to ensure valves perform optimally.
• Industry Standards & Compliance: Familiarize yourself with the latest industry standards and specifications, ensuring your projects meet regulatory requirements and adhere to best practices.

Meet the Expert: Arie Bregman

Our speaker, Arie Bregman, brings nearly five decades of experience in the valve industry. From his beginnings with Nibco to significant roles at Jamesbury, Metso/Valmet, and DFT, Bregman has established himself as a respected voice in valve engineering. He holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and has served in leadership roles within the Valve Manufacturers Association of North America. His technical expertise and commitment to industry education make him the perfect guide to walk you through check valve applications in LNG service. DFT is pleased to welcome him back to present this special webinar on Check Valve Applications for LNG Service!

Don’t Miss Out!

Whether you’re a seasoned professional optimizing your current systems, or a valve professional seeking to deepen their understanding of valve applications within LNG processes, this webinar will provide insights about proper selection and application of check valves within LNG services. By attending, you’ll walk away with actionable knowledge to improve the efficiency and reliability of your operations.

Register now to secure your spot in this must-attend webinar on September 18, 2024. 

Can’t make the date? Register and you will be notified when the webinar is available to watch on-demand.

Natural Gas Service for Power Plants

As economic growth rises, so does the demand for natural gas. The infrastructure for natural gas in power plants should keep up with the unique challenges posed by power production and distribution. For instance, the need for gas compression and metering facilities in the Utica and Marcellus Shale regions has increased dramatically in the last few years. Experts predict that this area will provide about 43% of all U.S. natural gas supplies by 2025, so the infrastructure to support this increase should also advance. 

Natural gas is a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional energy sources in power generation boiler systems, compressor lines, and other applications. Power plant outages are most common in April and May of every year, so power generation professionals should also update their systems to address these concerns.

Learn more about the challenges power plants face and the solutions that can alleviate them.

Industry Challenges for Power Plants

As power production evolves, the industry grapples with the complexities of distributing energy globally through patchwork power grids and adapting to thermal cycling for on-demand energy production. Thermal cycling is an efficient yet demanding process that subjects conventional power plant components to excess stress, causing rapid wear, noise, and vibration. The rigorous start-stop cycles not only risk premature failures but also compromise the durability of essential parts.

The differentiation between simple cycle and combined cycle gas plants also introduces additional complexities in component selection, as each type of plant presents distinct operational demands. This scenario highlights an urgent need for parts, particularly valves, that are robust enough to endure the harsh conditions of power generation.

Natural Gas Service Solutions

In the demanding area of power generation, the critical need for specialized valve products has never been more pressing. These valves serve as the cornerstone of system integrity, ensuring precise and controlled flow in pumps, boilers, and compressors. Check valves, in particular, prevent reverse flow and reduce system surges.

Applications facing high pressures and temperatures, such as steam and water lines or boiler feeds, necessitate the use of silent check valves and severe service control valves. These specialized valves are meticulously designed to withstand the demanding conditions found in these and other applications, like cooling towers, evaporators, and vacuum systems. They’re essential in preserving the continuous and reliable function of these critical power generation components, thereby safeguarding the infrastructure’s operational integrity and efficiency.

DFT® Excalibur Check Valves

DFT® Excalibur check valves are specifically engineered to address the unique demands of non-reciprocating compressor service and pump applications within the power generation sector. Incorporating innovative spring-assist technology, DFT® Excalibur check valves prevent reverse flow, thereby reducing the risks of water hammer and vibration—common issues that can compromise system integrity and equipment lifespan.

The engineering behind Excalibur valves not only provides reliability and ease of maintenance but also delivers an extended service life. Its durability and performance equate to considerable long-term cost savings for the facility. 

Available in a range of line sizes from 2″ to 24″ and ASME Class 150 to 1500, Excalibur valves offer versatility to meet the varied needs of power generation applications. Other features include:

• ASME B16.10 Face-to-Face Dimensions
• Standard body materials: A216 Grade WCB Carbon Steel, A351 CF8M Stainless Steel
  (and other options available)
• RF flanged standard ends
• Optional ends: butt weld, flanged x butt weld, RTJ, Victaulic®
• Center-guided and dual-guided stem
• Two-piece body
• Vertical or horizontal installation
• Spring-assisted, silent closing non-slam
• API 6FA (consult DFT factory for applicable sizes and classes)

DFT® can custom size to your specific application, enhancing overall system efficiency and safety.

DFT® Excalibur Check Valves for Natural Gas Service Applications

Over eight decades, DFT® has established a legacy of excellence in valve manufacturing, earning the trust of the power generation industry. Our Excalibur valves showcase our commitment to innovation, quality, and the safety of both personnel and equipment within power plants. As the energy sector navigates the growing demand for natural gas services and confronts the evolving challenges of power production, DFT® leads the industry in providing premium in-line check valves and severe service control valves.

Learn more by reading a case study about the success of our valves in a power plant well pump  application. To get started on your natural gas service solution, request a quote or contact us today.