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.