Natural Gas Storage
Natural gas storage and transmission systems are critical components of the energy sector. They allow companies in the industry to effectively balance natural gas production with its consumption. However, such systems are constantly exposed to the erosive flow of solid particles within natural gas that can damage the ductile metal of pipelines or valves, compromising their functionality over time.
Storage systems must also carefully control flow and pressure, requiring components like high-quality natural gas flow check valves and natural gas pressure check valves to help combat these challenges. Learn more about natural gas storage and how check valves maintain the reliability and integrity of natural gas infrastructure.
Basics of Underground Natural Gas Storage
The energy industry typically stores natural gas under pressure in various underground facilities due to the widespread availability of applicable sites. In the U.S., for example, most storage of this odor- and color-free gaseous hydrocarbon is located in emptied natural gas or oil field reservoirs near consumption centers. Salt cavern formations and aquifers are two other common below-ground storage options. To facilitate converting a depleted field from active production to a storage site for natural gas, this approach capitalizes on existing pipeline connections, wells, and gathering systems. Companies in the natural gas sector can also inventory the material above ground, storing it in its gaseous or liquid state within tanks.
However an organization chooses to stockpile its natural gas, its systems and components must be robust enough to handle the mechanical and chemical stresses of high-pressure gas storage and the erosive flow of natural gas transmission. Utilizing high-quality, erosion-resistant valve solutions to manage fluid flow and pressures in your pipelines helps ensure reliable, safe operations with optimized performance.
DFT®’s Check Valves for the Natural Gas Industry
While check valves are available in various sizes, end types, body materials, and pressure classes, the natural gas industry requires high-performance, long-lasting, low-maintenance valves with tight shutoffs to deliver dependable, continuous operation in the field.
At DFT® Inc., we offer an array of check valves that support our clients’ natural gas storage applications. Our PDC® Flanged Check Valve and GLC® Flanged Check Valve are two product options for the natural gas sector. They offer the following features and options:
- Single-piece valve body
- Protected spring with spring-assisted silent close
- Center-guided trim
- Stainless and carbon steel as standard body materials
- Availability in multiple sizes
- Vertical and horizontal installation capabilities
- Compliance with API Specification 6D
PDC®
DFT® offers the self-sizing PDC® Flanged Check Valve, designed specifically for natural gas applications. The PDC® valve is rated for ASME pressure classes of 150 to 1500 and is compliant with ASME B16.10 Face-to-Face.
Available in line sizes ranging from 2 to 26 inches, the PDC® is the model we recommend for reciprocating compressor systems in place of piston-type check valves. Our PDC® valve excels in managing the pulsating pressures that these compressors create when they discharge. It achieves this through a specialized pulse-dampening chamber that effectively eradicates valve chatter, a prevalent issue that can lead to premature seat wear and diminished valve performance.
GLC®
For natural gas lines utilizing other types of compressors, the short-pattern GLC® Flanged Check Valve is ideal. This dual-guided globe-style valve is engineered to minimize pressure loss while offering dependable, low-maintenance performance. Available in sizes 2 to 42 inches, the valve’s design enables a tight seal that’s pivotal in preventing leakage. Ensuring the integrity and efficiency of a natural gas system, the GLC® valve is rated for ASME pressure classes of 150 to 2500.
Advantages of DFT® Check Valves
DFT® has been at the forefront of check and control valve innovation for over 80 years. We utilize stainless and carbon steel in our valves for enhanced erosion and corrosion resistance as well as system longevity. With tens of thousands of valves in service across various sectors, DFT®’s expertise extends to natural gas, compressed gas transmission, and cryogenic liquids.
Our valves are not just components but critical investments in the safety and efficiency of natural gas infrastructure. By mitigating common problems within natural gas storage systems, our PDC® and GLC® Flanged Check Valves are designed to extend your equipment’s lifespan, supporting consistent and reliable operation within the demanding environments of the energy sector.
Natural Gas Check Valves From DFT®
DFT®’s extensive line of check valves is engineered to meet your unique natural gas storage and transmission requirements. Contact our technical team to learn more about our check valves and how we can support your natural gas operations, or request a quote today.
