TPI July 2014

products & developments

HammerHead valve for high molecular weight applications

The HammerHead valve can be applied at high compressor speeds, and its element design minimises tensile stresses. The streamlined flow path, with optimised seat, guard and lift areas, maximises valve flow area and is more tolerant of particles and liquids in the gas. Only one element is used for all valve sizes, which simplifies inventory management, minimises replacement costs and increases interchangeability. Precision-guided element and springs increase the reliability of moving parts for long-term operation of the valve. Its element geometry reduces fatigue stresses for extended life, while minimising power losses, resulting in a long life in some of the most demanding applications.

Dresser-Rand, a global supplier of rotating equipment solutions to the oil, gas, petrochemical and process industries, has launched the new Magnum ® HammerHead valve. Specifically designed for high molecular weight applications at both low and high compressor speeds, the new valve can be applied to all brands of reciprocating compressors. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) were used to develop the HammerHead valve’s geometry, improving the valve flow area by as much as 60 per cent compared to standard Magnum valves. Minimal valve losses translate into improved compressor efficiency. While undergoing development, flow testing revealed that the HammerHead valve surpassed all other valve types tested, including poppet, plate and ring-type valves.

Dresser-Rand’s Magnum HammerHead valve

The company states that results delivered by the new valves include lower power consumption and a corresponding increase in compressor flow. In addition, several clients have benefitted from improved valve reliability and compressor efficiencies after upgrading to the new valve. Dresser-Rand operates manufacturing facilities in the USA, France, UK, Spain, Germany, Norway, Brazil and India, and maintains a network of 49 service and support centres (including six engineering and R&D centres) covering more than 150 countries.

Dresser-Rand – USA www.dresser-rand.com

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tel: +44 (0)1494 679500

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July 2014 Tube Products International