TPi May 2017

Fi t t ings , valves , f langes & connectors

Reducing the risk of unplanned heat exchanger downtime

plates are tightened. In addition, spare gaskets should be stored in a sealed bag, in a cold, dry and dark place, and away from ozone-producing equipment such as machines or light armatures. Alfa Laval is a provider of specialised products and engineering solutions based on its key technologies of heat transfer, separation and fluid handling. The company’s equipment, systems and services are dedicated to assisting customers in optimising the performance of their processes. The solutions help them to heat, cool, separate and transport products in industries that produce food and beverages, chemicals and petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, starch, sugar and ethanol. Its products are also used in power plants, aboard ships, oil and gas explo- ration, in the mechanical engineering industry, in the mining industry and for wastewater treatment, as well as for comfort climate and refrigeration applications. Alfa Laval – Sweden

A gasket, its material properties and its construction are specifically selected to provide optimal sealing performance for its intended application. Knowing exactly when to replace gaskets is almost impossible, since the timing varies depending on the application, but over time all gaskets wear due to natural ageing as well

Getting the best plate heat exchanger performance requires preventive maintenance, especially for hygienic applications within the food, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical and home and personal care industries. However, each process system has different parameters that affect the heat transfer and sealing efficiencies of the plates and gaskets.

as the temperature, pressure and stress of normal operating conditions. Without preventive maintenance, opera- tors risk potentially costly unplanned downtime. Factors to be consid- ered include temper- ature and pressure, with higher operating temperatures and pressures causing more wear and tear on the gaskets; and compression – gaskets are subjected to local stress from the moment the

info@alfalaval.com www.alfalaval.com

Alfa Laval FrontLine gasketed plate heat exchanger

FET acquires Cooper and Innovative Forum Energy Technologies has acquired the assets of Cooper Valves and a 100 per cent ownership interest in Innovative Valve Components.

drilling, subsea, completions, production and infrastructure sectors of the oil and natural gas industry. Its products include highly engineered capital equipment as well as products that are consumed in the drilling, well construction, production and transportation of oil and natural gas. Forum is based in the USA, with manufacturing and distribution facilities strategically located around the world. Forum Energy Technologies, Inc – USA

operating officer, commented, “The Cooper Valves and Innovative Valve Components acquisitions fit with our strategy of increasing our product offering to midstream and downstream customers. Importantly, Cooper complements our product offering with high specification, engineered valves. The capabilities of Forum’s valve solutions product offering and Cooper Valves are expected to benefit each business as they are integrated. We welcome the Cooper employees to Forum.” Forum Energy Technologies is a global oilfield products company, serving the

Based in Texas, USA, Cooper Valves manufactures Accuseal ® metal-seated ball valves engineered to meet Class VI shut-off standards for use in severe service applications, as well as a full line of cast and forged gate, globe and check valves. Innovative Valve Components, in partnership with Cooper Valves, commercialised critical service valves and components for the power generation industry. Prady Iyyanki, Forum’s president and chief

info@f-e-t.com www.f-e-t.com

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL May 2017

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