Over the past thirty years, cryogenic valve technology has made significant advances, particularly with the adoption of advanced cryogenic ball valves. These devices, used in a wide range of industries, have become increasingly important due to the growing spread of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the rising demand for more efficient and cost-effective cryogenic systems.
Small-scale LNG (SSLNG) markets and global LNG trade are rapidly expanding, creating a need for technological solutions that support the evolution of cryogenic applications.
Floating ball valves have been chosen for their ability to provide higher flow rates and for their simplicity of automation, as well as their long lifespan and lower operational costs compared to other traditional valve technologies.
However, one limitation of these traditional valves was their unidirectionality, which required the installation of additional valves to manage bidirectional flow.
The solution: cryogenic floating ball valve with bi-directional seal
The new generation of cryogenic ball valves is now available in a bidirectional version, eliminating the issue of unidirectionality. These valves allow a single pipeline to be used for both loading and unloading, significantly reducing both installation costs and time. In addition, they can also act as shut-off valves, enabling the discharge of an upstream pipeline without creating excessive pressure buildup.
The principle of operation of traditional ball valves relies on a vent hole that allows excess fluid to flow out in case of overpressure, but this makes the flow unidirectional. Thanks to recent innovations, the new cryogenic floating ball valves with bidirectional seals overcome this limitation, allowing fluid to flow in both directions without compromising safety and efficiency.
Advantages of floating ball valves
Compared to traditional globe valves, floating ball valves offer significant advantages, including higher flow rates and the ability to reduce the overall size of the piping system.
While globe valves require larger sizes to achieve high flow rates, floating ball valves allow the use of smaller sizes while maintaining the same flow capacity. This results in a reduction in weight, size, and costs, making the overall systems more efficient and cost-effective.
Innovations in cryogenic ball valve technology
The cryogenic floating ball valve with bidirectional seal, thanks to an innovative design, prevents pressure buildup in the valve cavity while maintaining a bidirectional seal. The technology is based on two main solutions:
- Seats with automatic release springs: The seats are designed with springs that, when a certain pressure is exceeded, allow the pressure in the cavity to be released. Once the pressure is discharged, the spring returns the seat to its original position, restoring the valve’s operating cycle.
- Integrated pressure relief valve (PRV): Another innovation is the integrated pressure relief valve in the ball, which allows floating cryogenic ball valves to be converted into bidirectional devices. The PRV, set to manage the valve’s maximum operating pressure, balances the internal pressure of the valve and maintains its functionality without compromising performance.
These innovations make cryogenic floating ball valves with bidirectional seals an ideal choice for advanced cryogenic applications, offering significant cost and installation time reductions without sacrificing system safety and efficiency.
If you are interested in learning more about these advanced solutions, we invite you to visit the website of Precision Fluid Controls, distributor of these cutting-edge technologies.
