The delayed coking process can be a challenge for your industrial operations. It involves a delayed coking unit, which is a refinery unit responsible for converting hefty materials into valuable products via a thermal cracking process.
In order to maintain the safety and efficiency of the coking process, eliminating the challenges, industrial valves may be used. What are the roles of industrial valves in the delayed coking process? Find out in this guide with the following information included:
– Common problems caused by subpar valves
– Why choosing the right valves matters
What is Delayed Coking?
Delayed coking may have various interpretations depending on the industry this is carried out on. But, generally, it pertains to the refinery process converting heavy and low-value petroleum residue into products with higher value, such as solid coke material.
The process involves heavy oil, typically a vacuum residuum, which is fed into a furnace using steam at high pressure levels. This heavy oil achieves the ideal coking temperatures to crack into coker gas oil and solid petroleum coke. This coke is then left aside in a coke drum, whilst the gas oil and all the lighter components are fed back into the fractionator, generally speaking.
The Role of Industrial Valves in Delayed Coking Units
Usually, industrial valves take charge of regulating your process fluids’ flow, pressure, and temperature. Read on to learn more about their roles.
Flow and Pressure Control
In the delayed coking process, the ideal ranges of flow and pressure are ideal, but controlling them is also necessary. Industrial valves perform a critical role in the control of flow and pressure of delayed coking units by evening the temperature, pressure, and flow levels of process fluids.
Valves are pertinent for the safety and efficiency of the coking operation processes. Gowin’s valves can handle a range of materials at various pressure and temperature levels in delayed coking units.
Temperature Management
Of course, the right temperature levels are also vital. With the right temperature, the quality of the coke deteriorates. So, managing it is important. Industrial valves from Gowin can handle all various media, from feedstock to product, at variable temperatures and pressures.
Safety Functions
Even if you have the right flow, pressure, and temperature, but with the delayed coking process being unsafe overall, you won’t make it to the last square. So, industrial valves enter the scene.
They ensure safety, and guarantee the reliable isolation and control of hazardous materials. They also keep leaks at bay and process medium escape to prevent dangerous situations from transpiring.
Some valve types, such as coke drum isolation and overhead vapor valves, can withstand over-the-top temperatures and overflowing abrasive conditions. The best valves establish safety and stability, therefore profitability.
Common Problems Caused by Subpar Valves
Therefore, you shouldn’t take a risk investing in subpar valves, or these common problems will arise:
Valve Seizure and Erosion
Subpar valves may cause valve seizure which occurs when their moving parts are stuck or become obstructed, preventing them from properly opening or closing. This happens in several types of valves, and while they are different, the root causes of seizures are often similar.
They may be caused by contaminants blocking valve components, poor sealing and wear, transmission system failures, and insufficient lubrication.
Consequences of Valve Failure
Subpar valves also bring about valve failure, of course, which gives rise to a domino effect affecting industrial settings, with the most common problems being flow interruptions that cause production downtime and schedule disruptions.
Meanwhile, fluctuations in pressure jeopardize the integrity of your equipment, while variations in temperature may compromise the quality of your products. In addition, uncontrolled flow results in the dreaded equipment damage, increasing maintenance costs. Ultimately, they pose safety hazards on the work and upon your workers, leading to significant revenue losses.
Operation Issues on Coke Drum Isolation
Coke drum isolation refers to the procedure that makes sure operators and contractors are safe during a coke drum decoking. However, with subpar valves, operation issues can occur with this procedure.
Subpar valves may fail to contain materials at high pressures and temperature, resulting in unwanted leaks and, worse, explosions. When they occur, workers may be poisoned by toxic fumes and scalding steam. With failures causing flow disruptions, production downtime and major financial losses can take place.
Why Choosing the Right Valves Matters
Find out the advantages of choosing the right industrial values through the pointers below:
1. Durability and Longevity
The right valves made from the right materials guarantee that they can withstand environmental conditions and stay with you for a longer time. It is also important for them to be durable so they are spared from the wraths of corrosion and degradation, which may affect the valve’s lifespan and performance.
2. Self-Cleaning and Maintenance
In a world of technological advancements, industrial valves with self-cleaning features are of great help. While regular maintenance helps maintain optimal performance, improve efficiency, and lower energy bills, self-cleaning can save you on time, costs, and manpower. This feature is critical in food and pharmaceutical industries where hygiene is important.
3. Investment in Quality
All those boil down to quality. High-quality industrial valves ensure reliable performance, safety, and durability in various use cases. They are crafted to withstand extreme conditions, such as high levels of temperatures and pressures, while keeping safe against leaks. They also exhibit unparalleled corrosion and erosion resistance, essential for longevity.
Conclusion
Industrial valves work hand-in-hand with the delayed coking process. Without these valves, this procedure may lead to significant disruptions, as valves are critical for managing the right temperature, pressure, and impact.
For valves that beat industrial expectations, get them from Gowin. They have a wide range of high-performing industrial valves, such as ball, gate, globe, check, butterfly, copper, needle valves, and so much more. These valves are not only compatible for the oil and gas industries, but also for water supply, chemical, marine, power station, and steel industries. Connect with Gowin today!
CHINA
LIBERIA
FRANCE
BARBADOS
KIRIBATI
