SEVERE SERVICE
VALVES

In 1974, Koso Kent Introl supplied a number of control valves for a separator level control system schematic, represented in Figure 10. The original trim was an HFD cage-guided design with an operating pressure drop of 100 bar (1450psi). In the early 1980s, the client introduced water injection, which resulted in the fluid being contaminated with sand. Within two weeks of operation, the valve trim was severely eroded, due to the excess sand contamination - see Figure 11.

Over the next two years, KKI developed the LCV trim design, see Figure 12, introducing various enhancements to ensure that the trim could withstand the erosive nature of the medium. These enhancements included the introduction of a dead-band, sacrificial plug nose, shrouded seat face arrangement and solid tungsten carbide for the main trim control elements. The features of this design were patented and form the basis of the Koso Kent Introl severe service choke trim design as well as being an option within the globe control valve product range.

The success of the trim design using tungsten carbide, as presented in Figure 13, shows a relatively small amount of erosion to the sacrificial elements after two years of operation. This development led KKI into the design and manufacture of our highly regarded choke valve product.

For further information about KKI severe service valve solutions, please contact us.