TECHNICAL

Technical

The Critical Stem Nut: Who is Responsible for Maintenance?

One of the most important components of an automated threaded stem valve is the ubiquitous stem nut, a relatively simple and unsophisticated mechanical device that converts the rotary motion of an actuator into the linear stem movement needed to open or close one of the many types of gate valves or sluice gates.
#actuators #gate-globe-check #maintenance-repair

MRO

Give Your Flow Meter a Happy Home

Increased emphasis on the need to improve process performance and reduce variability mean many control loops today are optimized.

Technical

Safety: It’s Not About Rules and Regulations

On Aug. 2, 2016, OSHA fines increased, but critics ask: Does this higher fine actually increase safety?
#standards

Technical

Ceramic Coatings Provide Corrosion and Wear Protection for Valves

Ceramic coatings extend the in-service life of equipment by enhancing the corrosion and wear resistance of the base material.
#maintenance-repair #automation

Technical

The Dos and Don’ts of Isolating Pressure Relief Valves

Typically, isolation valves are used to block off a pressure safety valve (PSV) from system pressure, so that maintenance on the valve or related equipment can be conducted without a shut down.
#pressure-relief #maintenance-repair #automation

Insights

New Test Stamp and More Updates on Pressure Vessel Codes

A new test organization program and stamp has been authorized by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI), effective February 2016.
#pressure-relief #standards

Applications

The Role of Valves in HAZOP Studies

Process hazard analysis (PHA) is required by U.S.
#controls #standards

Insights

Intermediate Class Valves, the Forgotten Classification

These days, piping designers use automated systems that default to standard classifications such as pressure classes of 150 to 2500 for valves and associated equipment.
#automation #pressure-relief #standards

Technical

Basics of Elastomeric Seal Design

Engineers need critical design information when choosing a seal for a particular valve application.
#basics

Technical

Hardfacing Alloys and Processes for Advanced Ultra-Supercritical

Cobalt-based Stellite 6 has been the workhorse for providing improved wear resistance and service life in valve components installed in power generating facilities for over 75 years.
#maintenance-repair #components #materials