Steel alloy compressor valve offers lower installed cost
Unlike its stainless-steel counterpart, designated StraightFlo SS (severe service), the new SE StraightFlo SE (standard edition) reciprocating compressor valve (photo) serves relatively non-corrosive compressor applications typically found in upstream and midstream gas-compressor markets. Gases encountered in these applications include sweet and sour natural gas, air, gas with natural gas liquids, and industrial gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, helium and acetylene. The company performed extensive development and testing of material options, settling on 4140 steel alloy for the StraightFlo SE valve. This introduction follows extended field trials in a full range of upstream and midstream applications. The SE valve has the same ability to extend run times up to 35 times and provide power savings or throughput increases up to 15%, says the company. — Zahroof Valves, Inc., Houston