KSE 3.0 safety valves (photo) replace their predecessor’s polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) housing lining with PFA copolymer, which is thermoplastic processable and transparent, facilitating visual quality inspection of the lining. For a seamless replacement, the leg dimensions of the new PFA-lined safety valve are identical to the prior model, the KSE 2.0. When compared to the 2.0 model, the KSE 3.0 is less sensitive to backpressure and reduces the pressure load on the PTFE bellows. Only one bellows with semi-circular folds per nominal size is needed, simplifying inventory and offering more installation flexibility. The reduction of component variants affects not only the bellows, but characterizes the entire design construction: only two vent hood sizes are needed for the entire series, and only one clamping screw for every two valve nominal sizes, covering the entire pressure range. The valve is generally suitable for temperatures ranging from –60 to 180°C, depending on the response pressure. — Richter Chemie-Technik GmbH, Kempen, Germany
Next-generation safety valves redesigned for visual inspection
| By Mary Page Bailey