Metal Seated Valve for Pipeline Slug Catchers

A pipeline company in the North East United states replaced choke and traditional plug valves with the HCV product line providing positive shut-off over an significantly longer life than prior product.

Challenge

2" HCV Valves were installed as test units to replace choke and traditional plug valves that were historically utilized in this difficult application. The first HCV Valve was installed in December 2008 and the second in early 2009. Both valves are operating as primary dump valves for slug catchers located at a major North American Pipeline Company facility in the Northeast United States. Operating pressures range from approximately 2500 psig at the beginning of withdrawal to approximately 800 psig at the end of the season. These valves cycle about 150 times per year in this severe service handling natural gas including storage field fluids which contain solids, including well formation and salt, as well as hydrocarbons, hydrates, methanol, hydrate inhibitors, defoaming agents, biocides, inhibitors, and (brine) water. Both valves have operated very well and have achieved positive shut-off after each cycle.

Solution

Both of the valve cartridges were returned to Chromatic for mutually agreed inspection/evaluation in June 2010. Results were shown that the Hemi and seats held up very well under these extreme conditions. Both cartridges have been reinstalled and and continue to provide reliable, repeatable results. After two years of service, customer has added Chromatic Industries to their approved manufacturer list and purchased additional valves for similar applications.