TPi October 2012

valves & f i t t ings

Surface hardening on stainless steel fittings SSP, a manufacturer of instrumentation fittings, valves and tubing, has announced global and proprietary rights to the Expanite ® process of hardening stainless steel fittings while improving corrosion resistance – important in highly corrosive environments such as chemical process and oil and gas applications where fittings must not leak. Expanite process, developed and tested by Thomas S Hummelshoj at the Technical University of Denmark, uses a patented process for surface hardening of stainless steel. Expanite is not a coating, but a process that impregnates the stainless steel surface with carbon and nitrogen. “Additionally, our worldwide network of distributors can be confident their properly installed, precision machined fittings and specification controlled tubing will offer leak-free, industry- standard performance.” Further information, including a performance study, can be found at http://info.mysspusa.com/expanite- superior-corrosion-resistance

“By adopting the Expanite process, SSP now offers industry-leading performance of our instrumentation tube fittings, especially the critical back ferrule,” noted Jeff King, CEO of SSP.

In addition to improving fitting performance, installation is easier with less make-up torque due to reduced friction, impacting worker fatigue. The

SSP – USA contact.ssp@mysspusa.com www.mysspusa.com

Three competing brands – 24 hours – 12.5% sodium hypochlorate

SSP with Expanite – 216 hours – 12.5% sodium hypochlorate

Schroeder Valves commissions flow test facility

bypass on decreasing main flow (switch point); and the pressure drop in the main flow direction measured over the full operating range of the valve.

facilities in the world with a number of impressive statistics. The water storage tank has a capacity of 80m 3 and a total of seven pumps with an individual capacity ranging from 120m 3 /h to 2,200m 3 /h. The pumps are all electric motor driven with power ratings ranging from 30 to 500kW. Different combinations of pumps can be used together, and the maximum flow capacity of the test loop is 4,000m 3 /h. The flow test facility has five separate stations for testing valves with nominal sizes from DN 25 to DN 750 (1" to 30"). Two independent flow tests can be carried out simultaneously.

Schroeder Valves’ newhigh performance flow test loop has started operation. This facility provides increased capacity and functionality compared to the existing flow test loop that has been in operation for a number of years. The flow test facility allows Schroeder to carry out a complete functional test for each automatic recirculation control (ARC) valve prior to delivery to the customer. The flow test loop is the centrepiece of the company’s commitment to quality control and customer satisfaction. It is one of the most advanced valve test

A flow test curve is supplied as part of the quality control documentation.

This test curve verifies that the valve performs to the customer’s specified requirements. The flow test medium is water, and the test curve is automatically corrected for actual service liquid if the specific gravity differs from that of water. The test data is permanently stored, and can be referred to at any time following the flow test. Schroeder Valves is a specialist for protective pump fittings. For more than 60 years the company has been offering its customers the highest level of precision technology.

The test facility has a state-of- the-art PLC system that allows the flow test to be run fully automated, semi-automated or manually. All of the critical performance parameters of the ARC valve are measured and recorded. These include bypass flow capacity (Kv value); the closing point of the bypass on increasing main flow, and opening point of the

Schroeder Valves GmbH & Co KG – Germany

info@schroeder-valves.com www.schroeder-valves.com

Schroeder Valves’ flow test facility

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Tube Products International October 2012

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