July 2014 Tube Products International
41
products & developments
tel: +44 (0)1494 679500
HammerHead valve for high molecular
weight applications
Dresser-Rand, a global supplier of
rotating equipment solutions to the
oil, gas, petrochemical and process
industries, has launched the new
Magnum
®
HammerHead
valve.
Specifically designed for high molecular
weight applications at both low and high
compressor speeds, the new valve can
be applied to all brands of reciprocating
compressors.
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
and finite element analysis (FEA) were
used to develop the HammerHead
valve’s geometry, improving the valve
flow area by as much as 60 per cent
compared to standard Magnum valves.
Minimal valve losses translate into
improved compressor efficiency. While
undergoing development, flow testing
revealed that the HammerHead valve
surpassed all other valve types tested,
including poppet, plate and ring-type
valves.
The HammerHead valve
can be applied at high
compressor speeds, and
its element design minimises
tensile stresses. The streamlined
flow path, with optimised seat, guard
and lift areas, maximises valve flow area
and is more tolerant of particles and
liquids in the gas.
Only one element is used for all valve
sizes, which simplifies inventory
management, minimises replacement
costs and increases interchangeability.
Precision-guided element and springs
increase the reliability of moving parts
for long-term operation of the valve.
Its element geometry reduces fatigue
stresses for extended life, while
minimising power losses, resulting in a
long life in some of the most demanding
applications.
The company states that results
delivered by the new valves include
lower power consumption and a
corresponding increase in compressor
flow. In addition, several clients
have benefitted from improved valve
reliability and compressor efficiencies
after upgrading to the new valve.
Dresser-Rand operates manufacturing
facilities in the USA, France, UK, Spain,
Germany, Norway, Brazil and India,
and maintains a network of 49 service
and support centres (including six
engineering and R&D centres) covering
more than 150 countries.
Dresser-Rand
– USA
Dresser-Rand’s Magnum
HammerHead valve
