Process Measurement, Valve, and Combustion Experts Serving Northern California and Nevada

CTi Controltech contributes a wealth of knowledge, experience, and skill in their customer engagements. The items we carry come from globally recognized manufacturers and are used in conjunction with our contracting and engineering resources to provide complete solutions to our customers' problems. A leading provider of valves, valve actuation, emissions control, and monitoring systems for industrial burners and boilers. CTi Controltech also provides custom SCR systems as well as steam management solutions. CTi Controltech, headquartered in San Ramon, California, serves Northern California and Nevada. We design solutions to the problems that our customers experience daily in process control.

Combustion, Emission and Steam Solutions 

• Low and ultra low NOx burners and burner retrofits 
• BMS and CMS system design and hardware 
• Custom design SCR Systems 
• Burner air fuel mix recalibration 
• Pre-emission test and boiler tune-ups 
• Heat rate, efficiency studies and plant improvement 
• Vapor recovery 
• Particulate and CO2 control 

Process Control and Combustion Services 

• Factory trained service personnel 
• Commissioning and startup technical support 
• Technical seminars and training 
• Valve and actuator calibration and startup 
• Instrument calibration and startup 
• Complete turnkey project capabilities 
• U.L. 508 custom design 
• Project CAD drawings 
• PLC Programming 
• CFD and modeling 

Process Control Instrumentation Solutions 

• Flow, level, pressure, density and temperature

Valve, Actuation, and Automation Solutions 

• Severe service valve sizing and selection 
• Valve and actuation packages, pneumatic, hydraulic and electric 
• Noise and cavitation control 
• Total valve management programs 
• Turbine by-pass 
• Desuperheating and attemperation 
• Damper drives 
• Check valves 
• Vent to atmosphere and silencers 
• Best fit for purpose replacement recommendations 
• Ease of operation and life cycle cost considerations 

Pressure Relief and Flame Mitigation Technology

• Pressure/Vacuum Relief Valves 
• Pressure Relief Valves 
• Vacuum Relief Valves 
• Pilot Operated Valves 
• Flame and Detonation Arresters 
• Emergency Relief Valves 
• Waste Gas Burners 
• Pressure Regulators  

https://cti-ct.com
925-208-4250

Flowserve Valve, Actuation and Instrumentation Product Portfolio

DOWNLOAD HERE

Flowserve offers a comprehensive range of quarter-turn, rotary, linear, control, and specialty configurations. Every valve manufactured is built with unwavering performance, long service life, and safe operation in mind. Flowserve also provides precision actuation and instrumentation for all applications, including remotely controlled, fully-automated electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic actuators, as well as electronic positioners and level switches. In most hazardous environments, fail-safe isolation, on-off modulation, and precision process control ensure efficient and reliable operation. Every intelligent flow control solution provides industry-leading performance and reliability, with embedded technologies that make them simple to use and maintain. You'll get end-to-end intelligence that maximizes your uptime by combining our control solutions with real-time system analysis, predictive maintenance, and remote service capabilities.

CTi Controltech Proudly Representing BS&B Safety Systems in Northern California and Nevada

Since designing the first rupture disk (bursting disc) in 1931, BS&B Safety Systems, continues to set the standard for pressure release and flame suppression products. Their experienced engineering staff and certified craftsmen assure you of a reliable, cost effective, technologically advanced, code compliant product. 

BS&B Safety Systems manufacturing facilities operate and test according to national, international standards and codes including ASME VIII, AD Merkblatt A1 and EN ISO 4126-2: Bursting disc safety devices. Don't settle for an imitation - use BS&B rupture disks, explosion vents, pressure relief valves, and related safety products. 

BS&B Product Include:

• Rupture Disks (Bursting Discs)
• Graphite Disks
• Safety Heads
• Explosion Vents
• Sensors & Monitors
• Buckling Pin Relief Valves
• Explosion Vents
• Sensors & Monitors
• Safety Relief Valves
• Flame Arresters

CTi Controltech represents BS&B products in Northern California (the counties north of and including Monterey, Kings, Tulare and Inyo) and Nevada (the counties north of and including Esmeralda, Mineral, Churchill, Lander, Eureka and White Pines).

https://cti-ct.com
925-208-4250

CTi Appointed Authorized Distributor for Crane Products including Xomox, Flowseal, Aloyco, and Duo-Chek

CTi Controltech is proud to announce that effective October 20, 2020 the appointment of CTi Controltech as and authorized Distributor for Xomox sleeved and lined plug valves, Flowseal high performance butterfly valves, and other Crane valve products such as Crane cast steel, bronze & iron, Aloyco SS valves, and Duo-Chek wafer check valves.

CTi Controltech
https://cti-ct.com
925-208-4250

PBM Cryogenic Ball Valves

PBM cryogenic valves have a unique design that provides superior performance through cooling and heating cycles. The valves have been shown to meet leakage criteria per MSS SP-134.

An extended bonnet with an upper set of live loaded stem packings. As metal shrinks, it keeps pressure on seals as temperature goes through cooling and heating cycles. The vented ball allows explosive gas expansion to vent upstream.

Cryogenic valves are optimally oriented with the stem 90° from the horizontal plane. PBM cryogenic valves are capable of operating with the stem oriented as low as 45° above the horizontal plane.

PBM Cryogenic  Ball Valve

• Sizes 1/2” - 4” - Full port. Consult PBM for additional sizes.
• Temperatures from 400 ̊ F, 205 ̊ C down to -320 ̊ F, -200 ̊ C Live-loaded stem packings
• Firesafe to API 607 Rev. 6
• Designed and tested in accordance with ASME B31.1 and B16.34.
• Materials of construction: stainless steel, other materials available – consult PBM for details.
• Pressures to 1440 psi CWP (ANSI 600# class)
• Cleaned for oxygen service.
• Quarter turn operation
• Locking lever handle or optional oval locking handwheel Automation available.
• V-TEFTM seats/graphite seals
• Internal and external grounding
• Uni-directional flow and vented ball
• Optional API-622 Low-e Packing (cannot be LOX cleaned)

DOWNLOAD THE PBM CRYOGENIC VALVE BROCHURE HERE

For more information about PBM valve products in Northern California or Western Nevada contact CTi Controltech. Call them at 925-208-4250 or visit their website at https://cti-ct.com.

Commissioning the ROTORK CK Range Valve Actuators

The Rotork CK actuator range has been designed to meet the needs of diverse actuation applications required by the valve industry and its customers. The modular design concept enables quick product configuration from stock to customer specification with a very short lead time. 

The CK range provides the customer with a range of options to suit all of their actuation requirements. Rotork CK actuators are designed for minimum user interaction. Their primary goal is to provide safe and reliable actuation in harsh environments. 

The modular CK product range offers simple, robust actuators (CK/CKr) suited to harsh environments with the option for two different control packages (Atronik and Centronik) to meet exact site requirements. Atronik offers modest control and feedback for a simple integrated starter solution. Centronik offers advanced control and feedback for more complex site system integration and increased flexibility through remote mounting. 

For questions about all ROTORK products in Northern California and Nevada, contact CTi Controltech.

https://cti-ct.com
925-208-4250

How to Install a Check-All® Flange Insert Check Valve

The Check-All® Flange Insert (F1, F6, FP) valves are the ultimate check valve in flanged systems. They provide the simplest and most economical way to install check valves in a piping system. The valve body helps position itself while bolts are being installed and tightened.

Check-All® Flange Insert valves are designed to fit between two mating ANSI flanges. Generally speaking, the FIV Class 150 and 300 valves (F1) are designed for standard schedule pipe with Class 150 or 300 flanges, and the FIV Class 600 (F6) valves are designed for schedule 80 pipe with Class 150, 300 or 600 flanges.

Check-All® Insert series valves such as the F1, F6, LP, UV, etc. are designed to use the existing pipe as part of the valve body. This provides a very cost effective solution for valve requirements. As such, part of the valve functions inside the existing pipe; therefore, dimensional clearance must be maintained for proper valve operation.

The Flange Insert valve can also be used as a low pressure relief valve or vacuum breaker by using the desired spring settings.

For more information about Check-All® Valves in Northern California and Nevada, contact CTi Controltech. Call them at 925-208-4250 or visit their website at https://cti-ct.com.

Rotork Electric Valve Actuators on Gas Production Wells Powered by Solar Panels

Solar Powered Rotork Electric Valve Actuators

Engineered for choke and control valve applications, Rotork’s IQTF actuators provide reliable flow control for oil and gas or process operations, capable of achieving accuracy to 0.3% and resolution to 0.1%. A highly accurate absolute position sensor can measure up to 22 output turns independent of electrical power.

Rotork’s customer has ordered IQTF actuators to carry out modulating duties on wellhead rotary non-rising choke valves. Approximately 60 actuators have already been installed to control the flow and pressure of gas and condensate, a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons formed when pressure and temperature decrease as a result of well drilling, at the site near the city of Lufkin. Two IQTF actuators have been installed on each well. More than 30 have also been ordered to hold in the customer’s inventory.

All wells are fully automated to maintain flow and well pressure. To maximize the lifespan of the wells, the customer uses two choke valves on each one to step pressure down from 10,000 psi to 1,200 psi. Shale gas is metered between the wellhead and midstream trunkline where it is transported to domestic supply customers as well as industries including LNG plants and power stations.

The remote location of the wells means a DC power supply using a solar system and battery pack is being used to power the IQTF actuators. This solution was specified as a more reliable option than hydraulic or pneumatic actuation as it avoids potential leakage common in hydraulic actuators. At this location there is also plenty of sun to use as a source while electric actuators use less power than a hydraulic system.

Rotork’s lightweight, compact IQTF actuator provides fast and accurate valve control and can perform up to 1,800 starts per hour, an important factor given the need for a tight well flow threshold to avoid over pressure in the main trunkline. If too much gas is extracted in a short period of time the reservoir can implode or cause ground fractures which water or gas can infiltrate and cause a loss in production. The involvement of Rotork Site Services (RSS), which offered final commission and warranty, and Rotork’s support during initial testing and calibrating was also key in the customer’s decision to choose the company’s products.

IQTF actuators are available with rotary, linear or rising stem valve drive outputs to ISO / MSS standards.

A sealed for life internal lubrication system ensures reliability for the actuators installed on wells at unmanned, remote sites. This system uses oil which can perform in temperatures ranging from -50 to +70 °C (-58 to +158 °F), ideal for the environment in East Texas where temperatures very rarely drop below the lowest point.

For more information about Rotork product in California and Nevada, contact CTi Controltech by calling 925-208-4250 or by visiting https://cti-ct.com.

Reprinted with permission from Rotork.

Mogas Ball Valve Mate Lap Seal Demo

This video demonstrates the effectiveness of the MOGAS "Mate Lap" seal provided on MOGAS severe service ball valves.

MOGAS valves have outperformed others worldwide in some of the most severe service conditions, including: Extreme temperatures; High pressures; Abrasive particulates; Acidic products; Heavy solids build-up; Critical plant safety; Large pressure differentials; Velocity control; Noise control.

CTi Controltech
https://cti-ct.com
925-208-4250

Replace Old Boiler Damper Drives with Better Performing, Drop-in Replacements

Industrial dampers and louvers are used to precisely control combustion air and flue gases in power plants, refineries, powerhouse boilers, furnaces and process heaters. A damper drive is a specialized pneumatic or electric actuator that positions air and flue gas dampers on combustion based systems in industrial environments.

Damper drives can provide linear or rotary motion to meet certain application requirements. The damper positioning is a process control function that is used to increase efficiency, reduce maintenance, control harmful emissions, and lower fuel consumption.

Damper drives have been installed in commercial and industrial application for many decades, and the replacement of older and obsolete models is an ongoing concern for operators. Retro-fitting an existing damper drive application can be mechanically challenging and labor-intensive. "Drop-in" refers to fitting in the existing drive's footprint, bolting pattern, and overall size envelope, so any replacement claiming "drop-in" compatibility is favorable in terms of time and materials.

Rotork, a globally recognized manufacturer of valve and damper actuators, has developed a product series within their damper drive line that specifically addresses the drop-in replacement of legacy damper drives.

Rotork's PM and DM Series drives, a portion of the company's Type K Damper Drive line, provide rotary operation in the 30 to 100 degree range and are available as pedestal mount or direct mount versions. As a subset of this broad offering, the company has crafted the FasTrak Series, which are preconfigured as ready-made units to replace common, older legacy damper drives. Twelve models cover the most commonly occurring pneumatic or electric damper drive replacements. The manufacturer states that the FasTrak drives will:

• Bolt to the floor where the old drive was mounted
• The existing link rod and clevis will attach to the FasTraK drive lever
• Simply verify envelope dimensions to assure that there are no external obstructions

A product catalog describing the full line of Type K drive can be found here. For more information, contact CTi Controltech at 925-208-425 or visit their website at https://cti-ct.com.

The Flowserve Logix 3800 Digital Valve Positioner

The Logix 3800 positioner features powerful diagnostics that identify field problems and expedite corrective actions to ensure reduced return-to-operation times.

Compatible with linear and rotary valves and actuators, the robust design of the Logix 3800 delivers high reliability in tough environments, reduces inventory costs and contributes to a lower total cost of ownership, and installs with an innovative, one-button quick calibration feature.

Partial List of Features:

• Rugged, certified SIL 3 capable modular design delivers maximum reliability in the toughest environments. 
• Installation and operation ease from innovative quick calibration feature to simplify commissioning. 
• Broad application versatility with industry-leading communication technologies, including analog, HART, Foundation Fieldbus, 4-20 or discrete I/O signals.
• Intrinsically safe, non-incendive and explosion-proof design from -52°C to 185°C (-62°F to 365°F) ensures safe, reliable operation in hazardous conditions for increased plant and personnel safety.
• Compatible with a variety of valve and actuation configurations including: rotary or linear valves; double- or single-acting; air- to-open or air-to-close.

https://cti-ct.com
925-208-4250

Control Valves by CTi Controltech

CTi Controltech handles a complete portfolio of control valves. From linear control valves to rotary control valves, CTi can handle the most severe services, including cryogenic, superheated steam, volatile, erosive, and corrosive fluids, high pressure drops, vibration, cavitation, flashing, and high noise levels. CTi's applications engineers can select and size the best choice for your application, and counsel you on the best practices for safety, accuracy, and long operating life.

https://cti-ct.com

925-208-4250

Steam Metering and Steam Flow Measurement

For steam, energy is primarily contained in the latent heat and, to a lesser extent, the sensible heat of the fluid. The latent heat energy is released as the steam condenses to water. Additional sensible heat energy may be released if the condensate is further lowered in temperature. In steam metering, the energy content of the steam is a function of the steam mass, temperature and pressure. Even after the steam releases its latent energy, the hot condensate still retains considerable heat energy, which may or may not be recovered (and used) in a constructive manner. The energy manager should become familiar with the entire steam cycle, including both the steam supply and the condensate return.

When compared to other liquid flow metering, the metering of steam flow presents one of the most challenging metering scenarios. Most steam meters measure a velocity or volumetric flow of the steam and, unless this is done carefully, the physical properties of steam will impair the ability to measure and define a mass flow rate accurately.

Steam is a compressible fluid; therefore, a reduction in pressure results in a reduction in density. Temperature and pressure in steam lines are dynamic. Changes in the system’s dynamics, control system operation and instrument calibration can result in considerable differences between actual pressure/temperature and a meter’s design parameters. Accurate steam flow measurement generally requires the measurement of the fluid’s temperature, pressure, and flow. This information is transmitted to an electronic device or flow computer (either internal or external to the flow meter electronics) and the flow rate is corrected (or compensated) based on actual fluid conditions.

The temperatures associated with steam flow measurement are often quite high. These temperatures can affect the accuracy and longevity of metering electronics. Some metering technologies use close-tolerance moving parts that can be affected by moisture or impurities in the steam. Improperly designed or installed components can result in steam system leakage and impact plant safety. The erosive nature of poor-quality steam can damage steam flow sensing elements and lead to inaccuracies and/or device failure.

The challenges of metering steam can be simplified measuring the condensed steam, or condensate. The metering of condensate (i.e., high-temperature hot water) is an accepted practice, often less expensive and more reliable than steam metering. Depending on the application, inherent inaccuracies in condensate metering stem from unaccounted for system steam losses. These losses are often difficult to find and quantify and thus affect condensate measurement accuracy.

Volumetric metering approaches used in steam metering can be broken down into two operating designs: (1) differential pressure and (2) velocity metering technologies. For steam three differential pressure meters are highlighted: orifice flow meter, annubar flow meter, and spring-loaded variable area flow meter. All differential pressure meters rely on the velocity-pressure relationship of flowing fluids for operation.

Differential Pressure – Orifice Flow Meter. Historically, the orifice flow meter is one of the most commonly used meters to measure steam flow. The orifice flow meter for steam functions identically to that for natural gas flow (see previous section). For steam metering, orifice flow meters are commonly used to monitor boiler steam production, amounts of steam delivered to a process or tenant, or in mass balance activities for efficiency calculation or trending.

Differential Pressure – Annubar Flow Meter. The annubar flow meter functions the same way for steam flow as it does for natural gas flow.

Differential Pressure – Spring-Loaded Variable Area Flow Meter. The spring-loaded variable area flow meter is a variation of the rotameter. There are alternative configurations but in general, the flow acts against a spring-mounted float or plug. The float can be shaped to give a linear relationship between differential pressure and flow rate. Another variation of the spring-loaded variable area flow meter is the direct in-line variable area flow meter, which uses a strain gage sensor on the spring rather than using a differential pressure sensor.

The two main type of velocity meters for steam flow, turbine and vortex shedding, both sense some flow characteristic directly proportional to the fluid’s velocity.

Velocity – Turbine Flow Meter. The turbine flow meter functions the same way for steam flow as it does for natural gas flow.
Velocity – Vortex-Shedding Flow Meter. The vortex-shedding flow meter functions the same way for steam flow as it does for natural gas flow.

Industrial In-line, Spring-loaded Check Valves

Check-All Check Valve

Check-All Valve manufactures in-line spring-loaded poppet-type check valves, vacuum breakers, and low pressure relief devices. All valves are available with metal to metal or soft seats. Sizes range from 1/8” NPT to 20 inch flanged connections. Pressure ratings are available from full vacuum to 10,000 psi. Special materials available are Titanium, Alloy C-276, alloy 20 and many others. Fluoropolymer (FEP) encapsulated springs are available for special corrosion applications.

Certifications & Compliances

• ISO 9001
• 3-A Sanitary Standards
• B16.34 Certification
• Canadian Registration Number
• CE (PED 2014/68/EU) Conformance
• NACE Standards

For more information, download the Check-All Valve Product Catalog from this link, or view the embedded document below.

CTi Controltech
https://cti-ct.com
925-208-4250

Check-All Valve Product Catalog from CTi Controltech

Rupture Discs for Sanitary and Hygienic Applications in Pharmaceutical, Biotech, Food, and Beverage Facilities

Continental Disc Corporation's SANITRX HPX & SANITRX HPX II Rupture Discs are semicircular scored reverse acting rupture discs designed specifically for the pharmaceutical, biotech, food and beverage industries. These rupture discs are available to fit between industry standard sanitary ferrules, NA-CONNECT® flanges or SANITRX fittings.

The SANITRX HPX & SANITRX HPX II Rupture Discs can be used in a wide range of sanitary and hygienic applications throughout pharmaceutical, biotech, food, and beverage facilities. The following list is only a small sample of the many ways in which this outstanding rupture disc can be used:

• Autoclaves
• Bioreactors
• Clean Steam Piping 
• Process Vessels 
• Heat Exchangers 
• Filters
• Storage & Transport Vessels
• Mixing, Drying, Granulating Equipment 
• Wfi Vessels & Piping
• Lyophilizers (Freeze Drying)
• Cip & Sip Skids and Piping
• Fermenters

To learn more about sanitary and hygienic rupture discs, review the embedded document below or download a PDF of the Continental Disc Corporation Sanitrx HPX & Sanitrx HPX II Rupture Disc brochure here.

Sanitrx HPX & Sanitrx HPX II Rupture Discs from CTi Controltech

Detonation Flame Arresters

Detonation Flame Arrester (Groth Corporation)

Detonation flame arresters are designed to prevent flame propagation in gas piping systems which contain flammable gas/vapor mixtures. It operates by removing heat from the flame as it attempts to travel through narrow passages with heat-conductive walls. The arrester will stop a high velocity flame by absorbing heat away from the flame head, which lowers the burning gas/air mixture below its auto-ignition temperature, and creating an atmosphere where the flame cannot be sustained. The arrester must prevent flame passage under certain specified conditions while permitting free flow of gas/vapor through the system. The channels or passages in the flame arrester are designed to very efficiently conduct heat outward, but still allow the gasses to flow. Thus it protects vulnerable equipment or components of the system from damage due to explosive pressures caused by gas/vapor ignition in another part of the system. The detonation flame arrester must be used under only those operating conditions for which it was designed and tested.

The flame arresters consist of two main components, the arrester bases and the flame element housing assembly. The bases serve as the connecting interface to the piping system. The housing retains and supports the flame element. Both components are essential in stopping the passage of the flame.

The flame element is comprised of small parallel passageways aligned so that an approaching flame front is slowed down and then quenched before it can propagate to the protected side of the device.

The bases must also withstand the detonation pressures while conveying the burning vapors and flame front to the element. Depending on the design of the system in which it is used, the arrester bases can include optional ports for thermocouples or pressure monitoring devices. These devices can activate warning or shutdown systems if abnormal conditions are detected. Both bases may be equipped with large diameter inspection/clean-out ports for in-line maintenance of the element, or element removal may be required for inspection/maintenance.

Flame arresters are used in many industries including chemical, refining, petrochemical, pulp and paper, oil exploration and production, pharmaceutical, sewage treatment, landfills, power generation, and bulk liquids transportation.

Please always consult with a properly qualified applications specialist prior to specifying, purchasing, or applying flame arresting devices.

Basics of Magnetic Flowmeters

Magnetic flowmeter
(Azbil)

Crucial aspects of process control include the ability to accurately determine qualities and quantities of materials. In terms of appraising and working with fluids (such as liquids, steam, and gases) the flowmeter is a staple tool, with the simple goal of expressing the delivery of a subject fluid in a quantified manner. Measurement of media flow velocity can be used, along with other conditions, to determine volumetric or mass flow. The magnetic flowmeter, also called a magmeter, is one of several technologies used to measure fluid flow.

In general, magnetic flowmeters are sturdy, reliable devices able to withstand hazardous environments while returning precise measurements to operators of a wide variety of processes. The magnetic flowmeter has no moving parts. The operational principle of the device is powered by Faraday's Law, a fundamental scientific understanding which states that a voltage will be induced across any conductor moving at a right angle through a magnetic field, with the voltage being proportional to the velocity of the conductor. The principle allows for an inherently hard-to-measure quality of a substance to be expressed via the magmeter. In a magmeter application, the meter produces the magnetic field referred to in Faraday's Law. The conductor is the fluid. The actual measurement of a magnetic flowmeter is the induced voltage corresponding to fluid velocity. This can be used to determine volumetric flow and mass flow when combined with other measurements.

The magnetic flowmeter technology is not impacted by temperature, pressure, or density of the subject fluid. It is however, necessary to fill the entire cross section of the pipe in order to derive useful volumetric flow measurements. Faraday's Law relies on conductivity, so the fluid being measured has to be electrically conductive. Many hydrocarbons are not sufficiently conductive for a flow measurement using this method, nor are gases.

Magmeters apply Faraday's law by using two charged magnetic coils; fluid passes through the magnetic field produced by the coils. A precise measurement of the voltage generated in the fluid will be proportional to fluid velocity. The relationship between voltage and flow is theoretically a linear expression, yet some outside factors may present barriers and complications in the interaction of the instrument with the subject fluid. These complications include a higher amount of voltage in the liquid being processed, and coupling issues between the signal circuit, power source, and/or connective leads of both an inductive and capacitive nature.

In addition to salient factors such as price, accuracy, ease of use, and the size-scale of the flowmeter in relation to the fluid system, there are multiple reasons why magmeters are the unit of choice for certain applications. They are resistant to corrosion, and can provide accurate measurement of dirty fluids ' making them suitable for wastewater measurement. As mentioned, there are no moving parts in a magmeter, keeping maintenance to a minimum. Power requirements are also low. Instruments are available in a wide range of configurations, sizes, and construction materials to accommodate various process installation requirements.

As with all process measurement instruments, proper selection, configuration, and installation are the real keys to a successful project. Share your flow measurement challenges of all types with a process measurement specialist, combining your process knowledge with their product application expertise to develop an effective solution.

Industrial Ball Valve Basics

Specialized ball valve (PBM)

A ball valve is a rotational motion valve that uses a ball-shaped disk to stop or start fluid flow. The ball, performs the same function as the disk in the globe valve. When the valve handle is turned to open the valve, the ball rotates to a point where the hole through the ball is in line with the valve body inlet and outlet. When the valve is shut, the ball is rotated so that the hole is perpendicular to the flow openings of the valve body and the flow is stopped.

Most ball valve actuators are of the quick-acting type, which require a 90° turn of the valve handle to operate the valve. Other ball valve actuators are planetary gear-operated. This type of gearing allows the use of a relatively small handwheel and operating force to operate a fairly large valve.

MOGAS’s SC-3PC isolation ball valve in closed position.

Some ball valves have been developed with a spherical surface coated plug that is off to one side in the open position and rotates into the flow passage until it blocks the flow path completely. Seating is accomplished by the eccentric movement of the plug. The valve requires no lubrication and can be used for throttling service.

Advantages

MOGAS’s SC-3PC isolation ball valve in open position.

A ball valve is generally the least expensive of any valve configuration and has low maintenance costs. In addition to quick, quarter turn on-off operation, ball valves are compact, require no lubrication, and give tight sealing with low torque.

Disadvantages 

Conventional ball valves have relatively poor throttling characteristics. In a throttling position, the partially exposed seat rapidly erodes because of the impingement of high velocity flow. There are exceptions though, and ball valves can be used as control valves when modification to characterize the flow port are taken.

Port Patterns

Ball valves are available in the venturi, reduced, and full port pattern. The full port pattern has a ball with a bore equal to the inside diameter of the pipe.

Valve Materials 

Balls are usually metallic in metallic bodies with trim (seats) produced from elastomeric (elastic materials resembling rubber) materials. Plastic construction is also available.

The resilient seats for ball valves are made from various elastomeric material. The most common seat materials are teflon (TFE), filled TFE, Nylon, Buna-N, Neoprene, and combinations of these materials. Because of the elastomeric materials, these valves cannot be used at elevated temperatures. Care must be used in the selection of the seat material to ensure that it is compatible with the materials being handled by the valve.

Ball Valve Stem Design 

The stem in a ball valve is not fastened to the ball. It normally has a rectangular portion at the ball end which fits into a slot cut into the ball. The enlargement permits rotation of the ball as the stem is turned.

Ball Valve Bonnet Design 

A bonnet cap fastens to the body, which holds the stem assembly and ball in place. Adjustment of the bonnet cap permits compression of the packing, which supplies the stem seal. Packing for ball valve stems is usually in the configuration of die-formed packing rings normally of TFE, TFE-filled, or TFE-impregnated material. Some ball valve stems are sealed by means of O-rings rather than packing.

Ball Valve Position 

Some ball valves are equipped with stops that permit only 90° rotation. Others do not have stops and may be rotated 360°. With or without stops, a 90° rotation is all that is required for closing or opening a ball valve.

The handle indicates valve ball position. When the handle lies along the axis of the valve, the valve is open. When the handle lies 90° across the axis of the valve, the valve is closed. Some ball valve stems have a groove cut in the top face of the stem that shows the flowpath through the ball. Observation of the groove position indicates the position of the port through the ball. This feature is particularly advantageous on multiport ball valves.


For more information about any style industrial valve, contact CTi Controltech at 925-208-4250 or visit http://www.cti-ct.com.

MOGAS iRSVP Power Industry Valve Designation and Markings

MOGAS iRSVP vent
dran valve.

The MOGAS iRSVP Series is a family of isolation valves used for vents and drains in power applications. The iRSVP valve designed to handle high temperatures, high pressures, high cycling, thermal shock and abrasive media found in the power industry.

Applications for the MOGAS iRSVP

• Boiler drains
• Feedwater drains
• Steam drum vents
• Isolation valve for bypass lines
• Economizer header drains

The following video is a tutorial on how to understand the iRSPV valve markings and designation system.

CTi Controltech
https://cti-ct.com
925-208-4250

Welcome to CTi Controltech

Since 1976 CTi Controltech has represented the leading process control and combustion manufacturers.  These products, together with our engineering capabilities, give CTi customers high quality solutions to the most difficult industrial applications.

CTi is focused on the top quality manufacturers in process control, valves, instrumentation, and combustion. Over the past three decades CTi has continually added and upgraded the quality of companies it represents.

Our staff of engineers and technicians is well versed with all our products and are ready to help you with your most demanding applications.