Designed for water, steam and corrosive fluid applications, Alcon has introduced the ASAST series of 316 stainless steel valves, offering improved life particularly in high temperature process applications. By directing the flow of fluids and gases under the valve seat, the angled body design promotes higher flow rates while eliminating traditional problems associated with water hammer, helping to prolong the operating life of the valve and ensuring a smoother delivery of fluid. Alcon has applied over 50 years experience and used state-of-the-art materials in order to maximise performance and minimise maintenance of the new extreme environment ASAST valves.

Inert to all but a few obscure substances, PTFE (Teflon) is used in the main seal to maintain performance across a wide range of temperatures, allowing the valves to reliably control fluids and gases from -200 degrees centigrade to +180 degrees centigrade (-328 degrees fahrenheit to +356 degrees fahrenheit).

Taking into account any future maintenance operations at the design stage, Alcon have angled the main body of the valve to reduce the height of the unit.

This allows engineers in compressed air, packaging, water and paper processing industries to develop smaller, more compact systems with additional room for maintenance operations.

Ease of fitting and maintenance has been further improved by the introduction of an optical indicator, which allows easy identification of valve position; the body of the valve can also be rotated 360degrees for quicker status checking.

Remote control is achieved via 13mm BS21 or NPT port connections for single spring return or double acting compressed air piloting arrangements.

Alternatively the valve bodies are designed for the attachment of Alcon 31 Series solenoid pilot valves for electronic operation.

Control inputs can come from 12v, 24v, 48v, 110v DC sources or 24v, 110v, 120v, 220v, 230v, 50/60HZ AC supplies.

The valves cater for pipe sizes from 13mm (1/2 inch) to 50mm (2 inch) and are available with NPT, BSP, Butt or Socket Weld fitting arrangements, high flow rates of up to 52.8Kv are possible using the 50mm (2 inch) unit.

Alcon ASAST series valves function reliably in external temperatures ranging from -10 degrees centigrade to +60 degrees centigrade (+14 degrees fahrenheit to +140 degrees fahrenheit).

Sontay,is partnering with Danfoss Randall to distribute their motorised control valves and automatic AB-QM series HVAC balancing valves, for HVAC terminal, plant and steam applications

Sontay, the market leader in field control devices, has announced a new partnership with top manufacturer Danfoss Randall to distribute their motorised control valves and automatic AB-QM series HVAC balancing valves. Danfoss motorised control valves are recognised worldwide for delivering excellent control performance across HVAC terminal, plant and steam applications. The Danfoss AB-QM is a combined control valve and flow limiter for use in fan coil, chilled ceilings, and air handling unit applications.

'Danfoss Randall is delighted to partner with Sontay across these product categories' says Martyn Neil, UK business development Manager for Danfoss Randall: 'Sontay adds significant value to our product range, through their strong customer relationships and professional internal and external sales force with HVAC consultants, contractors and control specialists.

As a growing company, their dynamic, service-oriented approach will help take these products into new areas of the HVAC market'.

Both Sontay and Danfoss Randall are specialists in their respective fields.

Danfoss Randall is renowned for its technical innovation, high manufacturing standards and brand reliability.

Sontay provides the most comprehensive range of control peripherals to the UK building services market.

The Sontay name is renowned for accuracy, reliability and discrete appearance, with their products used by many of the market leaders in the worldwide building controls industry.

'The synergies between the two companies make this a natural alliance' comments Stuart McSorley, Director for Sontay: 'This agreement is already proving very beneficial to the Sontay control specialist customers, providing them with access to a great range of products and technical support.

We are looking forward to a long and prestigious partnership with Danfoss Randall'.

Sontay products and control solutions are designed to help improve building management system performance, reduce energy and maintenance costs and increase occupant comfort levels.

Important standards that safeguard the reliability of instrumentation manifolds are starting to be ignored, warns Parker Instrumentation, who have become aware of inferior-quality product being promoted, which could threaten plant integrity. This decline in standards - which most users will find difficult to spot - could threaten the integrity of instrumentation systems and potentially result in premature failure. The problem has been identified on double block and bleed (DBB) manifolds, for connecting instruments to process piping - for working pressures up to ANSI Class 2500 or 6,000 PSI, or more (some customers ask for compliance with the API specification for example, which is 10,000 PSI).

ANSI-B 16.5 and 16.34 standards are widely specified for these products, and state that such components must be machined from 'close to net shape forgings'.

This stipulation ensures that the grain flow of the metal is in line with the finished machined shape - for optimum strength and resistance to corrosion attack.

Parker has identified instances where double block and bleed manifolds have been produced from bar stock material, which has a unidirectional grain flow.

Machining the contours required for a double block and bleed manifold cuts through the flow lines, exposing grain ends.

This reduces strength, and increases susceptibility to corrosion.

Double block and bleed manifolds typically have narrow middle sections, which if machined from bar stock, become weak points.

These weak points can be subjected to large bending moments, due to the loading force of instruments and other components, and are often subjected to vibration as well.

With internal flow diameters up to one inch, the ramifications of failure can be severe.

The linear grain flow of bar stock offers another potential failure mechanism.

Resistance to corrosion is crucial for many DBB manifold users such as oil and gas platform operators, who specify materials carefully to ensure very long service lifetimes and performance in the presence of corrosive media and environments.

Exposed grain ends that result from machined bar stock manifolds can render the material more liable to fatigue and more sensitive to stress corrosion.

'Most users we deal with specify and rely on ANSI standards, and believe that's what they are buying,' says Spencer Nicholson, Parker Instrumentation Innovation and Technology Manager.

'But in this field you cannot tell low quality parts by external appearance, and in some cases users are not getting what they specify.

You need to cross-section and etch a component to see if it complies with standards.

It is easy to understand how end users can be confused when terminology such as 'machined from forged bar stock' - is used.

Clearly this is not a close to net shape forging, and does not comply with relevant standards'.

If DBB manifold users are concerned about quality and want to verify the use of forgings, Parker Instrumentation will cross-section a component free.

Contact Parker for further information.

FURTHER READING ON THIS SUBJECT.

Why are forgings so important?

The use of forgings ensures directional strength and integrity: the Forging Industry Association publishes a primer on the subject, see: http://www.forging.org/facts/wwhy3.htm ANSI/ASME B16.24, 'Pipe flanges and flanged fittings NPS 1/2 through NPS 24' (this standard covers the constructional, dimensional and material requirements for these specific Nominal Pipe Size flanges).

ANSI/ASME B16.34, 'Valves - Flanged, threaded and welding end' (this standard covers the constructional, dimensional and material requirements for flanges).

The display of a highly specialised Sempell nuclear valve on the Tyco Flow Control stand at ACHEMA 2006 showcased the brand's enormous technical expertise in this product sector, as well as the Tyco commitment to providing complete project solutions backed by decades of experience. The valve is one of five produced for a nuclear power station in Scandinavia as part of a three year project. Assembly of the first valve on site is scheduled for later this month.

Sempell engineers will assist the customer with commissioning of the valves in person.

The type of valve displayed has its application in the emergency cooling system at the nuclear plant and is based on a wedge gate design with highly specialised internals.

The project was carried out in close cooperation and with regular contact with the client to achieve precise design features.

The prototype and all production valves were tested at the highly-specialised Sempell laboratory facility in Korschenbroich in the presence of the client and the relevant authorities, under conditions of 280C and 220 bar saturated water.

The valve design operates according to the depressurisation principle with system media, which permits a short actuating time to close the valve.

This improves significantly on the performance and reliability of the pneumatic-type actuator which was previously used in the application and provided lower reserve forces.

The valve is installed in a horizontal pipe with vertical stem position.

Due to its functional requirements, the valve is kept permanently in its open position by a mechanical coupling under pressureless system conditions.

To manipulate the valve, a small pneumatic actuator is fitted; the valve position can then be changed without system pressure.

This is only applied for operational purposes.

All safety functions will operate with the system media only, that means to make a quick shut down, system media, which is saturated water, is mandatory.

To make a quick isolation of 3 - 5 sec time one pilot valve is available with a pneumatic actuator.

An identical valve is fitted to re-open the valve, while the other pilot valve is moving back into its initial position.

Important design features of the design are Co-free hard-facing on all sliding surfaces seats and guides.

The special wedge design was qualified in 1996 in the GAP of former Siemens in Karlstein.

That test valve was installed in the critical horizontal pipe and stem position.

A full pipe break was simulated by two quick opening valves.

The required seat tightness after this blow-down-test was witnessed by the client and authorities.

Sempell has been qualified since the early 1960s for the nuclear industry and is today one of the leading European suppliers for critical valves in nuclear power applications.

Since its inception Sempell has been qualified according to German KTA rules for nuclear valves and since 2003 according to ASME Section III - N-stamp.

Tyco Flow Control products are used widely throughout many demanding markets, but the company specialises in providing flow control solutions for the complete steam generation cycle.

The superior performance standards of the range are reinforced by consistently high levels of service and expertise available at a local level.

With comprehensive sales and service operations, dedicated product inventory and experienced personnel in all major market areas the company prides itself in providing fast and efficient support right around the globe.

In the power industry, as in other sectors, Tyco Valves and Controls includes some of valve industry's biggest and most respected brand names including Dewrance, Sempell, Narvik, Intervalve, Crosby, Keystone, Vanessa, Clarkson, Raimondi, Fasani, Anderson Greenwood, Sapag, Yarway and Gimpel.

A new Parker Veriflo miniature pressure regulator provides a compact solution for high purity gas handling systems, minimising the space required for gas handling boxes/panels in clean room areas

The Veriflo division of Parker Hannifin has launched a miniature point-of-use pressure regulator that is ideal for valve manifold box or panel applications - to distribute high purity gases to tools or locations in semiconductor fabs and high-technology manufacturing sites and laboratories. Despite a compact footprint of just 1.25 inches square (31.75 mm), the new VMB regulator offers excellent performance including a Cv of 0.1 and an ability to accommodate inlet pressures to 500 psig (35 barG). VMB is a threadless style, non-tied, double-diaphragm regulator for pressure control of high purity gases.

Designed using the same dimensions as the Veriflo well-known Quantum valves and SQMicro regulators, it allows gas suppliers and panel builders to provide compact gas handling equipment, to minimise the space required in clean room areas.

The pressure regulator is designed for reliability and long life, and employs a spherical poppet design that self-centres - for repeatable positive closure.

It will accommodate inlet pressures up to 500 PSIG (35 BarG), and can be specified in versions with outlet pressure ranges of 1-30, 1-60, 2-100 or 3-250 PSIG (from 2 to 17 BarG).

This broad operating range, combined with the relatively high Cv of 0.1, means that the VMB offers a versatile and high performance component for use in gas handling equipment, and one that can be purged rapidly.

Fabricated from 316L stainless steel, with Hastelloy C-22 diaphragms and an Inconel poppet, the VMB is available with either tube stub or face seal connections.

For extended reliability and life, the valve features a PCTFE seat.

The standard surface finish (Ra value) is 10 micro-inch or less, with a 5 micro-inch finish or less available as an option.

Truduct Products is extending their product range of stainless steel 2-way valves with a 2-way distributor, specially designed for low pressure and vacuum conveying systems up to 0.3 bar differential pressure, as well as gravity flow of sensitive products. 2-way distributors are available from 100mm to 630mm diameters in symmetrical or asymmetrical design. Its removable inner flap can easily be disassembled for cleaning or maintenance without removing the distributor from installation.

The replaceable silicone seal of the inner flap is heat resistant up to 180C, other seal materials are available for customer specific requirements.

The shaft is positioned centrally in this distributor to provide a steep blade angle and minimum product deflection.

The 2-way distributors recessed ledge for flap seal to eliminate gasket abrasion will also ensure a reduced product deformation.

Another valve in the Truduct stainless steel range is the 2-way valve with seal for extract systems and gravity conveying of bulk goods, granular and powder.

This type of valve is manufactured from pressed half-shells, eliminating cross welds and areas of product build up.

The angle between the outlets is 60 degrees for diameters up to 300mm and 50 degrees for larger diameters.

The replaceable NBR seal of the flap is temperature resistant up to 80C.

For gravity flow of granular free flowing products Truduct offers the 2-way valve without seal.

This valve is available from 100mm up to 400mm diameters.

The overlapping inner collar provides a direct product flow to the selected outlet.

All Truduct valves/distributors, both symmetrical or asymmetrical design, have the option of manual, rotary, cylinder or electric actuation.

A universal drive connection shaft allows later upgrade from manual to pneumatic actuation.

ATEX version according to category 2 or 3 with admissible Zone 20 in the valve/distributor upon request.

Each valve/distributor of Truduct stainless steel product range adapts to existing components.

Through the use of a welding end, the valves/distributors can quickly be fitted to any existing ducting system.

The latest 470 series control valves from ARI Armaturen offer quality, flexibility, reliability and long life, while forming a useful addition to a product range designed to provide one-stop-shop solutions for process control and pipework equipment. Typical applications include most process fluids such as water, hot water and steam together with heat transfer oils and other searching media. Process requirements for high flow and high pressure drop or varying loads and high turndown are included, together with development processes or OEM equipment where component interchangeability and shut-off tightness (class IV- S1) is a major consideration.

The 470 series covers high performance two-port control valves designed for optimum flow with minimum noise levels.

They are available in SG iron or cast steel body sizes from DN 15 to DN 150, and suitable for pressure ratings of PN 16 to PN 40.

Products manufactured in ASME materials and to ANSI dimensions can also be supplied.

Some significant advantages offered by these products include self-centring screw-in seats which facilitate easy adjustment to a valve Kv to suit changing plant requirements.

The valve plug is also precision machined to achieve a linear percentage characteristic with a turndown ratio of 50:1 (30:1 on DN 200 size and above).

A linear characteristic is also available.

Soft seated plugs (PTFE) can also be supplied for improved sealing when used with gases and low temperature fluids.

Plug variations for high pressure drop, high differential pressure and the minimisation of noise/cavitation can also be supplied.

The spindle is extremely sturdy which minimises deflection, and it is burnished to a fine surface finish.

This ensures that repeatable accurate control is maintained with minimum hysteresis.

Good sealing and long packing life is also achieved.

Gland seals can be replaced without special tools and include PTFE V rings for media temperatures up to 220C, and pure graphite packing for temperatures up to 450C.

Stainless steel bellows also provide compatibility with thermal fluids or other searching and even dangerous media.

A comprehensive range of electric and pneumatic actuators and accessories can be fitted to the valves.

Standardised mounting flanges ensure interchangeability, with actuators changed even while plant is on-line.

AUMA actuators can be fitted on sizes above DN 40 where higher shut-off pressures are anticipated.

All manufacturing production is to DIN ISO 9001 standards, while component interchangeability and reduced stockholding of associated parts leads to higher plant efficiency.

The 470 series valves have been fully tested, with options for further certification, and designed to provide economic lifetime solutions for many high performance applications.

The most comprehensive industrial range of hydraulic valves, for use in mobile plant and machinery, is extended still further with the introduction of the VO40 open-centre directional control valve from Parker Hannifin, the world's largest manufacturer of motion and control technology. The new VO40 valve is compact and has been designed to offer increased operating life, precise metering for accurate and repeatable system control movements, and the potential for both fuel saving and faster cycle times to improve equipment operating speeds. Rated 40 l/m and 300 Bar, the new VO40 low-flow valve combines high performance within a sectional construction, which is stackable to 10 sections to enable mobile plant to be easy modified by OEMs or aftermarket system builders.

This brings cost-effectiveness, reliability, ease of maintenance, and enhanced controllability benefits to a wide range of construction, industrial and agricultural applications, ranging from machinery attachments and walk-behind loaders to cranes, aerial platforms and forklifts.

The new VO40 valve features a specially designed spool, with metering notches formed in the open centre, parallel path and tank sections of the spool to allow system operators to actuate multiple functions simultaneously; in addition, the spool design prevents a fall in load during simultaneous operation.

The net result is improved cycle-time efficiency, and secure operation, plus smooth and predictable operation with consistent, pinpoint controllability.

By comparison with competing devices of a similar size, the VO40 typically has a cycle time that is 10% faster with a 10% improvement in pressure drop.

Internal leakage is decreased by the use of honing technology and spool overlap in the VO40 valve design.

Reduced internal leakage also minimises function drift, simplifying the positioning of machine attachments.

A unique lock-valve section option can be used in applications where no leakage or function drift is allowed.

The VO40 small footprint reduces clutter in the operating area, while the internal valve components are protected from contamination by an enclosed handle assembly.

Additionally, the entire unit is easy to install and service to minimise downtime.

Parker Hannifin offers an extensive range of mobile control products for applications that including construction, aerial work platforms, refuse, forestry, materials handling, commercial vehicles, mining and agriculture.

Where critical applications demand control valves that can withstand the most severe operating conditions, then only one style of valve can be considered, that being the Copes-Vulcan SD-1000. The rugged and highly dependable SD-1000 valve assembly features a straight through globe style body design with a single web internal construction. The high structural integrity, large interior flow passageways and large capacity bowl accommodate an extensive variety of trim designs, while allowing maximum recovery within the valve.

Combining a massive amount of body and bonnet material with thick cross-sectional areas ensures that the SD-1000 valve can withstand the most severe conditions.

Applications for which the SD-1000 valve is suitable include: pump recirculation, feedwater control, feedwater start-up, flashing or cavitating service and any potentially noisy or vibration-prone service.

It is also widely used for nuclear 'N' stamp and seismic applications.

Copes-Vulcan offers the valve in a range of sizes between 20 and 500mm and ASME pressure classes from 150 to 4500 standard.

However, large sizes can be supplied where applications demand.

However, in designing the SD-1000, Copes-Vulcan have not overlooked the matter of that all-important sub-assembly, namely the trim.

SD series valves can be fitted with an extensive array of standard and high performance trims.

The Company's Raven, Hush, Soft-Seated Hush, Tandem and GAD are readily available, and where circumstances demand, custom engineered trims can be supplied.

Offering a quick disconnect between valve stem and actuator yoke to simplify service and inspection, the SD-1000 is fast becoming the industry standard for severe duties and critical conditions.

Axium Process, specialist stainless steel fabricators, has now introduced a range of stainless steel sample valves to their range of hygienic fittings that enables liquid samples to be taken both hygienically and safely. The valves, which have been designed so that they cannot be accidentally over tightened or the valve handle accidentally removed, can be cleaned-in-place (CIP) and are suitable for sterilising by means of steaming-in-place (SIP). As well as being an efficient method of taking manual samples, the valves can also be used as miniature drain or vent valves.

Manufactured from 316L stainless steel, with a PTFE coated stem and Viton seal, Axium sample valves are compact and are designed with a 4mm entry or an 8mm entry for more viscous or particulate containing applications.

Sizes range from 0.5 inches up to 1.5 inches with single or double ports.

Standard end connections are available as either clamp or plain-ended although RJT, DIN, SMS, IDF and BSP options are also available.

Axium has also introduced its 'Simple Sample Valve' with a 3mm entry for companies that are looking for a versatile, cost effective, compact solution for taking small samples or samples from 0.5'' lines.

Axium Process provides a comprehensive hygienic engineering service and is a specialist in the supply and fabrication of high quality stainless steel components designed for use in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, food and beverage industries.

International valve actuation group Rotork announces the appointment of Peter France to the Board of Rotork plc as an Executive Director. Peter France, 38, is Managing Director of Rotork Fluid System and has been a member of the Rotork Executive Management Board since 2001. Peter was born in the Rotork home city of Bath and joined the sales department of the electric actuator division in 1989.

He then moved to Leeds as the company's sales engineer for Northern England.

His career continued as an international area sales engineer, after which he was appointed General Manager at Rotork Singapore, responsible for sales and service activities throughout south east Asia.

Since 2001, as Managing Director of Rotork Fluid System, Peter has shaped the increased sales of pneumatic and hydraulic actuators through the introduction of new products, the enlargement of the international sales network and increased manufacturing capacity.

These products, used mainly in the onshore and offshore oil and gas production, petrochemical, chemical processing and pipeline industries, now account for a significant proportion of Rotork worldwide sales and are central to the company's plans for future growth.

Commenting on this appointment, Rotork Group Chief Executive Bill Whitely said: 'I am pleased to welcome Peter France onto the Board of Rotork plc.

Since assuming the role of Managing Director, Rotork Fluid System, in 2001, he has led its significant year on year growth in sales both organically and through acquisitions.'

European Gate Valves have completed a number of contracts for the supply of their double flap gate valves for use on roadstone coating plants. These valves have successfully overcome premature wear and performance problems which beset the rotary valves previously fitted, and have extended valve MTBF operating life on asphalt plants from an average of only two months to in excess of two years. The valves are installed on pneumatic conveying systems carrying filler fines from a bag filter to storage silo.

Despite rotary valves being specified as abrasion resistant, they still lost performance within a few weeks.

This included accelerated wear leading to leaks and lower throughput, necessitating costly overhaul and repair with eventual complete valve replacement required.

The abrasive action of the conveyed material on the casing, combined with the wiping action of rotary valves, increases clearance between the rotor and casing.

This enlarges leak paths available to the conveying air, bypassing the rotor and compromising performance, with a growing reduction in the volume of material being transported.

Plant throughput diminishes with corresponding increasing levels of maintenance and costs.

Downtime for valve replacement also affects output production.

The EGV double flap valves successfully eliminate this continuous expensive process of maintenance/replacement/repair because sealing is achieved through the mating of two flat ground surfaces.

No rubbing or wiping action is involved, which minimises the potential for moving parts wear.

Due to the design, double flap gate valves also offer further savings.

Replacement of any wear parts can be easily carried out through access covers, without the valve being disconnected or removed from the process line.

EGV can supply products tailored to suit the particular thermal, abrasion and pressure requirements of specialised applications, including the requirements of gasification, pyrolysis, energy recovery from waste incineration and mineral processing etc.

Harris Springs offers compression springs made from wire diameters from 0.25mm up to 3.0mm. They can be automatically manufactured from a range of different materials including carbon steel, stainless steel, phosphor bronze, copper beryllium, oil tempered steel and other specified materials.

A new coating for pump compressor parts that improves performance in harsh environments and helps to prevent premature wear has been released by Balzers Ltd. Balinit C is an amorphous carbon coating applied in a physical vapour deposition (PVD) process at temperatures of around 200°C that reduces the co-efficient of friction of functional surfaces. PVD coatings have only a thickness of a few microns but have excellent load bearing capabilities and can be applied as the last stage in the manufacture of pumps and compressors.

The new coating supports the use of less harmful hydraulic fluids and allows for cost effective reduction of lubricant and additives without causing wear problems. It is ideal for applications involving limited additives and enables user to adopt stringent environmental policies whilst ensuring that high performance targets are maintained.

SIG Blowtec has developed a new blow moulding machine for 20 litre polycarbonate bottles. Called the BlowPac 2-10, the new machine is cheaper than its predecessor and output has been improved to 140 bottles per hour. The unit is modular in design, which saves money during assembly and transport, the clamping force has been reduced and the control panels situated to minimise the unit's footprint. Since last November ten of these machines have been sold to customers around the world.

AK Steels has recently introduces AgION, an antimicrobial coating for carbon and stainless steels. The product was developed in response to an increasing demand for microbe resistant materials over the last few years.

The AgION coating is going to be available from AK Coatings, a spin off from AK Steel. The will also be making a limited number of agreements available so that the coatings can be sourced from other shop coaters, paint manufacturers and coil coaters.

The coatings consist of an inorganic silver ion based material incorporating zeolite. In the presence of moisture, the zeolite behaves as an ion pump releasing silver ions at a controlled rate.

The AgION compound is combined with a paint system and can be applied to steel in a conventional manner. As such it is available as a clear, tinted or pigmented paint.

Applications for AgION are wide ranging and include things such as heating and ventilation ducts, food processing equipment and medical applications.

Developing, designing and manufacturing products to last longer and perform better has always been central to Plansee's furnace team. Products from the range include Plansee ML molybdenum (lanthanumoxide doped) employed whenever brittle fracture after recrystallisation must be avoided and where dimensional stability at high temperature is required. It has a higher stability against unwanted grain growth, partially retains ductility after recrystalisation and has greater creep resistance as compared to pure molybdenum at typical vacuum furnace operating temperatures. Plansee TZM molybdenum (titanium/zirconium/carbon alloy) is another advanced material. It has significantly higher tensile strength than pure molybdenum at typical vacuum furnace operating temperatures and is the ideal material for sub components in these applications. It is frequently applied to posts and other structural members in heat treat fixtures and charge carriers. Plansee PM 2000 is a highly oxidation resistant and extremely creep resistant oxide dispersion strengthen (ODS) superalloy. PM 2000 effectively resists the damaging effects of high temperature nickel braze alloy in vacuum brazing applications. PM 2000 is consequently an excellent choice for the hot face in an all metal (or moly hot face/insulated) vacuum brazing furnace hot zones.