The Need for Speed

Pneumatic actuators are frequently being asked to deliver reduced stroking times; whether for Emergency Shut Down (ESD) valve applications or on control valves that need instant response to transient process conditions. As valves increase in size, the air consumption for the corresponding actuator is a defining factor in selecting the control instrumentation that has to deliver the speed of operation demanded.

This need for faster stroking times has led to a variety of different methods of providing the necessary airflow using multiple filter regulators, volume boosters, quick exhaust valves, high flow spool valves and other components in the control circuit. This duplication of components leads to increased control circuit piping length and number of connections which in addition to the cost of materials and extended build time, introduces inefficiencies due to pipe routing limitations, number of bends and more potential leak paths.

By designing the pipe routing to maximise flow performance using larger bore tube and shorter pipe runs it maximises the advantages of incorporating filter regulators and volume boosters sized to produce the flows demanded and remove the issues of air starvation.

The Italian manufactured Sitecna® FR16 1" NPT filter regulator now available in the UK from Red Dragon Valves is ideal for these high flow applications and in addition to the robust 316L stainless steel construction with traceabililty to EN10204 3.1, the FR16 carries ATEX II 2GD and GOST Certification as standard.It has a class leading Cv of 11.5 with filter elements of 5 or 25micron and manual or automatic condensate drain options. There are also 4 different elastomer options for compatibility with a wide range of gaseous media and ambient temperatures down to -55 degrees C Available as relieving or non-relieving operation, the FR16 can be supplied with additional offshore paint finishes or manufactured in alloys such as Monel, Duplex or 6MO for particularly corrosive environments.

Sitecna® has over 30 years of experience in designing and manufacturing high performance pneumatic regulators and valves for the harshest environments and theirproducts have been successfully installed on critical systems from Siberia to Australia. The complete range includes filter regulators, filters and regulators, volume boosters, lockup valves, spool valves, quick exhaust valves, flow regulators, back pressure regulators, pressure sensing relays and high flow silencers

Red Dragon Valves
Tel: 01443 772500
Email: sales@reddragonvalves.co.uk
www.reddragonvalves.co.uk

Published: 5th December 2013