Petrochemicals group Sasol is spending R8,4 billion to double its production of hard wax in South Africa. Sasol Wax manufactures markets and supplies wax, petroleum jellies and liquefied paraffin. According to Sasol, the project will result in increased production of medium waxes, mostly used in the candle industry in southern Africa, as well as liquefied paraffin, which is used in a variety of industrial applications. The expansion is taking place at the Sasolburg site.
Pumps and media
Valves from Schroeder will protect pumps supplied by Sulzer, KSB, SAM Engineering and Turbo Fluid. Media being pumped includes”
• Reaction water @ 35°C.
• Water @ 70°C.
• Boiler feed water @ 136°C.
• Hot oil @ 195°C.
• Hot oil @ 250°C.
• Condensate @ 60°C.
Schroeder automatic recirculation valves provide the protection
Modern pumps, because of their close tolerances, are sensitive to low flow conditions that may result in cavitation, unstable operation, noise problems and temperature increases, all of which can severely damage the pump. Therefore, minimum flow requirements must be maintained through a bypass recirculation (leak-off) valve to prevent costly pump damage. Schroeder has developed a series of such valves to provide automatic bypass.
The valves have a number of functions in the same housing. A built in disc type check valve uses the movement of the flow sensitive disc to control the bypass. This opens only when the main flow is reduced to less than the minimum flow requirement, thereby assuring positive pump protection at all times. No external power is required.
Plant and production benefits
Foster Wheeler managed the project. Its evaluation and final decision to award the order to Valve & Automation for Schroeder valves was based on the benefits to Sasol. Schroeder automatic recirculation valves ensure automatic venting of pumps when they are not in operation. Also, the motor and drive capacity can be significantly lower, which in turn has a positive effect on energy consumption and overall system costs. Benefits include:
• Automatic safeguarding of the required minimum flow rate of the pump.
• Integrated return valves in the main flow and minimum volume pipes.
• Lower energy consumption results in lower operating costs.
• Automatic venting of pumps not in operation.
• Cost efficient pump design (smaller size, no special version required for a low NPSHR value).
• Lower flow rate at the operating point as a result of automatic closure of the minimum volume pipe.
Alfa Laval expands hygienic valve portfolio
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Alfa Laval is expanding its hygienic valve portfolio by introducing the Unique SSV pressure relief valve and the Leakage Detection butterfly valve, alongside new smaller sizes of the Unique Mixproof CIP and Unique Mixproof process valves.
Read more...Preparing pump systems for adverse weather conditions
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
As the severity of storms in South Africa increases, so has the rush of sediment-laden water become a major issue and a significant challenge for irrigation. When sediment levels rise to just 10 grams per litre or more, the risk of pump wear and dam silting increases dramatically.
Read more...High-flow solenoid valve Emerson Automation Solutions
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Emerson has introduced the new ASCO Series 327C solenoid valve, which features a direct-acting, high-flow design that provides superior flow-to-power ratio. It permits high flows at minimum power levels, making it ideal for use in power plants, refineries, and chemical processing facilities.
Read more...Proportional cartridge valve series is the fastest in its class
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Parker Hannifin is introducing the enhanced version of the proportional cartridge throttle valve series, TFP. The new pilot valve further reduces the step response times by up to 30%, making the TFP the fastest valve in its class.
Read more...Proportional cartridge valve series is the fastest in its class
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Parker Hannifin is introducing the enhanced version of the proportional cartridge throttle valve series, TFP. The new pilot valve further reduces the step response times by up to 30%, making the TFP the fastest valve in its class.
Read more...Inspection system for leak detection in valves in hazardous areas Extech Safety Systems
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Leaking valves in industrial plants not only lead to loss, safety risks and possible contamination and pollution, but also result in high economic costs. Therefore, valves in hazardous areas require regular proper inspection and preventive maintenance to ensure their functionality.
Read more...Control head for automation of hygienic process valves Burkert South Africa
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Burkert’s Type 8681 control head is optimised for decentralised automation of hygienic process valves. Thanks to its universal adapter, it can be combined with all normal commercial butterfly valves, ball valves and single- and double-seated valves.
Read more...Hydroformed tube valve body Burkert South Africa
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
One of the most common necessities for manufacturing pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and beverages are diaphragm valves. What used to be a dull two-way race between forged and cast body variants is now being challenged by an exciting, ground-breaking technology. The hydroformed, light-weight diaphragm tube valve body will change the way you think about plant design and operation.
Read more...Global pumping giant ready to support hydrogen economy
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
With abundant sunshine and wind, southern Africa is perfectly positioned to become a global powerhouse in green hydrogen production. Two key projects are already in advanced stages of development in Namibia. KSB has identified the vast potential of these types of projects in southern Africa, and through its KSB Pumps and Valves subsidiaries in Namibia and South Africa is investing heavily in bringing the right skills to the region.
Read more...Compact valve position indicator Emerson Automation Solutions
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Emerson’s new TopWorx DVR Switchbox is an entry-level addition to the DV Series of valve position indicators. It combines a durable resin enclosure, compact size, and a patented cam design that provides a reliable valve position feedback for water and wastewater systems, food and beverage production lines, and industrial utilities.
printer friendly version