Application Spotlight

The APPLICATION SPOTLIGHT is a program in which Conval Representatives and customers submit their solutions to a unique application problem.

All of our Application Spotlights reflect an actual field solution to valve problems. We would like to encourage each of our representatives to submit frequent Application Spotlights. Each Application Spotlight will be rewarded with a small gift from Conval.

We hope that by making these solutions available to our customers, the customer may be able to apply some of the solutions to their own situations.

When a two year old power plant was built, it chose a competitor's globe and gate valves. Within the first year of operation the plant Engineering Department purchased a number of Conval "CLAMPSEAL®" globe valves because of experience with this product at other power plant locations.

In October the plant had to replace four competitor's gate valves due to pressure seal gasket and packing leaks. Using their experience of Conval globe valve service, our representative expanded on the Conval Swivldisc Gate valve's bonnet packing system and the positive backseat.

Not withstanding the delivery, the power plant has ordered (2) 4" Figure # 53F5-F226M and will be placing an order for the second two valves later in the year.

A Nuclear Power Plant customer has been having an ongoing problem with pipe elbow erosion in a Steam Generator blowdown line. Flashing is occurring across an upstream control valve which, consequently, is eroding a down stream elbow. It is suspected that the erosion is due to a localized cavitation impinging on the elbow. The prescribed solution is a 5-stage whisperjet spool piece positioned between the control valve and the elbow. This spool piece will reduce the pressure of the fluid prior to the elbow thus minimizing the localized cavitation. This solution was used in a similar application at another plant with great success. The success of this past application steered the customer to Conval for a similar solution.

We recently received an order for a Conval Throttling Valve to replace a competitor's standard globe valve. We selected our 1.50-12U2J-F227G with a 1/2" orifice.

Conval engineers also recommended a 3" weld extension be installed in the customers pipeline to assist in retrofiting at the job site and improve valve delivery time.

The application is for continuous blowdown to the flash tank on the unit. Our valve throttles at 2000 PSI at 1050 F. Our customer throttles close to closure and indicates the valve is performing as expected. He also indicated that he'll replace the remaining F11 valves at a later date. It was also learned that throttling on this application is a result of the chemical balance of the water coming in from the "DA". As the water chemistry changes, out valve is "throttled" to assist in maintaining level control within the system.