Noise and Vibration Problems Prompt PRV and Rich Amine Valve Replacement at Milagro Facility

Three years ago, Williams Field Service successfully used CCI’s DRAG® technology to replace two failed, severe-service, sour rich amine control valves at their El Cedro and La Maquina facilities. Based largely on this, they have now ordered replacement steam PRV and rich amine control valves for their Milagro facility.

In both services at Milagro, existing valve failures had resulted from high, uncontrolled fluid velocities in valve trims producing unacceptable noise and vibration levels as well as trim erosion. In the case of the existing steam PRV, destructive trim velocity was actually sonic.

The steam pressure-reducing control valve is designed for a maximum flow of 74,000 lb/hr (10 kg/sec) at an inlet pressure of 400 psig (28 BarG) and a &Mac198;P of 340 psi (23 BarG) at 570 F (399 C). The multistage pressure-reducing trim is “characterized” to eliminate the possibility of plug/seat high-velocity erosion by increasing plug rise under low-flow conditions.

The 6-in. (150-mm) rich amine level control valve is designed for 1800 gpm (400 m3/hr) with an inlet pressure of 1100 psig (75 BarG) and a &Mac198;P of 980 psi (68 Bar) at 175 F (80C).

Published in SOLUTIONS Summer 2001