Syncrude BFP Recirc's Solution to their Recent Severe Salt Cavern Problems

A recent order from Canada-based Syncrude for two DRAG® boilerfeed pump minimum-flow recirculation valves was based largely on their excellent experience with CCI’s problem-solving capabilities at their Fort Saskatchewan gas-storage-cavern withdrawal facility.

Here, extreme control valve vibration from their No. 6 cavern had caused gas flow de-ration and, even then, high noise levels limited operator access.

CCI engineers did more than just recommend control valve replacement, with an advanced-technology DRAG® multi-stage, pressure-reducing valve; they analyzed the entire system and recommended major system changes. Since these system changes were made and a replacement DRAG® valve installed, Syncrude’s No.6 gas-cavern withdrawal system has operated hassle-free.

The two new boilerfeed pump minimum-flow recirculation systems will function in two process-systems at Syncrude’s Mildred Lake facility.

In one system, the six inch (150 millimeter) recirc valve is designed for a flow of 700 US gpm (160 meters3/hour) with an inlet pressure of 1465 psig (100 BarG) and a differential pressure of 1395 psi (96 Bar) at 350 F (175 C). In the other system, the six inch (150 millimeter) valve is designed for a flow of 300 US gpm (68 meters3/hour) with an inlet pressure of 1086 psig (75 BarG) and a differential pressure of 1020 psi (70 Bar) at 287 F (142 C).

Published in SOLUTIONS Winter 2000