DRAG® Technology Heads South of the Border, Down Mexico Way

When the Pemex Cactus Gas Processing complex decided to install its first coalescent filter units at its gas processing plant in Villa Hermosa, Mexico , they decided to utilize 10 CCI severe service valves to control the levels of the liquids trapped by the filters. Two CCI valves of similar design are already installed in the slugcatcher unit at the Cactus complex with successful results. The filter units require the level control valves to handle pressure drops in the range of 430 psig (30 bar).

The customer was aware that these pressure drops would create high fluid velocities and generate energy related problems such as vibration, high noise levels, erosion and abrasion that can quickly destroy the trim of the valve. The customer’s main objectives were to minimize maintenance and prevent undesired shutdowns of the unit. In anticipation of this, CCI is providing its severe service valves with its unique multistage pressure-reducing DRAG® design to produce a highly reliable and precise level flow control and eliminate the possibility of excessive noise and vibration problems. Thus the Cactus complex will be able to continue in its efforts to improve its facilities with severe service valve technology that will provide a more highly reliable valve performance with longer intervals between maintenance.

Published in SOLUTIONS Winter 2001