07-10-2024

Big size valves solve big size challenges

Valmet’s Neles™ big size globe valves are increasingly being used in major projects worldwide, providing reliable high performance in heavy industries such as mining and petrochemicals.  

Neles Omega™ globe valves are developed and manufactured for demanding applications where noise or cavitation need to be eliminated. Available in sizes up to 36" for straight body type and 48” for angle body type, typical applications include oil and gas production, petrochemicals, power plants, pulp and paper, water production and LNG.

Meeting complex water supply demands with Valmet
In 2024, our company has been hard at work on the manufacture of big-size globe control valves for a significant project in Northern Chile. The mining operations in the country produce hundreds of thousands of tonnes of fine copper annually, and these operations are located throughout the Andes, reaching altitudes in some cases over 4,000 meters above sea level. Valmet’s Neles high-performance globe valves were chosen as integral components for a water supply system, including a seawater desalination plant.

The project was necessitated by recent challenges related to water consumption and the availability of this resource in Chile's desert areas, where the government has established a series of environmental regulations. These regulations aim to ensure that water available in mountains and underground sources is primarily used for human consumption. Consequently, the mining industry faces the challenge of optimizing process water consumption and finding alternative water supplies.

Chile boasts an extensive coastline, which presents an ideal opportunity for harvesting water. Consequently, desalination has become the primary approach for the mining industry to guarantee the availability of water required for their processes. Over the years, several desalination projects have been developed in the country. In this case, Valmet’s valve portfolio was selected for transporting desalinated water from sea level to mine sites situated at high altitudes.

Handling desalinated water poses specific challenges. These include dealing with high-pressure conditions, managing noise levels, and selecting materials that can withstand potential corrosion due to the chlorides present in the desalinated water. Valmet has successfully provided the most suitable products for these demanding applications.

Ensuring reliability in any environment
Omega globe valves were selected for this critical upgrade project thanks to their superior control performance and high reliability. A consistent supply of feedwater is crucial for process quality. The valves also demonstrate efficiency in terms of everything from environmental performance to energy consumption.

Dozens of big size globe valves, such as GM-series 24", were delivered to this Chilean mine. These globe valves provide the best possible reliability and accuracy throughout their operational life, resulting in low cost of ownership and minimal maintenance costs.

Heavy industrial applications tend to occur in harsh environments. In this particular case, further specifications were requested to meet the local requirements. The trim was specially designed to accommodate a large range of Cv and pressure drop, and to protect against corrosive sea water, Ultimet coating was applied to both the plug and seat.

“At Valmet, we have plenty of experience providing flow control solutions for almost every imaginable industrial process and application,” says Valmet’s globe valve spokesperson. “This experience, combined with our full range portfolio, meant that we were able to easily provide valves that met the customer’s specific needs.”

Valmet big valves around the world
The Chilean project is not the only successful completion involving Valmet big size valves in recent years. As heavy industry expands to meet the needs of growing populations around the world, so has the need for big size valves that ensure safe and productive operations. Facilities from geothermal plants in Iceland to pulp and paper factories in Indonesia have benefited from the low emissions and costs associated with Neles valves.

“The global success of our big size valves portfolio shows not only our commitment to providing the most reliable products on the market but also that industry partners around the world are serious about establishing the most efficient and sustainable processes possible.”

Following the success of the big size Omega line, Valmet’s globe valve team is driving the next level of success with various solutions such as cladding valves. “These cladding valves are designed to handle corrosive fluids by using a base material like WCB, which is cost-effective, and overlaying it with an exotic material such as Inconel 625 or Inconel 825, instead of using the exotic material throughout. I have no doubt that this cladding valve will further accelerate the success of Valmet's globe valve business, particularly in the big size globe valve market.,” concludes Valmet’s spokesperson.