May. 26, 2025
A pneumatic High Pressure Control Valve is a versatile device producers use to control a variety of liquids and gasses.
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There are four key parts of this control valve that are typically required for it to operate correctly:
Our standard buildup for a High Pressure Control Valve package is going to include all four of these pieces. However, if you are building this package up yourself or repurposing a valve for a different application, you may not need all of these.
If you already have dry supply gas on location that you can pull from another regulator, you may not need a supply gas regulator or drip pot.
If the working pressure of the pilot is higher than the valve's working pressure, you don't need a sense line protector. The potential for the pilot to be over-pressured isn't there because the pressure on the valve itself isn't going to exceed the working pressure of the pilot. Let's look at two examples to explain this:
To speak with an expert about building your High Pressure Control Valve Package, contact your local Kimray store or authorized distributor. We can help you repurpose valves and tell you what components you're going to need for your application.
High Pressure Control Valve trim consists of three basic parts:
These are the operative parts that control the flow of liquid and gas through a valve. They are also the parts most exposed to process elements, and therefore most vulnerable to wear over time.
There are three primary types of control valve trim:
Below, we'll outline the specific operation and typical applications for each control valve type.
A valve trim’s flow characteristic is the relationship between the percentage of flow and the percentage of valve stem travel between 0% and 100%.
Snap Valve Trim opens quickly and is used for on/off service.
Primary applications include liquid dump, pressure relief, and metering. We also offer zirconia seats for erosive applications.
Nominal valve trim is used for throttling liquids, liquid level control, and in applications where water hammering has been an issue.
Equal percentage valve trim is used to control pressure or flow of gases and vapors in throttling applications.
In oil and gas applications with highly abrasive conditions, control valves take a real beating.
Sand, salt, and other abrasive elements wear away the internal trim, packing, and body as it moves through the valve. Sources of valve abrasion include flowback, natural sand in the formation, and saltwater.
Wear and abrasion resistance is critical to optimal performance of oil and gas control valves. The premature wear abrasion causes to standard trim in control valves can cost you thousands in repairs and replacement valves, not to mention downtime. Therefore, choosing the right type of valve trim for your environment is key.
Kimray offers two High Pressure Control Valve trim materials designed to perform well in erosive conditions. These materials are harder than our standard trim and don’t wash out as fast.
Carbide is a hard metal we recommend using for valve trim during flowback. In an ASTM G65 test of material loss, Carbide trim performed 2.5x better than standard D2 Steel trim.
Kimray’s wear-resistant Zirconia Trim is designed specifically for highly abrasive oil and gas applications. Zirconia offers a combination of abrasion and corrosion resistance not found in steels, alloys, or many forms of other ceramics and carbides.
Zirconia is a robust, hard ceramic material. It outperforms metal trim materials in abrasion resistance. This is an ideal solution for high-sand areas like North Texas, Australia, India, and China.
Zirconia is superior to Stellite and other metals for two reasons:
In an ASTM G65 Sand Abrasion Test of material loss, Zirconia outperformed 316 Stainless Steel and Stellite.
The chart above shows the results of this test. It measures material loss based in cubic millimeters (mm3).
Kimray’s Magnesia Stabilized Zirconia valve trim performed 10 times better than Stellite Alloy and nearly 90 times better than 316 Stainless Steel. Kimray Tungsten Carbide also performed better than other metals.
Valve trim performance can be affected by more than just valve abrasion. Extremely high temperatures compromise metals like Stellite. Zirconia Trim is an ideal solution for operation in extreme temperatures.
This trim is designed to perform at temperatures ranging from -200°C to 850°C. Stellite, meanwhile, is only tested for temperatures between 315°C– 600°C. And because Zirconia is not a metal, it’s not subject to NACE.
Kimray’s Zirconia Trim combats valve abrasion more effectively than any choice on the market. That keeps your valves up and running, and your well site reaching its peak performance.
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Recently a producer in the Woodford Shale contacted us with a problem.
They had been using Kimray High Pressure Control Valves for years, but had begun to burn through a lot of trim sets in the valves, replacing them more often than expected. We began asking questions.
Q: What have you been ordering?
A: High Pressure Control Valve packages for all new construction
Q: What type of trim are you requesting on these valves?
A: 5/8" equal percentage trim
Q: What are the temperatures and flow rates of your wells?
A: Conditions differ depending on the well
This was a problem we were prepared for.
Conditions are rarely the same well to well in the various locations and applications where Kimray customers operate. Because of this, we offer different types of valve trim designed to handle different temperatures, pressures, flow rates, and process fluids.
In this case, the equal percentage trim this customer was using was designed primarily for gas applications, where precise throttling is ideal.
Their new wells, however, were flowing liquid, and bringing a lot of sand to the surface along with it. Because they were using equal percentage trim, the valve was consistently open, subjecting the trim to the abrasive, sandy flow path. This was the central reason for the premature wear.
We advised the customer that carbide snap trim for these valves would be a better option. This would give them a harder ball and seat, and the snap trim opens and closes quickly, so it would be exposed to the abrasive flow less often and therefore last longer.
We also helped the customer resize their valves accordingly to the appropriate flow rates of the wells. Because our trim can be field converted, they didn’t have to order new valves, just outfit their existing ones with the new, better suited trim.
To speak with an expert about finding the trim set that best fit your flow conditions, contact your local Kimray store or authorized distributor.
Correct valve sizing is crucial to proper operation of your oil and gas production site. Today I’ll be discussing tips on valve sizing and sharing 3 symptoms of an improperly sized control valve.
Typically, symptoms of an undersized valve are easy to spot. When you start production, the valve will stand wide open and your safety relief valves will go off due to over pressuring. If you’re in a liquid dump application, your vessels will also begin overfilling with fluid.
Symptoms of an oversized valve are often more subtle. Many of the calls I receive are from customers who did not realize their valve was oversized until a major secondary issue occurred on their site.
Here are 3 symptoms you have an oversized control valve:
If your control valve seems to be unstable or erratic and the valve is opening and closing constantly, a likely cause is that the valve is oversized. This means the valve is trying to find your set point, but because it is too large it is unable to precisely meet your desired flow or pressure set point. Though it continues to try, it can’t help but overcorrect, shutting, then opening, then shutting again.
The second symptom is water hammering. This can happen in oil or gas applications when a control valve is oversized. What you’ll see is the valve closing violently, which can lead to a stretching and eventual compromise of the valve stem. Over time water hammering also stresses the coupling block and valve seat to the point of breaking.
Again, an oversized valve will result in a high stroke count, which over time will wear down your valve trim and packing much faster than it should under normal operation. This can lead to deterioration of the trim, resulting in poor performance and potential environmental issues.
Over time, the conditions and flow characteristic of any well are going to change. This may be due to production slowing on an aging well, fracking of an existing well, or secondary recovery efforts. At this point it is important to reassess your control valve sizing to make sure the valves are sized appropriately for the new flow conditions.
Use these quick tips to make sure your control valves are sized correctly and production is operating at maximum capacity.
Despite how it sounds, "valve failure" does not always mean that the control valve itself has failed. In the event of power or pressure loss, a Kimray High Pressure Control Valve Actuator will cause the control valve to "fail", or stop, in one of two positions:
Today we will look at what these two failure modes mean.
Power to a valve can be interrupted for a number of reasons. Some common reasons include:
The term “power” here refers to the means by which the actuator is moved, be that air pressure, gas pressure, or electric power.
At some point, your well site will experience one of these power-loss events, and if you haven’t planned for them, they can wreak havoc on your production processes and equipment.
In order to prevent this, it is important to carefully consider the fail position of your control valves.
Fail Open (FO) means that when there is a loss of signal, the valve opens.
If you are using your valve in a back pressure application, such as holding pressure on a separator, a fail open valve would allow you to prevent excessive pressure build up on the upstream side of the valve in the event of a failure.
Fail Closed (FC) means that when the signal is lost, the valve closes.
If you are using your valve in a pressure reducing application, such as suction control on an air compressor, a fail-closed valve would help protect any downstream equipment from excessive pressure in the event of a failure.
No matter which failure mode is selected, always ensure your system includes the proper safety valves to prevent overpressure.
It depends on the valve. On a Kimray High Pressure Control Valve, there is a position indicator attached to the stem that shows if the valve is open or closed.
Another way to tell if your control valve is fail open or fail closed is to look at the breather plug.
A threaded valve is secured to piping by threads. It may also be called a screwed-end valve or NPT, which stands for National Pipe Thread. NPT connections are tapered, so as you thread your valve onto the pipe, the connection between valve and pipe gets tighter.
All Kimray threaded valves are NPT, but NPS, or National Pipe Straight, is another end connection type. Be aware that while NPT & NPS threads will engage and seem like they fit, they will not seal properly with each other and result in leaks.
Yes! When making the connection between pipe and valve, thread tape or pipe dope help make a good seal to ensure the process fluid stays inside the valve and piping where it belongs.
Something else to consider is that at some point you will likely have to change the valve or piping.
Over time threads tend to gall and stick together, especially if you’re using stainless-steel threads.
When that time comes, you will be glad you used thread tape, because it resists this metal-to-metal sticking and makes it it much easier to break the connection.
A flange valve connection is a type of connection that uses a gasket between the flanges of a valve and pipe to seal the joint. It is secured with bolts, and if installed correctly, flange connections create a fluid-tight seal.
These connections are straightforward and make it easy to install and remove valve from from any application.
Producers typically use flange valve connections on valves 3" and larger.
Kimray utilizes two categories of flanged valves—raised face (RF) and ring-type Joint (RTJ).
On raised face flanged valves, the gasket surface is raised above the bolting circle face.
This flange face is the most common type in the oil and gas industry and is available in all pressure classes and in most pressure and temperature ratings. This connection uses a semi- or non-metallic gasket.
A ring-type joint flanged valve will have a similar raised gasket face but also with a ring groove machined into the face for a steel or hard metal ring gasket. RTJ flanges are typically used for more severe applications with very high pressures, and/or high temperature systems.
Both flange faces are secured with bolts, and if installed correctly they create a fluid-tight seal. Flanged connections are straightforward and make it easy to install and remove your valve from any application.
All Kimray valves with flanged connections are either RF or RTJ. However, there are other flange faces such as flat face flange (FF), lap joint flange, male-and-female flange (M&F), and tongue-and-groove flange (T&G).
The connection surfaces on flanged valves have a serration to them that is important for holding a gasket in place while the valve is connected to piping and installed, thus minimizing the risk of leakage.
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Until recently, Kimray painted this surface along with the rest of the valve body, and customers had to use a wire brush to clean the paint off the connection surface before installing.
The new nylon adhesive rings add value by covering that connection before the valve is painted. Customer can now simply peel off the adhesive ring and install the product.
The adhesive also comes with a VCI anti-corrosion additive that will provide additional protection for this serrated surface of the flanged valve.
It is critical to know the rating of what pressure your valve is for before putting it in line. Using an unfamiliar valve can be dangerous for you, your coworkers, and anyone else who visits the site.
Flanged valve ratings are based on the ANSI Pressure Rating System. ANSI—which stands for American National Standards Institute—is the body that establishes the measurement standards in the United States.
Valves rated at different ANSI classes react differently as the pressure and/or temperature of the process fluid changes.
This chart below converts valve ANSI ratings to PSI:
ClassCarbon SteelStainless Steel psi275 psi psi720 psi psi psi psi psi psi psiShould you use threaded or flange valve connection types?
It is usually the size of the valve and cost considerations that dictate this.
Producers typically use threaded valve connections on 1” and 2" valves because they are more cost-effective than flanged valves.
However, threaded valves must also be spun onto the pipe, and the weight of a 3" or larger valve makes this installation difficult.
Some producers use hoists to install larger NPT valves, but often they will choose to use flange connections if the valves are 3" or larger.
Globe valves are linear motion valves that regulate fluid flow in pipelines. They are named for their spherical body shape, which houses a movable disk or plug mechanism. This mechanism controls the flow of fluid by closing, opening, or partially obstructing the valve’s flow path.
They are widely-used flow control devices in various industrial applications, and designed to regulate the flow of fluids, such as liquids, gases, and steam, in a flow stream a piping system. With their unique construction features and reliable performance, globe valves have gained popularity in industries such as oil and gas, power generation, chemical processing, and water treatment.
Globe valves are named after their spherical body shape, which houses a movable disc or plug, a stationary seat, and a stem. The stem connects the disc to an external handwheel or actuator. When the handwheel is turned or the actuator is activated, it moves the stem and disc either closer to or farther from the seat, thus controlling the flow rate and pressures.
There are three main types of globe valves, each with distinct characteristics:
Straight pattern globe valves have a linear flow path, with the inlet and outlet ports aligned vertically. The main components include a spherical body, a movable disc or plug, a stationary seat, and a stem connecting the disc to an external handwheel or actuator. The fluid enters from the port at the bottom and exits from the top of the valve, with the disc moving up and down to regulate the flow.
In angle pattern globe valves, the inlet and outlet ports are oriented at a 90-degree angle to each other. This design allows the fluid to change direction within the valve, making them ideal for situations where a change in flow direction is required or when space is limited. The main components are similar to those of a straight pattern globe valve: a body, a disc, a seat, and a stem. However, the flow path is bent within the angle pattern globe valve body, creating a 90-degree angle between the inlet and outlet ports.
Y-pattern stainless steel globe valves feature a 45-degree angle between the inlet and outlet ports. This design reduces pressure drop and turbulence within the valve, making them suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications or when minimizing erosion is critical. The main components of a Y-pattern, steel globe valve include a Y-shaped body, a disc, a seat, and a stem. The flow path is inclined at a 45-degree angle, which helps reduce flow resistance and minimize wear on the valve components.
Globe valves consist of several key components:
Globe valves are used across various industries, including:
Common applications include:
Proper installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of globe valve control systems are essential for ensuring their optimal performance and longevity. By following best practices and addressing issues as they arise, you can maintain the reliability and efficiency of your globe valve system.
Globe valves should be installed with the disk facing upwards to ensure proper seating and minimize wear. This orientation also facilitates easier maintenance and inspection.
Regular maintenance is essential to extend the globe valve lifespan and ensure optimal performance. Maintenance tasks include:
Proper troubleshooting is essential for identifying and resolving issues with globe valves. By addressing problems promptly and accurately, you can ensure the reliable and efficient operation of your valve system. Below are some common issues encountered with globe valves and their potential solutions:
Issue: Fluid leakage is observed around the valve stem.
Solution: First, attempt to tighten the packing gland to compress the packing material and create a better seal. If the leakage persists, replace the packing material or consider repacking the entire valve.
Issue: Fluid leakage is detected at the flange connections.
Solution: Inspect the flange bolts for proper tightness and ensure they are evenly tightened following a crisscross pattern. If the leakage continues, replace the flanged gasket with a new one compatible with the fluid and operating conditions.
Issue: The valve becomes difficult to operate or the handwheel is hard to turn.
Solution: Check for misalignment, bent stems, or damaged actuators. Lubricate the stem and moving parts according to the valve manufacturer’s recommendations. If the problem persists, disassemble the valve to inspect for internal damage or obstructions and repair or replace the affected components as needed.
Issue: The valve fails to provide accurate flow control or the flow rate does not correspond to the handwheel position.
Solution: Inspect the disc and seat for wear, damage, or contamination. Replace or recondition the disc and seat if necessary. Also, check the stem and actuator for proper operation and alignment.
Issue: The valve produces excessive noise or vibration during operation.
Solution: Excessive noise or vibration may indicate cavitation, water hammer, or turbulent flow. Address the root cause by adjusting the flow rate, installing a valve with a different design, or adding additional flow control valves, accessories, or devices like a pressure-reducing valve or a flow control valve.
Issue: The valve does not close completely, leading to fluid leakage through the valve.
Solution: Inspect the disc and seat for damage, wear, or debris that may be preventing a tight seal. Clean, repair, or replace the disc and seat as necessary. Also, ensure that the valve stem is not bent or obstructed, preventing full closure.
By following a systematic approach to troubleshooting industrial valves and addressing issues as they arise, you can maintain the reliability and efficiency of your globe valve system. Regular inspection, timely repairs, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines will help prevent costly downtime and prolong the service life of your valves.
Selecting the right size and type of globe valve for your application is crucial for optimal performance, efficiency, and longevity. Several factors must be considered when choosing a globe valve, including the fluid type, flow rate, pressure, temperature, and installation requirements. Here are some key aspects to consider when sizing and selecting a globe valve:
2. Flow Rate:
Determine the required flow rate for your application to ensure the globe valve can adequately handle the flow. Valve sizing is based on the flow coefficient (Cv), which is a measure of the valve’s capacity to pass fluid. The larger the Cv value, the greater the flow rate the valve can handle. Select a valve with an appropriate Cv value to meet your flow requirements while minimizing pressure drop.
2. Fluid Type:
Consider the type of fluid the valve will handle (liquid, gas, or steam) and its properties, and features such as viscosity and corrosiveness. Select materials and sealing components compatible with the fluid to ensure reliable operation and prevent damage to the valve.
3. Pressure and Temperature:
Evaluate the operating pressure and temperature of the system to select a valve that can withstand these conditions. Ensure the selected valve’s pressure class and temperature rating meet or exceed the system’s requirements.
4. Valve Type:
Choose the appropriate type of globe valve (straight pattern, angle pattern, or Y-pattern) based on your application’s specific needs. Consider factors such as space constraints, flow direction changes, and pressure drop when selecting the valve type.
5. Material Selection:
Select the appropriate materials for the valve body, disc, seat, stem, and gaskets based on factors such as fluid compatibility, corrosion resistance, and temperature requirements. Common materials include cast iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, and brass.
6. Actuation:
Determine the appropriate method of actuation for your application (manual, electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic). Consider factors such as the required speed of operation, available utilities, and fail-safe requirements.
7. End Connections:
Select the appropriate end connections (flanged, threaded, or welded) based on your piping system requirements and ease of installation and maintenance.
8. Standards and Certifications:
Ensure the chosen globe valve meets the necessary industry standards and certifications for your application, such as ASME, API, or ISO.
9. Maintenance and Accessibility:
Consider the ease of maintenance and accessibility when selecting a globe valve. Options for valves that are easy to disassemble, clean, and replace parts, make them cost-effective and reducing downtime.
By taking these factors into account, you can select a globe valve that meets your application’s specific requirements and ensures efficient, reliable and long-lasting performance. Consult with valve manufacturers or engineers for expert advice on sizing and selecting the most suitable stainless steel globe valve for your needs.
Various standards and certifications govern the design, manufacturing, testing, and performance of globe valves to ensure their safety, reliability, and efficiency. Adherence to these standards is essential for maintaining quality and performance in the industry. Some of the most widely recognized standards and certifications for globe valves include:
ASME develops codes and standards for pressure-containing components, including valves. Key ASME standards related to globe valves include:
These standards cover aspects such as pressure-temperature ratings, materials, dimensions, and testing requirements for various valve types, including globe valves.
API is a leading organization that develops standards for the oil and gas industry, including valves. The following API standards are relevant to globe valves:
Although these standards primarily focus on gate valves, they may also apply to globe valves in certain situations, particularly for high-pressure and high-temperature applications.
ISO develops international standards for various industries, including valves. Some of the key ISO standards related to globe valves are:
These standards address aspects such as pressure testing and dimensional requirements for globe valves and other industrial valves.
MSS is an organization that develops standards for the valve and fittings industry. Some MSS standards that apply to globe valves include:
These standards cover requirements for corrosion-resistant valves and pressure testing procedures for globe valves and other valve types.
NACE develops standards related to the prevention and control of corrosion in various industries. The following NACE standard is relevant for globe valves used in corrosive environments:
This standard outlines material requirements and guidelines for valve control systems, including globe valves, used in sour service applications where hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is present.
This article provides an in-depth understanding of the various aspects of globe valves, including their design, types, functions, and key considerations for sizing, selection, and troubleshooting. This comprehensive guide aims to support professionals in making informed decisions when choosing the right valve for their application, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and longevity.
As a reliable globe valve manufacturer in China, THINKTANK is committed to delivering high-quality products and unparalleled customer support. With our professional engineers ready to assist in sizing, selection, drawing, and other project requirements, we can provide customized solutions tailored to your specific needs. THINKTANK is known for offering affordable pricing without compromising on quality, making our cast steel globe valves a cost-effective choice for a wide range of applications.
Having exported to over 42 countries and provided OEM services for 25 international valve brands, THINKTANK has established a strong reputation for excellence in the global market. Our extensive experience and commitment to customer satisfaction make THINKTANK a trusted partner for your globe valve requirements.
By utilizing the information provided in this ultimate guide and partnering with a reputable manufacturer like THINKTANK, you can ensure the successful integration of globe valves in your applications, contributing to the efficiency, safety features, and reliability of your power systems.
1.ASME B16.34 – Valves – Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End: https://www.asme.org/codes-standards/find-codes-standards/b16-34-valves-flanged-threaded-welding-end
2. API 600 – Steel Gate Valves – Flanged and Butt-welding Ends, Bolted Bonnets: https://www.api.org/~/media/files/publications/whats%20new/600_e13%20pa.pdf
3.ISO – Industrial Valves – Pressure Testing of Valves: https://www.iso.org/standard/.html
4.ISO – Metal Valves for Use in Flanged Pipe Systems – Face-to-Face and Centre-to-Face Dimensions: https://www.iso.org/standard/.html
5.MSS SP-42 – Corrosion Resistant Gate, Globe, Angle, and Check Valves with Flanged and Butt Weld Ends: https://webstore.ansi.org/standards/mss/msssp
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