CO2 service ball valve elastomers

[derf99]

I am looking into what type of valve elastomers to use for ball valves in CO2 service. We have liquid and gaseous CO2 with and without water (also in liquid or vapour state). I want ot avoid the explosive decompression associated with conventional valve elastomers. Similarly, what kind of o-rings or packings to use on the valve stem to keep it from leaking. Is there anyplace to find this out?

 

[zdas04]

Contact your valve manufacturer. I did a lot of work with Zidel (PBV) a few years ago and they had extensive information on the materials that could and could not be used in their valves in CO2 service (both liquid, gas, and dense phase). This was a topic that they would discuss at length. My guess is that if you'll tell the valve manufacturer what the service is they'll put in gaskets, seals, and o-rings that will work. If you call your parts house and ask for "a dozen ball valves, send the least expensive" then you'll get what you ask for (failure).

David

 

[SJones]

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=183431&page=8

Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer

http://www.pdo.co.om/pdoweb/