From design to application: How WKM expansion gate valves improve operational safety

1. Working Pressure and Temperature Range

The working pressure and temperature range of the WKM Expanding Gate Valve is a critical component of its design, directly influencing its performance and safety in specific operating environments. In industrial sectors, especially in oil and gas extraction, valves are often subjected to extremely high pressures and temperature fluctuations. Therefore, the valve’s ability to withstand pressure and temperature extremes must meet strict standards.

Working Pressure: 2000 psi to 5000 psi (14 MPa to 35 MPa)

The working pressure of a valve refers to the maximum pressure it can reliably withstand during normal operation. The WKM Expanding Gate Valve has a working pressure range from 2000 psi (14 MPa) to 5000 psi (35 MPa), which makes it suitable for high-pressure operating environments while maintaining stability and sealing performance. In the oil and gas industry, particularly during deep-well drilling and high-pressure pipeline transportation, there is often a need for valves that can endure extreme pressures. The WKM Expanding Gate Valve meets these requirements, ensuring that the system remains leak-free and stable under high-pressure conditions.

In high-pressure environments, sealing performance is crucial. The design of the expanding gate valve ensures that the sealing surfaces make full contact, effectively preventing leakage or failure due to high pressure.

Temperature Range: –60°C ~ +345°C (K-Y)

Temperature is another key factor that impacts valve performance, especially in extreme conditions. The WKM Expanding Gate Valve has a temperature range from –60°C to +345°C, which allows it to perform in environments that span from extremely cold to very hot conditions. For example, deep-sea oil drilling and natural gas collection in cold regions often encounter extremely low temperatures, while pipelines in tropical regions have to endure high temperatures.

In extremely low temperatures, metals and rubber materials can become brittle, compromising the valve’s sealing performance and durability. To address this, the WKM Expanding Gate Valve uses materials designed to resist hardening and deformation at low temperatures. In high-temperature environments, the valve needs to not only withstand external heat but also prevent sealing failure due to thermal expansion. The valve’s design accounts for differences in thermal expansion coefficients, ensuring that it remains functional under high-temperature conditions.

2. Material Grades

The material selection for the WKM Expanding Gate Valve is one of the core elements of its performance. Different material grades provide the valve with varying levels of corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and high-temperature performance. In industries like oil, gas, and chemicals, valves are often exposed to harsh chemical environments, making the choice of materials crucial for enhancing the valve’s lifespan and operational safety.

Variety of Material Grades

The WKM Expanding Gate Valve offers a range of material grades (AA, BB, CC, DD, EE, FF), each designed to meet specific operational needs. These grades differ in chemical composition, corrosion resistance, strength, and heat resistance, allowing users to select the most appropriate material for their specific environment.

AA Material: Standard Steel for Conventional Environments

The AA material is typically used in standard industrial environments and offers good corrosion resistance and strength. It is suitable for environments that do not face extreme chemical corrosion or high temperatures.

BB Material: Enhanced Corrosion Resistance for Oil and Gas Fields

The BB material includes more anti-corrosive elements, making it ideal for use in environments with corrosive elements like chlorides and sulfur compounds. It is commonly used in oil and gas field operations, where the environment is more chemically aggressive.

CC Material: High-Temperature Resistance for Extreme Heat Environments

The CC material is designed to withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for applications that involve high-temperature fluids or gases. This material is typically used in deep-well drilling or high-temperature pipeline transport systems.

DD, EE, and FF Materials: High Strength and Resistance to Extreme Conditions

Materials DD, EE, and FF offer enhanced strength and better resistance to extreme environmental conditions, such as deep-sea operations or extremely high-pressure/high-temperature environments.

Material Selection and Safety

The correct choice of materials directly impacts the valve’s sealing performance and long-term durability. In harsh environments, the valve’s sealing structure and metallic components may suffer from corrosion, wear, or cracking, leading to leaks or failures. The material grades for the WKM Expanding Gate Valve are carefully selected to prevent these issues, thereby improving both safety and reliability.

3. Connection Types

The connection type of a valve determines its compatibility with pipeline systems, ease of installation, and long-term stability during operation. The WKM Expanding Gate Valve offers both flanged and threaded connections, providing flexibility to meet different pipeline system requirements.

Flanged Connection: Enhanced Sealing and Load Capacity

Flanged connections are commonly used in valve systems. This connection type uses bolts to secure the valve to the pipeline flanges, creating a tight and stable connection that can withstand high pressures. In the WKM Expanding Gate Valve, the flanged connection design provides superior sealing and load-bearing capacity. This type of connection is particularly suitable for high-pressure, high-temperature environments, where it is crucial to prevent valve leakage or loosening.

Advantages of Flanged Connections:

• Better Sealing: Flanged connections offer a larger contact area, enhancing sealing performance.
• Suitable for High-Pressure Environments: The design can withstand high pressure, making it ideal for high-pressure pipelines in oil and gas industries.
• Easy Maintenance: Flanged connections allow for easier disassembly and maintenance, facilitating repairs or part replacements.

Threaded Connection: Flexible Installation and Disassembly

Threaded connections are more suitable for smaller pipelines where flexibility and ease of installation/disassembly are required. This connection type uses threads to secure the valve to the pipeline, making it easier to install and remove. While the sealing and pressure-resisting capacity of threaded connections is generally lower than that of flanged connections, they are still effective in low-pressure, small-scale pipeline applications.

Advantages of Threaded Connections:

• Simple Installation: Threaded connections are easy to install and disassemble.
• Lower Cost: Threaded connections are generally more cost-effective than flanged connections.
• Suitable for Smaller Pipelines: Threaded connections are best for low-pressure, small pipelines, offering better economic efficiency.

4. Standards and Performance

The WKM Expanding Gate Valve adheres to a range of strict international standards to ensure its high performance and safety. These standards cover aspects such as operating conditions, pressure resistance, and temperature tolerance, ensuring the valve operates reliably under extreme conditions.

API 6A Standard: Global Certification for High Quality

The WKM Expanding Gate Valve complies with the API 6A standard, set by the American Petroleum Institute (API). This standard specifically regulates valves and accessories used in the oil and gas industry, ensuring they meet stringent requirements for design, manufacturing, and testing. Adherence to API 6A guarantees that the valve provides high-quality performance and is safe to operate under extreme pressure, temperature, and chemical conditions.

Performance Specification Level (PSL 1-3)

The PSL (Performance Specification Level) is a rating system for valves that specifies their performance capabilities, ranging from PSL 1 to PSL 3. The WKM Expanding Gate Valve offers different specification levels, from PSL 1 to PSL 3, to meet a variety of operational needs. PSL 1 is designed for normal operating conditions, while PSL 3 is intended for high-pressure, high-temperature, and complex chemical environments. Selecting the correct PSL level ensures that the valve will perform reliably and safely under the desired conditions.

Performance Rating (PR 1-2)

PR (Performance Rating) indicates the valve’s performance capabilities, typically rated as PR 1 or PR 2. PR 1 represents standard performance, suitable for low-pressure and typical temperature conditions. PR 2 represents higher performance, designed for high-pressure, high-temperature, or specialized applications. PR 2 valves offer better fatigue resistance and corrosion protection, ensuring reliable performance in more demanding operating conditions.