The SPX brand Copes-Vulcan developed its Direct Steam Conditioning Valve with Steam Atomising (DSCV-SA) specifically for heavy-duty applications such as steam turbine bypass. Vital to the safe and efficient operation of a power plant, the DSCV-SA has been designed for ultimate reliability. It uses high-pressure balancing which removes the need for parts such as piston rings and seals found in the low-pressure equivalents, and provides a very tight and repeatable shut-off. Without wear parts that need frequent replacement, the valve has negligible maintenance requirements and has high tolerance to debris in the system.
The reduced maintenance required by the DSCV-SA means it offers a typical payback period of around 18 months for existing installations. For new installations, this innovative valve design has eliminated use of easily damaged parts that further reduces the need for commissioning spares. The highly repeatable, reliable tight shut off is created by the use of high-pressure balancing and the downstream protection it affords from its efficient steam atomisation system. The valve’s exceptional performance and reliability offer real opportunities to reduce on-going costs and improve power station safety and efficiency.