By Morgan Keith – Ladish Valves. Posted by Sarah Bradley
Extensive cryogenic testing was one of many challenges for the project. In order to achieve desired leakage rates, which were more stringent than industry standards, engineered solutions for both valves and testing requirements had to be made in order to meet customer requirements. With a strong history of in-house customizations, the company was able to successfully test the valves per the customer’s strict specification. Testimony from an onsite test witness read: “All companies should model their cryogenic testing afterLadish.”
In addition to custom modifications, the customer required specific end-to-end configurations and non-standard cryogenic columns with a particular country of origin. Further, extensive NDE requirements also had to be met in order to demonstrate product quality. Their capabilities kept all engineering modifications and testing in-house, allowing for the highest degree of precision and quality control.
Specific project requirements were as follows:
Number of Valves: 1,200+ pieces
Specs:
1. 1/2 thru 2”
2. CL300 & CL600
3. Full & Reduced Port
Special Requirements:
1. Custom Cryogenic Columns
2. Country of Origin
3. Modified Testing Spec
4. Onsite Witness Inspection
Testing:
1. 10% of valves sold were tested on-site to modified cryogenic test requirements per customer spec
2. Other special tests included: NDE (PT/RT/PMI)
3. Helium Gas Test
The special requirements and quantities of this project were no small feat. Countless hours were spent modifying in-house testing procedures to meet the unique and stringent standards put forth by the customer. The engineering and operations departments worked tirelessly to develop a tight schedule to streamline test procedures, assembly lines, and the shipment processes.
The ability to facilitate all modifications and operations in-house allowed the fulfilling of the customer’s order on-time – delivering the first round of valves in eight weeks and finishing the project, on time, in 32 weeks. All of these efforts kept the project development on track for construction commencement, financial closing, and commercial operations dates.
The company is no stranger to large-scale operations, expansions, or conversions in the LNG and gas processing markets. The product lines are designed specifically to meet stringent demands of the most corrosive and demanding service environments for a wide range of applications. With a product produced under rigorous metallurgical and manufacturing controls that assure a consistent, high degree of performance, and dependability, the company can assure that valves going into the field are ‘marked’ with a seal of quality. With domestic source foundries and strictly monitored international vendors, it is relentless about the quality of materials sourced from its vendor community. Due to hard work, dedication, and uncompromising integrity, the company will continue to mark progress.