A partnership between valve product and solutions supplier Brimis Engineering (Brimis) and Germany-based valve manufacturer ProValve Armaturen (ProValve) will result in the latest high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) valves and valve systems entering the Southern African market. This will help to optimise flow system efficiency in demanding industrial environments.

The HPHT valves – available in electric, hydraulic and/or pneumatic variations – are designed, developed, machined, assembled and inspected at ProValve’s facilities, in Germany.

The facilities include computer-numerical control machining centres, 3D computer-aided design and manufacturing-controlled systems, as well as test benches for pressure testing up to 1000 bar – all building HPHT valves using forged steel and “high-grade” alloys, says Brimis MD Andile Nqandela.

“ProValve’s in-house development and testing capabilities ensure [that] each valve is calibrated to precise operational conditions, while Brimis provides local installation, commissioning and life-cycle support.”

These enhancements guarantee less energy loss, longer component life, and enhanced total cost of ownership, even in aggressive or fluctuating service environments, he adds.

HPHT valves can also be used in petrochemicals, power generation and refining applications, where they can handle steam temperatures of about 625 °C and pressures of up to 365 bar.

“Stainless, duplex, super duplex and nickel-based materials are selected in line with each application’s pressure, temperature and chemical requirements. Designs, such as pressure-seal bonnets, metal-to-metal seating and optimised flow geometries, enable the valves to withstand fast startup and shutdown cycles, as well as thermal stress and erosion,” he notes.

For example, ProValve uses a cobalt-based alloy, called the Stellite 6, to manufacture three of its hydraulic, electric, manual and pneumatic valve variations. Stellite 6 is robust and designed for demanding applications, owing to comprising carbon chromium, tungsten and other elements.

“Stellite 6 is used for these high-pressure valves, owing to its exceptional wear resistance, corrosion resistance and ability to maintain hardness at high temperatures,” says Nqandela.

Through the partnership, ProValve will ensure that its valves and valve systems are expertly maintained by providing education and training for Brimis engineers, enabling them to learn the relevant knowledge and skills needed to ensure effective HPHT valve operation, diagnostics and maintenance.

“Through a structured programme of joint training workshops, on-site demonstrations and technical seminars, the partnership equips practitioners with insights into HPHT valve operation.”

Additionally, the collaboration encourages direct engagement between local engineers and ProValve’s technical team, in Germany, facilitating continuous learning in line with any developments in design innovation, safety compliance and performance optimisation.

He says Brimis will continue to provide high-grade valve solutions to Southern Africa’s industrial market while creating a link between local engineers, end-users and ProValve engineers in Germany.

Brimis and ProValve will continue to supply original-equipment manufacturer HPHT valves to clients, adhering to their commitments to quality, speed, flexibility, regional support and on-site expertise.

Nqandela also notes that every valve undergoes a thorough testing process to ensure compliance with international safety and performance benchmarks.

“By combining ProValve’s in-house German manufacturing excellence with Brimis’ local service and engineering expertise, clients benefit from solutions that meet American Society of Mechanical Engineers and German and European standards and deliver consistent reliability and safety,” concludes Nqandela.