Emissions Control Archives

10 must-check factors before specifying sealing material for valves

As a plant planner, you don’t want to go down in history as the person who bought and installed leaky valves in what was supposed to be a breakthrough project. You want to be remembered as the pro who got the resistant valves that ease the plant operators’ lives and lift operational confidence.

On paper, the seals seem like a small detail to care about. In reality, they can make the difference between an efficient plant and one that suffers from frequent downtime due to persistent leakage.

Learn now, what sealing material features should you check out before buying your next valve!

Sealing solutions for valves: Types, materials and applications

During the EPC project, you define the operating conditions, process constraints, and service type for the valves with relative ease. But when the time comes to settle on the right sealing material, you suddenly lack the confidence to complete your specifications without support from your vendor of choice.

In this blog, you’ll find insight to improve your valve selection process by learning more about sealing materials. Once done, you will know what sealing attributes to consider when buying your next valve.

bellow double sealing dynamic sealing oring packing seal lip sealing sealing application sealing material static sealing

Is the European gas network ready for hydrogen?

Is European natural gas network ready for hydrogen?

European countries are on the quest for industrial decarbonization. To get the job done, the countries must meet European and local climate protection targets.
To this end, new regulatory and technical frameworks are in development. The resulting conditions will guide the industry into its next phase: The conversion path of the (natural) gas infrastructure into a hydrogen (H2) economy!

european gas network hydrogen Hydrogen hub hydrogen infrastructure ready4H2

What is the significance of the VDMA network “Power-to-X for Applications” for mechanical & plant engineering?

Mechanical engineers discuss a Power-to-X application.

This year marks the 130th anniversary of the Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA). A one-of-a-kind group uniting the mechanical engineering industry. In celebration, we talked to a dear colleague and member of the VDMA network “Power-to-X for Applications”, Björn Bofinger.

Get ready to be surprised by the enthralling insights he shared. If you don’t know much about the VDMA network “Power-to-X for Applications”, this is your intro! Now, let’s find out how the network supports the mechanical and plant engineering industry in meeting today’s and tomorrow’s challenges when it comes to power-to-X applications.

mechanical & plant engineering mechanical engineering plant engineering Power-to-Chemicals Power-to-Gas Power-to-Heat Power-to-Liquid power-to-x Power-to-X for Applications Power-to-X processes Power-to-X products power-to-x solutions Power-to-X technologies VDMA VDMA network

New chemical plant complies with the stricter TA-Luft amendment in the field of valves

The amended Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control (TA-Luft) regulation came into effect on December 1, 2021. The updated regulation specifies stricter new limits for fugitive emissions from chemical plants. This is a tough challenge for the chemical industry.
In my article, I describe a case study of the challenge engineers faced in selecting compliant valves when building a new chemical plant in Germany.

amended Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control Amendment of TA-Luft Regulation chemical plant emission standard ISO 15848-1 requirements Monoflanges TA-Luft TA-Luft amendment TA-Luft amendment in the field of valves TA-Luft Regulation TA-Luft requirements Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control tightness class tightness class A

Future importance of Hydrogen & Power-to-X in industrial applications at the EU level

Hydrogen molecules with EU stars stand for interview with Dr- Kantz regarding European Hydrogen Union.

Welcome to today’s interview! It features an insightful conversation I had with Dr. Carola Kantz, deputy managing director and a valuable member of the VDMA “Power-to-X for Applications,” on the future importance of hydrogen and Power-to-X (P2X) in industrial applications at the EU level.

The topic breaks down into four chapters and touches the core areas of interest with explicit description: (1) Hydrogen in the context of Power-to-X; (2) Legislations for climate protection; (3) Building a hydrogen economy; (4) Involvement of the mechanical & plant engineering sector.

blue hydrogen Carola Kantz derivates gray hydrogen green hydrogen hydrogen hydrogen application hydrogen production hydrogen storage hydrogen transport hydrogen valve P2X pink hydrogen Power-to-Ammonia Power-to-Chemicals Power-to-Fuel Power-to-Gas Power-to-Heat Power-to-Liquid Power-to-Power power-to-x Power-to-X applications Power-to-X for Applications Power-to-X processes Power-to-X products power-to-x solutions Power-to-X technologies renewable power turquise hydrogen Variable Renewable Energy VDMA working group Power-to-X for Applications

TA-Luft amendment – What will change for you as a plant planner and plant operator in the area of valves

Sustainable icon with chemical plant complies with TA-Luft amendment.

The Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control or TA-Luft governing Germany’s industrial plants were recently updated. The goal of the TA-Luft is to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

In this article I will give you an overview of the TA-Luft amendment and explain the specificities and requirements applicable to industrial valves. Furthermore, I analyze the changes to the old TA-Luft to identify challenges and solutions.

Plant operators and plant planners can’t miss out on this info to run compliant facilities.

Amendment of TA-Luft Regulation Bellows valves Endurance Class ISO-15848-1 leakage leakage rate mechanical cycles Revision of TA-Luft Strength class TA-Luft TA-Luft amendment TA-Luft amendment in the field of valves TA-Luft Regulation TA-Luft requirements tightness class VDI 2440

What are Power-to-X solutions?

Infographic of power-to-gas with headline "power-to-x solutions".

This article provides an overview of the various Power-to-X solutions. It explains what is Power-to-X, why it is important for decarbonization and how it can be used for efficient utilization of variable energy sources. The various energy carriers that can be used to store renewable energy for later use, or for easier transportation, are summarized. The benefits and challenges of Power-to-X are discussed and examples of various solutions being implemented around the globe are presented.

Electrolysis process hydrogen P2X Power-to-Ammonia Power-to-Chemicals Power-to-Fuel Power-to-Heat Power-to-Liquid Power-to-Power Power-to-Protein Power-to-Syngas power-to-x Power-to-X applications Power-to-X processes Power-to-X products power-to-x solutions Power-to-X technologies PtX renewable power Variable Renewable Energy VRE

Case Study: High temperature DBB valves for steam injection – A common enhanced oil recovery method

Infographic of solar steam process (steam injection) as an enhanced oil recovery application.

Case study about high temperature Double Block & Bleed valves for steam injection. We have successfully installed the DBB valves at the Amal oilfield in Oman which uses “green” steam, generated at the Miraah solar thermal facility.

Amal oilfield Case Study dbb valves double block and bleed valves Enhanced Oil Recovery enhanced oil recovery method EOR High temperature DBB valves Instrument Monoflange Miraah solar thermal facility OS&Y / Needle / Needle pressure transmitter / pressure gauge Process Monoflange PT/PG steam steam enhanced oil recovery application steam generation steam injection

Impact of the revision of the TA-Luft on the valve industry

Man is testing a valve according to revised TA-Luft emission standard.

The revised TA-Luft Emission Standard will refer to ISO 15848-1 to protect the general public and the neighborhood. And to prevent harmful effects on the environment caused by air pollution. All that in order to achieve a high level of protection for the environment as a whole.

In my blog post, I would like to explain what impact this change will have on the valve industry.

Bellows valves Classification according to ISO 15848-1 control devices emission emission control emission standard Endurance Class Federal Immission Control Act ISO 15848-1 leackage rate regulations Revision Revision of TA-Luft sealing sealing system Shut-off devices tightness class TÜV Süd VDI 2440