BEL Valves supplies six-figure order for Europe’s largest processing plant
BEL Valves, which manufactures high integrity valves, complete with actuation and control systems for oil and gas, hydrogen (H2) and carbon capture installations, has supplied valves worth six figures to Norwegian multinational energy company, Equinor for its Kårstø processing plant in Norway.
The Newcastle-based manufacturer’s topside through conduit double expanding split gate valves with gearboxes were specified due to the lead times the company offered being significantly faster than the competition.
Donnie Gordon, Project Manager of BEL Valves, said: “The valves needed to be ready in advance of essential installation and a plant shut down this summer – meaning speed of manufacture and accuracy of delivery time were key to us securing the order.”
“We pride ourselves on the speed of our expedited delivery times and it was great to see this element of our service play such a significant role in winning this order for Equinor.”
The Kårstø plant, which is located in Nord-Rogaland, plays a key role in the transport and processing of gas, condensates and light oil from major sites on the Norwegian continental shelf. Around 30 fields are connected to it via pipelines, and millions of cubic meters of gas and condensates and light oil flow into the plant every day. There, the heavier components are separated out, and the remaining dry gas or sales gas is piped onwards to the continent.
The CL900 valves supplied by BEL Valves are being installed during a part shutdown for the Kristin Compressor Package and in the normal gas plant operation and have been supplied in two sizes – 10-in. and 6-in. diameter. Designed, tested and manufactured at BEL Valves’ headquarters in Newcastle upon Tyne, the valves enable double block and bleed (DBB) functionality within one single valve assembly, as opposed to the two conventional slab gates that would otherwise be required.
The benefits of these valves include overall cost, size and weight reduction, and have an ability to be configured to seal in either the closed position (single expanding) or open and closed position (double expanding). Further options ensure a fit-for-purpose solution can be developed to suit specific application demands.
“There are no standard installations in the oil and gas industry and so it’s vital to be able to design, develop and manufacture bespoke valves that meet different project requirements,” added Donnie.
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