Diversified technology supplier Metso has introduced a new valve design derived from its traditional V-port segment valve series.

The new two-way-tight, single-seat design is suitable for a wide range of applications and is available for use with the company’s R-Series valves. The optional two-way-tight feature covers the size range from DN 25, or 25.4 mm, up to DN 700, or 711.2 mm, in all available pressure classes.

The V-port segment valve series enables the company to improve process performance and reduce variability in control applications.

The company recognizes that there are many applications where two-way-tight, on- or off-type performance valves are required, and a benefit of the new V-port segment valve design is that it offers the possibility of combining control and on- or off-performance in a single valve assembly.
The standard bidirectional shutoff classifications of the V-port segment valves are valve seal leakage classification standard FCI 70.2 Class IV compliant. Optional improved tightness classes are ISO Rate D or FCI 70.2 Class V certified at 2 000 kPa.

The company reports that a Metso paper mill customer saved 50% on capital costs by installing a DN 600 RE flanged V-port segment valve in a steam discharge application. In this application, low-pressure, superheated steam flows through the two-way-tight valve at 200 °C. A traditional valve solution for this application would have been a two-way-tight ball valve, which would not have been as cost effective.

The two-way-tight option is available for the Metso RA and RE valve series for all standard pressure classes and flange drillings. It is also available in all standard body materials.
Further, Metso has announced an investment plan to expand its North American valve operations facilities located in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, in the US.

This investment is in line with the 2010 investment decision to develop Metso’s valve services globally. After the Shrewsbury expansion has been completed, the company will have new state-of-the art facilities and equipment near each significant market area.

The expansion comprises a 7 500 m2 floorspace increase, which will be com- pleted in 2012. It is estimated that the costs of the expansion are $6-million.

Metso Flow Control North America president John Quinlivan says the company is constantly improving its service level to its partners in the oil, gas, process and pulp and paper industries.
“The expansion will facilitate the establishment of a dual operational model for high-volume standard production and customer-specific engineered valve production. This gives the company the prerequisites to serve its customers with greater product and application scope,” says Quinlivan.

He adds that it further positions Metso for growth in what the company expects to be a strengthening local market.

Metso’s North American industrial valve business currently employs about 500 persons in the US. After the expansion, the majority of the personnel will be located in Shrewsbury.

Meanwhile, the company has opened a new Metso Service Centre in France, at Gainneville, in the Normandy area. The new centre, which covers 500 m2 of workshop, storage, training and office space, will enhance the company’s service support for local valve customers.

Apart from traditional valve maintenance services, the Metso service centre offers value-added services, such as criticality analysis, valve health checks and valve management solutions. Customer-specific predictive and preventive maintenance programmes are also part of the offering at Gainneville’s Metso service centre.

All repair and overhaul work is carried out according to Metso-specified service procedures, and products leave with certification and a standard warranty.

The Metso service centre follows quality and environmental procedures in accordance with ISO 9001 and ISO14000 standards and all service personnel at the French service centre are hazardous environments Atex certified. The new service centre will be Master Accredited Systems Engineer-certified during 2012.

Metso reports that its strategy is to offer knowledge-based services close to customers’ premises. Metso has 31 service centres globally to undertake customers’ valve maintenance. Globally, the company has signed more than 70 valve management agreements with its customers.

Metso supplies technologies and services to the mining, construction, power generation, automation, recycling and the pulp and paper industries.