Neles supplies supertight emergency shutdown valves to PT Badak

An emergency shutdown (ESD) system to be installed at the PT Badak LNG plant in Bontang, Kalimantan, Indonesia, will use unique metal-seated caustic and cryogenic service ball valves supplied by Neles Automation.

Albert Ng, National Sales Manager for Neles Automation in Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines, said that the valves would be certified at Neles Automation's testing facilities in Helsinki, Finland. Some of the LNG process occurs at temperatures from -80°C to -165°C, which requires Neles Automation to perform stringent cryogenic testing procedures in the company's Cryogenics Lab. "We don't know of any other company in our industry that can meet these requirements," Ng said. "We are quite proud of this capability."

To compensate for thermal shrinkage under cryogenic conditions, the valves are equipped with a proprietary metal ball and seat combination that is precision-machined and matched for tightness. During the cryogenic leak testing, temperatures are brought to -196°C with liquefied nitrogen. The valves are pressurized and leak-tested with helium because traces of moisture found in other media would freeze under those conditions.

A special project management team for the PT Badak LNG upgrade has been established at the company's manufacturing plant in Helsinki to ensure all logistical and engineering matters are handled expeditiously. This makes it possible for the contractor, Chiyoda Corporation, to deal directly with the manufacturing unit, ensuring timely responses in resolving any technical changes or issues.

The valves will be installed in three separate phases, two trains at a time, to ensure the plant continues to meet it production commitments. The first two trains are scheduled for upgrading in early May 2001.

For more information: Neles Automation, 4300 Windfern, Houston, TX 77041. Phone: 832-590-5000. Fax: 832-590-5060.

Edited by David Nakamura
Managing Editor, Hydrocarbon Online
dnakamura@hydrocarbononline.com