Whilst many of the process requirements for valves are the same for Pyrolysis and Gasification the presence of controlled quantities of air and the higher temperatures experienced in Gasification can necessitate variations in valve design. By working closely with developers of Gasification processes European Gate Valves have gained valuable experience in solving the problems associated with these plants.
The need for high specification valves is predominantly in the areas of reactor feed and discharge. The discharge of char and the products of gasification frequently have the double flap valves directly in the stream of high temperature material. This material is often also abrasive and has a wide range of particle sizes. The temperatures preclude the use of polymer seals and European Gate Valves ground mating seal faces provide just the sealing efficiency required.
Where the feed to the process is unaffected by the high temperatures in the reactor slide valves, either with or without polymer edge seals, have been used. Double flap valves can be required to cycle up to 3 million cycles per year reliably and without interruption and are preferred for these high cycle rates. Double slide gate valves have the advantage of reduced height but are not comfortable with such high frequencies of operation.