If you’re in oil and gas, hydrocarbon processing, or similar industries, you know how frequently reciprocating globe valves need to be replaced. This is because the sliding stem travels through the packing, causing the packing to wear out. The result is degraded performance and more fugitive emissions leaking into the environment.
But the purpose of a control valve is to control what’s in the pipeline, and the last thing you want is for what’s in the pipeline to leak out.
That’s why Baker Hughes Company introduced the Masoneilan Camflex GR. This valve is truly a game changer for companies looking to enhance their productivity while reducing fugitive emissions and maintenance costs.
What is the Camflex GR?
The Camflex GR is a rotary valve that can replace the reciprocating globe valves used in oil and gas, hydrocarbon processing, refining, chemical processing, and more. Its face-to-face dimension matches that of sliding-stem reciprocating globe valves, so it can easily take their place along pipelines and in other piping systems without requiring a spool piece.
The Camflex GR is the second valve in Masoneilan’s Camflex line. It was built according to the same principles as the original Camflex, which came out in 1968 and has been recognized as the best-performing and easiest to maintain control valve on the market. The GR features design innovations, including enclosed linkages and Emissions Free (EF) seal technology.
Top 5 Benefits of a Camflex GR Control Valve
|
Reasons to Switch to a Camflex GR
The Camflex GR offers many advantages compared to conventional reciprocating globe valves.
50% fewer leak paths = improved compliance
Reciprocating globe valves have to be replaced so often because, over time, the packing wears out and they start to leak. On the Camflex GR, the stem doesn’t travel through the packing. Instead, it turns in a rotary fashion, so the packing stays intact. In addition, the Emissions Free (EF) seal comes standard. This is essential for compliance with increasingly strict environmental regulations.
Another way the Camflex GR keeps fugitive emissions out of the environment is by reducing the number of gaskets via a one-piece body design. Gaskets are a main source of fugitive emissions. Eliminating even one gasket joint can greatly reduce the risk of emissions making their way into the environment.
Smaller profile = lighter weight, greater flexibility
Because of their height, reciprocating globe valves can take up a lot of room in piping systems. The Camflex GR is roughly half the size, making it a much lighter and more flexible solution that can be used across many applications.
Longer life = less maintenance required
The Camflex GR requires much less maintenance than a reciprocating globe valve. For the most part, the only time these valves wear out is when they’re used incorrectly or in the wrong application. We’ve spoken with many customers who’ve forgotten they even have these valves on the line because they haven’t required any maintenance.
Fewer parts = easier parts and service management
The Camflex GR has fewer parts than a globe valve. That means there are fewer parts that require service. In a globe valve, you frequently have to change both the seat and the plug. On the Camflex, you only have to change the seat. This can save you about 50% in service costs.
There are also more parts that are interchangeable between the different valve sizes, so you don’t have to keep as many spare parts on hand. For example, the GR comes in six sizes ranging from 1” to 6”, but only three different actuator sizes can cover the entire line.
Smaller actuator = Faster, more precise control
The Camflex GR may be smaller than a reciprocating globe valve, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less powerful. Because of the levers the valve uses and the force they provide, you can use a smaller actuator than you would need to move a comparable globe valve. With less air pressure required, the actuator can respond faster to signals from the positioner, allowing for more precise control of the process.
Key features of the Camflex GR
- Rotary shaft and design
- One-piece body
- Enclosed linkages
- Field reversible configuration — can easily change between air to close/fail open and fail closed/air to open
- Direct mounted positioner feedback
- Standard Class IV metal-to-metal seat or optional Class VI soft seat
- Reliable tight shut-off
There’s a reason more than 1.2 million Camflex control valves are installed globally — they’re more effective and more reliable than the other options. Contact us for more information.