Butterflies in deep freeze
19 Apr 2004
FCX Orton has developed a special triple eccentric, metal-seated butterfly valve for the expanding liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry.
The cryogenic Royal valve has been in development for two years and can be used in most LNG applications - liquefaction plants, storage tanks, terminals, tankers and regasification plants.
The valve is said to be the first in the world where the TRI-X sealing design has been applied on a butt-welding, top-entry valve body.
The valve has undergone a rigorous programme of testing and development and a range of sizes and classes is now being produced for the LNG market.
FCX Orton's Felice Lauriello commented: 'The LNG trade has enjoyed steady growth since the first commercial deliveries were made to the UK's Canvey Island terminal in the early 1960s. By the 1990s worldwide LNG sales had grown by some 45% but now the worldwide market is predicted to double by 2011 and to triple by 2020.'
