Magnum force
3 Jan 2001
The Magnum valve from Dresser is designed to improve the performance of reciprocating compressors. Suitable for most types of compressor, the valves can also be configured for a wide range of operating conditions and virtually any gas process.
The valve uses a novel design of sealing element which replaces traditional 'poppet and plate' designs. These tend to bed under normal operating conditions, Dresser-Rand explains, which induces tensile stresses which can lead to failure and fracture. In the Magnum seal, these stresses are designed to be compressive rather than tensile, which works with rather than against the material's strength.
The valves are custom-designed and made to specific application requirements. 'By taking the basic pattern of the valve and machining it to any size and configuration, cost and cycle times are reduced because it takes less time to design and manufacture,' the company says.
