Low Emission Valves, Compliant and Safe Piping Systems

As low-fugitive emission valves are used in critical applications, it is important to select products with correct specifications. And so, AZ-Armaturen South Africa (Pty) Ltd advises mining companies to be discreet in the product selection of Low-fugitive emission valves.

Mining companies are obligated to comply with legislation to reduce emissions in their operations from pit to port. To achieve this, they should explore every available avenue. Relating to piping systems, one of the common problem areas is uncontrolled leaks of gas or vapours.

This is an area where special low fugitive emissions valves are utilised to eliminate fugitive emissions. Nonetheless, things do not always go according to plan as mining pipes handle corrosive and abrasive substances. Unfortunately, failure can occur when least expected, usually at a huge cost. This is in the form of potential breaches of regulation in case of over-the-limit emissions, accidents due to exposure to fumes or explosions, above and beyond downtime and expenses on fixing the problem.

Discreet production selection

Concerned about how poor choice of lowfugitive emissions impacts operations, Application Engineers at AZ-Armaturen South Africa (Pty) Ltd tells mining companies to be prudent in product selection. “Low-fugitive emission valves are used in critical applications and it is important that products with correct specifications are selected,” they say in response to Mining Business Africa

Engineered for rugged requirements

Low emissions fugitive valves should be engineered to handle rugged requirements of mining-specific piping systems, the application engineers say, demonstrating AZ-Armaturen’s approach to designs, customising products to operational conditions, materials of construction, and adherence to quality standards.

1. The design

Regarding the design of plug valves and related equipment, the emphasis is on the following characteristics:

• Free of cavities

• Maintenance free

• Self-lubricating

• Mounting-flange for actuators acc. to DIN ISO 5211

• Easily accessible adjustment of the plug, even with a mounted actuator

• Vacuum tight

• Fugitive emission certified, resp. German Clean Air Act (TA-Luft 2002 approval)

• Certified according to Directive 2014/68/EU

• Firesafe design API 607 / ISO 10497