SwRI-developed compressor plate valve wins

Pipeline & Gas Journal, Sept, 2007

A long-life, semi-active plate valve for reciprocating compressors developed at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has been named by R&D Magazine as one of the 100 most significant technological achievements of the past year.

The SwRI-developed Semi-Active Compressor Valve increases plate life by drastically reducing plate impact ties," said Dr. Klaus Brun, manager of the Rotating Machinery and Measurement Technology Section in SwRI's Mechanical and Materials Engineering Division, and principal developer of the valve.

"Rather than springs, the design uses electromagnets to actively control impact velocities. The valve plate starting motion (both opening and closing) is sensed using an electric inductive motion sensor controlled by the electromagnets, thus eliminating the need for pressure transducers or shaft encoders to control plate motion"

The Semi-Active Compressor Valve decreases valve replacement and associated costs by more than 90% over conventional valves. Because of the higher efficiency of the valve, additional fuel and process savings can be achieved, thereby helping the natural gas industry operate its compressors more efficiently, more reliably and more cost-effectively, he said.