Parker Launches Ball, Needle Instrumentation for HP Applications

Parker Instrumentation launches ball and needle instrumentation valves optimized for high pressure fluid control applications operating at up to 20,000 PSI/1379 bar. Available configured with Parker's innovative high-pressure Phastite tube connector ends -- which offer outstanding performance in vibration environments -- the valves offer exceptional integrity to meet the higher pressure hydraulic control and other demanding instrumentation applications that are increasingly being faced in the offshore oil and gas sector.

The new ball and needle valves -- 20K Hi-Pro Ball Valve and 20K H-Series Needle Valve -- are fabricated from 316 stainless steel as standard, and offered in NACE (corrosion) compliant and HCT (heat code traceable) versions. Available with 1/4, 3/8 or 9/16 inch, or 6, 8, 10 and 12 mm tube connections, the valves' 6 mm bore sizes provide maximum flow rates (Cv) of 0.66 for the needle version, and 1.56 for the ball valve.

The 20K Hi-Pro Ball Valve utilizes a novel two-piece construction, reducing potential leak paths. It is fully bidirectional and is actuated by a 90 degree turn for fast on/off action, with stops for positive user feedback. An integral gland adjuster is secured by means of Parker's proprietary Tru-Loc mechanism. The valve mechanism works on the floating ball principle, and offers 100% bubble tight operation. PEEK (polyetherketone) seat material is utilized to allow operation over a wide temperature range from -20 to +200 degrees C (-4 to +392 degrees F). A novel design of seat allows the 20K Hi-Pro Ball Valve to be manufactured from just two body pieces -- the main body and one insert -- rather than a conventional three-piece approach (body and two inserts).

This eliminates a potential leak path. The two piece design simplifies valve installation, as it greatly minimizes the risk of damage from over-tightening when fitting the tubing ends (two spanners often need to be used on competitive valves to ensure that the inserts do not move).

The 20K H-Series Needle Valve needle valve has a multi-turn action, which provides a fine flow control mechanism. An integral gland adjuster is secured by means of Parker's proprietary Tru-Loc mechanism. The valve's metal seat allows operation over a wide temperature range from -54 to +200 degrees C (-65 to +392 degrees F).

The new valves are available with an innovative new type of connector called Phastite. Compared with cone and thread ends, a valve fitted with Phastite connectors provides a number of major benefits. First and foremost, it greatly reduces assembly time as a seal is made in seconds by simply pushing the Phastite collar along the tube using a hand-held hydraulic tool. As the collar moves it forces profiles on the internal sleeve to bite, providing a high-pressure, leak-tight seal. In contrast, cone and thread fittings require time-consuming precision thread cutting and coning operations to prepare the tube for assembly, as well as subsequent testing. However, conventional cone and thread style fittings are also available if required.

Phastite tube ends also allow material cost and weight savings to be made as the connections do not require more expensive tubing with extra thickness to accommodate the thread. Moreover, Phastite is inherently resistant to vibration -- and does not require an additional anti-vibration accessory like cone and thread fittings.

Many applications for the new high pressure valves can be found on the topsides of today's offshore platforms. These include hydraulic systems for wellhead control, emergency shut down, chemical injection, pumping packages, gas booster systems, and test equipment.

Parker Instrumentation has set up a manufacturing and assembly process for the new valves to ensure rapid delivery. Custom versions -- with variations such as exotic alloy body materials, or special end connections -- will be available in the future.