Plant & Works Engineering October 2022

October 2022 www.pwemag.co.uk Plant & Works Engineering | 19 Problem Solver Maintenance Matters Reusable steam trap for process loads launched S team specialist TLV Euro Engineering has launched the FJ32, a range of free-float steam traps designed for process applications including jacketed pans, heat exchangers and vulcanisers that, while adopting the universal QuickTrap connection, can be regularly, safely and easily removed, repaired and reused. Commenting for TLV Euro Engineering, General Manager Michael Povey said: “The new FJ32 steam traps really are exceptional! The FJ32 is a maintainable process steam trap with QuickTrap connections that, when used in conjunction with TLV’s recently-launched QuickStation QS10 steam trap station, can be safely isolated, the system blown down, existing trap removed and new trap installed and reopened for getting the process back up and running quickly. The FJ32 can then be maintained and put back into stock for future use.” A reliable and durable stainless-steel steam trap for use on steam mains and process equipment, the two models in the FJ32 range – FJ32-X and FJ32-B – feature a two-bolt universal QuickTrap connector that facilitates inline steam trap replacement in either vertical or horizontal piping. This significantly reduces the time required for installation, removal, repair and maintenance; with removal of the old and installation of the new traps undertaken in a matter of minutes. This connection also allows traps to be positioned correctly regardless of pipeline configuration. Using TLV’s Free Float technology, the trap quickly adjusts to changes in the condensate load, with the three-point seating ensuring a steam tight seal even under low load conditions. The precision ground float provides an infinite number of contact surfaces with the orifice, ensuring negligible wear. The high temperature (max. 350ºC) FJ32-B and low temperature (max. 240ºC) FJ32-X models come with different air venting methodologies to minimise start-up time. This, coupled with the maximum operating pressure of 32barG, offers a versatile trap suitable for a variety of applications. For further information please visit: www.tlv.co.uk B ritish Camp reservoir, located in the picturesque Malvern Hills, has benefitted from a valve repair by ECS Engineering Services. Carried out on behalf of Severn Trent Water, the challenging project was completed by a team of expert divers, which fitted a new winch to allow manual actuation of a critical flap valve at the base of the draw-off tower. ECS is a turnkey electro-mechanical engineering services provider with a proven track record in the water industry. In its position as an appointed Severn Trent Water framework contractor for mechanical services in all regions, ECS was tasked with assessing the condition of multiple valves at British Camp reservoir. As part of a wider Critical Valves Scheme, the majority of the valves at the site were low risk investigations, but there was one notable exception. Steve Crapper, Precontracts Director at ECS, commented: “We needed to repair the flap valve at the bottom of the draw-off tower, which helps drain the reservoir. The valve is underwater and is operated via a winch. However, the original winch was in a state of disrepair. We needed to install a new winch connected to the valve in this hard-to-reach area, which would allow it to be opened and closed manually.” The plan was to enter the inside of the tower from the top and attach a new winch rope via a deflector pulley onto the existing flap valve. This would involve dive teams completing the work underwater. Thanks to its extensive experience as a provider of turnkey project management services, ECS had the contractors and expertise to carry out this challenging project. In advance, an ECS team installed a new davit winch at the top of the tower to connect to the flap valve. To ensure the divers would be able to access the valve, ECS submitted a design for a scaffold erected on the top of the tower, which would provide an anchor point for the winch on the diver’s bosun’s chair, as well as the back-up winch. The scaffold was approved by all involved in the project, with Severn Trent Water confirming it was suitable for the tower. ECS then completed the installation of the scaffolding on site. Work on the valve could now begin in earnest. ECS submitted a risk assessment and method statement (RAMS) for a five-man dive team to safely enter the tower. One man would be lowered down inside, while the remaining four would provide support for emergency recovery, air supply and winch operation. To ensure the repair went as smoothly as possible, the dive team carried out a dummy run beforehand. With everyone happy to proceed, the repair began. Managed and supervised by ECS, a diver was lowered 11m down the central shaft of the tower and into the water, then travelled another 12m underwater to reach the valve. Once in position, the diver fitted a fabricated deflector pulley to the hinge side of the flap valve. This was achieved by drilling and tapping the 16 mm fixings into the wall of the tower with a pneumatic drill. With this complete, the dive team provided ECS with video evidence of the successful repair, confirming the successful pulley installation and connection. Repairs finished, the scaffold was dismantled, and video evidence of the fully functioning valve shared with Severn Trent Water. The work underwater had been completed in three days and to a high safety standard. Steve Crapper concluded: “While this was a challenging repair, we are used to managing dive teams for water infrastructure projects. “Throughout this project, our dedicated ECS supervisor ensured that all aspects of the project were carried out to the scope of the RAMS submitted, resulting in a safe and methodical approach throughout.” For further information please visit: www.ecsengineeringservices.com ECS dives in for British Camp reservoir valve repair