Ammonia Valves -1206A Series - Packed Wrench Operated
The function of a valve is to control the flow of the gas or fluid in various applications. The construction of the valve plays a vital role in defining the success of the operation. Different materials are used to construct the valve, which depends upon the operating pressure, temperature, the reactive nature of the gas or fluid and compatibility with inlets and outlets.
Ammonia valves are used for anhydrous ammonia application. Metal treatment, chemical manufacturing and commercial refrigeration use 1206A series-ammonia valves. The wrench operated ammonia valve is a single piece valve that is made from lead carbon steel as it offers high durability in corrosive gas service, The case is hardened, while the stem is nickel-plated for positive shut-off and exceptional durability.
The PTFE stem seal packing provides leak resistance and is easy to operate. The design of 1206A meets CGA standards and is designed to ensure a safety and trouble free operation under all service conditions.
What is anhydrous ammonia?
Anhydrous ammonia is a compound that is formed by the combination of hydrogen and nitrogen. Anhydrous means that the content of water is less than 2%. At room temperature and atmospheric pressure, ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent odor. Anhydrous ammonia is stored and transported in a compressed liquid state most of the times.
Liquid anhydrous ammonia is lighter than water and the gaseous ammonia is lighter than air. As temperature rises, the vapor pressure increases, which makes it necessary to verify the valves and equipments used to be of the best quality that offer the highest safety.
Anhydrous ammonia corrodes copper, zinc, silver and its alloys. The valves, fittings, regulators or any other equipment that comes in contact with this ammonia has to be verified for the material used. Carbon steel with nickel plating is found to be the safest, non reactive material, therefore it is widely used in the construction of ammonia valves.
Industries where ammonia gas is used:
- Agriculture
- Fertilizer
- Livestock feed
- Metal treatment : operations like carbonitriding, nitriding, annealing, sintering, sodium hydride descaling, atomic hydrogen welding, furnace brazing and applications that require a protective atmosphere
- Manufacture of nitric acid and certain alkalies
- Petroleum industry
- Wastewater treatment
- Catalytic and non catalytic applications in stack emission control systems
- Photochemical process
- Industrial refrigeration system: cold storage, food and beverage and petrochemical industry
- Rubber
- Pulp and paper industry
- Leather industry
Ammonia in the anhydrous form has a wide range of applications. It is therefore important, rather should be mandatory to use ammonia valves that are safe and durable. It is advisable to use 1206 A ammonia valves manufactured by manufactures that are approved by ISO and comply with the CGA standards.
About the author
The author is a consultant for the anhydrous ammonia industry with specialization in the fertilizer industry.
Post Your Ad Here
Comments