Corrugated pipe valve

Application fields of corrugated pipe valves

(I) Petrochemical industry

Crude oil extraction and transportation

During the crude oil extraction process, the oil extraction device at the wellhead needs to accurately control the flow and pressure of crude oil. Bellows valves can effectively prevent crude oil leakage and ensure the safety of the extraction process due to their reliable sealing performance.

In oil pipelines, whether it is a long-distance crude oil transmission trunk line or a branch pipeline connecting a refinery and an oil depot, corrugated pipe valves are widely used in pipeline cutoff, flow regulation and pressure control. For example, in large-scale energy transmission projects such as the West-East Gas Transmission Project, many pumping stations and valve chambers along the route are equipped with a large number of corrugated pipe valves to ensure the stability and safety of crude oil transportation.

Refining and Chemical Production

The atmospheric and vacuum distillation, catalytic cracking, hydrofining and other process units in the refining unit all involve high temperature, high pressure, flammable and explosive and corrosive media. Bellows valves can operate stably under these harsh conditions. On the feed and discharge pipes of the atmospheric and vacuum distillation tower, the corrugated pipe valve accurately controls the flow of materials to ensure the efficient distillation process.

In chemical production, such as synthetic rubber, plastics, chemical fibers and other production units, corrugated pipe valves are used to control the delivery of various chemical reaction raw materials and products. For example, in ethylene production units, in the entire process from the cracking furnace to the separation tower, corrugated pipe valves are used to control the flow of important chemical raw materials and intermediate products such as ethylene, propylene, butadiene, etc., to ensure the continuity and stability of the production process.

Storage and loading and unloading links

In the storage tank area of petrochemical products, corrugated pipe valves are used to control the feeding, discharging and emergency shut-off of the storage tanks. Its good sealing performance can effectively prevent the volatilization and leakage of oil products and ensure the safety of the tank area.

At docks and railway loading and unloading stations, corrugated pipe valves are installed on loading and unloading arms and conveying pipelines to achieve precise control of the loading and unloading process of petrochemical products, improve loading and unloading efficiency, and reduce material loss.

(II) Power industry

Thermal power generation

Steam system: In the steam circulation system of a thermal power plant, corrugated pipe valves play a key role in the entire process from the high-temperature and high-pressure steam generated by the boiler to the work of the steam turbine and then to the condensation into water in the condenser.

On the main steam pipeline, the valve needs to withstand high temperatures of up to 540℃ and high pressures of about 17MPa, accurately control the steam flow, and ensure the stable operation of the steam turbine. On the reheat steam pipeline, corrugated pipe valves also undertake the important task of regulating steam temperature and flow to improve the thermal efficiency of the unit.

Condensate system: The corrugated pipe valves in the condensate system are used to recover and treat the condensate discharged from the turbine. These valves need to have good anti-cavitation performance to cope with the cavitation phenomenon generated by the condensate during the flow process, ensure the normal operation of the condensate system, and improve the utilization rate of water resources.

Chemical water treatment system: In order to ensure the quality of boiler water, thermal power plants are equipped with chemical water treatment systems. Bellows valves are used in this system to control the addition of various chemical agents and the water purification process. Since the treated medium is corrosive, the valves are usually made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel to ensure the long-term stable operation of the system.

Hydropower generation

In the water diversion system of the hydropower station, corrugated pipe valves are used to control the on-off and flow regulation of water flow. Giant corrugated pipe valves are installed on the pressure steel pipes of large hydropower stations. When the unit needs to start, shut down or adjust the load, the valve can quickly and accurately control the water flow to ensure the safe and stable operation of the turbine. In the tailwater system of the hydropower station, valves also play an important role to prevent tailwater backflow and ensure the normal operation of the unit.

Nuclear power generation

Nuclear island coolant system: The nuclear island coolant system is the core part of the nuclear power plant, in which corrugated pipe valves are used to control the circulation and flow of coolant. Since the coolant is radioactive and operates under high temperature and pressure, the valve must have extremely high reliability and sealing. The design and manufacture of the valve follows strict nuclear safety standards, using special materials and processes to ensure that coolant leakage can be effectively prevented under any circumstances and to ensure the safe operation of the nuclear power plant.

Containment isolation system: The containment isolation system is one of the important safety barriers of nuclear power plants. Bellows valves are installed on various pipes in the containment. When an accident occurs, the pipes can be quickly cut off to prevent radioactive substances from leaking into the environment. These valves have undergone special seismic design and reliability testing and can maintain normal operation under extreme conditions.

(III) Metallurgical industry

Steel production

Blast furnace ironmaking: In the hot blast furnace system of the blast furnace, corrugated pipe valves are used to control the flow and temperature of hot air. The hot blast furnace heats the air to above 1000℃ and then sends it into the blast furnace to provide heat for the reduction of iron ore. The valve needs to accurately adjust the hot air flow in a high temperature and high pressure environment to ensure the stable operation of the blast furnace. In the top gas recovery system of the blast furnace, the corrugated pipe valve is used to control the emission and recovery of gas, prevent gas leakage, and realize energy recycling.

Converter steelmaking: In the converter steelmaking process, the corrugated pipe valve is used to control the supply of gases such as oxygen and nitrogen, as well as the steel tapping process of molten steel. On the oxygen pipeline, the valve needs to have the function of fast opening and closing to meet the process requirements of converter oxygen blowing steelmaking. At the steel outlet, the valve is used to control the flow of molten steel to ensure that the molten steel flows smoothly into the ladle, improving the efficiency and quality of steelmaking.

Continuous casting process: In the cooling system of the continuous casting machine, the corrugated pipe valve is used to control the flow and pressure of cooling water. By accurately adjusting the supply of cooling water, the casting is ensured to be evenly cooled in the crystallizer, the defects such as cracks in the casting are prevented, and the quality of the casting is improved. In the straightening system of the continuous casting machine, the valve is used to control the pressure of the hydraulic system to achieve smooth straightening of the casting.

Nonferrous metal smelting

In the smelting process of nonferrous metals such as copper, aluminum, and zinc, various corrosive media such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide are required. Bellows valves are made of corrosion-resistant materials and can adapt to these harsh media environments. In the electrolysis process of copper smelting, valves are used to control the flow and circulation of electrolyte to ensure the stability of the electrolysis process. In the alumina production link of aluminum smelting, corrugated pipe valves are used to control the delivery of various reaction materials to ensure the smooth implementation of the production process.

(IV) Pharmaceutical Industry

Drug production process

In the drug production process, from the preparation of raw materials to the packaging of finished products, each link needs to strictly control sanitary conditions. Bellows valves can effectively prevent drug contamination because their materials meet the sanitary standards for drug production and have good sealing performance. In the production workshop of sterile drugs, such as injections and powder injections, corrugated pipe valves are used to control the delivery of sterile air, purified water, and liquid medicine. In the preparation of drugs, valves accurately control the addition of various raw materials to ensure the stability of drug quality.

Cleaning and disinfection link

Pharmaceutical equipment needs to be cleaned and disinfected regularly to meet the hygiene requirements of drug production. The structural design of the corrugated pipe valve is easy to clean and disinfect. Its surface is smooth and has no dead corners, which can effectively prevent the growth of microorganisms. In the online cleaning (CIP) and online sterilization (SIP) systems of the equipment, the corrugated pipe valve is used to control the flow of cleaning liquid and steam to ensure that the equipment is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

(V) Food and Beverage Industry

Beverage Production

In the beverage production line, from the preparation of raw materials to the filling of finished products, corrugated pipe valves are widely used in various links. On the delivery pipeline of beverage raw materials, valves are used to control the flow of various juices, syrups, additives, etc. to ensure the accuracy of beverage formulas. In the filling link, valves are used to control the filling volume of beverages to ensure that the capacity of each bottle of beverage meets the standard. Due to the extremely high hygiene requirements for beverage production, corrugated pipe valves are made of food-grade stainless steel, and the surface is specially treated to meet the relevant food safety standards.

Beer Brewing

The beer brewing process includes wort preparation, fermentation, filtration, filling and other links. In the process of wort preparation, corrugated pipe valves are used to control the delivery and flow regulation of materials such as hot water, malt, and hops. On the inlet and outlet pipes of the fermentation tank, valves are used to control the temperature, pressure, and gas emissions during the fermentation process to ensure the smooth fermentation of beer. Valves also play an important role in the filtration and filling of beer to ensure the quality and sanitation of beer.

Dairy Processing

In the dairy processing industry, such as the production of milk, yogurt, and milk powder, corrugated pipe valves are used to control the delivery, sterilization, and concentration of milk. In the pasteurization equipment of milk, valves are used to control the flow of steam and milk to ensure accurate control of sterilization temperature and time. In the fermentation and filling process of yogurt, valves are used to control the addition of starter and the filling amount of yogurt to ensure the consistency of product quality.

(VI) Ship Industry

Power System

In the main engine fuel system of the ship, corrugated pipe valves are used to control the supply and flow of fuel. Since the ship will be subject to turbulence and vibration during navigation, the valve needs to have good seismic resistance and sealing performance to ensure the stability of fuel supply. In the lubrication system of the main engine, the valve is used to control the flow and pressure of the lubricating oil to ensure the normal lubrication of all parts of the main engine.

Fuel system

In the fuel storage and delivery system of the ship, the corrugated pipe valve is used to control the inlet and outlet and transfer of fuel. When the ship refuels at the port, the valve is used to connect the refueling pipeline to achieve safe refueling of fuel. During the transfer between fuel tanks, the valve accurately controls the flow of fuel to ensure the balance of the center of gravity of the ship.

Seawater cooling system

The seawater cooling system of the ship is used to cool the main engine, generator, air conditioner and other equipment. The corrugated pipe valve is installed on the seawater pipeline to control the flow and on-off of seawater. Since seawater is corrosive, the valve is usually made of corrosion-resistant materials such as copper alloy, stainless steel, etc. to ensure the long-term stable operation of the system.

Ballast water system

The ballast water system is crucial to the stability and maneuverability of the ship. The corrugated pipe valve is used in the ballast water system to control the inlet and outlet of ballast water and adjust the draft of the ship. When the ship enters and leaves the port, the amount of ballast water needs to be adjusted according to different load conditions. The valve can quickly and accurately achieve this operation to ensure the safety of the ship's navigation.

Temperature tolerance characteristics of corrugated pipe valves

(I) Low temperature environment

Material selection

When corrugated pipe valves are used in low temperature environments, such as in the field of liquefied natural gas (LNG), their operating temperature can be as low as -162℃ or even lower. In order to ensure the performance of the valve at low temperatures, low temperature alloy steel or special low temperature stainless steel is usually selected.

These materials can still maintain good toughness and strength at low temperatures to avoid valve damage due to low temperature embrittlement. For example, 9Ni steel is a commonly used low temperature material that still has excellent mechanical properties in a liquid nitrogen environment of -196℃.

Structural design optimization

The structural design of low temperature corrugated pipe valves needs to consider the shrinkage characteristics of the material. When designing, sufficient compensation space should be reserved to prevent deformation and damage of components caused by temperature changes. The design of the corrugated pipe is particularly critical, and a special molding process is required to ensure that it can still maintain good elasticity and sealing performance at low temperatures. At the same time, the sealing structure of the valve also needs to be optimized, and low temperature sealing materials, such as a combination of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and low temperature rubber, are usually used to improve the sealing effect.

Application Cases

At LNG receiving stations and transport ships, cryogenic corrugated pipe valves are widely used in the storage, transportation and loading and unloading of LNG. On the inlet and outlet pipelines of LNG storage tanks, valves are used to control the flow and pressure of LNG to ensure the safe operation of the storage tanks. On the unloading arm of the LNG transport ship, the valve can be opened and closed quickly in a low temperature environment to achieve efficient unloading of LNG.

(II) Normal temperature environment

Materials and performance

At normal temperature (generally -20℃～80℃), most corrugated pipe valves are made of ordinary stainless steel, such as 304 stainless steel or 316 stainless steel. These materials have good corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, which can meet the needs of general industrial and civil fields. At normal temperature, the corrugated pipe of the valve can maintain stable elasticity and provide reliable sealing for the valve.

Application range

In the water supply and drainage system of civil buildings, corrugated pipe valves are used to control the supply of tap water and the discharge of sewage. It has a simple structure and is easy to operate, which can meet the daily use needs of homes and commercial buildings. In HVAC systems, valves are used to control the flow of air and water and adjust indoor temperature and humidity. In some general piping systems in the industrial field, such as compressed air pipelines and cooling water pipelines in factories, normal temperature corrugated pipe valves are also widely used to provide stable medium delivery control for the production process.

Advantages and characteristics

Normal temperature corrugated pipe valves have the advantages of low cost and easy maintenance. Due to the relatively mild working environment, the valve has a long service life and is not prone to failure during normal use. Its sealing performance is stable, which can effectively prevent medium leakage and ensure the normal operation of the system.

(III) High temperature environment

High temperature resistant materials

For high temperature applications, such as steam pipelines in thermal power plants and heating furnaces in the metallurgical industry, corrugated pipe valves need to be made of high temperature resistant materials.

Nickel-based alloys are a commonly used high temperature material, such as Inconel series alloys, which have good oxidation resistance and strength at high temperatures. Chromium-molybdenum alloy steel is also one of the commonly used materials for high temperature valves, such as 12Cr1MoV steel, which can withstand high temperatures and pressures.

Structural design and heat dissipation

The structural design of high-temperature corrugated pipe valves needs to consider heat dissipation and thermal expansion. Valves usually use special insulation structures to reduce heat transfer to other parts of the valve. At the same time, the thermal expansion coefficient of the material should be fully considered during design, and sufficient expansion space should be reserved to prevent the valve from being stuck or damaged due to thermal expansion. The design of the corrugated pipe also needs to adapt to the high-temperature environment and adopt a special manufacturing process to ensure its elasticity and sealing performance at high temperatures.

Application cases

On the high-temperature and high-pressure steam pipelines of thermal power plants, corrugated pipe valves are used to control the flow and pressure of steam to ensure the normal operation of the turbine. On the exhaust gas emission pipelines of heating furnaces in the metallurgical industry, valves need to work in a high-temperature and high-dust environment. High-temperature resistant corrugated pipe valves can effectively control the emission of exhaust gas and ensure the environmental protection requirements of the production process.

In the cracking furnace pipeline system of the petrochemical industry, high-temperature corrugated pipe valves also play an important role to ensure the smooth progress of the high-temperature cracking process.

Pressure tolerance characteristics of corrugated pipe valves

(I) Low-pressure working conditions

Scope of application and characteristics

Low-pressure corrugated pipe valves are usually suitable for pressure ranges from 0.1MPa to 1.6MPa. In the water supply and drainage system of civil buildings, since the tap water supply pressure is generally between 0.2MPa and 0.4MPa, low-pressure corrugated pipe valves can well meet the needs of controlling water flow. It has a simple structure, low cost, and convenient operation. It generally uses manual or electric actuators. In the low-pressure pipeline systems of some small industrial enterprises, such as low-pressure steam pipelines in food processing plants and compressed air pipelines in textile factories, low-pressure corrugated pipe valves are also widely used.

Sealing and structural design

The sealing structure of low-pressure corrugated pipe valves is relatively simple. Generally, rubber sealing pads or soft sealing materials are used, which can effectively ensure the sealing performance of the valve under low pressure. The valve body and internal parts of the valve are usually made of ordinary cast iron or carbon steel. After surface treatment, they have certain corrosion resistance. Its structural design focuses on lightweight and compactness, which is easy to install and maintain.

Application Cases

On the water supply and drainage pipes in the kitchens and bathrooms of residential houses, low-pressure corrugated pipe valves are used to control the water flow of faucets and toilets. In the central air-conditioning system of commercial buildings, low-pressure corrugated pipe valves are used to control the flow of cooling water and chilled water and adjust the indoor temperature. In the steam heating equipment of small food processing plants, valves are used to control the supply of low-pressure steam to ensure the quality of food processing.

(II) Medium-pressure working conditions

Pressure range and industry application

The pressure range of medium-pressure corrugated pipe valves is generally between 1.6MPa and 10MPa. In many process pipeline systems in the petrochemical, electric power, metallurgical and other industries, working conditions in this pressure range are often encountered. On some intermediate product delivery pipelines of petrochemical plants, the medium pressure is usually within the medium pressure range. Medium-pressure corrugated pipe valves are used to control the flow and pressure of the medium to ensure the stable operation of the production process. Medium-pressure valves also play an important role in the steam pipelines of some industrial boilers in the power industry.

Materials and Manufacturing Process

In order to meet the requirements of medium-pressure working conditions, the valve body and internal parts of medium-pressure corrugated pipe valves are usually made of high-quality carbon steel or stainless steel. For some special media, such as corrosive media, corrosion-resistant alloy steel or lining materials may be used. The manufacturing process of the valve is relatively high, and strict quality control is required to ensure the strength and sealing performance of the valve. The corrugated pipe are manufactured using advanced molding processes to ensure their elasticity and reliability under medium pressure.

Application Cases

In the fine chemical production equipment of petrochemical industry, medium-pressure corrugated pipe valves are used to control the delivery of various chemical raw materials and products. In the industrial steam boiler room of the power industry, valves are used to control the output of steam to provide power for industrial production. On the gas pipelines of some heat treatment furnaces in the metallurgical industry, medium-pressure valves are used to control the flow and pressure of gas to ensure the precise implementation of the heat treatment process.

(III) High-pressure working conditions

Challenges and responses to high-pressure environments

High-pressure corrugated pipe valves can withstand pressures of 10MPa to 100MPa. In the fields of high-pressure gas transmission pipelines, hydraulic systems, etc., high-pressure valves face huge pressure challenges. In order to ensure the safe operation of the valve under high pressure, high-strength materials and special structural designs are required. The valve body of the valve is usually manufactured by forging process to improve its strength and pressure resistance. Internal parts such as valve seats and valve cores are also made of special wear-resistant and pressure-resistant materials.

Sealing technology and safety assurance

The sealing technology of high-pressure corrugated pipe valves is crucial. Usually metal sealing structures such as metal gaskets, sealing rings, etc. are used, combined with special sealing surface treatment processes to ensure good sealing performance under high pressure. At the same time, the valve is also equipped with safety devices such as safety valves and pressure monitoring devices to prevent excessive pressure from causing valve damage or safety accidents.

Medium characteristics of corrugated pipe valves

Corrosive media

When the medium is corrosive, such as acid, alkali, salt solution, etc., corrosion-resistant materials need to be used to manufacture corrugated pipe valves. For example, for strong acid media such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid, corrugated pipe valves with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) lining or stainless steel can be used. PTFE has excellent corrosion resistance and can effectively isolate the contact between the medium and the valve body to prevent corrosion.

Stainless steel also has good corrosion resistance, especially some high alloy steels, such as 316L stainless steel, which have good resistance to a variety of corrosive media. In the chemical, electroplating and other industries, corrosive media are often transported and controlled. Corrosion-resistant corrugated pipe valves can ensure the long-term stable operation of the system.

Viscous media

For media with high viscosity, such as crude oil, syrup, glue, etc., the design of corrugated pipe valves needs to consider the fluidity of the medium. Usually, a larger diameter and smooth flow channel design are adopted to reduce the flow resistance of the medium in the valve. At the same time, a suitable sealing form is selected to prevent the viscous medium from accumulating on the sealing surface and affecting the sealing performance of the valve. In the process of oil extraction and transportation, the viscosity of crude oil is high, and specially designed corrugated pipe valves are required to ensure the smooth transportation of crude oil. In the food processing industry, the transportation of viscous media such as syrup also requires the use of corrugated pipe valves with good fluidity design.

Granular media

When the medium contains granular substances, such as ore pulp, sewage, gas containing solid particles, etc., the corrugated pipe valve needs to have the ability to resist wear and blockage. Generally, wear-resistant materials are used to manufacture the internal parts of the valve, such as cemented carbide and ceramics. At the same time, the structure of the valve is optimized to reduce dead corners and gaps in the flow channel to prevent particle accumulation. In the fields of mining, sewage treatment, etc., pipeline systems containing granular media are often encountered. Wear-resistant corrugated pipe valves can adapt to this harsh working environment and ensure the normal service life of the valve.

Flammable and explosive media

For flammable and explosive media, such as natural gas, coal gas, gasoline, etc., the safety of corrugated pipe valves is the primary consideration. The valve needs to have good sealing performance to prevent fire or explosion accidents caused by medium leakage. At the same time, anti-static and spark-proof measures should be taken during the design and manufacturing process of the valve. For example, anti-static materials are used to manufacture valve components, and grounding devices are set. In industries such as petrochemicals and gas supply, the transportation and control of flammable and explosive media must use corrugated pipe valves that meet safety standards to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

Clean media

In some fields with high requirements for the cleanliness of the medium, such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, food and beverages, corrugated pipe valves need to meet strict hygiene standards. The material of the valve should be non-toxic, odorless, smooth, easy to clean and disinfect. Stainless steel is usually used and mirror polished. At the same time, the valve sealing structure should be tight to prevent external impurities from entering the medium. In the sterile production workshop of the pharmaceutical factory, the ultra-clean workshop of electronic chip manufacturing and other places, the clean corrugated pipe valve is an important equipment to ensure product quality.

Bellows valves have been widely used in many fields due to their unique performance characteristics. Its ability to withstand temperature, pressure and adapt to different media characteristics enables it to meet the requirements of various complex working conditions. In practical applications, it is necessary to reasonably select and use corrugated pipe valves according to specific process conditions and media characteristics to ensure the safe, stable and efficient operation of the system.