The new VLB3 steam conditioning valve from IMI is designed to offer accurate steam temperature control and range ability, with high performance and stable control. Its quick exchange seat results in reduced maintenance costs and downtime, and its expanded outlet design improves evaporation in installations where the outlet velocity would otherwise be too low. The VLB3 also features low noise and vibration, a thermally compensated forged body, and fully customizable inlet and outlet connections, making it suitable for a range of applications involving steam conditioning.

The valve's design features include a quick exchange seat that is suitable for installations where erosion caused by wet steam or high velocities can have an adverse effect on seat leakage (tightness). The distribution of pressure drops in this configuration reduces the steam velocity across the sealing surfaces. The VLB3 provides a leakage tightness according to ANSI FCI 70-2/EN 1349 Class V.

Source: IMI

In addition, the pilot plug lowers the pressure drop across the plug, which reduces the required actuating forces, thus enabling smaller actuators to be used. The pilot-operated trim allows for greater rangeability and flow control at lower flow rates, while the pressure seal bonnet results in a tight seal at the valve neck and enables easy valve disassembly.

The valve's modified linear valve characteristic and gradual wall thickness transition reduce thermal stress, improve thermal cycling, and increase the lifetime of the valve. Temperature regulation is achieved by an external spray water control valve. Spray water injection takes place in the valve outlet, using a series of mechanical atomizing nozzles.

The VLB3 valve is suitable for a variety of applications, including steam conditioning, turbine bypass and district heating. The valve can be used with hydraulic, pneumatic and electric actuators, and has a maximum pressure class rating of ANSI 2500/PN 420. The valve is certified to meet a range of regulatory standards, including PED, ASME and ISO 9001.