Sulzer's unique floating valves for higher efficiency and capacity
Floating valve trays are used in applications where higher turndown ratios are required. Due to their ability to control vapor flow, they provide a higher efficiency over a wider operating range than sieve trays. We can provide high efficiency UFM™, high capacity UFMTM Max, rectangular BDH™ valve and conventional round valve trays.
UFM™ Max is a large-size high performance floating valve, it maximizes the hydraulic capacity of a fractionation tray while minimizes the investment.
Key benefits
Drop-in solution for capacity increase up to 18% in existing column
Lower CAPEX, reduce column diameter up to 10% lead to saving in material and smaller footprint
Wide operating range, maintaining good efficiency even at turndown lead to reliable plant performance
Enhanced separation efficiency, contributing to energy saving and reducing OPEX
Designed for easy installation and safe inspection access
The unique “umbrella” shape of UFM family offers several key advantages:
Reduces vertical jetting momentum of vapor, minimizing entrainment and enhancing capacity
Increases contact area between vapor and liquid on tray deck, improving mass transfer efficiency
Minimizes pressure drop while maximizing the operating range
Fields of application
UFM Max trays are mainly used in applications requiring both high performances and a wide operating range. It is well-suited for a broad range of applications that typically utilize floating valves, including:
Fractionation columns in gas processing
Light ends columns in refinery and petrochemical plants
Distillation columns operating in varies vapor/liquid loads such as solvent recovery, sour water stripper, fatty acids fractionation, biodiesel and methanol columns
The unique rectangular-shape sets the BDH™ apart from the conventional valves. The BDH is oriented parallel to the liquid flow direction, providing lateral vapor release and a closed upstream edge to minimize weeping. This contributes to an improved efficiency/capacity profile compared to conventional round valves.
Further advantages of the rectangular valves:
Improved liquid flow along the flow path on the tray deck
We offer round valve trays for replacement or whenever customers request it. There are two types of round valves available: conventional and caged valves.
Available conventional valve types
RV1 for flat decks
RV4 for decks equipped with venturi holes for lower pressure drop
RC 1 caged valve
Available caged type valves
RC1 for flat decks
RC4 for decks equipped with venture holes for lower pressure drop
