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YPF - La Plata, Argentina. 1995 FCC "B" Turnaround

Guides fixed to the bonnet on the old valve

PhotoReport
Spent catalyst slide valve [view a full-size image] 79Kb Jpg file
Removal of guide bolts [view a full-size image] 77Kb Jpg file
Removal of body ring [view a full-size image] 53Kb Jpg file
Old internals [view a full-size image] 91Kb Jpg files
Local PWT of the new body ring [view a full-size image] 84Kb Jpg file
New body ring machining [view a full-size image] 80Kb Jpg file
New valve internals [view a full-size image] 39Kb Jpg file
Refractory and abrasion resistant lining installation [view a full-size image] 58Kb Jpg file

PROBLEM: Retrofit and modify four slide valves - originally not manufactured by Remosa. The FCC "B" was about to be suddenly shut down due to the failure of a valve stem on the joint connecting the stem itself to the actuator disc. Thanks to the excellent results obtained during the FCC "A" turnaround, YPF granted this second contract to Remosa.

TECHNICAL DATA:

• Process: Exxon
• spent catalyst control slide valve HICV-7105 body: SA 387, Gr. 11 Cl. 1
• spent catalyst shut-off slide valve HICV-7107 body: SA 387, Gr. 11 Cl. 1
• regenerated catalyst shut-off slide valve H4 (hot wall design)
• regenerated catalyst control valve (hot wall design)

SOLUTION: A thorough inspection by Remosa engineers indicated poor design as the main cause of the valve failure. A technical meeting was then held to verify the status of the other valves. During the meeting, YPF staff indicated many problems which recurred with increasing frequency. The source of the problems was again tracked to wrong valve design, which could cause the disk to stick. Remosa proposed to retrofit the four valves in order to solve the problems once and for all.

The modified valve.

The proposal was accepted and YPF entered a purchase order with Remosa for the modification of the valves and the supply of new internal parts. These complex modifications were made at a local qualified workshop, under six Remosa supervisors and two Remosa senior design engineers.

WHAT THE CUSTOMER HAD TO SAY: The success of this retrofitting intervention induced YPF Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, to place an order with Remosa for a similar valve modification on their FCC unit.

Copyright © REMOSA spa 1998-2001 Last updated on May 3, 1999