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Press Release - May 2007
Orders for Bestobell LNG's New Float Level Isolation Valve
Following its launch at Gastech 2006 in Abu Dhabi, Bestobell LNG have already received orders to equip 15 LNGC's with their new Float Level Isolation Valves (FLIV's). The orders have been received from several of the major Korean shipyards after being specified by ship-owners QatarGas and STX Pan-Ocean to be fitted to their new LNG cargo carriers. These ship-owners see the FLIV as a permanent way to reduce the risk of damage to the float level gauge.
The FLIV replaces the gate valve that has been traditionally used on LNGC's to isolate the secondary level gauge. Secondary level gauge measurement has until now been a difficult and laborious task for LNG ship crews. The gate valve is mounted in a horizontal position and there is an inherent risk of float trap and tape cutting during the level operation due to the guillotine action of a gate valve and the need for two-man operation. FLIV eliminates these problems - with the FLIV, secondary level gauge measurement is easier and less time consuming. The measurement can be done from one location and float trap and tape cutting are no longer a concern for the crews.
As a result of time spent on LNG cargo carriers and the understanding of these issues, development work was undertaken between valve manufacturer Bestobell and float level gauge manufacturer Whessoe Total Automation.
The Bestobell FLIV is based on the principle of a swing check valve, but includes manual open/shut operation. The FLIV is fitted with a hand wheel and gearbox featuring a clear open shut visual indicator. This enables a single operator to carry out both functions, as both the opening of the valve and raising and lowering of the float can be undertaken from the same point.
Incorporated within the FLIV is an inspection chamber where the float can be inspected or changed. This eliminates the need for the separate inspection chamber, which currently has to be mounted on top of the gate valve via an extra flange joint. The FLIV is mounted on the stillwell flange and the float gauge is mounted directly on top of the FLIV. The FLIV is available in 8" diameter and 12" diameter sizes.
