buckling pin brochure

Advanced Pressure Relief Valves

Get thePOWERof thePIN!

AdvancedPressure IsolationValves

Buckling Pin Technology Advanced Pressure Isolation Valves 1

Get thePOWERof thePIN!For over 18 years, many ofthe world’s top companieshave experienced performanceadvantages of our advancedemergency shutdown valve technology.These companies have come to trust ourtechnology because they understand whatuniquely sets us apart and gives us the edgeover other emergency shutdown valves andlow pressure shutdown valves on the market.So, what sets us apart from the rest? It’s somethingwe call “The Power of the Pin”.The buckling pin is the heart of each advancedhigh and low pressure isolation valve and is vitalto its function, accuracy and consistency.By modifying the pin, we are able to control thevalve’s performance – from small changes to moredramatic changes. It is for this reason that eachpin is carefully crafted using a precisemanufacturing process.This process ensures that each valve will performits function accurately, consistently and within anextremely tight tolerance – something otherproducts on the market simply can’t achieve.We invite you to find out more about our excitingtechnology by reading this information, visitingour website at www.bucklingpin.com and callingour sales representatives.GET THE POWER OF THE PIN for thebest overall value on the market andkeep people, systems, products and theenvironment safe!

Table of Contents

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Get the Power of the Pin

HistoryValve Operation

Advantages Over TheCompetition

About The Pin

How We Test Our Valves

Client ListApplicationsIndustries ServedContact Information

Our valves have solved the toughestproblems around the world for 18 yearswith a 99.99% satisfaction rate!Our unique, patented pin technology has beenused for over 18 years in more than 17,000 valvesaround the world with an impressive satisfactionrate of 99.99%! It's also safe for the environment!

Valve OperationIt closes in milliseconds for pressure isolation.

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History of Buckling PinIn 1991, our company was asked to solve acommon problem for field gas wells. The wellpressure was 1,000 PSI and the allowabletransmission pressure set by the Department ofTransportation was 350 PSI.

The pressure from the gas well was reducedthrough a restriction called a choke valve. If thevalve were to “cut out”, the pressure to the meterrun and to the transmission line would be too high.The conventional solution was to put a relief valvebefore the meter run and flare the gas from therelief valve. The cost of the relief valve and flaresystem was somewhere between $3,000.00 to$5,000.00.

There were several disadvantages of this method.It required yearly testing of the relief valve. It alsorequired maintenance of the flare system. Therewas also costly product loss of the flared gas.

To solve these problems, we proposed a uniqueshutdown valve that would allow full gas flow toa set pressure of 350 PSI. Once it reached thatset pressure, the valve would close. Our closingsensor and actuator was a simple accurate pinthat would buckle to allow a piston to move andclose the valve seat. Problems with the choke orother cause would be corrected, the buckled pinwould be replaced and production would resumeimmediately. The results were impressive. Therewas no production loss, no transmission pressureviolation and no air pollution.

Over 5,000 Buckling Pin valves are now inoperation for this purpose. Since then, otherapplications have been found. Our valves areused to protect downstream equipment if apressure regulator should fail open and alsoprotect downstream pipe to plastic tubing fromexcess pressure.

OPEN - Pressure below set point

CLOSED - Pressure at set point

Stem areaon whichflowing

pressureacts to putaxial force

on theBuckling Pin

Buckling Pin Technology Advanced Pressure Isolation Valves

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We have thousands of valves operating worldwidewith a satisfaction rate of 99.9% in over 18 years!

Pins buckle at set pressure

No worker safety concerns

No product loss

No environmental pollution

No fragmentation

Extremely accurate

Low maintenance costs

Low pin replacement costs

Full bore isolation in milliseconds

Pin can be replaced by one person in only one minute

Minimal downtime

Works close to set point

Senses upstream pressure only

Pins are rugged and can be stored at the valve

No costly handling

It is easy to tell when a pin is buckled visually orremotely when using a proximity sensor

You don’t break the line to change the pin

Buckling stress is lower than yield stress

Few inspections

Replacement pins can be produced quickly

Replacement pins can be shipped immediately

We make custom valves to your specifications

We take on “mission impossible” projects

Reliability can be checked in the field under pressure

It is safe for your system providing emergencyisolation for high and low set pressures

There is no size limit large or small

There is no pressure limit for high or lowpressure settings

Advantages Over the Competition1

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Pin LotsThe Buckling Pin raw material is ordered in largelots with certification that the entire lot came fromthe same batch of material with the same heatnumber. The Buckling Pins then are centerlessground to four or five decimal places, dependingon pin diameter, to meet our stringent specificationsand tolerances.

Buckling Pin diameters vary from 0.010” to 1.250”in small increments. There are three proprietaryalloys – each is highly corrosion resistant andselected for the ambient conditions at theapplication. With alloy #3, the Buckling Pin’sambient temperature can vary from -100°F to+400°F and the modulus of elasticity will vary nomore than 0.3%.

Pin CalculationsWhen our team knows the effective piston diameterand set pressure to protect the user’s system, wecan calculate the axial force on the Buckling Pinfor a specific application.

The Buckling Pin alloy, diameter, and length arethen selected by utilizing Euler’s Law with theoptimum slenderness ratio.

These initial calculations are used for a startingpoint in the testing and setting of the valve. Thismethod of determining the Buckling Pin’sdimension nails down the pin length and diameterin about three trial openings.

The Pin Buckling ProcessThe Buckling Pin ends are supported in the valveby close tolerance bushings. This causes the pinto buckle accurately at three places, assuring thatthe force to buckle the pin is much greater incomparison to the seal friction within the valve.

Another key feature is the slight bowing of the Pinbefore buckling. Pressure increases allow thepiston to move up slightly prior to buckling.

In a test of 2” valves, it was found that the bowingof the Buckling Pin allowed the piston to move up

0.012” prior to buckling. Because the elastic limitof the Buckling Pin material is not reached untilfull buckling, the set point is held.

This Buckling Pin bowing is critically important forthe valve’s proper functioning. Over long periodsof use, there may be some seal cold vulcanizationto the adjacent cylindrical surface. Due to thebowing which allows a slight movement of thepiston, the seal stiction is removed prior to thebuckling of the Buckling Pin at set pressure. Thisprevents the seal friction from building up overtime. The set pressure is held.

Pin PreparationIn order to meet customer specifications, BucklingPins are cut and tuned in the valve. This cuttingprocess is performed using proprietary machineswhich give the Buckling Pin a burr free, perfectlyflat end, with an overall length accurate to 0.0005”.

The seal friction and piston weight modify thecalculated Buckling Pin’s length to a slight degree.This difference is overcome by performing a seriesof tests on each valve and slightly varying theBuckling Pin’s length until the proper set pressureis reached. During these tests, the valve is orientedas it will be in the actual application.

This process may take as many as 3 to 5 testBuckling Pins to get the exact pin length. Oncethese tests are complete, the Buckling Pin’sparameters are then fixed and recorded.

The Buckling Pins are then cut and buckled in thevalve three times. The test results and all pertinentinformation is sent with the valve order. The peakforce at buckling is measured with an accuracyof 0.01% using calibrated vaetrix electronic gauges.This locks in the valve accuracy, on average atset point between +/-1% to +/-3%. AdditionalBuckling Pins are now cut for customerrequirements and three tests in the Tinius Olsencompression test instrument. The results are thenarchived for correct settings of replacement pins.


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Pin LabelingOnce the Buckling Pin specifications aredetermined, each pin is then labeled. The labelcontains the Buckling Pin code, the valve serialnumber, and the set pressure of the valve.

Each valve is assigned a unique serial number towhich all design calculations, sizing information,and production drawings are associated.This information, along with the valve’s setpressure, simplifies the re-ordering process bygiving the customer all the information we needto reproduce replacement Buckling Pins.

In addition to the label, a name plate with serialnumber and all relevant information is attachedto the valve bonnet. We also stamp the serialnumber on the valve bonnet should the nameplate be accidentally removed. These steps makefuture orders of pins or valve parts very easy. Pinsordered before noon on business days are shippedthe same day.

Pin ArchivingOur Tinius Olsen instrument is capable of slowlyadding a force load to a Buckling Pin whilerecording and providing real time feedback of theapplied force, the distance compressed, and thebuckling point of the Buckling Pin once it is reached.

Three Buckling Pins are tested in this manner forarchive results.

This test is used because it is free of valve friction.These results assure that Buckling Pins from anew material batch can be tested in an identicalmanner to conform to the original archived results.Proprietary methods are used to bring the latestmaterial batch to conformity.

Pin Diameter VariationsTo show you how the pin diameter affectsperformance, we conducted the DiameterVariations test. (see below) We took 4 differentdiameters (0.12063”, 0.12571”, 0.15618”,0.18741”) all cut to the same length of 6.9951”.We then took 5 samples of each diameter anddetermined the ultimate load at the buckling pointwith our Tinius Olsen Machine.

In the Diameter Variations table, we have listedthe average ultimate buckling force for eachdiameter. As the diameter slowly increases, thecapacity of the pin increases dramatically. Thisillustrates that even a diameter change of 0.00508”can effect the load capacity of the pin and whywe are so meticulous in getting the Buckling Pinmeasurements right.

- 249.008312 -

4.17% 294.253781 18.17%

30.0% 564.913319 126.87%

55.8% 1225.693782 392.23%

0.12063”

0.12571”

0.15618”

0.18741”

Diameter (in) % Difference Ultimate Load (lbf) % Increase

Diameter Variations


“POCO” Pin Design Variation

FixedDiameter

FixedDiameter

Variable Pin DiameterTAG INFO:•Alloy•Valve Size•Type•Set Point

Fixed Pin Assembly Length for a Specific Valve

Variable Active Pin Length

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Pin Length VariationsIn this test, we took the same diameter material(0.09005”) and cut it to varying lengths (3.9945”,4.0932”, 4.1936”, and 4.2910”). We tested 5samples of each length to determine the ultimate

force required to make the Buckling Pin buckle.

In the table below, we have listed the averagevalues for each length.

- 243.511804 -

2.49% 239.834812 1.53%

4.98% 232.151709 4.89%

7.43% 212.647204 14.51%

3.9945”

4.0932”

4.1936”

4.2910”

Length (in) % Length Difference Ultimate Load (lbf) % Decrease

Length Variations

“POCO” Pin Design VariationThis intelligent design allows the user to changethe set pressure of the valve by simply changingpins. This is done by affixing pin spacers on eachend of the Buckling Pin while keeping the overalllength of the pin assembly constant.

The changes in set pressure are accomplishedby varying the diameter and length between thespacers of the actual Buckling Pin. We’re able tomeet customer requirements for multiple settings.


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Euler’s Law

Tinius-Olson Test

Axial Force on the Pin Causing the Pin to Buckle(Piston/Plunger Area x System Pressure)

Pin Diameter4 x Pin Material Modulus of ElasticityPin Length2

1.7 milliseconds for full pin buckling (for actual 1” Model C @ 900 psig valve event)Ability to work close to set point .75%

Using Standard Rupture Pin and End Retention Method

Lim

iting

load

by

Eul

er’s

Law

Pin

with

in th

e el

astic

lim

it

Increasing time

Incr

easi

ng c

ompr

essi

on lo

adBuckling Pin Technology Advanced Pressure Isolation Valves

Material:Alloy 1

Test Date:12/03/07

Operator:S Bish

Pin Diameter:0.07940 in

Pin Length:4.9915 in

Ultimate Force:114.2 lbf

Ultimate PSI:23100 PSI

98% of Set Point95% of Set Point90% of Set Point

Test 2 DataSet Point114.2 lbf110.9 lbf111.1 lbf111.4 lbf110.6 lbf

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

–20

Force (lbf)

Stress Test to 98% of Set Point

4500 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400

Time Elapsed (sec) Dec 3, 2007 3:05:13 PM

450 500

111.2 lbf111.1 lbf111.6 lbf111.4 lbf111.1 lbf

Material:Alloy 1

Test Date:12/03/07

Operator:S Bish

Pin Diameter:0.07940 in

Pin Length:4.9930 in

Ultimate Force:114.3 lbf

Ultimate PSI:23100 PSI

98% of Set Point95% of Set Point90% of Set Point

Test 1 DataSet Point114.3 lbf

111.1 lbf

111.2 lbf

111 lbf

111.4 lbf

112.1 lbf

111.6 lbf

111.2 lbf

111.4 lbf111 lbf

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

–20

Force (lbf)

Stress Test to 98% of Set Point

4500 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400

Time Elapsed (sec) Dec 3, 2007 2:54:08 PM

STRESS TEST 2 (98% of Set Point)

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Stress TestsIn these pin tests,we load the pin to98% of set point 9consecutive timesand then bucklethe pin on the 10thcompression. Eachtest showcases theability of our designto operate justbelow set pointwithoutfatigue of the pin orrisk of an earlyrupture. The testsalso show theaccuracy of the setpoint.

STRESS TEST 1 (98% of Set Point)


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How We Test Our ValvesEvery valve manufactured by Buckling PinTechnology is shipped with a Valve CertificationDocument unique to each individual valve. These“Valve Testing Certifications” are prepared to theCustomer’s exact specifications set forth by theSales Order. Each valve undergoes Quality Controlchecks at various stages of production. Theproduction process is controlled from theinspections of raw materials received, to in-progress tolerance checks, and welding qualityinspections. The final and most critical inspectionis done by personnel that do final assembly andtesting of each valve. If any deficiencies show uphere, Quality Control will be notified and any partsnot meeting the requirements will be reworkedand scrapped. When Assembly and Quality Controlhave approved all components, the valve may beassembled and tested.

All valves are given a “Bubble Test” to verify theintegrity of the valve body, a “Seat Test” to verifythe pistons Class VI seal, and a “Shell Test” toverify the sustained pressure integrity over time.When these three tests have been documented,the assembly personnel will begin testing todetermine the exact pin material, length anddiameter to achieve the Customer’s requiredpressure setting. Once the setting is determined,we will run a series of at least three additionaltests to verify consistent operation under airpressure. Valves with set requirements over 3000PSIG will be tested with water “Hydro” or othermaterials specified by the Customer. Each valvetested is given a “Test Certificate” with thisinformation documented and signed by our QualityControl Inspector.

Special Testing such as X-Ray, Dye Penetration,and Extended Shell Testing can be provided atthe Customer’s request.

In testing for a valve’s set point with an electronicpressure or vacuum gauge, it is important to knowthe incremental event sample time. Usually thetime is one second. During this second, fourreadings are taken and the average of the four isdisplayed. It is obvious that the average display

is 500 milliseconds behind if the pressure increaseis uniform. To reduce the delay error, we usethe following maximum test times:• 0% to 50% of set point 1/2 minute• 51% to 90% of set point 2 minutes• 91% to the buckling point 2 minutesPin Testing: Before each valve is shipped to theCustomer, Engineering performs a final test onour Tinius Olsen instrument. This machinemeasures and documents the force to buckle thepin material used in each valve. A test set of atleast three pins from each job are tested to recordthe buckling pounds of force. These test resultsgive us an archive benchmark, free of seal friction.If the Customer needs a replacement pin or ano-ring, the original test information will be available.In addition to that, all the Customer’s job printsand information are kept.

Each valve has a “Serial Information Tag” thatincludes: Valve Type – Size – Set Presssure PSI– Capacity in SCFM or GPM – Serial Number –Pin Data – and Date. This Tag is attached to thevalve bonnet. The valve bonnet is also stampedwith the serial number. All Pins are tagged withthe Pin Code, Valve Serial Number and thespecified Set Pressure.

TEST CERTIFICATE


Buckling Pin Technology Test Certificate - Serial Copy

TINIUS-OLSEN PIN TESTGives precise pin buckling force forarchive information on each valveto assure exact replacement pins.

WATER TEST STANDWe test valve set pressures to50,000 PSI and are now workingon a stand to 100,000 PSI.

LASER MIKEDetermines pin diameterto five decimal places

AIR TEST STANDWe test valve set pressuresto 21,000 PSI.

RESEARCH TESTDetermines how close our valvecan operate to set point.This valve shows 2% max.

TINIUS OLSEN SEAL TESTWe research our seal tensilestrength.

HEAT TREATINGWe heat treat valve parts andtweak the pin modulus asrequired.

AIR TEST VESSELUsed to test large valvesto 21,000 PSI.

DIAMOND SAWCuts our pins to the exact lengthwith polished square ends.

DATA ACQUISITIONTinius Olsen test results arekept on record.

HIGH SPEED VIDEOPiston speed when the pin buckles isdetermined by the distance betweenframes at up to 5,000 frames/sec.

PIN LENGTH MEASUREMENTWe measure pin length tofour decimal places.

SEAL TESTINGWe do careful research andtest our seals up to 6,000 PSIwith air.

PIN MATERIALSWe carry a large stock of pinmaterials to meet immediate pinorders. One bin is shown.

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Quality Assurance, Product Testing and Research


3MABB VETCOAgriumAir ProductsAllied SignalAlyeska PipelineAmalgamated SugarAmerican AzideAmerican CyanimidAramcoArizona ChemicalBASFBaxter MedicalBayerBohai OilBritish Petroleum (American)British Petroleum (UK)Buckeye PipelineCarnationChevron/TexacoConoco/PhillipsConoco/Phillips PipelineColumbia Natural GasDow Chemical

NASAOlympic PipelineParsonsPEDVSAPetrobrasPPGProctor & GambleRaytheon United EngineersRohm & HassSantosSappi Fine PapersSavannah River Site (SRS)ShellShell ChemicalShell OffshoreSouthern Natural GasSW FoamStepanStone ContainerTeppcoWeyerhauserWoodbridge Foam

Chemical ProcessingOil & Gas ProductionPipeline

Industries Served

(405) 789-1884(405) 789-1942 [email protected] SW 8th StreetOklahoma City, OK 73128

Contact Information

We Custom Design AdvancedRelief Valves To Solve The MostDifficult Problems Worldwide!

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Client List


DuPontDuke Energy Field ServicesEastman ChemicalEl Paso Natural GasEncore ProductionEnterprise ProductsExxon MobilExxon Mobil ChemicalFluor DanielFoster WheelerGeneral DynamicsGeneral ElectricGeorgia PacificGE PlasticsGoodyearHuntsman ChemicalInternational PaperKellogg Brown & Root (KBR)Koch EngineeringLTV EnergyMatco (Malaysia)Miller Brewing CompanyMonsantoMW Kellogg

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