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PRESS RELEASE - September 2006

New Float Level Isolation Valve Solves Float Loss/Damage Problem
A new type of float valve has been received with enthusiasm by ship owners as a permanent way to reduce risk.

Two key UK manufacturers have combined their LNG industry knowledge to solve one of the most frustrating problems that occur whilst operating the secondary float level gauge aboard LNG carriers. Currently the float level gauge is isolated from the on-board LNG storage tank by a horizontally-mounted cryogenic gate valve. This means that while one person operates the lever to wind the float up and down, a second operator is required to open and shut the gate valve. On top of the gate valve, there is mounted an inspection/access chamber to carry out float inspection, float recovery and a new float installation if necessary.

Time and again, failures occur. The two operators using these facilities verify the level of the float, then one shuts the gate valve before the tape of the float, operated by the other, has been fully wound in. The result, due to the guillotine action of the gate valve, is a cut tape and a loss of the float, or worse, the float is trapped in the valve so it does not seal, thereby creating a major safety risk.

As a result of time spent on LNG cargo carriers and the understanding of these issues, development work has been undertaken between valve manufacturer Bestobell and float level gauge manufacturer Whessoe total automation. The resulting valve removes the possibility of failure.

FLIV with float openFLIV with float closed

The new Bestobell float level isolation valve ("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.

Thus Bestobell LNG now have a unique valve specifically for this application with a patent applied for. Not only is the valve more effective in the operation, but also because the valve is simpler than the current gate valve plus inspection chamber arrangement, the cost is lower too.

FLIV is available in 8" diameter and 12" diameter sizes.

"with the new fleets of LNG carriers taking to the seas, efficient, safe and trouble free operation are their key requirements", says Bestobell LNG Director Andrew Brown. "this development eradicates one more opportunity for failure that has in the past affected both safe operation and control."

"Bestobell LNG - specificed by those who plan for safety"