Strengthening safety and reliability through fuel gas valve modernization

In refinery operations, safety‑related fuel gas services play a critical role in protecting people, assets, and the environment. Maintaining the integrity and performance of these systems requires equipment that is not only reliable but also designed to meet evolving safety expectations. For one North American refinery, a long‑term modernization program has focused on upgrading safety‑critical valves across the site.

A longstanding partnership

Valmet has partnered with Valin Corporation for over 20 years. This partnership has allowed us to be in Western US refineries for decades, and supply flow control solutions across various applications. Over the past 10 years, that relationship has expanded as new refinery personnel, decision makers, and EPC partners became involved in planning future upgrades. These evolving relationships helped lay the foundation for a structured, multi‑phase modernization initiative focused on safety and reliability.

Modernizing safety‑critical fuel gas valves

At the core of the project, we focused on the replacement and upgrade of safety shutoff, or isolation valves (often called chopper valves) that are used in critical fuel gas services throughout the refinery complex.

The scope includes automated valve assemblies designed specifically for demanding safety applications:

  • Jamesbury soft‑seated ball valves
  • Neles metal‑seated 300 lb. full‑port ball valves
  • Valve sizes ranging from 4” to 10”
  • Neles B1J Series actuators

Each valve assembly is required to undergo speed testing and customers witnessed functional testing to verify performance before installation. Final automation and testing take place at the Valin facility, where consistent execution and clear visibility are provided into test results that support confidence in long term operation. Valin’s ability to provide complete valve automation, assembly, and validation services helps ensure reliable field performance while reducing startup risk and installation delays.

Supporting safe and reliable production

In fuel gas systems, safety shut‑off valves perform a vital function that ensure rapid and dependable isolation when required. The chosen valve solutions support this role by offering rugged construction, repeatable actuation performance, and low maintenance requirements.

By upgrading older equipment, the refinery is improving overall process reliability while strengthening safeguards for personnel and environmental protection. The standardized valve platforms also simplify maintenance and spare parts strategies across the site.

The modernization effort was launched several years ago and is being executed in stages to align with refinery outages and capital planning. Valve deliveries are ongoing, with multiple packages already installed and additional phases planned over the next 8 years. This phased approach allows the refinery to systematically replace aging assets while maintaining continuity of operations and consistent technical standards.

Proven expertise in safety related flow control

The refinery selected Valmet based on its experience in safety‑related flow control applications and its established reputation for reliable, high‑quality solutions. In several cases, existing legacy Valmet valves are being upgraded; in others, third‑party equipment is being replaced to support greater standardization across the refinery.

Our close collaboration with EPC partners has also been a key factor, as well as our valve sizing and selection tool, Nelprof help to support efficient specification and selection during project development, helping keep schedules and designs aligned.

Collaboration behind the scenes

Successful execution of a long‑term project like this depends on coordinated teamwork. Sales, engineering, automation specialists, project management, and the authorized channel partner have all played active roles. Clear communication, responsive support, and accurate quotations have helped keep each phase moving forward smoothly.

Looking ahead

For Valmet, this project reflects a broader strategic focus on engineered solutions for demanding and safety‑critical applications. Early involvement has enabled continued participation in subsequent phases of the project and strengthened long‑term account engagement.

Beyond the immediate scope, the project has also opened opportunities for additional projects and other support within the refinery areas where Valmet previously had limited visibility. As modernization continues, collaboration remains focused on safe operation, reliable production, and consistent performance over the full lifecycle of the assets.

Back to top