DRAG

THE VALVE DOCTOR® SOLUTION

 2 Premium solutions based on DRAG® innovation

The World Leader in Severe Service Control Valves

CCI designed, built and patented the first DRAG® control valve in 1967,
answering the need for a valve capable of handling high-pressure
liquids and gases such as water, oil, steam, natural gas, petroleum
products and chemicals. DRAG® technology is considered one of the
landmark innovations in the history of the severe service control valve
industry. Following that invention, CCI has continued to develop and
introduce advanced product technology that has revolutionized the
industry.

CCI’s industry leadership is the result of a proven record that focuses

on performance. The knowledge gained from solving customer control
valve performance problems generates high standards for quality that
influence every step of the production process and extend into lifetime
support of the valves installed in your plant.

Many valve manufacturers claim to offer control valves for all

CCI severe service control valves feature service conditions, but few can provide the complete performance
premium DRAG ® velocity control for precise, compatibility needed for severe service applications. CCI DRAG® control
measurable performance.
valves are designed specifically to meet your individual application
needs. Whatever your severe service application, there is only one
intelligent choice: CCI’s DRAG® control valves.

CCI’s Proven Experience

CCI DRAG® control valves have been used for more than 40 years to
solve severe service control problems, continually serving the needs of
the fossil power, nuclear power, oil and gas, petrochemical, combined
heat and power, and pulp and paper industries.

The Valve Doctor® Approach

CCI’s dedicated team of technology specialists focuses on solving
control valve problems around the globe. CCI’s expertise extends
A typical CCI DRAG ® disk stack features beyond control valve design to actuation, noise reduction, system
varying numbers of pressure-reducing stages piping and system operation. The Valve Doctor ® utilizes his expertise
to ensure superior control.
to provide comprehensive solutions that enhance plant operation and
result in significant operational and maintenance savings. DRAG®
technology continues to play a pivotal role in providing these solutions!
DRAG®

Since 1961, CCI has provided a unique

combination of engineering experience and
global resources with one goal: to exceed
customer expectations.
 The benefits of CCI DRAG® control valves 3

Improved plant performance

Improved plant performance
Improved plant performance
Increased MWoutput
Increased MW output and
and reduce
reduced leakage
leakage costs costs
Increased MW output and reduced leakage
Safer plant operating conditions.
Safer plant operating conditions
Safer plant operating conditions.
Higher
Higher reliability
reliability
Higher reliability
Lower noise.
Lower noise
Lower noise.
Better control.
Better control
Better control.
Longer intervals between maintenance
Longer intervals between maintenance
Longer intervals between maintenance
Decreased maintenance costs
Decreased
Decreased maintenance
maintenance costs costs
Reduced system costs
Reducedsystem
Reduced systemcosts.
costs
Lower cost of ownership
Lower cost of ownership
DRAG®

Lower cost of ownership

 4 Proven technology for critical applications

CCI DRAG® valves have been used in severe service applications worldwide. Years of research and experience in numerous
applications have proven the superiority of the DRAG® valve in critical applications.

Power Generation Oil, Gas and Petrochemical

Fossil and nuclear power plants, cogeneration Production, transmission and processing, including
(CHP) facilities and other industries handling LNG and petrochemicals:
high-pressure water or steam: Production chokes
Reheat and superheat attemperator spray Separator-level control
Main and booster feedpump recirculation Gas lift/injection
Startup and main feedwater regulation Injection pump recycle
Deaerator-level control Overboard dump
Condensate booster pump recirculation Gas regulator
Atmospheric steam dump and steam venting Surge relief
Turbine bypass Gas injection/withdrawal
Turbine bypass spray Metering stations (active/monitor)
Sootblower control Compressor recycle/anti-surge
Once-through boiler startup Hot gas bypass
(base-loaded and cycling units) Emergency depressuring/gas to flare
System startup: B&W, CE, FW and licensees Amine letdown
Auxiliary steam Expander bypass (JT valve)
Turbine seal pressure control Vent to atmoshphere
High-level heater drains Feedwater regulator
HP coolant injection (HPCI) Feedwater pump recirculation
Reactor core isolation cooling (RCIC) Spraywater
Core spray Steam header pressure control
Residual heat removal (RHR)
Steam generator blowdown
Pressurizer PORV
CVCS letdown
Sampling
Pump test loops

The Choice is Simple

When you need a complete solution to the
demanding conditions of severe service control,
there’s only one choice: a custom-engineered
DRAG® application solution.
DRAG®
 The uncontrolled velocity challenge 5

Symptoms of Poor Velocity Control:

• Unplanned shutdown • Noise

• Lost production • Trim and body wear
• High maintenance • Pipe vibration
• Reduced efficiency • Leakage
• Manual control • Pipe erosion
required

A single-stage pressure drop valve with poor The Need for Velocity Control
control presents problems like cavitation,
erosion, noise and vibration.
High fluid velocity through valve trim is a principal source of system
control problems. System control is lost due to valves damaged by the
effects of cavitation, erosion, abrasion and vibration, which can quickly
destroy a valve and disrupt system operation.

Even before damaging the valve, excessive noise, severe vibration, poor
process control and product degradation can limit a facility’s ability to
operate at maximum capacity and thereby reduce output.

CCI has pioneered the effort to develop and apply the velocity control
principle in control valves to offer total system control solutions
for many different applications. Thousands of satisfied customers
worldwide have benefited from CCI’s solutions. Velocity control criteria
as published by ISA has become the industry standard in solving control
valve problems.

Since all plants must start up and shut down, good plant control must
be available for a wide range of plant loads. CCI provides control over
a full range of valve capacity by ensuring that velocity control features
are in place for the entire valve travel. By designing DRAG® disks
The velocity control principle: multi-stage throughout the travel to meet the unique requirements imposed by the
pressure drop provides control and
eliminates cavitation, erosion, noise and plant transients, CCI’s solutions allow the automatic control systems to
vibration problems. function without manual control stops to work around sensitive plant
conditions.
DRAG®
 6 CCI pioneers a solution

The Velocity Control Challenge

Until CCI introduced the DRAG® valve, the design of control valves for
handling high pressure drop liquids, gases or steam had changed little.

Even today, despite other makers’ widespread attempts to copy the CCI
DRAG® solution in their modified trim valves, process fluids still flow
through some version of a single orifice or multiple area orifices. Fluid
velocity through each orifice is a function of the valve pressure drop or
required process differential head.

Fluid in the valve reaches its maximum velocity just slightly

downstream of the valve trim’s orifice in the vena contracta or
minimum flowing area (see Figure 1). These high velocities produce
cavitation, erosion and abrasion, which can quickly destroy the valve.
Even before damaging the valve, excessive noise, severe vibration,
The evidence: high-velocity erosion damage poor process control and product degradation are observed in many
on a single- stage cage and valve internals is
obvious.
applications without velocity control.

Interestingly, these high velocities are unwanted side effects of pressure

reduction through the valve and are not treated as a design criteria by
other valve manufacturers until it’s too late. Many attempts to resolve
the side effects simply treat the symptoms rather than the real cause of
V2 the problem.

In general, poor valve performance in severe service applications is

primarily due to excessive fluid velocity. Even using harder materials
V1 in the valves to offset erosion from cavitation, or using pipe-lagging
or downstream diffusers, can only marginally offset valve failure from
V2 = 2gh uncontrolled velocity. Velocity must be controlled at all valve settings
V2 > V1 to maintain valve performance and reliability. Problems resulting
from high velocity affect plant performance and output, resulting in
Figure 1: Single-stage pressure drop efficiency loss, unit load limitations, unscheduled plant shutdowns and
damage to other equipment.
DRAG®
 DRAG® technology provides velocity control 7

DRAG® Solution to High Velocities

DRAG® velocity control valves from CCI addressed the problems
V1 created by high velocity a generation ago. DRAG® valves prevent the
V2
development of high fluid velocities at all valve settings. At the same
V1 = V2 time, they satisfy the true purpose of a final control element: to
effectively control system pressure and flow rate over the valve’s full
Figure 2: Multi-path pressure reduction stroke. Here’s how the DRAG® valve accomplishes what the others can
only approach:
V2
The DRAG® trim divides flow into many streams to minimize the mass
and energy levels (Figure 2). Each flow passage consists of a specific
number of right-angle turns to form a tortuous path (Figure 3) in which
V1 each turn reduces the pressure of the flowing medium by more than one
velocity head.
V2 = 2gh
V1 = V2 The number of turns, N, needed to dissipate the maximum expected
differential head across the trim, as illustrated in Figure 4, is found by
Figure 3: Right-angle tortuous path changing the equation from:

V2 (orifice) = 2gh
V1 to a new equation:

V2 (DRAG®) element = 2gh/N

V2
N Turns The number of turns, N, is selected to ensure a specific fluid energy level
exiting the channel. Applying this principle to the DRAG® valve’s disk
V2 = 2gh/N
stack and plug is shown in Figure 5. The disk has several flow channels,
V1 = V2
each channel comprising multiple right-angle turns (Figure 6). Thus

Figure 4: Multi-stage pressure reduction

DRAG® technology fully controls velocity in each passage on every disk
in the stack, and the valve can operate at a controlled, predetermined
velocity over its full service range.

To achieve enough capacity for the valve, CCI’s solutions add disks to
provide the necessary flow cross-section. This technology is in stark
contrast to valves using multiple-orifice-modified trims. Each orifice
converts potential energy to kinetic energy, but with a startling increase
in velocity. Therefore, multiple-orifice solutions do not provide the
protection that the DRAG® -type trim provides.
Figure 5: DRAG® disk stack and plug
In the DRAG® trim, the resistance, number and area of the individual
flow passages are custom matched to your specific application, and exit
velocities are managed to eliminate cavitation and erosion in liquid
service and vibration and noise in gas service.
DRAG®

Figure 6: Multi-path, multi-stage DRAG® disk

 8 Cavitation — uncontrolled velocity

The Cavitation Challenge

When liquid pressure is reduced to its vapor pressure or lower, flashing
and bubble formation occur. In most control valves (Figure 7), fluid
enters at pressure P1 and velocity V1. As the fluid moves through the
reduced area of the valve trim, it accelerates to velocity V VC as its static
pressure drops suddenly to P VC – a level at or below the liquid’s vapor
pressure P V. At this point, the liquid boils. Any valve using a single or
multiple-orifice trim will cause this problem because of its uncontrolled
velocities in the areas of each “vena contracta,” the narrowest central
flow region of a jet of fluid flow.

As the fluid moves out of the throat of the valve, pressure recovery
begins, converting kinetic energy back to potential energy. Full recovery
Cavitation is the formation and subsequent
collapse of microscopic vapor bubbles that to downstream pressure is indicated at P2 and velocity V2. When
can destroy trim. the recovery pressure exceeds the fluid’s vapor pressure PV, collapse
or implosion of the just-formed bubbles takes place, resulting in
cavitation. The energy thus released causes local surface stresses greater
than 200,000 psi (1400 MPa), which can consume even hardened trim
rapidly.

Symptoms of Cavitation
n Noise when liquid-handling valves modulate or shut off

n Valve components showing “pitting” damage

n Poor process control with the valve

Seat ring damage caused by cavitation

results in leakage that can harm downstream
equipment.

Vvc
P1 Vvc

inlet pressure Vvc

V1 V2 outlet velocity
inlet velocity P2 outlet pressure
Pvc bubbles collapse,
cavitation occurs
Pv vapor pressure Pvc
DRAG®

Pvc
cavitation bubbles form here

Figure 7: Inter-stage cavitation damage from

insufficient staging
 DRAG® — the cavitation solution 9

The DRAG® Solution to Cavitation

P1
The DRAG® valve eliminates the destructive effects brought about by
pressure uncontrolled fluids in today’s processes. DRAG® technology does this by
first splitting the flow into many small channels so that, if a gas bubble is
formed, it is very small and does not have the energy necessary to cause
P2 outlet pressure stresses that would result in material failure. Secondly, DRAG® maintains
V1
the fluid velocity at minimum levels so that local pressures are unlikely
inlet velocity
V2 outlet velocity to drop below the vapor pressure of the fluid. Thus none of the adverse
Pv
vapor pressure effects of bubble collapse can harm the valve as in other valve designs.

In addition to many years of successfully applying the DRAG® design

Figure 8: The DRAG® solution eliminates principles to control valve cavitation, CCI has conducted independent
cavitation. tests in accordance with ISA 75.23 and verified the practice. In every
possible combination of test conditions, the testing confirmed the
DRAG® design principles and the technology’s ability to solve the most
difficult industry problems of fluid flow control.

In general, the damaging effects of cavitation are a typical signal that

fluid velocities are not being controlled. As previously mentioned,
using harder materials, pipe-lagging or downstream orifices can only
marginally offset valve failure from cavitation damage. High fluid
velocity and insufficient staging (shown in Figure 7) will result in inter-
stage cavitation damage, reducing the effectiveness of the valve as a flow
modulating device and exposing the trim to damage, which leads to a
leaking valve. The solution to cavitation, therefore, is the DRAG® velocity
control valve, as illustrated in Figure 8.

Fluid velocity requirements, based on the vapor pressure of the fluid (at
design temperature), is governed by the following equation:

CCI’s multi-path, multi-stage trim designs

are characterized to provide optimal valve
performance at all flow conditions across the
full stroke of the valve plug. V = 4637 (P2 - Pv)/ or V = 1000 (P2 - Pv)/
English Metric

Table 1: Recommendation for Fluid Velocity to Control Cavitation*

Service Conditions Fluid Velocity at Trim Exit
Continuous service single
100 ft/s 30 m/s
phase fluid
Cavitating & multi-phase fluid 75 ft/s 23 m/s
Vibration-sensitive systems 40 ft/s 12 m/s

* Based on information presented in the publication “Control Valves - Practical Guides for
Measurement and Control” edited by Guy Broden , Jr. and Paul G. Friedman, 1998 edition,
published by ISA and other sources.
DRAG®
 10 Noise and vibration — uncontrolled velocity

The Noise and Vibration Challenge

Modern plants are subject to many complex and strict regulations
dictating the allowable noise level for either the worker or for the plant
neighbors. Occasionally, a system will experience significant piping
vibration that may eventually lead to a failure. Such vibration can also
cause component damage and, in many cases, the vibration is a safety
concern for both plant personnel and expensive equipment essential to
plant operation.

Frequently, the cause of vibration is a valve that has not been properly
A competitor’s body and trim that failed to selected for the application. The excessive fluid velocities and energy
withstand severe service conditions show signs
levels force uncontrolled pipe motion, which results in failure of pipes
of damage that result in poor performance and
control. and supports and damage to downstream components.

Noise and vibration are pervasive in applications involving throttling or

venting of compressible gases. For applications where noise is significant,
sonic vibrations not only create hazardous health areas, but may also
pose a threat to the reliability of equipment and system operation. Even
if lagging, dampening or enclosing the noisy valve successfully controls
audible noise leaks, the potential for costly damage and valve failure
still exists. A plant may meet hearing safety requirements by insulating
the valve; however, unless the source of the noise is eliminated, the
risk of significant damage to the valve and process remains. In addition,
noise propagates through the process piping and often contributes to
problems with other components in the system. Eliminating the source
and mechanism of noise is the only way to mitigate these risks.

With the expertise of a CCI Valve Doctor®, Even more significant than audible noise are the problems associated
our DRAG® valves are designed to your with high vibration levels. Significant vibration in a valve can
performance specifications and offer the
ultimate solution to noise and vibration quickly lead to failure of the valve components (cage, plug, stem and
problems in severe service applications. accessories) and process components, the eventual failure of pipes and
supports, and damage to downstream equipment. In extreme cases,
many control valves with significant vibration problems often cause
system trips and result in costly efficiency and production losses.
DRAG®
 DRAG® — the noise and vibration solution 11

50 The DRAG® Solution to Noise and Vibration

40 In an effort to eliminate the sources of system vibration, CCI

Stem Vibration Velocity

Conventional valve encourages the process industries to adhere to ISA guidelines for valve
30
(mm/s, 0-pk)

CCI
DRAG® trim exit kinetic energy levels. The right-angle tortuous path trim
valve
20 full open approach used in the DRAG® technology achieves the required low
energy levels. The right-angle turns drop the fluid velocity to levels that
10 provide the expected control. Figure 9 illustrates actual field results
0 of DRAG® technology. This figure shows vibration before and after
0 100 200 300 400 500 application of the DRAG® design. There is usually a 90% reduction
Hertz
in the peak vibration level of the valve or piping component with the
Figure 9: Stem vibration velocity for a application of DRAG®.
conventional valve before retrofit (blue line)
and after retrofit with DRAG® trim (red line)*
CCI can provide control valve systems that will ensure the noise levels
remain below the specified requirements. The DRAG® valve approach is
to prevent the creation of noise as opposed to trying to muffle it once
it is produced. CCI uses the prediction technology that forms the basis
of the IEC and ISA noise prediction standards. Noise is controlled by
making sure that the trim exit jets leaving the disk stack do not induce
excessive acoustic levels inside the pipe. Subsequently, the noise passing
through the pipe wall and sensed in the vicinity of the valve is lower
than the specified levels.

DRAG® technology mitigates the excessive sonic vibrations created

within the valve by controlling the source of the noise, as demonstrated
in the following formula:
W= sound power
d2 U6
W = fluid density
C3
d = characteristic dimension
U = fluid velocity
C = velocity of sound field

Table 2: Recommendation for Fluid Kinetic Energy (Velocity Head)

at trim Exit **

Service Condition Kinetic Energy (Velocity Head)

Intermittent Duty 150 psi 1030 kPa
Continuous Duty 70 psi 480 kPa

* “Multi-Stage Valve Trim Retrofits Eliminate Damaging Vibration”, J. R. Arnold, H.L.

Miller, and R. E. Katz, Power- Gen 96 International, Orlando, Florida, Book IV, pg. 102-110,
DRAG® valves like this 28-inch (700 mm) multi- PennWell Conferences & Exhibitions, Houston, Texas, December, 1996.
stage, pneumatic-controlled device have been ** Based on information presented in the publication “Control Valves - Practical Guides for
installed in over 2,000 plants around the world Measurement and Control” edited by Guy Broden , Jr. and Paul G. Friedman, 1998 edition,
to solve vibration and noise problems. published by ISA and other sources.
DRAG®

Note: KE = V2
2gC
 12 Erosion — uncontrolled velocity

The Erosion Challenge

Erosion of the valve trim can be caused by the washing action of a fluid
or abrasion from particles entrained in the fluid. The erosion effect
is most severe at high pressures and high concentrations of entrained
material. Even very pure water can be extremely erosive.

While clean dry gases usually are not a cause for concern, throttling
even clean superheated steam can cause severe problems, as illustrated
in Figure 10. Consider the following example: superheated steam at P1
(inlet pressure) of 600 psia (4 MPa) and T1 of 600°F (300°C) entering
a conventional or modified-trim valve is let down to 50 psia (0.3 MPa).
Erosion by a fluid can alter the landscape of The low pressure and high velocity inherent in flow through these valve
valve components over time, affecting the trims allow the steam to expand isentropically or polytropically to
quality of operation.
point P2. At this point, with velocity at its peak, the steam develops a
moisture content between 12% and 20%. The resulting water droplets,
traveling at maximum velocity, will rapidly erode the trim and damage
the valve body. Pressure recovery is completed in the outlet and the
temperature reaches equilibrium, resulting in superheated steam
leaving the valve at P3 (outlet pressure) of 50 psia (0.3 MPa) and T 3
of 515°F (270°C). However, while the valve has achieved its pressure
drop, continuous formation of wet, high-velocity steam will soon result
in severe trim damage. The same holds true in a gas handling service
where hydrate (ice crystals) formed under similar circumstances can
clog the conventional trim in a short time.

Erosion by solids/sand is particularly tough on control valves. Materials

Erosion damage to a competitor’s valve plug that are readily available are quickly consumed by the sand-blasting
caused by high fluid velocity results in poor effect of entrained solids. Controlling the velocity and the use of
shutoff.
erosion-resistant materials adds significantly to the life of the valve
components handling these fluids.
As trim erodes, the valve’s C V changes and flow becomes difficult to
control, inducing other symptoms like increased vibration and related
high noise levels. Any time control is compromised, the risks soar. Lack
of control results in a shortened life for the valve that threatens plant
performance and reliability. Moreover, it means increased expense for
the plant operator.
DRAG®

One damaged part can shut a plant

down; a CCI DRAG® valve can prevent this
unnecessary downtime and give you peace
of mind.
 DRAG® — the erosion solution 13

The DRAG® Solution to Erosion

Isenthalpic Flow
The traditional approach to problems such as erosion include continual
P1 P3
maintenance, brute force or both. The brute force strategy involves
using harder materials where erosion is a problem, which covers up
Sa the symptoms without addressing the root cause. The rate of erosion
tur
a
Lin tion varies as a third to fifth-power function of fluid velocity (V 3 to V5). For
Enthalpy

e
P2 example, if the fluid velocity can be reduced by a factor of two, then the
erosion rate will be reduced by a factor ranging between 8 and 32. To
re

Co
su

M nst eliminate erosion, it is essential that the fluid velocity be maintained at

oi an
res

st
ur t manageable levels. The DRAG® design controls velocities throughout the
tP

e,
%
tan

P2 disk so that pressure recovery does not take place.

ns
Co

For erosion problems that result from abrasion, the DRAG® trim operates
at a controlled velocity. The inlet/outlet and trim velocities are low, so
the steam expansion through the valve is isenthalpic – going from
Entropy
point P1-T1 directly to point P3 -T 3 (see Figure 10). Steam through the
Single-stage Isentropic
DRAG® valve never has a chance to develop destructive moisture. In gas
Multi-stage Polytropic
applications, controlled velocity minimizes the formation of hydrate,
DRAG R
thus preventing the trim from clogging.
Figure 10: The low pressures and high CCI combines the velocity control principle and higher erosion-resistant
fluid velocities inherent in conventional
valve trim (single-stage and multi-stage) material to solve erosion resulting from solids like sand. Choke valve
result in erosion by abrasion, even in clean applications use a multi-stage DRAG® disk stack produced from tungsten
superheated steam, as water droplets are
carbide for substantially longer life compared to traditional solutions.
allowed to form.

Tungsten carbide DRAG® disks provide proven

erosion prevention.
DRAG®
 14 Leakage — uncontrolled velocity

The Leakage Challenge

Leakage through control valves can significantly reduce plant efficiency
and result in higher overall operational and maintenance costs. This
frequently means that millions of dollars are lost every year. This issue
is overlooked by many operators who do not realize that a valve may
still offer acceptable control while allowing significant leakage when
fully closed. In reality, the leakage past most control valves results in
lost fuel, heat or system capacity, which directly impacts the economic
viability of the process. In fact, the cost of leakage in a severe service
control valve is always far greater than the price of the valve. In extreme
cases, an entire plant may be shut down because of a single leaking
valve.

The costs of leakage through a control valve are significant and are often
manifested in the following ways:

n Unscheduled plant shutdowns

In the extreme case, a power plant shutdown
may be unavoidable because of a single n Increased maintenance schedules to replace damaged valve and
leaking valve. system components

n System efficiency losses resulting in increased fuel and power

consumption

n Heat rate losses and unit load limitations

n Control system oscillations or outright loss of control

Symptoms of Leakage
n High temperature in the downstream pipe for a normally
closed valve

n Loss of process control, even when valve is fully closed

n Steam or gas leaks through vents

n Inability to hold the pressure inside the condenser

n Noise produced by valve even when closed

Plant managers and engineers rely on CCI’s

DRAG® technology for reliable performance
to keep their facilities running trouble-free.
DRAG®
 CCI technology — the leakage solution 15

The DRAG® Solution to Leakage

Controlling leakage through a severe service control valve requires
a combination of technologies and a dynamic understanding of the
behavior of the fluid as it passes through the valve. CCI customers place
A CCI DRAG valve equipped with
®
a premium on tight shutoff because it translates directly into operational
RHP™seating technology establishes a
cost savings. CCI engineers realize that tight valve shutoff is not only
higher standard of valves for critical gas
applications. a function of operational closing forces, but also requires control of
fluid velocities through the valve seating area. DRAG® technology limits
the velocity of the fluid as it enters the seating area and minimizes the
erosive forces that would otherwise compromise the valve’s ability to
effectively control leakage.

In addition to controlling destructive fluid velocities, CCI utilizes both

high actuation forces and uniquely designed seals and seat to maintain
repeatable tight shutoff.

By combining the advantages of DRAG® with CCI’s advanced actuation,

sealing and seating technology, CCI severe service control valves provide
repeatable tight shutoff and reliable operation to assure customers that
the costs associated with system leakage are truly being controlled.

Exceptional Shutoff — Repeatable Class V (or better)

Inlet DRAG® severe service control valves offer exceptional shutoff
performance to withstand long periods of closure at high pressure
differentials. CCI uses a uniquely designed seat that, when combined
with CCI’s high actuator force, delivers tight shutoff each and every time.
The high actuator force coins (leaves a circumferential impression into)
Outlet
the valve seat ring. The coining erases micro scratches caused by fine
debris in the fluid, providing reliable and repeatable long-term shutoff.
To ensure absolutely tight shutoff, CCI
provides a DRAG® valve with pressurized In applications that need tight shutoff, CCI provides Class V or MSS-SP-
seating as illustrated above. 61 (equivalent to a block valve) closure.

Table 3: Recommendation for Seat Load Requirements in Control Valves *

Seat Load Requirements

Leakage Class Pounds per Linear kgf per Linear mm
Inch
Class IV 300 5.4
Class V 500 8.9
MSS-SP-61 1000 17.9
* Based on information presented in the publication “Control Valves - Practical Guides for
Measurement and Control” edited by Guy Broden , Jr. and Paul G. Friedman, 1998 edition,
published by ISA and other sources.
DRAG®
 16 DRAG® technology offers unequalled performance

CCI’s Total Solution

Many valve manufacturers have recognized that velocity is the real
problem contributing to valve failure. Some try to contain the effects
of uncontrolled velocity or shift the problem into a more tolerable area.
Others have attempted to imitate the technology behind CCI’s DRAG®
valve solutions. However, only CCI offers the Valve Doctor ® solution.

Customized for Better Flow Control

To maintain performance, velocity through the valve must be

controlled at all times. Capacity can be varied for each of the disks in
the DRAG® disk stack for superior velocity control. In addition, CCI’s
DRAG® solutions match the fluid flow capacity to the system design
requirements to guarantee stable control. CCI’s unique capability to
vary the number of pressure-reducing stages throughout the valve’s
operating range allows for maximum performance.

DRAG® disk stacks also have pressure equalizing ring grooves so that
Figure 11: DRAG® disk stacks have pressure
equalizing ring (PER) grooves. localized pressure from each disk’s outlet is equalized around the plug
(see Figure 11). This eliminates radial forces on the plug that might
otherwise cause binding, galling, radial vibration, or buffeting. In
addition, DRAG® trim offers a wide range of flow characteristics, and
the design can be characterized for all combinations of inlet and outlet
pressures.

Better Flow Control with Fewer Valves

DRAG® trim can be linear or characterized to provide a single, high-

rangeability valve in lieu of a more costly two-valve solution. When
necessary, the valve trim can contain labyrinth grooves to reduce the
annular flow between plug and disk stack (see Figure 12). This results in
a significant improvement in the minimum controllable flow capacity
of the valve. When labyrinth grooves are utilized, DRAG® valves can
provide throttling rangeability in excess of 300:1. In new system designs,
Figure 12: DRAG® disk stacks have labyrinth
grooves and velocity-reducing right-angle this can eliminate the need for smaller parallel startup valves, saving
turns. the piping and installation costs of these valves. In existing installations,
this cuts out unstable transfer points as well as the maintenance costs
associated with multiple valves.

Better Flow Control with Longer Strokes

Many manufacturers fit the capacity and operating characteristics of
their valves to stroke lengths permitted by the actuation systems they
choose. This results in poor valve control and instability of the system.
As an example, if a valve provided by another supplier has C v (capacity)
of 1,000 in a linear characterized trim, the actuator is likely to allow
only a travel of three inches. This is a C v change of approximately 42
per each 1/8-inch of travel. In a DRAG® valve of the same capacity,
DRAG®

the stroke length would be 12 inches. This results in a C v change of

CCI DRAG® trim is available for globe, angle approximately 10 per 1/8-inch of travel. The benefit to plant operation
and rotary-style valve designs to create the
optimal solution for customers. is a finer degree of control per percentage of position change, resulting
in extremely stable process control.
 DRAG® valve features and advantages 17

Benefits DRAG® Competition

1 Provides the Valve Doctor® Solution: CCI works

with plant operators to improve plant performance,
reliability and output with DRAG®.

2 Improves Plant Performance: CCI’s DRAG® valve

operates without efficiency losses from valve leakage.

3 Prevents Cavitation Damage: CCI supplies up to 40

pressure-reducing stages (based on pressure drop and
fluid conditions) to limit trim exit velocity, preventing
the damaging effects of cavitation.

4 Eliminates Erosion Damage: By controlling fluid

velocities and providing tight shutoff, CCI DRAG® valves
eliminate erosion.

5 Low Operating Costs: Application-specific design

considerations like pressurized seat, plug, snap-acting
relay and custom-engineered designs ensure reliable
and repeatable performance.

6 Reduces System Costs: DRAG® valves do not require

back pressure or anti-flashing devices that can be
expensive and unreliable.

7 Reduces Costly Maintenance Cycles: DRAG® valves

are designed specifically to provide longer intervals
between maintenance and allow easy access to all
components.

8 Avoids Plant Shutdowns: CCI’s DRAG® valves are

designed specifically to handle the severe service
of nuclear power, fossil power, and oil and gas
applications.
DRAG®
 18 Flexible specifications for your needs

Product Range Specifications

DRAG® control valves are available in a wide range of sizes, pressure classes,
materials and configurations; typical ranges are shown below:

Velocity Controlling Up to 60, special designs available

Stages

Sizes 1/4 in. to 48 in. (6 mm. to 1220 mm.)

Pressure Ratings ANSI 150 to 4500; PED CL 300 to CL4500

DIN 10 to 400; API 10,000

Fluid -250°F to 1100°F

Temperature Range -155°C to 590°C
CCI’s severe service valve technology for
LNG applications reduces overall cost and
Body Style Globe, angle, “Z” body, rotary
improves performance and reliability.
Connection Type Buttweld to ASME B16.10; Socket Weld to
AMSE B16.11; Flanged to ASME B16.5 MSS
SP- 44 and API 605; Special ends including
clamped-joint hub configuration

Seat Design Metallic or soft seat

Bonnet Style Bolted bonnet, metal, gasket seal body-to-

bonnet joint, or pressure seal

Guiding Disk stack

Plug Design Unbalanced, balanced, pressurized seat

Characteristic Linear, equal %, quick open or custom design

Rangeability Designed to meet application needs; minimum

of 30:1; over 300:1 for larger valves

Body Material Carbon steel, chrome-moly steel, stainless

steel, duplex stainless steel
Bolting: Ferritic, austentic

Trim Material Disk Stack: 410, 316, or 316L stainless steel;

Inconel 718; chrome-moly alloy steel; duplex
stainless steel; or tungsten carbide
Plug/Seat Ring: 410, 316, or 316L stainless
steel; Inconel 718; 17- 4PH; chrome-moly
alloy steel; duplex stainless steel; or tungsten
carbide (hardfaced when required)
Packing/Seals: teflon, graphite, Inconel
Gaskets: graphite/stainless

The CCI Steamjet™ valve features DRAG®’s

Shutoff Capabilities Unbalanced Plug: Soft Seat- ANSI Class VI,
multi-path, multi-stage design to deliver
Metal Seat- ANSI Class V, MSS-SP-61
superior performance in turbine bypass
Balanced Plug: Soft Seat- ASME Class VI,
DRAG®

applications.
Metal Seat- ANSI Class IV or V
Pressurized Seat Plug: Metal Seat - MSS-SP-61

Custom designs are available to meet your C v and piping requirements.

Please contact a CCI representative for details.
 Boost plant output with DRAG® control valves 19

Parts
When valves need a spare part, those from the original manufacturer
work best. With the original drawings, specifications and equipment,
CCI can make the right replacement part for any valve to meet your
specific needs and application requirements. These parts are made from
the right materials, by qualified machinists, with N-stamp qualification
when needed. All of CCI’s spare parts meet the original industry
standards for which the valves were designed: API, ANSI or ASME.

Field Service
When you need a valve expert at your side, our fully trained and
experienced field service technicians are the right answer. Whether it’s
a routine maintenance check or an emergency repair, our team has the
experience, tools and access to all information about the valves we built
for you to ensure that your valves will continue performing the way you
expect. When your conditions demand it, our people can completely
rebuild a control valve in line at your site and recalibrate it before
returning it to service. They’ll even help sort out your spares inventory.

Rebuilds
CCI will supply the right spare parts, built Our factory-trained specialists handle complete rebuild procedures,
to original specifications, so your valve will including full disassembly and cleaning, welding, overlay, and
perform like new.
modification or fabrication of needed parts; part matching for tight
sealing; reassembly; leak testing; painting; and return shipment — and
these services apply to the smallest or the biggest DRAG ® severe service
valve.

Global Strength of Customer Service

CCI is committed to making each of our valves stay healthy over its
lifetime. Aftermarket specialists are proactive, contacting our customer
base and making necessary recommendations for appropriate and timely
maintenance. By implementing long-term management programs, CCI
proves its commitment to delivering the highest-quality performance
and reliability along with its dedication to achieving complete customer
satisfaction.

Whether it’s troubleshooting, critical

calibration or an emergency repair, CCI’s
DRAG®

expert factory and field service technicians

have the knowledge, tools, parts and
drawings to do the job right.
CCI sales and service locations worldwide.

CCI FK CCI Japan CCI Sweden

CCI World Headquarters—
(Fluid Kinetics) Telephone: 81 726 41 7197 (BTG Valves)
California
Telephone: 805 644 5587 Fax: 81 726 41 7198 Telephone: 46 533 689 600
Telephone: 949 858 1877
Fax: 805 644 1080 194-2, Shukunosho Fax: 46 533 689 601
Fax: 949 858-1878
2368 Eastman Avenue, Suite 8 Ibaraki-City, Osaka 567-0051 Box 603
22591 Avenida Empresa
Ventura Japan SE-661 29 Säffle
Rancho Santa Margarita,
California 93003 Sweden
California 92688
USA CCI Korea
USA
Telephone: 82 31 980 9800 CCI Switzerland
CCI Italy Fax: 82 31 985 0552 (Sulzer Valves)
CCI Austria
(STI) 26-17, Pungmu-Dong Telephone: 41 52 262 11 66
(Spectris Components
Telephone: 39 035 29289 Gimpo City, Kyunggi-Do 415-070 Fax: 41 52 262 01 65
GmbH)
Fax: 39 035 2928246 Republic of Korea Im Link II, Postfach 65
Telephone: 43 1 869 27 40
Via G. Pascoli 10A-B CH-8404 Winterthur
Fax: 43 1 865 36 03
24020 Gorle, Bergamo Switzerland
Carlbergergasse 38/Pf.19
Italy
AT-1233 Vienna
Austria
Contact us at: For sales and service near you, please visit
CCI China
info@ccivalve.com
Telephone: 86 10 6501 0350 www.ccivalve.com Throughout the world,
Fax: 86 10 6501 0286
Visit us online at: companies rely on CCI to solve their severe
567/569 Office Tower
www.ccivalve.com service control valve problems. CCI has
Poly Plaza
14 Dongzhimen South provided DRAG® solutions for these and other
Avenue
Beijing 100027
industry applications for more than 40 years.
China