A total of 11 3D printed valve trims, complete with ABJ soft seat, engineered by IMI have boosted uptime and efficiency at a Chinese power plant at substantially lower cost than a full valve replacement.
The existing valves had become inefficient due to severe erosion and leakage caused by insufficient pressure reduction.
This would typically require considerable opex and capex investments because of both the cost of a replacement valve and the extensive engineering involved in its installation.
IMI’s Retrofit3D solution involves the engineering of bespoke drop-in replacement internal components with substantially upgraded performance. This includes both the valve trim and seat, meaning the valve casing can remain in place.
Replacement parts are custom-made to the specific process conditions of the valve, far more quickly and at a lower cost than would be the case with conventional manufacturing methods.
Retrofit3D components integrate IMI’s DRAG® technology, which divides flows into a series of right-angled smaller passages.
Bertrand Maillon, Retrofit3D Business Leader at IMI, said: “This project showcased an advanced use of our Retrofit3D technology, offering more than just a replacement trim—it delivered a substantial enhancement in valve performance.
“Additive manufacturing enables unparalleled design flexibility, and when paired with innovative engineering, we empower our customers to boost the reliability and performance of their in-service valves—even in cases like this one, where the original valve design didn’t include a disk stack.
“Our customers are under pressure to maintain performance while managing cost and emissions. Retrofit3D provides a clear route to do both—offering a faster, more sustainable way to upgrade legacy valves.”
IMI boosts uptime and efficiency at Chinese plant with valve trim upgrade
