ASME SmartBrief Featured HBGV

Back at the beginning, prior to the official launch of VSI, we were recognized in the press for our pursuit of a better way to control choked flow. i2E in Oklahoma provided the tools to get VSI launched, and this feature in the business pages of the two major newspapers helped. When ASME picked up the story, our plans were given a big boost. SmartBrief 2014

With two valves in field trial and manufacturing preparations in work, we are comfortable with how the follow-up to the story in the December 21, 2014 Tulsa World is unfolding.141221 – VSI

Flow Lab Tests Complete – Performance Confirmed

IMG_20160128_111431559The final round of lab testing wrapped up this week. Flow test data gathered at the Radford Company valve test facility confirmed predictions of CFD simulations made prior to the launch of VSI. Maximum Flow Coefficient was measured to be 75 in turbulent flow. The HBGV1 was confirmed to have negligible pressure recovery in the valve and an effective CsubV of nearly 60 in full choked flow as pressure recovered far downstream.

HBGV1 Technical Brief Released – First RFQ!

VSI is actively setting up the field trial locations for the first valves. Two submersible pump companies have expressed their intent to wring out the HBGV in their pump testing laboratories, and several other applications are being pursued in Casper, Wyoming and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Customers need a Tech Brief: Tech Brief – HBGV1

Last week, with the first valves in production and parts still on order, VSI received a request for quote to replace a Masoneilan 18400 LincolnLog (Trademark) control valve in water injection service, dropping 500 psi to 3 psi. The end user is considering our offer, subject to the approval of substituting electric actuation for pneumatic.

Traditional industrial control systems rely on pneumatic controls and actuation, primarily for enabling a spring-over-diaphragm actuator to open or close a valve when the pneumatic system fails. “So 20th Century”; with a simple battery backup system, the HBGV will open, close, or go to a specific position on loss of signal. No pneumatics. No springs. No positioner. No actuator change if fail-closed valve needs to now fail-open.  No problem.