For intermediate pressures

The most relevant application for this valve type is the boiler feed water cycle of combined cycle power plants (CCPP). In these power plants the bfw-pumps operate frequently at minimum flow conditions with pressures of 100–250 bar. The reason is the technical concept of a CCPP – for example gas turbine cooling with bfw – as well as its purpose to cover load peaks or the natural load fluctuation of renewables in the energy grid.

The bypass of the SIP valve is controlled by a multistage piston providing a near cavitation-free operation at any time thanks to the multistage pressure reduction at all flow rates. The piston also ensures a modulating flow control from 100 %–10 % bypass flow rate. An accelerated shut-off (1–2 sec.) at <10 % opening avoids most wear critical operation range. The wear-intensive extreme partial load range is deliberately overridden. The piston seat is separated from the pressure reduction and located at the high-pressure side. Thus, the shut-off function is optimally protected against cavitation attack. Even if cavitation would occur in the last throttle stages, the shut-off function would not be affected leaving the valve fully functional.