Electromagnetic valves are key execution components in the natural gas industry that ensure safety, precise control, and automated operation. They are widely used in the entire chain from upstream extraction, midstream transmission and distribution to downstream terminal utilization. Due to the flammability, explosiveness, high pressure, and high cleanliness requirements of natural gas, extremely high demands are placed on the sealing, explosion-proof, reliability, and response speed of solenoid valves.
Natural gas extraction and gathering (upstream)
(1) Wellhead Safety Control System (SSSV Ground Control)
Function: Remote control of hydraulic/pneumatic circuit on/off of underground safety valve (SSSV);
Function: Quickly cut off the gas source in case of leakage, fire or emergency shutdown (ESD).
requirements
Explosion proof rating: Ex d IIC T6 or intrinsic safety type (Ex ia);
Material: 316L stainless steel, resistant to H ₂ S/CO ₂ corrosion (acidic gas field);
Support SIL2/SIL3 functional safety certification (IEC 61508).
(2) Measurement and pressure regulating station
Control bypass pipelines, vent pipelines, or instrument pressure pipes;
Automatically isolate equipment during maintenance or overpressure.
Long distance pipelines and distribution stations (midstream)
(1) Emergency Shutdown System (ESD)
Core application: When overpressure, low pressure, leakage (via SCADA), earthquake or fire signals are detected, the solenoid valve triggers and the linked main cut-off valve (such as the pneumatic hydraulic ball valve) closes.
Key features:
Response time<1 second;
Dual redundancy design (1oo2 or 2oo3 logic);
Equipped with fail safe function (automatic power-off/gas cut-off).
(2) Pig receiver and transmitter control
Control the intake, exhaust, and bypass processes of the pig launcher/receiver;
Implement automatic pipeline cleaning sequence control.
(3) Gas Heating and Pressure Regulating Unit (PRU)
Control the gas supply of electric heaters or water bath furnaces;
Adjust the fuel gas flow rate to maintain stable outlet temperature.
Urban gas and industrial users (downstream)
(1) Industrial and commercial gas metering cabinet/pressure regulating box
Function: Remote shutdown, arrears lock meter, leakage interlock;
Integration method: linked with IC card meter, remote transmission meter, and combustible gas alarm;
Common types: Small caliber (DN15-DN50) normally closed solenoid valve with manual reset.
Example: Installing a gas alarm in the dining kitchen, if the concentration exceeds the standard, the solenoid valve will automatically close and sound an alarm.
(2) Boiler/kiln combustion control system
Control the main gas pipeline, ignition pipeline, and purge air pipeline;
Realize the safe timing sequence of ignition operation shutdown blowing;
Must comply with EN 298/GB 16410 combustion safety standards.
(3) LNG refueling station and CNG mother station
Control the quick closing valve in front of the refueling gun;
Tank pressurization and BOG (evaporated gas) recovery pipeline switching;
High pressure scenario: CNG solenoid valves need to withstand a pressure of 25 MPa or more.
Hydrogen energy and hydrogen doped natural gas
In the pilot project of hydrogen blending in natural gas, it is used to control the proportion of hydrogen injection;
Due to the small size, easy leakage, and brittleness of hydrogen molecules, it is necessary to use:
Metal seal (bellows seal);
Anti hydrogen embrittlement materials (such as 316L low-carbon stainless steel Inconel）；
Passed ISO 15848-1 Class VI micro leak test.