German specialist for plastic line valves Richt** Chemie-Techn** will introduce a new version of the successful KSE* series in August 2024. The KSE* 3.0 will meet all the newly increased requirements imposed on safety valves handling corrosive, toxic, and high-purity liquids. The KSE* series has been trusted for six decades.

The KSE* 3.0 plastic-lined safety valve bundles the safety awareness and expertise of the Kempen-based pump and valve specialists to optimize flow and simplify design for easier storage and assembly. The valve’s performance will enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness over time. This safety valve is suitable for highly explosive gases, vapors, and liquids. A specialized KSE*-C version is available for chlor-alkali applications. The design goals for the KSE* 3.0 safety valve were derived from a Voice of Customer process. It incorporated the increasing demands of the international valve market as well as feedback from Richt**’s long-term customers. The inlet and outlet geometries, known as the leg dimensions, are the same as those in the previous model, ensuring a smooth replacement process.

Inner workings matter: bellows and flow optimization
The saying “the music plays in the interior” guided Richt**’s engineers as they enhanced the flow technology of the valve. They used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations during the design phase, which were validated through bench tests with water and air. Compared to the earlier KSE** series, the KSE** 3.0 valve is less sensitive to back pressure, and the pressure on the PTFE bellows is significantly reduced. The innovative FEM optimization of the bellows allows for a simpler design, requiring only one bellow with semicircular folds per nominal size, instead of two in the previous KSE** 2.0. This standardization simplifies inventory management and offers greater flexibility.

Added value through component reduction
The component reduction affects not only the bellows but also the entire design structure. Only two sizes of lifting hoods are required for the whole series, and just one clamping screw per each of the two nominal valve sizes, covering the full pressure range. The spring plate no longer requires a bearing guide and retaining ring. The spindle guide with its screw connections and pins is also surplus to requirements. Dr. Stefan Ubben, Head of Product Management at Richt**, states that this reduction in components offers customers practical and logistical benefits, like easier assembly and maintenance, as well as space-saving storage without the risk of mixing up parts. The KSE* 3.0 series is designed to be a future-proof solution, meeting high standards for performance, resource conservation, and user-friendliness.

For sealing the valve bonnet, Richt** relies on the labyrinth seal model that has proven itself thousands of times in ball valves. It seals permanently without retightening even with pressure and temperature cycles and does not need additional maintenance during operation. This chemical safety valve can operate in a wide range of temperatures, from -60 to 180 degrees Celsius, depending on the set pressure. The new design no longer requires special versions for temperatures below -10 degrees Celsius.

PFA lining from a pioneer
Richt** specializes in pumps and valves lined with PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy). The PFA lining on the KSE* 3.0 safety valve is homogeneous, with a defined thickness. The transparent plastic makes it easier to inspect visually. Richt** has been a pioneer in using plastic-lined valves for over 35 years. Founded in 1957, Richt** continues to invest in in-house research and modern manufacturing processes for its products “Made in Germany.” Richt** also offers a conductive PFA-L version of the new safety valve.

Certified KSE* 3.0 available from August
The new safety valve is certified according to TÜV regulations effective from August 2024 and is now available for pre-order. With the KSE* 3.0, Richt** offers a combination of robustness, user-friendliness, and safety to customers in various industries, including basic chemicals, fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and food.