Kimray has updated the code builder in our catalog to align with industry standards and improve customer experience.
As part of this update, we have also restructured our products.
Every product will now be categorized into product families, which then branch into product series, and models.
1.1 R Catalog Cover and Code Builder Page
The catalog now reflects these updates as the sections have been grouped by family, and each section is titled after the product series it represents.
1.2 Product Families
You’ll find the different code builders at the beginning of each catalog section.
The new code builder functions as a product configurator, enabling users to alter the properties and components of a product to best suit their requirements.
Follow along with each step of the Code Builder, starting with the Series and Model, to piece together your product.
1.3 R Code Builder
Once completed, you’ll have a Standard Configuration Code for your desired product.
It’s important to know that not all variations possible within a Code Builder are existing products available to order.
1.4 Configuration Codes are Not Order Codes
Codes created with a Code Builder are for reference only and not used to order the product.
The next step is to identify the corresponding three- or four-digit order code. There are two ways to do this:
You can reference the appropriate product page in the catalog to identify the three- or four-digit order code linked to your configuration code;
OR you can search the configuration code on Kimray.com.
This search will give you the Product Code, such as AAR, to order your product or find out more information.
1.5 Configuration Codes and Matching Order Code
It will also let you know if your configuration is indeed an available product.
The configurator codes, ordering codes and product descriptions are all searchable on Kimray.com for an efficient user experience.
Download our product catalog today and get started with the Kimray code builder to find your ideal product quickly and easily.
2. How To Use Kimray's Valve Tagging System
A valve tagging system is used to label products so producers can identify what item they are working with.
Sometimes it can be a challenge to know exactly how Kimray products are labeled. For example, is your back pressure regulator always called an AAR? And is that the same as a 230 SGT BP?
Kimray has been serving oil and gas producers for over seventy years. Our valves and control equipment can be found in oilfields all over the globe—some brand new, and some having been in operation for many years.
Over that time, several iterations have been made in our product options, and with these new products came a need for new naming conventions.
In this blog, we're going to explain our valve tagging system so you can accurately identify your Kimray products. Our goal here is for you to be familiar with our products no matter what naming system you may hear in your line of work.
Here are 4 different naming conventions used to identify a Kimray product:
The Order Code is the simplest, shortest code used to identify a product. You may also hear it called a “product code” or “item code.”
You may see this on our website or in a catalog. However, the Order Code is usually not on the tag or product itself.
2.2 Order Codes and Configuration Code Equivalent
The Order Code refers to one specific product. For example, when you ask a Kimray store or distributor for an AAR, that indicates a 2" threaded body back pressure regulator with standard trim.
You may be wondering where these letters and numbers come from.
In most cases, the first letter refers to an organization scheme from an older catalog section for that product. “A” was simply the first section of the catalog.
The next two letters are typically alphabetically generated and do not have significance.
The Order Code is not always limited to 3 letters. Stainless steel internals, for example, may include “S6” or an electric product may have an “E” added to the end.
2.3 Product Code and Item Code
The more suffixes added to the code, the more this code looks like a product Description, which we'll explain next.
2. Description
2.4 Product Description
The Description of the valve will be on the tag or body. You may also hear this called "model" or "item number." An example description would be 230 SGT BP.
As opposed to the Order Code, this Description does not refer to a specific product, but can be applied to a wide amount of similar products.
Here’s what the numbers and letters on this Description mean:
230 SGT BP
Line Size. The first number is the line size. In this example, it means 2”.
Working Pressure. The second number can usually be multiplied by 10 to get the working pressure of the product. In this example of the 230, this would be 300 PSIG. There are a few exceptions to this rule, like on our weight-operated valves or flanged bodies.
Connection, Type, Body Style. The next three letters tell us the connection, type and body style. In this example: S=Screwed, G=Non-Bleed Pilot Regulator, T=Through Body.
Service. The last letters tell what service the product is used for: In this example: Back Pressure.
2.5 Product Description Explanation
3. Serial Number
2.6 Serial Number
The Serial Number provides the easiest way to identify your exact product. Our serial number search can pinpoint your equipment to tell us all the information.
When you enter your serial number, you get the order code, order number, date made, and date shipped. The dates are helpful for knowing if it’s a very old product or if there have been any product notices specific to this item. If your serial number does not give any results, you can contact Kimray's Product Support team and they can track down the product for you.
This naming convention didn’t start until 2003, so if you think your product is older than that, contact our product applications group for assistance.
Here's how Serial Numbers are created:
Year. The first three numbers stand for the year – 209 means 2009 and 221 would be 2021.
Day. The following three numbers are the day of that year it was made.
# Built. And the third set of numbers is the number relative to the total number of products built that day.
2.7 Serial Number Breakdown
4. Configuration Code
2.8 Configuration Code
The Configuration Code is not on the valve. It’s simply how you build a valve to order. This is the newest naming convention for Kimray and began in 2020 to better align with industry standards and improve customer experience.
The code builder charts are included in the front pages of each catalog section and allow for the most precise naming of a product to include all the needed information in one strand of letters and numbers.
In our AAR example, the standard configuration would generate the code RBP2SADF1S, meaning:
To use Kimray’s Sizing Calculators, you will need to gather the condition details for your valve. If you are an OEM or Supply Store, your end user should have this information available.
3.1 Gather your Condition Details to Calculate for either Cv or Flow Rate
If you aren’t sure about some of your condition details, we have listed several standard Specific Gravity ranges, as well as some other tips in this guide.
A great benefit that our sizing calculator provides is the ability to save your calculations, including labels, conditions, and results. To save your calculation results, you’ll need a Kimray.com account. Be sure to set up an account if you’d like to save your results for later.
3.2 Log in to Save Calculations
Does Temperature affect my sizing?
While temperature doesn’t significantly affect the sizing of the valve, it is still good information to have when selecting your valve. Depending on what your flowing temperature is, you may want to use certain elastomers.
The flowing temperature is application-specific. Certain processes, valves, or location of valves can affect the flowing temperature. If you don’t know the flowing temperature, use close to ambient air temperature.
What is my Specific Gravity?
Specific Gravity is the ratio of a substance’s density compared to water. For example, substances with a Specific Gravity lower than 1 (water’s Specific Gravity) will float in water.
Water: 1
Condensate: .6
Crude Oil: .79 - .86
Natural Gas: .6 - .75
Glycol: 1.038 - 1.125
Which Sizing Calculator should I use?
Gas – used to size valves for use in gas production
Liquid – used to size valves for use in oil production
Liquid Expanded – used to size valves with a much higher degree of detail and precision.
Glycol – used to size glycol pumps for use in dehydration applications
3.3 Sizing Calculator Options
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add Conditions & Calculate
Gather your condition details.
Select your Calculation Method: Cv or Flow Rate. The process for calculating these will differ slightly.
Input your condition details.
When ready, click Calculate Cv (or Flow Rate) to generate your results.
Once you have your calculation results, you can either proceed to Step 2, or you can save your calculations first.
To save your calculation results, you will first need to create a Kimray.com account. The saved results include all of your labels and condition details, as well as the calculation result. You can use the saved results to quickly load conditions that you’ve already calculated.
3.4 Example Calculation and Conditions
Step 2: Find Products
Select the Conditions you want to use in your product search. All conditions are checked by default.
Select the Product Type.
Adjust the Cv ranges if needed. For general purpose or liquid applications, we recommend the 20% - 80% range at as close to 50% of the valve’s stem travel as possible. This will allow wiggle room for any change in flow rate or pressure in a gas application. For throttling gas control or flow control, we recommend the 40% - 60% range.
Click Find Products.
Use the filters and scroll buttons on the search results to narrow down by connection size, body type, trim type, set point pressure, and more. You can also use the results search bar to find a particular product code or product description.
Scroll to the far right of the filters to find a Cv chart for each product. Using your calculation results, look for a valve that fits within your desired Cv range.
Once you have chosen a valve, you can save its details using the Print or PDF actions.
3.5 Example of Products Matching Conditions3.6 Cv Chart of Products3.7 AAR5 is the best fit based on its calculated Cv
If you’re not able to find a valve that fits your need, please reach out to our Product Support team for assistance.
Equal Percentage valve trim is used to control pressure or flow of gases and vapors in throttling applications. This trim type can also be used with liquid dump valves - specifically in our larger valves and interface control. We typically recommend a Cv range of 40-60% for this trim.
Nominal, or Linear, valve trim is used for throttling liquids, liquid level control, and in applications where water hammering has been an issue. We typically recommend a Cv range of 20-80% for this trim.
Snap, or Quick-Opening, valve trim opens quickly and is used for on/off service. Primary applications include liquid dump and liquid measurement. We also offer zirconia and carbide seats for erosive applications. We typically recommend a Cv range of 20-60% for this trim.
3.7 Trim Types
What Trim Material should I use?
316 Stainless Steel – 316 Stainless Steel is a popular grade of steel that is effective in corrosive conditions.
D2 Steel – D2 Steel is an air hardening, high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel. It offers high wear resistance and mild corrosion resistance. This is the standard trim material used in many Kimray valves.
17-4PH – 17-4PH is a precipitation hardening stainless steel that is used when high strength or corrosion resistance is needed.
Tungsten Carbide – Tungsten Carbide is a hard metal we may recommend using for valve trim during flowback.
Zirconia – Zirconia is designed specifically for highly abrasive oil and gas applications, such as flowback. It offers a combination of abrasion and corrosion resistance not found in steels or alloys.
For more information about trim types and materials, check out our Valve Trim Type Guide.
What Elastomers should I use?
Nitrile is a synthetic rubber and is also known as Buna-N or Buna. This material is good for most applications with a typical amount of wear and corrosive elements in the production flow. This is the standard elastomer used in many Kimray valves.
Highly Saturated Nitrile (HSN) is a special class of nitrile with more chemical resistance, thermal stability, and greater tensile strength. It is resistant to a variety of elements, such as petroleum oils, sour gas, low levels of H2S, and more. It also provides excellent resistance to methanol injection. Look for a product code that ends in “HSN” to find a valve outfitted with Highly Saturated Nitrile.
Viton is a type of fluoroelastomer (FKM). Viton is a great option primarily for higher operating temperatures. However, you will want to avoid hot water or steam applications. Look for a product code that ends in “V” to find a valve outfitted with Viton.
Aflas is a type of fluoroelastomer (FKM). Aflas is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, acids, strong bases, amines, and steam. It has outstanding heat-resistance and excellent electrical insulation properties. Look for a product code that ends in “AF” to find a valve outfitted with Aflas.
Our easy-to-use Dump Valve Torque Calculator will help you determine what size controller, float, and valve you need for your specific conditions.
Note that there are two tabs—one for two-phase operation and one for three-phase operation.
Here's how it works for two different scenarios:
Scenario 1: Size for a 2-Phase Separator
You have a 2-phase oil vessel (SG=0.7), and you want to determine what size float and length of rod you will need for the trunnion assembly.
Select the “2-phase inputs” tab. Determine Specific Weight of the liquid by using the info and formula in Table 1 to calculate and enter it into Condition 1 column.
Oil, SG 0.7 x 62.22 = 43.554
Note: always multiply by the specific weight of WATER from Table 1, regardless of whether you’re calculating for oil or water.
Select a float from Table 2 and enter the corresponding info into the blue fields in Condition 1. If you don’t have any idea where to begin, start with a 7” x 12” Obround float.
Select any rod length in Table 3 and enter the corresponding info into the green fields in Condition 1.
Reference the diagram at the bottom to enter the data into the yellow fields in Condition 1. These entries will depend on the location of the valve relative to the trunnion.
See “Calculated Torque” results and compare to the data in Table 4. Calculated Torque must be higher than the Required Torque in Table 4. If they are not, try using one or more of the tips at the bottom.
You can copy your data from Condition 1 to the other 3 Conditions, then make small changes and compare the different Torque results at the bottom of the calculator page.
Scenario 2: Size for Interface
You are designing a system to interface between oil (SG 0.8) and water (SG 1.1) at 80F and you already have a Kimray 7” x 16” Float and 12” Rod.
Select the “3-phase (interfacing) inputs” tab. Determine Specific Weight of both liquids. Use the info and formula in Table 1 to calculate, and enter these into Condition 1 column.
Oil, SG 0.8 x 62.22 = 49.776 Note: always multiply by the specific weight of WATER from Table 1, regardless of whether you’re calculating for oil or water.
Water, SG 1.1 x 62.22 = 68.442
If you want the valve to actuate when the water level is 50% of the way up the float, enter 50 in the Condition 1 column for “% of float submerged in Liquid #2”
Reference the data in Table 2 and to enter the blue fields into Condition 1 column. When interfacing you will need to add weight inside the float, typically sand. If you don’t know how much you will use, start with 150 oz in that field and you can adjust later if needed.
Reference Table 3 to enter Rod data into Condition 1.
Reference the diagram at the bottom to enter the data into the yellow fields in Condition 1. These entries will depend on the location of the valve relative to the trunnion. Weight added to trunnion lever is 0 in this example scenario.
See “Calculated Torque” results and compare to the data in Table 4. Calculated Torque must be higher than the Required Torque in Table 4. If they are not, try using one or more of the tips at the bottom.
You can copy your data from Condition 1 to the other 3 Conditions, then make small changes and compare the different Torque results at the bottom of the calculator page.
Kimray is dedicated to investing in educational resources for the oil and gas industry, and we hope this collection of content has been helpful. If you have any feedback on this learning path, please fill out our short feedback survey.
