“Topworks” typically refers to the pneumatic actuator of a High Pressure Control Valve.
The Kimray High Pressure Control Valve is a versatile solution for many oil and gas production applications. It is used as a dump valve, pressure regulator, suction controller, recirculation valve, as well as in plunger lift applications.
A Kimray High Pressure Control Valve package consists of several components. These include the sense line protector, supply gas regulator, pilot, and drip pot. We can break the valve itself down into three primary parts:
- body
- trim
- topworks
Topworks of a High Pressure Control Valve
The bottom works refers to the valve body and trim together. This is where the process liquids or gases flow when the valve is open. The “middle section” contains the valve trim. Valve trim consists of a stem, packing, and coupling block, which gives operators a visual indication of valve travel.
Topworks, meanwhile, refers to to the top section of the control valve. The exterior of this area consists of bolts and a hoist hook. Inside this area is a key to the valve’s movement: the actuator.
In a pneumatic actuator, the diaphragm inside the topworks reacts to a pneumatic signal from a pilot to either open or close the valve. This action may be up or down depending on the configuration. (See our video to learn how this configuration can be field converted to fail open or fail closed.)
While the standard topworks is a pneumatic actuator, we can also pair the High Pressure Control Valve with an electric actuator for zero-emission control and remote monitoring.
To learn more about High Pressure Control Valves, contact your local Kimray store or authorized distributor.
