Parker Hannifin: ProSpool Valve Case Study

Nick Holton, Product Manager, Instrumentation Products Division Europe

Parker Hannifin, the global leader in motion and control technologies, partnered with a global chemical manufacturer to address a critical issue causing costly downtime at their flagship methylamine refinery. The company faced frequent shutdowns due to methylamine solidifying inside valves and instrumentation, a problem caused by uneven heat distribution and cooling in their existing system. Leveraging its engineering expertise, Parker developed a bespoke solution: the ProSpool valve, which integrated multiple technologies into a single, compact unit. This innovative valve maintained consistent internal temperatures, eliminated cool spots, and significantly reduced downtime from 5-7 days to just 25 minutes – resulting in annual savings of $5 million. 

The global chemical manufacturer operates a high-output line producing methylamines, essential for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other industries. Due to methylamine’s high viscosity and sensitivity to temperature drops below 140°F (60°C), maintaining stable heat is critical to prevent solidification and ensure continuous, safe operation. Traditional gate valves combined with electric heat tracing were bulky, prone to leaks, and caused uneven heating, leading to frequent plant shutdowns for cleaning and recalibration. 

Parker’s solution was developed through close collaboration between its US and European engineering teams and the customer’s operations and engineering staff over six months. The ProSpool valve combines Pro-Bloc Double Block & Bleed valve for secure isolation, a flushing ring for calibration and cleaning diaphragm seals, and an innovative internal tracing system that provides uniform heat throughout the valve body. This design simplifies the process, reduces leak paths by 66%, and reduces the system footprint by 40%, making it ideal for the refinery’s space-constrained environment. 

The results have been transformative. Calibration and cleaning downtime have been cut dramatically, thermal consistency is maintained at 170°F (76.7°C), and leakage issues have been significantly reduced. A lead engineer at the site noted that the previous electric trace system left “cool spots you could touch,” but the ProSpool’s superior thermal transfer prevents methylamine from clogging the line. 

Beyond cost savings, the project exemplifies Parker’s commitment to developing tailored, site-specific solutions that enhance safety, environmental compliance, and operational efficiency. The success of the ProSpool valve is paving the way for broader adoption across the manufacturer’s global facilities, underscoring the value of innovation and partnership in overcoming complex industrial challenges.

Contact: Nick Holton, Product Manager, Instrumentation Products Division Europe

Phone: +44 01271 313131

Email: nholton@parker.com

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