170 Years of Engineering Excellence

This year, Crane ChemPharma & Energy marks a remarkable milestone—170 years of pioneering excellence in flow control innovation. From its origins as a brass foundry in 1855, Crane has evolved into a global leader serving mission-critical industries such as severe service, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, cryogenics, and aerospace.

This anniversary is not only a tribute to Crane’s legacy but also a celebration of vision, innovation, and collaboration. In a special video message, Nicole Stott, NASA astronaut, aquanaut, and engineer, acknowledged Crane’s commitment to innovation and shared reflections on exploration, environmental responsibility, and the power of teamwork. Her words resonated deeply with Crane’s forward-looking spirit: “The future belongs to those who dream big and work together.” Watch Nicole’s message: 

This message reinforced Crane’s commitment to shaping a sustainable, collaborative future through advanced technology.

Crane’s FK-TrieX Full Port Triple Offset Valve: A Hybrid Innovation

Crane’s FK-TrieX™ Full Port Triple Offset Valve

The recent innovation, the Crane’s FK-TrieX™ Full Port Triple Offset Valve, is a breakthrough solution engineered for severe service isolation. This valve combines the best features of full-port ball valves and triple offset butterfly valves into a powerful hybrid design that delivers zero leakage shutoff, high flow capacity, and low total cost of ownership.

Severe service conditions across industries demand isolation valves that perform under high temperatures, pressure, corrosion, and abrasive media. Each application has unique requirements. For example, VCM/PVC units need zero leakage and strict emissions control due to chlorine and acid exposure, while cracking systems prioritize high-temp tolerance and coke-resistant, cavity-free designs. LNG dehydration systems require valves that handle repeated thermal and mechanical cycles with reliable bidirectional shutoff. FCC units face heat and slurry challenges, demanding repeatable zero leakage, and tank farms need fire-safe, full-port valves for pigging. Selecting the right valve is vital to ensuring operational safety, reliability, and efficiency.

Key Design Advantages

The Crane FK-TrieX™ Full Port Triple Offset Valve delivers a set of advanced design features engineered for demanding environments. It offers bidirectional zero leakage shutoff, certified to API 598, ensuring complete isolation in both flow directions. With a high Cv and low pressure drop enabled by its patent-pending disc profile, the valve supports full-bore flow and superior efficiency. Its cavity-free, self-cleaning design prevents buildup and jamming, making it ideal for slurry and polymerizable media. The quarter-turn actuation simplifies automation and reduces torque demands, particularly valuable in emergency shutdown situations. A modular seat and seal system allows for targeted maintenance, extending service life and minimizing downtime. Additionally, the valve is fire-safe and SIL3 certified, meeting API 607 and IEC 61508 safety standards, while its emissions performance meets ISO 15848-1—reinforcing its role in environmentally responsible operations.

Operational Benefits

The FK-TrieX™ valve is designed to enhance plant reliability and product quality by minimizing unplanned shutdowns and reducing planned maintenance time. Its pressure-tight bearing prevents crystallization in the packing area, while the polygon stem-to-disc engagement ensures optimal torque transmission and alignment for zero leakage sealing.

Cost Efficiency and ROI

The Crane FK-TrieX™ Full Port Triple Offset Valve delivers several key advantages over traditional full-port ball valves. Its reduced torque requirement enables the use of smaller, more cost-effective actuators, lowering automation expenses. Maintenance is simplified through modular components, which can be individually serviced or replaced, minimizing downtime and avoiding complete valve replacement.

With standard face-to-face dimensions, the FK-TrieX™ can be easily integrated into existing systems without modifying piping layouts. Additionally, its lightweight design—up to 20% lighter than comparable ball valves—helps reduce structural support costs. By combining the high-flow characteristics of a ball valve with the reliable sealing performance of triple-offset technology, FK-TrieX™ offers a versatile solution for demanding isolation applications.

Conclusion: Legacy Meets Innovation

The Crane FK-TrieX™ Full Port Triple Offset Valve exemplifies Crane’s commitment to engineering excellence and sustainable innovation. As the company celebrates 170 years of progress, this valve stands as a testament to its enduring mission: INNOVATING FOR TOMORROW and delivering safe, reliable, and efficient solutions for Customers Toughest Challenges.

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