Q&A Resource
What is a Severe or Critical Service Application?
Answer
Source: https://www.ladishvalves.com/blog/top-considerations-before-selecting-ball-valve-seats/
A very common question asked in the valve and automation industry is: what is considered a severe or critical service valve application? There are several groups, MSS in particular, that are working on a more objective standard to provide guidance on this question.
As it pertains to ball valves in the refining and chemical industry, the question becomes: when should a severe or critical service metal seated ball valve be considered? This is a rapidly expanding segment of the market that is widely misunderstood. The correct answer to this question is: when process requirements exist calling for ball valves that operate and seal in conditions outside the range of typical products, test protocols and industry standards. This can mean many things to many people, and one must take care to not simply throw money at a problem hoping it goes away.
