Emerson has introduced the TESCOM RC-X motorized injection rate control valve, a device intended to support precise dosing of chemicals in offshore refinery environments. The company states that the product aims to maintain flow assurance while lowering the total costs associated with chemical injection.
Flow assurance is a key consideration in the design and operation of offshore production facilities, particularly as the industry shifts toward deeper waters, longer tiebacks, and higher temperature and pressure reservoirs. These conditions can lead to flow restrictions caused by hydration, corrosion, or the accumulation of wax, asphaltene, scale, and emulsion.
Refineries typically apply chemical treatments to prevent these blockages, but inaccurate injection rates can create problems. Excessive injection increases chemical consumption and requires additional trips to refill storage tanks, while also potentially affecting downstream processing and triggering contamination penalties. Insufficient injection may fail to protect mechanical integrity or production output.
Julia Villa, product marketing manager for Emerson’s fluid and motion control business, noted that proper dosing in deepwater and high-pressure environments helps prevent blockages and flow instability. She explained that the TESCOM RC-X valves are designed to work with Micro Motion Coriolis flow meters to enable accurate dosing, which reduces downtime and chemical waste linked to over-injection.
The valve features a short-stroke design measuring less than 1/8 of an inch and maintains accuracy up to 15,000 psi. It supports ultra-low flow rates ranging from 0.02 to 500 liters per hour and uses 4–20 milliampere control for repeatable function. Electric actuation removes the need for compressed air, which is beneficial in locations where air supply is unavailable or unreliable.
Available in medium- and high-pressure models, the modular valves are lightweight and compact, featuring a smaller motor footprint than similar products to allow for lighter skid designs. The unit contains fewer moving parts than comparable options, which reduces the risk of mechanical failure and lowers maintenance needs. The valves are explosion-proof, carry an IP67 rating, and comply with NACE MR0175 standards.
