Redefining Safety and Efficiency in Tanker Valve Solutions
As the maritime industry navigates tighter regulations and increasing operational demands, shipowners and shipbuilders are prioritizing solutions that deliver safety, sustainability, and economic value. As a frontrunner in pressure vacuum valve technology, Pres-Vac addresses these needs with documented value propositions that demonstrate the advantages of choosing high-quality solutions.
Uncompromising Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Pres-Vac valves are designed with a strong emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance. Certified by all major classification societies, these valves meet the stringent requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and are adaptable to various flag-state and industry-specific regulations. In several cases, Pres-Vac systems hold unique certifications that no other provider in the world possesses.
“Our valves are engineered for precision and reliability, ensuring accurate control of high-pressure events. This has long been recognized by shipowners and shipyards. Recently, however, we have focused on further refining our approach by clearly documenting our specific value propositions,” explains René Dalgaard Kristensen, Head of Sales at Pres-Vac.
Economic Advantages Through Reduced Vapor Loss
Many years of study have shown that approx. 0.2% of the oil cargo is lost through emissions. Most of the loss is during loading operation, however approx. 30% of the loss is during the voyage. To reduce the emission it is important to choose suitable equipment (ISO15364) for the application.
The Pres-Vac valve design ensures a performance of constant pressure on the cargo avoiding any unnecessary emission of cargo vapour. The breather function can handle up to 50% of the valve capacity, thereby meeting the API2000 rules for low pressure cargo tanks.
Innovative Solutions for Methanol-Powered Ships and Long Pipe Systems
Pres-Vac has delivered venting systems for methanol-powered vessels with extremely low flow rates, requiring specialized valve designs to ensure safe gas dispersion. Given the crew’s proximity to the venting system on compact vessels, it is critical to demonstrate that gases are effectively released away from the ship. This is achieved through a high-exit-velocity valve design, ensuring safe gas dispersion even at low flow rates.
These projects involve extensive collaboration with shipyards, designers, and classification societies, requiring continuous adjustments based on calculations and performance testing. The final designs successfully meet classification requirements, highlighting Pres-Vac’s ability to engineer tailored solutions for even the most complex challenges.
With over four decades of experience in methanol vapor handling, Pres-Vac has developed venting systems capable of maintaining flawless performance across extensive piping networks. Rigorous endurance burn tests and gas simulations confirm the reliability of these systems, even under the most demanding conditions.
“We can now see the economic benefits of each advantage for every installation. For example, we can document the cost savings achieved with a non-hammering valve, the reduced maintenance required for our systems, and the efficiency of a system with only a few moving parts. At the same time, we’re becoming more of a consultancy partner, helping clients make the right economic choices, optimize their systems, and comply with evolving regulations,” says René Dalgaard Kristensen.
Industry-Leading Valve Technology
Pres-Vac’s patented valve design combines weight-based and magnetic mechanisms, providing significant operational advantages. This dual system achieves precise valve openings and reduces blowdown pressure by up to 5-6 kPa, compared to competitors’ 8 kPa. The result is fewer emissions, lower cargo losses, and improved environmental compliance—key factors for sustainability-focused shipowners.
Tailored Solutions for Specialized Tankers
Unlike competitors, Pres-Vac valves deliver consistent performance while maintaining flame arresting capabilities at velocities of 60-70 meters per second. Additionally, our valves offer industry-leading noise reduction, which has been confirmed by customer feedback from deck crew. Despite achieving high outlet velocities, which naturally generate noise, our design ensures that noise levels remain significantly lower than those of competitors.
Moreover, the high velocity of our venting systems ensures that harmful gases are dispersed higher into the atmosphere, reducing exposure for crew members on deck. This also lowers the risk of accidents in case of equipment malfunctions that could cause sparks or lightning strikes.
Pres-Vac stands out as the only provider offering low-pressure valves down to 5 kPa, making them suitable for specialized applications. This capability aligns with our commitment to delivering specific, value-driven advantages for each customer.
Beyond delivering high-performance valves, Pres-Vac actively collaborates with IMO to help shape industry regulations. By engaging in this process, we ensure that our systems not only meet but often exceed compliance standards, providing shipowners and operators with future-proof solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
If you want more information or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
