France offers a full range of application-engineered reciprocating compressor valves that combine the highest possible flow efficiency with maximum service life.
The France offers a complete line of premium quality valves to satisfy most application requirements. Included are:

	Hi-Flo™		Strip-Type
	Poppet		Indicator Ported Valve (IPV)
	Concentric Ring		Self Aligning Plug Unloader
	Dampened Disc		Scavenger
	Channel

As with every France product, quality is the primary concern during valve design and manufacture. Anticipated valve performance is thoroughly analyzed with our proprietary Valve Dynamics Analysis software to ensure long valve life and minimal valve power consumption to satisfy specific compressor operating parameters. Valve Engineering utilizes state-of-the-art CAD/CAM to ensure quick accurate designs specifically for your application.

Replacement Parts
To improve or restore the efficiency and performance of virtually all compressor valves, France offers a complete line of premium quality replacement parts.
These components are engineered and manufactured to assure interchangeability and optimum effectiveness.

Reconditioning/Service Centers
To accommodate our customers local need for quick turnaround, a complete reconditioning service is available at any of France's strategically located service centers throughout North America, Canada, Europe and Asia.

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• Minimum resistance to flow
• Lower pressure drop across valve
• Improved reliability in services with liquids and debris in the gas stream virtually eliminating any foreign matter build up on the sealing surfaces.

Performance Advantage
Flat ring designs result in a greater pressure drop because the gas flow through such valves must deflect 90° at two locations to pass around the ring or plate. The Hi-Flo design eliminates these drastic changes in direction and efficiently directs the flow of the gas through the valve.

The aerodynamic Hi-Flo™ design reduces valve pressure drop by providing a low resistance to gas flow. Improved compressor performance can be realized since valve power losses and valve capacity losses are directly related to valve pressure drop.

Reliability Advantage
The Hi-Flo™ valves perform extremely well under the dirty gas and liquid slug conditions where flat ring valves typically fail. The aerodynamic angle of the Hi-Flo sealing element deflects any debris or liquid that may be present in the gas stream, virtually eliminating any build-up on the sealing surfaces.

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Compressor cylinders not tapped for diagnostic testing? No problem!

France compressor recently introduced the first Indicator Ported Valve (IPV) for reciprocating air and gas compressors. This patented product is a high performance compressor valve with an indicator port directly through the valve, allowing internal cylinder pressure to be recorded and analyzed

The Indicator Ported Valve fits existing compressor valve ports, eliminating expensive cylinder disassembly and machining. Cylinder pressure can be measured via a pressure transducer attached to a Kiene® or ball valve. This allows compressor operators to conduct routine diagnostic testing, ultimately enhancing reliability and increasing run time between failures.

This new product is available in HI-FLO™, poppet, concentric ring, and ported plate valve designs, providing for a large range of applications. Compressor operators with existing France Compressor valves can also convert their existing valves to an Indicator Ported valve - only the valve cover needs to be modified to ensure a proper fit.

1. What is an Indicator Ported Valve?
2. Why do I need an Indicator Ported Valve?
3. Is the IPV suited for my service?
4. Can I use the IPV with my unloader system?
5. What are the advantages of installing the IPV?
6. How well does the IPV work?
7. How do I order an IPV?

France's new Indicator Ported Valve (IPV) is a high performance compressor valve with an indicator port directly through the valve. A Kiene® or ball valve attaches to the top of the indicator port to control the opened and closed position. By connecting a transducer to the valve, the internal cylinder pressure of your compressor can be recorded and analyzed to determine mechanical integrity, performance, and reliability.

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Why do I need an Indicator Ported Valve?

Throughout the past three decades thousands of air & gas compressors were manufactured without drilled and tapped cylinders. Plants that purchased these machines are handicapped today because they can not access the information required to build a predictive maintenance program. Industry estimates that 75% of unscheduled downtime on reciprocating compressors could have been avoided if information on wear components was captured through diagnostic testing.

On a 900-RPM machine with a 5" stroke the compressor valves open and close 54,000 times an hour. Piston rings travel 45,000 feet per hour and packing rings undergo 54,000 pressure and temperature variations per hour. Mechanical parts cycling at this rate need to be monitored. This can now be accomplished with our patented IPV design.

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Is the IPV suited for my service?

Each Indicator Ported Valve assembly is custom designed to maximize the efficiency, capacity, and life cycle of your system. The IPV is available in four different configurations from 5"- 20" nose diameter to cover all applications and operating parameters. Your existing France Compressor valves can be converted to an IPV if you want your existing valves reconditioned. Please contact our Engineering department to discuss your specific application.

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Can I use the IPV with my unloader system?

Yes. Since the Indicator Ported Valve was designed to work with either suction or discharge valves, the IPV can be installed in your compressor that has an unloading system.

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What are the advantages of installing the IPV?

Machines equipped with the IPV give you access to the information required to increase your compressor's life cycle and reliability. The average life cycle for reciprocating compressors range from 8,000-12,000 hours, depending on the cleanliness of the gas and other mechanical factors. In most cases, these run times are below the requirements that allow you to remain competitive and profitable. As you know, running machines for a designed number of hours is simply not cost effective.
Giving you access to information through the IPV will help increase run time between failures, provide benchmark data for predictive maintenance planning, and reduce maintenance expenses simultaneously. Developing a predictive maintenance program through scheduled monitoring can prevent unscheduled shutdowns caused by valves, packing sets, piston rings, and rider rings.

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How well does the IPV work?

The design and accuracy of the Indicator Ported Valve has been tested in actual reciprocating compressors. In addition, each IPV is individually pressure tested and delivered to you with a proof test certification

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How do I order an IPV?

Simply call France Compressor Products at to obtain an IPV data sheet or to speak with one of our Product Engineers.

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