GESTRA Bottom Blowdown Valve
The GESTRA bottom blowdown valve is designed for intermittent removal of sludge, salts, and non-metallic solids from the lowest point of steam boilers. Operation is based on rapid opening and closing; an opening time of approximately 2–3 seconds generates a high instantaneous flow and suction at the boiler bottom. Prolonged opening does not significantly improve blowdown efficiency.
Types and Operation
- PA 46 / PA 47 / PA 48: manual lever operation.
- MPA 46 / MPA 47 / MPA 48: automatic operation with diaphragm actuator.
- MPA actuator control medium: compressed air or water.
- Maximum actuator control pressure: 8 bar.
- Options: TA timer, limit switches, emergency lever.
Technical Selection Data
Available in PN 40, PN 63, and PN 100 pressure classes, with flanged, socket-weld, and butt-weld connections. For PA/MPA 46 PN 40, sizes DN 20–50 are specified. Indicative pressure/temperature ratings for PN 40: 40 bar at 20°C, 37.1 bar at 100°C, 33.3 bar at 200°C, 27.6 bar at 300°C.
Materials and Sealing
- Body: 1.0460 / ASTM SA105
- Seat: hardened 1.4034
- Cone: hardened 1.4122
- Stem packing: PTFE yarn
- MPA actuator diaphragm: EPDM
Installation
Piping between boiler and valve should not exceed 2 m. Downstream piping must be sloped for drainage and to reduce water hammer risk. Flow direction must match the arrow on the valve body.
Compliance
Valve is PED-compliant for group 2 fluids and ATEX classified CE Ex II 2G/D c X for suitable zones, with surface temperature monitored by process medium.