Anderson Greenwood: The Standard for Safety Valves

Anderson Greenwood: The Standard for Safety Valves

In industrial operations where safety and reliability are critical, choosing the right pressure relief equipment can determine whether processes run smoothly or fail unexpectedly. Anderson Greenwood has become a trusted name in this field, supplying pressure management solutions that protect both equipment and personnel. Their valves are widely used in demanding environments where performance and durability are non negotiable.

High pressure systems require dependable safety components that activate precisely when overpressure conditions occur. Anderson Greenwood valves are engineered for consistent, bubble tight shutoff that helps extend equipment life and maintain stable operations. Industrial users often work with integrated solution providers such as Natradesource to access these essential safety products across different sectors.

History and Industry Legacy

Anderson Greenwood was founded in 1947 in Houston, Texas by Marvin Greenwood, Ben Anderson, and Lomis Slaughter Jr. The company initially focused on a light aircraft project before shifting its attention to valve design as opportunities in aerospace and defence work revealed the team’s engineering strengths. This pivot laid the foundation for the brand’s long term presence in the pressure relief market.

Evolution Through Acquisition

Growth accelerated as Anderson Greenwood joined larger industrial groups over time. Keystone International acquired the company in 1986, recognising its innovative pressure relief technology and proven field experience. In 1997, Tyco Flow Control added Anderson Greenwood to its portfolio, preserving the brand while expanding its global reach. The later merger with Crosby combined two respected names in pressure relief and safety valves into a stronger, more comprehensive offering.

Today, Anderson Greenwood operates as part of Emerson, a global leader in automation and process control. This relationship provides access to extensive research, testing capabilities, and worldwide support networks. The combination of historical expertise and modern engineering resources reinforces Anderson Greenwood as a reference point for safety valve performance

Foundation of Reliability

Decades of operational experience have allowed Anderson Greenwood to refine its valve designs for both standard and harsh service conditions. Pilot operated pressure relief valves from the brand have been in service for more than half a century, proving their reliability in refineries, chemical plants, and power facilities. This long track record gives engineers and plant operators confidence when specifying anderson greenwood valves for critical applications.

Product Range and Applications

Anderson Greenwood offers an extensive portfolio of pressure management solutions suitable for a wide variety of industrial needs. Their products include pressure relief valves, tank protection devices, primary isolation valves, and specialised instrumentation. Engineers and buyers can explore complementary equipment lines through providers that showcase a broad range of industrial products.

Direct Spring Operated Valves

The Series 60 and 80 direct spring operated pressure relief valves provide straightforward protection for systems that require simple, robust designs. A calibrated spring holds the valve closed until the process pressure reaches a defined set point, at which stage the valve opens to relieve excess pressure. For liquid applications, the Series 81P uses a soft seat design to improve sealing and reduce chatter, promoting smooth operation across changing conditions.

These direct spring models are widely used in general process applications where reliability, compact size, and ease of maintenance are key selection criteria. Their relatively simple construction also makes them attractive for installations where operators want clear, predictable response characteristics from their overpressure protection devices.

Pilot Operated Relief Valves

Pilot operated pressure relief valves from Anderson Greenwood, such as the Series 200, 400, 500, 700, and 800, serve more demanding service requirements. In these designs, a sensitive pilot valve monitors system pressure and controls the main valve, providing highly accurate opening and closing behaviour. The Series 200, introduced in the 1960s, still stands as a benchmark for performance and versatility, with set pressures available from relatively low values up to very high pressure ranges.

Modulating pilot operated models open in proportion to the required relieving capacity rather than snapping fully open, which minimises product loss and reduces process disruption. This feature is particularly valuable in applications where the cost of the relieved medium is high or where stable system pressure is essential for product quality.

Specialised Safety Equipment

Beyond conventional relief valves, anderson greenwood also offers the Safety Selector Valve, designed to manage dual pressure relief devices on a single system. This arrangement allows one valve to remain active while a second remains on standby, enabling maintenance or testing without shutting down the process. The internal rotor mechanism directs flow to the chosen valve whilst keeping the idle device completely isolated.

Such specialised products support operators who need continuous protection without compromising safety or availability. Similar quality solutions can be found in related brands accessed through suppliers who carry lines like Fisher and Bettis, creating a complete ecosystem of flow control equipment.

Technical Features and Performance

Anderson Greenwood valves incorporate several design features that address everyday challenges in pressure management. The combination of advanced engineering, stringent testing, and broad application experience helps facilities achieve both safety and efficiency objectives.

Bubble Tight Shutoff and Blowdown Control

A hallmark of anderson greenwood technology is bubble tight shutoff up to a high percentage of the set pressure. This tight sealing allows plants to run closer to the valve set point without leakage, improving process efficiency and reducing emissions. It also decreases the risk of nuisance lifting that can lead to product loss or unnecessary maintenance.

External blowdown adjustment is another important feature, especially in pilot operated designs. It allows technicians to fine tune how far below the set pressure the valve will reseat after an overpressure event. Easy, repeatable blowdown settings ensure stable system behaviour, rapid reseating, and minimal downtime.

Code Compliance and International Standards

Anderson Greenwood pressure relief valves are certified to key standards such as ASME Section VIII and Section XIII, including approvals for gas and liquid service. Many products also carry CE marking in accordance with European requirements, along with other regional and industry specific certifications. For global projects, this broad compliance simplifies documentation and speeds up project approvals.

These certifications also provide assurance that materials, design, and performance have been independently verified. For safety critical equipment like pressure relief valves, this assurance is essential for both regulators and asset owners.

Selection and Sizing Considerations

Correct selection and sizing of pressure relief valves are fundamental to safe system design. Anderson Greenwood supports this process through specialised tools and engineering guidance that help translate design conditions into reliable valve specifications. Industrial buyers frequently consult technical content from trusted sources, including resources available on industry blogs, to refine their understanding of best practices.

Application Specific Requirements

Each process presents different requirements based on fluid type, operating pressure, temperature, and potential overpressure scenarios. In oil and gas production, for example, valves often face sour service conditions and variable process compositions. In chemical facilities, strict containment and emission controls place additional demands on seat tightness and materials.

Anderson Greenwood provides solutions across gas, liquid, steam, and mixed phase services, with dedicated models optimised for dirty, wet, or corrosive conditions. Selecting between direct spring and pilot operated designs usually depends on required accuracy, pressure range, system dynamics, and maintenance preferences.

Set Pressure, Capacity, and Installation

Determining the correct set pressure ensures the valve opens early enough to protect equipment but not so early that it interferes with normal operation. Capacity must be sufficient to relieve the maximum credible overpressure scenario, taking into account fire cases, blocked discharge, or equipment failure modes.

Installation design plays an equally important role. Inlet and outlet piping should minimise pressure loss and avoid sharp changes in direction that may impair valve performance. Compact solutions like the Safety Selector Valve help reduce the number of vessel penetrations, simplifying layouts and improving maintainability. Industrial users can also explore related solutions through established brands such as Asco and Cummins for broader system integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are common questions about anderson greenwood valves that many plant operators and engineers frequently raise.

1. What is Anderson Greenwood and how do their valves work?

Anderson Greenwood is a specialist manufacturer of pressure relief and safety valves used in industrial applications worldwide. Their valves open automatically when the system pressure reaches a preset value, discharging fluid to a safe location and preventing equipment damage. Direct spring designs rely on a calibrated spring, while pilot operated models use a pilot valve to sense pressure and control the main valve.

2. How long have Anderson Greenwood pressure relief valves been in service?

The company was founded in 1947 and moved into valve design shortly thereafter. Pilot operated pressure relief valves from Anderson Greenwood have been in continuous service for more than fifty years. This long history in the field provides a strong base of operating data and customer experience.

3. What industries use Anderson Greenwood safety valves?

Anderson Greenwood safety valves are widely used in oil and gas production, refining, petrochemical and chemical plants, as well as power generation and other process industries. Any facility that operates pressurised systems and needs reliable overpressure protection can benefit from their product range. Both onshore and offshore installations commonly specify anderson greenwood solutions.

4. Can Anderson Greenwood valves handle both gas and liquid service?

Yes, many Anderson Greenwood valve series are suitable for gas, liquid, steam, or two phase service, depending on the specific model and trim. Certain designs are optimised for clean gas, while others accommodate dirty or wet service and challenging liquid applications. Soft seat configurations and specialised pilots help maintain stability and tight shutoff across different media.

5. Where can I purchase authentic Anderson Greenwood valves?

Authentic Anderson Greenwood valves are available through authorised distributors and industrial solution providers with strong manufacturer relationships. Working with recognised channels ensures genuine products, correct documentation, and proper technical support. To discuss options or request guidance on suitable models, you can reach out to experienced suppliers via pages such as the contact section of Natradesource.

Conclusion

Anderson Greenwood has earned its reputation as a standard setter for industrial safety valves through decades of proven performance, robust engineering, and comprehensive certification. Its portfolio of direct spring and pilot operated designs offers flexible solutions for both straightforward and highly demanding applications. For operators managing critical assets, anderson greenwood valves provide the assurance that overpressure protection will function as intended when most needed.

By focusing on bubble tight shutoff, precise blowdown control, and global code compliance, these valves contribute not only to safety but also to process efficiency and environmental responsibility. Industrial decision makers who require dependable pressure relief technology can explore broader flow control solutions and support services through trusted platforms such as the main Natradesource website, ensuring that each system is equipped with components matched to its unique operating conditions.