An Insider’s View of the Valve Manufacturing Industry

What are Valves?

Valves are basically mechanical devices that are used to control the pressure as well as the flow of gases, fluids and slurries within an industrial and controlled system. They are also referred to as flow regulators and are used in a variety of industrial based applications. This is why they are available in a range of designs, sizes and colors and all of them are designed according to their core operational use.

Quality Standards

When it comes to quality standards, how well a valve can function is determined by a number of regulatory bodies and each inspects a different aspect. Some of them are as follows:

MSS – this quality standard is applicable on valves made of steel and allow of 1 inch pipes or smaller. The pressure rating of these valves has to be 10,000 psi and lower than 100° F.

NACE  - This quality standard applies to valves that are used to deal with corrosive materials such as chemicals.

API – This is by far the most important quality standard for all industrial equipment. It defines the test requirements as well as inspection for valves that are purchased according to standards it sets. It can also be used for other valves that are used in the chemical or petroleum industry.

ANSI B16.34 – This quality standard applies to process valves that come with a pipe flange and pipe thread ends. It is used to determine pressure and temperature, materials, the thickness of the walls, requirements in design etc for these valves. However, it cannot be used for instrument valves.

Industries that use Valves

Valves have a large role to play in a number of industries but particularly oil and gas and petroleum. They are used to regulate pressure in thousands of miles of pipelines from their source to locations where raw material is transformed into its final form. These are also commonly used in piping for crude oil/gas onshore and off because they can optimize pipeline operating systems in multiple sections of the pipe. 

Due to a need for deeper wells, lower production costs and larger pipelines, these valves have become a

necessity in Oil, Gas and Petroleum plants. Valves have to be durable, last longer and perform better to meet production and quality demands irrespective of the industry that employs them. This includes withstanding high pressure and extreme temperatures.

SEALEXCEL offers toggle, bleed, ball, check and a number of other valves that can meet pipeline and pressure needs in a number of industries. Check out their website for more information