Industrial valves around the world

The Trans-Anatolian Gas Pipeline (TANAP) runs through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. (Source: TANAP)

Industrial valves are indispensable components in numerous industrial processes around the world. They regulate, control and secure the flow of liquids, gases and other media in a wide range of applications, from the oil and gas industry to chemical production and water treatment. The requirements for industrial valves vary greatly depending on the industry and region, resulting in a wide range of designs, materials and technologies.

While Europe often emphasises maximum precision and durability, Asia focuses on cost-efficient and innovative solutions. This global diversity not only reflects different technical standards, but also the unique challenges and needs of the respective markets. A look at industrial valves around the world shows how engineering and technology adapt to regional conditions and contribute to the efficiency and safety of industrial plants.

Ensuring European energy security

One important project is the Trans-Anatolian Gas Pipeline (TANAP), which stretches from Azerbaijan via Georgia and Turkey to Europe. This pipeline is a key element of European energy security and requires valves that can not only withstand high pressures, but also work reliably in a wide temperature range. The industrial valves used are specially designed to ensure the integrity of the pipeline over its entire length, which is a particular challenge given the different climatic conditions along the route.

Demin plant in South Africa (Source: Allmech)

The Yamal LNG project in Russia is another example of global industrial valve projects. This gigantic natural gas liquefaction project on the Yamal peninsula in Siberia is one of the largest of its kind and places extreme demands on the industrial valves used. The valves must be able to function at extremely low temperatures and withstand the harsh Arctic conditions. Special cryogenic valves were developed for this project, which work reliably even at temperatures below -50 °C.

Ceramic ball valves for Africa

Automatic and manual ceramic ball valves offer a costeffective alternative to solenoid valves and provide better wear resistance. Lynette Morrey, New Business Development Manager of Allmech, leading South African manufacturer of boilers and supplier of water treatment components, says that various innovations mean that these valves are now suitable for a greater number of applications than ever before.

“Ceramic core ball valves are ideal for low torque operation; they’re durable and long-lasting and they’re resistant to corrosion, abrasion and chemical wear”, Morrey says. “They are a low-maintenance option and we’re finding more and more customers choosing them, particularly in humid conditions. They don’t need constant monitoring, routine inspections or regular cleaning and re-calibration.”

LNG projects - such as the Gorgon gas project off the coast of Australia - are becoming increasingly important for the international energy supply. (Source: Wikimedia Commons / Maciej Margas)

Morrey says common applications include seawater desalination, paper mills, printing and dyeing, electroplating, smelting, energy, medical, chemical, fluid intelligent control, smart card water meters, sewage, water reclaiming, softener and filtration water treatment plants, boreholes and domestic water treatment applications.

Important projects from Asia to Australia

The Changi Water Reclamation Plant in Singapore stands out in the water treatment industry. This state-of-the-art project is one of the largest and most technologically advanced water treatment projects in the world. It utilises industrial valves that are extremely resistant to corrosion and can operate continuously under aggressive chemical conditions. The valves have to cope with high flow rates and pressures in order to treat the enormous quantities of wastewater efficiently.

The Bruce nuclear power plant has a total of eight reactors, making it the third largest nuclear power plant in the world. (Source: Wikimedia Commons / Chuck Szmurlo)

Finally, the Gorgon gas project off the coast of Australia is one of the world's largest natural gas processing projects. This project utilises the most advanced industrial valves designed for use in corrosive marine environments. The valves must meet the demanding requirements of both offshore production and onshore processing, including the handling of sour gas, which requires specialised materials and designs to ensure the durability and safety of the equipment.

Worldwide delivery orders for industrial valves

More and more manufacturers of industrial valves are now focussing on international orders. These orders often require customised solutions to meet the specific technical and climatic requirements of the respective region. Through international partnerships and state-of-the-art production technologies, companies can ensure that their valves meet the highest global standards and are delivered on time.

Global valve and actuator manufacturer IMI has been awarded a multi-million euro contract to supply seven pressure reducing valves to a large offshore production facility in the North Sea. As part of the project, IMI will replace old valves with new pressure equalisation valves to improve the reliability, efficiency and environmental performance of the facility.

Utility Bruce Power Inc. has signed an alliance agreement with valve manufacturer Velan Inc. The two Canadian companies have agreed to co-operate for the next ten years. Part of the agreement is the delivery of numerous valves worth 100 million dollars. These are mainly nuclear and non-nuclear valves. Velan will also be responsible for modernisation and technical services in the future.

MRC Global Inc. has announced that its subsidiary MRC Global (US) Inc. has signed a contract as the primary supplier of pipe, fitting and valve (PVF) products and services to ExxonMobil in North America. The agreement covers all of ExxonMobil's upstream and downstream facilities in North America for maintenance, repair, operations and project work.

The global projects highlight the key role that industrial valves play in different industries and regions and how they help ensure the efficiency and safety of global infrastructure projects.