VIRTUAL MARKET OUTLOOK WORKSHOP IS AUG.

6-7

MAGAZINE
VOL. 32, NO.3
SUMMER 2020
What NDE
Does for the
Valve
Industry

HELPING OUT PNEUMATICS CONTROL METALS

DURING THE IN THE VALVE USED IN
PANDEMIC DIGITAL AGE PACKING VALVES
 Powell Cryogenic Valves
COOL UNDER
PRESSURE.
When America was developing it’s space
program they needed valves that would
deliver quality and reliability. They chose
POWELL.

Powell offers a full line of cryogenic valves

including forged, cast or stainless using
the finest materials.

Our in-house modification services and

in-house global cryo cleaning capabilities
allow us to better service the LNG and
Industrial Gas End Users.

Products
Gate, Globe, Checks (ASME
B16.34, API 600, API 603)
Size Range
1/2” - 30”
Pressure Class
150, 200, 300, 600, 900, 1500

www.powellvalves.com
Contact your Powell Representative at 513-852-2000
Reliability (noun):
the ability to consistently deliver
sustained performance, efficiency
and durability in industrial flow control
applications through proven mission-
critical technology and services.

Reinventingreliability
Reinventing reliability
neles.com
neles.com
Severe service performance,
made simpler.

The Securaseal R-series

cast metal-seated ball valve
takes Velan’s severe service
technology and places it in an
optimized package–designed
to meet the performance, price
and delivery requirements of
the market.
With over 30 years of expertise
in engineering state-of-the-
art metal-seated ball valves,
Velan has been the “go-to” in
developing solutions for some
of the most demanding projects
around the world.
How can we help you?
Learn more at: www.velan.com

+1 514 748 7743

www.velan.com
14 BEAUTY OR
A BEAST?
Nondestructive testing on valve
components is conducted so that
manufacturers and users can see
what’s below the surface without the
chance of harming equipment. The
tests are improving and the standards
evolving to ensure ever-better quality.
BY GREG JOHNSON
MAGAZINE
SUMMER 2020  |  VOL. 32, NO. 3

36 Editor’s Picks
PRODUCTS

18 VALVE MANUFACTURERS » Pneumatic Actuator

Series
» Sensing Platform
» Selection Guide
STEP UP DURING PANDEMIC » Remote Technology » Data Collection Tool
As the COVID-19 crisis unfolded, » Pilot-operated Pressure » Linear Electric Actuators
Relief
valve companies found ways to
help their communities, first
responders and those who needed
valve products fast to deal with
NOW
ON…
medical needs.
BY BARBARA DONOHUE Respect Your Check Valves!
Check valves play a crucial role in protecting other
22 NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR components in flow systems. To do its job, each
check valve needs to be a type appropriate to the
PNEUMATIC VALVES application and sized correctly so it stays fully
The technology that drives open with the normal operating flow. Learn more
pneumatic equipment has kept about these important valves in this recap from a
pace with the digital age through recent VMA webinar.
new tools for gathering and using
data, advances in valve control » The Ultimate Question for » Capstone Projects Team
technologies and improved Control Valve Maintenance: Undergraduates with Company
monitoring capabilities. Repair Or Replace? Sponsors
BY MARCHELLE FORISH » COVID-19 Pandemic Shakes the » Cyber-Securing Your Mined Bytes
Oil Industry » Blockchain 101
» The Outlook for LNG and Water/
Wastewater Markets

COLUMNS DEPARTMENTS

4 Perspectives 26 Beyond Valves 30 Materials Q&A 32 Waterworks Industry Capsules … 6

Our Changing PTFE Packing Metals New Requirements
VMA Calendar … 7
World BY DAVID STEFFEN BY STAN ALLEN for Actuator Sizing
BY HEATHER RHODERICK BY JOHN BALLUN VMA and VRC
Member Roster … 34
Index to Advertisers … 36
 PERSPECTIVES

MAGAZINE
Our Changing World
www.VALVEmagazine.com

MAGAZINE
.com
E D ITO R IAL R E V IE W B O ARD

Don Bowers Since the beginning of this year, we’ve been

CONVAL, INC.
MAGAZINE
eNews
reminded time and time again of the words of the
Allen Ruef ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus, who said,
MOOG, INC.
“the only constant in life is change.” Just a few months
Julie Bodine ago, most of us believed this pandemic was a significant-
VALVTECHNOLOGIES
enough event to be considered the game-changer of the
Neal Clevenger year—if not the decade. Yet we’re now facing additional
VICTAULIC
issues from prolonged economic downturn as well as social
Stuart Prestridge and political unrest. These issues are all important and are
SETPOINT INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS
challenging our industry, our companies and all of us as
individuals. How we respond individually and collectively will
also be game-changers.
One constant, however, is that the essential valve industry
perseveres just as we have for several hundred years. Those
working in the industry will continue to innovate, manage
through crises and overcome hurdles—all while producing
products that are essential to countless end-user industries
that are indispensable to today’s society. This issue highlights
some examples of how the industry is continuing to move
forward.
VALVE Magazine (ISSN No. 1057-
2813) is the ­official magazine of Read about how companies have reacted to the COVID-19
the Valve Manufacturers Association crisis by reaching out to help communities and businesses in
of America (VMA) and is published
­quarterly by VMA, located at 1625 need (see page 18). We also take a look at how to evaluate
K Street NW, Suite 325, Washing- and test valves and equipment to ensure that products
ton, DC 20006; 202.331.8105; Fax:
202.296.0378. continue to perform well. We’ve included information on how
Advertising queries: 540.374.9100. new technology and advances in manufacturing and materials
Periodicals postage paid at
­Washington, DC, and at additional science are being applied to our industry, topics we address
mailing offices. further in our online content.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes The valve industry remains steadfast in its determination
to VALVE ­Magazine, P.O. Box 1673 to produce and deliver quality products that serve customers.
Williamsport, PA 17703-1673.
Subscriptions are free to qualified VMA will do the same as the industry’s association, whether
­readers in the United States and Can- that means providing knowledge and education through this
ada; $40 per year to unqualified readers
in the United States and Canada; $60 magazine, virtual events or in-person events; representation
per year for all subscribers outside the for the industry within the government; or connecting
United States and Canada.
the industry together through networking and business
Statements of fact and opinion made opportunities.
are the responsibility of the authors
alone and do not necessarily imply Change may be a constant factor in today’s reality, but
endorsement or agreement on the part VMA, the industry and our member companies are up to the
of the officers or membership of VMA.
Materials may not be ­reproduced in task.  VM
VALVE MAGAZINE   SUMMER 2020

any form without written permission

of VMA.

© Copyright 2020. All rights reserved.

Heather Rhoderick, CAE

President

www.vma.org

4
 Air leaks in my pneumatic system are wasting
energy, and affecting the performance of my
machine. I need continuous monitoring that can
identify them quickly.

YOU CAN DO THAT

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by providing actionable insights that improve machinery performance. By obtaining and analyzing
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you to address your issues immediately, visit: Emerson.com/AVENTICS

The Emerson logo is a trademark and a service mark of Emerson Electric Co. © 2020 Emerson Electric Co.
 INDUSTRY CAPSULES

NEW CONTRACTS test stands at SSC during

static single or multi-
with key partner FloTech
Inc. to identify the correct
back-pressure dump
tubes to Exxon Mobil’s
ProMation, FloTech Providing engine testing. valve and coupler to com- Golden Pass LNG site
Actuators to NASA ProMation sales engi- plete the specification. for the new expanded
ProMation Engineering will neers worked closely with combined cycle power plant
supply electric actuators NASA personnel to deter- Baker Hughes Supplying LNG procured through Chiyoda
to the high-pressure mine the correct configura- Project Corporation of Japan.
industrial water facility tion of the actuators to be Baker Hughes has been The LNG project is
at Stennis Space Center installed. Once the correct awarded the contract to adding liquefaction and
(SSC). The facility provides configuration was deter- supply turbine bypass export capabilities to its
cooling water to the largest mined, ProMation worked valves and condenser existing facility in Sabine

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

MRC GLOBAL… President & CEO Andrew Lane announced 15 years, Smith took on additional management and leadership
he will retire and resign from the board effective Dec. 31, 2021. roles. Besides serving as COO, Smith is a member of the sales
Lane has served as a director of MRC Global and president and team and the executive team, and sits on the board of directors.
CEO since September 2008 and was the MRC Global chairman VICTAULIC… has appointed Rick Bucher to the position
of the board from December 2009 until April 2016, when the of president and COO. Bucher will continue reporting to
positions of chairman of the board and CEO were separated. John F. Malloy who has served as chairman, president & CEO
CRANE… chairman R.S. Evans has retired in accordance for the past 16 years. Malloy will remain chairman and CEO.
with the company’s director retirement policy. James L. L. Bucher began his career with Victaulic in 2009 as vice
Tullis, a Crane Co. director since 1998, became chairman president, product development, and rose to the position of
upon Evans’ retirement. Evans was with Crane for 47 years, executive vice president, technology and product develop-
including 36 years as chairman and 17 years as CEO. ment. In June 2019, he was named COO.
According to Crane Co. president and CEO Max Mitchell, BADGER ALLOYS… has named Richard Flahive
Evans drove substantial change to the company’s portfolio, operations manager. Flahive brings 33 years’ experience
operations, strategy and culture and has been a singular to Badger Alloys managing both ferrous and nonferrous
focus on building shareholder value while adhering to the foundries and serving most recently as vice president of
tenets of the R.T. Crane resolution. manufacturing for an iron castings company.
CONVAL… announced that Kris Stevens has been WOLSELEY INDUSTRIAL GROUP… vice president Rob
appointed inside sales manager. Stevens replaces Austin Braig is the newest member of the PVF Roundtable Board
Wilkie, who retired after many years with the company. of Directors. The roundtable is an organization of industry
Stevens served in the U.S. Navy Nuclear Program as a professionals involved in the pipe, valve and fitting (PVF)
nuclear steam power plant mechanic aboard the USS George industry committed to providing an open dialogue to
H.W. Bush and transitioned to the private sector in 2013, exchange relevant information, creating awareness of current
becoming nuclear contracts administrator at Conval. In industry affairs that affect the entire PVF community.
this role, he dealt with Conval nuclear valve design codes, RICHARDS INDUSTRIALS… named Jordan
specifications, contracts and general sales activity. Bas its new president and CEO. Bast succeeds
CURTISS-WRIGHT… vice president and CFO Glenn E. Bruce Boxterman, who is retiring after 15
Tynan announced plans to retire after 20 years with the years as president/CEO, but will remain a
company, the past 18 as CFO. Tynan will continue to serve member of the board of directors. Bast brings
as a vice president to assist the executive team with the vast experience in business development and Jordan Bas
transition until his retirement this fall. management across different process industries
K. Christopher Farkas has been promoted to vice and discrete manufacturing.
president and CFO. Farkas has served as vice president of ADMIRAL VALVE… has appointed Robert Maza inside
VALVE MAGAZINE   SUMMER 2020

finance and corporate controller since 2017. Before joining technical sales manager. Maza has more than 25 years of
Curtiss-Wright, Farkas spent more than 17 years in financial, experience in the technical and industrial sales fields. He
technical and operational roles of increasing responsibility most recently served as the director of sales and business
within Fortune 50/250 industrial companies. development for Neutronics Inc. in Exton, PA.
OPTIMATION TECHNOLOGY… announced it VALVTECHNOLOGIES… has appointed David Birks as
has a new COO: Wendy Smith. She has over 30 regional sales director for the Middle East and Africa. He will
years’ experience in plant operations and design be based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
and engineering services management. With more than 20 years’ experience in the valve manu-
In 2003 Smith joined the company as the facturing industry, Birks brings extensive international sales
mechanical and process engineering/design Wendy Smith and business management experience to ValvTechnologies.
supervisor as well as the COO of Klug Systems (a Most recently, he served as vice president of sales project
company that Optimation had recently acquired). Over the next pursuit for Emerson Valves.
6
 CALENDAR

Valtorc Providing Valves for

2020
NASA
Valtorc International, USA
manufacturing operations AUGUST
has been tapped to
fabricate V ball control 6-7
valves for an upcoming VMA Virtual Market Outlook
M Baker Hughes is supplying to Golden Pass, which is increasing export capacity by NASA project. Valtorc has Workshop
about 16 million tons. been working with many www.vma.org/MarketOutlook2020
private space companies
Pass and will increase has moorings for six vessels to provide USA fabricated
overall export capacity to up to VLCC size and nine V ball control valves to SEPTEMBER
about 16 million tons of barges. critical infrastructure
LNG per year. The current HES International is projects. 9-11
Golden Pass LNG terminal one of Europe’s largest VMA/VRC Virtual Annual
campus includes five,
155,000-cubic-meter LNG
independent terminal oper-
ators in dry and liquid bulk AWARDS & Meeting*
www.vma.org/AnnualMeeting
storage tanks, two marine products. The company has MILESTONES
berths capable of offloading a long relationship with
ocean-going LNG carriers AUMA, which has previous- Teadit Honored with 2019 SEAL
and process facilities ly supplied actuators for Award OCTOBER
capable of re-gasifying HES Botlek Tank Terminal Teadit North America
3-7
LNG to produce 2 billion in Rotterdam. was recently presented
standard cubic feet of the SEAL (Sustainability, WEFTEC 2020 (Virtual)
New Orleans
natural gas per day. EGC Enterprises Becomes ITAR Environmental www.weftec.org
Registered Manufacturer Achievement and
Wolseley and Union Tech EGC Enterprises has Leadership) Award, which
Announce Distribution achieved certification from recognizes Environmental
Agreement the Directorate of Defense Initiatives. This is the DECEMBER
Union Tech and Wolseley Trade Controls (DDTC) as first of several accolades
Industrial Group, a division an International Traffic in for Teadit’s Origin
1-3
of Ferguson Enterprises, LLC, Arms Regulations (ITAR) Technology that is based Valve World Conference &
have signed an agreement registered manufacturer. on the sustainability of its Exhibition
for the exclusive distribution ITAR certification is the manufacturing process. The Dusseldorf, Germany
www.valveworldexpo.com
of Union Tech’s severe- export control regulation technology has received
service metal-seated and overseen by the U.S. State multiple awards in other
rising-stem ball valves Department. It is used areas. The award entries 8-10
throughout the Western U.S. to control items on the were evaluated based POWERGEN International
U.S. Munitions List and upon key criteria such as Orlando, FL
www.powergen.com
AUMA Wins Major Tank Farm the Missile Technology impact metrics, innovation,
Order Control Regime Annex and sharing of insights and
AUMA has won the largest applies to defense-related investment levels.
order in the company’s applications for military ALSO COMING THIS FALL …
history, which is to supply end use. Emerson Wins 2020 Edison
2,756 explosion-proof Award VMA Virtual Valve Basics
electric actuators for the Emerson Enters into 7-Year Emerson’s Plantweb digital Seminar
SUMMER 2020  VALVE MAGAZINE

HES Hartel Tank Terminal Saudi Alliance ecosystem has been named www.vma.org/ValveBasics
in the Port of Rotterdam, Emerson has signed a stra- a 2020 Edison Awards
the Netherlands. AUMA is tegic agreement to serve winner in the Innovative VMA Virtual Valve Forum
the sole actuator supplier as a preferred automation Services category. www.VMA.org/ValveForum
for the project. services and technologies Emerson’s Plantweb
When operational, HES provider with Saudi Basic was chosen as a winner
Hartel Tank Terminal will Industries Corporation by a panel of more than
have storage capacity for (SABIC) to help the pet- 3,000 business executives * Open to VMA/VRC members only.
1.3 million cubic meters of rochemical manufacturer from the fields of product Visit www.VMA.org to learn if your
clean petroleum products successfully adopt digital development, design, company qualifies for membership.
and biofuels in 54 tanks. transformation programs engineering, science,
The 27-hectare site also and optimize operations. marketing and education.
7
 INDUSTRY CAPSULES

MAGAZINE
STAFF

MAGAZINE
PUBLISHER
.com
Heather Rhoderick
M Emerson’s expansion also includes an innovation center.
A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R /
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Judy Tibbs
NEW FACILITIES and service for a large in Florida, Alabama and
MAGAZINE

eNews
and growing installed South Carolina.
MANAGING EDITOR
Genilee Parente Emerson Plans $100 Million base in the southeastern The new facility
Expansion in Boulder, CO U.S., Vaughan has agreed consolidates Flotech’s
WEB EDITOR
Emerson will invest more to dissolve PMCC and machine shops, automation
Barbara Donohue
than $100 million in Boul- join REXA directly as the center, training facility,
A S S I S TA N T E D I T O R der, CO to significantly southeastern United States industrial and municipal
Chris Guy
expand its manufacturing territory manager. valve distribution, sales
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR space and launch a new and service teams under
Greg Johnson innovation center focused Powell Valves Moving to New one roof. Valve services
ART DIRECTOR/
on research, new product Facility in Cincinnati include testing, certifying,
PRODUCTION MANAGER development and industry After 174 years in the same repairing, automating, and
Michelle Wandres
training for its advanced Cincinnati location, Powell modifying manual valves,
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR flow measurement products. Valves moved so that its safety relief valves and
Sue Partyke The nearly 180,000- neighbor, KAO USA, can process control valves. VM
square-foot expan- expand its facility.
How to Contact
sion includes a new, Powell agreed to sell Metso Becomes Neles USA Inc.
VALVE Magazine 85,000-square-foot labo- its headquarters to The
The company formerly
ratory and manufacturing Port of Greater Cincinnati
known at Metso Flow Con-
EDITORIAL OFFICES
phone: 571.274.0402 facility to design and Development Authority
trol is now Neles. In this
email: jtibbs@vma.org develop products, tech- and use the proceeds to
country, the company is
www.ValveMagazine.com nologies and software that build a new facility on four
officially known as Neles
ADVERTISING SALES measure and control the acres of land that The Port
USA Inc. Neles became
Sue Partyke flow of material in a manu- owns just north of the
an independent, focused
145 Harrell Road
Suite 119
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Reliability (noun):
facturing process. former Sara Lee/Kahn’s
flow control company July
manufacturing site on
1, 2020 after a partial
phone: 540.374.9100 REXA Opening New Sales/
the ability to consistently
Spring Grove. deliver
demerger of Metso. Neles
fax: 540.374.9265
email: spartyke@vma.org
Service Office is a leading provider of
REXA sustained
is opening a new performance, efficiency
Flotech Moves Valve & mission-critical flow con-
C I R C U L AT I O N / S U B S C R I P T I O N S sales/service office in Mar-
and durability inFacility Automation Shops to New
industrial flow control trol solutions and services
phone: 570.567.1193
fax: 570.320.2079 ietta, GA. The building was for process industries
email: applications
formally the home of REXAthrough proven
Flotech, Inc. recentlymission-
including chemicals, ener-
valve@psaemail.com representative Process moved to a 175,000-
NEW PRODUCTS, MEDIA AND
critical
Measurement andtechnology
Control and building
square-foot services. gy, gas and LNG, industrial
gas, marine, mining, refin-
INDUSTRY NEWS
Chris Guy Corporation (PMCC). in Jacksonville, FL to ing and more.
phone: 571.274.5224 Owned by Trey Vaughan, accommodate its growing
email: cguy@vma.org Reinventing
PMCC Reinventing
represented thereliability
REXA
reliability service, automation
VALVE MAGAZINE   SUMMER 2020

neles.com
neles.com
product line for over 25 and sales activities. The
ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
VALVE Magazine years. To streamline sales company has locations
welcomes articles, proposals,
manuscripts, photographs
and ideas from our readers. M Flotech’s new facility is 175,000 square feet.
Neles_Launch_ad_8_38_X_11_18_Full_page_bleeds_VALVE_Magazine.indd 1 25/06/2020 10:34:48

For a copy of the magazine’s

Author’s Guidelines, contact
Genilee Parente, managing edi-
tor, at gparente@vma.org.

8
At United Valve, providing
excellent valve repair turnaround Repair &
Turnaround
work is a prime focus. We
are adept at meeting tight
turnaround schedules while

Specialists
providing the highest quality
workmanship and engineering
expertise.
Alliances and agreements with
45 of the world’s best valve People, Equipment, Facilities, Expertise

Our repair equipment

includes lapping
machinery for balls up
to 36 ".
manufacturers give us access,
on an engineer-to-engineer
basis, with the key knowledge-
keepers at these companies.
Our repair equipment includes
lapping machinery for balls up
to 36". The welding department,
headed by our in-house welding
engineer, can handle casting
repair and upgrade on virtually
any alloy, especially Cr/Mo
materials
A 40-ton overhead crane and
38 feet of hook height make
handling large valves easy. A
giant, 20-foot capacity, vertical
boring mill can handle any
machining requirements that
occur during the repairing of the
industry’s largest flow control
components.

9916 Gulf Freeway, Houston, Texas 77034-1045

Phone 713/944-9852 888/715-5093 Fax 713/944-5964

Visit us online at: www.unitedvalve.com

 VMA NEWS

Virtual Valve Forum and Valve Basics Coming this Fall New Careers
Like the rest of the world, Center to Open in
VMA’s plans for providing
members top-notch edu- September
cational and networking VMA is launching a new
opportunities have had to Careers Center.
change to adapt to a crisis The center will be a
of extraordinary propor- place for companies to
tions. Yet communicating post jobs to the VMA Valve
with members and their Network or to a larger
customers, providing the network of STEM [science,
industry and members technology, engineering
with business intelligence, M While the exhibition is moving to computer screens, suppliers and sponsors will be and mathematics]-related
very much present during Valve Week. Each exhibitor and sponsor will have a virtual
networking opportunities room so attendees can see each company’s offerings, view demos, ask questions or organizations representing
and education is part of even set up appointments for future discussions. thousands of job seekers
the organization’s back- in those fields.
bone, and it will continue and valve repair topics, as equipment do, and what Companies will be able
to be so in the future. The well as showcase products standards and regulations to search posted resumes
association has found inno- and services for the valve, apply in the industry. In for good candidates. Job
vative new channels for actuator and automation addition, up-close videos seekers can use the center
accomplishing this mission. industry. of various products will to find valve industry jobs
Roundtable discussions be shown as part of the as well as jobs for hundreds
A GATHERING OF ALL THINGS VALVE focusing on specific areas curriculum to provide a of companies in other
To provide a forum for of interest will be part of better understanding of STEM-related industries.
bringing together people the Valve Forum along will how this vital equipment For a fee, job seekers also
from across the industry, numerous opportunities works. The course is led by will be able to get profes-
VMA is hosting its first-ev- to network with other VMA’s experienced team of sional help in areas such as
er “Valve Week,” to take participants, meet one-on- volunteer presenters who resume writing, interview
place in late October or one, and visit sponsors to will be available to answer tips and coaching, and
November. That will include learn and ask questions the many questions asked other job-related areas.
the Virtual Valve Forum— about their products and by newcomers to the indus- VMA members will
VMA’s most comprehensive services. try, who typically make up receive reduced pricing on
gathering for all those who a large percentage of the the job networking site.
touch valves. It also will NEWCOMERS WILL BENEFIT FROM Basics course participants. Candidates and others
include the popular Valves THE BASICS The association is in the seeking information on
Basics 101 course. The Valves 101 course process of finalizing the what valve careers will do
At the Valve Forum, teaches attendees the schedule. Stay tuned to the for them can visit Valve
thought leaders in the fundamentals of the valve VMA.org website and other Careers.com.
industry present informa- industry including what VMA channels of communi- Questions? Email info@
tion on manufacturing, types of valves are used cation for details. vma.org.
technical, management, in what applications,
business and marketing, what the various types of
NEW MEMBERS
M The curriculum for ProMation Engineering (www.promationei.com) has
VMA’s Valve Basics joined VMA as a full member. Based in Brooksville, FL, the
course—designed to company was founded in 2006.
VALVE MAGAZINE   SPRING 2020

be product neutral—
will be presented by ProMation manufactures, assembles, and designs electric
our experienced team actuators and flow control devices used on valves and
of member volunteers. dampers in water and wastewater, large heating and cooling
In addition, videos facilities, oil and gas production, and industrial processing.
will be included
to show products VMA also welcomed Groth Corporation (www.grothcorp.
“up close and com) as a full member. Established in 1960, Groth Corporation
personal,” enhancing manufactures pressure/vacuum relief valves, deflagration and
the educational
detonation flame arresters, blanket gas regulators and other
experience. Shown
here, Greg Johnson of low-pressure relief products. The company’s products are used
United Valve. in refineries, chemical processing plants and facilities with
atmospheric storage tanks.
10
 operational during times of educational programs or events.
remarkable legal uncertain- The VMA Board of Directors guides
ty, but in doing so, they risk the overall direction of the association,
becoming the targets of coro- along with providing financial over-
navirus-related lawsuits. Con- sight. Currently, the board is working
gress must act to ensure that on developing a Strategic Plan to map
misguided litigation does not out the association’s future path.
derail the nation’s recovery. VMA committees include market
Temporarily suspending lawsuits outlook/statistics, technical, manu-
that threaten to shut down vital facturers, education & training, com-
VMA Requests Action industries (including health
care providers) is a sensible step
munications, and the VALVE Magazine
Editorial Review Board.
from Congress on Key to ensure every American has
access to basic life essentials
The benefits of being a volunteer
are many, including the opportunity
Legislative Proposals without creating new shortages
and exacerbating the crisis.
to meet and learn from others in the
industry, gain insights into trends,
The Valve Manufacturers Association provide solutions to issues facing the
and other trade groups representing
companies that employ millions of men Members: Make an entire industry, and demonstrate
leadership that will help advance your
and women have several key proposals
on the front burner. To help members Impact, Become a VMA company and the industry.
While the time required to volun-
and other manufacturers move for-
ward in renewing their businesses and Volunteer teer is minimal, the impact is great. If
you are a member of the association
expanding the economy, VMA has been Volunteers provide the foundation for who would like to make an impact,
in contact with congressional leaders all of VMA’s activities. The association contact VMA President Heather
to urge the passage of several of these is driven by the people who are on the R
­ hoderick (hrhoderick@vma.org).
critical legislative proposals. board of directors and various special If you have been thinking about
Among the issues on which VMA has committees or those who lend their joining and would like more informa-
focused its efforts are tax credits, infra- expertise through presentations or tion on how to get involved, go to:
structure and liability limitations. Leg- teaching at one of the association’s www.VMA.org/AboutVMA.
islative measures of importance include:

n Aiding the economic recovery

by adopting an additional tax
measure that would accelerate
the use of general business
tax credits. This policy would
provide much-needed liquid-
ity to companies to help with
reopening and rehiring.
n VMA and other organizations
feel that now is the time for
Congress to make a bold and
historic investment and move
forward with surface trans-
portation reauthorization
SUMMER 2020  VALVE MAGAZINE

action ahead of a Sept. 30,

2020 deadline (the date when
the current infrastructure bill
is due to expire). Passage of a
long-term infrastructure bill will
address the nation’s longstand-
ing infrastructure needs and
provide stability and certainty
for the manufacturing sector
during this critical time.
n Essential industries such as the
valve industry have remained
11
 EVENTS

Market Outlook: Gaining Invaluable Insight into the Future

One of the most challenging
tasks people in the flow
control industry face is
determining what will hap-
pen in the future so they
can make wise business
decisions. Current economic
pressures and complications
from COVID-19 make those
glimpses into the future
more critical than ever,
which is why 2020’s VMA
Market Outlook Workshop
event should not be missed.
The virtual event is areas of expertise, chat with speakers such as Tom n Save the cost of travel
Aug. 6-7 and is put on other attendees one-on-one Decker, Thomas E. Decker while getting the same
by both VMA and the and visit with sponsors and Consulting (water/waste- valuable information
Hydraulic Institute (HI). vendors to the industry. water); Michael Halloran, presented in past years.
It is packed with the same The conference features Robert W. Baird & Co. (Wall n Engage in industry
vital information as in past economic experts in all of the Street); Johns Spears, roundtables with peers to
years—information that valve markets including oil Spears and Associates (oil hear about best practices
helps decision makers get and gas, water/wastewater, and gas); and Sara John- and common challenges.
up to speed on where valve power generation, commer- son, IHS Markit (Global
end-user markets are today cial construction, chemicals, Outlook), as well as new VMA and HI have cre-
and where they are headed. food and beverage, pulp and experts and economists. ated substantial discounts
In addition to the regular paper, as well as acclaimed In addition to sessions by so that companies can
program, there is time built economists in general areas 11 presenters, attendees can: enroll more than one staff
into the event for attend- such as the global and member.
ees to share experiences in domestic outlooks, global n Get answers from For more information
virtual rooms on topics of trade and Wall Street. speakers on questions and to register, go to
mutual interest, ask speak- The workshop welcomes in their specific area of www.VMA.org/Market
ers questions about their back some well-known expertise. Outlook2020. VM

WEFTEC
2020 Goes
Fully Virtual
WEFTEC 2020, which is
scheduled for Oct. 5-7, has
VALVE MAGAZINE   SPRING 2020

gone virtual through a new

program WEFTEC Connect,
which provides attendees
interactive education, an
exhibitor showcase and
networking experiences. exhibition showing the latest WEFTEC Connect will virtual exhibitor showcase
The 93rd Annual Techni- and best water quality equip- include live streams of the and the ability to schedule
cal Exhibition & Conference ment, solutions and services. opening general session; virtual chats for network-
for the Water Environment The event covers three focus technical sessions; on-de- ing opportunities.
Federation (WEF) offers areas: the circular economy, mand, prerecorded tech- Registration is now open.
workshops, technical ses- resilience and the water/ nical presentations; and For information, go to
sions and a comprehensive food/energy nexus. more. It also will include a www.weftec.org.
12
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 M An X-ray film is closely
examined for defects.

Beauty or a Beast?
Using NDE on Valve Components
BY GREG JOHNSON When it comes to valves, “beauty is only Executive Summary
skin-deep” is often a true statement. Since
Superman and his X-ray eyes don’t really exist, there is no way to SUBJECT: Those who make valves and
verify the quality of a valve or valve component by just looking related components and those who
at it. To discover defects we can’t see with the naked eye, we
buy them need a way to tell what’s
have to use principles of physics and chemistry to delve deeper
into component quality. To do that, we often call upon the below the surface of the materials
techniques of nondestructive examination (NDE). and construction. Nondestructive
The American Society of Nondestructive Testing defines NDT Examination (NDE) methods help in that
as: endeavor.
VALVE MAGAZINE   SPRING 2020

“The determination of the physical condition of an object KEY ISSUES:

without affecting that object’s ability to fulfill its intended
n Types of NDE
function.”
n What they can unearth
This makes the use of NDE methods ideal for valve
manufacturers that want to evaluate components and still n Standards issued for examination
use them in production without damaging them when it is
TAKE-AWAY:
determined that they meet the desired acceptance criteria.
NDE has been used on valve components since the late 1930s. NDE methods continue to be fine-tuned
However, the second world war and the infant nuclear industry and results interpreted so that quality
propelled NDE into acceptability within the valve industry.
can be assured.
The stringent quality requirements, developed and implement-
14
ed by Admiral Hyman Rickover in the
construction of the Nautilus (“Nuclear
Navy”), were used by several manu-
facturers selling valves for use in this
critical, highly lethal service. During
the mid-1950s, the Manufacturers
Standardization Society (MSS) began
work on a series of NDE standards for
valves that had their genesis in the
nuclear valve program of the time. The
precepts of these standards are still in
use today.
Most of the same MSS committee
members were also involved in the
creation of American National Stan-
dards Institute (ANSI)/American Soci-
ety of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
B16.34, Valves–Flanged, Threaded
and Welding End published in 1973.
This document contains (almost ver- M This cut-away of a gate valve bonnet shows defects originally revealed as level 5 shrinkage during radiography.
batim) the same wording of the MSS
NDE standards. The B16.34 document
still contains the most referenced NDE trained radiographers sometimes have ed. The intent was never to use the
requirements in the industry, echoing problems interpreting the film results, criteria to qualify a standard valve.
some of the early quality requirements especially if they do not regularly When RT is required to evaluate valves
of the nuclear industry. “shoot” castings or evaluate casting in standard service applications, the
Although the purpose of the NDE radiographs. policy of many end users today is to
requirements in B16.34 is to allow Radiographic defects are segre- lessen most defect B16.34 acceptance
users to upgrade the pressure rating gated into defect types and levels of levels by a step. For example, instead
of valves based on the performance severity. These are shown on books of of requiring no shrinkage defect be
of required NDE, similar requirements actual reference radiographs published over level two, level three may be
and acceptance criteria are referenced by ASME. The severity levels run from specified instead.
in many other applications where level one–no defects to level five– Some critical services such as
added examination is desired. numerous defects. All of these are in hydrogen and hydrofluoric acid
NDE methods are typically divided a prescribed geometric area. Addition- demand the highest quality castings.
into two categories: Volumetric and ally, B16.34 lists the locations on the The radiographic film for these valve
surface methods. Volumetric methods valve components where they should components is often interpreted to a
are capable of examining the entire, be radiographed and graded; these are higher acceptance criteria level.
through-wall thickness of the part. called critical areas. A problem with RT is also a popular examination
Surface methods are capable of detect- only grading these critical areas occurs method for evaluating weldments.
ing discontinuities exposed to the sur- when a defect just outside those areas It is especially valuable for spotting
face of the part being examined. Some is observed on the radiograph. Tech- inclusions or voids in the weldment,
common NDE methods include: nically, that area can’t be evaluated as well as the lack of penetration
because it is outside the area of inter- (incomplete fusion between the
RADIOGRAPHY est, even if the defect is horrendous. weldment and the base material) in
Radiography (RT) is a technique for To alleviate the potential accep- the weld.
volumetric examination of a com- tance of out-of-scope defects, many
SPRING 2020  VALVE MAGAZINE

ponent. Radiography is excellent for end users request RT of 100% of the ULTRASONIC
detecting defects in castings but is pressure boundary (i.e., the body and Ultrasonic examination (UT) is the
unsuitable for locating defects in forg- bonnet). This eliminates the chance other main volumetric NDE technique.
ings where ultrasonic examination is of ignoring or missing defects that are It is used primarily to examine forged
used instead. outside the area of interest. and wrought components, as well as
RT results have been much debat- For decades, when radiographic weldments. The industrial UT process
ed over the last 20 years as the NDE testing was required, the stringent is similar to medical UT examination,
method was applied to hundreds of B16.34 acceptance criteria were spec- in that a probe in contact with the
castings from low-cost manufacturing ified, even though that criteria was couplant-coated area to be examined
companies. To the untrained eye, a originally designed to provide a level is gently moved around while the
radiograph with mild to moderate of casting integrity allowing the pres- inspector views the results in real-
defects is hard to grade. Even well- sure rating of a valve to be upgrad- time on a screen (CRT).
15
 In some instances, UT is not pre- Carbon steels in this service are
ferred for use in castings because usually limited to a hardness of RC22
the ultrasonic beam reflects off the maximum.
grain boundaries (inherent in a cast-
ing), providing a screen full of false POSITIVE MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION (PMI)
(non-relevant) images. When inspec- PMI is a testing method using electron-
tion of the interior of forged valve ic devices often containing radioactive
components is required, UT is the isotopes to determine the approxi-
clear choice. However, caution must mate chemistry of a component or to
be taken that components with sharp confirm the probable identity of the
machined corners are not examined material. The most popular technique
because these can also give false is X-ray fluorescence (XRF). XRF ana-
readings. Dimensional UT-based units, M Dye penetrant (PT) shows cracks on this hard-faced lyzers determine the chemistry of a
often referred to as “D meters,” are overlay. test piece by measuring the fluorescent
used to determine the thickness of X-ray emitted from that piece when it
various components. show up as a reddish indication or is excited by an X-ray source.
blob of varying geometries, depending XRF is a valuable tool for confirm-
MAGNETIC PARTICLE upon the shape and depth of the dis- ing or verifying the chemistry of a
Magnetic particle (MT) testing is a continuity. By observing the overall sample. Conflicts sometimes arise,
technique for inspecting the surface amount of bleed-out of penetrant, however, when a PMI result is used to
(or slightly sub-surface) of parts of a general idea about the depth of a override a previous laboratory anal-
a ferrous component, such as carbon defect can be determined. ysis. Portable XRF is not as accurate
steel or martensitic stainless steels. Unlike UT and RT, MT and PT test- as modern laboratory methods in use
The operation begins with the appli- ing techniques can be learned rela- today, but it’s very close.
cation of ferrous powder (typically tively quickly. Both of these surface A new PMI technique that is more
colored red) to the surface of the part defect indicator tests are useful as accurate and offers more analysis
to be checked. After that, a low-volt- in-progress methods of quality assur- capabilities than XRF is laser-induced
age, high-current charge is applied ance during manufacturing. breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). A
to the area via a portable yoke or portable LIBS analyzer can even detect
by inducing a magnetizing current HARDNESS TESTING carbon content and verify plain car-
through the entire component. Although not always technically a bon steels, which XRF cannot do.
The magnetized powder is attract- non-destructive method, hardness The third PMI technique is optical
ed to discontinuities such as cracks testing is a bit different from the emission spectroscopy (OES). OES
on the surface or slightly below. The examination techniques of RT, UT, uses electricity to excite the sample
MT technique is also sometimes used MT and PT in that the results of the for taking a reading. The technique is
in conjunction with radiography to tests do not directly identify defects. also a bit destructive because it slight-
confirm whether or not a sub-surface Instead, they’re used to confirm the ly melts the surface of the sample.
(volumetric) defect is very close to the mechanical properties of a component. Like KIBS, OES can sense carbon, but
surface. For example, hardness testing can unlike LIBS and XRF, an easy-to-use
confirm whether or not a specific heat handheld instrument version is not
DYE PENETRANT treatment has been performed correct- available. OES is usually housed in a
Dye penetrant (PT) examination is ly, such as annealing or stress relief. sizable system that can be carried in
also used to detect defects on the Many types of hardness machines a large backpack or cart, but it is best
surface of a component. Unlike MT and devices exist as well as several suited for indoor applications.
testing, PT testing can be performed hardness scales. The most popular
on any metal surface regardless of hardness scales in the valve industry INSPECTION OF CASTINGS/WELDMENTS
chemistry. PT is excellent for discov- are the Rockwell C (RC) and Brinell Two testing areas have garnered the
VALVE MAGAZINE   SPRING 2020

ering cracks or other discontinuities (BHN) scales. most attention when it comes to NDE of
open to the surface, including overall Hardness testing can also be valve components—casting quality and
poor surface finish. used to estimate the strength of welding quality. Since both are common
PT examination begins by applying plain carbon steels. Published charts in valve manufacture and installation,
penetrant to a pre-cleaned surface show a correlation between carbon additional focus is required.
of the component. The penetrant is steel material hardness and tensile For the last 25 years, products
allowed to penetrate into any discon- strength. However, this correlation from low-cost countries that have
tinuities (dwell time) and then the does not apply to any metallic materi- proliferated throughout the industry
excess surface penetrant is carefully als other than plain carbon steels. and supply chain have caused casting
removed. After all the penetrant Hardness testing of valve compo- quality to be under hyper-focus. The
appears to be removed, a developer nents is often performed on compo- most troublesome casting issues have
is applied to the part. Any issue will nents used in sour gas service (H2S). been volumetric, and these can be
16
divided into two areas—those related NDE standards commonly applied to valve components
to workmanship and those related
to performance. While workmanship Radiography
defects can be indicators of the • MSS SP-54 Quality Standard for Steel Castings for Valves, Flanges and Fittings
and Other Piping Components–Radiographic Examination Method
culture of quality at a foundry, the
• ASME B&PVC Section V, Article 2 Radiographic Examination
defects themselves are generally
• ANSI/ASME B16.34 Valves-Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End
not threatening to the component.
• ASME B&PVC Section VIII, Appendix 4 & Appendix 7
Performance defects are a different
case, and they should be given much Magnetic Particle
more scrutiny. • MSS SP-53 Quality Standard for Steel Castings for Valves, Flanges and Fittings
Workmanship defects could include and Other Piping Components–Magnetic Particle Examination Method
lower levels of shrinkage (1-3) or sand • ASME B&PVC Section V, Article 7 Magnetic Particle Examination
inclusions (1-3). While these may be • ANSI/ASME Bl6.34 Valves-Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End
troublesome in a valve used in nuclear • ASME B&PVC Section VIII, Appendix 6
or hydrogen service, they are usually Dye Penetrant
not an issue in general applications. • MSS SP-93 Quality Standard for Steel Castings and for Forgings for Valves,
Unfortunately, many good valves in Flanges and Fittings and Other Piping Components–Dye Penetrant Examination
the past were discarded because of Method
workmanship defects, even though • ASME B&PVC Section V, Article 6 Dye Penetrant Examination
there was no scientific basis for the • ANSI/ASME B16.34 Valves–Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End
rejection. • ASME B&PVC Section VIII, Appendix 8
Many of the misconceptions over Ultrasonic
casting quality have stemmed from • MSS SP-94 Quality Standard for Steel Castings and for Forgings for Valves,
the history of B16.34, its critical Flanges and Fittings and Other Piping Components–Ultrasonic Examination
areas and its acceptance criteria. An Method
important note here is to remember • ASME B&PVC Section V, Article 4, Ultrasonic Examination
the genesis of this document—the • ANSI/ASME Bl6.34 Valves–Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End
nuclear valve program. Because the • ASME B&PVC Section VIII, Appendix 12
document sprung from that program, PMI
the industry assumed for decades that • MSS SP-137 Quality Standard for Positive Material Identification of Metal Valves,
volumetric quality had to be (and Flanges, Fittings, and Other Piping Components
was in fact) as high in cast steel valve • API 578 Guidelines for a Material Verification Program (MVP) for New and
components. Still, some defects are Existing Assets
not okay for any service. Among those
are massive level five, and higher be used on ferrous materials. (Mate- Nondestructive Examination Services
shrinkage and hot tears (shrinkage rials that can be magnetized). Crack for Equipment Used in the Petro-
open to the surface). detection in weldments is performed leum and Natural Gas Industry. This
by both methods, but PT provides a document has extensive details and
WELDING DEFECTS relative indication of how deep the requirements to assist purchasers that
Welding is often used in manufac- crack could be. require NDE examination of their valve
turing valves—from weld overlays of components.
sealing surfaces to the attachment of NDE SPECIFICATIONS As long as castings, forgings and
pressure-containing components. NDE Numerous NDE standards and speci- welding are used in making valves,
is often specified to confirm the quali- fications exist. The document most a need for straightforward NDE stan-
ty of those weldments. often referenced in valve NDE work is dards and specifications will exist.
One of the most important charac- the ANSI/ASME B16.34. This document Also, until the beauty of all valve com-
teristics of a good weld is how the fill- lists requirements for “special class” ponents is guaranteed to be more than
SPRING 2020  VALVE MAGAZINE

er material blends into the component valves, which are those that meet spe- just skin deep, standards development
to which it is attached. In welding cific NDE criteria and as a result, can organizations will continue to create
parlance, this is called fusion and pen- be re-rated to a higher pressure/tem- and update their arsenal of valve NDE
etration. Both ultrasonic and radio- perature class. Over the years, these standards and specifications.  VM
graphic techniques are used to confirm special class requirements have been Greg Johnson is president of United Valve (www.
that these criteria have been met. Of specified by end users that require a unitedvalve.com). He is a contributing editor
the two techniques, radiography is higher-quality product. B16.34 lists RT, to VALVE Magazine and a current Valve Repair
somewhat easier to confirm results. MT, PT and UT acceptance criteria. Council board member. He also serves as chair-
man of the VMA Communications Committee,
Surface irregularities, including a To improve the procurement and
is a founding member of the VMA Education &
lack of penetration, are verified using quality of outsourced products and Training Committee and is past president of the
both PT and MT test methods. Howev- services, the American Petroleum Manufacturers Standardization Society. Reach
er, the MT testing protocol can only Institute (API) created Standard 20D, him at greg1950@unitedvalve.com.
17
 RICHARDS INDUSTRIALS
M Richards Industrials
packaged and
delivered valves
used in ventilator
testing machines
for a Michigan car
manufacturer within
hours of the request.

Valve Manufacturers
Step Up During the
Pandemic
Around the nation, companies and businesses have Executive Summary
BY BARBARA DONOHUE
found ways to help with the unique challenges of
the COVID-19 pandemic. Manufacturers have supplied needed equip-
ment to meet health care needs, reached out in various ways to support SUBJECT: Valve companies, like
front-line workers and found ways to provide what people in their areas other manufacturers and businesses,
of the country need. For example, distillers are repurposing their pro- are finding ways to help during the
duction lines to make hand sanitizer. Apparel makers are sewing cloth COVID-19 crisis.
masks and protective gowns. Automobile plants are making ventilators.
Valve manufacturers have been doing their part, not just by supply- KEY ISSUES:
ing critical valve products, but also by providing gear to protect people
n Supplying what’s needed quickly
on the front line and offering vital resources to their communities.
VALVE MAGAZINE   SPRING 2020

n Using existing equipment and

RESPONDING TO URGENT VALVE SUPPLY NEEDS technology
Because valves are so critical to many industries, including the medical
community, several valve makers have answered the call to help by sup- n Supporting community programs
plying special orders of valves.
For example, global manufacturer ITT Engineered Valves provided 20 TAKE-AWAY: Whether the efforts are
of its Bio-Tek hygienic diaphragm valves to a pharmaceutical company providing funding for new programs,
that was setting up pilot lines to run testing on potential COVID-19 drug expediting projects for emergency
treatments. aid or shoring up existing charitable
Product director Dave Loula explained that, “We’ve had various con- efforts, valve companies are using
tacts from companies asking for expedited delivery on COVID-related
their resources however they can.
products.” An area of great need has been for the valves necessary for
18
producing three types of COVID-related

VALVTECHNOLOGIES, INC.
bio-pharma products: test kits, thera-
peutics and vaccines, Loula said.
One of the customers of Cincin-
nati-based Richards Industrials con-
tacted the company in great need of
valves for ventilator testing machines.
“When our channel partner in
Detroit called asking if we could ship
ten of our high-pressure, low-flow
pressure relief valves the same day
in support of ventilator production
testing, my on-the-spot response was,
‘Yes, consider it done,’” said Charles
Page, vice president of sales for Rich- M Houston Fire Department staff received donated masks from ValvTechnologies, Inc.
ards Industrials.
After a brief huddle with the key them off to the end user,” he explained. In Boulder, CO, Emerson answered
players, the company began machin- A similar request came into manu- the call to help a distillery convert
ing bar stock into component parts, facturer Emerson, which shifted pri- equipment to making hand sanitiz-
which occurred within half an hour orities and resources at one its plants er. The company provided a Coriolis
after the call was received. (Aiken, SC) to produce valves for flow meter that could automate and
“We had completed valves on the 50,000 respirators an automobile plant speed up the process. The bulk of the
road just five hours later,” Page said. in Michigan was making. Emerson also sanitizer has been donated to first
The next hurdle was ensuring expe- responded to a request from respirator responders, medical facilities and
dient delivery. mask plants in Arizona and Rhode social aid organizations in the area.
“One of our technical sales consul- Island that needed the electronic Sue Ooi, vice president of market-
tants headed north in his personal car, equipment Emerson manufactures ing with Emerson’s final control valves
handing them off to our regional sales in Virginia. The valve manufacturer business, explained why the company
manager in Troy, OH, who drove them re-prioritized orders to get the equip- felt it was important to take such
to the Ohio/Michigan border, handing ment shipped promptly. actions.

SPRING 2020  VALVE MAGAZINE

19
 “We understand and take seriously the clock producing the face shield looking at bolstering programs they
the key role we have in supporting so frames. already support in new ways.
many essential critical infrastructure President and CEO John Ballun of For example, some valve companies
workers in life sciences, food and bev- Val-Matic explains why. have found ways to answer the call for
erage, chemical, power, energy and “Val-Matic Valve continues to be food. In St. Louis, Emerson pledged $1
other essential industries as they carry hard at work building valve products million to aid local food banks as well
out their vital work.” for the waterworks infrastructure sys- as agencies assisting the homeless
tems. But our job does not end there,” and other nonprofits that are seeing
3D PRINTING FOR THE FRONT LINE he said. It extends to helping in the increased need during the pandem-
Manufacturers that have new tech- community. ic. Emerson CEO David Farr said that
nologies already up and running have retired Emerson executives and their
found ways to use it to benefit people PROVIDING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT families also planned to donate an
facing the COVID-19 situation. For Another way that companies have additional $1 million.
example, companies that have 3D found to help is by giving what they Victaulic, a manufacturer of valves
printing capability have offered their have on hand to their communities. and mechanical pipe joining devices,
printers, materials and labor to make Companies with access to face masks decided to give additional aid to a
items such as face shield frames that and other protective equipment, Pennsylvania-based program for which
protect medical workers, first respond- for example, have been generous in it has been a longtime supporter:
ers and other front-line personnel. donating them to front-line workers. Valley Youth House, a provider of ser-
For example, when the ValvTechnologies, Inc. donated vices such as housing, mentoring and
manufacturer of Val-Matic’s 3D printer more than 800 masks to the Houston in-school programs.
contacted the valve company about Fire Department in an effort to protect “For decades, Victaulic has part-
an emergency project to supply vital those responders. nered with Valley Youth House to
disposable face shields for distribution empower resiliency in young people,
to health care workers across the SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES helping them establish promising
Midwest, the company responded. Many valve and other companies are futures,” said Megan Longenderfer,
R&D staff members at Val-Matic donating and supporting efforts in manager of Corporate Communications
started running the 3D printer around their local communities, sometimes at Victaulic.
The company chose to lend addi-
tional support during the crisis
REACHING OUT LOCALLY IS GOOD BUSINESS because of the challenges those young
people faced because of isolation.
An MIT Sloan Management Review article early in the pandemic looked at how
“During this increasingly difficult
COVID-19 was affecting businesses and manufacturing in China and which
time, when we have all been called
companies were doing well once things started looking up. One of the main
to maintain social distancing, youth
conclusions was that it was the organizations that were finding ways to be
without technology are particularly at
community players that were coming out ahead.
a disadvantage,” she said.
“Companies that recognize the stress on social systems during medical
After learning many of these young
emergencies are more likely to do better afterward than companies that do not,”
people and families were cut off from
the article says.
the outside, living in apartments
Charlotta Sirén, associate professor, University of Queensland Business School
without any communication devices,
and co-author of the article, adds that “Doing good in your local community is
Victaulic refurbished and donated 22
more important than ever in natural disasters such as COVID-19. Contributing to
laptops to Valley Youth House, bring-
the local community will lay out the foundations for post-COVID-19 business.”
ing the total the company has given
In addition to simply being a good practice for ethical reasons, “there
to the organization to 138.
are empirically established correlations between charitable activities and
“Victaulic’s donation of technolo-
future financial performance, improved relations with government authorities
gy helps youths and families in need
VALVE MAGAZINE   SPRING 2020

and reputational legitimacy,” the article concludes. 

maintain their connections to schools
Effective approaches, according to MIT Sloan Management Review, include:
supporting remote education, as well
• Targeting local nonprofits and community outreach organizations. as social connections to family and
“Corporate generosity has a much larger impact when it is provided friends, which is so vital during this
directly to a local community.” time,” Longenderfer said.
• Encouraging employees to volunteer. “Employees who have the option to As with many valve companies,
participate in corporate volunteer programs are more likely to participate “Victaulic aims to be a good neighbor
repeatedly.” in every community where we live and
• Putting the word out. Without boasting, companies can send a concise work,” Longenderfer explained.  VM
external announcement after they’ve donated, giving only the basics: the
amount donated, the organization supported and what the business hopes Barbara Donohue is web editor at VALVE Maga-
zine. Reach her at bdonohue@vma.org.
the donation can accomplish.
20
 VMA.ORG/VIRTUAL

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 M Leakage in a pneumatic system for a food and
beverage filling application could cause huge energy
loss and is often difficult to identify. Combining
a valve system and air preparation with a flow
and pressure transmitter as well as cylinders
equipped with position sensors allows monitoring
of compressed air energy consumption, air leakage
detection and cylinder cycle times.

Pneumatic Valves:
New Technology for a Digital Transformation
Principles built around the Industrial Internet of Things Executive Summary
BY MARCHELLE FORISH
(IIoT) have guided the automation industry’s rapid adoption
and mainstreaming of many production systems. These systems are aligned with SUBJECT: Pneumatic valve
the concepts for digital transformation—including intelligent, networked produc- systems have kept pace
tion systems and components that leverage smarter information and communica-
with digital technologies
tions technology.
As this evolutionary process builds momentum, some people may think proven that allow data collection
manufacturing technologies such as pneumatics could be considered “outdated” and monitoring
or even “old-fashioned.” However, pneumatic technologies, including those that capabilities.
drive control valves, continue to evolve and incorporate sensors, industrial net-
work interfaces, wireless technology and complex digital control features that KEY ISSUES:
VALVE MAGAZINE   SUMMER 2020

make them well-suited for use in the emerging IIoT-driven production systems. n Technology development
EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY n Pressure regulation
Control of pneumatic valves and monitoring of cylinder position sensors originally integration
was achieved through discrete wiring: Each programmable logic controller (PLC)
output was individually wired to a solenoid valve coil and triggered separately. n Smart pneumatic valves
Position sensors on cylinders were wired back to the PLC’s input card. Such sys-
TAKE-AWAY: Pneumatic
tems were expensive and time-consuming to install.
With the creation of plug-in valves and manifolds, these systems evolved into valves as part of a complete
a more practical solution in which all the solenoid valve connections to the PLC platform can provide a low-
input/output (I/O) cards could be achieved with a single cable and terminated by cost, versatile option.
a multi-pin connector. This meant that, with one cable run, dozens of individual
22
 These
wires temperatures
could be replacedcan be collect-
easily, which tenance on PRESSURE
INTEGRATING a system, foreign mate-
REGULATION valves, feed
portional to pump recirculation
the analog valves,
voltage or cur-
edreduced
manually from plant walk-downs
wiring costs for pneumatic rial in the valve, tank
Advances in valve technology,level control
per- steam seal systems, steam drain line
rent of the signals the device receives
orvalve
fromcontrol
real-time data when
purposes available.
significantly. problems, air-operated
formance and versatility valve
tooksetting
a major orifi
fromces
theand steam
PLC’s traps.
analog output card.
The Although
data collected is then used
these plug-in valves to gen- issues, motor-operated
step forward valve thermal
when electropneumatic As seen with valve manifolds,
erate
reduced parts and labor costs formon-
leakage data and alerts. By expansion, relief valve drifting,
control capabilities were integrated steam HOW CYCLEalso
strides ISOLATION WORKSwith propor-
were made
itoring the flows
individually wiringwithin
eacha solenoid
cycle (calledcoil, cutting of valves and improper
into the valve manifold. A basic pneu- valve Cycle
tionalisolation works
regulators. Newby gathering,
technologies
internal isolation) and
they did not incorporate diagnostic accounting for alignment.
matic valveAll of these
is just factors
a simple, have
direction- monitoring and then calculating
allowed these devices to be controlled a
all flows entering
feedback and other andoperational
leaving a cycle infor- documented
al control valve:impacts on the health
An electric of
signal is system’s flow andusing
more accurately its changes to iden-
digital signals
(called
mation that can be useful.cycle
external isolation), isola-
Capturing asent
system and its total leakage.
to shift the valve spool, and the tify
and allowed the integration ofafield-
leaks and power losses in plant’s
tion
thattechnology
additional assuresinformation that would
all steam airThough leakage
is directed can
out of oneoccur
portany-
or the systems. First, site personnel identify
bus connectivity. This meant that the
and water flows are going
require separate sensors wired back to their where in a system, common
other. Conversely, electropneumatic loss areas amachine’s
list of potential
PLC couldareas andand
easily valves
accu-at
proper
to thedestinations,
PLC I/O cardsmaximizing to measure effi and- highlighted by cycle isolation
(E/P) pressure-regulating are also
valves, high
ratelyrisk
sendforparameters
leakage through plant
to control valve
ciency and minimizing energy
verify correct functionality. This func- losses places such as start-up drains,
called E/P converters, do not simply feed- piping and instrumentation
and cylinder diagrams,
pressures dynamically,
from leaks.data could include cylinder
tionality water heater vents and drains,
provide directional control; they turbine
also isometrics,
optimizing heat
force balance diagrams,
and pressure require-
By understanding
position, spool position, and evaluating
pressure, flow a bypass systems, soot-blower
can provide a range of pressures pro-thermal and
mentsplant
for walk-downs.
the production Though
system. all
valve system’s performance
and other useful information. data, users drains, relief valves, pegging steam valves in a system may not be able
can balance
As automation energysystems
production gained loss-
essophistication,
against unplanned outages. They
fieldbus (industrial net-
also
work)cancommunications
schedule
became more
ticular
determine the maintenance

tivity plant.
most prevalent.
advantageous
connectivity
Thisfor
was implemented using a variety
ofEstablishing
industrial network or modernizing
protocolsasuch
a par-
connec-

cycle
The Original
Chainwheel
isolation
as Profibus, valve monitoring
Sercos program
and Ethernet-based
reduces
fieldbusthe time between
technologies. Thewhen
solutiona
leak begins
offered and when
additional costitsavings
is foundand and
resolved, which helps
the opportunity for the to PLC
eliminate
to both
major losses to plant efficiency. Thisand

Company
control valves and monitor sensors
potentially results inI/O
devices exchanging decreased
data viaheat one,
rate, increased
low-cost power generation,
communication cable (with-
decreased
out needing fuellocal
usage,I/Odecreased water
cards). Pneumat-
production costs, elimination
ic valve manifolds began incorporating of
potential
both fieldbus valveinterfaces
damage and anddecreased
I/O capa-
maintenance costs.
bility to provide complete pneumatic
Cycle
valve isolationthat
packages studies
wereindicate
more versa- a
typical savings in a power
tile and engineered to be integrated plant of
1easily
MW per withunit (whichmore
smarter, savessophisticated
about
$250,000 per
automation platforms.year at $29 per MW an
hour—$29 to $32 is representative
The integration of these communi-
ofcations
currentcomponents
domestic rates) on the and a 1.3%
valve man-
power generation increase
ifolds, along with newer, lightweight as a result
ofpolymer
cycle isolation
materials improvements,
for construction prov-
ing
andboth the devastating
ingress protection from potential
water
and dust,
losses fromalso leaksmadeand it thepossible
overalltoeffec-
locate the
tiveness valve isolation.
of cycle manifold closer to the
system or actuators being controlled
WHY VALVESthe
without LEAKneed for an enclosure.
Machine
Aging plants,builders now couldvalve
deteriorating moreper-
SPRING

easily install
formance and valves
increased on end effectors,
demand for
FALL2020  VALVE MAGAZINE

robot arms
electric power and areother working causes
all potential com-
2019 VALVE MAGAZINE

ofponents,
efficiency thereby
and powerlocating the valve
generation
closerintoplant
losses pneumatically
systems. Beyond controlled these
devices.circumstances
general This configuration has several
are several more
advantages:
specifi c reasons Besides
for valvedecreasing
leakages, the
amount of
including hightubing needed to and
temperatures connect
dif-
the valves
ferential and cylinders
pressure, driving the
severe service, and
equipment,
cycling of thethe pneumatic
valves open and system
closed, www.Babbitt.com
can be optimized,
especially in cyclingleadingunits. to Butquicker
these
response
aren’t timesreasons
the only and increased through-
leaks occur; info@Babbitt.com 508-995-9534
put for also
leakage motion can sequences.
result from main-
23
33
 This advanced level of pneumatic
control—intelligently combining both
directional and pressure control—
elevates the value and versatility of
pneumatics for a wide range of auto-
mation applications. It allows greater,
more precise and optimized control
in the manufacturing process by
ensuring good end-point accuracy and
repeatability.
An example of how this works
is electropneumatic control used in M Valves with IIoT integration (left), connected to the smart pneumatic monitoring “hubs” (right) aggregate and organize
welding systems for automated man- pneumatic performance data and deliver it through separate, parallel pathways to plant management systems.
ufacturing of engine starters. In this
application, a pre-mounted armature a bearing in a device. They also want Enabling digital transformation
is transported on workpiece pallets, that sequence documented so that within valve manifolds, a system can
aligned for position detection and 50,000 parts later, they know it was be engineered to easily and seamlessly
brought into position for welding by manufactured with the exact same supply different pressures for different
pneumatically driven grippers. After precision as the first part. tooling positions and sequences. This
welding, additional grippers return If there is deviation in the data can include support for on-the-fly
the armatures to workpiece pallets, points the pneumatic devices generate pressure changes and tooling posi-
which transport them to the next as they operate, that data can indicate tions for quick product variations for
step in production. issues. Those issues can be with the changeovers, to increase flexibility.
Electropneumatic pressure regu- actual device or include problems such As pneumatics become more intel-
lators, combined with an advanced as pressure loss in the air supply sys- ligent, they are generating additional
valve manifold with integrated field- tem, improper manufacturing of the data points across the production
bus communication, optimize the dif- bearings placed or actuators that are systems where they are used—diag-
fusion welding processes with dynam- losing synchronization with the devic- nostics, usage statistics and lifetime
ically controlled pressure that can be es feeding the bearings. These issues data are a few examples. This data has
precisely tailored to the application. can spring from component degrada- the most value when used to manage
At the same time, intelligence built tion and a need for maintenance. production systems more efficiently,
into the manifold monitors and doc- The intelligence built into pneu- control energy consumption and max-
uments all the valve’s functions, con- matic valve systems provides new imize uptime.
trolling the grippers for an enhanced opportunities for monitoring and However, all this data from intelli-
level of quality control and process control. If a valve is rated to provide gent devices and subsystems has the
tracking. An added advantage of using a proper operating life of 120 million potential to overwhelm the machine
digital E/Ps here is energy efficiency cycles, when it reaches 100 million control network and affect control per-
can be optimized by supplying only cycles, a well-designed predictive formance. Some pneumatics compo-
the required pressure “on-the-fly” to maintenance system can go into nent manufacturers are offering smart
perform a specific task, rather than effect. That system can capture and pneumatic monitoring “gateways” or
using the highest pressure for all use the data to either conduct an “hubs” that aggregate and organize
tasks. For example, an application inspection and maintenance action or pneumatic performance data and deliv-
may require a cylinder to extend at 80 implement an automated purchasing er it through separate, parallel path-
psi, but the return can be at 30 psi to request for a replacement device— ways to plant management systems so
save energy. Using digital E/Ps, the before the unit actually fails. the control network is not affected.
machine builder can program these These hubs can be independent of the
parameters into the system. M This simple integrated IIoT solution on a packaging process control architecture using OPC
VALVE MAGAZINE   SPRING 2020

machine has a valve manifold, cylinders and sensors Unified Architecture, MQ Telemetry
that make it possible to monitor machine health on
ENHANCING MONITORING AND CONTROL legacy and new machines.
Transport, HyperText Transfer Protocol
One of the key goals of digital trans- or email pathways to deliver alerts
formation in manufacturing is to and data on both system-level and
gather actionable information that device-level performance.
allows for more sophisticated and With advancements in wireless
optimized control of every single step communication, manufacturers also
in a production process. Companies can offer device-level analytics to be
building components for automobiles, captured and alarms transmitted via
for example, want to know exactly the a Wi-Fi connection. The benefits of
force, pressure and position of a cylin- critical diagnostics information or
der driving an actuator that’s placing key commissioning capabilities can
24
become difficult to realize when a These tools simplify what was once
pneumatic valve system is mount- a time-consuming process of ordering
ed high in the air or deep inside a multiple elements that make up the
machine. However, manufacturers valve system—sub-bases, mountings
have also created easy access to the and electronics, as well as the valves
robust diagnostics and commissioning themselves. Now, these online config-
features of certain fieldbus platforms urators make it easy to order a valve
via a mobile website that can be used assembly by selecting the fieldbus
on phones, tablets and laptops with interfaces, integrated I/O modules
Wi-Fi capability without the need to and other features, complete with CAD
install an application. M A wireless auto recovery module (ARM) protects drawings as part of the package without
the fieldbus platform’s configuration information
Pneumatic valve systems designed needing to know part numbers or sys-
from a critical failure and provides easy access to
for digital transformation now incor- diagnostic and commissioning data via an internal tem nuances. These tools enable both
porate features and technology that Wi-Fi access point and mobile website. OEMs and end users to get a complete
provide a new level of precision control configuration in a condensed and more
for pneumatic-driven actuators and motion sequences for very high levels reliable purchasing process.
applications. Because of more advanced of automation, product throughput, Leveraging the power of both elec-
electronics within valve system control reliability and repeatability. tronics and modular, cutting-edge
modules, designers can now incorporate technology, pneumatic valves as part
proportional–integral–derivative (PID) SMARTER PNEUMATIC VALVES of a complete intelligent pneumatics
controllers for pneumatic positioning Pneumatic valves have been steadily motion and control platform provide
applications that automatically apply evolving to help OEMs and end users a cost-effective, versatile technology
accurate and responsive correction to a make full use of pneumatic technol- option. That option can be used for a
control function. ogy in their automation systems. In wide range of digital transformation
With these high-tech pneumatic addition, many pneumatics tech- initiatives for automation and manu-
capabilities, not only is it possible to nology providers have substantially facturing applications.  VM
provide more precise system end-point upgraded their online configuration
motion accuracy but, in conjunction Marchelle Forish is a product marketing man-
and ordering tools to make getting
ager, Valves and Valve Systems for Fluid and
with the PLC, it’s also possible to components that machine builders Motion Control at Emerson. She has more than
switch from position control to force need efficient and easy even with 25 years of experience working in fluid power.
control in real time and fine-tune short turnarounds. Reach her at Marchelle.Forish@Emerson.com.

Engineering
MSS Standard Practices are in
use around the world in virtually
every industry, from wastewater
to oil refining, with applications
that range from low pressure to
severe service.

Standards
Over 110 member companies
work within 26 technical
committees to develop and
maintain standards that shape
the way flow is controlled.

Valves Pipe Hangers

Fittings Actuators
Flanges Valve Modifications
Seals

…Since 1924
Since the beginning, MSS has
SPRING 2020  VALVE MAGAZINE

been dedicated to developing

standards for national and global
application, in cooperation with
other standardizing bodies and
regulatory authorities.

For further information on

MSS membership or MSS
standards, contact us at:
The Manufacturers Standardization Society standards@msshq.org or
703.281.6613
of the Valve & Fitting Industry
Since 1924
The Technical Voice of the Industry® for Over 94 Years MSS is an ANSI-accredited
standards developer
www.msshq.org

25

Black & White

 BEYOND VALVES

Analyzing PTFE Valve Packing for

Control Valve Performance
BY DAVID STEFFEN

During a power plant operating cycle, while maintaining leak-free operation

valve maintenance and reliability are requires a delicate balance that is
key focus areas, often taking up the greatly dependent on valve packing
largest portion of an outage budget. materials.
Plant personnel responsible for main- The friction attributed to valve
taining the equipment must consider packing is generally represented as
multiple variables present in the the product of two variables, f and y,
entire local valve “system” including: in the packing friction equation:
equipment such as the valve body,
trim set, actuator and sub-assemblies; Packing Friction (L) =
media parameters such as media type, Gs*π*f*y*Di*H*N, where Gs is
temperature, pressure, piping design gland stress, π is 3.14159, fy is
and environmental factors; and valve the coefficient of packing friction,
packing. Yet despite the fact packing M Figure 1. Typical graphite configuration Di is the inside diameter of valve
can be a significant contributor to packing (stem diameter), H is
poor valve performance and can cause The diagnostic software then calcu- the packing ring height and N is
significant leakage, this part of the lates the friction during the open and the number of packing rings.
equipment picture is often an after- closed stroke independently, as well
thought in the maintenance process. as the average friction for the full The dimensionless fy value is a
The various properties of packing open and full close stroke combined. product of two individual values, the
materials result in different perfor- This friction profile can be used to coefficient of friction of the packing
mance characteristics. This article identify several potential issues the material, represented by “f,” and
examines the features and benefits of valve may have internally before it is the transfer ratio of axial stress to
different valve packing materials, with put back into service. average radial stress, represented by
a specific focus on friction characteris- When viewing the friction profile, “y.” These two values are multiplied
tics and their impact on control valve it is relatively easy to identify issues together to form a single variable, fy,
performance. such as whether the valve has too which represents the overall coeffi-
much or too little friction or whether cient of friction of the packing on the
THE IMPORTANCE OF PACKING FRICTION the valve has a non-linear friction, stem.
Some industries, such as nuclear which potentially indicates stem wear Valve packing manufacturers have
power, frequently use sophisticated or necking. Though there are situa- focused on reducing the fy values of
diagnostic tools that allow an end tions where too little friction can be their packing products for years, seek-
user to simulate operating conditions an issue, this article focuses on reduc- ing to identify the ideal combination
by cycling a valve open and closed ing packing friction to increase valve of materials to provide end users with
during maintenance activities. These margins and operability. Increasing packing that offers consistent sealing
tools track many variables in the friction can be achieved relatively capabilities while maintaining low
valve and actuator assembly during simply by increasing sealing rings or friction. Many packing types excel at
a stroke; if a control valve fails a packing stress; decreasing friction one of these two aspects while lacking
VALVE MAGAZINE   SPRING 2020

diagnostic test or the results are while maintaining leak-free service is in the other. In other words, where
abnormal, one of the first variables much more complicated. one material might be effective at
analyzed is the friction profile created sealing but produce a high friction
by the resistance of stem movement CHALLENGES TO DECREASING FRICTION load, another material might produce
generated by the stem sliding through Valves with too much packing friction low friction load but struggle to main-
the valve packing. can suffer many negative effects, tain sealing properties for multiple
The key benefit of these diagnos- including hunting or actuator overcor- cycles.
tic tools is the ability to generate a rection; stem wear; actuator degrada- This imbalance often forces the end
friction profile. Generally, the tools tion; and reduced equipment reliabili- user to select a packing type based on
plot a graph showing the amount of ty and operating life. All these factors its strength in one capability, while
friction generated in the valve system may lead to downtime or equipment compromising on its performance in
throughout the entire valve stroke. failure. Reducing packing friction the other.
26
VALVE PACKING MATERIALS acteristics of using the die-formed or 324°C, depending on the properties
For many years, most valve packing flexible graphite rings is that when of the PTFE used to manufacture the
was made from asbestos and installed these rings are manufactured, they packing). During the last few decades,
with various forms of artificial lubri- are generally pre-formed to 90 pounds valve packing containing PTFE has
cants. Eventually, the negative side per cubic foot density. To achieve been used to reduce the friction
effects of asbestos inhalation were this density, the graphite has to be between the stem and packing, thus
recognized, and the industry searched compressed in a die to roughly 2,000- allowing the valve to operate more
for and found a replacement that was 2,200 psi of axial stress. This means a smoothly while decreasing wear and
relatively inexpensive and abundant: die-formed ring needs to overcome the increasing equipment reliability.
graphite. Graphite is readily available forming pressure to seal. Therefore, PTFE-based packing is not without
and was used as a lubricant for many typical recommended gland stresses its limits and not all operating con-
decades. for die-formed packing sets range ditions are suitable for this material;
This widely accepted replacement from 3,000–5,000 psi. When consid- temperature and radiation limits must
material for most valves was a com- ering the aforementioned packing be taken into consideration.
bination of braided graphite yarn friction equation, it is evident that In an attempt to verify and
and die-formed flexible graphite. The as greater gland stresses are applied, quantify the benefits of PTFE-based
braided yarn rings and die-formed greater packing friction is applied to packing using the information
flexible graphite packing rings were the stem. available, the author of this article
used together to achieve stem sealing. and of the study it references
The configuration would typically PROPERTIES AND BENEFITS OF PTFE PACKING compared the friction coefficients
include three, die-formed flexible The introduction of packing contain- in control valves using various
graphite rings in the middle and two ing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) forms of valve packing. The study
braided yarn rings on the ends to was revolutionary in the world of was not intended to be considered
keep the inner die-formed rings from control valve packing. Many of the scientific—a proper statistical
extruding (Figure 1). mechanical properties of PTFE are analysis has yet to be performed. But
While this solution is inexpensive attractive for use as a stem sealant this article compares information
and provides effective sealing, diag- in control valves; it is non-porous, to examine differences in packing
nostic testing has shown that this chemically inert and stable up to types. The study uses data obtained
packing set induces relatively high relatively high temperatures (gener- from a web-based valve packing
friction and has a relatively limited ally having upper temperature limits database software used in the
life in control valves. One of the char- ranging from 350°F or 177°C to 615°F domestic power industry.

Virtual
Forecasting for the Fluid Handling and Flow Control Industries

Market Outlook Workshop

August 6-7, 2020
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> > >

The Market Outlook Workshop is a must-attend event for valve and pump industry professionals
responsible for strategy and forecasting. As the industry adapts to a chaotic operating environment
and economic headwinds, attendees will leave this virtual event equipped with the knowledge they
need to plan for the next year.

Learn more: www.vma.org/page/MarketOutlook2020

27
 BEYOND VALVES

COMPARATIVE STUDY Table 1. Comparisons by type

The packing database used in the Packing Type Total Records with Data Avg. Real World fy Value
study allows end users to input
certain valve parameters to predict Braided Yarn/Die-formed Graphite 518 0.065
the friction induced by a packing PTFE Yarn/Die-formed Graphite 286 0.053
set. Users input various pieces of PTFE Yarn Only 206 0.043
data, such as stem and stuffing
box diameter, packing gland stud
diameter, the number of gland studs, with each packing type are based on fy value of the valve packing for each
and the desired packing (gland) packing manufacturer input, often- individual valve.
stress; the software then uses a times coming from internal testing. The goal was to gather enough data
set of stored default fy values to Generally, this testing is performed points so that the default values could
predict the total friction induced by in lab conditions and may represent be revised based on field data to more
the valve packing. These predicted an “ideal” situation, while the real- accurately predict real-world friction.
friction values become especially world coefficient of friction may vary This data presented the ability to
important for valves that are required widely based on several factors in the compare packing data in aggregate.
to operate within a certain time field. To more accurately predict the When charted to a spreadsheet, the
domain. If the predicted friction is fy values, a feature was added to the data shows how certain packing types
too high, the end user may choose to software application to allow end users compare to one another with respect
use alternative packing materials or to input the actual measured friction to their real-world fy values. One of
reduce the number of rings to bring obtained from diagnostic testing for the most significant comparisons was
the predicted friction back within an each control valve. Based on this real- real-world fy values of standard yarn
acceptable range. world data from the field, the program and graphite packing sets versus PTFE-
The default fy values associated reverse-calculates the actual measured based packing sets.

COMPARING REAL-WORLD VALUES

NOW BEING HELD DURING VALVE WEEK THIS FALL! Roughly 1,000 records were compared,
and the average real-world fy value
was calculated for each packing type.

Basics
As shown in Table 1, the average
VALVE {Ed} real world fy value for packing sets
containing braided yarn rings and die-
formed flexible graphite and no PTFE
was 0.065; the average real-world
fy value for PTFE braided rings with
die-formed flexible sealing rings was
0.053; and the real-world fy value of
those packing sets that contain PTFE
VALVES 101 – A VIRTUAL EVENT braided rings and no die-formed flexi-
ble graphite rings was 0.043.
While the data set is relatively
THE learning event small because of the number of valves
for newcomers to the valve industry diagnostically tested since data
tracking began, the results support a
and those seeking a refresher on the basics! consistent ability of PTFE-based valve
packing to reduce friction. The data
The non-proprietary curriculum covers
VALVE MAGAZINE   SPRING 2020

demonstrates that using PTFE-based

all types of industrial valves including linear, backing can reduce the coefficient
check, quarter-turn and pressure-relief. of friction by roughly 34%, which
equates to a significant increase in
Watch for more advanced courses actuator margin and valve operability.
Based on this available data, PTFE
to be presented in early 2021. valve packing offers improved perfor-
mance over graphite and yarn packing
VMA.org/ValveBasics in control valve applications.  VM

David Steffen is a senior product manager at

An educational program developed by the Valve Manufacturers Association Curtiss-Wright’s Nuclear Division (www.cwnuclear.
com). Reach him at dsteffen@curtisswright.com.
28
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❏ 1 Valves ❏ 9 Maintenance Equipment/Service
❏ 8 Industry analyst ❏ 4 Power generation ❏ 2 Actuators
❏ 9 Consultant to the industry ❏ 5 Pulp and paper ❏ 10 Instrumentation Equipment
❏ 3 Packings/Gaskets/Seals ❏ 11 Pollution Control Equipment
❏ 10 Other: ❏ 6 Commercial construction ❏ 4 Flowmeters ❏ 12 Other:
❏ 7 Other: ❏ 5 Leak Detectors
 MATERIALS Q&A

The Materials That Make Up Valves

Editor’s Note: Materials used in the very high resistance to pitting and 2020 that specifically permits forgings
manufacture of valves and how they crevice corrosion. A similar version for of either Type 1 or Type 2 chemical
perform in different applications is a castings is UNS S32760, ASTM A995 compositions of 9Cr-1Mo-V for use in
topic of huge interest to everyone who Grade CD3MWCuN, which is used for B31.1 construction. The material is
works with valves. Bray recently held pressure-containing components such limited to 1,200°F (649°C) and has a
a seminar on Valve Materials. Below as valve bodies and bonnets and is few other restrictions in processing
are some of the questions asked by the included in the American Society of and application.
webinar viewers with answers provided Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B16.34. Two other CSEF materials have been
by Stan Allen, global director of valve The selection of the appropriate developed—ASTM A182 Grade F92
application engineering, Bray Inter- duplex or superduplex stainless steel and Grade F93. Grade F92 is similar to
national, Inc., who was the featured requires evaluation of a variety of Grade F91, but with higher Mo levels,
speaker. factors including the end user’s needs which provides more strength, resis-
for corrosion resistance, the valve tance to erosion and a slightly higher
Q: DUPLEX AND SUPER DUPLEX STAINLESS manufacturer’s required mechanical temperature rating. Grade P93 is the
STEELS HAVE BEEN USED EXTENSIVELY FOR VALVE properties, and ASME standard and next-generation creep-resistant steel
COMPONENTS SINCE THE 1980S. WHY ARE THESE code compliance requirements. with substantially higher strength up
ALLOYS SO WIDELY USED AND HOW HAVE THEY Pitting and crevice corrosion to temperatures of 1200°F (649°C). A
IMPROVED? ARE THEY COVERED IN VARIOUS resistance of super duplex stainless significant step in acceptance of these
PIPING CODES? steels are almost as good as Hastelloy alloys is their inclusion within ASME
A: Because of their unique com- C276 and have been used as a lower-­ B16.34, Valves–Flanged, Threaded,
bination of corrosion resistance and cost alternative in some services. and Welded End. Grade F91 is included
strength, duplex stainless steels One restriction in the use of duplex in Material Group No. 1.15; Grade F92
continue to be widely used for valves stainless steels in valves is high is included in Material Group 1.18; and
in both pressure-containing and trim temperature—above 572°F (300°C) Grade F93 is not yet included in the
components. The oil and gas indus- temperatures have the potential for latest edition: ASME B16.34-2017.
try embraced duplex stainless steels embrittlement because of the chromi-
during the 1980s, largely because of um content. Q: WHAT IS SUPERAUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL,
improved resistance to chloride stress AND WHERE AND HOW IS IT BEING USED IN
cracking in temperatures above 140°F Q: DURING YOUR WEBINAR, YOU MENTIONED NEW VALVES?
(60°C—where austenitic stainless 9% CHROME ALLOYS THAT ARE BEING DEVELOPED A: Common superaustenitic stain-
steels are susceptible). Duplex stain- FOR SUPERCRITICAL POWER PLANT APPLICATIONS. less steels used in the valve industry
less steels are widely used for ball, CAN YOU PLEASE ELABORATE ON THIS? are UNS S31254 (254SMO and AL6XN)
butterfly, check, gate and globe valves A: Creep Strength Enhanced Ferritic and UNS S20910/S21800 (Nitronic
in a variety of applications and indus- (CSEF) materials in both supercritical 50/60). They are predominantly used
tries such as desalination, chemical and combined cycle power plants have to obtain both higher strength and
processing, and pulp and paper. The received much attention over the past improved resistance to crevice corro-
initial grade, whether for bar, forging few years. The Electric Power Research sion chloride pitting compared to 316
or casting, was UNS S31803, which has Institute (EPRI), ASME and ASTM have SS. This improved corrosion resistance
a nominal chemistry of 22% chromi- worked to standardize CSEF steels comes from the higher Ni and Mo con-
um (Cr), 3% molybdenum (Mo), and that meet both creep resistance and tent, and nitrogen strengthens the
5% nickel (Ni). ASTM International toughness for boiler superheaters and material. It is an excellent choice for
(ASTM) A182 Grade F51 forgings and other applications that use high-tem- stem material in 316 SS valves because
ASTM A995 Grade 4A castings have perature steam valves. New alloys of its higher strength. Desalination,
VALVE MAGAZINE   SPRING 2020

been frequently specified and used for are now listed within ASTM A182 for food processing, chemical process-
valve body and bonnet materials. forgings. These include gate, globe ing and even seawater services use
An improved duplex stainless and severe-service ball valves. ASTM superaustenitic stainless steels as an
steel often used in petrochemical 182 Grade F91, a 9Cr-1Mo-Vanadium economical selection in cases where
and seawater services is alloy 2507 (V) alloy, is now listed in two types: high strength and good corrosion
or UNS S32750 (cast ASTM A995 Type 1 and Type 2. Type 2 includes resistance are needed.
Grade CE3MN or 5A), which is often the control of Mo, V, niobium, tung- Another popular superaustenitic
referred to as a super duplex. It has sten, cobalt, boron, nitrogen and stainless steel is UNS N08904 (904L),
a nominal chemistry of 25% Cr, 4% Ni to improve both creep resistance which has a 5% Mo content. It is used
Mo and 7% Ni. In addition to higher and toughness, and maintain high for a variety of valve components for
strength, which makes this material allowable stresses. The ASME B31 inorganic acid environments. It is also
an excellent choice for stems, it has Committee issued a code case in May found in the pulp and paper manu-
30
facturing, pharmaceutical and power ious Ni alloys. The immediate future valves. Another barrier to widespread
industries. The material is used mainly of AM in the valve industry involves acceptance of metal additive manu-
for trim components, but new spe- replacement parts for urgent use facturing in the valve industry is the
cialized grades with higher strength (printing on demand with AM lack of quality standards surrounding
are also being used for valve pressure-­ machines near remote operations) the technology. ASTM committees
containing components. and reverse engineering of legacy are leading the way with new mate-
parts where no drawings or models rial standards, including ASTM F3122
Q: WHEN CHOOSING MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION are available. There also are oppor- (Guide for Evaluating Mechanical
OF VALVES, END USERS AND ENGINEERING tunities in the quick repair of valve Properties of Metal Materials Made
COMPANIES FOCUS ON MATERIALS RESISTANT TO parts using Directed Energy Depo- via AM Processes), F3049 (Guide for
CORROSION OR EROSION, OR BOTH. FROM A VALVE sition-based machines. Important Characterizing Properties of Metal
MANUFACTURER’S PERSPECTIVE, WHAT ARE THE opportunities to use AM for valves Powders Used for AM Processes) and
OTHER FACTORS THAT MUST BE CONSIDERED? include machining of challenging F2924 (Standard Specification for
A: In applications using alloys, and complex geometries, optimizing Additive Manufacturing Titanium-6
strength, toughness, resistance to flow paths and reducing weight. Aluminum-4 Vanadium with Powder
galling and coefficient of thermal The metal powders, manufacturing Bed Fusion). ASTM is also develop-
expansion are all factors a valve man- equipment and technology are all ing additional standards. ASME has
ufacturer must consider. End users available, but economics is the pri- been active over the past decade
may know what alloys work in their mary reason AM has not been applied in the development of mechanical
service conditions, but they must to standard production of parts. Bar design-­related standards, and its
depend on valve manufacturers to stock 316L is eight to ten times less BPTCS/BNCS Special Committee on
evaluate these factors in the ultimate expensive than 316L metal powder the use of Additive Manufacturing
selection of the alloys for a valve. A developed for AM. As AM technology for Pressure Retaining Equipment has
common example is the use of 316 SS, continues to develop and more sup- initiated work in this area. American
which is compatible with a multitude pliers come to market, its application Petroleum Institute committees also
of corrosive fluids, but may not have in valve production will increase. are beginning work on standards.
adequate strength for a stem, gate or Initial opportunities for application All of this will take time, but the
disc material, may not serve as a good of 316L, titanium, and Ni alloys are groundwork has been laid for a vari-
bearing material, or may result in improved design of contoured balls ety of alloys to be applied to this
lockup (because of thermal expansion for ball control valves, block man- new manufacturing technology for
rates) as a ball in a metal-seated ball ifold valves and fully customized the valve industry.  VM
valve applied in a temperature cyclic
installation. End users often are con-
cerned about proposed deviations to NOW INCLUDES VALVE BASICS COURSE,
specifications for alloys in valves, and
they should be. However, sometimes
TO TAKE PLACE THIS FALL!
alternate materials must be proposed Details at VMA.org/ValveForum
to ensure the valve functions as

VALVE FORUM
designed and is still compatible with
the service fluid from a corrosion
standpoint.
Q: WHAT MATERIALS ARE BEING USED IN THE
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF VALVES, AND FOR CONFERENCE & EXHIBITS
WHAT COMPONENTS ARE THEY USED? 
A: The most common alloys used
in additive manufacturing (AM) have
SPRING 2020  VALVE MAGAZINE

been tool steels, aluminum and 316L

stainless steel—and this statement
applies to valves as well. Up until
recently, AM in the valve industry
has primarily focused on prototypes Technical Manufacturing Management & Marketing
as part of research and development
initiatives or specialty valves within
the aerospace industry, serving those
purposes well. Other alloys that are
good candidates for use in valves
are titanium (specifically Ti6Al4V),
cobalt chromium Iconel 625 and var-
31
 WATER WORKS

New Requirements for Actuator Sizing

BY JOHN BALLUN
A disc is supported by a shaft that

COURTESY VAL-MATIC VALVE & MFG. CORP

Manual Actuator
After decades of confusion, the Amer- rotates within radial bearings secured
ican Water Works Association (AWWA) in the body. The valve has a seating
has created new standards for actuator system consisting of a resilient seat
Body
sizing that clear up some of the confu- and a stainless-steel mating surface to
sion and also provide guidance on where provide zero leakage at full pressure. Disc
safety factors need to be applied. In the closed position, the disc will Shaft
typically see a high differential pres- Bearing
BACKGROUND sure, which creates forces on the disc
AWWA published the first standard that are transferred to the bearings. Seat
for quarter-turn valves in 1954: To open the butterfly valve, actuator
Packing
AWWA C504, Rubber Seated Butterfly torque is applied to the valve shaft
Valves. In later editions, a prescribed equal to the friction forces around the
methodology was developed for man- resilient seat, packing and bearing M Figure 1. Typical butterfly valve
ufacturers to develop coefficients
and calculate the torques required to 18,000
operate valves under normal operating 16,000
conditions. Several components of 14,000 66 in. Minimum
Required Shaft
valve torque and their associated coef- 12,000 Torque (MRST)
ficients were defined including seating
Torque, ft-lbs.

10,000

torque, bearing friction torque, hydro- 8,000

static torque, dynamic torque, etc. 6,000

All of them varied greatly according 4,000

to valve size, operating pressures and 2,000

flow rate. 0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
To complicate matters, experience Valve Angle - degrees open
showed that how the valve is installed M Figure 2. Required operating torque for a 66-inch butterfly valve
and upstream flow conditions can
have a significant influence on the
valve torque as well. For example, if a
butterfly valve is installed immediate-
ly downstream of an elbow pipe or a
pump, the asymmetric velocity in the
pipe can cause a significantly higher
dynamic torque.
These types of experiences led to
the development of an AWWA Man-
ual of Practice M49 in 2001, which
replaced the torque methodology his-
torically provided in AWWA C504. The
manual also added installation effects,
head-loss and cavitation analysis. In
VALVE MAGAZINE   SPRING 2020

the third edition, M49 was expand-

ed to cover all types of quarter-turn
valves and establish actuator sizing
requirements.

VALVE TORQUE
To gain an understanding of quar-
ter-turn valve torque, let’s walk
through an opening stroke of a but-
terfly valve such as the one shown in
Figure 1. A butterfly valve consists of
a body bolted to the piping system. M Figure 3. AWWA ball valve with pneumatic vane actuator
32
 REFERENCES
1. American Water Works Association (AWWA),
2015, ANSI/AWWA C504-15: Standard for
Rubber-Seated Butterfly Valves. Denver, CO:
AWWA.
2. American Water Works Association (AWWA),
2015, M66: Cylinder and Vane Actuators
and Controls - Design and Installation. Den-
ver, CO: AWWA.
Motor Actuator 3. American Water Works Association (AWWA),
2017, M49: Quarter Turn Valves: Head Loss,
torque, and Cavitation Analysis. 3rd ed.
Denver, CO: AWWA.

MOTOR ACTUATOR SIZING

The gear portion of a motor actuator
is required to have a rating greater
than the MRST. The combined gear
and motor actuator is sized based on
its mechanical advantage, efficiency,
minimum supply voltage and required
speed of operation. Motor actuators
M Figure 4. AWWA ball valve equipped with variable speed motor actuators. are equipped with limit and torque
switches to protect the gear portion
surfaces. During mid travel (as seen handwheel rim pull will be less than 80 and the valve from excessive motor
in Figure 1), the friction forces on the pounds and the nut torque is less than torque. An AF is needed to assure
bearings drop but the fluid flow induc- 150 foot-pounds or similar criteria. In safe operation of the motor actua-
es a dynamic torque from unbalanced some cases, a larger handwheel or a tor as field conditions vary or valve
aerodynamic forces across the disc. spur gear may be required. component degradation occurs over
Using test-based flow and torque time. Also, in modulating service, the
coefficients, manufacturers calculate CYLINDER ACTUATOR SIZING necessary frequent starts and stops
and plot torques as shown in Figure 2. Cylinder or vane actuators provide require greater safety in sizing the
High torque at the 0 degrees or closed remote operation of valves using motor. The electric motor must also
position exists because of seating, hydraulic or pneumatic power (Fig- produce 1.5 times the MRST without
bearing and packing torque. As the ure 3). In general, cylinder actuator stalling.
valve travels from 0 degrees closed sizing is based on the mechanical
to 90 degrees open, the dynamic and advantage, efficiency and minimum ACTUATOR SIZING TORQUE
bearing torques vary as shown. These supply pressure. A safety or applica- According to AWWA C504, the actuator
data points represent the minimum tion factor (AF) is needed to allow for sizing torque (AST) should be calcu-
required shaft torque (MRST) at each supply pressure loss through controls lated by the actuator manufacturer
travel location. and cylinder piping. The construction and based on the MRST times the AF.
and operation of cylinder actuators These requirements have been added
MANUAL ACTUATOR SIZING and controls are described in detail in to the 2015 versions of the AWWA but-
Sizing a manual handwheel or nut-­ AWWA M66. Further, many cylinder terfly and ball valve standards. AWWA
operated actuator is a two-part process. actuators are equipped with springs to standards committees are working on
First, the actuator must have a rating make the valve fail open or closed so adding them to the applicable power
greater than the MRST at all positions the spring force must be added to the actuator standards to provide consis-
of travel. Then, with consideration MRST. When controlling the position tent direction across the industry.  VM
given for the efficiency and mechani- of the valve with a pneumatic power
John V. Ballun, P.E. is the president and CEO of
cal advantage of the actuator at each source, a higher AF is needed to main-
SPRING 2020  VALVE MAGAZINE

Val-Matic Valve & Mfg. Corp. (www.valmatic.com)

position, the required input torque for tain stability because of the compress- and a regular contributor to VALVE Magazine.
the actuator is computed so that the ibility of the pneumatic fluid. Reach him at jvb@valmatic.com.

Figure 5. Application factors for sizing actuators.

TYPE OF ACTUATOR AND SERVICE
MANUAL MOTOR CYLINDER
Modulating Modulating Modulating
On-Off On-Off Modulating On-Off
(water/oil) (air) (air-small cylinder < 80 in3)
1.25 2.00
1.00 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.50 2.00
(seating) (midstroke)
33
 VMA MEMBER ROSTER » Go to www.VMA.org for additional information on VMA members

Admiral Valve (dba CPV Cowan Dynamics, Inc. Everlasting Valve Company, Inc. • Mueller Co.
Manufacturing) Montreal, Quebec, Canada South Plainfield, NJ Chattanooga, TN
Kennett Square, PA www.cowandynamics.com www.everlastingvalveusa.com www.muellercompany.com
www.cpvmfg.com Neles USA Inc. (formerly Metso)
Crane Co. Fetterolf Corp.
Allagash International Group, LLC Stamford, CT Skippack, PA Shrewsbury, MA
Portland, ME www.cranecpe.com www.fetterolfvalves.com www.neles.com
www.allagashinternational.com Norriseal Wellmark, an Apergy
• Crane Energy Flow Solutions Flowserve Corporation HQ.
• Nor’East Controls The Woodlands, TX Irving, TX Company
www.noreastcontrols.com www.flowserve.com Houston
• Crane ChemPharma www.norrisealwellmark.com
American Valve, Inc. Flow Solutions • Flowserve Durco, Automax,
Greensboro, NC Worcester PBM, Inc.
Cincinnati Irwin, PA
www.americanvalve.com Cookeville, TN
Curtiss-Wright Valve Group - www.flowserve.com www.pbmvalve.com
ASCO Valve, Inc. - Emerson Industrial Division
Industrial Automation • Flowserve Valtek Control Valves The Wm. Powell Company
www.cw-industrial.com Springville, UT Cincinnati
Florham Park, NJ
www.ascovalve.com • Enertech www.flowserve.com www.powellvalves.com
Brea, CA • Flowserve Edward and Anchor/
A-T Controls Process Development & Control, Inc.
• Exlar Darling Coraopolis, PA
Cincinnati, OH Chanhassen, MN Raleigh, NC
www.a-tcontrols.com www.pdcvalve.com
• Farris Engineering www.flowserve.com
AUMA Actuators, Inc. • Flowserve Limitorque ProMation Engineering
Brecksville, OH
Canonsburg, PA Lynchburg, VA Brooksville, FL
• Target Rock www.promationei.com
www.auma-usa.com East Farmingdale, NY www.limitorque.com
Automation Technology, Inc. • Flowserve Gestra Steam Traps & QTRCO, Inc.
DeZURIK/APCO/HILTON and Systems Tomball, TX
Houston
Willamette Louisville, KY www.qtrco.com
www.atiactuators.com
Sartell, MN www.gestra.com
Babbitt Chainwheels www.dezurik.com REXA
• Flowserve Nordstrom and Vogt West Bridgewater, MA
New Bedford, MA • DeZURIK Sartell Sulphur Springs, TX
www.babbitt.com www.rexa.com
Sartell, MN www.flowserve.com
Harold Beck & Sons, Inc. • DeZURIK Cambridge • Flowserve Valbart Richards Industrials
Newtown, PA Cambridge, ON, Canada Cincinnati
Houston
www.haroldbeck.com www.richardsind.com
• DeZURIK/Hilton Valve www.flowserve.com
• Jordan Valve
Bernard Controls, Inc. Redmond, WA Forum Energy Technologies - Cincinnati
Houston • DeZURIK/APCO Rapid Valve Solutions www.jordanvalve.com
www.bernardcontrols.com Fulfillment Center Stafford, TX • Steriflow Valve
Houston, TX www.f-e-t.com Cincinnati
BHGE
Houston DFT Inc. Groth Corporation www.steriflowvalve.com
www.valves.bhge.com Exton, PA Liberty, MC • LowFlow Valve
• Consolidated Safety and Safety www.dft-valves.com www.grothcorp.com Cincinnati
Relief Valves www.lowflowvalve.com
Drillmax Inc. Hunt Valve
• Masoneilan Control Valves Houston Salem, OH • Marwin Valve
• Becker & Mooney Regulation & www.huntvalve.com Cincinnati
www.drillmax.com
Control www.marwinvalve.com
Emerson Indelac Controls, Inc. • Hex Valve
Jacksonville, FL; Houston Florence, KY
Corporate Headquarters Cincinnati
Bray International, Inc. St. Louis, MO www.indelac.com www.hexvalve.com
Houston, TX www.emerson.com/FinalControl ITT Engineered Valves • Bestobell Steam Traps
www.bray.com Lancaster, PA Cincinnati
Actuation Technologies
• Bray Controls www.engvalves.com www.bestobellsteamtraps.com
Houston, TX • Bettis, EIM actuators
www.bray.com Houston, TX Kingston Valves RF Valves, Inc.
• Morin actuators Torrance, CA Hanover, MC
• Flow-Tek, Inc. www.rfvalve.com
Houston, TX Pelham, AL www.kingstonvalves.com
www.bray.com/Flow.Tek Flow Controls Kitz Corporation of America R.S.V.P. Actuators & Controls
• Bray/Rite Corporation Stafford, TX Hempstead, TX
• Fisher control valves www.rsvpactuators.com
Montreal, Quebec, Canada www.kitz.com
Marshalltown, IA
www.ritepro.com Koso America, Inc. Score Valves
• Bray/VAAS Fluid and Motion Control Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
West Bridgewater, MA
Houston, TX • ASCO solenoid and pneumatic www.kosohd.com www.scorevalves.com
www.bray.com valves, cylinders & air
preparation equipment Micromatic LLC Spirax Sarco, Inc.
• Amresist Blythewood, SC
Florham Park, NJ Berne, IN
Houston, TX www.spiraxsarco-usa.com
www.asco.com www.micromaticllc.com
www.amresist.com
• Spirax Sarco Canada Ltd.
• Ultraflo Corporation • TESCOM pressure regulators, Moog Flo-Tork, Inc. Concord, Ontario, Canada
VALVE MAGAZINE   SUMMER 2020

Ste. Genevieve, MO valves & systems Orrville, OH

www.ultraflo.com Elk River, MN www.moog.com Total Valve Systems
• Bray Commercial • Anderson Greenwood instru- Broken Arrow, OK
Mueller Water Products www.totalvalve.com
Houston, TX mentation valves and manifolds Atlanta
www.braycommercial.com Elk River, MN www.muellerwaterproducts.com Townley Engineering &
• Rite Pro Corporation • TopWorx valve position indica- • Henry Pratt Company Manufacturing Company, Inc.
Montreal, Quebec, Canada tors, switches & sensors Aurora, IL Candler, FL
www.ritepro.com Louisville, KY www.henrypratt.com www.townley.net
Champion Valves, Inc. Isolation Valves • Henry Pratt, Hydro Gate Trillium Flow Technologies
Wilmington, NC • Keystone, KTM, Vanessa valves Denver Houston
www.wafercheck.com Houston, TX www.hydrogate.com www.trilliumflow.com
• Henry Pratt, Lined Valve Trimteck, LLC
Check-All Valve Mfg. Co. Pressure Management Woodland, WA Coral Springs, FL
Des Moines, IA • Anderson Greenwood and www.knifegatevalves.com www.trimteck.com
www.checkall.com Crosby pressure relief valves • Milliken Valve Company
Conval, Inc. Stafford, TX Bethlehem, PA Union Tech Co., LLC
Enfield, CT • Fisher regulators www.millikenvalve.com Houston
www.conval.com McKinney, TX www.uniontechmfg.com
34
 UniTorq Actuators & www.digestervalves.com TRIFLOW Corp. The Flexitallic Group, Inc.
Controls West Berlin, NJ Houston
Duluth, GA AIV, LP
Houston www.triflowcorp.com www.flexitallic.com
www.unitorq.com
www.aivinc.com Wolseley Industrial Group Garlock Sealing Technologies
Val-Matic Valve and Mfg. Newport News, VA Palmyra, NY
Corp. Andrews Industrial Controls
Carnegie, PA www.wolseleyindustrialgroup.com www.garlock.com
Elmhurst, IL
www.valmatic.com www.andrewsic.com SUPPLIERS Highland Foundry Limited
Charbonneau Industries, Inc. Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Valtorc A.W. Chesterton www.highlandfoundry.com
Kennesaw, GA Houston Groveland, MA
www.valtorc.com www.ciactuation.com www.chesterton.com Key Bellevilles, Inc.
Leechburg, PA
ValvTechnologies, Inc. Classic Controls, Inc. alliantgroup www.keybellevilles.com
Houston Lakeland, FL Houston
www.valv.com www.classiccontrols.com www.alliantgroup.com Matrix Metals, LLC
Richmond, TX
VanAire, Inc. DistributionNOW All-Pro Fasteners, Inc. www.matrixmetalsllc.com
Gladstone, MI Houston Arlington, TX
www.vanaireinc.com www.distributionnow.com Optimation Technology, Inc.
www.all-profasteners.com
Rush, NY
Velan Valve Corporation FCX Performance American Foundry Group www.optimation.us
Montreal, Quebec, Canada Stafford, TX Bixby, OK
www.velan.com www.fcxperformance.com Rayson Company
www.americanfoundry.com Houston, TX
Victaulic FloWorks AVK Carbo-Bond/Bi-Torq Inc. www.raysoncompany.com
Easton, PA Pasadena, TX LaFox, IL
www.victaulic.com www.floworkspvf.com Scientific Linings & Coatings
www.bitorq.com San Antonio
Western Valve, Inc. Industrial Valve Sales & Service Badger Alloys, Inc. www.weathercap.com
Bakersfield, CA Eight Mile, AL Milwaukee, WI
www.westernvalve.com Siemens Industry, Inc.
www.indvalve.com www.badgeralloys.com Spring House, PA
WEY Valve MRC Global Bradken, Inc. - Specialty Products www.usa.siemens.com
Nettleton, MS Houston
www.weyvalve.com
Kansas City, MO Solon Manufacturing Co.
www.mrcglobal.com https://bradken.com Chardon, OH
QRC Valve Distributors www.solonmfg.com
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS The Eagle Group
Stafford, TX Muskegon, MI Teadit North America
DISTRIBUTOR/CHANNEL PARTNERS www.qrcvalves.com www.eaglegroupmanufacturers.com Pasadena, TX
Advanced Valve & Setpoint Integrated Systems www.teadit-na.com
Instrument, Inc. EGC Enterprises, Inc.
Baton Rouge, LA Chardon, OH Technetics Group
Statesboro, GA
www.advancedvalve.net www.setpointis.com www.egcflexiblegraphitesolutions.com Columbia, SC
www.technetics.com

       For information on joining the Valve Manufacturers Association, contact Heather Rhoderick at 202.331.8105 (hrhoderick@vma.org).

MEMBERS OF THE VALVE REPAIR COUNCIL An affiliate of the Valve Manufacturers Association of America
Allagash International Group, LLC Eastern Controls, Inc. J~S Machine and Valve, Inc. Setpoint Integrated Solutions
Portland, ME Philadelphia Nowata, OK Baton Rouge, LA
www.allagashinternational.com www.easterncontrols.com www.jsvalve.com www.SetpointIS.com
Allied Valve Emerson Kirksey Machine Southeast Valve Inc.
Chicago Corporate Headquarters Houston Charlotte, NC
www.alliedvalveinc.com St.Louis, MO www.kirkseymachine.com www.sevalve.com
www.emerson.com/FinalControl
AVP Valve, Inc. Metso Automation Southern Valve Service, Inc.
Emerson Lifecycle Services
Lakeland, FL Shrewsbury, MA Baton Rouge, LA
Actuators
www.avpvalve.com www.metso.com www.southernvalve.com
Control valves
AWC, Inc. Isolation valves Midwest Valve Services, Inc. TEAM Industrial Services
Corpus Christi, TX Pressure relief Minooka, IL Houston
www.awc-inc.com Regulators www.mwvalve.com www.www.teaminc.com
Bay Valve Marshalltown, IA Pioneer Industrial Corporation United Valve
Seattle, WA Flotech, Inc. St. Louis, MO South Houston, TX
www.bay-valve.com Jacksonville, FL www.pioneerindustrial.com www.unitedvalve.com
Chalmers & Kubeck www.flotechinc.com Precision Fitting and Gauge Universe Machine Corporation
Watkinsville, GA Flowserve Corporation Tulsa, OK Edmonton, AB Canada
www.candksouth.com Baton Rouge, LA www.pfandg.com www.umcorp.com
Classic Controls, Inc. www.flowserve.com Precision Pump & Valve Service Valve Reconditioning
SUMMER 2020  VALVE MAGAZINE

Lakeland, FL Formosa Plastics USA Charleston, WV Service Co.

www.classiccontrols.com Point Comfort, TX www.ppvs.com Melvindale, MI
www.fpcusa.com www.vrsinc.net
Curtiss-Wright Industrial Precision Valve Group
Division, Gulf Coast Modification, LP Monroe, NC ValvTechnologies
Brecksville, OH Houston www.precisionvalvegroup.com Houston
www.cw-industrial.com www.gulfcoastmod.com www.valv.com
Puffer-Sweiven
Custom Valve Solutions John H. Carter Company Houston
Vallejo, CA Baton Rouge, LA www.puffer.com VRC ASSOCIATE MEMBER
www.customvalvesolutions.com www.johnhcarter.com EFCO
Renew Valve & Cleveland Valve
Dowco Valve Company Gulf Coast Valve, Inc. — FCX Performance Companies Charlotte, NC
Hastings, MN Corpus Christi, TX Carleton, MI/Cleveland www.efcousa.com
www.dowcovalve.com www.gulfcoastvalve.net www.renewvalve.com Quality Valve
www.clevelandvalve.com Mobile, AL
www.qualityvalves.com

For more information on joining the Valve Repair Council, contact Marc Pasternak at 202.331.0104 (mpasternak@vma.org).
35
 EDITOR’S PRODUCT PICKS ADVERTISER
Cowan Dynam- reduced piping footprint, shortened
Index
ics released its setup time and simplified operation.
next-generation AS The ISP sensing module is closely 13 AUMA
Series, Spring-Re- integrated with the patent-pending www.auma.com
turn Pneumatic valve actuator to provide a compact
Valve Actuator. The assembly, up to 70% shorter than cur- 23 Babbitt Chainwheels
Compact version was rent assemblies on the market. www.babbitt.com
designed specifically for applications DeZURIK’s new
where space is a premium with up to Valve Selection
C4 Crane/Westlock
www.westlockcontrols.com
57% shorter and 42% lighter canisters Guide highlights
compared to the standard model. the broad portfolio 5 Emerson
The spring is installed within a of engineered valve www.Emerson.com/AVENTICS
factory-sealed canister, allowing safe solutions in the
in-field service of piston packing, rod extensive DeZURIK, 19 Highland Foundry
www.highlandfoundry.com
seals and bushings without handling APCO, Hilton and
the spring. Willamette product lines. The guide 25 Manufacturers Standardization
Emerson includes convenient selection charts Society
and its new and descriptions that help users www.msshq.org
Remote Assis- quickly find the best performing and
tance service economical valve styles for a particular 1 Neles USA, Inc. (formerly Metso)
capability can application. www.neles.com
help plant A.W. Chester-
C2 Powell Valves
operators quickly respond to industrial ton’s Chesterton www.powellvalves.com
valve issues by using augmented real- Connect is a sim-
ity technology. The technology uses ple-to-use data 9 United Valve
a robust, secure channel certified as acquisition tool that www.unitedvalve.com
ISO 27001-compliant. Using a mobile enables users to
device, plant personnel can securely safely and conveniently monitor their 11 Val-Matic
www.valmatic.com
share their field of view through the processes and equipments’ operating
software as Emerson valve experts conditions. Using Bluetooth technology 29 VALVE Magazine Subscriptions
troubleshoot and solve valve problems. and a robust design to withstand harsh www.VALVEmagazine.com
Baker Hughes environments, Chesterton Connect
Consolidated Pressure makes it easy to monitor equipment 2 Velan
Relief Valves released vibration, surface temperature, process www.velan.com
the patented 2900 temperature and process pressure. 21 VMA Virtual
Series Generation Chesterton Connect connects to www.vma.org/Virtual
II Pilot-Operated multiple sensors, providing a compre-
Pressure Relief Valve hensive view of a plant’s equipment 28 VMA Virtual Valve Basics
(PRV). This solution health. By setting thresholds, the www.vma.org/ValveBasics
enables customers to replace existing mobile app and in-unit’s LED display
oversized or misapplied API 526 Direct- system alerts users of undesirable
31 VMA Virtual Valve Forum
www.vma.org/ValveForum
Spring PRVs with the new series valves events.
without requiring remote sense pipe ProMation Engi- 27 VMA Virtual Market Outlook
tapping or piping modifications. neering’s PL Series are Workshop
This product also features a linear electric actuators www.vma.org/
full-nozzle main valve that easily designed and engineered MarketOutlook2020
threads in and out to save on mainte- for precision operation
VALVE MAGAZINE   SUMMER 2020

nance costs as well as protect the main of linear process control

C3 Wolseley Industrial Group
www.wolseleyind.com
valve body from corrosive service. valves.
ITT Engineered Valves The series can be used
introduced the Integrated to control solutes in pharmaceutical
Sensing Platform (ISP), a processing and to precisely control
cutting-edge valve sens- cooling water flow in globe valves as When your company advertises in VALVE
Magazine, you’ll reach close to 70,000
ing platform developed well as control quenching water in industry professionals, from end users and
to reliably monitor valve continuous steel production. The series AEC/EPC firms to distributors and valve
position. With advanced has 3-phase separators in midstream manufacturers.
capabilities in calibrating, operating oil and gas installations and large-di- Contact Sue Partyke, advertising d
­ irector,
at 540.374.9100 or email spartyke@vma.
and communicating with diaphragm ameter damper systems for scrubber org to learn more.
valves, the ISP provides customers a systems.  VM
36
 NATIONAL REACH.
LOCAL FOCUS.
Using trusted brands of valves, actuators and
accessories, our expert valve specialists offer automation
solutions for projects of any size, any scope, in any place.

For more information on our valve automation

capabilities, visit us at wolseleyind.com

©2020 Wolseley Industrial Group 0520 1925752

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