It's all about construction
Valves
Valve bodies and components are produced in a wide variety of materials, including brass, bronze, iron, steel, stainless steel, and many exotic alloys. Teflon, as well as other fluorocarbons and elastomers, are also used for valve seats and trims. In addition, plastic valves are used in special applications. Nearly every valve made in the United States meets the quality standards recommended by one or more national and/or international standards organizations. Standards are written only after careful study and open-forum debate. Quality control encompasses design, materials, inspection tests, and usage limitations. Although there is no one universal valve standard, there are several codes, regulations, and standards that apply to large segments of the valve industry.
Major worldwide markets serviced by the U.S. and Canadian valve industry include:
CHEMICAL AND PETROCHEMICAL
These industries have grown at a rapid pace since World War II. A multitude of valve and actuator designs are required for fluid, gas, and slurry services in normal to severe corrosive conditions. Because of the diversity of the market needs, virtually every U.S. and Canadian valve manufacturer designs and supplies valve and actuator products to the chemical and petrochemical industries.
PETROLEUM PRODUCTION
The valves used in the drilling, production and gathering of crude oil and gas are generally specialized, high-pressure steel products. Valve and actuator manufacturers work closely with customers to meet specific requirements for particular projects.
PIPELINE TRANSMISSION
This market includes all oil and gas transmission lines and some local gas distribution lines requiring valves ranging from high-pressure gate, plug, ball, and butterfly valves to such pipeline valves as thru-conduit gate and ball valves.
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
Most of the valves sold to the power generation industry are high-pressure steel valves, including standard and more sophisticated specialty valves. In addition to new construction requirements, there is a strong maintenance and replacement market for valves and actuators in this field. Highly sophisticated valves and actuators used in nuclear power plants undergo rigorous testing to meet quality standards.
WATER AND WASTEWATER SYSTEMS
Most valves produced to handle water are iron body, bronze mounted and are generally larger in size than valves for other industries. Valves used in this industry include gate, check, and butterfly valves, as well as fire hydrants, and certain types of sluice valves and fire protection sprinkler system valve products.
CONSTRUCTION
This industry uses valves in environmental control systems, water distribution and wastewater treatment systems, energy lines, commercial building piping systems, and other applications. Valve and actuator products for this market are generally standardized items produced by many manufacturers.
PROCESS INDUSTRIES
Valves and actuators have long been indispensable components in the production of pulp and paper products, food and beverage products, and the production of various metals, including iron and steel.
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