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Sarah Bradley
Sarah Bradley
Valve World Americas

Most recent articles

Seizing the Opportunity to Learn from Industry Experts
By Sarah Bradley | 30 November 2020
The Managing Aging Plants USA Conference and Expo 2020 will be held on December 9th and 10th at the Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria, Houston, Texas. Valve World Americas sat down with the conference’s Chairman, Mr. Sam Davis, President of RFS Compliance Solutions, to discuss his experiences in the industrial sector and working with aging infrastructure, and why he feels this is an important event for engineers of all ages and experiences to attend.
Helping Manufacturers Predict the Unknown with Smart Technology
By Sarah Bradley | 23 November 2020
Jeremy Drury and Rex Wetherill use their experience and expertise to simplify the art of predicting unplanned downtime by making, moving, and managing data for manufacturers. By using smart technology that makes the sophisticated Internet of Things (IoT) “as easy as 1-2-3” they help end users quickly convert reactive maintenance into a proactive strategy.
The Importance of Preserving Knowledge Through Mentorship
By Sarah Bradley | 16 November 2020
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Dan DeVine began his career in 1987 working for the Union Carbide Corporation after graduating from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. He joined The Dow Chemical Company in 2001 through the acquisition of Union Carbide. Dan is now working in a valve and piping consulting engineer role as an independent contractor through Midland Engineering, Ltd. for Corteva AgriscienceTM.
How Partnering with Experts Can Improve Valve Operations and Maintenance
By Sarah Bradley | 09 November 2020
Comprehensive services delivered by locally-based industry experts are often required to optimize valve operations, reduce risk, improve safety, and cut costs. Valve World Americas spoke with Larry Baumber, Director of Global Service Management for Emerson Automation Solutions, to discuss common problems related to servicing control, on-off, and pressure relief valves, suggested solutions and examples of successful third-party service engagements.
Creating a Robust Maintenance Strategy for Valves, Pumps & Other Equipment
By Sarah Bradley | 02 November 2020
With a quarter of a century of experience building reliability and maintenance programs for major food and pharmaceutical companies, Joe Anderson creates robust strategies that help manufacturers build programs and improve the life of key equipment and the productivity of operations.
Working with an Immeasurable Skillset
By Sarah Bradley | 26 October 2020
George Gabriel has held many engineering roles throughout his decades of work, giving him invaluable experience and transferable skills. Valve World Americas had the opportunity to sit down with George Gabriel to talk about his experience with valves, pumps, boilers, and heat exchangers, and his thoughts on best-practices for engineering teams.
Valve Procurement From the Cradle to the Grave
By Sarah Bradley | 19 October 2020
Allan Mabuti moved from his home country the Philippines to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He joined McDermott and is working as a valve package engineer. This means he is responsible for the cradle to the grave in valve procurement.
The Paladon Difference: Innovative Solutions for Industry
By Sarah Bradley | 12 October 2020
For over 30 years, Paladon Systems has been supplying high quality valve actuators and control systems on a global scale. With the opening of Paladon Americas in 2011, the company can better serve their customers around the globe.
COVID-19 Lessons for Oil and Gas Manufacturers and Suppliers
By Sarah Bradley | 06 October 2020
The phrase ‘new normal’ is very popular at the moment. In the oil and gas (O&G) sector, we have had to adapt to many a new normal over the years. ‘Lower for longer’ was meant to be the new normal with prices in the USD $60-70/bbl range, before they went much lower than that.
Managing Expectations – An Interview with Jay Humphrey, Senior Expeditor
By Sarah Bradley | 05 October 2020
After almost two decades in the oil and gas industry, Jay Humphrey has gained valuable expertise and knowledge working with various vendors, clients, and engineering components.
A Welder is an Artist; an Inspector is the Critic – Part 2
By Sarah Bradley | 28 September 2020
No two welds are exactly the same, and this is something that Garrett Borrow, QA Inspector, has learned throughout his career in the welding and inspection industry. As every weld is different, he must be diligent and detail-oriented to make sure that all welds are done properly and to the project’s specifications.
A Welder is an Artist; an Inspector is the Critic – Part 1
By Sarah Bradley | 21 September 2020
No two welds are exactly the same, and this is something that Garrett Borrow, QA Inspector, has learned throughout his career in the welding and inspection industry. As every weld is different, he must be diligent and detail-oriented to make sure that all welds are done properly and to the project’s specifications.
Preventive Maintenance Strategies for Highly-Charged Facility Equipment
By Sarah Bradley | 14 September 2020
When it comes to maintaining electrical systems connected to equipment like valves and pumps, it is important to have preventive programs in place to prevent small mistakes from causing big problems, according to Bill Myers, Electrical Distribution Specialist for AstraZeneca’s Facility Engineering Department at the West Chester, Ohio plant. This is especially true in a sterile pharmaceutical environment that maintains more than 2,000 assets.
VELAN: Celebrating 70 Years of Innovative Expertise
By Sarah Bradley | 07 September 2020
Velan has had a rich history of innovation, since its founding by A.K. Velan in 1950. Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the Montreal, Canada-based firm is no stranger to turbulence in the industry. As a world leader in the design and production of cast and forged severe service valves across all major industrial applications, Velan has maintained stability and continued to offer new technology driven products that allow them to persevere in the face of uncertainty.
NAB Versus Titanium Seawater System Valves
By Sarah Bradley | 31 August 2020
Titanium was first replaced with Nickel Aluminium Bronze (NAB) in the offshore industry as a cost-saving measure. This paper provides a short comparison between titanium and NAB valves in corrosive seawater systems.
A Complete Guide – Control Valve Selection
By Sarah Bradley | 28 August 2020
It is well worth mentioning that anything can be controlled if you just have the right valve for it. Engineers need to find the shortest possible way to solve a problem and decide on making it cost-effective. Hence, the solution might be selecting a control valve for the project.
A Problem Solving Team: An Interview with Justin Deckard – Piping Department Manager for Arion
By Sarah Bradley | 24 August 2020
An analytical person who is dedicated to their craft will go far in the piping industry, according to Justin Deckard. With so many different situations that will come up on the job, a good problem-solver will find the perfect solution for each client. Justin Deckard is a professional problem-solver, even if that was not what he originally planned to be.
Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone: An Interview with Andre Gafford
By Sarah Bradley | 17 August 2020
Choose projects that scare you – this is the motto that Andre Gafford follows every day. After over 20 years in the industry, he has seen and worked on his fair share of large projects, and each has pushed him to take risks and develop new ideas.
Bray’s Automation & Control Solutions – Unwavering Commitment to Superior Quality Products
By Sarah Bradley | 10 August 2020
Bray International Inc.’s presence in over 60 countries across six continents has solidified the company’s position as a worldwide leader in the global rotary automation & controls market. Since its inception almost 35 years ago, Bray’s unwavering commitment to superior quality products and unmatched customer service have laid the foundation for its continued success.
Design Validation and Prototype Cycling for Valves
By Sarah Bradley | 03 August 2020
Production losses associated with valve failures have made many companies become more stringent on product qualification. At first, this meant only the review of the valve design and related assumptions, gauging if the engineering behind them was sound.
Understanding Framework Agreements
By Sarah Bradley | 27 July 2020
Procuring valves individually in one-off contracts is a repetitive task; and one that the procurement and related engineering support team can become quite good at it. However, is this the best use of such resources? One of the ways to alleviate the burden of procurement is the establishment of framework agreements.
Understanding the Cost of Failure: An Interview with Robert Bishop – Plant Manager for Chemtrade Syracuse
By Sarah Bradley | 21 July 2020
When it comes to maintaining critical equipment like valves and pumps, Chemtrade Plant Manager Robert Bishop relies on using modern technologies like ultrasound, thermography, and vibration analysis to determine the cost and impact of failures, a system that works in large and small facilities. By Michelle Segrest - Contributing Editor
Harnessing Fugitive Emissions Technology: An Interview with Mike Shorts
By Sarah Bradley | 20 July 2020
Mike Shorts has developed a wealth of knowledge surrounding industrial processes and emission control throughout his 23 years in the industry. Appointed President of Triangle Fluid Controls in 2008 after Durabla Canada’s restructuring, Shorts continues to cultivate and motivate his team of experts to harness and disseminate the latest technologies and product advancements for the purpose of fugitive emission control.
The Top 10 Issues to be Aware of in Aging Infrastructure
By Sarah Bradley | 13 July 2020
All industrial plants face numerous challenges to operate in a safe and profitable way: costs, competition, raw material quality, regular maintenance, and the list goes on. Aging plants have these very same challenges and a whole other burden – some being age-related and some that are variations of the ‘regular’ challenges.
Top 10 Valve Inspection Points
By Sarah Bradley | 06 July 2020
Recently published standards have brought in new demands for valve inspectors. The S-562 (Supplementary Requirements to API Specification 6D Ball Valves) and the S-611 (Supplementary Requirements to API 600 Steel Gate Valves and to API 603 CRA Gate Valves) specify that new tests and procedures are to be performed.
A Fresh Perspective on the Use of the Drill and Tap Process
By Sarah Bradley | 29 June 2020
The Drill & Tap (D&T) repair process has been used commonly in the Refinery, Petrochemical and Chemical plant sectors (Downstream) for more than 60 years. D&T repairs have been performed effectively and safely to repack valves of various types.
Mediating Fugitive Emissions: An Interview with Carl Anderson
By Sarah Bradley | 22 June 2020
Environmental engineers are essential to the protection of the environment as well as the health and safety of vital industry workers. Their careers are dedicated to ensuring that the integrity of equipment used in industrial processes are up to global standards, and are performing on the frontline against leakage and fugitive emissions.
AIMS – Asset Integrity Management Systems (AIMS)
By Sarah Bradley | 15 June 2020
Opportunities and Challenges in Safety Integrity Levels (Part 4). With the initial phases of safety in asset integrity management systems like HAZOP (hazard and operability study) and SIL (safety integrity level) assignments completed and most of the engineering documentation available, the next important activity in the safety lifecycle is SIL verification.
Neway: Innovation Never Ends
By Sarah Bradley | 08 June 2020
These uncertain times are reshaping the world. Nevertheless, it is inevitable that all industries must be able to respond to the constant changes around us. Some special enterprises, maintain the ability to readily adapt to required change, providing ongoing adjustments and product innovation as leaders in the valve manufacturing industry, even during these difficult times.
Dealing with Cavitation the Street-Smart Way
By Sarah Bradley | 01 June 2020
Street-smart is a term generally used for a person who has situational awareness and the skills to survive in tough urban environments. It also describes someone who relies more on practical rather than theoretical knowledge.
Ayo Kilani (NLNG): Chairman Valve World Conference 2020
By Sarah Bradley | 25 May 2020
Valve World is honored to present Ayo Kilani as the Chairman of the Valve World Conference 2020. The main global event for the valve and actuation sector and related end-user sectors will take place from December 1st to December 3rd in Düsseldorf, Germany.
From Upper Michigan to (Almost) Everywhere: VanAire’s Mounting Kit Components Bring Quality, Safety, and Longevity to Equipment
By Sarah Bradley | 18 May 2020
In some of the most critical industries in the nation, an essential piece of valve automation has long been an afterthought. VanAire is working hard to change that.
BASF’s IPM: Simplifying Automated Valves
By Sarah Bradley | 11 May 2020
BASF has co-developed and introduced the Integrated Pneumatic Module (IPM) mainly to simplify the configuration for linear and quarterturn actuators, both in standard and more complex configurations. According to Matko Dijkman, Senior Automation Manager at BASF, the IPM has been designed to prevent unnecessary mistakes in the installation and maintenance process. The IPM also has potential in plant availability, safety and savings, for example, in stock keeping.
Owning Your Work: An Interview with Rob Crena De Iongh
By Sarah Bradley | 04 May 2020
After almost four decades of working for one of the top five oil and gas companies, Rob Crena De Iongh has gained invaluable knowledge and expertise in the oil and gas industry. Throughout his professional career he has worked with a large variety of rotating and static equipment like valves, pumps, compressors and gas-turbines.
Crane Instrumentation & Sampling (I&S) - Brands You Trust
By Sarah Bradley | 27 April 2020
Crane’s instrumentation and sampling products have been engineered over many years to solve severe process applications by working closely with customers to understand their needs. Crane has unparalleled knowledge of analytical instrumentation, pressure measurement and sampling processes in the oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical industries. Their mission is to help its customers increase safety and productivity, whilst exceeding emission codes and standards to help protect the environment.
Importance of Control Valve Training
By Sarah Bradley | 20 April 2020
Why is training so essential for water utilities, engineers and operators? There are continuous changes in regulation of water distribution systems, changing laws and water quality mandates. In order to ensure compliance, utilities and their staff need proper training on the tools and methodology to keep up with an ever-changing industry.
Best Practices for Back-Pressure Regulator Setup in Sampling Systems
By Sarah Bradley | 13 April 2020
For even the most experienced engineers and technicians, analytical sampling system design presents a unique challenge. Analytical sampling is an intricate process, and what can seem like inconsequential design deviations can significantly influence sample accuracy. Inaccuracy leads to troubleshooting, troubleshooting leads to downtime, and downtime leads to lost dollars stemming from design flaws or installation errors that could have been eliminated upfront.
A Rotating Equipment Editor: An Interview with Dan Heberer
By Sarah Bradley | 06 April 2020
An early interest in machinery brought Dan Heberer into the world of mechanical engineering, which eventually led to a career in rotating equipment and pumping systems. Heberer worked with a long term focus on rotating equipment and gained diverse knowledge of the chemical industry.
Inspecting and Managing Aging Infrastructure
By Sarah Bradley | 30 March 2020
As facilities get older, more repairs and replacements are required to keep a plant and its applications operational. Inspection teams are called in to make recommendations on the best steps to move forward, and that is where William Wilson found his niche.
Learning Should be a Constant Process
By Sarah Bradley | 23 March 2020
The pulp and paper industry is vast and highly dispersed, and its ecosystem made up of companies that use wood as their raw material to produce pulp, paper, cardboard and other pulp products.
Bonney Forge: Investing in Quality, and the Future!
By Sarah Bradley | 16 March 2020
Since its founding in 1876, Bonney Forge has been recognized for its manufacturing excellence and high-quality product standards. For the last 144 years, the company has exceeded expectations and earned the trust of end users worldwide. Its dedication to customers’ needs and its investment in expanding its manufacturing capabilities has made the company a world leader in the valve market.
Protecting Original Investments and Working Through the Plant Re-certification Process Cost-effectively
By Sarah Bradley | 09 March 2020
Nearly 40 years ago, Leslie Controls had the privilege of installing critical valves across the entire fleet of nuclear power plants for a major power generation company in Asia. The valves worked flawlessly over those many decades and continue to work without problems.
Valve Actuation & Automation
By Sarah Bradley | 02 March 2020
Today, industries rely more frequently on automated machinery/processes rather than other manual or mechanized systems. Automated equipment provides high performance, whilst helping to reduce dangerous assembly and industrial processes requiring human intervention. Actuators have played a key role in the functioning of automated devices.
The Benefits of Using Automated Valves
By Sarah Bradley | 24 February 2020
Automation helps with activities and processes without the need for personnel to physically engage in carrying them out. Automating valves is particularly valuable for controlling flow in piping systems requiring precision control or fail-safe emergency shutoff. A closer examination of the various benefits of using automated valves provides insight into their overall industrial impact, improved output control, and increased safety in manufacturing and production.
Network Control for Valve Actuators
By Sarah Bradley | 17 February 2020
Reliable and comprehensive data communications are essential elements in the modern process plant. Plant managers today demand access to more information, more quickly than ever before. Process operators must have the ability for full control at all times, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Maintenance managers need the information required for efficient asset management.
Baker Hughes: Providing the Industry with Valve Solutions for IIoT
By Sarah Bradley | 10 February 2020
Digitization has significantly influenced the valve industry since its adoption in the late 1990s. Since then, manufacturers are continuously competing to find new ways to innovate and expand their digital portfolios, and the need to stay relevant and up to date has never been greater.
Developing Sustainable Solutions for Current Global Challenges
By Sarah Bradley | 03 February 2020
Martin Ryan fell into the world of piping and valves, almost by accident. After a few years as an engineer in the automotive industry, he relocated to the oil and gas capital of Australia. Martin was involved with several oil and gas projects as a mechanical & piping engineer and began engaging with numerous valves and their applications. In 2012, Martin relocated to the USA where he transferred to the chemical industry where he continues to be involved with valves and valve applications.
What are Cv Values and How Can They Be Used? An Interview with Ed Edwards
By Sarah Bradley | 27 January 2020
Ed H. Edwards is the Vice President of HBE Engineering of Three Rivers, Michigan, a supplier of centrifugal pump minimum flow valves and orifices. He has worked in the pump and related equipment field since 1972 and holds a BS from Western Michigan University. He specializes in materials of construction for corrosion and erosion resistance, the proper sizing, selection, installation and maintenance of equipment. By Michelle Segrest - Contributing Editor
Bridging the Knowledge Gap: An Interview with Gary Boles
By Sarah Bradley | 20 January 2020
When conversations concerning pumps, valves, or nuclear power plants arise, Gary Boles is always eager to partake. As a highly experienced Project Manager at EPRI, Boles has had the opportunity to work in a number of positions within the power industry.
Design Validation Tests and Technology Know-How
By Sarah Bradley | 13 January 2020
Technological innovation is the key to achieving greater performance, longer and reliable service, within a competitive budget and schedule. In this article, Euthymios J. Euthymiou asks some questions that are often raised by decision-makers.
Trust, but Verify: the Case of Writing a Specification
By Sarah Bradley | 06 January 2020
In the 80’s, the United States and the then Soviet Union were involved in extensive talks about nuclear disarmament. Ronald Reagan was President and he was taught a Russian proverb as part of an effort to bridge the cultural gap between the two countries. The proverb was “Trust, but verify” (Russian: Doveryai, no proveryai), which he used in several meetings with his counterpart Mikhail Gorbachev. Reagan used the proverb to emphasize the need of procedures to verify compliance with the agreement
A Lifetime of Learning: An Interview with Paulo Luman
By Sarah Bradley | 30 December 2019
The industries are always changing, always evolving, whether is it oil and gas, petrochemical, energy, or wastewater. To ensure success, Paulo Luman knew that he needed to be open to new technologies, new processes, and new solutions that would come into his workplace as the time passed.
Assessing Equipment Integrity Risks: Interview with Collin Phillips
By Sarah Bradley | 23 December 2019
Collin Phillips is a Mechanical Engineer who works with the fixed equipment integrity of crude distillation and delayed coking units. He applies ASME codes and API standards for new equipment and repairs for ExxonMobil. Every day he prioritizes and assesses equipment integrity risks.
Top 10 Causes for Valve Replacement in Power Generation
By Sarah Bradley | 16 December 2019
There is no need to write about the importance of power generation, a major component of our highly technological lives. Valves are present in any power generation plant, be it fossil fueled, geothermal, hydroelectric, nuclear or solar. They are present in many services, such as feedwater, cooling water, wastewater, chemical treatment, steam circuit and fire fighting circuit, and are subject to a vast array of conditions of pressure, temperature and flow.
KACE Ball Valves: The Customer Comes First
By Sarah Bradley | 09 December 2019
After 24 years in the industry, one thing has always remained the same for KACE Ball Valves: the customers’ needs will always come first. By offering custom specialty valves, KACE is able to cater to many customers in different markets and industries.
Consider a Graphite Infused Carbon Seat for Isolation in Steam and High Temperature Applications
By Sarah Bradley | 02 December 2019
Isolating flow in critical applications and protecting key equipment remains a top priority for petrochemical and refining companies. High temperature applications pose challenges to isolation technologies requiring positive sealing, especially in critical processes where loss of product and unplanned shutdowns are extremely undesirable.
Very Cold Valves – The Diverse World of Industrial Gases: An Interview with Fred Schweighardt (Part 2)
By Sarah Bradley | 25 November 2019
Fred Schweighardt is a National Project Leader and International Expert for Airgas, an Air Liquide Company based out of Houston, Texas. In this capacity, he applies his extensive welding background to industrial gas applications in fabricating and manufacturing markets.
Very Cold Valves – The Diverse World of Industrial Gases: An Interview with Fred Schweighardt (Part 1)
By Sarah Bradley | 18 November 2019
Fred Schweighardt is a National Project Leader and International Expert for Airgas, an Air Liquide Company based out of Houston, Texas. In this capacity, he applies his extensive welding background to industrial gas applications in fabricating and manufacturing markets.
Aiming for Efficiency in Procurement & Supply Chain Management: An Interview with Patrick Thrash (Part 2)
By Sarah Bradley | 11 November 2019
When Patrick Thrash was finishing his undergraduate degree at the University of Mississippi and moving to Houston, he was the only one headed in that direction. During his college years, he had never heard of procurement teams, and a good friend, whose father was an executive at Fluor, explained to Thrash what he did in procurement. From then on Thrash knew that was what he wanted to do.
Aiming for Efficiency in Procurement & Supply Chain Management (Part 1)
By Sarah Bradley | 04 November 2019
When Patrick Thrash was finishing his undergraduate degree at the University of Mississippi and moving to Houston, he was the only one headed in that direction. During his college years, he had never heard of procurement teams, and a good friend, whose father was an executive at Fluor, explained to Thrash what he did in procurement. From then on Thrash knew that was what he wanted to do.
Four Decades of Success in the Processing Industry: An Interview with Jim Darby
By Sarah Bradley | 28 October 2019
Jim Darby has been in the process industry for a little over four decades. He began his career as a Junior Process Engineer and has progressed over the years to achieve a Senior Process Engineer position. After gaining experience in a multitude of different companies, Darby began working with Paton Engineers and Constructors in Sarnia, Ontario, and has held his position there for the last two and a half years.
Four Questions About Severe-Service Oil and Gas Valve Seals
By Sarah Bradley | 21 October 2019
The oil and gas industry uses a variety of valves to regulate the flow in mechanical applications. Upstream, downstream, and natural gas operations use equipment designed with valves that are essential to maintaining and controlling flow rates without allowing any leakage to protect people, equipment, and the environment.
How Valves Can Help Drive the Factory of the Future: An Interview with Yannick Schilly (Part 2)
By Sarah Bradley | 14 October 2019
In Yannick Schilly’s expansive career he has helped small and medium-sized factories accomplish the sophistication of mega corporations. In the ever-growing global drive to expand the capabilities of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Schilly has seen first-hand the advantages of using intelligent valves and equipment to build factories of the future.
How Valves Can Help Drive the Factory of the Future: An Interview with Yannick Schilly (Part 1)
By Sarah Bradley | 07 October 2019
In Yannick Schilly’s expansive career he has helped small and medium-sized factories accomplish the sophistication of mega corporations. In the ever-growing global drive to expand the capabilities of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Schilly has seen first-hand the advantages of using intelligent valves and equipment to build factories of the future.
Entering the Age of Technology: An Interview with Bill Patrick
By Sarah Bradley | 30 September 2019
Recently various industries have seen drastic changes in the technology being used to perform daily tasks. As someone who has been working in the chemical industry for 30 years, Bill Patrick has witnessed the evolution of how projects, training, and day-to-day tasks have changed with the introduction of new technology. An Improvement Leader for Piping Technology at Dow Inc., Patrick has seen this technology in action, and has also been able to use and gain experience in this changing environment
An Inside Look at SUEZ – Water Technologies & Solutions (Part 2)
By Sarah Bradley | 23 September 2019
SUEZ – Water Technologies & Solutions, as part of parent company, SUEZ Group, is a leader in the water and industrial process treatment industry. Based in Paris, France, SUEZ Group has more than 90,000 employees spread across five continents. As the call for action to improve environmental issues continues to grow, SUEZ is committed to the smart and sustainable management of water resources, treatment, and resource recovery by supporting its customers.
An Inside Look at SUEZ – Water Technologies & Solutions (Part 1)
By Sarah Bradley | 16 September 2019
SUEZ – Water Technologies & Solutions, as part of parent company, SUEZ Group, is a leader in the water and industrial process treatment industry. Based in Paris, France, SUEZ Group has more than 90,000 employees spread across five continents. As the call for action to improve environmental issues continues to grow, SUEZ is committed to the smart and sustainable management of water resources, treatment, and resource recovery by supporting its customers.
Innovation Solution Optimizes Produced Water Disposal: Solar Power System Enables Remote Operation of Automated Valves on Water Gathering Pipelines
By Sarah Bradley | 09 September 2019
Water is considered a byproduct of oil and gas production and must be carefully managed. This water, usually referred to as ‘produced water’, is the largest volume waste stream associated with upstream petroleum operations.
Knowledge is Always Critical When Time is of the Essence: Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant gets Valve Upgrade
By Sarah Bradley | 02 September 2019
The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant is the largest sewage treatment facility in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, treating 450 million gallons per day. Built in the 1950s, this facility has undergone several upgrades to keep up with population growth and ensure it continues to meet requirements of the Clean Water Act.
The Importance of Flow Monitoring in the World of Wastewater Treatment
By Sarah Bradley | 26 August 2019
Wastewater treatment is not something most of the population of the United States thinks about on a daily basis. It is conducted, mostly unseen by municipalities, and goes largely unappreciated by many. However, it’s a key part of everyday survival that allows humans to stay hydrated, bathe, clean dishes, launder clothing, and perform a variety of tasks that keep them alive and healthy.
Know Your Equipment: An Interview with George Corfield – Mining Engineer, P.E., P. Eng., MBA, CPMM
By Sarah Bradley | 19 August 2019
George Corfield is a professional Maintenance and Operations Manager and Mining Engineer, with more than 20 years of experience. His expertise lies in problem solving, operations, cost analysis, and strategic planning. Corfield works from his Mesa, AZ, USA office and uses his skills and experience to consult companies in organizing and coaching teams to affect solutions and solve complex problems in maintenance, equipment rebuilding, mineral and chemical processing, and asset management.
Driving Industrial Innovation in the Chemical & Petrochemical Sector:An Interview with Celso Ferreira Ramos Neto, Procurement Manager / South East MRO Coordinator, Braskem
By Sarah Bradley | 12 August 2019
The chemical and petrochemical industry in Brazil is driven by one well-reputed player, Braskem. Valve World Americas was pleased to sit down with Celso Ferreira Ramos Neto, Procurement Manager for Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo at Braskem to discuss the company’s product procurement protocols, vendors list, material selection methods, plant turnarounds and what the future holds in the increasingly digital industrial environment.
Cryogenic Valve Seals for Space Applications
By Sarah Bradley | 06 August 2019
Since the beginning of time, mankind has gazed into the sky with intrigue and the dream of space travel. The speed of technology is constantly changing the world around us, so it is difficult to believe that today’s cryogenic rocket engine is virtually the same as the original design. The rocket engine is controlled by a computer that receives instructions from the vehicle that are delivered to the engine’s valve actuation systems with the valves being the main contributor to engine function.
Playing the Testing Game in Valves – Fugitive Emissions
By Sarah Bradley | 29 July 2019
Fugitive Emissions are emissions of gases and/or vapors due to an unanticipated leak from pressurized equipment such as valves, pumps, compressors typically in a Chemical, Petrochemical, LNG or Refinery applications. TEmissions from Refineries and Chemical/Petrochemical plants can be broadly referred as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emitting in the atmosphere in plant applications or Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Dow: Better Insight into Torque Data
By Sarah Bradley | 22 July 2019
“The sizing of actuators for on/off valves is an issue which needs more attention in the industry. One of the problems is that there is no international standard for testing and validation of torque data by valve manufacturers. These ‘paper’ data need to be supported by documentation that proves how these data are generated.”
The Story of Juice Box Drilling
By Sarah Bradley | 16 July 2019
There have been many classic novels written about the sea. The Old Man and the Sea by Hemingway, The Voyage of the Beagle by Darwin and of course, the epic search for the great whale: Moby Dick by Herman Melville. Some of these epic tales were penned with some of most beautiful language of those times. By Andre Gafford – Sr. Partner, DeLeon Business Consulting Group
A Predictive Smart Valve Application
By Sarah Bradley | 09 July 2019
Control valves are used throughout the process industry. Understanding the condition of these valves could be of significant value to the operators of these plants. To minimize unplanned downtime, operators can use early symptoms of degradation to reduce unexpected valve failures. By Aaron Shelly – Senior Data Scientist & David Siegel – CTO, Predictronics & Mohamed Abuali – Managing Partner, IoTco
Valve World Americas Expo & Conference 2019 a Success
By Sarah Bradley | 02 July 2019
The fifth staging of Valve World Americas Expo & Conference, organized by KCI Publishing Corporation and Messe Düsseldorf North America, was held on June 19th and 20th at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.
A Visit to Hoover Dam - An Inside Tour of an Architectural and Engineering Marvel
By Sarah Bradley | 24 June 2019
An industrial wonder of the world, Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, located near Boulder City, Nevada, on the border of Arizona. Constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression, it was originally known as Boulder Dam. It was officially renamed Hoover Dam, for President Herbert Hoover, by a joint resolution of Congress in 1947. By Sarah Bradley & Angelica Pajkovic.
Valve Sealing Parameters
By Sarah Bradley | 19 June 2019
When it comes to selecting the appropriate sealing technology for valves, a number of different areas need to be evaluated. The type of valve is important but the expectation for sealing performance is also significant. The medium being sealed, pressures and temperatures, and external influences on the valve are all essential factors to consider when choosing the sealing technology. The following is a brief overview of some of the areas to review prior to selection of an optimized sealing elemen
Standardization Critical to Raise the Bar
By Sarah Bradley | 10 June 2019
Standardization in the oil and gas sector is imperative to ‘raise the bar’, for example in terms of fugitive emissions. “Within the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP), various end users have agreed upon base requirements, some of which have repercussions for valve industry. In general, this doesn’t require a huge effort from the supply side.” By Lucien Joppen & Catarina Muia.
Authorities and Industry – Wake Up and Smell the Coffee!
By Sarah Bradley | 03 June 2019
Exactly this month 12 years ago, I retired as instrumentation engineering associate! A dozen years already! I had other plans, but life happens, and I got deeply involved in what I would call now “TorqueGate”! After water-, diesel- and other gate scandals, unless we take action, a TorqueGate scandal will pop up sooner or later! By Henk Hinssen – iHandl Engineering.
Brighter Days Ahead for the Brazilian Valve Market
By Sarah Bradley | 27 May 2019
Brazil’s ‘Golden Years’ saw success and prosperity in the energy and processing industries. Due to actions carried out by the federal government, the country experienced a downfall for the past five years. Consultant, João Carlos Vitorino, Eng, MBA, discusses how the new government is bringing hope for 2020 and the importance of keeping industry workers safe, while protecting the environment by controlling fugitive emissions. By Catarina Muia and Stephanie Matas.
The Importance of Exotic Alloys in the Chemical Industry
By Sarah Bradley | 20 May 2019
The world of chemicals is a vast one, with each chemical combination triggering unique reactions. For Tom Sandbrook, an Engineering Fellow who works with applications such as hoses, couplings, valves, and pipes, knowing how each chemical will react to certain metals is crucial in order to avoid both minor, and fatal accidents. By Catarina Muia and Angelica Pajkovic.
How the Right Supply Chain Can Reduce Risk & Costs and Why the Oil Price Matters Less than you Might Think
By Sarah Bradley | 13 May 2019
The oil price is a source of endless fascination in our industry. Entire careers are built on following its daily peaks and troughs. No wonder: for companies in the oil and gas industry, the oil price provides us with one of very few indicators of likely future demand for our products and services. It is important. But for engineering procurement and construction (EPC) companies in the sector, it matters less than you might think on a short-to-medium term basis. By Dan Munro - CEO, PJ Valves
Weight or Space? Optimization Effects of Compact Actuator Technology in an Offshore Processing Facility
By Sarah Bradley | 06 May 2019
Compact actuator technology is often credited for helping designers of offshore facilities (such as floating production, storage, and offloading vessels (FPSO) & floating liquefied natural gas vessels (FLNG)) to optimize valuable space & weight on the facility. Because compact actuators usually require considerably more machining than conventional scotch-yoke designs, customers typically weigh the benefits versus the costs of compact technology. By Sarang Tipre, Cameron, a Schlumberger company
Exploring the Depths of the Subsea Sector
By Sarah Bradley | 28 April 2019
Valve World Americas had the opportunity to speak with independent consultant Euthymios J. Euthymiou, former Senior Consultant in Subsea Valves and Technical Category Head in Valves for PETROBRAS, to discuss his impressive career trajectory, his attentiveness to spur innovation and the importance of sharing knowledge to increase awareness in the valve industry. By Stephanie Matas
Engaging Young Engineers Through Education
By Sarah Bradley | 22 April 2019
Valve World Americas had the opportunity to speak with Gilbert Alonzo, mechanical engineer once employed at Dow Chemical and BP Production and Exploration, as well as the subject-matter expert for valves. With such a vast amount of experience and knowledge in the industry, training has been a priority for him within all the different disciplines, from learning the basics about valves and how to troubleshoot, to knowing that a quarter-turn ball valve should not be used for throttling.
Fit for the Application Control Valve Approach
By Sarah Bradley | 16 April 2019
A recent major project used the CONVAL Adapter Tool (CAT) Consult service during the detailed engineering control valve sizing & selection phase to analyze, verify and validate the process data and the vendor data to ensure the project selected only fit for the application control valves. By Henk Hinssen - iHandl Engineering
Zero Leakage in Cryogenic Applications
By Sarah Bradley | 01 April 2019
Applications in low temperature ranges are referred to as cryogenic applications in professional circles, and are becoming ever more important in the era of energy transition. Due to the increased storage and further recycling of LNG (liquefied natural gas), the demand for plants in the cryogenic area has strongly increased in recent years. By Michael Knorr – General Manager, müller quadax gmbh
How to Convert Gearing on Resilient Wedge Gate Valves
By Sarah Bradley | 25 March 2019
Resilient wedge gate valves are widely used in water systems, as they serve critical functions of supplying water, controlling flow, isolating sections of pipeline, and isolating pressure zones. By Amanda Owens, Application Engineer; Anton Nasledov, Product Manager - Mueller Water Products, Inc.
Addressing Certified Low Leak Valve Sealing Technology in a Plant
By Sarah Bradley | 18 March 2019
Many plants are faced with increasing scrutiny on fugitive emissions, particularly from valves. Valves are typically responsible for over half of the fugitive emissions in a plant. This results in a high degree of examination for assessment and leakage reduction. A large refinery, or chemical plant, can have over 100,000 valves and finding leaks can be a difficult task. By Scott Boyson & Juan Cid – A.W. Chesterton Company
Valve Actuators:Technologies and Trends
By Sarah Bradley | 11 March 2019
Traditionally, valve actuation has been less well publicized and potentially construed as less important in the world of flow control than valves. But that is changing, and at an accelerating rate. This article will explore market drivers, significant developments and emerging trends that are behind this refining focus on valve automation.
A Career in the Oil Industry - An Interview with Bill Salmons – Project Engineer and Project Manager
By Sarah Bradley | 04 March 2019
Having worked for more than 44 years in various industries with 26 in the oil industry, William Salmons gained an immense amount of knowledge about the ins and outs of many different sectors. As a former Area Engineer, Project Engineer, and Project Manager for Phillips 66/Conoco, Salmons held the responsibility of finding the best-suited materials and applications for each project, as well as the most cost-effective.
Valves for Fracking Sand Manufacturing Plants
By Sarah Bradley | 25 February 2019
Hydraulic fracturing has increased in many parts of the world as other energy sources such as coal bed methane production stagnates or decreases.
Weight or Space? Optimization Effects of Compact Actuator Technology in an Offshore Processing Facility
By Sarah Bradley | 18 February 2019
Compact actuator technology is often credited with helping designers of offshore facilities (such as floating production, storage, and offloading vessels (FPSO) and floating liquefied natural gas vessels (FLNG)) to optimize valuable space and weight on the facility. Because compact actuators usually require considerably more machining than conventional scotch-yoke designs, customers typically weigh the benefits versus the costs of compact technology.
How the Government Shutdown is Impacting Industry
By Sarah Bradley | 11 February 2019
Amid disagreements between Congress and President Donald Trump regarding federal funding for a wall along the border between the U.S. and Mexico, the government enacted a partial shutdown on December 22, 2018. As of January 14, the shutdown had entered its 24th day, making this the longest government shutdown in U.S. History.
Building Projects from Scratch that Make an Impact
By Sarah Bradley | 04 February 2019
For more than 30 years, Steve Tourigny has been involved in the design, development and management of many products, processes, plants and businesses. Through his experience, he gained expertise with startups, helping companies get key projects off the ground. With extensive engineering, operations and partnering experience, he now works has an independent consultant servicing a variety of industries in an advisory capacity.
A Radical New Innovation in Magnetic Valves
By Sarah Bradley | 29 January 2019
Then to Now: Valve packings have been employed for hundreds of years, and though modern high tech, low emissions gland packings bear little resemblance to the leather or jute gland seals of olden days, they do not alter the fundamental problem: Once a valve reaches the end user, the manufacturer cannot control the environment it will be subjected to – dirt, grit, salt, corrosion, and caustic working fluids all take their toll. By Ned Davis – Plexis Engineering
Maintaining Peak Performance
By Sarah Bradley | 21 January 2019
Power Generation is perhaps under even more scrutiny than other industries to clean up its act, due to our historical reliance on CO2 producing Coal Fired power stations which are frequently cited as a major factor that has led to Global Warming. The burning of fossil fuels to generate power is likely, however, to remain a core part of electricity generation for the foreseeable future.
Proper Commissioning Saves Time and Money
By Sarah Bradley | 15 January 2019
If you had just bought a new high performance sports car, you would likely protect your investment by following the manufacturer’s instructions for breaking in the engine. You would also probably leave the spare tire in the trunk so that a flat would not leave you stranded on the side of the road.
Solving Problems Unique to Various Industries
By Sarah Bradley | 08 January 2019
A customer-oriented approach combined with experience in a variety of industries has helped Tolsa Arslan become an expert in maintaining and servicing a variety of pumps and valves and other hydraulic equipment. By Michelle Segrest - Contributing Editor
Trends in Wastewater Treatment and Implications for Valves
By Sarah Bradley | 18 December 2018
Water is an indispensable natural resource as it is directly linked to the preservation of life, the generation of energy, and economic development. With the expansion of the world’s population and the increase of droughts or flooding in certain regions, the need for clean water will continue to escalate. This development will not only impact the water production industry, but will also have a major impact on the waste water treatment infrastructure.
Designing Basic & Detailed Processes for Mega Methanol Plants
By Sarah Bradley | 04 December 2018
George Gabriel discusses his experience designing the basic and detailed processes of mega methanol plants. As a senior process engineer, he provided interesting insight into the various valves that are used in methanol plants and highlighted the importance of working on a project from its inception to its completion. The years of experience as a process chemical engineer prepared Gabriel for his current dynamic role as Engineering Manager, overseeing the production of methanol from natural gas.
Implementation of a Successful Enhanced Leak Detection & Repair Program
By Sarah Bradley | 27 November 2018
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Dan Devine began his career in 1987 working for the Union Carbide Corporation after graduating from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. He joined a major chemical company in 2001 through the acquisition of Union Carbide. Dan recently retired and is now working in a valve and piping consulting engineer role as an independent contractor through Midland Engineering, Ltd.By Sarah Bradley & Stephanie Matas
What is Best - Pipe Repair or Replacement?
By Sarah Bradley | 20 November 2018
Aging infrastructure in the waterworks sector is an ongoing problem. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) provides a four-year report card on the state of our infrastructure, and the water sector in the United States received a grade of “D” on the 2017 Infrastructure Report Card. Clearly, much work is needed to bring our water systems up to par. An Interview with John Lamica - Cobb County- Marietta Water Authority & Cody Snell - Mueller Water Products
Small, Fast, Dynamic: Brownfield, Greenfield, Offshore and Onshore Projects
By Sarah Bradley | 12 November 2018
In 2009, when the oil and gas industry was facing one of the biggest downcycles in recent history, Carlos Pagan was one of the few who managed to weather the storm, demonstrating a resilience and flexibility that would set him apart throughout his career. Pagan discusses the many projects and roles he has taken on since completing his Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and moving to the United States. By Sarah Bradley
Valve Opportunities in an Evolving Power Generation Market
By Sarah Bradley | 06 November 2018
Power generation is a major market for valves, accounting for 13% of global industrial valve sales. As the world continues to build electric generating capacity, it is also accelerating toward a lower-carbon economy, with the power sector playing a significant role in successfully achieving that objective. This article reviews the trends in the global power market and considers their impact on future valve sales. By Matjaž Matošec – Research Manager, Resolute Research
Successfully Completing an Enhanced Leak Detection & Repair Program
By Sarah Bradley | 30 October 2018
Enhanced Leak Detection and Repair Programs (ELPs) or (Enhanced LDRPs), are used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to enforce the actions that refineries and chemical plants must take to attain standard regulatory compliance. ELPs cover a number of elements such as quality control, training, monitoring, repairs and equipment upgrades. The use of ELPs have become common in the industries through a legal process called a Consent Decrees. By Dan Devine - Midland Engineering
Phillips 66: Inspiring Innovation in Fugitive Emissions Technology
By Sarah Bradley | 23 October 2018
After 34 years of experience in the energy industry, Tim Goedeker, Senior Principal Environmental Consultant for Phillips 66, knows the value of experience and the importance of innovation. Starting his career as a Technical Service Engineer in the oil refining sector and moving into the environmental side with HSE-Refining, Tim has a vast knowledge and understanding of this ever evolving industry. By Angelica Pajkovic & Sarah Bradley
Donald Wiedemeyer, a giant man with a giant personality - obituary
By Sarah Bradley | 17 October 2018
It is with great sadness that we report of the death of our colleague, boss, friend, mentor and – above all - inspirator, Donald Wiedemeyer, at the age of 58.
Combine Hard and Soft Skills for an Effective Energy Management Program
By Sarah Bradley | 16 October 2018
Bill Allemon is an electrical engineer with an MBA and has found a niche using both his engineering and business skills. He develops and implements strategic energy management plans leveraging Operational Excellence tools. He said that throughout his career, he has found himself somewhere between the C-Suite and field operations, communicating strategic concepts and nebulous goals into effective strategies that deliver value for his clients. By Michelle Segrest - Contributing Editor
Eastman Chemical: Education and Collaboration for Overcoming in a Complex Manufacturing Environment
By Sarah Bradley | 09 October 2018
Valve World Americas was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak to young professionals, Mechanical Engineer Stephen Henson and Piping Engineer Patrick Wasserman, about the best parts of the job, the challenges they face, the tools that make it possible and how they bring out each other’s personal best through collaboration, coaching and sharing. By Sarah Bradley
Tackling the “Skilled Trades Stigma”
By Sarah Bradley | 25 September 2018
Mikel Janitz, Territory Manager & Applications Engineer for Bezares USA, discusses his various roles and opportunities he has had in his career. As president of the International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) Chapter 63, an association dedicated to advancing professional careers in the fluid power workforce and Mid-Continent Tulsa Executive Board Chairman for ASME, Janitz had a lot to say about the importance of mentorship and working to promote careers in the industrial sectors.
LNG: Significant Opportunities for Cryogenic Valves
By Sarah Bradley | 18 September 2018
Quenching the world’s thirst for energy while mitigating climate change and air pollution is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Natural gas, particularly in liquefied form, is becoming increasingly utilized as a bridge to a low-carbon economy. To support this trend, additional LNG infrastructure is required, which provides significant opportunities for manufacturers of cryogenic valves.By Matjaž Matošec – Research Manager, Resolute Research
Engineering at Sea and on Land with ExxonMobil
By Sarah Bradley | 11 September 2018
Running the engineering department on an aircraft carrier during the first Gulf War prepared Bruce Ames for a lifelong career that kept him busy in all types of industries— paper, power, trucking, and more. Now, a lubrication engineer with ExxonMobil, he uses his diverse skills to develop programs to help his customers save money, energy, and time. By Michelle Segrest - Contributing Editor
Valve Purchases by the Six Largest Food Companies
By Sarah Bradley | 05 September 2018
The food industry will spend $1.8 billion per year for valves over the next five years. (1) Many U.S. food companies have become truly international and make valve decisions in the U.S. for installation in the rest of the world. Four of the top six purchasers are U.S based. By Bob McIlvaine - The McIlvaine Company
How Valves are Used Throughout a Candy Manufacturing Plant
By Sarah Bradley | 29 August 2018
On a recent trip to Arizona, the Valve World Americas team took a behind-the-scenes factory tour of the Ceretta Candy Company in the city of Glendale to see the many different ways components such as valves can be used throughout a candy manufacturing plant. By Candace Allison
Easing the Pressure: Water Services Provider Tackles the Challenge of Pressure Regulation
By Sarah Bradley | 19 August 2018
Providers of water management services strive to help businesses reduce costs and improve the efficiency of their water and wastewater infrastructures. However, their success depends on effectively tackling the challenge of water pressure regulation and head loss. All too often, this entails having heavy and cumbersome technology, which restricts the installation options and creates unwanted operational challenges. By Neil Poxon - Oxford Flow
APS: Training the Nuclear Industry’s Next Generation
By Sarah Bradley | 13 August 2018
For more than 130 years, the Arizona Public Service Company (APS) has powered Arizona’s growth, prosperity and innovation. APS continues to be the state’s largest and longest serving electric utility, providing 2.7 million people with safe and reliable energy. Palo Verde Generating Station is the largest source of carbon-free electricity in the United States, with 6,400 MW of generating capacity and one gigawatt of renewable energy. By Candace Allison & Sarah Bradley
ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants - Energy Efficient Engineering
By Sarah Bradley | 08 August 2018
When it comes to working with customers to solve lubrication and engineering problems, Adam McMurtrey relies on a lifetime of experience that goes all the way back to his childhood. For ExxonMobil’s Mobil Serv program, he works closely with industries ranging from lead mines to chicken rendering plants—always with energy efficient lubrication at the forefront of every solution. By Michelle Segrest, Contributing Editor
Leak Prevention in a 100-Year-Old Andeavor Refinery
By Sarah Bradley | 30 July 2018
Valve World Americas had the pleasure of speaking with Larry Wilkerson, Supervisor of Air Fugitives at the Andeavor's Golden Eagle Refinery in Contra Costa County, California. He was delighted to discuss how he ended up in an environmental role, the main cause of leaks at the plant and the measures that are taken to prevent them from occurring.
Acceptable Risk
By Sarah Bradley | 23 July 2018
Valve World Americas had the pleasure of speaking to John-Paul Schmidt, Piping Stress Leader at Dow Chemical, about working with clients to design projects, calculating risk, common challenges with equipment, as well as the best and most challenging aspects of the job. By Jody Hewitt
Isolate the Problem to Solve the Problem
By Sarah Bradley | 16 July 2018
A small company president’s role involves much more than sitting in a corner office. Jody Millsap gets his hands dirty. “My personality is not that I can be content sitting in an office,” he said. “I like to interact with the customers, help with sales calls and getting my hands on the equipment. President is just a title. You have to be a jack of all trades. I like to be out doing stuff and staying busy.” By Michelle Segrest - Contributing Editor
BASF's MVV Phase 3 Takes Valve Procurement to the Next Level
By Candace Allison | 11 July 2018
As the world’s largest chemicals company, BASF operates hundreds of sites in over eighty countries. Making sure these sites – which are often highly integrated – run safely and efficiently is naturally critical to BASF’s profitability in highly competitive global markets. Strategic procurement initiatives are therefore in place that both safeguard the supply of valves as well as reduce the total cost of ownership, explains Mr. Holger Suhren, Global Category Manager Valves. By David Sear
V-Port Ball Valves vs. Globe Valves for Control Applications
By Candace Allison | 03 July 2018
In most process applications there are two different types of valves used: on/off and control. On/off valves are simply for allowing full flow or stopping flow completely. Control valves, in contrast, have the ability to control the AMOUNT of flow, also known as throttling. Written by Brian Booth from Assured Automation
Piping Engineering for Complex Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Projects
By Candace Allison | 19 June 2018
Mahsa Bakherad began her career in Iran as a Piping Engineer through an internship program. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Metallurgy Engineering and earning a Masters in Materials Engineering – Corrosion & Protection, Mahsa has gained over a decade of experience working in Oil & Gas and Petrochemical plants. Valve World Americas had the opportunity to meet with Mahsa in Houston, Texas to learn more about her experiences working in Piping Engineering.
Keeping Braskem's PP5 on Track: An Interview with Inspection Engineer Roberto Funger
By Candace Allison | 13 June 2018
Braskem's petrochemical refinery near the town of Duque de Caxias is nestled amidst green hills less than an hour’s drive from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The sprawling site hosts several chemical plants involved in the production of raw materials and further processed chemical products including polypropylene and polyethylene. Valve World Americas visited the site to speak with Mr. Roberto Funger, Senior Inspection Engineer in the Maintenance Department during a recent visit. By Joanne McIntyre
End user Interview: Knowledge Transfer Essential Following Large Projects
By Candace Allison | 05 June 2018
An interview with Mr. Bhaskar Shitolé, who is the Deputy Discipline Manager of Piping with the global EPC company Amec Foster Wheeler. Amec Foster Wheeler is a multinational consultancy, engineering and project management company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Focusing on the oil and gas, minerals and metals, clean energy, environment and infrastructure markets, the company has offices in over 55 countries worldwide. Written by Joanne McIntyre and Sarah Bradley
End user Interview: Developing Valve Specifications in an Ever Evolving Industry
By Candace Allison | 31 May 2018
Having worked with valves for the majority of his career, Rajan Hingoraney, Consultant, Intervalve, Inc. knows a great deal about the importance of quality and standards. He graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology and went on to receive a scholarship from the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, where he completed his Masters’ degree in Chemical Engineering. Written by Sarah Bradley
Taking a Bird’s Eye View: How Aviation is Kick-starting Innovation in Oil & Gas Pipelines
By Candace Allison | 29 May 2018
The 3.6 million miles of pipelines that support the flow of oil and gas throughout upstream, midstream and downstream operations are among the most vital systems underpinning the entire industry. Yet surprisingly, the components of these pipelines are an area where engineering innovation has remained largely unchanged for decades. By Neil Poxon of Oxford Flow
Doing Valves Right: With ExxonMobil’s Sr. Mechanical Consultant
By Candace Allison | 22 May 2018
Rudy Garza began his career with ExxonMobil (then Exxon) in 1990 as a facilities engineer. Twenty six years later, he’s still employed as a Sr. Mechanical Consultant in ExxonMobil’s Static Equipment Group (i.e. heat exchangers, tanks, pressure vessels, piping, and valves). One of Garza’s core responsibilities is providing advanced technical support to ExxonMobil’s Upstream producing affiliates. Written by Richard Heyl.
Liquified Natural Gas: The Fuel of the Future for Shipping and Transport
By Candace Allison | 15 May 2018
As the drive towards good environmental stewardship continues to intensify, Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) has been making great strides as the cleaner burning “fuel of choice” for shipping and transport. Written by By Sean Andersen, LNG Specialist, Dixon Valve and Coupling Company.
Upgraded Valve and Actuation System Keep Los Angelenos Safe
By Candace Allison | 08 May 2018
Safety and the need to avoid an environmental catastrophe led Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant, the largest sewage treatment facility in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area, to start repairs in 2016 on a corroded five-mile-long outfall, or pipe, and pump header that release 230 million gallons of treated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean every day. Written by Allen Ruef, Moog Inc.
End-user Interview: Adapting to New Guidelines in the Petrochemical Industry
By Candace Allison | 01 May 2018
Steve Butler, Valve, Piping and Gasket Subject Matter Expert, has been working in the petrochemical industry for over 28 years in the fields of static equipment, rotating equipment, reliability and safety. Valve World Americas recently had the pleasure of meeting Steve in Houston, Texas to discuss his experiences with product testing and his thoughts on the lack of new engineers entering the valve industry – one of the industry’s biggest issues. Written by Sarah Bradley
Lowest Total Cost of Ownership Validation (LTCOV) for Valves Essential for Success
By Candace Allison | 24 April 2018
There is a sea change in the route to market for valves. One aspect is that IIoT and data analytics will be providing vast amounts of data on total cost of ownership (TCO). Current data will be available to the operator’s corporate specialists who increasingly will be making the major purchasing decisions. By Robert McIlvaine – The McIlvaine Company
Precise Calculation Leads to High Equipment Performance: Interview with Johan Meijer
By Candace Allison | 10 April 2018
Johan Meijer has spent the past four decades solving engineering problems related to pumping system design—working closely with valves, pumps, and hoses. His experience and knowledge became so deep he developed a powerful and strategic calculation program for high pressure peristaltic pumps that is provided free to end users. Written By Michelle Segrest – Contributing Editor
Expansion of the Obtainable High-Performance Valve Market
By Candace Allison | 03 April 2018
There is a sea change in the obtainable market for high performance valves. High performance is defined as either valves in critical or severe service. However, this high-performance category has now been expanded to include general purpose valves which are packaged into a unique system including controls and remote monitoring and service. By Robert McIlvaine – The McIlvaine Company
Catalysis: Recent Chemical Advances Accelerate Change
By Candace Allison | 27 March 2018
In chemistry, catalysis is a means of accelerating a chemical reaction between various chemicals. In a broader sense it denotes any object, activity or event that accelerates or triggers a change. In recent years the chemicals industry is catalyzing change across a whole range of industries and helping to make them more sustainable. Written by James Chater
Interview with Rhinegeist Brewery Facilities and Maintenance Manager Justin Farmer
By Candace Allison | 20 March 2018
Justin Farmer has worked in food and beverage processing more than half his life. As a teenager, he learned from his father, who was a master electrician and an industrial maintenance manager and engineer. He started at the bottom, but quickly earned the experience and knowledge to work his way into a leadership role at Rhinegeist Brewery in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he is transforming the maintenance and reliability programs of the historic brewery. By Michelle Segrest
The dangers of non-OEM valve parts
By Candace Allison | 12 March 2018
Non-Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) supply valve parts to the process industry at prices that are 30 to 40 percent less than the list price from the original manufacturer, and claim to meet or even exceed the quality of the original parts. The first part is certainly true, but the quality claim is questionable at best. Written by Karl Lanes, Emerson
Castings: An Introduction and Requirements in Review of Valve Casting Manufacturers
By Candace Allison | 27 February 2018
The most common method of manufacturing valves, pumps and large components is done by using casting of metal by heating the scrap, raw metal, catalyst and pouring into a mold. All this is conducted at foundries. Written by Barry Messer & Gobind Khiani – Fluor Canada
Fugitive Emissions: Understanding API Standards for Valves & Packing
By Candace Allison | 20 February 2018
Since the introduction of the U.S. Clean Air Act in 1963, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and individual states have set increasingly stringent consent decrees for fugitive emissions from industrial facilities. Many companies have implemented Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programs, and industry groups have focused their efforts on helping member companies decrease valve emissions. Written by Greg Cole of A.W. Chesterton
Safety is a Top Priority Philip Ovanessians, VP Americas Petroleum & Chemicals Supply Chain Management – Jacobs
By Candace Allison | 13 February 2018
Valve World Americas recently sat down for an informal lunch with Philip Ovanessians, who has twenty years of experience managing the supply of industrial components and equipment destined for capital projects.
Valve Purchases by the Top 2000 Prospects
By Candace Allison | 06 February 2018
In 2018 purchases of industrial valves will exceed $64 billion. Most of these purchases will be made or influenced by 2000 companies and just 20,000 people (1). Two hundred companies will purchase 20 percent of the total. Several large company purchases will exceed $500 million each. The top 20 companies will account for 7 percent of the total. Written by Robert McIlvaine of The McIlvaine Company.
Let’s Eliminate Valve Problems: An Interview with a Principal Piping Engineer
By Candace Allison | 31 January 2018
Valve World Americas recently met Mr. Tokujiro Shoji, Principal Piping Engineer, JGC Corporation to hear about the company's latest initiatives to eliminate valve problems.
Importance of Third Party Inspection
By Candace Allison | 24 January 2018
The question of 'how important is a true third-party valve Inspection company to the valve industry?' is answered in this article written by Jordan Finn & Gary Davis – IMV Services.
The Role of Highly Engineered Check Valves in the LNG Industry
By Candace Allison | 16 January 2018
"The importance of the check valve is indisputable. Created with the sole purpose of directing fluids in a single direction and preventing the reversal of any fluids or gases, check valves have an important place in a myriad of industries, LNG being one of them," states Carlos E. Davila in this informative article.
Working Together for Success in a Global Company
By Candace Allison | 02 January 2018
Few people at Fluor have as much experience as Claire Dwyer, Piping Material Engineer. A Fluor veteran of twenty-nine years, Dwyer started her career as a Piping Material Engineer while still attending school in South Africa. Sarah Bradley, Editor-in-Chief of Valve World Americas, sat down with Claire to discuss the challenges of working for a global company.
Case Study: Bringing Valves to Life With IoT
By Candace Allison | 19 December 2017
Valves have long had the ability to automatically shut on and off – an invaluable function that vastly improves safety across many industries, from mining and industrial manufacturing to simple building maintenance and home ownership. Now, with the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, valves can essentially become “smart"... Written by Guy Weitzman - Atomation
Wafer Style Axial Flow Check Valves vs. Dual Disc Check Valves
By Candace Allison | 12 December 2017
This case study details an examination of hydraulic shock in 60 million gallons per day water treatment facility located in a South Eastern US County Water Department. Written by Jim Bachmann, DFT Inc., Exton, Pennsylvania
Four Trends Changing Valve Control in the US Power Industry
By Candace Allison | 13 November 2017
Around the world, the ways we generate electric power are in transition. From coal and gas to renewables, from traditional baseload to cycling plant designs, power producers are adapting to meet changing consumer and market demands. As power generation gets more diverse and complex, producers—and their control valve suppliers—must become more focused and flexible. By Emerson
Meeting the requirements in a corrosive chemical environment
By Sarah Bradley | 18 August 2017
The Society of Piping Engineers and Designers is an International organization promoting Excellence and Quality in Piping Design and Engineering through networking, training and certification programs. It is comprised of a headquarters in Houston, Texas with chapters in Houston, Calgary, Perth, Louisville, Ontario and a worldwide community of individual members.
Top 10 Causes for Valve Replacement in Power Generation
By Sarah Bradley | 01 January 0001
There is no need to write about the importance of power generation, a major component of our highly technological lives. Valves are present in any power generation plant, be it fossil fueled, geothermal, hydroelectric, nuclear or solar. They are present in many services, such as feedwater, cooling water, wastewater, chemical treatment, steam circuit and fire fighting circuit, and are subject to a vast array of conditions of pressure, temperature and flow.
Lowest Total Cost of Ownership Validation (LTCOV) for Valves Essential for Success
By Candace Allison | 01 January 0001
There is a sea change in the route to market for valves. One aspect is that IIoT and data analytics will be providing vast amounts of data on total cost of ownership (TCO). Current data will be available to the operator’s corporate specialists who increasingly will be making the major purchasing decisions. By Robert McIlvaine – The McIlvaine Company

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