TPi November 2014

Valves , Fi t t ings & Flanges

Severn Glocon’s largest ever control valves Severn Glocon has designed and manufactured the largest control valves in its 53-year history, at 42" bore and 21 tonnes in weight. size and weight alone requires extensive logistics planning. This is particularly complex for the LNG valves, which need to undergo cryogenic testing to prove they can operate reliably at temperatures as low as -160ºC.

to developing innovative solutions for difficult applications. However, valves of this size and scale bring a whole host of additional complexities. We extended the capacity of our in-house cryogenic testing facilities and developed robust operating procedures to ensure that the valves progress through production safely and efficiently. Manoeuvring valves of this size safely requires the coordinated operation of two cranes, so we needed to plan well and work closely with our sub-contractors.”

Over the next six months, four valves of this scale will be despatched from the factory in Gloucester, UK. Two are for the Ichthys LNG project in Australia, and the others are destined for a Middle East oilfield. Successful completion of these technically challenging valves will be a demonstration of the company’s intelligence-led engineering and its in-house capabilities. Coping with their

Future developments in the oil and gas industry will see valves of this size becoming a more regular feature. Severn Glocon has invested in technical expertise, facilities and infrastructure to meet the challenge. Rob Green, director of operations at Severn Glocon, explained, “As a control valve engineering specialist, we’re used

Severn Glocon Ltd – UK sales@severnglocon.co.uk www.severnglocon.com

Valves from China The Fleu group, established in 1996, is a manufacturer of DIN valves, based in Suzhou, China, with a German office and warehouse.

Suzhou Fleu Valve Co, Ltd – China szinfo@fleu-valve.com www.fleu-valve.com Schneewald Feinguss GmbH – Germany info@schneewald-feinguss.de www.schneewald-feinguss.de

ductile iron, used in a wide variety of applications in gas, oil, refining and chemical industries. All Fleu foundries and factories use the latest technologies, and have been audited and approved by environmental authorities (PED certificates and AD-W0 certificate).

The company specialises in the development and production of gate, globe, check and ball valves in carbon steel, stainless steel, grey iron and

Press fittings Pressfit Holdings manufactures and distributes environmentally friendly press fittings for industrial and residential piping systems, and already has sales in Europe, China and Asia Pacific. The company is targeting sectors as wide ranging as water, gas, shipbuilding, architecture and the construction industry. The company states that it has undertakings for orders in excess of £1.5mn from one of its customers. A 2012 report by Global Industry Analysts predicts the global press fittings market will be worth US$152bn by 2017.

been admitted to trading on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. Henry Chiu, Pressfit’s chief executive officer, commented, “Admission to London’s AIM market is a huge step forward for Pressfit Holdings’ development, and it will significantly raise the company’s profile and status amongst customers and investors. It will support us in our continued ambition to provide high quality press fittings at affordable prices for our customers in the water and gas industries around the world. We look forward to creating increased value for our shareholders as we begin life as a quoted company on AIM.”

has developed bespoke tooling to manufacture high-precision, thin- walled pipe connectors that join metal pipes using a hand-held clamping tool, eliminating welding and saving time. Its products are sold worldwide under the Pressfit brand name, except in China where they are branded JPress. Pressfit has regulatory approvals for the use of its products in drinking water systems in the UK, North America, China and Hong Kong. It is seeking product certifications in Australia and New Zealand, and plans to apply for additional approvals in Europe and selected Asian countries.

Pressfit Holdings plc – China www.pressfitholdings.com

On 1 August, Pressfit Holdings announced that its ordinary shares had

With a manufacturing plant and R&D facilities in Zhuhai, China, Pressfit

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November 2014 Tube Products International