5 Key Things to Select a Valve Supplier

Selecting the right supplier is one of the most important decisions you can make, regardless of whether you need a Kunkle valve to protect your blowers and compressors or a premium high-pressure safety valve for your power generation system. If you build a relationship with a trusted valve company, you can be sure that you get the right products, at the right price, and that those products are properly maintained throughout their lifecycle.

You should look for these 5 things when selecting a valve supplier.

In-stock Inventory

Are there any inventories at the supplier? A number such as this will indicate how long it will take to receive your valves and parts, which is particularly important during outages and emergencies. As an added benefit, when you partner with a valve supplier who carries a large inventory on hand, you increase the chances your product will be there when you need it.

Maintenance Services for Valves

To get the best performance out of your valves and valve products, you need regular preventative maintenance. It is important to find a maintenance provider who understands your maintenance needs and is able to perform maintenance tasks as little as possible with minimal disruption to your operations. Check with the supplier if it uses ValvKeep, a valve management software that identifies maintenance problems based on the history of the valve.

Services for Valve Repair

Valve repairs are sometimes necessary even when they are well maintained. Valve repair companies should be able to repair a wide range of valves, both in the shop and in the field, and should be members of the Valve Repair Council. If your supplier repairs pressure relief devices, make sure they are certified by the National Board. With these designations, you are guaranteed a valve repaired according to its original specifications.

Check whether a supplier's technicians have been trained at the valve manufacturer's factory. GE authorized Green Tag Centers (GTCs) to repair pressure relief valves, Masoneilan Authorized Repair Centers (MARCs) to repair Masoneilan pressure relief and control valves, and Kunkle Repair Assemblers to repair Kunkle valves.

Sales & Service of Actuators

Actuators and valves work together. A supplier who understands and provides services for both valves and actuators is the best option to help you select the best products for your project from start to finish.

Safety is a Top Priority

As a final point, safety is a major concern surrounding valve installations in industrial operations, and regulations do change frequently. After a recent report showed a systemic lack of oversight on gas pipelines, the National Transportation Safety Board issued 28 new safety recommendations, and this is likely to impact how regulation is framed in state and local governments. Select a valve supplier who has demonstrated a commitment to safety and understands the regulatory environment for your project to be in compliance with all regulations.