Industrial Valve Modification
The Importance of Valve Modification shop
Ideally, the valve supply and the demand of an end-user would mean that the latter will be able to purchase any valve configuration directly from the distributor in a few days. The commonly stocked valves referred to as ‘standard trim’ valves would be neighboring ones with unusual trims or those referred to as end-configured types.
In reality, valves are globally procured products, held and then sold as “just in time” inventories, and aren’t the most financially sensible option. That’s why to meet the demand for these special machines in the US; the so-called valve modification industry was born.
We are the leading provider of valve modifications in the US and work with a pretty extensive list of valve manufacturers. In our experience, the only way some customers can get their hands on a valve for their specific needs is through modification.
What is Valve Modification?
Think of valve modification as a way to add value to your standard or commodity valves, generally ball, gate, and globe valves, by installing special trims, packaging, gaskets, and end connections in addition to various other accessories. It also includes upgrades that are not provided for the original product by the manufacturer.
While all of these operations can be taken care of by the OEM, the average turnaround associated with valve modification is around a week, compared to standard units, which can take months to procure. The items are usually shorts that were missed on their original product lists or needed for routine MRO activity. Regardless, delivery time is important, which means there is never enough time to allow for the sluggishness of overseas shipping.
OEM Approval for Valve Modifications
Shops need to be approved for valve modification which is often done through an audit process. The audit is generally conducted by the OEM’s QA Manager or a team of auditors. The audit will examine all the steps taken during the process, documentation, and quality of everything being used. While modification does not require ISO 9001 or 9002 certification, modifiers still need an API Q1 quality system certification. Furthermore, shop procedures will be reviewed. That said, having a good reputation in the industry can be helpful for getting OEM approval. Just about every reputed and quality modification shop in the United States is also a member of the Valve Repair Council, with the Valve Manufacturers Association of America as its sponsor.
The valve modification business is primarily focused along the Gulf Coast in America, mainly because it is home to many PVF distributors. The proximity of its location to the petrochemical industry also makes it a strategic location for this type of business. In fact, many experts believe that there is more valve modification work done in Houston, Texas, than in all of the other US states put together.
Why Is OEM Support Important?
Modification shops happen to be a valuable source for OEMs, as they provide brands with valuable feedback. A typical shop will work with thousands of valves a year. The secondary inspections, in most cases, end up providing valuable data to the OEM if there are non-conformances.
The valve shop will also serve as a secondary source of a final inspection for OEM valves. If there are defects found by the modification facilities, they can be reported and addressed by the OEMs before they have disastrous consequences for the manufacturer if they fail when in service. If anything, there are billions of dollars riding on these valves to perform as they should, and failure almost always spells disaster. That’s why having another independent shop take a look is so important.
The Warranty
Even though some manufacturers have service and repair centers that modify their specific products, the vast majority or almost 90% of valve modification work is done by independent workshops. The independent workshops have an edge when it comes to turnaround time since they are not hindered by the bureaucracy associated with an OEM’s structure. OEMs are best suited to mass production of new valves, while independent workshops are more focused on modifications and other related services.
Valve modification shops provide a very important service to businesses, i.e., end-users, OEMs, and distributors. OEMs mainly benefits since it allows them to focus on producing high-quality items instead of customized specials that will slow down the assembly line. Distributors benefit by spending less money because they aren’t stocking slow-moving valves with special features. The end-user will benefit by getting special valves on time and at a reasonable price, taking advantage of the lower cost compared to any other source.
Contact Standard Valve for Professional Valve Modification
Standard Valve specializes in the modification and repair of valves of all types and across a myriad of industries. We have a great deal of experience working on a variety of valves which range from ½” valves all the way up to ones measuring 72” in diameter.
All modifications are done per the client’s specifications and up to the latest industry standards. Feel free to contact our Valve Division to find out about our valve modification services or get a complete list of valve manufacturers we work with, in the country.
