Zwick Valves has been an established name within the valve industry since its foundation in 1977. After opening a distribution center in Deer Park, TX, the company’s global presence and expertise earned it a reputation as the go-to source for engineered and specialty valves worldwide. Its in-house design enables the company to offer its customers customized product solutions, making it internationally acknowledged for its services. Valve World Americas had the pleasure of speaking with Dave Buse, President of Zwick Valves North America LLC, about the company’s dedication to the integrity of design and delivery, its commitment to innovation, and how it will continue to provide state-of-the-art flow control products for the global oil & gas, chemical, petrochemical, energy, offshore, district heating, and steel industries.
By Angelica Pajkovic
After four decades of experience in the design and production of valves, Zwick Valves has gained the know-how and flexibility necessary to produce metal seated valves for any customer need. Headquartered out of Ennepetal, Germany, the company prides itself on the quality and availability of its products, due to its impressive production facility and fully stocked warehouse. The 2010 addition of its distribution center in Deer Park has allowed the company to further extend its reach and offer a wide portfolio of products to the North American market.
Headed by Dave Buse, the distribution center provides end users with the ability to procure the valve solutions they needed without having to wait on long lead times, or compromise on value and customer service. Dave became affiliated with Zwick Valves in 1998, after realizing that it manufactured high quality valves for several notable companies. When Dave discovered that Hans Zwick was looking to open his own company, he quickly jumped on board as the North American Master Distributor and began to help grow the business to what it is today.
A Brand of Integrity
“There are two qualities associated with Zwick Valves that have led it to be a sought-after producer of industrial valves,” stated Dave. “The first is what I refer to as ‘integrity of design,’ and the second is ‘integrity of delivery.’ It is our dedication to these two qualities provide our customers with insight into who we are, and what we do.”
Throughout both Europe and North America, the Zwick Valves name has become synonymous with integrity. “Simply put, integrity of design means that the valves work like they are supposed to. End users can trust that the products we manufacture will be reliable and fulfill their projected lifecycle,” explained Dave.
“Integrity of delivery, similarly, means that we can get the design that the end user wants – and quickly. As we stock millions of dollars in raw inventory, the lead times that can ultimately delay a facility’s production, do not typically hinder Zwick Valves products.”
For Zwick Valves, maintaining integrity of delivery means ensuring that end users receive their valves in a timely manner. “While most global companies attempt to minimize the amount of inventory found on their balance sheet, Zwick Valves prioritizes having a fully stocked warehouse,” said Dave. “We consistently carry a variety of valves that range from 2”- 36”. Currently, we have approximately 3,800 valves at our Deer Park location in addition to the selection available from the three German-based plants.”
A large variety of products enables Zwick Valves to collaborate with its various facilities to find the desired solution for the end user. If the product is not immediately available, Zwick Valves puts all its energy into finding and delivering a solution.
Having access to such varied and consistent inventory elevates Zwick Valves above those who must painstakingly wait for the supplies to deliver custom-made orders. “It is our commitment to these ideals that make us continually sought after. There have been many occasions in the past when an end user had an emergency need for a large-diameter product or high alloy valve. Zwick Valves would step up and utilize local inventory, working overtime, if necessary, to get the product to the U.S. in a week or less.”
“You do not always need to be the lowest price on the block to get the recognition of end users,” added Dave, “though we do still maintain competitive prices, it is our integrity that draws in our customers.”
Innovative Designs and Milestones
The company manufactures valves for many different industrial applications, all of which include the core features that have sustained Zwick Valves since the beginning. Its latest milestones come in the shape of two innovative designs: the TRI-BLOCK Double Block and Bleed valve, and the TRI-SHARK Sharktooth control valve.
The TRI-BLOCK double block and bleed valve is comprised of two discs, two shafts, and one cast body for isolation of fixed equipment. The valves are closed and subsequently bled to see if there are any leakages. With these valves, the result is zero leakage. In most sizes, the TRI-BLOCK face-to-face equals most ANSI B16.10 dimension.
“When our valve is in the correct application, we know it will be zero leakage. It could save a company thousands of dollars in repairs,” said Dave. “In the U.S., OSHA is trying to push the double block and bleed valve on all plants for fixed equipment. It makes sense from a safety standpoint, though it will take some time for total replacement. However, it is helpful that our valve fits right where one gate valve fits.” The installation for this valve is possible with no piping modifications.
The Sharktooth valve is also regarded as one of Zwick Valve’s most innovative designs and the go-to in replacing standard V Balls, larger diameter control valve, high pressure, and high alloy valves. When comparing the Sharktooth with the V Ball valves, the Sharktooth valve offers several advantages. Its ability to minimize cavitation as well as noise abatement, are just some of its many benefits.
The Sharktooth’s range of control extends far beyond the likes of an ordinary butterfly valve or that of a rotary plug control valve. The Sharktooth offers unmatched rangeability in control from 5 degrees of travel to 85 degrees of travel. The Sharktooth offers a true equal percentage curve. Sharktooth control valves are offered in sizes 3” through 60” for liquids, gasses, and steam.
A major petrochemical complex that came online just recently purchased 5 Pieces of 54” Sharktooth control valves to control the large water demand coming into the complex and it was imperative the control valves had rangeability of control, noise abatement, cavitation control and tight shutoff when needed.
Another aspect to be proud of when it comes to Zwick Valve innovations, is its patented design within its standard issued valve: the Seal Bearing. “Hans Zwick came up with this design, and it has proven to be integral to valve longevity in difficult applications,” said Dave. “It is a metallic sleeve bearing that has graphic packing rings in the Inner ID and the Outer ID both under compression and seals the bearing from the flowing medium and keeps the debris from infiltrating and locking it up.” Applications that take advantage of the Seal Bearing feature are Sulphur Tail Gas, Acid Gas, Styrene, and Butadien.
To truly ensure the quality of all its products, Dave detailed that all the parts of each of Zwick Valves’ products are manufactured in Germany. “All the valves are manufactured in Germany, utilizing the three facilities in Ennepetal, Germany. Parts and castings are either European based or form foundries in Dubai UAE,” said Dave. “As such, each of our products must all have the European Union, EU Stamp, and be compliant to their set of standards. This is in addition to meeting the ISO and ANSI certifications and having the proper insurance agencies involved and approved.”
“You do not always need to be the lowest price on the block to get the recognition of end users,” added Dave, “though we do still maintain competitive prices, it is our integrity that draws in our customers.”
“As long as the requests do not compromise our integrity of design, we will find a solution for certain projects or application.”
Dave Buse.
Continuous Research & Development
When it comes to ongoing research and development techniques, Zwick Valves’ plant in Germany takes the lead. It is there that dedicated engineering experts collectively work together to develop new techniques and designs. “Daniel Zwick, the VP and managing director of engineering, has an ongoing program at one of the plants in Germany. They are constantly looking at different designs and what they can do to improve the product and market,” said Dave. By having these programs in place, Zwick can continually offer new products in the ever-evolving market.
The company’s research and development (R&D) also places a strong focus on developing new products that complement the proven TRI-CON features. Thus, the TRI-BLOCK, TRICHECK, TRICRYO, and TRI-SHARK. The TRI-CON is Zwick’s standard triple-offset valve (TOV) offering, which delivers zero leakage with true zero friction while cycling the valve. Tri-Con valves are used everywhere reliable function and absolute tightness are essential for the user or operator. Along with standard carbon steel, the Tri-Con is available in all chrome materials and high alloys. Many high-tech features of the valve, like the unique 25-degree conical seating which eliminates all the friction during the seating and unseating of the valve, result in an extremely long performance life. Applications Zwick Valves serves are applications of gases, liquids, hot water, or steam at low and high temperatures of up to 815°C. Other important markets include the chemical and petrochemical industry, especially in critical applications. The standard portfolio of products starts with sizes from 3” to 78” and pressure classes from 150Lb ANSI, 300 ANSI, 600 ANSI, and 900Lb ANSI.
Supply, Demand, and Distribution
Zwick Valves participates in many markets including, the Mid Stream, Refining, Power, Petrochemical, Water, Brine Injection, Offshore, and Tank Farms to name a few. This ensures that Zwick maintains a diverse clientele. One of Zwick’s most unique markets is supplying valves for universities, colleges, and hospitals. Application in these facilities are steam, hot and chilled water, and fuel gas,” explained Dave. “These systems use large amounts of valves. Zwick was one of the first TOV manufactures to recognize the potential for our products in this market. Today, Zwick is one of the largest manufactures of TOV’s participating in this market.
Occasionally, Zwick Valves will receive requests from end users for unique products. “As long as the requests do not compromise our integrity of design, we will find a solution for certain projects or application,” detailed Dave. “For example, sometimes we get requests for valves with abnormally large or small face-to-face dimensions. Due to the size of the company, and the manner in which the business flows, Zwick Valves does not mind interrupting its production schedule to accommodate these types of requests.” Zwick Valves’ large inventories give them the ability to address these opportunities. Unlike other manufacturer’s, these projects do not hinder general production; the inventory for its standard products is always available.
“Exceeding the customer’s expectation whilst ensuring that our personnel are motivated and happy will ensure Zwick Valves’ continued success.”
Dave Buse.
Looking to the Future
When it comes to planning for the future of Zwick Valves, Dave remains cautiously optimistic. “It is hard to predict where the market may go right now, due to the current climate,” said Dave. “I do not expect a significant amount of growth in the current market and am therefore focused on maintaining the status quo.”
