SCOPV Committee Meeting Summary: Advancing API Valve Standards and Industry Collaboration

The SCOPV (Subcommittee on Piping and Valves) convened its most recent meeting under the leadership of Chairman Trace Scrivner, beginning at 8:02 AM. The meeting proceeded with vital updates, presentations, and planning discussions that will shape the future of valve standards and practices across the API (American Petroleum Institute) community.

By Gobind Khiani, Valve Engineering Consultant, GAPV Inc.

I. Addressing Conflicts and Scheduling

SCOPV Chairman opened the session by highlighting a potential conflict between future API conferences and the MSS Annual Meeting in Spring 2026 and 2027. He suggested adjusting SCOPV’s schedule during the API Conference week or exploring MSS date changes. These efforts aim to minimize overlap and facilitate broader participation.

II. Antitrust Guidelines and Agenda Approval

A review of API’s Antitrust Guidelines was conducted. The meeting agenda and minutes from the previous session were unanimously approved with no additions or corrections.

III. Technical Presentations and Industry Collaboration

Magmasoft 3D Casting Simulation

Evan Letourneau of Magma Foundry Technologies delivered a technical presentation focused on casting simulations, microporosity, the Naima criterion, and valve casting case studies.

Valve Supply Chain Digitization

Ayman Cheta presented a proposal from the CII Joint Working Group advocating for the standardization of valve datasheets. Key points included:

• Support for consistent datasheet templates.
• Concerns regarding varied end-user requirements.
• Suggestions to start with common configurations (80/20 rule).
• Possible incorporation as Recommended Practice (RP).
• Three proposed SCOPV pathways: open task group, integration into a common clauses group, or forming a new dedicated team.

Discussion emphasized technical expertise within SCOPV as a critical factor for successful standardization, with comments reinforcing the potential benefits of industry alignment.

IV. API Monogram and APIQR Program Insights

Hamza Hallal provided an update on the API Monogram and APIQR programs:

• Subcommittees can now access audit findings data.
• Emphasis on auditing subcontracted operations and the challenges of global audit consistency.
• Recommendations for color-coding requirements during ballot stages.
• Clarification that the Monogram Program is voluntary and user-driven.

V. Standards Maintenance and Task Group Updates

VI. SCOPV and API Organizational Updates

Nick Montebello provided key administrative updates:

• No open ballots currently, but several recirculation ballots are pending.
• API 589, 591, 599, and 603 are expected to publish by 2026.
• SCOPV currently includes 53 voters; work is underway to ensure appropriate representation across stakeholder groups, per ANSI guidelines.

SCOPV is actively reviewing documents due for reaffirmation, including API 594, RP 621, and others. There was discussion on whether RFIs should trigger the formation of new task groups or be addressed through targeted addendums.

VII. Looking Ahead: Strategic Planning and Extensions

• Several documents due in 2027 may require 2-year extensions.
• Emphasis was placed on using addendums to address changes such as trim tables and audit-related clarifications, rather than opening new editions.
• A poll indicated strong interest in advancing digitization and standardization of valve datasheets, reaffirming it as a strategic priority.

Conclusion

The SCOPV meeting reflected a strong commitment to technical excellence, collaboration, and modernization across the valve industry. From standardization initiatives to monogram program insights and evolving casting technologies, the committee continues to be a key driver of innovation and quality within API.

Trace Scrivner commended the task group chairs and participants for their engagement and contributions, emphasizing that the revised schedule fostered the kind of productive dialogue and direction that will move the industry forward.