Tag: valve world americas

The global supply chain has experienced unprecedented strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Just as COVID-19-related challenges with labor shortages and transportation delays began to ease, the Russia-Ukraine conflict generated new problems for the global economy.

Water scarcities in Arizona, Taiwan, China and many locations where new semiconductor plants are being built have underscored the need for water conservation. Additionally, water reuse may be cheaper than bringing surface water to the ultrapure level.

Data has recently been presented that suggests that 80% of hazardous fugitive emissions come from ball valve stem leaks. To mitigate the threat of these emissions, several new technologies and devices have been designed.

Thermoplastic valves and pipes have increased in popularity within water, wastewater, and chemical treatment spaces. While metallic valves have existed for centuries, engineered thermoplastic valves are only about 50 years old.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has exacerbated logistical disruptions caused by the rapid spread of Omicron variants from late 2021. China’s zero-COVID strategy to fight against the pandemic have extended the shortage of raw materials in the global market.

The Clean Air Act, introduced in 1970, was established to provide oversight and regulation of air emissions. This act was designed to improve air quality, prevent detrimental environmental impacts, and most importantly, to protect the safety and well-being of the public.

Water hammer, also known as hydraulic shock or hydraulic surge, is a result of uneven or steady flow of water through pipes. It is best characterized as the clunking, thumping and banging sounds of a pipeline system once the piping system is turned off.

Valve World Americas is excited to announce that the bi-annual Valve World Americas Expo & Conference will return to Houston, Texas on June 7th-8th, 2023 at George R. Brown Convention Center.

MRC Global, the leading distributor of pipe, valve, and fitting products to the energy and industrial end sectors, is dedicated to assisting its client base in energy transition and methane reduction processes. By leveraging advanced industry knowledge and superior services, the company has proven its ability to help customers navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the energy and industrial sectors. Valve World Americas had the great pleasure of speaking with several MRC Global employees, including Matt Hartfiel, Vice President - Downstream, Industrial & Energy Transition Valves; Greg Peterson, Vice President - Valves Actuation Measurement and Instrumentation; Lance Lorance, Executive Director - Valves and Automation and Charles Metrailer, Executive Director - Valves and Automaton, about MRC Global’s dedication to providing valves for a better future.

Hydrogen is expected to play a significant part in the low-carbon future that lays ahead. When interacting with the production and handling of any fluid, valves are not only necessary but critical to successful operations. A valve design in a hydrogen application requires two types of materials; metallic materials when dealing with high pressure and cryogenic temperatures, and non-metallic materials for overall static and dynamic sealing and seating. Hydrogen however, poses a unique challenge for the materials selection for valves. Due to its small size, hydrogen can diffuse into metallic and non-metallic components and, once there, can interact in deleterious, and not-yet-understood, ways with the material’s internal structure. Read on to learn more about hydrogen and its related damage mechanisms in common valve materials.