Survey says valves are weakest link
June 1st 2010

A survey by H.S. Pipequipment, supplier of valves to the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, has confirmed that valves are the most likely item of equipment to create problems at petrochemical plants and onshore and offshore oil and gas assets. Of those surveyed, 34% said that valves caused the greatest difficulties, with 27% citing pumps, compressors and other rotating machinery as also being problematic.

The survey, which was conducted predominantly amongst key industry workers such as engineers, buyers, materials controllers and directors revealed that 50% of plants and rigs kept limited or no replacement inventory onsite, with 63% saying that this was because they try to keep costs down.

Peter Everett, md of HSP, says: “In tough economic times, plants and rigs will inevitably want to keep costs down by only purchasing parts as needed, making it essential that suppliers have an extensive inventory and are therefore able to offer a fast response.”

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