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.”