Whether you are in the market for a Kunkle valve to protect your blowers and compressors or a premium high-pressure safety valve for your power generating system, selecting the right supplier is one of the most important decisions you will make. By building a relationship with a trusted valve company, you can ensure that you always get the right products, at the right price, to meet your needs and that those products are properly maintained throughout their usable life cycle.
Here are 5 things to look for when selecting a valve supplier.
Inventory on hand
How much inventory does the supplier carry? This number is directly tied to how long it will take you to receive your valves and parts, which can be crucial during planned outages or in case of an emergency. By partnering with a valve supplier that carries a large inventory on hand, you increase your chances that the products you need will be there when you need them.
Valve preventative maintenance services
Regular preventative maintenance is the key to getting great performance out of your valves and valve products. Recommendations for preventative maintenance vary, so look for a supplier that understands your maintenance needs and can perform maintenance tasks with as little disruption to your operations as possible. Ask if the supplier uses ValvKeep, which is a valve management software that centralizes valve history and maintenance data to identify maintenance and repair needs.
Valve repair services
Even well-maintained valves sometimes require repair. Look for a valve supplier that can repair a wide range of valves, both in the shop and in the field, and also is a member of the Valve Repair Council. For pressure relief devices, be sure your supplier is certified by the National Board for repair services. These designations guarantee that your valve will be repaired to its original specifications.
In addition to industry certifications, look for a supplier whose technicians have completed factory training by the valve manufacturers themselves. For example, Consolidated Green Tag Centers (GTCs) are authorized by GE to repair pressure relief valves, Masoneilan Authorized Repair Centers (MARCs) are authorized to repair Masoneilan pressure relief and control valves, and Kunkle Repair Assemblers have been trained on the repair and assembly of Kunkle valves. Learn more about valve certifications.
Actuator sales and services
Valves and actuators work hand in hand. For a supplier that can help you select the best products for your project from beginning to end, choose a company that understands the relationship between valves and actuators and can provide services for both types of products.
Commitment to safety
Finally, safety is one of the main issues surrounding industrial valve installations, and regulations change frequently. The National Transportation Safety Board recently issued 28 new safety recommendations following a report showing a systemic lack of oversight on gas pipelines, and these recommendations are likely to influence regulations at both the state and local levels. To ensure that your projects are in compliance with all regulations, select a valve supplier that understands the regulatory environment and has consistently demonstrated a commitment to safety.