Large valves are difficult to source. They are typically too large to be machined in-house and must be outsourced. This means that the cost of raw materials is an unknown, and that swings in one direction can occur over the life of the project. The cost of these valves can vary widely from year to year, depending on the raw material.
ITT’s experience with large valves
Large valves are a challenging category for manufacturers to work with. Often too large to be machined in-house, these valves must be outsourced for fabrication. Unlike smaller valves, they require more sophisticated tooling and complicated material handling. Additionally, installation and testing of large valves can be complex, which can add to project costs.
One of ITT’s largest valves measures 132 inches in diameter. This diameter makes it impossible to ship the valve in one piece, so ITT designed it as an erector set. This design also allows it to seal and assemble in the field. The company’s engineering team rely on their years of experience with large valves to ensure smooth operation.
ITT’s design
The largest valves are typically custom-made. ThisĀ view it means that they are larger than 42 inches and require unique characteristics. The size and complexity of these valves increases the price. ITT partnered with a hydraulic operator company to produce the valve, which features a self-contained hydraulic power unit integrated into a hydraulic cylinder. The valve also features a close coupled operator-to-valve connection, which eliminates the need for a yoke. It also features precision-machined valve bonnets, ensuring smooth assembly.
New standards for emission and safety regulations are making it necessary to upgrade the way valves are designed. Increasing population density in arid regions means that water must be transported through bigger pipelines. New regulations require that large valves have larger diameters to allow more material to flow through.
Flex-wedge design
The Flex-wedge design is a simple yet highly effective valve solution. This unique valve provides an ideal combination of low flow resistance and a large opening/closing stroke. The wedge gate valve can handle high and low fluid pressures and is easy to install. Its stainless steel or hard alloy sealing surface is long-lasting, ensuring a reliable seal and minimal water hammer. This valve is also available in a wide range of materials and applications.
A flexible wedge design is the most popular type of gate valve in use today. This type of valve features a flexible wedge disc with an integrated boss on one side and a solid disk on the other. It is more flexible than other gate valve designs and can adapt to changes in temperature and adverse piping stresses. It is also easier to manufacture. This flexible design allows for minor variations in seat alignment, making it suitable for a variety of applications and fluids.
Cost of large valves
Large valves have a variety of challenges, including difficult sourcing and complicated manufacturing processes. These valves are often too large to be machined in-house and must be outsourced. Outsourcing production also involves a risk of unpredictability because raw materials may fluctuate wildly over the course of the project.
Large valves can be expensive to ship. In addition to shipping costs, the valve’s weight and size make it a difficult piece of equipment to transport. To address these challenges, ITT designed its product to be assembled in the field.