Valve Working Group

Meetings

The Valve Working Group has continued with its regular programme of two meetings per year.

The March 2016 gathering took place at KT Hydraulics’ facility in Gannex Park, Elland. As well as the traditional full programme of technical and standards discussions, the day featured a very informative presentation by DNV on Valve Integrity Management, and another by Dean Holroyd (Business Development Manager) which was followed by a facility tour.

Our September meeting was at the equally interesting and impressive Severn Glocon facility in Gloucester where Ron Baker (Sales Director) gave an excellent presentation into their very diverse and technically challenging product offerings for the Global Valve and Actuator industry.

Both meetings were again very well attended, to capacity in fact on both occasions.

The BVAA once again supported the pre-meeting dinners, which add an opportunity to network prior to the events proper.

In 2015/16, we rolled out the Technical Expert Groups (TEGs) and these continued apace throughout the year. Of personal significance to me was the ongoing TEG related to the revision of the Diaphragm Valve standard, as this also allowed the VWG to engage Crane Saunders in its review, apt as they originally patented Diaphragm valve technology.

The format of the TEGs does appear to have been a success and long may they continue. They certainly allow a more dedicated team to be resourced into Standards and Specification review and these tasks are very important for this Working Group in particular.

The Future

Our plans / goals for 2017 include focusing effort on maintaining well attended meetings, ensuring timely communications with membership on key industry issues, growing representation / involvement of members in UK Technical Work and increasing attendances and activity in API and ASME or others where required.

As for myself this will definitely be my last report as we now have a confirmed replacement in Chris Williamson (BEL Valves) who will Chair the group from 2017.

May I once again thank everyone at BVAA HQ for their support during my tenure. It has indeed been an honour and privilege to look after this Group. And again, all the very best to Chris and the team going forward.

Published: 5th February 2017