Comment by BVAA CEO Rob Bartlett

Under Pressure

This issue of Valveuser is being distributed at three completely different exhibitions, namely SPE Offshore Europe, UK Metals Expo and of course Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe. My initial thought was that stringing together a Comment piece that crosses over into all three sectors was quite a challenge! 

From our valve industry perspective though, we have some simple, fundamental requirements: - to provide safe, rugged and reliable flow control solutions for our customers, the bulk of which are pressurised equipment. 

The tragic loss of the Titan submersible in June over the wreck of the Titanic has certainly caused some discussion among our technical experts. The unconventional and hugely controversial shape for a start, then there’s the far-from-traditional materials of construction, and finally the allegation of inadequate certification, allegedly because the owners felt that ‘excessive safety protocols hindered innovation.’ The hubris is astonishing.  Innovation is one thing, flying in the face of established engineering practice and orthodoxy quite another. 

Our industry’s customers often use flow control equipment at extreme pressures and temperatures (such as offshore). They use our members’ products as they have all the attributes our customers need, and crucially, a proven track record.  Not to mention excellent customer service backup and support. Critically, valves fall under pressure equipment legislation (PE[S]R/PED) and are thus designed, tested and certificated to well established protocols.  Any significant change in design typically results in revalidation being required. 

Similarly, our members use our trusted suppliers of materials – principally metals - for many of the same reasons. Consistency of product quality, properties, traceability and timely delivery are all essential. 

Looking forward, Hydrogen is now on the horizon. That comes with its own significant challenges relating to the temperatures involved, fugitive emissions concerns and hydrogen’s propensity to embrittle certain metals.  

Innovation - coupled with appropriate experience and testing - has been used by the valve industry to develop ‘hydrogen-ready’ products, and that’s naturally backed up with adherence to legislation and relevant certification.  To see a list of our ‘hydrogen-ready’ members, turn to page 6 of the magazine.

Read Valveuser Magazine Issue 86 HERE.

Published: 22nd August 2023