Picture Perfect: RPV Open Blasting and Coating Division

Inside RPV’s new Shot Blasting Facility

Inside RPV’s new Shot Blasting Facility

RPV’s gas recirculating oven further reduces lead times for large batches

RPV’s gas recirculating oven further reduces lead times for large batches


One of RPV’s three ‘dry back spray booths

One of RPV’s three ‘dry back spray booths'


RPV the leading international valve stockist/ distributor has further extended its service portfolio by opening a ‘Blasting and Coating Division’ at its Suffolk Headquarters. The facility, which opened in early October, comes complete with 10 tonne lifting capacity and the ability to process over 1,000 valves and associated products per week.

‘This new division enables greater control over orders offering quick turnaround, meeting customer’s delivery requests. Having this division also enables RPV to offer the full package from stocking valves, modification, all types of pressure testing to blasting and coating for sizes ¼" to 48" ’ says QA/QC Director Steven Withers.

The addition of a Blasting and Coating Division is one of several investments made by RPV as the company continues towards its goal of becoming a ‘one-stop-shop’ for the valve purchaser. This latest investment follows the opening of RPV’s testing facilities, which were featured in issue 26 of Valve User.

‘Preparation is vital…’

‘The company has invested in staff with over 40 years of specialist experience’ says Mr Withers ‘they knowthat in this field preparation is vital to the final finish and operation.’

All valves and associated equipment are fully prepared on arrival at the facility, prior to blasting. Specialist blasting tape is applied to all critical areas including ends, stem, threads, gland areas and nameplates to prevent damage and the ingress of blasting shot.

The shot blasting is carried out in a large bespoke housed unit 6m x 3m. The unit is design to recycle all blast media. All products, unless specifically requested by the customer, are shot blasted to Swedish standard 2.5 using aluminium oxide shot. Working to this standard eliminates the rust which can be produced by steel shot and produces a profile finish of between 40 and 100 microns.

The products are then ready for painting. Paint is applied by wet coat system, from primer only through to multi coats in accordance with customer’s specifications. Three dry back spray booths, each with their own extraction, have been installed at the facility to provide quick seamless production times between each coat. A capability which further contributes to RPV’s goal of reducing lead times for the customer. With the same goal in mind, a curing and baking oven is available at thefacility. The 2 ½ x 2m gas recirculating oven can be used to enhance curing times for larger batches. The oven is also used for powder coat finishes, stove enamelling and plastics.

‘Ensuring quality’

‘Inspection and calibration are carried out throughout the process, ensuring quality and that the work is carried out exactly to the customer’s specifications’ says Mr Withers.

Inspection is carried out after shot blasting using a calibrated surface profile gauge. Humidity, temperature and dew point is monitored using a calibrated gauge. Inspection is carried out after each coat. Thickness is measured using a calibrated DFT gauge. Upon request pull off tests can be performed. Upon completion of final inspection, the product is de-masked and a paint report issued detailing the processes carried out andconsumables used. Upon request third party inspections can carry out witnessing of any or all of the processes and paint report endorsed. Each painted product is wrapped and carefully packed to ensure customers receive in pristine condition.

As any QA / QC Director would be, Mr Withers is happy to have full control of another aspect of RPV’s portfolio. ‘At RPV we are extremely well versed in working to individual customers specifications. Over the years we have developed effective systems for stock monitoring which include holding digital files for each valve’s test certificates. The Blasting and Coating Division has slotted seamlessly into the RPV system, so customers can expect the usual, fully traceable RPV service at the usual, marketbeating, lead times,’ he concluded.

Further details on the new facility can be obtained through RPV’s sales team.

RP Valves Ltd
Tel: +44 (0)1638 711311
Email sales@rpv-group.com
www.rpv-group.com


Published: 9th December 2013

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