Developments In Valves And Actuators For Fluid Control

The control of bulk fluid flows in pipelines is essential for safe and efficient plant operation, whether the product is oil, gas, process liquid, chemicals or water. Problems such as leakage and valve jamming have been reported as common by offshore industrial users, who demand longer life and greater reliability. Manufacturers have responded with new concepts and new materials, including a variety of plastics, in an effort to meet the needs of complex modern systems operating at high temperatures and pressures. This meeting provided a forum for system designers, operators, manufacturers and researchers to discuss methods of improving valve performance and promoting better valve selection and specification. Ways in which the valve industry can use techniques, such as computer-aided-design and product quality monitoring, to keep pace with future developments, for example, subsea oil and gas stations, were also covered.