Product category:
Valves and manifolds
News Release from: Truflo International | Subject: Truflo Rona
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 11 January 2006
Valves for LNG industry must put safety
first
Leading specialist valve manufacturer Truflo Rona says demand for its range of products is soaring in the wake of growth in the global LNG industry, but warns that not all valves are suitable for LNG
Leading specialist valve manufacturer Truflo Rona says demand for its range of products is soaring in the wake of growth in the global LNG industry But it warns that an increasing number of global projects are permitting increased use of inferior products and are showing a tendency to take safety for granted
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 13 Feb 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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"As experienced valve manufacturers, Truflo Rona has been a part of the LNG industry for more than 30 years, and what we are seeing on the part of new entrants is a lack of awareness of the risks inherent in the LNG process," explained the company managing director, Francis Carpio.
"It looks as if the sector is growing so fast that the new players in this field do not have time to gain the experience needed to ensure an adequate safety level.
This can be seen at all stages - liquefaction, transport and regasification.
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At the same time, certain valve manufacturers are offering what they believe might work as a cryogenic valve, but which is, in fact, only a standard valve with an extended bonnet.
Even the basic calculations necessary to determine the length required in order to ensure insulation on the extended bonnet require experience and knowledge, for example.
"There are hundreds of valve manufacturers, making all types of valves, and the new business sector now generated by the LNG industry is obviously very attractive to them.
Many engineering companies are also expanding into this field, and they are trying to learn more about it at the same time.
It's clearly not wise to dive straight into such a specialised arena.
"Like many other industries, LNG now also seems to be driven by financial criteria.
This is acceptable to a certain extent, but LNG is a very specific and dangerous service, where minimum safety features are not negotiable." Truflo Rona is not alone amongst top European valve manufacturers and end users concerned by these developments, and believes everyone needs to prioritise safety.
"Some new manufacturers are now following the market, despite the high risks incurred.
Others are more responsible and choose to make no concessions: they maintain the use of products with high quality, reliability and safety," added Francis Carpio.
"Tomorrow, there may be new LNG terminals and carriers built according to lower safety requirements but also ones built with maximum safety.
We must hope that the LNG industry does not need to experience a dramatic accident before the voices of concerned ship owners, equipment manufacturers and third parties are heard.".
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