Process plant valves continue to be weakest link 18 May 2010

Valves are the most likely item of equipment to create problems at petrochemical plants and onshore and offshore oil and gas facilities.

That's the main finding of a study valve supplier HS Pipequipment, which reveals that 34% of operations surveyed complain that valves are the weakest link, with 27% citing pumps, compressors and other rotating machinery.

The survey, which was conducted predominantly among engineers, buyers, materials controllers and directors, also found that fully half of all plants and rigs keep limited or no replacement inventory on site – with 63% blaming cost-down initiatives.

Peter Everett, managing director of HSP, confirms that the economic downturn has had a significant effect on the oil, gas and petrochemical industries, noting that 29% of respondents have reduced production and moved away from new equipment purchases.

Other effects of the difficult financial climate have included worrying postponement of shutdowns (24%) and staff cuts (29%). Overall, 45% of those surveyed said that there was now a greater need to do more with fewer resources.

"The feedback has been invaluable in helping us to further gauge the issues and problems facing the industry – and has also revealed some surprising differences between the needs and attitudes of offshore oil and gas assets compared with those of the petrochemical sector, which we will be investigating in more detail," comments Everett.

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
H S Pipequipment Ltd

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