SPOTLIGHT ON : Bonney Forge
investment standpoint . “ Every year , the entire management team assesses each of the facilities , determines what is needed to thrive , and then invests back into each one . In so doing , we have expanded our capabilities , and refined our casting processes ,” relayed Waite . “ We constantly strive to improve – improving our quality processes is who we are .”
Quality Assurance
When Bonney Forge provides products to the market , it approaches the process as pragmatically as possible , in all facets of the manufacture , proof testing , and certification processes . So much so , that in addition to the typical testing standards for API , ASTM , ASME , and MSS , each of Bonney Forge ’ s valves undergoes a scrutinizing process to qualify and verify the integrity of each asset . “ Our standards are always higher than industry standards ,” commented Heald . For instance :
• Third Party Xray examination ,
• Third Party Emissions Testing and Certification ,
• Steel Microstructure Evaluation ,
• Leakage Rates lower than industry standards .
Additionally , extensive testing at a thirdparty facility in Houston , TX is conducted on fully assembled gate and globe valves from Bonney Forge cast steel valve inventory .
“ When valves are received from Bonney Forge Shanghai , we select valves from all containers and ship them United Valve for radiography and other NDE and testing . The valves are randomly selected , but over time , all of our product line is third-party tested ,” stated Thomas .
The fact that its products are tested by accredited , recognized laboratories holds weight with end users . This quality approach to product manufacturing has kept Bonney Forge ahead of other manufacturers allowing the company to provide new products for severe service , expanding its cast steel valve line to include cryogenic valves . These valves are designed and tested to meet extreme temperature requirements typically seen in LNG applications , heat exchanger units , and many additional applications .
“ There are several reasons why we do more than the standards require , it is a sense of responsibility to the market , it is a sense of transparency between the end user and manufacturer , and it is a sense of ownership ,” added Harrigan . “ At the end of the day , this is our product with our name on it going out the door , and we have the confidence that the product leaving any one of our facilities will outperform any other product out there .”
Providing a product that meets and exceeds industry standards is the Bonney Forge way . Its unique testing program reinforces that ; it assures its customers a quality product through and through .
Traceability
Transparency is at the core of Bonney Forge and this is achieved through its full product traceability . “ We provide critical paths to our customers . Field engineers , planning personnel , and receiving teams all know what to expect from a product so that they can plan effectively . If the customer knows the body / bonnet materials , they can find the dedicated heat lot number which is directly tied to the raw material poured from the steel mill . The more upfront understanding we can provide our customers , the smoother the work goes . We therefore take care to review , test , and evaluate applications that require special attention , and provide the relevant product information ,” stated Waite .
Low Emissions is the Bonney Forge Standard
Another way that Bonney Forge has enhanced its cast steel valve products , is by designing each valve with its low-E technology .
“ After developing our low emissions valves with Bonney Forge ’ s Eco-Seal ® proprietary packing , we made this packing a standard for all our valves
BONNEY FORGE BELIEVES IN
• Continuously improving quality , processes , and customer service .
• Eliminating delays , errors , and defects in materials and workmanship .
• Providing customers with access to statistical evidence that quality is incorporated in its products and production processes .
• Requiring suppliers to provide statistical evidence of quality in products and process capabilities .
• Sharing with the organization the cost of poor-quality products and services .
• Driving out fear and bringing problems to light for all to see .
• Working together to address specific problems and establish goals and solutions as a team .
• Controlling manufacturing processes which determine the final cost and quality of its products .
• Removing barriers that stand between employees and their pride in workmanship , and implementing ongoing training , supervision , and employee development programs .
• Good housekeeping , which reflects on the company , its operating philosophy , and its people .
• Encouraging a corporate culture that will reinforce the objectives of its mission on a day-to-day basis .
and since then have never considered producing any of our valves without it ,” stated Thomas .
Bonney Forge ’ s Eco-Seal ® packing is a true die-formed flexible graphite packing technology that exceeds API 622 2 nd Edition requirements and has validated packing and valve performance with 3 rd party test results of less than 50 ppm . Bonney Forge ’ s low emissions valves meet the EPA ’ s Enhanced LDAR consent decree requirements as a ‘ Certified Low- Leak Valve Technology ’. All Bonney Forge cast steel valves are offered with Bonney Forge Eco-Seal ® as a standard , meaning that Bonney Forge has made the commitment to low emissions valves , adding timely value to meet the consent decree requirements imposed by the EPA .
“ It is by focusing on details , like the impact of fugitive emissions , and taking steps to produce innovative valve designs for our cast steel lines that mitigate that impact , which deepens and strengthens our long-standing commitment to providing the highest quality products to our end users ,” added Waite .
Final Thoughts
“ While there are several practices used to elevate Bonney Forge ’ s cast steel valves , it is the company ’ s commitment to wholly owning each of its facilities , its focus on quality testing , and its dedication to eliminating fugitive emissions , that truly makes it stand out ,” explained Harrigan .
Bonney Forge will continue to grow , invest , and improve the company ’ s operations in every aspect ; this includes capacity , efficiency , productivity , and quality . “ Manufacturing requires continuous improvement , and we invest in our people and facilities every year . That will continue our success throughout the years ,” concluded Heald .
As part of this commitment , the company is always looking forward to the future of the industries they serve and new industries where Bonney Forge can have an impact with its manufacturing innovations .
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the profiled company and may not reflect the position of Valve World Americas .
www . valve-world-americas . net • September 2023 | Valve World Americas 3