“ I find it interesting that although valve design and manufacturing know-how is a well-established field, R & D cannot stop, and those who invest in this thrive and can more easily adapt to changing industry conditions,” continues Mousa.“ Rapid changes and advancements affect all factors, from materials used to manufacturing methods, valve design, and the supply chain. Therefore, for a supplier to be part of this development, they have to adapt how they do business, invest in development, and work as partners with their clients to form a cohesive team.” One of the success stories that Mousa and his team are proud of is the level of engagement they have with their partners, both valve suppliers and field operators. The team conducted a detailed and comprehensive assessment to study the π www. valve-world. net Valve World June 2025
Typical valve problems & solutions
The cost of valve failure can be enormous, given their critical role in diverting or isolating fluids and as essential safety components. Plant and personnel safety relies heavily on valve reliability and integrity, making any signs of failure a matter of immediate concern. For Mousa and the team, when a valve fails, the top priority is to conduct online troubleshooting to minimise plant or unit shutdowns to preserve operational continuity. Mousa shared:“ To address these issues effectively, we have established special guidelines for assessing valve failures and have developed customised procedures to tackle them. Our collaboration with field personnel involves the application of diverse technologies and methods aimed at ensuring operational safety. A common issue is a valve’ s inability to internally isolate fluids when closed, often resulting from wear and tear on sealing surfaces over time and exposure to varying operating conditions.”“ To combat this, we impose stringent material requirements for valves intended for extended service lives and arduous applications. We also include supplementary specifications for online interventions, such as mandatory sealant injections and the use of drain and vent valves. Furthermore, we maintain close cooperation with our maintenance crew to adopt the latest technologies for valve cavity and seat flushing, as well as advanced sealants.”“ Our engagement with partners, particularly our valve suppliers and field operators, has reached new heights. We conducted a detailed and comprehensive failure assessment to study the trends in valve failures. This assessment allowed us to address these issues at a company level, shifting from a reactive approach to a proactive one, where we identify potential failures before they occur and enhance overall performance. The study revealed significant gaps and areas for improvement in various domains, including governance( by refining specifications and requirements) and the identification of new technologies for valve inspection and maintenance.“ Given the diverse classifications of valves, they are included in our overall periodic maintenance programs. These programs ensure that valves are regularly inspected and maintained, thereby continuously guaranteeing their integrity and reliability. Our proactive approach and
End User Interview
Stringent material requirements are imposed for valves intended for extended service lives and arduous applications.
close collaboration with partners have led to numerous success stories, underscoring our commitment to excellence in valve management.”
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Predictive analysis and smarter valves are increasingly becoming the norm.”
Valve supplier management and market trends
Different valve types are sourced from various suppliers, and Saudi Aramco categorises them using a unique numbering system, aligning with industry trends where no single supplier excels in all valve types. Specialisation exists within types, too, with some suppliers focusing on large sizes, high-pressure / upstream applications, or small sizes for clean / instrumentation uses. Mousa explained:“ We rigorously evaluate a supplier’ s technical and quality performance before adding them to our Regulated Vendor List( RVL), assessing financial stability, technical capabilities, R & D, and quality systems to ensure consistent product quality. Products undergo varying levels of in-process and final inspection, tailored to application needs. We periodically review suppliers’ performances with different metrics, delisting some and limiting others’ scopes. Many suppliers have grown with Saudi Aramco, expanding product portfolios and approvals gradually.”
“ The valve industry evolves with market trends, causing supplier performance and status to fluctuate. In market downturns, some suppliers scale back production, while in growth phases, key suppliers expand to meet demand and gain market share. Production philosophies have shifted from vertically integrated models, which ensure quality control but drive up costs, to relying on specialised subcontractors and sub-suppliers for cost-effective production. This trend has expanded internationally, optimising key processes and cutting costs, allowing suppliers to focus on design, partner assessment, and received goods inspection with final testing.”
Partnering with suppliers
“ I find it interesting that although valve design and manufacturing know-how is a well-established field, R & D cannot stop, and those who invest in this thrive and can more easily adapt to changing industry conditions,” continues Mousa.“ Rapid changes and advancements affect all factors, from materials used to manufacturing methods, valve design, and the supply chain. Therefore, for a supplier to be part of this development, they have to adapt how they do business, invest in development, and work as partners with their clients to form a cohesive team.” One of the success stories that Mousa and his team are proud of is the level of engagement they have with their partners, both valve suppliers and field operators. The team conducted a detailed and comprehensive assessment to study the π www. valve-world. net Valve World June 2025
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