EPC Perspective
In this article , JGC addresses the challenges surrounding valve interlocking devices , highlighting discrepancies between components and the need for collaborative solutions . In addition , the burgeoning demand for 3D printing in construction is explored , offering a solution to labor shortages and quality concerns .
By Tatsuya Tobe , JGC Corporation
About the author Tatsuya Tobe graduated with a bachelor ’ s degree of aerospace engineering and is a piping material engineering group manager at JGC Corporation , the largest process plant EPC contractor in Japan . For the last 23 years , his career has been working at piping engineering , especially for material engineering . The experience covers various categories thru basic engineering phase to construction phase , such as material selection based on fluid service , specifying project requirements , manufacturer selection , surveillance , and audit , mainly at natural gas and petrochemical plant projects .
Advancing valve efficiency through EPC perspective
Adapter
Stem nut
Interlocking Device
Figure 1 . Valve stem nut and adapter was not matched at construction site . Image courtesy of JGC Corporation .
In the realm of valve engineering , precision and reliability are paramount . However , the landscape is not without its challenges . From mismatched components to complex procurement processes , the industry faces hurdles that demand creative solutions . In this exploration , we delve into the intricacies of valve operations , the transformative potential of 3D printing in construction , and the quest for standardization within the framework of JIP33 .
Findings : pain points of valves with interlocking devices
Valves with interlock devices are important to perform valve open and close sequence properly . We faced that valve stem nuts and adapters were not matched at the construction site . Adapters were made by interlocking device vendors to match with the valve stem nuts as per the valve vendor drawings . However , the drawings and actual stem nut dimensions were different ( see Fig . 1 ). Now new improvement is expected from EPC side . For example , valve stem nut dimension check for all valves at valve vendor factory regardless
Actual stem nut dimension and drawing was different
Stem nut
Not matched ( many gaps ) between them
Valve Vendor Drawing
of whether some valves are actually used for interlock devices or not , this is traditional method and may not be practical for valve vendors . For future improvement , 3D scanner will be used to measure the actual valve stem nut dimensions , and the adapters will be made by 3D printing to match with the actual valve stem nuts at the construction site by EPCs . There are several improvement chances to prevent from same pain points . EPCs , valve vendors , and interlock device vendors collaboration is important for the new improvement .
New demand : 3D printing
So why do we view 3D printing as a new demand ? Because there are several challenges posed at the construction stage . There are many workers on the construction site , however , skilled workers are limited and there is a shortage of them . Furthermore , workers make things by hand manually . Each worker ’ s skill and the quality of their work may not be the same . So , there is a risk in the quality of manual work . Therefore , we are accelerating the use of 3D printing in
18 Valve World March 2024 www . valve-world . net