A total of 11 3D printed valve trims, complete with ABJ soft seat, engineered by IMI, have boosted uptime and efficiency at a Chinese power plant at substantially lower cost than a full valve replacement. The existing valves had become inefficient due to severe erosion and leakage caused by insufficient pressure reduction. This would typically require considerable opex and capex investments because of both the cost of a replacement valve and the extensive engineering involved in its installation. IMI’ s Retrofit3D solution involves the |
engineering of bespoke drop-in replacement internal components with substantially upgraded performance. This includes both the valve trim and seat, meaning the valve casing can remain in place. Replacement parts are custommade to the specific process conditions of the valve, far more quickly and at a lower cost than would be the case with conventional manufacturing methods. Retrofit3D components integrate IMI’ s DRAG technology, which divides flows into a series of right-angled smaller passages. |
Wärtsilä has signed a tenyear Lifecycle Agreement with Hong Kong based OPearl LNG Ship Management covering a total of 14 LNG Carrier vessels. The agreement is designed to ensure the vessels’ maximum operational reliability by enabling flexible maintenance scheduling and optimising time between overhauls( TBO). The agreement was booked by Wärtsilä in Q3 2025. Global LNG demand is rising, making prompt deliveries essential. Wärtsilä’ s support agreement will help OPearl’ s LNG Carrier vessels maintain strong operational reliability. The scope of the agreement includes Wärtsilä’ s Dynamic Maintenance Planning solution, which will provide flexible maintenance scheduling and extended maintenance intervals, 24 / 7 remote operational support, as well as contract management. It also includes Expert Insight, Wärtsilä’ s unique predictive maintenance solution that uses real-time vessel data to detect |
potential issues and assist in optimising operation and maintenance. By leveraging advanced AI capabilities, Expert Insight will enable OPearl LNG Ship Management to identify anomalies early and address emerging issues proactively, thereby reducing the risk of unexpected downtime and ensuring smoother, more reliable journeys. This AI implementation highlights and matches the“ Creativity” part of OPearl LNG Ship Management’ s 4C policy. The 14 vessels covered by this agreement will be delivered between Q3 2025 and Q2 2027. Each ship will operate with two 6-cylinder and two 8-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF dual-fuel engines. They will also each feature four Wärtsilä Gas Valve Units( GVU). OPearl LNG Ship Management was established in December 2023 as a joint venture by China Merchant LNG, CNOOC, and NYK to serve as the ship management arm for all three shareholders. |
Strahman Group, a division of FCH, has acquired GEMCO Valve. The integration of GEMCO Valve into the Strahman family enhances the ability to serve customers with highquality, customised solutions |
tailored to meet their unique application challenges for powders, dry bulk materials, and slurries. GEMCO’ s longstanding reputation for product innovation aligns perfectly with Strahman’ s |
mission to deliver reliable and effective solutions across various industries. GEMCO Valve will maintain operations at its Middlesex, NJ facility until early 2026, when manufacturing will |
transition to Strahman’ s ISO- 9001 certified, 40,000 sq. ft. facility in Bethlehem, PA. This move will both streamline operations and expand Strahman’ s manufacturing capabilities. |