END USER INTERVIEW
products , from commodity to highly engineered . The company maintains datasheets that are standard to its specs globally . A selection of valves is therefore available to choose from based on the AML and on process conditions for the specific application . “ There is no such thing as a ‘ vanilla ’ product – most folks ask me , ‘ how do I know I am paying the right price ?’ It is not easy to determine . Every valve is created differently – the application , the process , the media , etc . will all determine what valve we should choose and from which vendor ,” Courtney revealed . “ Do I need commodity , or do I want resiliency ? Why do I want either one ? I am involved on all projects , large and small . Our biggest challenges have been in extreme H2S environments with very huge temperature swings that can make PVF a challenge . Lead times are also onerous , and people do not understand that PVF is the organs , veins and arteries of any project – they are crucial to making things run , yet they tend to get minimal attention and can sometimes be considered throwaway items . PVF is extremely important and making sure people trust me and what I can provide as far as knowledge and support – that is paramount to my life .” Lead times have been an issue in the PVF industry for many years and continue to be a problem faced by many operators when sourcing products . “ I see a huge disconnect between what is quoted or presented as a standard lead time versus the reality . COVID-19 has posed many issues with supply chain shortages and the tariffs placed on imports to the U . S . have caused a massive block to getting PVF materials in a timely manner and sometimes receiving supplies at all . It is important that we understand that ‘ long lead ’ is the new standard – all things are ‘ long lead ’ now ,” she said . It is also important to consider other possibilities in this realm – whether that be refurbishment , replacement in kind , or even additive manufacturing of certain parts .
Vetting Vendor Relationships
“ The market is very volatile , and ever-changing . Manufacturers eat up other manufacturers , individuals buy and sell , and the best representatives move from company to company . Enhancements can cause issues to design , and it is so important to know the market , keep track of the constant changes and keeping your ear to the ground is crucial to making the right selections ,” Courtney explained . “ For instance , a manufacturer may be not approved on our AML because of one isolated issue years prior – due to management changes , acquisitions , etc ., this manufacturer may be the best in industry now – but they are not approved because of something historical . It is important that we know those changes , keep up with them and know when to give companies another chance , or a new chance to prove themselves .” Courtney stresses that the constant changes in the PVF industry can make it difficult to remain abreast of acquisitions and new developments , but that finding the best vendors to work with is key . Support , excellent customer service , dedication , willingness to work with her in a pinch , and pride in their product are the core qualities that she looks for in a supply partner .
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PVF is a very tightknit community . The world is huge and very small at same time . Most engineers do not think that PVF is ‘ sexy ’, but you will find one of the most exciting careers of your life . It is dynamic , everchanging , and we are lacking in people that know the right thing to do ! Get into PVF and you will have a job forever !”
They must have a very strong quality program that is auditable and workable , be able to be flexible in certain situations , and have a very strong engineering team to make good decisions in a quick fashion . Standardization is another topic that Courtney feels has a major impact and fosters divided opinions within the PVF industry . In relation to valves , the industry has been aiming to create more streamlined requirements that can be addressed across the market . This is being done in an effort to minimize confusion and ultimately develop standard products . The effort is made with the goal of bringing down costs and increasing availability of stock which will lower the impact on lead times . Courtney believes that standardization has many benefits , though she worries this may hamper the industry ’ s ability to develop new solutions , and also place a strain on budgets as necessary items become obsolete and require upgrade and replacement . “ The industry is trying to trend toward valve standardization ; while I think this is a great effort , I do believe that it can stifle creativity in the industry . I think the long-term benefits will be positive , it will just take some time before we see the results from the effort ; we may receive some negative impact in the interim . Currently , we have seen an increase times , size , and weight of the products because of this standardization effort . We are working through this with many of our other end user partners , so hopefully it will be successful and we can collaborate to realize change together ,” she said . “ Chevron is always trying to improve and innovate , so things that might start becoming obsolete in a facility are being worked today for the future of tomorrow . While standardization is key to decreasing prices and lead times , it is also important to set ourselves apart from our competition .” Looking ahead , Courtney is optimistic about the future of the PVF industry and continues to be excited about the role she plays in the valve world . “ PVF is a very tight-knit community . The world is huge and very small at same time . Most engineers do not think that PVF is ‘ sexy ’, but you will find one of the most exciting careers of your life ,” Courtney concluded . “ It is dynamic , ever-changing , and we are lacking in people that know the right thing to do ! Get into PVF and you will have a job forever !”
22 Valve World September 2022 www . valve-world . net