The assurance of high-quality products is a claim from every manufacturer as a key reason for purchasing their products. Not all companies, though, produce reliable compressor parts or valve components to the very highest of specifications.
The tools and techniques used to create these parts play a vital role in the final quality of the product. However, the material used in production is arguably the single most important factor in creating premium components. There are several ways in which the quality of the material can be verified to substantiate a manufacturer’s claims.
Premium Materials for Valve Components
Reliability is a critical consideration within any industrial process. When that process involves a valve, there are many variables to consider. As both a weak point in the system and an integral part of the control in the overall system, the valve consists of several moving parts which all need to function correctly to prevent system failure. For this reason, even the most peripheral valve components are important. They must be capable of handling the physical and chemical stresses during long operating hours.
Through using valve components of the highest grade materials, there is far less chance that the equipment will suffer any problems during normal operating conditions. Whether this is in the form of a high-grade stainless steel or other inert metal, a lightweight polycarbonate material, or a high-quality thermoplastic, the actual quality of the raw material is the main limitation on how well a part can be engineered. As such, ensuring the manufacturer uses high-grade materials should be a high priority when choosing new or replacement parts.
OEM Specifications
The most obvious place to look first is towards the company who made the original equipment. In designing a product for market, the original equipment manufacturer produces a range of specifications. These show how to produce all valve components which provides consistency within their products. Buying spare and replacement parts directly from the OEM is a guaranteed way to ensuring the new part is of the same quality as the previously installed part, however, this is only likely to be as good as the standards employed by the OEM.
By using the highest quality parts available on the market coupled with modern production techniques, it is possible to source parts that are of a higher quality with regards to providing extended durability against pressure, heat, stress, and chemical deterioration. The use of premium raw materials can also provide further benefits such as negating the need for lubrication or increased efficiency in operation. While a trained engineer can suggest potential solutions that are appropriate for your business needs, this still leaves the question of how can you be sure that the parts you buy are of the highest standard.
Manufacturing Standards
Another hallmark as to the quality of a manufacturer is by their membership to recognized societies and associations. The Valve Manufacturers Association of America (VMA) is an all-encompassing organization across the whole industry, although it’s also worth considering any specific associations linked directly to your particular industry, such as ASME BPE (the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Bioprocessing Equipment Standard)
There are also organizations which deal specifically with the quality of raw materials used in the production of their products, such as the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM.) These institutes are widely recognizable within the industry. They run with the intention of ensuring high standards within the American manufacturing industries. Although membership is not necessary for a manufacturer to operate to high standards, they are a clear indicator. Many of these guilds also freely publicize their membership lists. This makes it easy to verify a company’s claim of being members to any notable organization.
Reading Between the Lines
Checking the claims of membership to any associations is a prudent practice to employ when assessing a company. However, it’s also possible to judge the credibility of a manufacturer by several other factors.
In addition to any external protocols with regards to production standards, a manufacturer should also foster their own set of key performance metrics. These can often surpass those set by an industry association. There should also be a transparency in the way in which they operate and apply these measures. Also look to see if the supplier offers a valve components performance guarantee. This too is the sign of a company that believes in its products. It also shows they have a rigid system in place to ensure they maintain standards.
The length of time the company has been in business is be a sign of a trust for a manufacturer. Not only does this show additional levels of experience in their field, it also suggests of customer retention. This is an indicator manufacturers satisfy clients through consistently delivering quality products and services. Having a number of high-profile clients is also a sign that the manufacturer is well-established within their industry. Although similar to validating claims of association memberships, it may not always be true. It’s true that some nefarious businesses will write unsubstantiated claims on their website to boost their own standing. Unfortunately, it can be harder to ratify these claims.
Fit for Purpose
Using the best possible materials in engineering is always a better option. However, financial implications do also need to be considered when choosing any new equipment, part, or valve component. The highest grade available is not always the appropriate choice for selection, therefore, understanding your needs is essential to informing a correct business decision.
If a seal can only be used once before compromising effectiveness, it only needs to endure the length of time between scheduled maintenance services. Anything excessive to this is largely unwarranted. Likewise, using a part which does not guarantee performance for the planned time frame will potentially result in additional costs for maintenance and other peripheral valve components. This could potentially lead to a cost of scheduled downtime of a system or process.