Spirax Sarco opens valve facility

With the opening of a £4.5million manufacturing facility in Cheltenham, Spirax Sarco has launched an attack on the world market for bellows-sealed stop valves.

The fully automated factory, completed four months ahead of schedule, meets the company's worldwide requirements for stop valves ranging in size from DN15 to DN250. Introduced earlier this year, the valves feature stainless steel bellows to eliminate the stem seal leakages associated with conventional gland-packed valves.

Claiming zero emissions from its valves, Spirax Sarco says they have a far lower total cost of ownership, in terms of savings on product wastage, inspection and maintenance work.

Available in three body materials, 13 sizes, four flange types and two types of bellow seal, the valves are suitable for process fluids and gases such as steam, air, thermal fluids, oils and hot or cold water. Maximum temperature rating is 425 degreesC. Other features are a non-rising handwheel, an internal anti-torsion bar to protect the bellows, and interchangeable bellows.

At the heart of the manufacturing plant are three flexible, automated CNCmachines, each capable of producing the major components for the entire valve range.

Following preprogrammed production schedules, conveyors load the CNCmachines with parts for machining, prior to final assembly.

Although valves up to DN100 are available ex stock, the manufacturing system is sufficiently flexible to allow a valve to be built within two hours if required for special orders.