Valves causing most problems at process facilities
18 May 2010
Newbury, UK – Valves remain the most likely item of equipment to create problems at petrochemical plants and onshore and offshore oil & gas assets, according to a survey by HS Pipequipment Ltd (HSP), a supplier of valves to these industries industries.
Just over a third (34%) of those surveyed – 150 industry professionals, such as engineers, buyers, materials controllers and directors – said that valves caused the greatest difficulties, with 27% citing pumps, compressors and other rotating machinery as also being problematic.
The survey also found that 50% of plants and rigs kept limited or no replacement inventory on-site, with 63% saying that this was because they trying to keep costs down, according to a HSP release.
The economic downturn has had a significant effect on the oil, gas and petrochemical industries in recent months, with 29% saying that they had seen reduced production and movement away from purchasing new equipment.
Other effects of the difficult financial climate have included the postponement of shutdowns (24%) and staff cuts (29%). Overall, 45% of those surveyed said that there was now a greater need to do more with less resources.
“The feedback has been invaluable in helping us to further gauge the issues and problems facing the industry,” said Peter Everett, managing director of HSP. “It has also revealed some surprising differences between the needs and attitudes of offshore oil and gas assets compared with those of the petrochemical sector, which we will be investigating in more detail.”
The results of the survey also highlight how valves still cause headaches in assets and plants across the industry, continued the HSP boss: “With half keeping little or no replacement inventory on site, the need for a reliable supplier with a strong engineering background is clearly as strong as ever.
“In tough economic times, plants and rigs will inevitably want to keep costs down by only purchasing parts as needed, making it essential that suppliers have an extensive inventory and are therefore able to offer a fast response.”
