Control valves sales surging

InTech, Nov 2006

Not surprisingly and given the surge in Chinese product output and markedly higher oil prices, control valves are selling well in Asia and in the oil and gas industries.

The past five years saw an emphasis on software sales as users sought ways to optimize performance and extend the life of their existing valve inventory.

ARC Advisory Group reported hardware revenues are resurgent, fueled by the explosive growth in new projects, particularly in Asia.

Growth is also strong in the oil and gas industry, which is investing heavily in exploration and production to meet the world's growing thirst for energy.

Intense competition is exerting pressure on control valve suppliers and forcing them to reposition themselves as knowledge enabling companies.

Manufacturers are turning to automation suppliers capable of supporting them as partners in planning, maintaining, and development of their production processes.

To remain competitive, control valve suppliers are expanding their focus beyond valve manufacturing to include dynamic information management solutions.

The growing importance of "plant asset management" is increasing demand for process information necessary to make the right decisions as to maintenance, operational performance, and the financial return of plant assets.

Suppliers have designed intelligence into their products, but must now focus on ensuring interoperability with asset management solutions and process control systems.