Pipe Center has completed one of the largest valve contracts it has undertaken with the supply of a large goggle valve to Tata’s steelworks in Scunthorpe.
The valve, 8ft long, weighing 6 tonnes and with a bore of 42in, is installed on a gasholder used to store coke oven gas at the steelworks. The gas is used as fuel in the various iron and steelmaking processes at the plant.
In tendering for the contract, Pipe Center had to present its project planning methodology and capability to deliver on time. This included a particular focus on meeting safety requirements, with compliance to the DSEAR/ATEX regulations.
Pipe Center won the supply contract against stiff competition. The order was placed and the finished valve delivered to site on time just 18 weeks later.
Pipe Center also supplied all hydraulic pipes and fittings required for connection for the valve control, which was supplied with blue livery to match Tata’s corporate branding.
Pipe Center’s Brian Sexton said: “It is a highly specialised valve application and required very close collaboration with the customer and the designers at all stages.
Rob Aitken, project manager at Tata Steel, said: “Timely delivery was of paramount importance and the valve was installed and commissioned without issue. We are pleased with the service and support provided in delivering the valve on time and to specification.”
Following successful completion, Tata placed a second order with Pipe Center for a similar valve, this time manually operated via chain and gears, for use in a different part of the plant.