Tank barges are the backbone of the oil and gas industries, with forecasters predicting a growth rate of 4.5% in this field by 2031. So, if you’re a tank barge operator anywhere in the United States right now, you need to prepare yourself for the growth.
You can get started by equipping your tank barges with the ultimate fluid control systems for your needs.
Here’s what to look for when it comes to industrial valves manufacturers to partner with you in your quest for performance excellence.
Search for Valve Companies Offering What You Need
As a responsible barge operator, you’re always looking for ways to improve your venting and pumping systems. Especially when it comes to optimizing safety and efficiency.
These systems include valves as a way to control the flow and containment of hazardous materials. Some of the most important ones are:
Pressure Vacuum Valves
The stainless steel 2.5, 4, or 8” Equate PV valve should be at the top of your list for automatic pressure/vacuum regulation. This valve intuitively allows for the required outward and inward vapor flow when loading and offloading cargo.
Do you want quiet valve automation solutions? Consider the 6” High-Velocity PV Valve with 30% fewer parts and 16% angled housing to eliminate cargo condensation.
This weight-operated valve operates without hindrance from springs or friction. This makes it ideal for extremely low-flow rates.
Pressure Relief Valves
The ERL Pressure Relief Valve is unique in that it incorporates a built-in lifting eye. It’s available in 4” x 6” and 6” x 8” configurations, ideal for high-flow vertical turbine pumps.
Vapor Control Valves
Vapor control valves allow for manual gauging of gasoline levels and the safe release of displaced vapors. There are four types of B-type vapor control valves to consider for your tank barge, namely:
- Original B-type
- Micro “B” 2-inch (50) full-bore ball valves
- MMC (Asia) F50 2-inch (50) full-bore ball valves
- The cost-effective Mini Micro “B” 1 ½-inch (38)
All ERL Marine valves have flanges for easy installation and precise positioning.
Solenoid Valves
Solenoid valves are process valves that serve to regulate the flow of a liquid or air in hydraulic and pneumatic power systems. They’re electrically operated and available in three varieties as follows:
- Normally closed solenoid valves
- Normally open solenoid valves
- Bi-stable solenoid valves
Solenoid valves are fast-acting, automated shut-off valves, and essential if you use a pigging system to clear cargo.
Gate Valves
Gate valves are among the simplest and most widely used valves in the shipping industry.
They operate on an open or closed system revolving around a manually operated spindle. This rotating spindle lifts a barrier in and out of the pipes as required.
There are two types of gate valves, namely rising stem and non-rising stem types.
Globe Valves
Globe valves have a plug that lifts up and down to limit or shut off the flow at a split-level juncture of two pipes. You can operate them manually or with an automatic actuator assembly.
At ERL Inc., we’re passionate about developing and manufacturing the best valves available today. Our one-stop shopping experience ensures product compatibility, standardized quality, and convenience for you.
Inquire About Stock Levels
You must focus your search on valve manufacturers who offer everything you need to keep your barges’ venting and pumping systems operating at their best, especially under high pressure.
It’s even more important to work with a supplier who carries sufficient stock to help you out in an emergency. You can’t afford to wait weeks for parts when you have barges on the water.
Your Reputation Hinges on Their Reputation
Your barges are only as good as their pumps, valves, and storage systems. Catastrophic failure in these areas will damage your reputation and harm your business.
You bear the responsibility for your equipment failure, not your supplier. So, make sure you can count on them to deliver products you can rely on.
Browse industry websites for reviews to help you find the best suppliers and check out the Better Business Bureau for company ratings. You can also ask for referrals from your peers in the shipping industry.
Hearing about other people’s experiences with valve manufacturers can guide you toward establishing a long-term partnership with a supplier.
Make sure you choose a supplier with the necessary licenses to operate in your state. They must also meet all relevant safety and environmental standards.
Any failing on their part will reflect poorly on you.
Affiliations to reputed organizations like the American Waterways Operators assure you the manufacturer has committed to staying informed about the latest developments and legal requirements in their field.
Work With Experienced Industrial Valves Manufacturers
Buying parts for a tank barge isn’t as simple as getting parts for your car. One wrong decision can result in safety issues or turn your barge into an environmental hazard.
It’s critical to choose the correct valves for each application onboard your tank barge. So, you must work with an experienced valve supplier who has extensive knowledge of the latest valve products for industrial applications.
ERL Inc. has been at the forefront of valve manufacturing for over 50 years.
We are the leading manufacturer of industrial valves for tanker barges in the United States. Our products feature in over 10,000 barge compartments owned by 300 customers.
Have you recently encountered a unique challenge or opportunity in your business?
We can custom-design a solution for your needs. Thanks to this, we already have 30 patents in our name.
Safety Is a Priority
Safety is a major issue for technicians inspecting valve installations, particularly in the marine environment. Valve failure can result in serious injury or death from prolonged exposure to noxious vapors.
Health and safety regulations change frequently, so you must ensure the valve products you use comply with or exceed current state and federal regulations.
It’s vital to work with a valve manufacturer who understands these regulations and has a solid record of commitment to safety.
They have the know-how and experience to guide you with the rules regarding how many valves you need and where to locate them, too.
Ask to see safety certifications for relevant valves before you buy them.
Knowing your barges comply with all the relevant safety standards means you can focus on growing your business. You never need to worry about incidents, compliance issues, or fines.
Consider the Environment
Tank barges are the most environmentally-friendly mode of transportation in the oil and gas industry.
Since they have no means of power generation, barges emit no carbon emissions. Yet, these barges can transport thousands of times more cargo in one trip than trains and trucks can.
The tugs and towboats used to maneuver barges do create emissions, but these are at a very low ratio per ton of cargo.
The only eco-hazards to do with tank barges concern leaks or spills. These usually occur during loading and offloading. With top-quality valves installed on your barge, you know you’ll never contribute to harming our valuable waterways in any way.
Along with other industry leaders , conserving our waterways is a priority at ERL Inc. . All our products undergo stringent safety and environmental testing as a matter of course.
As a result, none of our products has ever caused an environmental issue.
Ongoing Service Is Important Too
Great valve manufacturers should offer services that go far beyond simply supplying you with valves. It’s best to work with a company that offers extensive after-sales services and acceptable product warranties.
For your convenience, ERL Inc. offers a range of barge packages and valve repair services to suit every type of tank barge. Our technicians are available around the clock to replace or service all types of valves, regardless of the original manufacturer.
We offer full repair and testing certification for any kind of valve up to 10 inches at our extensive Houston facility, which is VR Certified. Our customer service policy revolves around a simple principle – treat others the way we want to be treated.
Get Your Barge Shipshape With ERL Marine
You know that downtime due to valve failure can lead to serious financial losses. Especially in the competitive environment of the marine industry.
In the worst-case scenario, you could end up with extensive and expensive clean-up operations after a spill, or a lawsuit resulting from serious injury.
Don’t take chances with your vessels’ valve systems. Rather, work with industry leaders to ensure you keep your barges equipped, serviced, and repaired to the highest standards.
Get in touch to discover how we can help you with one of our barge packages.
