Seven Common Mistakes in Industrial Valve Procurement
TL;DR — quick answer
Most problems on a valve order are decided before the order is placed — in an enquiry that left out the medium, a pressure class taken from line pressure, a face-to-face dimension that was never confirmed, or documentation agreed verbally. This article lists the seven mistakes we see most often, and the one-line fix for each.
Mistake 1 — Specifying pressure from line pressure only
Pressure classes are pressure–temperature ratings. A valve chosen from the cold line pressure can be under-rated once the medium is hot. Fix: state the maximum working pressure at the maximum operating temperature.
Mistake 2 — Leaving the medium vague
“Water” covers potable water, cooling water, process water and seawater — and they call for different materials. Fix: name the medium, its concentration where relevant, and whether it carries solids.
Mistake 3 — Not confirming face-to-face and flange drilling
A valve can be right in size and class and still not fit, because face-to-face length and flange drilling belong to different standards. This is the most common cause of a valve that arrives and cannot be installed. Fix: state the flange standard (for example ASME B16.5, ASME B16.47, EN 1092-1) and, when replacing an existing valve, send a photograph of the nameplate and the measured face-to-face dimension.
Mistake 4 — Agreeing documentation verbally
Certificates, test reports and inspection reports are often discussed by email and then not written into the order. When the goods are ready, there is no agreed basis. Fix: list the documents in the proforma invoice. If a certificate type matters to your customer or your customs authority, name it — and ask your supplier to confirm which certificate can actually be provided for the specific material, rather than agreeing a general type in advance.
Mistake 5 — Assuming CE marking or a certification applies
CE marking applies only where a specific directive covers the product and the application. A blanket claim should be verified. Fix: ask which directive applies to this valve, in this application, in this market, and what document accompanies the shipment.
Mistake 6 — Buying on unit price alone
Unit price excludes tooling, documentation, inspection, packing, freight and the cost of replacement parts. A lower unit price with poor packing or unavailable spares is not cheaper. Fix: quote the total landed cost, and ask separately for the price and availability of the common wear parts.
Mistake 7 — No inspection before shipment
Discovering a problem after the container has sailed is expensive. Third-party inspection before shipment is routine and affordable relative to the cost of a return. Fix: appoint an inspector, or ask your supplier to arrange one, and give enough notice for the goods to be available at the agreed time.
An enquiry checklist that prevents all seven
- Medium, concentration, solids present — yes/no
- Size, connection type, flange standard, face-to-face dimension
- Maximum working pressure and maximum operating temperature
- Body, trim and seat material (or ask for a recommendation)
- Valve type and duty, operator type, fail position
- Quantity, destination port, Incoterm
- Required documents: drawings, material certificates, test reports, manuals, inspection
- Spare parts and wear parts required with the order
Send those eight lines and the first quotation is usually the final one.
Sources and references
- API 598 / EN 12266-1 — valve testing and acceptance criteria
- ASME B16.5, B16.10, B16.47 — flanges and face-to-face dimensions
- ISO 5211 — actuator attachment dimensions
- Incoterms 2020 — International Chamber of Commerce, for delivery terms
Primary sources
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