Ball valves bound for Iraq

Parker Instrumentation has been selected to supply components for the refurbishment of the Basra refinery in southern Iraq. The company expects to supply valves and compression tube fittings worth over Eur 200,000 during the first quarter of 2004.

The order includes over 1000 of the company's latest Hi-Pro ball valve, a high-integrity design from Parker's Barnstaple development laboratory that enhances reliability by means of a compact two-piece construction. The valves are ideal for the long-lifecycle requirements of the upgrade project, and will provide isolation mechanisms for the refinery's instrumentation and control network.

"This is the first high-volume order for this new valve and it confirms the cost-effectiveness of the design", says Marketing and Business Development Manager, Richard Roebuck. "Local support was another important factor in securing the order, which was met by our existing network of stocking distribution centres throughout the Middle East - one of which has taken responsibility for supporting our growing business in Iraq".

The Hi Pro valve's novel two-piece construction reduces potential leak paths to a minimum. With the added ability to select integral A-Lok compression tube fitting ends - eliminating the use of taper thread interfaces and any need for sealants - the valve offers exceptional integrity to meet the most demanding requirements of oil, gas and chemical process applications.

In addition to enhancing integrity, the two-piece body also ensures compact size. As an example, the overall body length of the smallest version is just 70mm