Emerson Process Management has extended its Fisher Vee-Ball family to include the V150E expanded outlet version. The valve features a transitional flow contour that increases in flow area from inlet to outlet. The V150E is designed for installation directly to a medium consistency pump discharge flange, and the expanded outlet will accommodate larger diameter transfer lines. The single piece body design has no gasket joints which eliminates potential leak paths.

A critical part of the design is the segmented V-notch ball as the control element which has a natural shearing action good for pulp stock or slurry flows. This segmented V-notched ball also provides excellent rangeability and an unobstructed flow passage which makes it ideal for this type of service.

The valve is offered in sizes down to NPS 3x4 (DN 80x100) and up to NPS 10x12 (DN 250x300) and mates with ASME Class 150 or PN 10/16 raised-face flanges...(+)

Flowserve Corporation announced it has received an order for plug valves for the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant near Perth, Australia. The order was booked in the fourth quarter of 2009.

The plant plans to use manual and automated Flowserve Durco PlugSeal valves for its high-pressure processes. The plant's output is designed to bring 140,000 cubic meters of fresh water daily to residents of the greater Perth region. This is 50 billion liters of potable water annually, with the ability to expand to 100 billion liters.

Recent years of reduced rainfall have diminished the amount of water held in local reservoirs. If such a trend persists, Perth is expected to need an additional 150 billion liters of water per year to meet population demands by 2031. When the plant is completed, more than 30% of Western Australia's water needs are likely to come from sources such as desalination....(+)

Metso announced on October 27, 2009 the decision to invest in special valves production in Finland. Today, the foundation stone on the new Metso industrial valves factory will be laid in Vantaa.

The Finnish production of Metso’s industrial valves and personnel in automation and power generation in the Helsinki region, all together 800 people, will move to new factory and to adjoined office building at the beginning of 2011. Metso’s industrial valves factory has operated in Roihupelto, Helsinki nearly 50 years.

Pasi Laine, President, Energy and Environmental Technology, Metso says that in Finland Metso has strong know-how in product development and manufacturing in special valves intended for demanding applications, for example in oil and gas industries and in power generation. ’The new facility will enable us to bring more efficiency to the production process for these technologically advanced industrial products and will improve the prerequisites for further developing quality and delivery capability.’ ... (+)

Nippon Swagelok FST Inc. announced today that it has opened a new sales office on June 1, in Chitose City, Hokkaido. As part of its growth strategy, the opening of the new sales office in Hokkaido is aimed at expanding Nippon Swagelok FST’s sales offices nationwide and enhancing its sales structure for the Hokkaido area.

Previously, sales in the Hokkaido area were managed by the Sendai sales office (Sendai City, Miyagi). The new sales office in Hokkaido will allow Nippon Swagelok FST to respond quicker to sales orders and requests for customized services from customers in Hokkaido than before. ... (+)

The Weir Group PLC ("Weir") and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd ("MHI") have signed a cooperation agreement to jointly develop activities in the UK nuclear new build market under the brand WEIR-MHI.

Under the joint cooperation agreement, MHI will design and manufacture nuclear pumps for nuclear power generation, as well as pumping equipment across the 'conventional island' of a nuclear power plant. Weir will provide project management, installation and commissioning and after sales, and will also be responsible for the implementation of site health, safety and environmental systems.

The primary focus of the agreement is on the UK nuclear new build market, however the joint cooperation may extend to other locations on an agreed basis.

Keith Cochrane, Chief Executive of Weir said, "This agreement with MHI provides an excellent opportunity to further grow our nuclear offering and build and strengthen customer relationships. MHI's considerable experience and technical expertise in the design and manufacture of pumps for nuclear power plants together with our strong position in the supply of engineered nuclear valves and aftermarket services is a compelling combination as the industry experiences a renaissance both in the UK and worldwide." ...(+)