Innovating to Comply, Our Industry Is at a Crossroads

Depending on who you ask, industrial valves might not be the most exciting aspect of new plant construction, but they're the unsung heroes that keep operations running smoothly. In today’s market, the industrial valve industry finds itself at a pivotal juncture, grappling with evolving regulations, embracing innovative engineering solutions and witnessing new product developments that must account for these changing conditions.

One of the pressing concerns confronting manufacturers and operators alike is the implications to the industry from new regulations regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). While some types of PFAS have been highly regulated and controlled for quite some time due to their impacts on human health and the environment, other types of PFAS are significantly different and have not been subject to the same type of review, oversight and regulation.  However, due to PFAS being found in drinking water, governments are tightening regulations on all types of PFAS. In fact, on April 10, 2024, the EPA passed a new regulation specific to six PFAS in drinking water.

Industrial valves are integral components in processes and plants worldwide in the creation of everything from gasoline to semiconductors that power our phones and computers. Many — if not all — of these industries use PFAS in some way, but with the increased scrutiny on PFAS, all types of manufacturers are working to understand how increased government activity could impact their operations.

Many PFAS are used because they provide beneficial properties in critical applications that are not matched with other materials — from reducing emissions to meeting clean air requirements, to increasing operational efficiency, to protecting workers. Keeping abreast of activity surrounding PFAS  is crucial for businesses to avoid regulatory penalties and safeguard public health. See our cover story on page XX to learn more about the current situation and potential impacts on our industry, and what VMA is doing on behalf of its members and industry.

Amidst this regulatory landscape, the importance of employing an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) approach should be considered, especially when embarking on new plant construction or major upgrades. An EPC contractor brings together engineering expertise, procurement capabilities and construction management under one umbrella, streamlining the entire project life cycle. Evaluating if this integrated approach could bring benefits — such as minimizing risk, optimizing costs and accelerating project timelines, all while ensuring timely completion and adherance to regulatory requirements — is important to understand and consider. Learn more, including specific considerations for valves and actuators in the design and build process, in our story on page XX.

As we strive to educate our readers in this dynamic industry, it's imperative that the Valve Media team and VMA keep our fingers on the pulse of these developments, providing you with timely insights and analysis. Our mission is to empower industry professionals with the knowledge and tools you need to navigate the ever-evolving landscape.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into these topics and more in the upcoming editions, and reach out with any ideas or questions you have and we’ll do our best to incorporate them in our content. We love to hear from you!

Cheers!