Pressure Regular Valve Market

The pressure regulating valves market refers to the overall global marketplace for the design, manufacturing, distribution and use of their mechanically operated types that perform the function of controlling either upstream or downstream pressures without the need to provide an external power source, electronic controller or centralized control systems. Instead, the way these pressure regulating valves operate is by balancing the mechanical forces acting on them (through spring tension, diaphragm displacement or pilot pressure) to maintain their preset operating pressures against the face pressure of the fluid systems.

The pressure regulating valve are typically used to control the maximum allowable fluid pressure, maintain fluid pressure, stabilize fluid pressure or reduce the fluid pressure within specific types of fluid systems (liquid, gaseous or steam). For this market, there are many different valve configurations that provide varying means for achieving specific fluid flows, pressures and system stability’s, including direct-acting type valves, pilot operated valve, pressure regulating valve, back-pressure regulating valve and differential pressure regulating valves and proportional pressure regulating valves.

All of these valves perform independently of external energy sources, providing a reliable, simple and fail-safe method of performing their intended functions. Although the number of product types and configurations used in the pressure regulating valves market can be extensive, the majority of the valves in this market are manufactured from either metallic material (i.e., brass, stainless steel, cast steel, bronze and carbon steel) or non-metallic materials (i.e., NATO plastic, CPVC, PVC and polypropylene) and are manufactured for a wide variety of industrial applications. For the pressure regulating valves market, the valve types manufactured specifically for the low, medium and high pressures of various industries make up a huge portion of their respective markets.

Typical end-use applications for pressure regulating valves include water and wastewater treatment systems, oil and gas exploration and processing, petrochemical and chemical processing, energy systems, food and beverage manufacturing, marine and other critical industries where constant pressure management in a system is critical for preventing system losses and maximizing operational efficiencies. Commercially, the pressure regulating valves market is represented by both direct sales channels (i.e., OEM and EPC Contractors), and indirect sales channels (i.e., authorized distributors and valve specialty stores).

Investment in new Water and Wastewater Infrastructure (WWI) continues to be driven by a desire to reduce leakage and to create a resilient and safe water delivery system. The World Bank has estimated that over Twenty-Five Percent (25%) of all water treated globally, via an institutional water company, is lost prior to reaching the User due mainly to the presence of breaks in pipes and as a result of and issues relating to the management of pressure in the treated water delivery system. Public Utilities rely heavily on the placement of Pressure Regulating Valves (PRV) on the main pipelines leading into the treated Water Distribution System as the first line of defence against loss of pressure within the network without dependency on electric power or complex automated systems. The Pressure Regulating valves are an integral part of Pressure Management adjustments and are partially responsible for the Utility Savings.

Emerging economies are experiencing rapid industrial growth resulting in increased demand for pressure regulating solutions that are simple and provide robust functionality. From 2005 until now, the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) reports that the number of manufactured products produced in lower- and middle-income nations has increased by over two times, with expansion primarily coming from chemicals, food manufacturing, power generation and other basic material processing. The Government has put in place industrial corridors and export focused manufacturing zones in countries such as India, Vietnam and Indonesia, that focus more on operational reliability than on advanced automation. Many of the Public Design Guidelines provided by the Infrastructure Authorities suggest using self-actuating pressure regulating valves for Steam, Water and Gas Services, as they are simple to install and do not require skilled operators to operate them.

North America: Expanding legacy infrastructure

North America due to the intersection of legacy infrastructure combined with stringent safety requirements and the desire for high operational reliability from purchasers. Water utility systems, oil/gas facilities, electricity generation facilities, chemical processing facilities, and manufacturers all need PRVs and this demand results in PRVs being replaced much more often than they are new. The water and wastewater industry remains one of the core drivers of the PRV market.

Europe: Strong Production legacy infrastructure

Europe, the age of its infrastructure, and the increasing desire for greater efficiency and further decarbonization will shape the European market for Pressure Regulating Valves (PRVs). The industrial sectors include Municipal Water Systems, District Heating Networks, Gas Transmission and Distribution, Chemicals, Food Processing and Electric Power Generation. The criteria by which firms will purchase PRVs are compliance, lifecycle cost and environmental performance, which are all more important than initial purchase price. Municipal water and wastewater systems provide a consistent demand. Within the European Union, 4 million kilometers of water distribution pipelines are operated by utilities, with many pipelines being over 40–50 years old.

Asia Pacific: Fastest Growing legacy infrastructure

Asia Pacific region due to rapid urbanization, aggressive industrial scaling, and uneven levels of infrastructure experience across countries. Demand patterns for pressure regulating valves include municipal water systems, growing gas distribution networks, generating Capacity (power), chemicals, refining, food processing and the heavy manufacturing sector. The developmental angle from an Asia Pacific perspective also incorporates a blend of first-time installations and accelerated replacement cycles, which create a diverse and resilient demand base. The urban water industry is defining the direction and shape of the region. Urban areas across China, India, Southeast Asia and parts of Oceania are rapidly extending their respective distribution networks in order to support population growth and industrial growth corridors. Elevated operating pressures within densely populated urban environments are created in an effort to compensate for network losses (leakage) and elevation changes within the network.

South America: Growing legacy infrastructure

South America derives heavily from major infrastructure improvements throughout the region, increased industrial activity as a result of natural resources, and large variations in the reliability of services offered within these countries. Consequently, the demand is primarily tied to municipal water systems, oil and gas extraction, mining, energy, and food processing; more specifically, consumers of these valves are looking for robust units with a cost-conscious approach, rather than just seeking advanced features of automation. The Water and Wastewater infrastructure continues to be the predominant application of PRVs. In addition, many cities within Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Chile operate at elevated pressures to compensate for their aging infrastructure, variations in elevation and limited sources of water supply.

Middle East & Africa: Emerging legacy infrastructure

Middle East and Africa due to the extreme climate conditions, water shortages, energy-intensive economies, infrastructure maturity and the lack of equality in the development of infrastructure across the region. The majority of the demand for pressure regulating valves comes from desalination and distribution of water, production and transportation of oil and gas, production of power, mining and utilities for large industries. The primary driver behind purchasing decisions related to pressure regulating valves is reliability of performance in harsh environments, rather than the complexity of design or technology. Water is a critical infrastructure pillar. Some of the largest sources of desalinated fresh water in the world are located in the Middle East, supplying over 60% of the needed clean drinking water for more than half a dozen nations in the Gulf region.

Many global, regional, and local vendors characterize the Pressure Regular Valve Market. The market is highly competitive, with all the players competing to gain market share. Intense competition, rapid advances in technology, frequent changes in government policies, and environmental regulations are key factors that confront market growth. The vendors compete based on cost, product quality, reliability, and government regulations. Vendors must provide cost-efficient, high-quality products to survive and succeed in an intensely competitive market.
 
The major players in the market Include Honeywell International Inc., Emerson Electric Co., Parker Hannifin Corporation, Bosch Rexroth AG, Danfoss A/S, Swagelok Company, SMC Corporation, Festo AG & Co. KG, strategic market developments and decisions to improve operational effectiveness.