3 way plug valves with similar specs... does anyone have any experience with either of these manufacturers quality? Any experience is appreciated. Thank you
I do have some slight experience with the DeZurik brand (good), and none with Val-Matic. My comment is therefore general in response to the question on how to compare two similar constructioned valves from different producers.
This is always a challenge. In this case both seems solid and constructed for rough conditions and long lifetime. It can be difficult to find users that have experiences over long time with both brands. This is probably the reason you ask for any experience.
I have in some cases solved this comparison by doing one or more of the searches below. The general advice is to 'go to the source'.
1. Ask and ger confirmed from suppliers detailed technical information on construction and make list over similarities and differences on all relevant details, including brochures information on advantages and highlighted points.
2. Ask suppliers if there are some special advantages with the product compared to competitors.
3. Do not hesitate to ask one of the producers how they would comment something highlighted by the competitor and not mentioned for or included in their product.
4. Any references or cuastomers with long experience allowed to contact?
5. Describe in details application and expectations of performance and lifetime, and ask for preliminary (not binding economically) offer for technical qualification of company and product. Require that expected lifetime and service intervals/cost are commented, and also if any inprovements or better quality on materials and valve construction is recommended if this is available and will improve performance and lifetime.
6. Go through list once more, specify and correct or add, and ask for final offer (including different improvements or additions at extra, specified, cost.
7. If large contract and still in doubt: call in both to conference and discussions before final placing of contract.
<As you see, this is pretty much what is done all over the world, and all the time for projects. However, companies tend to forget that you have to do the whole process over again from start from time to time, else data might be out of date, and not include new improvements in products, materials and market standing for the different producers.
Both companies have been around for a long time so I suggest you would be safe with either. If you have a large number then split the order and get first hand experience.
You have not given the process conditions so it is difficult to be more informative as to the performance of a particlar valve. Ask the manufacturers for a list of users for your application and then speak to the maintenance engineers there.
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