# ISO 15761 Gate Valve Manufacturing Process
## Introduction to ISO 15761 Gate Valves
The ISO 15761 standard specifies the requirements for steel gate valves used in petroleum, petrochemical, and related industries. These valves are designed for high-pressure and high-temperature applications, ensuring reliable performance in critical environments. The manufacturing process of ISO 15761 gate valves follows strict quality control measures to meet international standards.
## Key Stages of the Manufacturing Process
### 1. Material Selection and Preparation
The manufacturing process begins with the careful selection of materials that comply with ISO 15761 requirements. Common materials include:
– Carbon steel
– Stainless steel
– Alloy steel
Raw materials undergo thorough inspection and testing for chemical composition, mechanical properties, and dimensional accuracy before being approved for production.
### 2. Casting or Forging of Valve Body
The valve body is typically created through one of two methods:
– Casting: Molten metal is poured into molds to form the valve body shape
– Forging: Metal is shaped under high pressure while in a solid state
Both methods must meet strict quality standards to ensure structural integrity and pressure containment capabilities.
### 3. Machining Operations
Precision machining is critical for proper valve function. Key machining processes include:
– Turning and milling of sealing surfaces
– Drilling and tapping of bolt holes
– Boring of flow passages
– Finishing of seating surfaces
CNC machines are often used to achieve the tight tolerances required by ISO 15761 standards.
### 4. Assembly and Testing
The assembly process involves:
– Installation of the gate (wedge or parallel)
– Fitting of stem and packing
– Attachment of bonnet and other components
After assembly, each valve undergoes rigorous testing, including:
– Shell test (pressure test of body and bonnet)
– Seat leakage test
– Backseat test
– Operational torque test
## Quality Control Measures
Throughout the manufacturing process, multiple quality checks ensure compliance with ISO 15761:
– Dimensional inspections at each stage
– Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods like:
– Radiographic testing
– Ultrasonic testing
– Liquid penetrant testing
– Material certification verification
– Final inspection and documentation
## Surface Treatment and Coating
To enhance durability and corrosion resistance, valves receive appropriate surface treatments:
– Shot blasting for surface preparation
– Painting with corrosion-resistant coatings
– Special coatings for extreme environments (e.g., epoxy, PTFE)
– Marking and identification per ISO standards
## Packaging and Shipping
Finished valves are carefully packaged to prevent damage during transportation:
– Protective caps on openings
– Wooden crates or boxes for larger valves
– Proper documentation including:
– Test certificates
– Material certificates
– Operation and maintenance manuals
## Conclusion
The ISO 15761 gate valve manufacturing process combines advanced engineering with strict quality control to produce reliable valves for demanding industrial applications. By adhering to international standards throughout production, manufacturers ensure these critical components meet the highest performance and safety requirements in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.