VMA News

PFAS Task Group Formed; Comments Submitted on Draft PFAS Legislation

VMA’s PFAS Task Group, formed earlier this year, is working to raise awareness of the implications that a full ban on all PFAS materials could have on the industry, the customers it serves, the environment, health, energy, the economy and much more. For a number of years, the governments in the European Union, the U.S. and Canada have been increasing activities that would lead to a ban on all PFAS materials – having far-reaching and what we believe are broad negative implications to society. 

While VMA supports eliminating harmful PFOAs and PFOS, we believe the many other PFAS chemicals, including fluoropolymers, create low concerns and need to continue to be used. In our industry, fluoropolymers are used due to their properties in effective sealing, creating barriers for emissions, reducing energy use and providing a safe and reliable production process. There are no available substitutions that provide similar and extensive benefits in many critical applications. Additionally, removing the ability to use these PFAS would negate decades of success in providing clean air as these products drastically reduce fugitive emissions. 

Earlier this month, VMA submitted comments in support of the Senate’s Committee on Environment and Public Works’ draft legislation on per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This draft legislation differentiates different types of PFAS substances, which VMA supports. VMA continues to work with other national and global associations on this issue and to support our members and industry with governmental and other leaders as needed. 

For more information on PFAS used in our industry, see the Valve Magazine article in the Winter 2022 issue.

Hydrogen Valve Summit Announced; New Location for Valve Forum 2024

It is hard to ignore the focus on and opportunities for hydrogen solutions and carbon capture technology – both in mainstream news and in technical journals from many industries.  The industrial valve industry is essential to help bring the benefits and potential opportunities of both mainstream.  VMA is excited to announce a new Hydrogen Valve Summit to help our industry understand many of the issues and hear perspectives from key players.  The Hydrogen Valve Summit will provide an overview of the landscape; government/academia perspectives; end-user applications and perspectives; and testing, qualifications, materials, standards and other topics.

“This is the first industry event that truly focuses just on these two technologies and the role that valves have in helping the world meet new environmental and energy challenges. I’m excited to help VMA offer this Summit to the industry next year,” says Heather Rhoderick, president of VMA. The Summit will be held the day prior to the 2024 Valve Forum, on April 9, 2024, in Houston. 

The Valve Forum: Conference & Exhibits will be held April 10-11, 2024, in Houston.  The forum offers exhibits, product demonstrations, hands-on opportunities and plenty of educational sessions and networking.  Introductory and advanced technical topics on valves, actuators and controls – including applications and standards – will be covered, as well as manufacturing, marketing and business topics.  More information will be available this fall, and those who are interested can sign up to receive the information first at www.vma.org/valveforum.

VMA Welcomes New Members

VMA welcomes ARI-Armaturen as a new manufacturer member! ARI-Armaturen can look back on a tradition of more than 60 years as a specialist for valves and components. In 2002, ARI-Armaturen USA was established in Houston to provide a growing North American customer base with localized support and inventory.

From industrial processes and chemicals through shipbuilding to building management, whether standard constructions or custom-made, the company offers a broad product portfolio of industrial valves and services linked to control, isolation, safety and steam trapping. Product development, manufacturing and rigorous testing are done with state-of-the-art technologies and quality control processes.

VMA welcomes Carbide Technologies Inc. (CTI) as a supplier member! Carbide Technologies Inc. specializes in rotating equipment and valve repairs and manufacturing. Utilizing thermal spray coatings, precision grinding and seat lapping, CTI is able to repair any type of ball for ball valves ranging from 2” to 42.” Not restricted to ball valves, CTI can also coat and grind plug and gate-type valves. Family-owned and operated, Carbide Technologies Inc. is located in Houston.

Excitement Builds for 85th Annual Meeting

VMA is holding its 85^th Annual Meeting this year back on the east coast for the first time in four years, and in a new city, Savannah, Ga. The Annual Meeting — open to VMA and VRC member companies — delivers unparalleled networking, discussion and analysis of the most important external and internal issues being faced, and how they affect the industrial valve and flow control industry. This year, topics on the agenda include traditional and new energy sources, sustainability/ESG, government regulatory and legislative implications including PFAS updates and implications, trade and geopolitical issues, industry technical innovations and more. Hotel rooms are filling up fast, and registration rates increase September 5.  VMA and VRC members can register and learn more at www.vma.org/annualmeeting, and for those interested in VMA membership, contact Heather Rhoderick at hrhoderick@vma.org.

Nominate a Deserving Individual for a VMA Membership Award

Each year, VMA honors and recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the industry and VMA. All VMA members are encouraged to provide nominations for individuals who are deserving via the link on vma.org/awards.

Two awards are presented at the annual meeting — the Person of the Year Award and the Service Award. The Person of the Year Award is VMA’s highest honor and is given to one individual each year. The winner should possess a passion for the industry and for sharing their knowledge with others to help advance VMA and the industry at large.

VMA’s Service Award recognizes individuals who have provided outstanding service, expertise and guidance while participating on a committee, or to VMA in some other way. A list of past recipients of both awards is also at vma.org/awards.

VMA’s Office is Moving!

Early this fall, VMA will be moving its offices to Alexandria, Va. The new office provides a modern layout and flexibility to meet the changing needs of staff and the way in which work is conducted today. It will have space available for VMA committee meetings and also offers members a home base if they are in the D.C. area for business. A small display area will be filled with examples of our industry products — past and present — as well as an area to facilitate video content.

“With its location close to many other organizations which VMA routinely works with, as well as to transportation, the new office space provides VMA with the opportunity to showcase the industry and our Association to members and partners,” says Heather Rhoderick, president of VMA.  Effective October 1, 2023, the new office address is 209 Madison St., Ste. 303, Alexandria, VA, 22314. All email addresses and phone numbers will remain the same.

Valve Repair Seminar Provides Focus on Key Industry Issues

After a five-year hiatus, the Valve Repair Seminar, produced by the Valve Repair Council, an affiliate of VMA, took place in early June outside of Houston, Tx. The Seminar provided the perfect opportunity for learning and networking through the sharing of best practices, tours of a local facility, and demonstrations of new technology.

Day one included a tour of the Setpoint IS facility nearby, where safety programs were highlighted as well as the overall facility operational flow and various pods of work centered on specific valve types.

The next day kicked off at the Houston Area Safety Council with presentations on various repair issues and management topics. The day was moderated by Chris Jones, Valve Repair Council board member and of director of asset reliability Services at Midwest Valve Services. Kyle Burdine, lead speaker and sales engineer at Digitize Designs, provided attendees with AI applications for the repair industry, mostly around possibilities with 3D scanning technology and how that could be utilized in the valve repair process.

Other topics that generated a lot of discussion – both presented by Setpoint employees – included a discussion on hiring and why it’s important to find the right team and individuals who support and reflect the organization culture and goals, and safety considerations when bringing valves back to the shop to repair. A discussion on the industry implications and current activity around PFAS chemicals also took place. Remaining sessions focused on core repair issues – from pipeline valves, MOV, fugitive emissions and more.

Thank you to Carbide Technologies, EFCO USA, ENGIS and EGC for providing tabletop displays during the closing reception. With over 40 people in attendance, the event was a great way for targeted networking! The next seminar will take place in two years. In the meantime, repair topics will be presented at the Valve Forum next spring in Houston.