Retrospect 2024

Valve World Conference & Expo

The Valve World 2024 Expo & Conference once again proved to be a magnet for the global flow control community. Key staff from end-user companies, manufacturers and distributors travelled from all continents to discover, innovate and shape the future.
Held in combination with the Valve World Exhibition, Valve World was a dynamic and interactive event with a strong focus on personal interaction.

Steering committee

Whilst discussing the conference, many people Valve World spoke to paid tribute to the steering committee members. Feedback clearly indicated that members had put in considerable time and effort during the paper selection process, as well as going on to serve as moderators and presenters during the actual conference.

One of the new members is Emerson’s Knut Riegel (Manager Local Business Partners DACH Region), who was most positive about the opportunity to work with so many seasoned experts.

“Being on the Valve World steering committee provides
a great opportunity to cooperate with people from different backgrounds and with complementary skillsets. So far I have really enjoyed the conference, talking to my fellow committee members, listening to the sessions and engaging with the delegates.”

The main topics for the sessions were:

Digitalisation
Additive manufacturing
Predictive maintenance
Fugitive emissions
Severe service
Hydrogen production

Decarbonisation/renewables
Valve design
Sealing/packing
Standardisation
New technologies

The importance of emerging technology was immediately reflected at the very start of the 2024 Conference. For example, Conference Chairman Bruno Martin (Technip Energies) stated that:

“At Valve World 2024, we’re excited to give attendees a firsthand look at the most advanced testing equipment in action. Seeing these cutting-edge tools and techniques will spark ideas and conversations that drive our industry forward.”

Exhibitor viewpoints

Sustainability and innovation are clearly important topics for the valve and actuator manufacturers Valve World spoke to at the Expo. For example, Makoto Kohno (President, KITZ) explained that KITZ’s track record with LNG applications has been highly beneficial when looking to serve the emerging hydrogen industry.

“We utilized our expertise in LNG to expand into the hydrogen market, such as with valves designed for high-pressure applications in hydrogen gas stations and trucks that run on hydrogen fuel. We can also supply valves for the storage and transportation of liquid hydrogen.”

With a huge range of actuators plus associated equipment such as gearboxes, sensors, and limit switches, visitors were spoilt for choice at the Rotork booth. However, Metin Gerceker (Managing Director, Water & Power) had no hesitation in highlighting the recent launch of a fully integrated Ethernet actuator when quizzed on the latest developments.