ABS Type Approval Manufacturer for Marine and Naval
Since 1918, building naval valves has been our foundation at Williams Valve. When you choose us for your marine and naval valve supply, you’re getting over a century of expertise, backed by official ABS Type Approval. This approval confirms that our valve designs and manufacturing meet the strict standards required for your industry. It’s your assurance of compliance and quality.
Whether for commercial ship building, naval ship building, or other marine or defense projects, partner with a valve company that’s proudly American-made.
What is ABS Type Approval?
ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) Type Approval is a rigorous evaluation process that assesses the design and manufacturing of equipment for marine and offshore industries. This certification program goes far beyond standard quality control measures. It includes a comprehensive set of rules and standards established by ABS that must be met on top of other relevant national and international regulations such as those set by the IMO (International Maritime Organization). At Williams Valve, achieving this level of approval for our marine valves means that we have successfully met the stringent criteria for safety, reliability, and performance in marine environments.
The Approval Process
To get approval, valve manufacturers must show complete understanding and compliance with the relevant rules and regulations set out by ABS. This typically is a four-step process.
- Design Assessment
In this phase, ABS looks closely at your valve plans, including the blueprints, materials, how it is designed to operate, and anything else related to its design. Their engineers then go through all of this with a fine-tooth comb to see if everything meets their standards. - Prototype Testing
For certain types of valves, ABS will want to see a real, working model. They put this valve through tests that mimic the demanding conditions it will face out at sea. This could involve checking if it can handle high pressure, extreme temperatures, or specific fluids. - Manufacturing Assessment
Once the design is approved, ABS needs to verify that every version of that valve will be built correctly on each production run. They assess the manufacturing facility where the valves are made to be sure that you have a quality control system in place that allows you to consistently produce high-quality valves.
- Design Assessment
- Certification
If your valve design gets the green light, prototype testing goes well, and your factory’s quality system passes, ABS issues an official “Confirmation of Type Approval” certificate. This certification assures customers that an independent authority has verified the quality and reliability of this particular valve.
Our Approved ABS Type Valves
Cast Steel Marine T-Pat & Angle Globe – ABS Type Approved
Globe valves are designed primarily for throttling and regulating flow. They generally offer good shut-off capability as well. The valve body and major components are made from cast steel, which can withstand high pressures and temperatures.
Common applications for cast steel marine globe valves can include:
- Regulating steam flow to turbines, auxiliary equipment, and heating systems.
- Controlling the flow of feedwater to boilers, cooling water, and ballast water systems where higher pressures are involved.
- Throttling the flow of fuel oil to engines and controlling lubricating oil flow.
- Regulating flow in hydraulic circuits for various shipboard machinery.
- Systems where precise flow control is necessary for chemical treatment or other processes.
This valve is available in two options: T-pattern (straight pattern) and angle pattern. In a T-pat design, the inlet and outlet ports are in line with each other, resulting in a “T” shape if you include the bonnet and actuator. The flow path through the valve body has a somewhat S-shaped or Z-shaped route. This design offers good flow control.
The angle design is a variation where the inlet and outlet ports are at a 90-degree angle to each other. This design can sometimes simplify piping by acting as both a valve and an elbow, reducing the number of fittings needed. The flow path involves a single 90-degree turn.
Bronze Marine T-Pat & Angle Globe – ABS Type Approved
Like the cast steel globe valves, these valves are also used extensively for throttling and regulating flow, and have good shut-off capabilities. However, the body and major components are made from bronze, an alloy primarily of copper with tin and often other metals. Bronze offers excellent corrosion resistance, especially in seawater environments.
Given the characteristics of the bronze material, this valve can be useful for:
- Controlling the flow of seawater for cooling, ballast, firefighting, and other services.
- Regulating the flow of fresh water in potable water systems on board.
- Suitable for low to medium pressure and temperature applications compared to cast steel.
- Fine-tuning flow in smaller lines for instrumentation and control systems.
Marine Swing Check – ABS Type Approved
Check valves are one-way valves designed to allow flow in only one direction and automatically prevent backflow. They operate without any external actuation. Marine swing check valves can be made from various materials like cast iron, ductile iron, bronze, or steel, depending on the application and the fluid being handled.
Potential applications for check valves in marine and naval settings could include:
- Preventing backflow into pumps when they are shut off, protecting the pump and the system.
- Ensuring water is pumped overboard or into ballast tanks but doesn’t flow back.
- Preventing backflow in fuel transfer or lubricating oil systems.
- Ensuring unidirectional flow of cooling water to engines and equipment.
- Preventing backflow in sewage system waste lines.
- Any pipeline where reverse flow could damage equipment, contaminate fluids, or disrupt processes.
Benefits of Using an ABS Approved Manufacturer
When you choose an ABS-approved valve manufacturer, you’re selecting a partner whose products have met the highest standards for the marine industry. This partnership has many direct benefits for your operations.
- Guaranteed Quality: ABS approval means an independent authority has verified the manufacturer’s design and production standards.
- Regulatory Compliance: Products meet stringent marine and offshore regulations, simplifying your vessel certification.
- Enhanced Safety: ABS approval indicates the products are designed and built for reliable and safe operation in demanding environments.
- Reduced Risk: Using ABS approved products minimizes your chance of equipment failure and potential safety hazards.
- Global Acceptance: ABS is a globally recognized standard, making approved products widely accepted by class societies and regulatory bodies worldwide.
- Streamlined Procurement: Specifying ABS approved products simplifies the selection process and ensures a baseline level of quality.
Trusted Source for ABS Type Approved Marine and Naval Valves
For reliable, ABS Type Approved glove and check valves, look no further than Williams Valve. With over a century of experience in valve design and production, we are your go-to valve source for critical marine and naval valves. Plus, we manufacture many of our high-quality valves right here in the USA, so you can count on our stringent quality control for products that are built to last. Get in touch with our team now for a marine valve quote.