April 8 marks a significant milestone for China’s valve industry. On this day, Sichuan Zigong High Pressure Valve Co., Ltd. (Zigong High Valve) officially launched the first full-diameter all-welded forged steel ball valve for the Huaiwu Branch of the West-East Gas Pipeline Project and delivered it to the construction site. This marked the first time that domestically produced valves were used in the project, breaking the long-standing foreign monopoly on large-diameter all-welded pipe forged steel ball valves. It also signaled a major leap in the R&D and manufacturing capabilities of China’s valve industry.
As a high-tech enterprise in Sichuan Province, Zigong High Valve traces its roots back to the Zigong City General Machinery Factory. With over four decades of experience in valve manufacturing, the company has specialized in high-temperature, high-pressure, and long-distance pipeline valves. However, as the market economy evolved, the rigid structure of state-owned enterprises became a bottleneck. In 1998, the company underwent a shareholding reform, with Sichuan Wojia Group acquiring 84% of the shares, while Zigong High Valve retained 16%. This restructuring positioned the company to directly participate in national key projects, including the West-East Gas Pipeline Project.
To meet the project’s requirements, Zigong High Valve invested heavily in introducing advanced ball valve technology from GE in the United States in 2001. By March 2002, they successfully developed the Asia’s first model 40-600LB large-diameter all-welded forged steel ball valve. The achievement was highly praised by Sui Yongbin, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Machinery Industry Federation, who noted that the product filled a critical gap in the domestic market and contributed positively to the localization of major equipment.
In 2002, during the international bidding for the main pipeline of the West-East Gas Pipeline Project, Zigong High Valve stood out as the only domestic manufacturer competing against seven foreign companies, including Cameron and Grove. Although they didn’t win the bid, their participation significantly reduced foreign bids, saving the country substantial funds and earning recognition from the State Council for their contribution.
Despite the initial setback, Zigong High Valve continued to refine its technology and expand its product range. Their efforts led to successful applications in urban pipeline reconstruction projects. As the West-East Gas Pipeline Project entered a new phase of development, the company seized the opportunity again.
In early 2005, a mysterious call arrived at Zigong High Valve’s sales department, requesting urgent delivery of all-welded large-diameter ball valves following an explosion at a gas field in Xinjiang. The company responded swiftly, delivering the valves in record time and solving an emergency situation. This action earned the trust of the National West-East Gas Pipeline Leading Group and secured an order for 19 all-welded forged steel pipeline ball valves for the Huaiwu Pipeline Network.
According to Wang Yijian, the project manager of the Huaiwu Pipeline, the use of all-welded forged steel ball valves on this branch marked a historic breakthrough for China’s valve industry. He emphasized that the technology now matches international standards, proving that Chinese manufacturers can compete globally.
Song Zhongrong, a senior engineer from the Hefei Institute of General Machinery Valve Institute, highlighted that the valves were manufactured according to U.S. API6D-2002 standards and ISO9001 quality systems, ensuring compliance with the project's strict requirements. This achievement means that China no longer relies on imported valves for such critical applications.
Lu Peiwen, chief engineer at Beijing Valve Plant, noted that Zigong High Valve’s success in the Huaiwu Branch has given Chinese manufacturers a voice in the global market. With ongoing national projects like ethylene plants, coal liquefaction, refineries, and nuclear power stations, there is a growing demand for high-performance valves. Domestic companies must accelerate their R&D to meet these needs.
Song Yinli, Secretary-General of the China General Machinery Industry Association, emphasized that recent policies support the revitalization of major equipment manufacturing. While the industry has made progress, the focus remains on gaining user confidence. He hopes qualified enterprises will continue to enhance their capabilities to take on key national projects.
Wang Yijian also pointed out that although the West-East Gas Pipeline Project is nearing completion, foreign manufacturers are setting up local operations, aiming to reduce costs and gain a competitive edge. For Chinese companies, the next phase presents both opportunities and challenges.
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