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 pipe forged steel ball valve for the Huaiwu Branch of the West-East Gas Pipeline Project and delivered it to the construction site. This event 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 demonstrated a significant leap in the research, development, 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 40 years of experience in manufacturing valves for high-temperature, high-pressure, and long-distance pipeline applications. However, as the market economy evolved, the rigid structure of state-owned enterprises became a barrier to growth. 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 demands of the project, Zigong High Valve invested heavily in introducing advanced ball valve manufacturing technology from GE in the U.S. In March 2002, the company successfully developed Asia’s first model 40–600LB large-diameter all-welded forged steel ball valve. The product received high praise from the China Mechanical Industry Federation, with Deputy Secretary-General Sui Yongbin stating that it filled a critical gap in domestic large-diameter ball valve production and contributed significantly to the localization of major equipment.
In 2002, during the international bidding for the main pipeline of the West-East Gas Pipeline, 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 helped reduce foreign bids and saved substantial costs for the country. As a result, the State Council recognized Zigong High Valve for its outstanding contribution to the project.
Despite the initial setback, the company continued to refine its technology and develop various specifications of all-welded pipeline valves, which were later successfully applied in urban pipeline reconstruction projects. With the recent resurgence in the West-East Gas Pipeline construction, Zigong High Valve seized new opportunities.
In mid-2005, a mysterious call arrived at the company’s sales department, requesting urgent delivery of several large-diameter all-welded ball valves after an accident at a gas field in Xinjiang. The company responded swiftly, delivering the valves in record time and solving the emergency. This action earned the trust of the National West-East Gas Pipeline Leading Group Procurement Office, leading to an order for 19 all-welded forged steel pipeline ball valves for the Huaiwu Pipeline Network project.
According to Wang Yijian, the project manager of the Huaiwu Pipeline, the use of all-welded forged steel ball valves on the Huaiwu branch was a landmark moment in Chinese valve manufacturing history. It signified that China had reached international standards in valve technology. Song Zhongrong, a senior engineer from Hefei Institute of General Machinery Valve Institute, noted that the product was manufactured according to U.S. API6D-2002 norms and ISO9001 quality systems, meeting all project requirements.
Lu Peiwen, chief engineer at Beijing Valve Plant, emphasized that Zigong High Valve’s success not only secured a voice for Chinese manufacturers but also opened doors for future projects such as ethylene plants, coal liquefaction, refineries, thermal power stations, and nuclear facilities. These projects require valves with high temperature, pressure resistance, and sealing performance—areas where many products still fall short.
Song Yinli, Secretary General of the China General Machinery Industry Association, highlighted that the state has issued several policies to revitalize major equipment manufacturing. While the sector is now in a good position, the key lies in convincing users to trust domestic products. He noted that in recent years, through continuous innovation, China’s valve industry has made remarkable progress.
Looking ahead, Wang Yijian warned that although the West-East Gas Pipeline Project will be completed by 2010, foreign manufacturers have established R&D centers and production bases in China. With cost advantages and comparable quality, the next round of bidding presents both challenges and opportunities for domestic companies. For those prepared, the future remains bright.
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