Many industries are experiencing sourcing challenges, such as unpredictable shipping or currency fluctuations. Managing delays due to these challenges significantly affects operations, ultimately risking safety. You can expect frustrations with suppliers across the border. Still, the consistent need for critical components like bleed or purge valves poses a significant problem to Canadian industry professionals.
The best solution is to shift to Canadian suppliers, which will reduce overhead costs, mitigate delays, and maintain quality. Keep reading to learn why Hy-Lok valves are the best value in Canadian oil and gas.
What are bleed valves, and where are they used?
Bleed valves are small shutoff valves used to vent trapped gas or fluid from a system safely. They are commonly used on manifolds, pressure gauges, hydraulic systems, and pressure testing points. They play a significant role in preventing overpressure damage and ensuring accuracy in the pressure readings to improve maintenance and overall safety.
In the oil and gas industry, you’ll find bleed valves on:
- Pressure Equipment: Sensor protection and readings
- Pipeline Equipment: Fluid drainage from high-pressure lines before replacements or testing
- Skid Systems and Manifolds: Controlling pressure release before a system shutdown
- Facility Maintenance: Draining residual fluids from tanks or lines to avoid corrosion.
Bleed Valves vs Purge Valves – What’s the difference?
Bleed valves drain both fluid and air. They are designed to contain and control what is vented through, especially for hazardous or high-volume fluids. They can be paired with instrumental fluid handling components such as gage/root valves and manifolds to calibrate controlled devices or vent signal line pressure.
Purge valves primarily release trapped air or gas and are best for quick and low-risk air release. For natural gas systems, purge valves safely release gas and regulate pressure while the system is active. They also remove moisture, contaminants, and excess air from pipelines and/or equipment while performing maintenance, starting the equipment, and shutting it down.
Why Hy-Lok Canada Offers a Better Bleed Valve Solution
Hy-Lok bleed valves are well-designed and can be made in 316-grade stainless steel, carbon steel, or alloy 400. The pressure rating is up to 10,000psig at 100°f (37°c) and the temperature ratings from -65ºF to 850ºF (-54ºC to 454ºC) with stainless steel, from -20ºF to 450ºF(-29ºC to 232ºC) with carbon steel, from -65ºF to 500ºF (-54ºC to 260ºC) with alloy 400. They fit a variety of end connection threads, and the stem threads and tips are chrome-plated for a lasting service life.
The CKFTA (Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement) enables us to manufacture products without high import fees. Hy-Lok valves are produced in ISO9001:2015-certified facilities, ensuring consistency, traceability, and compliance. Our distributors are local and understand the local needs and compliances of the oil and gas industries. They can supply refills and check inventory to maintain equipment. So you can expect faster lead times instead of cross-border shipping costs and delays.
If you’re looking for an alternative distributor for your bleed valves and other industrial equipment components, Hy-Lok offers high-quality, local availability. Our Alberta distributors supports a service region 3 -8 hours away, ideal for operators in Stettler, Red Deer, and surrounding areas.
Explore our valve lineup and contact us to speak with a representative about your specs.