3D-Printed Valve Components Advance for Sour Gas Applications: What It Means for Industrial Valve Manufacturing
On October 26, 2026, IMI announced a significant development in industrial valve technology following its collaboration with TotalEnergies EP Denmark. The two companies successfully qualified and deployed 3D-printed nickel-based alloy components for anti-surge valves operating in sour gas environments.
The project addressed valve passing issues in compressor anti-surge systems exposed to demanding operating conditions, including hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). In the reported application, the H₂S partial pressure reached 3.3 kPa, creating challenging requirements for corrosion resistance, mechanical performance, and long-term reliability.
Using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technology, IMI developed nickel-based alloy internal components and worked with TotalEnergies to establish a dedicated qualification program. The process included mechanical and corrosion testing, as well as a specially developed heat treatment procedure.
The testing demonstrated performance equivalent to conventionally manufactured nickel-based alloy components. The solution also met the requirements of DNV-ST-B203 AMC Level 3 qualification. Following approval, TotalEnergies authorized the installation of seven anti-surge valves equipped with these components.
This development represents a practical step toward the industrial application of metal additive manufacturing in demanding oil and gas environments.
For valves operating in these environments, material selection is particularly important. Components must be suitable for the actual chemical composition, pressure, temperature, and operating conditions of the system.
Nickel-based alloys are widely used in demanding industrial environments because of their corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. However, selecting an appropriate alloy is only part of the manufacturing challenge. Component design, manufacturing consistency, heat treatment, and material qualification also play important roles in achieving reliable performance.
The IMI and TotalEnergies project highlights how advanced manufacturing technologies can expand the possibilities for producing specialized valve components. It also demonstrates that new manufacturing methods must be supported by rigorous testing and qualification before being adopted in industrial service.
Oil and gas, chemical processing, marine engineering, and other industrial sectors may require components capable of handling corrosive media, pressure variations, and long operating cycles.
This makes the relationship between material selection and manufacturing processes increasingly important. Different applications require different material grades and production methods, and each component must be manufactured according to its intended service conditions and technical specifications.
For OEM manufacturers, the ability to work with different metal materials and produce customized components is an important part of supporting diverse industrial requirements.
Our product range includes industrial valve components, papermaking industry parts, and other customized metal products. We work with a variety of materials, including stainless steel, duplex stainless steel, nickel-based alloys, copper, aluminum, and ductile iron.
With capabilities covering casting, precision machining, and surface treatment, Puyue supports customers throughout the manufacturing process, from customized product requirements to finished metal components. Our experience in manufacturing valve bodies, discs, bonnets, plugs, bushings, and other industrial parts enables us to serve a wide range of OEM projects.
Puyue holds certifications and approvals including ISO 9001:2015, PED, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, AD 2000, and Lloyd’s Register Classification approval. With close to 20 years of export manufacturing experience, we are committed to providing reliable products and professional services to global customers.
Looking for a manufacturing partner for customized industrial valve components or other metal parts? Contact Puyue to discuss your drawings, material requirements, and OEM manufacturing needs.
The project addressed valve passing issues in compressor anti-surge systems exposed to demanding operating conditions, including hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). In the reported application, the H₂S partial pressure reached 3.3 kPa, creating challenging requirements for corrosion resistance, mechanical performance, and long-term reliability.
Using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technology, IMI developed nickel-based alloy internal components and worked with TotalEnergies to establish a dedicated qualification program. The process included mechanical and corrosion testing, as well as a specially developed heat treatment procedure.
The testing demonstrated performance equivalent to conventionally manufactured nickel-based alloy components. The solution also met the requirements of DNV-ST-B203 AMC Level 3 qualification. Following approval, TotalEnergies authorized the installation of seven anti-surge valves equipped with these components.
This development represents a practical step toward the industrial application of metal additive manufacturing in demanding oil and gas environments.
Why Sour Gas Conditions Matter for Valve Components
Sour gas applications present significant challenges for industrial valve manufacturers. Hydrogen sulfide can contribute to corrosion, sulfide stress cracking, and material degradation, potentially affecting the safety and service life of critical equipment.For valves operating in these environments, material selection is particularly important. Components must be suitable for the actual chemical composition, pressure, temperature, and operating conditions of the system.
Nickel-based alloys are widely used in demanding industrial environments because of their corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. However, selecting an appropriate alloy is only part of the manufacturing challenge. Component design, manufacturing consistency, heat treatment, and material qualification also play important roles in achieving reliable performance.
The IMI and TotalEnergies project highlights how advanced manufacturing technologies can expand the possibilities for producing specialized valve components. It also demonstrates that new manufacturing methods must be supported by rigorous testing and qualification before being adopted in industrial service.
The Growing Importance of Material Selection and Manufacturing Quality
As industrial facilities operate under increasingly demanding conditions, valve manufacturers and component suppliers face higher expectations for material performance and manufacturing quality.Oil and gas, chemical processing, marine engineering, and other industrial sectors may require components capable of handling corrosive media, pressure variations, and long operating cycles.
This makes the relationship between material selection and manufacturing processes increasingly important. Different applications require different material grades and production methods, and each component must be manufactured according to its intended service conditions and technical specifications.
For OEM manufacturers, the ability to work with different metal materials and produce customized components is an important part of supporting diverse industrial requirements.
Puyue: Custom Metal Manufacturing Solutions for Industrial Applications
Shenyang Puyue Industrial Co., Ltd. specializes in the research, development, manufacturing, and supply of customized metal components for industrial applications. Established in 2007, the company operates three production plants and provides one-stop OEM solutions for customers worldwide.Our product range includes industrial valve components, papermaking industry parts, and other customized metal products. We work with a variety of materials, including stainless steel, duplex stainless steel, nickel-based alloys, copper, aluminum, and ductile iron.
With capabilities covering casting, precision machining, and surface treatment, Puyue supports customers throughout the manufacturing process, from customized product requirements to finished metal components. Our experience in manufacturing valve bodies, discs, bonnets, plugs, bushings, and other industrial parts enables us to serve a wide range of OEM projects.
Puyue holds certifications and approvals including ISO 9001:2015, PED, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, AD 2000, and Lloyd’s Register Classification approval. With close to 20 years of export manufacturing experience, we are committed to providing reliable products and professional services to global customers.
Looking for a manufacturing partner for customized industrial valve components or other metal parts? Contact Puyue to discuss your drawings, material requirements, and OEM manufacturing needs.
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