Status and Characteristics of Gas Pipeline Valves
ShenZhen Jakeconn Precision Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.jakeconn.com
October 01 07:10:42, 2025
**First, the Current Status and Prospects of China's Natural Gas Industry**
With China's long-term high-speed economic growth, the demand for energy has significantly increased. At the same time, people are placing greater emphasis on their quality of life and environmental protection. This has led to a growing recognition of natural gas as a clean, efficient, and environmentally friendly energy source. The West-East Gas Pipeline Project, the East-West Gas Transmission Project, and the importation of Russian natural gas have all highlighted the importance of natural gas in China's energy strategy.
China Gas has established 46 joint ventures across more than a dozen provinces along the East-West Gas Pipeline and the East Sichuan Gas Pipeline. These ventures have invested in over 50 natural gas pipeline projects, with the number expected to grow as the company continues its rapid market expansion. These efforts are not only strengthening the domestic energy infrastructure but also supporting long-term energy security and sustainability.
The successful implementation of the West-East Gas Pipeline Project has significantly improved China’s natural gas pipeline network and laid the foundation for a national integrated system. Starting from this project, China has gradually advanced its pipeline construction to international standards, focusing on long-distance, large-diameter, high-pressure, and highly automated systems. This progress has provided a solid foundation for the rapid development of the natural gas industry in China.
The West-East Gas Pipeline Project has created a vital energy artery that spans the country. It plays a crucial role in promoting the development of the western region, accelerating industrial restructuring, optimizing the energy structure, and enhancing energy security. The pipeline stretches approximately 4,000 kilometers, starting from Lunan in Xinjiang and passing through 10 provinces and municipalities. With a designed annual gas transmission capacity of 12 billion cubic meters, it has already exceeded this target, reaching 17 billion cubic meters.
In addition, two large underground gas storage facilities—Liuzhuangzi and Jintan—are being constructed in the middle and lower reaches of the pipeline. The project crosses challenging terrains such as the Gobi Desert, the Loess Plateau, and the Taihang Mountains, and it has set multiple records in terms of diameter, wall thickness, and pressure levels. It is one of the most technically complex pipeline projects in China and has even made history in high-speed pipeline construction.
Looking ahead, China plans to expand its natural gas pipeline network by integrating resources from eastern, central, western, offshore, and terrestrial areas. The country is actively pursuing a "going global" strategy to introduce natural gas from other countries. This will help develop a nationwide five-horizontal and two-vertical natural gas trunk network, including major pipelines like the West-East Gas Pipeline, North-to-South Gas Supply, and regional networks in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and other key areas. Ultimately, this will lead to a diversified and robust natural gas supply system across the country.
**Second, Characteristics of Natural Gas Pipeline Valves**
As the natural gas pipeline industry develops, the use of natural gas pipeline valves has become increasingly widespread. These valves differ significantly from ordinary valves in several key aspects:
1. **Material**
Natural gas transported through pipelines often contains hydrogen sulfide, a highly toxic and corrosive gas. Even after desulfurization, residual hydrogen sulfide can still cause corrosion. Therefore, selecting anti-sulfur and corrosion-resistant materials is essential for pipeline valves to prevent damage and ensure long-term performance.
2. **Leakage Control**
Most natural gas pipelines run near urban areas and are often difficult to monitor regularly. Leaks can lead to serious accidents, especially in densely populated regions. To minimize risks, pipeline valves must meet strict sealing requirements. Many important valves are designed with welded structures to enhance reliability. Modern polymer materials, such as PTFE, nylon, NBR, and VITON, are widely used for their excellent corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and self-lubricating properties.
3. **Application Requirements**
Once a pipeline is operational, it must run continuously for many years without interruption. Unlike industrial plants or refineries, which have scheduled maintenance periods, natural gas pipelines serve thousands of users, including households, factories, and businesses. Any valve failure could result in catastrophic consequences. Therefore, mainline pipeline valves must be durable, with a typical service life of over 30 years.
4. **Actuation Mechanism**
Due to high pressure and large diameters, pipeline valves require high-torque actuation systems, such as electric, pneumatic, or electro-hydraulic drives. These systems must also meet explosion-proof standards (e.g., EExd IIB T4, IP68) and allow for remote control. In case of emergencies, valves should automatically shut off to prevent disasters. They must also operate accurately under varying temperatures and external conditions, with clear indicators for opening and closing positions to ensure safe and efficient operation. Emergency shut-off valves, in particular, must remain fully open for long periods and close quickly when needed.