Valves play a critical role in controlling fluid flow in piping systems, but not all valves are made equal. In sectors like industrial processing and marine operations, the demands and environments differ significantly — and so do the valves used. For engineers, procurement teams, and vessel managers, selecting the right type of valve is vital for system reliability, safety, and compliance.

At Aik Soon Hardware Pte Ltd, a trusted Singapore-based stockist and distributor, we specialise in supplying high-quality valves for both industrial and marine applications. This article explores the major differences between these two valve categories to help buyers make informed decisions.

1. Environmental Conditions and Material Selection

Marine Valves: Built for Corrosion Resistance

Marine environments expose valves to saltwater, humidity, and variable temperatures, which accelerate corrosion. As a result, marine valves are commonly manufactured from materials like:

• Bronze or naval brass (excellent corrosion resistance)

• Stainless steel (316 or duplex grades)

• Plastic (for non-critical seawater applications)

Many marine valves are coated or treated to further resist corrosion, and they must adhere to marine classification standards such as those set by DNV, Lloyd’s Register, ABS, or BV.

Industrial Valves: Customised for Process Fluids

Industrial valves are selected based on the chemical properties, pressure, and temperature of the fluids handled — which could range from steam, oil, chemicals, slurries, to gases. Materials vary widely, including:

• Carbon steel and cast iron (common for general industrial use)

• Alloy steel or special alloys for high-pressure and high-temperature services

• PVC, CPVC, PTFE for chemical resistance in processing plants

2. Design Standards and Certifications

Marine Valves

Marine valves often need to meet specific IMO, SOLAS, or classification society requirements. They are typically:

• Compact in design to save space on board

• Fire-tested and approved for marine use

• Equipped with manual actuation (lever or gear) for simplicity in emergencies

Industrial Valves

Industrial valves adhere to standards like:

• API, ANSI, ASME (American)

• DIN, EN (European)
  These valves may have more varied configurations and are available with automated actuation systems such as pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic actuators to suit complex process systems.

3. Pressure and Temperature Ratings

Industrial Valves

Industrial systems may involve extreme pressure and temperature conditions — especially in power plants, oil & gas, or petrochemical operations. As such, industrial valves are designed to:

• Handle high pressure ratings (e.g., ANSI 150# to 2500#)

• Operate in high-temperature environments

Marine Valves

Marine valves typically operate within moderate pressure and temperature limits, sufficient for tasks like seawater cooling, bilge and ballast control, or firefighting systems. Common ratings include:

• JIS 5K, 10K (for Japanese-standard marine systems)

• PN10 or PN16 (for metric systems)

4. Maintenance and Accessibility

Marine Valves

Onboard ships, ease of maintenance is essential due to limited personnel and space. Marine valves are designed for:

• Quick servicing

• Simpler parts replacement

• Resistance to fouling and bio-growth

Industrial Valves

Industrial environments often have dedicated maintenance teams, allowing for more complex valve systems. Predictive maintenance and automation (e.g., valve monitoring sensors) are more common in these applications.

5. Application Use Cases

Conclusion: Selecting the Right Valve for the Right Job

While industrial and marine valves may appear similar at a glance, their specifications, materials, and certifications are tailored for vastly different environments. Choosing the right valve ensures system efficiency, safety, and long-term cost savings.

At Aik Soon Hardware Pte Ltd, we pride ourselves on providing expert advice, competitive pricing, and a wide stock of certified marine and industrial valves to meet your operational needs in Singapore and beyond. Whether you operate a ship, a power plant, or a factory, trust Aik Soon to deliver the valves you can rely on.