Valves are essential to various industrial and everyday applications, evolving from simple shut-off mechanisms to modern, maintainable components. In this article, we explore the history of valves and the advancements made by Maper.
The Early History of Valves
The fundamental concept of valves dates back to ancient times when simple closure mechanisms were used for water control in irrigation systems. During the Middle Ages, valve technology advanced as metalworking skills improved, enabling the production of more complex mechanisms.
The Industrial Revolution and Valve Development
With the rise of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, valves underwent significant advancements. The increasing use of steam engines created a demand for reliable valves capable of controlling steam and other fluids under high pressure and temperature. During this period, various valve types, including shut-off, check, and control valves, were developed, allowing for more precise regulation of industrial processes.
The Invention of the Ball Valve
One of the most widely used valve types today, the ball valve, was introduced in the 1950s. Its simple yet effective design enabled quick opening and closing while ensuring excellent sealing. Due to their durability and ease of use, ball valves quickly gained popularity across numerous industrial applications.
Maper’s Contribution to Valve Maintainability
Since 1989, Maper Oy has been manufacturing high-quality, corrosion-resistant ball valves and precision mechanical actuators. Our company’s core values, technical expertise and customer focus, are particularly evident in the development of valve maintainability.
In recent years, we have prioritized making our valves more serviceable by designing all valve types to be easily disassembled and maintained. While the valve bodies and handles are durable components that rarely wear out, seals and balls are designed for replacement. This approach significantly extends the lifespan of our valves and provides a cost-effective solution for customers, as they no longer need to replace the entire valve due to wear on individual parts.
Maper’s customer-centric approach and technical expertise ensure that our valves are built to last, offering added value to our clients. Our commitment to improving maintainability directly responds to customer needs and expectations, further strengthening Maper’s position as a trusted partner in the industry.
Conclusion
Valve development has come a long way from simple shut-off mechanisms to modern, maintainable components. Maper Oy has played a crucial role in enhancing valve maintainability, ensuring that our products not only meet industry standards but also exceed customer expectations in durability and ease of maintenance.
Need help with valve selection or maintenance? Contact us, and let’s find a solution together!
15.2.2025
