On-Off Valves, Actuators, and Switchboxes

The On-Off Valves, Actuators, and Switchboxes Market Research delivers current market analysis plus a five year market and technology forecast. The research is available in multiple editions including worldwide, all regions, and most major countries.

Digitalization Boosts Demand for On-Off Valves

ARC Advisory Group research on the on-off valves global market reveals that increasing emphasis on digitalization has made many end users aware of the cost benefits of condition monitoring and predictive analysis to avoid downtime and minimize human intervention in the process. The increased focus on leveraging pervasive communications networks, cloud storage, and computing capability to enable asset management initiatives drives smart valves/actuator demand among end users seeking higher productivity and efficiency. An on-off valve or shutoff valve controls the on-and-off supply of media to or within a fluid or gas system.

On-Off Valves Strategic Issues

In addition to providing a five-year market forecast, the On-Off Valves, Actuators, and Switchboxes Market Research provides detailed quantitative current market data and addresses key strategic issues as follows.

Evaluate Wireless Technologies    

ARC sees increased interest among process industry end users in applying wireless sensing technology in their installations. The availability of industry-standard protocols (WirelessHART and ISA100) provides a huge catalyst, but some end users still take a "wait and see" approach in hopes that the wireless field communications standards will converge—ARC believes that this is most unlikely.  

Competing standards and battery life limitations have slowed wireless adoption, but since wireless devices offer both greater installation flexibility in hard-to-reach parts of the plant and can greatly reduce wiring costs, ARC encourages end users to continue specifying wireless devices as their technical limitations are overcome.  

End users need to prepare for wireless adoption as the technology continues to penetrate process automation architectures. While the business case is often relatively straightforward, implementation can be challenging, particularly for sites where the appropriate infrastructure is not in place. Suppliers need to recognize this hurdle and arm themselves with implementation guidelines and best practices to help smooth adoption and lower implementation costs.

Use Ethernet Connectivity for Greater Process Insight    

Ethernet connection is generating a lot of interest in both the user and supplier communities. Ethernet offers many benefits—lower total cost of ownership (TCO), improved adaptability, better security, widespread availability, and market familiarity. It offers improved connectivity and functionality, allowing for easier access to measurement information.  In recent years, networking technology has also overcome many of its disadvantages that hindered adoption in the industrial world. Using fiber-optic cables, Ethernet can be deployed for longer distances. Ethernet switches for hazardous areas are available and users also have the option of Power over Ethernet (PoE), so there is no need to run additional lines for power supply. In the process world, Ethernet can now connect a wide range of field instruments to a central control system.