Process

With a strong customer orientation, the process starts with the phase of analysis of the needs of each project. Because although we have a wide range of products that cover all the demands of the sectors in which we work, what we look for, in addition to serving a valve, is that it has an added value that guarantees the best integration and performance in the whole of each installation. How do we achieve this? At IRUA we have been designing and manufacturing valves for more than three decades. Our continuous contact with the customer and the interaction between technical and engineering departments have contributed to apply our experience to the continuous improvement of our designs. Following this line, we are pioneers in the characterization and analysis of aeration and control valves, having been selected to collaborate as a reference with different university and administration entities. IRUA’s Engineering and Design Department is integrated by professionals with a high academic qualification and a solid background. We have invaluable knowledge about the behavior of materials and fluids, which allows us to find innovative and more efficient solutions in the design of new models of valves and installations.

We are located in the Basque Country, a geographical area with a great industrial tradition since the mid-19th century. Over the years, this region has maintained its commitment to industrialization and R&D, becoming a benchmark. As a result, we find ourselves in the heart of one of the technological and industrial poles of the country. In particular, we could highlight the foundries, machining companies and boilermakers whose quality is recognized at European level. Therefore, our main suppliers are located a few kilometers away from our main productive core, which guarantees a total control of the process.

The foundries associated with our manufacturing are located in Spain. Each valve model has a foundry assigned to it, so that since the foundry is familiar with the geometries, models and operating philosophy of the equipment, we achieve a high degree of specialization. The high concentration of foundries in our area offers a wide range that allows us to cast in different materials such as nodular cast iron (standard), alloy steels (duplex, super duplex…), carbon steel, Hastelloy, Inconel…

At IRUA we have our own machining center and we have also been working with companies specialized in high precision machining for several decades. As we have mentioned before, the Basque Country is a recognized reference in the machine tool and machining industry, which guarantees the high reliability of the components integrated in our equipment.

One of the most important characteristics to ensure the correct operation and service life of a valve is a quality coating. For this it is necessary to have both the knowledge and the necessary means. At IRUA, we have incorporated the experience of several decades in our surface finishing and painting process, in order to offer a coating of the highest quality. For this, we have washing machines to remove any remaining grease or drillings derived from machining, several abrasion booths for the preparation of the parts, and an automated painting line with electrostatically applied epoxy powder.

Our production center has specific areas for the assembly and testing of different types of valves. Likewise, the operators who carry out this work are specialized in a specific type of equipment. Thanks to this, we have highly qualified personnel capable of understanding and analyzing the work of each type of valve.

100% of the equipment manufactured at IRUA is subjected to hydrostatic and functional tests to guarantee its integrity. In addition to these tests, all our valves, from the simplest to the most complex, are tested and studied based on the services they must provide so that their reliability is assured.

In our facilities we have specific hydraulic test benches for each type of valves, some of them pioneers in the country and among the few similar benches worldwide.