This is an excellent set of detailed specifications and vendor reports! To make an informed decision, we need to compare each vendor’s offering against your detailed requirements (the “Table 1” sections) for each valve tag.
Let’s break down the analysis by vendor and then provide a consolidated recommendation.
Overall Assessment
After reviewing all three vendor quotes against your detailed specifications, it’s clear that none of the vendors have provided a perfect quote that aligns 100% with all of your stated requirements without requiring further clarification or accepting significant deviations. Each quote has its strengths and weaknesses, but also critical discrepancies.
The most common and significant discrepancies across multiple vendors are related to:
- Valve Sizing: Many vendors propose valve sizes (or reduced trim bodies) that differ from your specified line size, sometimes without clear initial justification in the provided documents.
- Trim Material/Seating (especially for Class IV and Cavitating/Flashing service): Ambiguity or direct mismatch on trim material for the specified leakage class and for critical cavitating/flashing services.
- Fail Position (FC/FO): Some quotes contradict the required fail position.
- Material of Construction: Some minor discrepancies in body material grades.
Vendor-Specific Analysis
1. Baker Hughes (Masoneilan Valves)
Strengths:
- Comprehensive General Notes: Their general notes are very detailed and confirm adherence to many of your non-valve-specific requirements (ITP, tubing, certifications, painting, testing-MTR/Hydrotest/PMI, hardness, gaskets, etc.). This demonstrates a thorough understanding of project-wide specifications.
- Positioner Consistency: All valves are quoted with the same digital HART / SVI3 positioner, which meets your general requirement.
- Body Material Adherence: Mostly consistent with CS (WCC) and LTCS (LCC) as specified.
- Noise Levels: The quoted noise levels are consistently low (<70 dBA or slightly higher but well within <85 dBA limits), which is a positive.
- Leakage Class: All confirmed as Class IV, meeting the minimum.
- Globe Type Consistency: All quoted valves are Globe type, which matches your specification.
Weaknesses / Discrepancies:
- Valve / Body Sizing vs. Pipe Size: This is the primary concern. For several valves, the quoted “Valve Body Size” is significantly smaller than the “Pipe Size (Inlet/Outlet)” from your specification. While reduced trim is common, these deviations need explicit approval and engineering review to ensure the reduced body size is appropriate for the line conditions and mechanical fit.
- 131-PV-0586: Your spec: 2" Sch XS, Quote: 4" x 4" x 4" Valve Body. (Still a smaller valve body than the overall line size if the 2" was for the valve itself, but still a larger valve than your 2" spec).
- 131-LV-0369: Your spec: 1" Sch 160, Quote: 1" x 1" x 1" Valve Body. (But material discrepancy).
- 131-TV-0385: Your spec: 3" Sch XS, Quote: 2" x 2" x 2" Valve Body.
- 131-PV-0591: Your spec: 4" Sch XS, Quote: 3" x 3" x 3" Valve Body.
- 131-TV-0371: Your spec: 2" Sch XS, Quote: 1.5" x 1.5" x 1.5" Valve Body.
- 131-LV-0372: Your spec: 2" Sch XS, Quote: 1" x 1" x 1" Valve Body.
- 131-TV-0361: Your spec: 6" Sch XS, Quote: 3" x 3" x 3" Valve Body.
- Body Material Discrepancy:
- 131-LV-0369: Your spec: Carbon Steel, Quote: A351 gr CF3M (316L SS). This is an upgrade, but needs to be confirmed if acceptable.
- Trim/Retainer Material Clarification: The asterisks mentioned in the notes for some trim materials are unclear and need clarification to ensure they fully meet the “Stainless Steel plug, seat, and trim; Cavitating service to have hardened stellite plug, seat, and trim” requirement, especially for 131-TV-0371 (Ref Propane Valve) which explicitly states “Flashing” conditions and requires stellite. The quote lists “Anti-Cavitation 1 Stage - Linear” and “Multi-Hole / 316 St. St. Hard Faced Seat” which sounds appropriate.
- Sound Level Guarantee: While quoted low, clarification is needed on whether the specific quoted values are guaranteed, or if the 85 dBA is the binding limit.
2. Samson Quote
Strengths:
- Transparent Sizing Justifications: Samson is clear about why they deviate from your specified line size for some valves (e.g., noise reduction for 131-PV-0586). This allows for easier review and decision-making on whether to accept the deviation.
- Accurate Body Material: Generally good adherence to Carbon Steel (WCC) and LTCS (LCC).
- Noise Levels: Their quoted noise levels are generally within the 85 dBA limit, with some slightly higher but still acceptable.
Weaknesses / Critical Discrepancies:
- Aggressive Valve Sizing Deviations: This is the most significant concern. For multiple valves, Samson quotes a valve size that is drastically different from your specified line size. These are not minor trim changes; they are outright different valve sizes requiring significant engineering and client approval.
- 131-PV-0586: Your spec: 2" Sch XS, Quote: 6" (Samson justification: noise). Major deviation.
- 131-FV-0065: Your spec: 4" Sch XS, Quote: 3". Major deviation.
- 131-LV-0376: Your spec: 2" Sch XS, Quote: 1". Major deviation.
- 131-TV-0385: Your spec: 3" Sch XS, Quote: 1.5". Major deviation.
- 131-PV-0591: Your spec: 4" Sch XS, Quote: 3". Major deviation.
- 131-LV-0372: Your spec: 2" Sch XS, Quote: 1". Major deviation.
- 131-TV-0361: Your spec: 6" Sch XS, Quote: 3". Major deviation.
- Critical Trim Material / Seating Ambiguity/Mismatch:
- “PTFE (1.6), Facing: METALLIC” for Class IV: This is ambiguous. If PTFE implies a soft seat, it contradicts Class IV. If it’s just packing, the actual metal seat material needs explicit confirmation (e.g., SS, Stellite). This ambiguity exists for all valves quoted by Samson.
- 131-TV-0371 (Ref Propane Valve) - Flashing Service: Your spec requires “hardened stellite plug, seat, and trim” for cavitating services. Samson notes “Flashing” conditions but lists the same ambiguous “PTFE (1.6), METALLIC” trim. This is a critical safety and reliability concern. Without confirmed stellite, this valve is unsuitable if cavitating/flashing occurs.
- Travel Percentage Exceedance: For several valves, the calculated maximum travel (e.g., 131-FV-0065, 131-LV-0376, 131-TV-0385, 131-LV-0372) slightly exceeds your specified “<80%” limit. While minor, it should be noted.
- Internal Inconsistency: Samson’s own reports sometimes list the specified pipe size and then quote a different valve size within the same document, which can be confusing.
- Body Material Discrepancy (minor):
- 131-LV-0372: Your spec: Carbon Steel, Quote: LCC (Low Temp Carbon Steel). Acceptable given design temp, but notes the difference.
3. CTi Controltech (Valtek Mark One / Kammer)
Strengths:
- Valtek Brand: Valtek is a recognized control valve manufacturer.
- Some exact matches: (e.g., 131-TV-0348, 131-PV-0597)
Weaknesses / Critical Discrepancies (Primary Quotes):
- Extremely Poor Adherence to Specified Sizing and Type: This is the most problematic quote. For the primary listed items, the suggested sizes are significantly different for almost every valve, and for many, they contradict the very basic “Globe Valve” requirement by offering “Rotary Control Valve” as the “alt” (alternative).
- 131-PV-0586: Your spec: 2" Sch XS, Quote: 4". Major deviation.
- 131-LV-0369: Your spec: 1" Sch 160, Quote: 0.5". Material CF3M vs CS. Major deviation in size and material.
- 131-FV-0065: Your spec: 4" Sch XS, Quote: 3". Major deviation. CRITICAL FAIL POSITION MISMATCH (Spec FO, Quote FC).
- 131-LV-0376: Your spec: 2" Sch XS, Quote: 1". Major deviation.
- 131-TV-0385: Your spec: 3" Sch XS, Quote: 1.5". Major deviation.
- 131-PV-0591: Your spec: 4" Sch XS, Quote: 2". Major deviation.
- 131-TV-0371: Your spec: 2" Sch XS, Quote: 1.5". Major deviation.
- 131-LV-0372: Your spec: 2" Sch XS, Quote: 1". Major deviation. Material LCC vs CS.
- 131-TV-0361: Your spec: 6" Sch XS, Quote: 3". Major deviation.
- “Alternative” Quotes Contradict Primary Spec: Their “alt” often offers rotary valves when you specified globe, and typically at a size different from the request. Unless you explicitly requested rotary alternatives, these are not directly comparable solutions for your base request.
- Lack of Detailed General Notes: The provided report does not include the extensive general notes seen in Baker Hughes’ quote (e.g., ITP details, tubing material, certifications, etc.), which are crucial for full compliance.
Recommendation
Given the current state of the quotes:
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Eliminate CTi Controltech (Primary Offer): Their primary quotes are largely mismatched in size, type, and fail position. Accepting this quote would require re-engineering most of your valve specifications. The “alternative” rotary valves are not a direct like-for-like replacement for globe valves unless previously discussed. This quote, as is, is the weakest.
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Proceed with Caution and Clarification for Samson: While Samson’s quote provides reasoning for its sizing deviations, the extent of these deviations (e.g., quoting a 6" valve for a 2" line) is very significant. You must confirm with your engineering team if these size changes are acceptable given the process conditions, physical space, and potential system impacts. Crucially, the ambiguous or potentially mismatched trim material for cavitating/flashing service (131-TV-0371) is a critical safety and reliability issue that must be resolved with concrete confirmation of hardened stellite or equivalent. If these two points can be resolved satisfactorily, Samson could be a contender, but it requires significant work and acceptance of large deviations.
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Strongest Candidate: Baker Hughes (Masoneilan Valves)
Why Baker Hughes is the preferred choice (with caveats):
- Best Overall Adherence to Valve Type: They consistently offer Globe valves as specified across all tags.
- Strong General Compliance: Their general notes demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and commitment to your project-wide requirements (ITP, testing, materials, accessories).
- Consistent Positioner and Accessories: The SVI3 positioner and confirmed accessory standards are a plus.
- Controlled Sizing Deviations (mostly reduced trim): While they propose reduced body sizes for several valves, this is a common engineering practice for control valves and generally less disruptive than Samson’s wholesale pipe size changes. Each of these specific reduced body sizes would still need to be verified with your engineering team to ensure it’s appropriate for the required Cv and pressure drop, and that the physical connection allows for the smaller valve body in the larger line.
- Good Noise Performance.
- Promise of Stellite: While the “asterisk” needs clarification, the stated trim characteristics for the anti-cavitation valve sound appropriate.
Immediate Actions Recommended:
1. For Baker Hughes (Masoneilan):
* Request Clarification on Sizing: Send them a list of all valves where their “Valve Body Size” differs from your “Pipe Size and Rating” and ask for detailed engineering justification (Cv calculation, pressure drop, velocity, noise, etc.) for each proposed body size reduction. Confirm these smaller bodies can be physically installed.
* Confirm Trim Materials: Specifically clarify the meaning of any asterisks or generic descriptions for trim/retainer materials to ensure they meet the “Stainless Steel plug, seat, and trim; Cavitating service to have hardened stellite plug, seat, and trim” requirement. Pay special attention to 131-TV-0371.
* Confirm Material (131-LV-0369): Confirm if the 316L SS for the body is acceptable instead of Carbon Steel.
2. For Samson (as a backup/comparison):
* Request Resolution of Critical Trim Issues: Demand explicit confirmation (with specific material codes and type) that the trim for 131-TV-0371 (flashing service) is hardened stellite and suitable for the application. Resolve the “PTFE/METALLIC” ambiguity for all valves.
* Re-confirm Sizing Deviations: If your engineering team can’t accept their current sizing, request a re-quote for the original specified sizes, acknowledging their previous noise/choked flow explanations, and see if they can meet the requirements at the specified sizes with different trim options or technologies.
* Address Travel Exceedances: Ask for re-sizing or different trim options to bring maximum travel within the <80% limit.
3. For CTi Controltech:
* Unless you are open to significant design changes and rotary valves, it’s advisable to communicate that their primary quote does not meet the specified requirements for size, type, or fail position on multiple items, and request a comprehensive re-quote that strictly adheres to the provided data sheets.
By prioritizing Baker Hughes and focusing on resolving their specific, manageable discrepancies, you will likely arrive at the most compliant and reliable solution based on the information provided.