Be aware in your valve purchases.

We have been alerted to quality problems that have occurred with bar stock type needle valves called Flomate, manufactured by Flomore Valves, and distributed by Richarts Distributors, Oklahoma City, OK. It is suggested that you contact Veco Alaska, Inc for further details.

The defective valves were discovered during installation in preparation for a hydrotest. The male end of a 3/4" 10,000 psi Flomate needle valve was being threaded into the female end of another when a crack was detected in the body at the female end. This was not the first time this had happened with this brand of valves and the connection was not tightened with excessive force.

As a result, all Flomate brand needle valves have been removed from the supplier's shelves and they are in discussion with the manufacturer about the defect.

Fortunately, the crack was discovered prior to any pressured being applied as the crack would have resulted in catastrophic failure.