Shipbuilding projects for defense industry customers have much higher standards for performance, reliability, and durability than projects for commercial and industrial customers. When your customer is the US Navy, each shipboard system you build could play a role in mission-critical maritime operations that further the defense goals of the United States and its allies. These systems need to play their roles as flawlessly as possible.
There are plenty of options for pressure relief valves on the market for shipbuilders. However, only military-grade, or MIL-SPEC, products meet the high standards of the defense sector, so shipbuilders must choose the right grade of valves to meet their customers’ requirements. In this article, our valve experts will examine the difference between military-grade and commercial valves and explore how Danco valves ensure the systems you build meet US Navy standards.
What is the difference between MIL-SPEC and commercial valves?
Military-grade valves are built and tested to meet United States Military Standards, often referred to as MIL-STDs. The U.S. Department of Defense developed these standards to ensure the quality, reliability, and interoperability of military equipment and systems. They provide uniform technical requirements for materials, components, processes, and procedures used in defense applications.
On the other hand, commercial and industrial valves are built to less exacting standards. While they often adhere to the high standards set by international organizations like ASTM and ISO, and may be built with specific industry regulations in mind, you wouldn’t want to use non-military-grade valves in a shipbuilding project where MIL-SPEC adherence is required.
Commercial valves are built to perform in commercial environments. Industrial valves are built to perform in more demanding and rigorous industrial environments. They are often sturdier and more durable and may have much higher temperature and pressure ratings. Military-grade valves, unlike commercial and industrial valves, are built to operate in even harsher environments where failure could mean more than just an operational risk but a national security risk.
For example, let’s compare the two:
MIL-SPEC Vs. Commercial Valves: How They Measure Up
Industrial pressure relief valves:
- Are designed to meet standards like ASME Section VIII, API 526, API 520, or ISO 4126
- Provide consistent performance in relatively stable environments, with limited exposure to extreme conditions like heat, vibration, and corrosion
- Prioritize cost-effectiveness in their design
- Are subjected to pressure and flow testing as per industry standards and may be certified by third-party agencies
- Are easier to procure from standard industrial suppliers
On the other hand, MIL-SPEC valves:
- Must meet far more stringent government-mandated specifications such as MIL-V-24332, MIL-V-22549, and MIL-V-20065
- Are engineered for harsh environments that may include wide temperature ranges, frequent vibrations or shocks, and regular exposure to corrosive substances
- Are made from traceable materials certified to meet military procurement standards
- Must pass rigorous qualification testing, in addition to their manufacturers requiring approved vendor status with the Department of Defense
- Are more expensive to manufacture and procure due to stricter requirements
Knowing whether to choose MIL-SPEC vs. commercial and industrial valves for your next project is one of the most fundamental procurement decisions you can make as a shipbuilder.
Should you choose commercial or Danco valves?
Dante Valve is both a valve manufacturer and distributor—in addition to our in-house brand of Danco pressure relief valves, we also supply products from leading suppliers, such as military-grade TRAC pressure reducing and temperature regulating valves and Kunkle safety and relief valves designed for industrial and commercial applications.
When you have new shipbuilding projects in the pipeline and it’s time to stock your inventory with pressure relief valves, should you go with MIL-SPEC or commercial valves?
To answer that question, first determine the end use of the systems you are being contracted to build. MIL-SPEC valves will likely be required if you will be building a ship for the Navy, the Coast Guard, or a defense contractor. On the other hand, for a commercial or civilian vessel, commercial or industrial valves will most likely suffice for standard operating environments.
If you are building a vessel or individual shipboard systems for a defense industry client, your contract may reference DFARS, NAVSEA, MIL-STD, or other procurement mandates that explicitly require MIL-SPEC components, as well as traceability, QA records, and materials certifications.
Even if you are building a commercial vessel, though, you might prefer to select MIL-SPEC over commercial and industrial valves in certain circumstances. For example, if you know the pressure relief valves in a commercial vessel’s shipboard system will have to endure frequent exposure to saltwater or corrosive atmospheres, high shock and vibration, and extended mission-critical uptime without maintenance, MIL-SPEC pressure relief valves may be your best choice.
On the other hand, even in a military vessel, MIL-SPEC valves may not be required for all shipboard systems. Depending on the specifications in your contract, industrial valves may be acceptable for non-critical systems. Make sure to have project engineers or naval architects conduct a system-by-system analysis to determine where military grade or commercial valves should be used.
Danco: A Better Choice for MIL-SPEC Performance
Since 1983, Dante Valve’s Danco brand pressure relief valves have served the needs of US Navy shipyards and ensured the highest standards of safe, reliable, long-lasting performance aboard the military vessels of the United States and its allies.
Danco pressure relief valves are specifically designed for military applications, can be customized to ensure the perfect fit, and are backed by a two-year warranty and comprehensive technical support to provide a long service lifetime in mission-critical environments.
With a commitment to quality products, swift order fulfillment, and unrivaled customer and technical support, shipyards across the United States trust Dante Valve and Danco to achieve mission-critical defense objectives. Reach out to Dante Valve today for a quote and discover the difference Danco can make.
For more information about Danco valve products, contact us today, or request a quote if you are ready to make a purchase.