DK-Lock, Fittings and Valves Unaffected by Extreme Deep-Sea Conditions... 'Certified Global Technology Excellence'

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Product Supply Expected for Donghae Deep-Sea Gas Field Development
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As the artificial intelligence (AI) industry grows, concerns about power shortages are increasing. Attempts to develop resources in the "deep sea" are rising worldwide. Domestically, drilling operations for the development of deep-sea gas fields in the East Sea will begin by the end of this year. DK Lock, a manufacturer of fittings and valves for instrumentation that has proven its technological capabilities through exports, is gaining attention. Based on world-class technology, the company produces products with excellent airtightness, durability, corrosion resistance, and compatibility.

According to industry sources on the 5th, DK Lock produces process valves certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API) standards 6A and 6D, which are essential in the oil and gas business sector. They also possess API 6DSS valves that can be applied in deep-sea environments.

Founded in 1986, DK Lock manufactures fittings and valves essential to the oil and energy industries. Its nearly 40 years of accumulated expertise and technology are better recognized overseas. DK Lock generates 76% of its total sales from overseas markets through 117 dealerships in 47 countries. Its technological capabilities are acknowledged to the extent that it supplies products to global oil giants such as ExxonMobil and Gazprom. It has also completed vendor registration with QatarEnergy (QE), Qatar’s state-owned oil and gas company. DK Lock has secured various clients by developing products in accordance with international standards such as ASME and API.

DK Lock’s process valves are essential products in the oil and gas industry, handling ball valves, gate valves, globe valves, and check valves. Large-diameter products are designed with cast bodies to meet customer requirements and undergo thorough quality inspection processes.

API 6DSS is a specification that details the design, manufacturing, quality control, assembly, testing, and documentation requirements for ball, check, gate, plug, and axial on-off valves used in subsea pipeline systems for the oil and natural gas industry. DK Lock produces ball valves, check valves, gate valves, and plug valves applicable to deep-sea pipelines.

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They have also obtained certification for deep-sea wellhead and Christmas tree equipment. The specifications cover performance, dimensions, functional compatibility, design, materials, testing, inspection, welding, marking, handling, storage, shipping, and procurement for wellhead connectors that link drilling equipment and wells, as well as Christmas Trees installed at the drilling well entrance. DK Lock has secured the technological capability to manufacture ball valves, gate valves, and plug valves.

A DK Lock representative explained, "The difficulty in developing 6DSS products lies in ensuring durability, aging resistance, and reliability to operate flawlessly in the special environment of the seabed," adding, "We test whether the products can operate without issues in extreme conditions within 1 to 2 kilometers underwater." They further noted, "API 6A products must be made from high-strength materials capable of withstanding high pressure, high temperature, and corrosion in harsh environments."

The oil and gas industry requires infrastructure and facilities for various operations such as exploration, production, processing, and transportation. This includes pipelines, well platforms, and drilling equipment. DK Lock plays a crucial role in ensuring the stability and reliability of oil and gas facilities by manufacturing process valves composed of pipes, flanges, and valve bodies. The company focuses on meeting harsh environmental requirements by obtaining system certifications that comply with international standards and using materials with excellent durability to withstand high temperature and high pressure conditions.

DK Lock’s subsidiary, DK Lock Italy, has signed an agreement with ITAG, based in Qatar, for oil and gas process valves. ITAG specializes in oilfield equipment repair services. Currently, it manufactures oil and gas production-related products at a local factory in Saudi Arabia and sells them to oilfield companies including Aramco. It is also registered as a vendor for Marathon Petroleum, established with 100% investment by Marathon Oil, which provides refining, sales, and transportation services across the United States, as well as for Dow Chemical, a major U.S. petrochemical company.

Recently, DK Lock received product approval from semiconductor giant Samsung Electronics. Recognized for cleanliness, corrosion resistance, and functionality, the company secured a new growth engine. DK Lock redesigned its Gimhae Plant 2 as a semiconductor factory and automated its facilities by introducing robots. They expect the investment in semiconductor fittings and valve production facilities to yield results.