KITZ Corporation

KITZ Corporation: Company Overview

1. KITZ History

Founded in 1951 in Japan, KITZ Corporation has evolved into one of the world's leading manufacturers of valves and flow control devices. Initially focusing on brass valves, the company expanded its product range and global footprint over the decades. Notable milestones include:

1978: Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

1991: Acquired ISO Válvulas in Spain, establishing KITZ Corporation of Europe.

2000s: Expanded into Asia and the Americas through strategic acquisitions and joint ventures.

2020: Launched a package unit business for hydrogen refueling stations, signaling a move into clean energy solutions.

 

2. KITZ Products

KITZ Corporation is globally recognized for its extensive line of flow control equipment, serving a wide array of industries. Its core product portfolio includes valves, actuators, fittings, and high-purity systems, each designed with reliability, performance, and durability in mind.

KITZ offers a diverse range of products catering to various industries, including oil and gas, chemical, water treatment, and HVAC. Their main product categories are:

A. Valves

KITZ’s valve portfolio is the backbone of its product offerings, used in applications ranging from water supply to chemical processing and oil & gas.

 

1. Ball Valves

Materials: Brass, bronze, stainless steel, carbon steel, high alloys.

Sizes: ¼" to 36".

Pressure Ratings: Up to ANSI Class 2500 / PN 420.

Connection Types: Flanged, threaded, socket-weld, butt-weld.

Special Features:

• Anti-blowout stem design.
• Fire-safe and anti-static configurations (per API 607).
• ISO 5211 mounting pad for easy actuator attachment.

Notable Series: KITZ 150/300 Series, E-Series, and Filltite® seat series for high-temperature duty.

 

2. Gate, Globe, and Check Valves (GGC)

Design Standards: API 600, ASME B16.34, JIS.

End Connections: Flanged and butt-weld.

Sizes: Up to 48".

Features:

• Bolted bonnet or pressure seal bonnet.
• Hard-faced seating for extended life.
• Rising or non-rising stem configurations.

Industries Used: Refining, petrochemicals, power generation.

 

3. Butterfly Valves

Disc Materials: Stainless steel, ductile iron with coatings, aluminum-bronze.

Types: Wafer, lug, and double/triple offset.

Pressure Rating: ANSI 150 to 600.

Applications: Water, wastewater, HVAC, marine, and chemical services.

 

4. Control Valves

Flow Control Types: Linear and rotary.

Characteristics: Precise flow control with low hysteresis and repeatability.

Smart Options: Digital positioners for remote diagnostics.

Brands/Subsidiaries: KITZ SCT for cleanroom and high-precision applications.

 

B. Actuators

KITZ offers actuator solutions under its own name as well as through subsidiaries like KITZ SCT and KITZ Micro Filter.

Types Offered:

Pneumatic Actuators

• Double-acting and spring-return types.
• Torque Output: 10 Nm to 5,000+ Nm.
• Options: Explosion-proof and SIL-certified versions.

 

Electric Actuators

• Compact, modular design.
• Remote control compatibility via Modbus, HART, or FOUNDATION Fieldbus.

 

Hydraulic and Electro-Hydraulic Actuators

• Used in heavy-duty applications and power generation sectors.

 

Accessories

• Solenoid valves, positioners, limit switches, manual overrides.

 

C. Fittings

KITZ produces threaded and solder-type pipe fittings primarily in:

• Materials: Brass, bronze, stainless steel.
• Applications: Plumbing, fire protection systems, HVAC, and potable water systems.
• Standards: Compliant with JIS, ASTM, and ISO standards.

 

D. High-Purity and Cleanroom Products

Under its KITZ SCT (Semiconductor Component Technology) brand, KITZ manufactures ultra-clean valves and components used in high-purity gas and chemical delivery systems.

Product Features:

• Materials: PFA, PVDF, PTFE for chemical resistance.
• Valve Types: Diaphragm, bellows, check, and needle valves.
• Particle-Free Manufacturing: ISO Class 4 cleanroom assembly.
• Applications: Semiconductor fabs, pharmaceutical production, and biotech plants.

 

E. Hydrogen Infrastructure Products

KITZ is actively developing valves and components for hydrogen stations and fuel cell systems.

• Hydrogen Valve Types: Ball and globe valves rated for high pressures (up to 70 MPa).
• Materials: Stainless steel, Monel, Hastelloy.
• Certifications: Compliant with ISO 19880-3 and Japanese High Pressure Gas Safety Act.

 

F. Custom Engineered Products

For specialized needs, KITZ offers custom solutions such as:

• Cryogenic valves (down to -196°C).
• Fire-safe and explosion-proof systems.
• Multi-turn and quarter-turn valve assemblies with integrated actuation.

 

Industry Applications

• KITZ products are trusted globally in sectors including:
• Oil & Gas (upstream, midstream, downstream)
• Petrochemicals and Refining
• Power Generation (thermal, nuclear, renewable)
• Water Treatment and Distribution
• HVAC and Building Services
• Food & Beverage
• Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Marine and Offshore Facilities

 

3. Product Characteristics and Specifications

A. Valves

Materials: Carbon steel, stainless steel, bronze, brass, and high-alloy steels.

Sizes: Ranging from ½ inch to 48 inches, depending on the valve type.

Pressure Ratings: Up to ANSI Class 2500.

Standards Compliance: API, ASME, JIS, and ISO standards.

Special Features:

• Filltite® Seats: Enhanced heat and wear resistance for high-temperature applications.
• S-Shaped Valve Disc: Provides excellent sealing performance while reducing operating torque.

 

B. Actuators

• Types: Pneumatic, electric, and electro-hydraulic.
• Torque Range: From 10 Nm to over 100,000 Nm.
• Features: SIL-rated for functional safety, smart diagnostics, and position monitoring.

 

C. Specialty Valves

• Semiconductor Valves: PFA diaphragm valves designed for ultra-high purity applications.
• High-Alloy Valves: Suitable for corrosive environments in chemical and petrochemical industries.

 

4. Pros and Cons of KITZ Products

Pros:

• Wide Product Range: Offers a comprehensive selection of valves and actuators for various applications.
• Global Presence: Manufacturing and sales offices worldwide ensure timely support and delivery.
• Quality Assurance: Adherence to international standards and rigorous quality control processes.
• Innovation: Continuous development of products like Filltite® seats and expansion into hydrogen energy solutions.

Cons:

• Cost: Premium quality and advanced features may come at a higher price point.
• Complexity: Advanced products may require specialized knowledge for installation and maintenance.

 

5. KITZ Competitors

KITZ operates in a competitive global market. Key competitors include:

Emerson Electric Co.: Offers a broad range of automation solutions and valves.

Flowserve Corporation: Specializes in flow control products and services.

Metso Outotec: Provides sustainable technologies for mining and process industries.

FMC Technologies: Focuses on subsea systems and surface wellhead systems.

 

Conclusion

KITZ Corporation stands out as a leading manufacturer in the valve industry, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and global reach. With a diverse product portfolio and continuous expansion into emerging markets like hydrogen energy, KITZ is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of various industries.