The U.S. patent database reveals that the legacy of ball valve pioneers in the oil and gas industry dates back more than 100 years. Numerous developments in valve technology have been made, including the ORBIT rising stem ball valve launched in 1038, the use of Teflon seats in 1952 by WKM and the CAMERON T30 Series fully welded ball valve in 1960. Each of these new technologies sought to improve upon the 2,000-plus-year-old valve concept by enhancing performance, quickening operation or reducing weight and cost.

As industry standards lag behind the requirements of the market, end users and operators continue to push the boundaries of existing technology. Particularly the offshore oil and gas production industry, which must balance valve performance, space, weight, operability and maintenance, is pushing existing technology to its limit. Each new offshore development must contend with increasingly complex challenges such as higher pressures and higher content of H₂S, CO₂, sand or water.