No Substitute for Experience.
In an industry characterized by tough operating conditions, new technology, and fast paced innovation it is good to find a partner who has been through it all before. Dispenser makers, compressor station packagers, and transport trailer makers world wide are finding that partner in Oasis Engineering Ltd. For valves & coupling’s they use the Oasis brand:
- Reliable QA certified product
- Traceable raw material sources
- Internationally recognised certification
- The first in the field
- Consistent performance
Oasis Engineering is a New Zealand based manufacturer with a reputation for excellent workmanship and high quality standards. Oasis was one of the first companies to recognise the potential for CNC (computer numerical control) machining and turning and became an early leader in using the technology.
Events associated with and following the OPEC crises of the 1970's forced New Zealand to search for alternative sources of energy for transport. For New Zealand CNG had many attractive characteristics. As a fuel for motor vehicles it was a local resource and was significantly cheaper than gasoline. The CNG programme was implemented because the Government of the day saw it as an aid to the solution of New Zealand’s economic problems of that time – balance of payments and employment.
In the 1980’s New Zealand began a government incentivised program of CNG vehicle conversions. At the time this program was the only one of its type in the world. CNG technology from Italy and USA was imported and adapted to service the first large scale car fleet conversion since the Second World War.
Oasis Engineering became involved at an early stage because of Oasis’s deserved reputation for precise work, CNC experience, expertise with stainless steel, high quality standards, and adaptable personnel. Working closely with engineering staff from Sulzer-Prescon, Oasis made components for the first compressors and dispensers as they were set up at NZ service stations.
As the new fuel caught on, the workload at service stations increased, with the unpopular outcome that motorists were queuing for fuel. Regulations were changed to allow greater gas pressure to be used for CNG storage. Significant redesigns of the compression, storage and dispensing equipment were undertaken. The 3600psi standard delivery pressure used Internationally today has its origins in the early New Zealand experience.
Working with the industry’s senior designers Oasis made many of the components required to operate the new-generation compressors and filling systems. Items like the 7/16” fill probe were manufactured to order for these new stations. Oasis was also asked to design some items either not available in stainless steel, or not available in the gas tight thread required.
One such item was a ball valve. Readily available models were either reduced bore (which froze in service) or flange ended (which didn’t fit into the dispensing and priority cabinets) or solenoid action (not suitable for gas). Oasis’s staff were asked to come up with a high pressure, full bore ball valve, with good space characteristics, all stainless steel, anti-blowout stem, built reliably and durably. Working from first design principles prototypes were made, tested, and proven. The result is the SBV500 series – the first truly specialised CNG ball valve.
Oasis has remained a quiet achiever in the CNG field, providing ball valves, check valves and coupling solutions to more than fifty companies in 32 different countries. CNG is an industry where durability and reliability are critical. The original SBV500 valves are still in service and can be relied on for many more gas deliveries. Internationally recognised by a devoted clientele, the valve is more popular today than ever, proof that it is class that endures.
GAS EQUIPMENT
A complete range of ball valves and check valves designed to be used in very high-pressure applications.
Regional Representatives
The Oasis CNG Valves are used throughout the world – you can find your local Oasis representative here.