Products by Oklahoma City-based manufacturer Kimray are used worldwide, but mostly on stationary objects, like oil wells.
But one product is on board the world's only high-altitude train, providing fresh air to occupants traveling in mountains that are more than three miles high.
The 4-by-8-inch valve is used on the fresh air-oxygen system for the Qinghai-Tibet train, also known as the Lhasa Express or Sky Train in China.
Tory burch sale The train crosses 1,215 miles and reaches its highest point at Tanggula Pass, an altitude of 16,640 feet. The train passes Qinghai Lake, China's largest lake, and Fenghuoshan, the world's highest railroad tunnel at 16,093 feet. More than 80 percent of the journey is at an altitude of 13,000 feet or higher. Half of the rail line is built on permafrost.
Kimray became acquainted with the Chinese government and the high- altitude train through trade shows and sales calls, said Chris Watkins, international sales director.
"Many engineering firms in China are familiar with Kimray through the shows," Watkins said.
Also, the company was able to introduce itself by calls made by a distributor and the Kimray Chinese website , Watkins said.
"When the Chinese needed a small 1-inch valve, Kimray had the solution," Watkins said. "Not only could we handle the application, we could do so with a very small footprint."
Kimray might be best known for working with engineering firms in the oil and gas industry, but it works with firms in other industries as well, using its distributor Ameritech Scientific in Beijing and Tianjin, Watkins said.
Ferragamo Shoes "Kimray may be known as the 'king of the patch,' but we get involved in many special non-oil and gas projects both in the U.S. and around the world," Watkins said.
The valve on the Sky Train, used in the complex ventilation system, draws in air and releases nitrogen while oxygen is pumped in the compartments, Watkins said.
"Our valve is a pressure-reducing valve that cuts a higher pressure down to a lower, more manageable pressure. It is used on the air and nitrogen side of the system," Watkins said.
The same valve that Kimray started with in 1948 is a precursor to the valve the company uses in China today, Watkins said.
"Only smaller," Watkins said.
While Watkins declined to disclose specific financial details of the contract, he said the government changes out all the valves with new ones as part of a preventive maintenance program.
"We have been furnishing, through our distributor, about 125 units per year," he said.
Privately operated Kimray, which was founded in 1948, reports annual sales of about $90 million, according to its website. Watkins said sales increased more than 20 percent annually from 2004 through 2008. The economic downturn, beginning in 2009, impacted sales, which declined from 2008 levels.
Christian louboutin pumps To date in this year, sales are up over 2009 levels at this time.
Kimray has 540 employees throughout the U.S., with 440 in Oklahoma City. The remaining staff is in Kimray-owned stores along the Gulf Coast, California and Pennsylvania.
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