Company History
Founder and C.E.O. Mr. A.K. Velan
After three years of preliminary design and testing, the Velan Universal
steam trap was introduced for the first time in Canada and the United States
in January 1950. The operation of this new steam trap is based on an
entirely new principle whereby a free-floating and rotating ball valve placed
on the downstream side of the valve seat, is actuated by a multi-segmented
bimetallic element. At predetermined temperatures and pressures, this
element develops forces which are closely related to the saturated steam
curve. The trap was readily accepted by plant engineers in various
industries using steam for power and process work and is widely used by the
Navy and Merchant Marine for shipboard use.
Due to its advanced integral design combining various devices that formerly
had to be installed separately, and the trap's universality of
application, makes it one of the most remarkable developments
in its field in recent years.
From 1960 to 1980, Velan became a leader in the steam trap market worldwide.
However, due to a change in distribution models, the Velan steam
trap line began to fall outside the Velan distribution model. In 1987, Velan
sold the steam trap product line and factory to Plenty Limited in Leceister,
England. In 2002, Velan reacquired the steam trap product line and factory.
With a renewed focus and passion, the product line that helped to
found Velan, Incorporated came back home. The original design
and materials are still used today at Velan's factory in Leceister, England.
Velan's first product: a unique line of Bimetallic Steam Traps.