Slurry-related valves design and manufacturing company Abrasive Flow Solutions (AFS) celebrated its first year of being in business in March.

The company hosted a two-day launch function at its manufacturing plant in Benoni, Gauteng.

The AFS team works closely with its sister company, industrial equipment supplier BMG, to extend specialist services through the design, distribution and supply as well as the support of a broad range of slurry-related valves, including valves manufacturer Klep diaphragm and wedge gate valves.

“Our specialists successfully achieved their aim of improving the quality of diaphragm valves by extending service life and reducing the maintenance requirements of this range. This goal was achieved through hard work and the implementation of advanced design technologies, materials and coatings which is a great tribute to our team,” says AFS GM Donald Morrison.

Milestones

Morrison highlights company milestones over the last year, which includes the establishment of a new rubber lining facility with the installation of autoclaves that have capacities of up to 10 m in length.

In the rubber industry, autoclaves are used to vulcanise rubber products, which are not yet stable dimensionally, by elevating heat and pressure.

“An autoclave is similar to a large oven with an extremely high temperature and pressure rating that make rubber parts stable and solid in size and shape.”

Another advancement is a new pinch valve sleeve manufacturing facility within the company’s new rubber lining and sleeve manufacturing facility.

AFS is now able to manufacture all pinch sleeves, including high-pressure and pneumatic sleeves.

AFS pinch sleeves are manufactured from the “highest quality” rubber products that are supplied by globally operating system provider of services and products in the field of conveying and treatment technology Rema Tip Top.

The company has also invested in extending its hydraulic pressing facility and, through its new design and new process, AFS can manufacture high-pressure diaphragms capable of withstanding pressures in excess of 20 bar.

AFS has enhanced the design and production of its slurry knife gate valve range with dimensions ranging in diameter from a 50 mm unit to 1.5 m valves. The range includes flanged, wafer, lugged, urethane lined and high-pressure knife gate valves.

BMG also distributes a locally manufactured range of abrasion-resistant valves for slurry valve manufacturer Dual Products International. These products include pinch valves, new water air release valves, resilient seated gate valves and rotary disc sleeve valves.

AFS has also recently manufactured and factory-tested some larger DN 700 hydraulically operated 20 bar valves for a client in Europe.

Recently launched dual rotary disc sleeve valves comprise of an advanced rotating gate valve with sleeve design developed specifically for heavy abrasive and corrosive slurries and water and wastewater installations.

This patented design allows the valve to cycle through heavy slurries without sticking. Wafer, flanged and high-pressure variants are available, says Morrison.

“Our highly skilled team has a thorough understanding of the processes where valves are installed and is able to specify the correct valves required for every application. We also assist customers in solving problems of difficult installations and applications.”

To ensure optimum safety, efficiency and the extended service life of each system, the selection of the correct industrial slurry valve is critical, says Morrison.

Valve selection is based on various factors including the size and shape of particles, the pressure, temperatures and chemical content.

Another achievement for AFS is that distributor, manufacturer and service provider of engineering consumables and components Engineering Solutions Group (ESG) has recently achieved recognition as a Level 2 contributor to Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE), whereby customers can claim BEE procurement recognition of 125% against all purchases.

AFS was established by ESG – a subsidiary of Invicta Holdings Limited as part of the Group’s strategy to expand its fluid technology services in Africa.

“This AFS portfolio is particularly well-suited for use in harsh conditions for diverse industries including mining, chemical and petrochemical, water and wastewater, energy production and agri-food industries. Important installations have recently occurred for mining slurry, tailings dams, and acid pumping applications which rely on plant availability and the safe operation of valves,” concludes Morrison.