Industrial equipment supplier BMG encourages companies operating during South Africa’s Covid-19 lockdown and beyond not to neglect the condition monitoring of process valves.

BMG Fluid Technology Low Pressure business unit manager Willie Lamprecht says it is crucial that operators know if a valve is leaking or if there are any valve failures that could expose operators and the plant to unnecessary risks.

“The risk of valve failure can be efficiently managed through correct and reliable monitoring and testing techniques. Condition monitoring enhances safety through the containment of process fluids. Valve failures, which are dangerous for personnel and harmful to the environment, also contribute to lost production, resulting from downtime.”

As such, by combining condition-based maintenance products for process valves with planned maintenance programmes, downtime at a plant is reduced and productivity and safety levels are “significantly improved”.

The company’s fluid technology specialists offer customers valve condition monitoring services, which ensure the reliability, safety and efficiency of all processes.

Further, BMG’s field service technicians and trained branch personnel are available to conduct site and plant surveys to monitor the condition of valves and make recommendations for improved performance.

These regular surveys enable the company’s specialists to ensure that valves and automation systems function to exact requirements. It also enables the team to identify equipment that should be included in scheduled maintenance programmes to reduce unplanned plant downtime and loss of production.

Product Offering

BMG’s pneumatic division specialises in pneumatic, electric and hydraulic actuation systems with advanced process instrumentation to ensure the correct operation of valves on site.

The company’s national branch network offers a technical advisory and support service to ensure optimum efficiency and that the service life of all valves is extended. A total process and lubrication management service is also offered.

Further, the company’s range of Interapp butterfly valves, which are produced in Switzerland, are recommended for use in high-acid applications. The Desponia valves, manufactured in Spain, are available with different lining materials for reliability and extended service life in diverse sectors.

These sectors include mining, water and wastewater works, sugar plants, paper and pulp, food and beverage, and energy.

Additionally, BMG Klep Valves specialises in the local manufacture of diaphragm, pinch and wedge-gate valves, which are designed for enhanced operating efficiency and extended service life in many sectors, including harsh environments.

This range includes soft natural rubber-lined diaphragm valves, which are widely used in mineral processing, and mining and slurry applications. Other lining materials include butyl, nitrile, jumbo, halar and hard rubber. The wedge-gate valves are manufactured by BMG Klep Valves for State-owned power utility Eskom for use on the fly ash lines.

Moreover, BMG’s SAFi thermoplastic industrial valves are designed to efficiently handle corrosive and abrasive materials. This range, which conforms to stringent international quality specifications, incorporates ball, butterfly, diaphragm and non-return valves, as well as strainers and tank fittings – all manufactured from high quality non-corrosive materials.

A critical advantage of thermoplastic materials over conventional alloy metals is resistance to corrosion of the most aggressive chemicals.

Lamprecht explains that SAFi’s lightweight polymer materials are integrated with a robust valve design for reliable performance, easy installation and low maintenance, reduced operational costs and extended service life.

A full range of valves is available from BMG outlets throughout Southern Africa, where specialists are on hand to ensure correct valve selection and to assist in problem-solving for customers and end-users.