Demand for thermoplastic materials over conventional alloy metals has increased since engineering consumables and components distributor BMG was appointed exclusive distributor of UK-based manufacturer SAFi Thermoplastic Valve Solutions’ (SAFi’s) products, says BMG industrial valves national product manager Willie Lamprecht.

“Demand for SAFi valves has increased as clients have realised the benefits of thermoplastic valves. Critical advantages of lightweight thermoplastic materials are their resistance to aggressive chemical products, corrosion and abrasion. SAFi valves are most suited to highly corrosive applications.”

Since June 2017, BMG has supplied SAFi valves to several clients, including to the processing plants of local platinum, gold and copper miners, as well as mines in Namibia, Zambia and other African countries, on a continuous basis.

The trend in the mining sector to use thermoplastic industrial valves instead of standard components is driven by the durability and robustness of the thermoplastic.

BMG’s SAFi range incorporates ball, butterfly, diaphragm and check valves, as well as flow control equipment, strainers and accessories – all manufactured using noncorrosive thermoplastic materials.

SAFi valves, strainers and flow control equipment form an important part of BMG’s extensive range of fluid technology components, and are designed to cope efficiently in arduous conditions.

BMG specialists recommend SAFi thermoplastic ball valves for use in on/off regulation applications in mining, as the valves are maintenance-free and can close faster, ensuring an extended service life.

The SAFi range of valves can also be used in energy, environmental, process plant, agriculture, and food and beverage applications.

BMG’s range of components for fluid technology systems and general industrial applications includes valves, hydraulic hoses and fittings, accumulators, cylinders, heat exchangers, hydraulic motors and hydraulic plumbing, as well as pumps and reservoir accessories.

The company’s fluid technology services also cover project engineering and consulting, cylinder design and manufacture, training, repair and testing, as well as on-site container services.

BMG also offers total process and lubrication management solutions throughout Africa.