South African thermoplastic valves supplier Astore Keymak has placed an order for about 30 redesigned FK industrial butterfly valves (FK d90) from its Italy-based supplier Formatura Iniezione Polimeri (FIP) Valves, with first shipment expected later this year.

The valves will be added to the company’s new export portfolio to promote the valve in its current market expansion drive, says Astore Keymak product and projects manager Wayne Masters.

“With a new focus on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, Astore Keymak will promote the FK d90 alongside its thermoplastic valves, pipes and fittings, including thermoplastic welding equipment.”

The FK d90, redesigned in April, now carries a 12-hole configuration, compared with the previous eight holes. “The alignment and installation of the FK d90 will be more accurate and sturdy with the 12-hole configuration,” comments Astore Keymak product manager Francois van Vuuren.

The 12-hole configuration on the FK d90 mitigates the 22.5º inclination needed for centring, and allows for all the installations to be in the same position for all coupling standards. The FK d90 conforms to the German DIN 2501 and international ASTM/ANSI B16.5 Cl.150 flange standards.

The FK d90 is used in various applications to convey liquids, including the industrial chemicals and mining sectors, as well as for irrigation and plumbing configurations.

The valves are available in unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyvinyli- dene difluoride, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

Meanwhile, the exports division for Astore Keymak, established in the past year, also hopes to expand on general enquiries received for products throughout the SADC and, thereafter, further into Africa. “We have done research and visited countries like Zimbabwe and Botswana, and will visit Zambia this month,” Masters says.

“We are positive that the new configuration will be taken up well with our clients and look forward to providing the product for our current market, as well as supplying into Africa,” concludes Van Vuuren.