Engineering solutions pro- vider Bearing Man Group (BMG) states that its Fluid Power division’s fluid power valves (FPV) range has received a positive market response since being introduced in late Septem-ber, owing to the valves’ optimal performance efficiencies.

“BMG’s Fluid Power division is also in the final stages of concluding a potentially lucrative deal to supply the FPV range to various projects in Africa,” BMG Fluid Power division GM Wayne Holton tells Engineering News.

Further, he says the locally manufactured FPV range encompasses diaphragm valves – complete with patented replaceable polyurethane liners and diaphragms, which have high wear characteristics for abrasive slurry applications, and unlined diaphragm valves for water treatment and general industrial applications.

“The removable polyurethane liners and diaphragms extend not only the service life of the valves but also that of their bodies by three to five times, compared with standard soft rubber-lined valves. The removable polyure- thane liners and diaphragms also simplify the reconditioning process of a diaphragm valve,” states Holton.

BMG notes that the FPV diaphragm valves have been specifically designed to simplify on-site replacement of worn soft rubber-lined diaphragm valves, thus, significantly reducing operational downtime, owing to routine placement maintenance.

Spares kits consist of poly- urethane valve liners, diaphragms, studs, bolts and nuts, as well as washers and grease.

Moreover, he notes that the FPV range includes – but is not limited to – diaphragm, butterfly, knife gate, wedge gate and pinch valves.

Holton says the FPV diaphragm valves, with removable polyurethane liners and diaphragms, offer safe working pressures of up to 1 000 kPa, can withstand temperatures between –10 °C and 80 °C. These valves are flanged, with manual or pneumatic actuation and are available in sizes between DN50 and DN350.

FPV unlined diaphragm valves, with a flanged design, also offer either manual or pneumatic actuation and can withstand temperatures between – 10 °C and 100 °C. These valves are available in sizes between DN15 and DN200.

Further, Holton states that the FPV full bore diaphragm valves have a high-flow capacity, with an efficient sealing capability, which shuts off any flow and prevents leakage.

“FPV full bore diaphragm valves also have a low pressure drop, as there is almost nothing obstructing the flow of the fluid when the valve is fully opened. This creates little resistance to flow, which makes these valves suitable for fluids with abrasive particles,” he highlights.

FPV wedge gate valves are well suited to tailings and fly ash handling in power generation, says Holton, adding that the valves are available in sizes between DN300 and DN400 and can withstand temperatures between –20 °C and 150 °C. However, Holton points out that units that can operate in higher temperatures are available on request.

Wedge gate valves are used for on/off functionality in non- throttling applications.

“This means they are intended to be either fully open, when they offer little resistance to flow, or fully closed,” he explains, adding that these valves have a high flow capacity and offer efficient sealing, ensuring that any flow is shut off, making leakage nearly impossible.

Additionally, Holton says the FPV pinch valves are specifically designed so that a sleeve is pinched to close mechanically or automatically. These valves are ideal for controlling the flow of liquids, powders, solids and abrasives. “The FPV pinch valves are designed to control and isolate abrasive slurries and are available with a short- and long-frame design in sizes between DN50 and DN500,” he states.

Further, the valves are made with soft rubber sleeves and include manual, hydraulic and pneumatic actuators.

BMG’s existing range of valves are suitable for diverse indus- tries, including the mining, refining, power generation, iron and steel manufacturing, mate- rials handling, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper, chemicals, sugar and automotive industries.

The company also offers a total process and lubrication management solution to meet specific market requirements.