For years, Ultra-Control Valves has been a significant player in the mining industry, particularly in water reticulation. The Gauteng-based company’s MD Peter Telle, was instrumental in the first-ever pressure reducing station, transforming water pressure management in South Africa’s deep-level mines.

This innovation replaced the costly and difficult-to-control ‘cascade system’, which funnelled water from one level to the next into dams. The high-pressure reducing station, which takes pressures down from 100 bar to about 20 bar, has since become the norm in deep-level mining operations.

Building on this success, Ultra-Control Valves has pioneered the ratio reducing valve over the past decade. This replacement for the traditional pilot-operated valve has quickly become the preferred pressure reducing valve in most mining operations.

Complementing this innovation is the Maric flow control valve, an Australian product manufactured in South Africa. This valve offers a simple, yet reliable method for controlling flow rates and has become the industry standard for gland service water control on slurry pumps, playing a key role in water conservation, particularly in cooling car applications.

“Cooling cars in mining operations have an optimal flow rate for efficient operation, and the Maric flow control valve has demonstrated its ability to provide precise flow control, resulting in a large water saving on cooling car applications,” says Telle.

Pointing to recent tests, he says the Maric valve can function effectively at 90 bar pressure, which is well above its standard rating, thanks to innovative engineering solutions.

Ensuring even water distribution is another area where the Maric valve comes in handy. The valve is ideal for preventing one draw-off from monopolising the water supply and starving other take-offs.

This application is particularly beneficial in mine hostels and changing rooms, where even water distribution in shower heads can be difficult to achieve. “Installing Maric valves in strategic positions can solve this issue, resulting in significant water savings,” says Telle.

Additionally, Ultra-Control Valves has developed automatic stope isolating systems that close off water and air supply during off-shift periods. This not only saves water and electricity, but also reduces the risk of mud slides by decreasing the amount of water going down the mine during off-shifts.

Telle emphasises Ultra-Control Valves continues to develop new technologies to bolster efficiency and conservation efforts in mining operations. “Our ongoing commitment to innovation ensures that we remain at the forefront of water and power savings in the mining industry,” he says.

Besides these innovations, Ultra-Control Valves has a complete range of isolating valves, check valves and air valves.

A new company called Ultra Biotech has been formed to market a product called Micronovo. This product solves many water contamination issues and will be featured at the Ultra-Control Valves stand.

Hall 9 Stand A50