While traditional metallic alloy valves have historically dominated the valves industry, a transition occurred following the advent of thermoplastic valves, which can provide substantial cost savings, says supply and manufacturing company Astore Keymak product manager Scott Cooke.

This is owing to thermoplastic valves’ modest weight, as transportation costs, as well as the time and effort required to install and maintain them, are reduced.

Consequently, this improves the valves’ life expectancy when used in the correct applications, as the materials from which the valves are manufactured are, both internally and externally, inherently corrosion resistant.

“They do not rust, scale or leach into the flowing media. They have better hydraulic features and are far better suited to prevent contamination compared with metallic or alloy valves,” Cooke says.

This valve innovation, championed by Italy-based valves and fittings manufacturer Formatura Iniezione Polimeri S.p.A (FIP) and introduced to the South African market by Astore Keymak, “embodies a transformative leap in the discipline of industrial engineering”.

Astore Keymak is the exclusive distributor of FIP’s injection-moulded valves and fittings for pressure pipeline systems.

FIP was the first Italian company in the valves sector to be awarded certification of its quality system under ISO 9001 by the Italian Plastics Institute.

This certification is the result of FIP’s constant commitment to offering a product that is increasingly suited to the needs of the market, Cooke says.

Another cornerstone of thermoplastic materials’ success is their versatility, he highlights.

Through applied research on the chemical and physical characteristics of these materials, FIP has developed valves and fittings suitable for diverse applications.

The chemical, textile, pharmaceuticals, food, electronic and mining industries have benefited from FIP’s solutions, which Cooke says “thrive in environments with high temperatures and aggressive fluids”.

The latest innovation from FIP, the DK series diaphragm valve, represents a significant advancement in valve technology.

Particularly suitable for abrasive or dirty fluids in mining and industrial applications, the DK series boasts innovative features such as the Dialock diaphragm valve, designed for precise adjustment and ergonomic operation.

FIP also provides comprehensive training sessions for all the products it supplies and distributes.

“Our commitment to thorough training is unwavering. Supported by our principal partner, FIP, we offer a complete range of training programmes. Moreover, as the product manager overseeing polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and thermoplastic valves, I bring extensive knowledge and experience to guide our clients,” Cooke concludes.