Engineering supplies specialist Incledon has completed supplying its range of ARI valves to the Sekuruweto Fothane bulk pipeline project, in Limpopo, which aims to ensure a sustainable water supply for the communities in the area.

“It is also the greatest-value air valve project in Limpopo to date,” states Incledon civil representative Alan Taylor.

The Mokgalakwena municipality published the tender in November 2011 and, in June 2012, announced construction company L&R Civil, a subsidiary of Raubex Group, as the successful bidder to complete the 15 km steel bulk pipeline, he adds.

Following the announcement, L&R approached Incledon for valve specifications and prices and, as the company was able to meet all the requirements, it was successful in obtaining the order and delivered the ARI air valves in February 2013.

Air-release valve manufacturer ARI Flow Control Africa product manager Dawid Deysel notes that the valve sizes supplied vary from 100 mm to 300 mm, with nominal pressure ratings of PN16 and PN25.

“The valves release air while the pipeline is filled with water and reduce water hammer during operation. They also allow air into the pipeline during negative pressures, which prevents the pipes from collapsing and ensures a constant safe water supply to the community,” he explains.

Taylor points out that supplying the valves on time was a challenge the company faced – to meet and ensure timeous project deadlines while most of these valves had to be imported. “We had to ensure that delivery was on time to prevent any possible project delays.”

He notes, however, that the valves, having arrived according to plan and supplied by Incledon, have not yet been installed on the pipeline, owing to a delay in the supply of the steel fittings and pipes.

The bulk pipeline project will ensure that water is supplied to the local community and Incledon has gained exposure for its range of ARI air valves in the local market, Deysel states.

Further, Taylor notes that there is increased awareness among contractors and engineers across the valves industry regarding the need for air valves in pipelines, which is confirmed by the increased demand for these products.

He adds that Incledon provides valve training and issues certificates to course attendees, which helps to alleviate the skills challenge experienced across all local industrial sectors and within government.

“The training provides a basic understanding of how air valves function in a pipeline and why they are necessary,” Deysel explains, adding that the company also provides much informal training on site.

Taylor notes that the valves market is buoyant, with Incledon pricing tenders every day for different products, pipes and fittings. “The growing demand for valves is experienced locally as government is investing in infra- structure to provide water for citizens.”

Looking Back
ARIFlowControl was formed in 1999, when an Israeli-based valves company, ARI, entered into a joint venture agreement with South Africa-based valves manufacturer Floquip Valves and Johan Barnard of valves company Lomsin to market a new range of air-release valves locally.

“The South African market is considered to be important, as it offers considerable business opportunities as well as a high level of engineer- ing, which shows an appreciation for quality products,” ARI marketing manager Dan Cohen told Engineering News in November 1999.

At the time, the 19-year-old company already had distributors worldwide, including Australia, China, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, Vietnam, France and the US.

It also had a strong presence in the UK, with three big companies, and a network of distributors throughout South America; it was also expanding into the Eastern countries and Canada.

Although the company had sold its product in South Africa before, Cohen said, from a stra- tegic point of view, the company had recognised the value of having a greater presence in the country.

“We feel that South Africa should be one of our most important markets and we want to bring investment into the country to support local employment in industry.

“Besides distributing the product through the new company here, there is a possibility of setting up manufacturing facilities in the country,” he added in 1999.

Currently, the company manufactures and markets a line of air valves, check valves and unmeasured flow reducers. It also provides software system analyses for surge and air-valve sizing and placement, with branches in the US, Germany, Russia, China and South Africa, and markets in more than 90 countries worldwide.