Supplier introduces diaphragm valve to African market

4th November 2016 By: Nadine James - Features Deputy Editor

Supplier introduces diaphragm valve to African market

DK DIAPHRAGM VALVE DK series is suited to industrial applications, specifically those pertaining to chemical and industrial processes or water purification

Valves supplier Astore Africa officially introduced the DK diaphragm valve to the African market at the Electra Mining Africa exhibition, held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in September.

Astore Africa product manager Francois van Vuuren notes that the DK range, developed by Italian industrial valves manufacturer FIP, was initially launched in Europe last year. He notes that the range was available in South Africa prior to the Electra Mining launch in 2016, as Astore Africa had advised clients throughout the year to upgrade and replace VM diaphragm valves with the DK series.

Van Vuuren explains that the DK diaphragm valves are used in various different industrial duties and chemical applications. “The internal geometry of the valve structure optimises fluid dynamic efficiency by increasing the flow rate and ensuring an optimum linearity of the flow adjustment curve.”

The valve series, available in sizes of between 20 mm and 75 mm, with a pressure rating of PN10, is compact and light, with an innovative handwheel equipped with a patented locking device that allows for it to be adjusted and locked from 300 possible positions.

Further, the new series also comes equipped with an enhanced tamper- and waterproof design, PP-GR corrosion resistant operating mechanism, and a new tagging system for identification and verification purposes. The series includes an optical position indicator and can be wall mounted.

The DK series includes manual and pneumatically actuated valves, specifically designed for thermoplastic pipeline systems. Van Vuuren comments that the series also comes in several different materials, depending on the application of the valve and the abrasiveness of the substance being conveyed.

“The DK series is suited to industrial applications, specifically those pertaining to chemical and industrial processes or water purification. Depending on the application, clients can choose between valves made of various thermoplastics, including UPVC, PP, ABS, CPVC and PVDF, the first being well suited to light fluids, while the last is best suited to abrasive substances,” Van Vuuren points out.

“There is nothing like the DK series currently available in South Africa, as its unique features elevate it above competitors’ diaphragm valves,” he states.

Additionally, the growing market for specialised valves, such as the DK series, has not been as adversely affected by the current depressed global economic conditions as other markets have been because companies and clients are willing to pay for the benefits derived from using an application-specific valve, rather than employing a generic valve at a cheaper price, Van Vuuren explains.

Astore Africa is a market leader in the supply of thermoplastic pipes and fittings and is the sole distributor of FIP products in South Africa. He notes that the company’s global partnerships and commitment to supplying quality products has ensured that it remains competitive and relevant in an African context.