Dynamic fluid control company Aveng Manu- facturing Dynamic Fluid Control (DFC) aims to introduce its lugged wafer (LW) valve range – a refinement of valve manufacturer Insamcor’s knife-gate concept used in mining, power generation, steel production and paper manufacturing – to the Australian market by mid-2013.

The LW range is readily avail- able in South Africa, Central Africa and West Africa, with a positive response received from these countries. “Expanding the range to the Australian market will enable the company to extend its international footprint and establish a growing market on this continent,” Aveng Manufacturing DFC mining division executive director Pat Stander tells Engi- neering News.

The range development was completed at Aveng Manufac- turing DFC’s workshop, in Benoni, and launched towards the end of 2012, Stander notes.

He highlights that the technology offers trouble-free operation in slurry applications as it features a mechanically restrained primary body seal, specifically molded to eliminate seat pockets and cavities, as well as a secondary transverse seal, which increases the wear life of the primary body by acting as a scraper.

Other features incorporated in the LW range include a valve gate, which is guided throughout the full length of the product’s stroke; self-cleaning corner flushing in the sealing area, which prevents deposit build-up; and a full-bore unrestricted flow area to eliminate seat pockets and cavities, Aveng Manufacturing DFC states.

The range also offers bidirectional leakproof sealing across the valve bore and an adjustable stuffing box and gland design.

All valves are fitted with mounting plates designed to accept manual, pneumatic, electric and hydraulic actuation, and yokes that allow for the easy mounting of proximity and limit switches, the company reports.

The LW range is available in sizes from DN50 to DN600 – all with a standard 10 bar pressure rating and an optional 16 bar rating offered on sizes up to DN150. Several different gate and seal materials are also available, with a choice of Vee or penta- gonal ports for flow control.