Fluid conveyance products and solutions provider Incledon recently supplied more than R5.5-million of butterfly valves and stainless-steel ball valves to a local coal-fired power plant construction project.

As the appointed underground service and general service piping contractor to the power plant construction project, Incledon, in December, started facilitating the delivery of 800 butterfly valves from Germany-based valve manufacturer VAG and 100 stainless steel ball valves from China-based Teji.

Owing to the large scale of the project, quality control is closely regulated, says Incledon key accounts representative Dewald Hattingh, who further reveals that the VAG EKN Series 13 butterfly valves were specified for the project's potable, fire and bulk water applications, which are commonly used in mining applications.

"VAG is recognised as a leading valve manufacturer, for which Incledon has been a trusted local distributor for 15 years. The VAG EKN Series 13 butterfly valves were specified for the project, thanks to a unique design, which ensures that the flow medium does not make contact with the valve's shaft, owing to the O-rings protecting the area around the shaft bearings. This eliminates the risk of premature piping system shutdowns as a result of valve failure,” says Hattingh.

He further highlights that the VAG EKN Series 13 double offset flanged butterfly valve with epoxy coating also contains a microfinished nickel chromium overlay seat, which is welded to the body of the valve.

"This ensures that the weld overlay seat is wear- and corrosion-resistant. The unique design of the VAG EKN Series 13 range prevents any corrosion between the valve seat and body, and between the valve shaft and the body or disc of the valve. This ensures a prolonged operating life span and additional peace-of-mind for the contractor," he continues.

The VAG butterfly valves being supplied to the power plant construction project range in size from 80 mm nominal bore (NB) to 400 mm NB, to meet the varying demands of each individual application. They are PN 16 pressure rated, which guarantees that the valve will operate at pressures of up to 16 bar.

Hattingh further notes that the Teji stainless steel ball valves are being supplied to the project in 50 mm NB. Incledon is the sole South African importer and distributor of Teji valves.

"Teji valves conform to the highest international quality standards and, as Incledon is the sole importer and distributor in South Africa, the specification through to complete supply chain management is streamlined, and turnaround times are substantially improved.The 50 mm stainless steel ball valves are rated at 16 bar and are being used for shutoff applications at the project, owing to their durability. They are also easy to repair and operate," Hattingh asserts.

In addition to the valves, Incledon provided the project with a complete valve box arrangement, comprising fabricated steel specials, bolts, nuts and gaskets.

Hattingh believes that a strong working relationship between Incledon and the appointed contractor has limited any potential setbacks. "A project of this nature is bound to have numerous challenges; however, a mutual understanding between Incledon and the contractor has avoided any unnecessary downtime. As a result, our scope of the project is running efficiently and in accordance with the project plan," concludes Hattingh.