The new, optimised Runxin F135 duplex valve has been introduced to the South African market to improve water treatment processes by enhancing water softening and ensuring consistent water quality, says Benoni-based industrial boiler and water treatment solutions provider Allmech – a supplier of Runxin valves.

The valve is ideal for manufacturing processes that require effective water treatment, and to allow for optimal boiler performance, says Allmech water treatment technician Lucas Makgopa.

Applications include boiler feed optimisation, cleaning systems, cooling, dye baths, mixing, rinsing and steam generation, in sectors such as chemicals, textiles and pharmaceuticals manufacturing, food and beverage processing, glass production, mineral processing, as well as paper and pulp mills.

“The Runxin F135 duplex valve’s ability to control two vessels through a single valve offers a compelling operational advantage for industries that demand continuous, high-volume water treatment – especially where downtime is costly or disruptive.”

Allowing for alternating service and regeneration between two vessels, the F135 ensures uninterrupted water flow, simplified control logic and a reduced footprint, adds Makgopa.

The Runxin F135 duplex valve system’s providing consistent soft water supply effectively assists in preventing calcium and magnesium buildup on boiler tubes and heat exchangers.

Makgopa also notes that it eliminates downtime during peak steam demand, as soft water reduces hardness carryover into steam and condensate systems, he adds.

Given the common challenges inherent in valve system installation, including the frequent misidentification of inlet and outlet ports, Runxin F135 valves are clearly marked with ‘inlet’ and ‘outlet’ indicators.

Allmech MD Lionel Maasdorp also highlights other challenges, such as faulty wiring to the distribution board causing a communication error with the valve system, lack of proper bypass installation and/or ensuring that the bypass is closed during initial operational stages.

As testament to the duplex valve system’s efficiency, he cites an installation at a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility that required high-purity water for formulation, cleaning and equipment rinsing.

Using the valves allowed for the realisation of several benefits, but “most crucially”, a continuous supply of soft water for pretreatment processes, before reverse osmosis and/or deionisation, thereby ensuring consistent feedwater quality.

Further, amid limited space, the valve system’s compact footprint and “enhanced hygiene” was well suited to the cleanroom- adjacent utility areas, says Maasdorp.

Allmech supported the facility’s good practice compliance by simplifying the control logic in validated systems, which also reduced the risk of programming errors.

The risk of contamination also decreased, as the company ensured that the system resulted in less maintenance and fewer overall interventions.

Maasdorp says Allmech offers clients help to maintain the Runxin F135 valve system and provides access to machine components to ensure that the system performs optimally, regardless of the application.

Should there be a malfunction or technical issue, the company provides comprehensive support through its WhatsApp line and direct contact with its technical team. Clients also have access to detailed manuals that are available on the company’s website, and they can bring the valve system components to the testing station, in Morehill, Benoni, for hands-on assistance.

Maasdorp emphasises that the Runxin F135 duplex valve is an important “upgrade” for many multidisciplinary manufacturers and industry players reliant on water treatment for their operations, adding that it is highly resistant to wear and is “easy to service”.

It has only one motor and one set of seals, which reduces the spares inventory and simplifies technician training, in addition to “a lower upfront cost than two control valves interconnected to make a duplex softener system,” he concludes.