In February this year,Incledon played a role in the development of rural water infrastructure by supplying R500 000 worth of ARI air-release valves to a large bulk pipeline project in Limpopo.

The Sekuruwe to Fothane project is one of the highest value air-valve projects in Limpopo’s history, and involves the installation of a 15 km steel bulk pipeline by the appointed contractor L&R Civil, a company of Raubex Group Limited that specialises in bulk water, sewer and stormwater reticulation.

L&R Civil predominantly tenders on government contracts and has an asset register of over R25 million, with annual turnover exceeding R120 million. The Johannesburg-based company commissioned Incledon to supply the ARI air valves in sizes ranging between 100 and 300 mm.

Israel-based ARI is an internationallyrecognised focused manufacturer and solutions provider for the protection of liquid transmission systems, including air valves, check valves, unmeasured flow reducers and software system analyses for surge and air valve sizing and placement.

Incledon civils representative, Alan Taylor, notes that all the ARI air-release valves supplied to the project are Pressure Nominal (PN) 16 and 25 pressure operated, and are designed to discharge air from the pipe, in order to allow for the efficient filling of the pipeline.

“The ARI air-release valves supplied to the project are designed to release accumulated air that comes out of solution within the pressurised pipeline. This air is in bubble formation, and gathers at localised high points along the pipeline profile. The accumulation will occur when the bubble’s buoyancy is greater than the energy to convey the bubble with the liquid,” he explains.

Taylor points out that by releasing the excessive air, the ARI air-release valves contribute to the improvement of the efficiency of the water system, while contributing to the reduction of water losses and leakage.

“The installation of ARI air-release valves also reduces the vulnerability and damage to pipelines, connections, accessories and pumps – thereby reducing maintenance costs.”

According to Taylor, Incledon faced a number of logistical challenges during the delivery of the valves.

“Due to the fact that the majority of the valves had to be imported, we faced a number of time constraints, and the project could not afford any delays whatsoever.”

He highlights the fact that, due to a strong working relationship and mutual understanding between the two companies, Incledon was able to ensure that all the ARI air-release valves were successfully delivered on-site at the agreed deadline and within budget.

Looking at the South African valves market in general, Taylor indicates that there has recently been a measurable increase in demand for air valves among contractors and engineers.

“The local industry is becoming increasingly aware of the fact that air valves are an integral part of a water transmission system, as they protect the pipeline from pressure transients and possible collapse.”

Due to increased investment in infrastructural projects across South Africa, Taylor is optimistic of the future outlook.

“The growing demand for valves is a direct result of government placing greater focus on developing improved water supply infrastructure. With this in mind, Incledon is regularly submitting tenders not only for the supply of valves, but pipes and fittings too,” he maintains.