Mitech has received a substantial order for rubber lined butterfly valves for Umgeni Water’s storage and purification plants situated between Pinetown and Durban. The valves are used to isolate the reservoirs, either in opening or closing, to allow the water to pass through to individual municipalities. Water entering the reservoir will also be passed through the new valves which are able to cope with pressures of up to 16 Bar.
In order to secure the order, Mitech had to comply with stringent requirements and the company’s 100% localisation was a key factor. “This order is a significant breakthrough, not only for Mitech, but for all South African valve and actuator manufacturers. It underlines the willingness of SOCs to support locally manufactured products and the readiness of local manufacturers to produce world class, quality products,” explains Mitech MD, Jacob Mtolo.
Back (left to right): Waylon Naidoo (Mitech KZN), Monica Malunga (Umgeni Water), Pieter Badenhorst (Mitech). Front: Victor Hlophe (Umgeni Water), Cyril Gamede (Umgeni Water), Thulani Mpotshane (Umgeni Water) and Nevil Naidoo (Mitech KZN).
The order was for a total of 42 valves ranging in sizes from 300 mm to 1,6 m. The rubber lined butterfly valves are robust, corrosion resistant and feature an EPDM liner. During the manufacturing process different techniques were applied, including the bonding of the rubber lining. Mitech’s new factory lends itself to these techniques and has an on-site autoclave allowing for quicker turnaround times. The valves are manufactured from special materials including the WCB carbon steel body and duplex stainless steel shafts and disks to cope with the chlorine content in the water, as well as the EPDM Liner to eliminate leakage.
Umgeni Water was impressed by Mitech’s capabilities, its compliance with local content, the creation of new jobs, as well as quick delivery and excellent back-up service. The order will further strengthen Mitech’s position as a top supplier of valves, both locally and internationally.
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