ULTRA ACV FAILURE PROOF PRESSURE REDUCING STATION
Gate Valve
Strainer
Ultra Ratio Reducing Valve
Gate Valve
ACTUATION
ARI D-050 Air Valve
Gate Valve
Reducer
pilot-operated PRVs, which can fail catastrophically in the open or closed position, the piston-actuated RRV is inherently failure-proof in its duty cycle. If a seal or O-ring is compromised, the valve does not fail entirely. Instead, a“ telltale” stream of water shows through the piston breather hole, indicating a minor leak. Critically, the valve continues to perform its pressure-reducing duty, allowing maintenance to be scheduled rather than reacted to as an emergency. This feature led to the design of an“ inherently safe” pressure reducing station, which can be safely used in place of a break pressure tank. Simplified Maintenance- The simple piston mechanism means maintenance shifts away from complex pilot circuits. Technicians focus primarily on inspecting and replacing specialised soft seals, drastically reducing labour time, troubleshooting complexity, and the inventory of spare parts required. Pipeline protection and longevity- The RRV is essential for pipeline segmentation. By safely and reliably stepping down the bulk of the pressure head, it ensures that all downstream equipment, which is typically rated for much lower pressures, operates within its optimal design range. This protective function significantly extends the lifespan of the entire network.
Conclusion
As global infrastructure demands greater resilience and efficiency, the engineering focus must shift toward robust simplicity. The development and deployment of specialised Ratio Reducing Valves, capable of handling large sizes( up to 500mm) and extreme pressures( exceeding 150bar), marks a necessary evolution in flow control technology. By focusing on mechanical reliability, staged pressure dissipation, and critical fail-safe design, engineers can specify solutions that offer predictable performance, minimal maintenance intervention, and a demonstrable reduction in longterm operational costs. This innovation ensures the guardian of the water network can meet the escalating requirements for sustainability and TCO in the 21st century.
About the author Peter Telle is the Founder and CEO of Ultra Control Valves( UCV), a specialist engineering company based in South Africa. A qualified engineer( BSc Mech Eng, MBL), Telle first entered the valve industry in 1978 and dedicated his career to the development and application of Automatic Water Control valves. UCV focuses on delivering engineering solutions where Total Cost of Ownership( TCO) and reliability are paramount. Telle’ s practical expertise in Water Hammer and Surge Analysis is supported by UCV’ s association with leading academic and industry partners.
Maric
ACV BT16 Relief Valve
SOLENOID VALVES
Duo connectors for solenoid valves
An innovation from Ohio-based Canfield
Connector has streamlined connectivity for double solenoid hydraulic valves, resulting in fewer cables and greater reliability.
By Canfield Connector
In a move designed to simplify wiring for double solenoid hydraulic valves while enhancing durability and performance in extreme environments, Canfield Connector has developed the GatorMate GTMC Deutsch Style Duo Connector, a highperformance connectivity solution. Built to withstand the toughest industrial and mobile conditions, the GTMC system brings a new level of efficiency to valve wiring. It features a single multi-paired cable that connects to the first solenoid via a rugged DT0 2-pin Deutsch connector and then jumps power and signal to the second solenoid through a compact GT 180 connector. This design significantly reduces cable bulk, minimises installation time, and eliminates unnecessary connections— without sacrificing reliability.“ The GTMC is a great example of how we continue to push connector innovation forward,” said Todd Harmon, Vice President of Canfield Industries.“ It not only simplifies system architecture, it’ s designed to perform where it matters most— in harsh, demanding environments where uptime and ease of installation are critical.”
Fully customisable
The GatorMate GTMC is fully customisable, and is available in various cable lengths to meet diverse application needs. For added functionality and protection, both connectors can be equipped with indicator lights and surge suppression options. These features make the GTMC ideal for OEMs and system designers who demand high-performance solutions for hydraulic or pneumatic systems in construction, agriculture, manufacturing, automation, and for use in hydraulic power units.
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