Massive boost for AVK UK control valve assembly and testing
Control valve production at AVK UK has received a massive boost after the opening of a new assembly and testing facility at Glenfield Invicta in Kilmarnock, Scotland. 02-10-2024
Every AVK UK series 879 control valve rolling off the production line at the new site is hand-assembled to customers’ exact specifications by a highly experienced team of engineers.
The UK facility, based at Glenfield Invicta Ltd, part of the AVK UK Group of Companies, ensures complete control of quality from start to finish and reduced lead times on all control valve orders – which can be as early as the next working day.
It is also one of the only sites in the UK with dynamic testing capabilities, meaning each valve is rigorously tested to ensure it meets all operational requirements, before being packaged and shipped to customers.
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Among them is Gordon Currie and Huzaifah Ahmed Saleem. Gordon, who has almost 40 years’ engineering experience, works on the assembly and testing line. While our Technical Project Manager Huzaifah oversees the control valve facility, managing the process from development to testing, ensuring each product meets the customer's required specifications before shipping.
Earlier this month, the AVK UK Smart Water and Pressure Management team hosted a visit and tour from United Utilities at the Kilmarnock facility, which included a behind-the-scenes look at the control valve assembly and testing processes. This tour also included a look into the Glenfield Invicta operations and gave visitors an insight into the 170 history of Glenfield Invicta.
The visit was a valuable opportunity to engage, strengthen partnerships, and share insights with United Utilities, for whom AVK UK is a framework contract supplier of control valves.
Anthony Whittam, Head of Smart Water and Pressure Management for AVK UK, said: “The new Kilmarnock assembly and testing facility allows us to reduce lead times on our control valve products. The valves are built to customer specifications, with complete control on quality, and can be delivered as soon as the next working day.
“Everything assembled at the facility is tested before it goes out to the customer. We have heavily invested in a dynamic test bench – one of few in the UK – which ensures a thorough testing process.
“For example, instead of simply testing for leaks, such as on a static test bench, we can alter the pressure going through the valve to ensure the hydraulic pilot system is working correctly.
“This facility allows us to test every part of the control valve, as opposed to simply looking for leaks at a set pressure. We’re testing to a very high standard before the product leaves the factory, ensuring optimal performance in the field.”
The series 879 is highly versatile, ensuring it can meet extremely varied and complex requirements. Some of the more common applications include:
Pressure Sustaining/Relief Control Valve (PSV) – secure minimum upstream pressure.
See the full range of control valves here.
The pressure management devices are also available with state-of-the-art Smart Water monitoring technology, including VIDI Flow and VIDI Pressure. These collect and transmit data directly from assets on the water distribution network, allowing remote diagnostics, optimising network efficiency, the ability to prioritise and manage maintenance issues, and raising the alarm if issues arise.
Alongside the high-quality series 879 control valves, we offer first-rate product support, favourable servicing terms, and free training and development opportunities for your team.