AVK InterLink no 41

EXPECT stories from the AVK world

DEAR READER Non-revenue water has been in focus for many years and still, attention is constantly drawn to the subject. And for a very good reason; we cannot afford to pump unnecessary amounts of drinking water into the subsurface or to use an unnecessary amount of electricity. We have to keep leakages to a minimum to secure as much drinking water as possible for thirsty consumers, and at the same time save energy to help reduce the global CO2 emission. In some parts of the world, the population and urbanization increase faster than the water supply is able to keep up with and here, it is even more important to reduce the non-revenue water. On page 8 you can read more about how AVK products help reduce water waste and in continuation of this, we have an article from Romania which describes AVK´s cooperation with a water supply company to find the right solution for valves and accessories in connection with renovation of a larger supply net. At AVK we focus on reducing CO2 emissions to the atmosphere and this is also part of our new branding project “Expect… AVK”. We have drawn up eight promises and keeping these promises will enable us to supply our customers with products and solutions that are operational for many years. We want to give our customers the opportunity to invest in products that are maintenance free and drop- tight to prevent leakage and avoid digging up valves for repair. Another way to reduce the water leakage is to lower the water pressure in periods where the water consumption is low. AVK has developed a new series of control valves in close cooperation with a foreign researcher. As mentioned in the article on page 16, the control valve is manufactured at Glenfield Valves and stands out in several significant fields. In the next edition of Interlink we will be able to give you a detailed presentation of this new AVK control valve. Summer has come to the northern hemisphere which means an increase in our activities. I hope you will enjoy reading this edition and I wish you all a lot of success in your businesses.

Published by AVK Holding A/S Chief editor Michael Ramlau Hansen - [email protected] Marketing information Marketing Department, AVK International A/S Technical information Lars Sindal, Bo Ellerup, Kjeld Ravn and Jesper Kallehauge Coordinator Jette Jensen - [email protected] AVK interlink is published 2-3 times a year in 5200 copies. Frontpage picture Hydrant with Lions Head produced at Glenfield to be seen at Stirling Castle in Scotland. Sent in by Sales Enigneer Naveed Anwar, Glenfield Valves Ltd.

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Index Leakage seminar, AVK UK ...............................3 Branding, Expect... AVK ..................................4 Website / Product finder .................................5 The positive environmental impact of (AVK) Plastics ..........................................................6 None Revenue Water ......................................8 Case study from Romania ...............................9 Gate valves - getting better all the time .........10

Erling Freudendahl’s 40th anniversary at AVK ...............................12 Africa - a continent of opportunities ..............14 United utilities’ visit to Glenfield Valves ..........16 Construction of extension of Al Khor Sewage Treatment Works...........................................17 AVK NEWS....................................................18 Competition...................................................20

leakage seminar october 2012

AVK UK

From the hangar that houses the world famous Concorde aircraft, Graham Charnley, AVK UK’s Market Sector Manager hosted a successful exhibition and seminar on water leakage, prevention and maintenance. By Graham Charnley – Market Sector Manager (Water), AVK UK, England 60 delegates and 30 exhibitors enjoyed the majestic presence of Concorde (a feat of engineering) and AVK hospitality at the Runway Centre Exhibition and Conference Hall, Manchester Airport. The engineering theme was accentuated by a comprehensive display of AVK products, from DN25mm air valves to DN600mm gate valves, and complimented by exhibitions from key UK water industry specialists. As market leaders in the supply and design of valves and fittings, AVK UK brought together a

cross section of water experts and papers on the topic of leakage and pipeline management, to share knowledge, experience, innovation and diagnosis, prevention and much more.

and VCS Utility Denmark (How the Danes have approached leakage and network design).

During the course of the day the delegates were treated to a tour on board the Concorde. Attendees – Exhibitors and Delegates: Representatives from Consultants: Atkins, Mouchel, MWH and Mott MacDonald. UK Water Utilities, Yorkshire Water, Northumbrian Water, United Utilities, Thames Water, South West water and Board Gais (Southern Ireland). Contractors: Various associated companies on the supply chain and design. Exhibitors: Sarco Stopper, Glenfield Valves, Hy-Ram, Denholm Pipecare, AVK Industrial, Invicta Valves, AVK Sydall and Busch Penstocks. Speakers & Papers: ARI Valves (Air Valves), Severn Trent Water (Managing your networks), MWH Consultants (Network analysis and Leakage), i2O (Pressure Management), Glenfield Valves (Launch of New Series 859)

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BRANDING expect... AVK

During the past two years, the AVK Group has been working on a corporate branding project: ”Expect …..AVK”. We have drawn up eight promises that we want each AVK company to comply with.

By Michael Ramlau Hansen, Global Brand Manager, AVK Holding A/S

We have defined the eight promises we want to give our customers:

The eight promises do not only include promises to our customers but also internal promises to assure a convergence between what we promise our customers and what we promise ourselves.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

We have set an ambitious goal to become our customers’ preferred supplier of valves, hydrants, fittings and accessories within our four main segments: water, gas, waste water and fire protection. Last summer we started working on the definition of the eight promises. We studied own routines and processes to find potential improvement measures and to find out just how high a goal we could set without failing to fulfil these promises. We also sent questionnaires to our customers to get their feedback on our performance and subsequently, each AVK company has now initiated actions to improve their market approach and the service they offer to the customers.

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Expect solutions, not just products Expect global leadership and local commitment Expect quality in every step Expect a prompt response Expect lasting innovations Expect total savings Expect a long term partnership Expect it to be effective and easy

These promises are made on the basis of our company history that goes back to 1941 when Aage Valdemar Kjaer established a local machine shop. Back then, the guiding principles were quality, customer relations and continuity. These were important values that our owner, Niels Aage Kjaer brought along when he took over his father´s company in 1970 and started developing the first valves which formed the foundation of the AVK we know today.

website / product finder

You can read more about our new branding concept on the global website under the tab “Expect …..AVK”. On the website you will see one of the ways we try to fullfill one of the promises.

By Michael Ramlau Hansen, Global Brand Manager, AVK Holding A/S The global website is part of our fulfilment of the promises. We want our website to be effective and we want it to be easy to find information about our products. Therefore, we have developed a product finder which is a tool to help you find the exact product you are looking for. Here, you can collect the products of your interest and save it as a personal selection. You use the product finder by reviewing the drop down values of standard, segment, application, product category, product type, product series, product PN class, product material, pipe type, connection type, nominal diameter, design standard, approvals, face to face standard, flange drilling and close direction. You can choose one or more of the drop down values depending on how many details you have. The more the information can be narrowed down, the more accurate a product suggestion you will get. If you are familiar with the AVK products you simply write the AVK reference number (hyphens used at datasheets and pricelist have to be typed as well) in the search field and the system will guide you to the requested product. After selecting the products of interest you can download datasheets and drawings.

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The positive environmental impact of (AVK) plastics

Worldwide more and more focus lies on the environmental impact of activities that mankind develops. AVK Plastics BV considers active communication of environmental performances as an integral part of its business.

Environmental Product Declaration M-4057 MD-KU

page: 1/2

Futura range

About AVK Plastics BV AVK Plastics BV, part of the internationally operating AVK Group, specializes in production of high quality synthetic products, by means of both low and high pressure injection moulding. The production, in accordance with leading quality standards, is carried out in modern and well-equipped production facilities.

Fixed height, synthetic lid

Product • M-4057 MD-KU fixed height surface box from the Futura range • Manufactured by AVK Plastics BV in Balk, the Netherlands Functional unit • One surface box, expected lifetime of 50 years

By Foppe Boonstra, Quality Manager, AVK Plastics BV

Material declaration • Listed are materials representing more than 2% mass of the surface box

ISO 14001 Registration and communication of the environmental impact of AVK Plastics BV as an organisation is a wish expressed by many stakeholders. This increased focus was triggered again by the recent introduction of ISO 14001. The introduction of the ISO 14001 environmental management system has been one of the main environmental activities of AVK Plastics BV in the past year, which led to a good overview of the relevant environmental aspects. By setting clear priorities, AVK Plastics BV was able to control and improve environmental performances of the organisation in a thorough manner.

Materials

Annual report AVK Plastics BV has obligated itself to regularly inform stakeholders about the environmental performance and objectives of the organisation, by means of an Annual Environmental Report. This report can be found on the AVK Plastics BV website.

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Materials

Mass (g)

%

Recycled PA/PE

935

72%

PP 40% GF

250

19%

Stainless steel

120

9%

1305

100%

Total

Carbon footprint M-4057 MD-KU Total 3.63 kg CO2 eq.

This Climate Declaration is based on the Lifecycle Assessment methodology with raw material extraction, production, transport and end of life impacts taken into account. The assessment has been supported by SimaPro 7.3 software using the GWP factors (100years) as published by the IPCC in 2007, executed by Beco on behalf of AVK Plastics. No rights can be derived from the information provided by this datasheet. AVK plastics is not liable for any damages resulting from use of the information. The results of the assesment are intended to supply customers with sustainable product information in a general sense.

Carbon Footprint To get a good idea of the environmental impact of surface boxes, produced by AVK Plastics BV, it was decided to calculate the carbon footprint of thirteen different models of surface boxes. To determine the carbon footprint, the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions, necessary for producing the surface box, was calculated. For example the CO2 released with the production of raw materials, transporting raw materials, components or products and manufacturing of the final product. Besides the usual assessment criteria, such as price and quality, the carbon footprint is increasingly used or required as a decision parameter, by customers who want to compare products. AVK Plastics BV will also use the results of these carbon footprints as starting point for improving the environmental performance of their products.   Recycling If used properly, plastic is environmentally friendly. The synthetics used for AVK Plastics’ products are thermoplastics, a type of polymer which can be used repeatedly by melting and remoulding. The environmental aspects of any plastic material do not only imply waste issues, but have to be considered in relation with the use of natural resources, the preservations of foodstuffs etc. AVK Plastics BV considers polyethylene and polyamide to be an environmentally efficient material. Its manufacturing process requires low specific energy consumption and insignificant emissions to air and water designate polyethylene and polyamide as the ecological alternative, in comparison with many other materials. Recycling of plastics is supported by AVK Plastics BV, whenever ecological and social benefits are achieved and where a social infrastructure for selective collecting and sorting of plastics is fostered. Whenever ‘thermal’ recycling of plastic is carried out, polyethylene and polyamide, with its fairly simple molecular structure and low amount of additives, is considered to be a trouble-free thermoplastic. Chemical recycling, which is exclusive to plastics, is a process that breaks down the polymer molecules into petrochemical raw materials that can be used, among other things for making new plastics. Chemical recycling technology has a very important role to play in helping the plastic industry to achieve its objectives for optimising natural resources and maximising recovery. Did you know… • Recycling streams used for producing AVK Plastics’ PE pallets are grinded soda caps?

• Certain types of AVK surface boxes are made from cutting waste from recycled airbags?

This webpage can be found on: www.avkplastics.com/environment.php

Environment online To emphasize the importance of environmental care for the organization, AVK Plastics BV has launched a dedicated “Environment” page on its website where customers and other interested parties can find detailed information on the prior mentioned subjects, including all Environmental Product Declarations, Environmental Certificates, and the Annual Environmental Report.

The positive environmental impact of (AVK) Plastics Each year 6000 tons of waste materials are consumed by AVK Plastics BV, from which the company makes new and high quality synthetic products, extending the lifetime of “old” plastics with another 50 years.

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NON-revenue water

reduction of CO2 In consequence of the increased global climate changes we all have an obligation to help reduce CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. The emissions mainly come from production of energy, e.g. electric energy for the operation of pumps

By Michael Ramlau Hansen, Global Brand Manager, AVK Holding A/S In consequence of the increased global climate changes we all have an obligation to help reduce CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. The emissions mainly come from production of energy, e.g. electric energy for the operation of pumps. Approximately 10 % of the electric energy produced in the world is used in pumps which convey a medium from one place to another. Pump manufacturers are very focused on the development and manufacturing of high efficiency pumps, but what about the entire pipework through which the medium is conveyed? An independent survey of the European water supplies has revealed an average water loss of 26 %, ranging from 8 % as the lowest and up to 61.2 % as the highest. The figures cover leaks and cracks in operational pipes, leaking valves (leak in the flow path) and hydrants from which water can be stolen. AVK has many years of experience in design, development and manufacturing of high quality valves and fittings for water supply. During the

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past 43 years, AVK has gained competences within a wide range of valves, such as resilient seated gate valves, butterfly valves, check valves and control valves. AVK offers solutions that reduce water waste to a minimum. AVK valves are guaranteed drop tight in the flow path. This is of great importance e.g. in connection with pressure testing of new installations or valves mounted as end-of-line. Along with a wide range of shut off valves, AVK also offers a wide range of accessories such as couplings, flange adaptors, fittings and repair clamps. Based on a growing recognition of the global problem with reducing non-revenue water, AVK has developed a series of control valves which help control the pressure or flow of any water supply. Lowering the pressure in a supply network may help reduce water waste, as the pressure difference between the internal pressure and the environment becomes significantly lower, resulting in less leakage through cracks and leaks. The new series of control valves differ from

other control valves in important fields such as the pilot system which is built like a modular system in which changes in mode of operation can be made on site without use of new parts and without use of special tools. The pilot system is made of stainless steel and has a double filter capacity as traditional systems and at the same time, the control valve has an extremely well-functioning control characteristic, also at low pressure.

Case study from Romania Romania is a country located at the intersection of Central and Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea. Measured by area, Romania is the ninth largest country in the European Union and with its more than 19 million people the country has the seventh largest population. By Felix Gyori, Chief of Operations and Transactions, AVK International A/S - Romania Today, many Romanian Supply Companies use gate valves, extension spindles and air valves from AVK. However, up until year 2000 only metal seated gate valves were used causing some problems in relation to shut off tightness and spindle defects. The below mentioned case study comes from a larger water supply company in Romania which has a supply area that covers 60 km², a water network length of around 400 km, and a population of approx. 200,000 people. In 2004 and 2005 this water supply company started a program for modernisation and extension of the water- and sewage networks. The program included a replacement of old pipes by new PE pipes using AVK gate valves, mainly short body, and new and modern solutions for pumping and pressure regulation. Butterfly valves were used in the beginning of this modernisation, but considering the potential risks, the trend was to use only gate valves, especially on the main lines. As a result of this modernisation, the water supply company registered a leakage reduction of more than 10 % and also reduced operating costs (as a result of the leakage free system).

products. At first, the water supply company used PVC pipes and T-keys for valve operation. These pipes, once clogged with soil and asphalt, made it impossible to operate the valve and led to a quick decision to also include extension spindles. Today, the same solution is used: up to DN 200 – direct buried gate valves and from DN 250 and up – mounted in manholes. The water supply company responds that the main advantages of using AVK products are: • The tightness of the valves in closed position (this was very problematic on the metal seated gate valves) • The possibility to cut off the water in small areas when necessary (this was impossible or quite difficult before) • An optimum delimitation of distribution areas • The easy access to valves regardless of the condition of the streets using extension spindles • Lowering the installation costs by eliminating some manholes • Fast and secure handling of hydrants

Using air valves also has a positive impact on the network functionality. Some of the main advantages are: • Good quality • Reduction of the hydraulic problems in the network • Easy installation • Non-corrosive material • There were no water losses during the operation. The water supply company is satisfied with AVK’s products and expects to continue this good relation for the following years. In addition, indications show that they are probably interested in expanding the product range with the new innovative control valves from AVK. Herewith, they will be able to reduce the water pressure when the water consumption is low; both in the new system and in the older system that is yet to be renovated.

Between 2004 and 2007 there was a direct agreement between AVK and the water supply company. The products were supplied directly from Denmark, but due to requirements of improved delivery time and local support two Romanian distributors, Elsaco and Fusion, assumed the distribution process as of 2008. A direct buried solution was selected and this was the argument for using high quality

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Gate valves - getting better all the time

AVK UK

Stuart Montgomery, AVK UK, Market Sector Manager for waste water, outlines the on-going story of continuous technical refinement embodied in one of the water industry’s most enduring products.

By Stuart Montgomery, Market Sector Manager, AVK UK

- and the majority of valves continue to give satisfactory service for many years after that.

The standard wedge gate valve has been a main-stay of water pipelines for so long that it is in danger of being interpreted as a commodity product that can be taken for granted. Yet to do so would ignore the immense value to the industry of the many developments that have taken place in the product over the years; all of them targeted on increasing its versatility and making life simpler for the end user.

Consideration of the last quarter-century alone is enough to show how far we have come with respect to all critical aspects of the product. The choice of construction materials, for example, has progressed, depending on the component, from cast iron to ductile, and from leather seals to EPDM and a whole panoply of other rubbers and plastics - just as corrosion protection systems have moved on from bitumen to the sophisticated epoxy coatings of today.

As a result, reputable UK manufacturers, with UK technical support, are now confident that their valves, when installed and maintained correctly, will have a life span of 25 plus years

Circa 1960’s valve makers electric actuator

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regardless of the size - were still designed with a gland and stuffing box stem sealing system that needed regular maintenance. AVK UK has designed its products to reduce the frequency of maintenance to help deliver the operations efficiency that the UK water industry is striving towards. For example, AVK UK has responded progressively to this need for less maintenance by replacing the stuffing box with the almost maintenance-free O-ring stem seal with wiper ring – for valves up to 300mm in the first instance, and now up to 800mm.

Turning to the much broader topic of wholelife costs, 50 years ago many gate valves -

In addition where resilient seated valves were offered primarily up to DN300, AVK UK can now offer this product range up to DN800 with a fully encapsulated rubber wedge design.

Today’s actuators

An example of open gearing once supplied as standard

Manufacturers no longer have their own idiosyncratic ‘waterworks pattern’ designs, having fallen into line with national and international specifications such as BS 1218, BS5150, BS5163 and more recently BSEN1074. The last 25 years have inevitably seen repeated waves of amalgamations and acquisitions in the industry. For example, Glenfield & Kennedy, with its worldwide reputation, is now an AVK centre of excellence under the name of Glenfield Valves manufacturing larger, as well as specialist, flow/pressure control valves. Guest & Chrimes (large valves) and Bestobell (Water Division) have been absorbed entirely by the Group. To see what that means for gate valves going into the ground today, consider the current AVK series 54 for diameters from DN300 to DN2500, which incorporates the historical contribution of the latter two companies alongside AVK’s present-day innovations. In place of the heavy cast iron construction, open gearing and gland and stuffing box stem seal, which were standard in earlier times, the AVK series 54 is manufactured from ductile iron and has an O-ring stem seal. These improvements make it lighter in weight with considerably less need for maintenance (DN350-DN600). It also has a RAL 5017 blue epoxy coating, fusion-bonded to a thickness of 250 microns, which affords greater protection than traditional black bitumen. Currently, WRAS has approved the complete assembled valve up to DN900 and the individual components and coatings above that size. The design of the AVK series 54 solves two other problems associated with the open type spur gearbox: non-compliance with presentday Health & Safety standards and the need for a non-standard (and therefore costly) keyed shaft with a special ISO top. Instead, the AVK series 54 UTI DN600 is supplied as

standard complete with a keyed shaft and an ISO mounting flange on which a gearbox or actuator can be mounted without addition or modification. The versatility of the AVK UK series 54 range is further explored in terms of the way the seats are actually fixed to the valve. For example, we currently offer as standard DN350 –DN600 PN16 with seats pressed and DN700- DN1200 PN16 screwed (threaded). Additionally, ‘pinned seats’ are also well within the capability of AVK UK. This allows us to offer the lower costed specification in the first instance with the higher specification available if need be.

For more information relating to the above product ranges, please contact: Stuart Montgomery Market Sector Manager - Waste Water Mobile: +44 (0)7876 798775 Email: [email protected] Graham Charnley Market Sector Manager – Clean Water Mobile: +44 (0) 7778 536288 Email: [email protected] Or visit our website www.avkuk.co.uk

Finally, the problems associated with by-passing a valve have been resolved. In the past, this involved making a longer face-to-face casting which entailed greater cost, longer lead-time, a larger working envelope for the contractor and the need for end users to hold higher stocks. These are avoided by the design of the AVK series 54, which has a standard face-to-face and pre-connection boss incorporated as part of the casting allowing the bypass to be fitted easily in house – or retro-fitted, if necessary. This is not the end of the story; AVK is committed to the continual improvement of all its products including gate valve technology, at the service stage, design stage, on trial or ready for markets. AVK will continue this story of innovation and development, identifying new materials to bring cutting edge technology into the arena – every one of them inspired by the needs of the industry it serves.

Redevelopment of S37 metal seated valve

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. For example, problem: valves over DN300 had long lead times. Solution: AVK UK invested in a dedicated warehouse where large valves above, up to and including DN1000 can be supplied - ideal for prompt start up or emergency requirements.

Extended range for S21 resilient seated valves

S54 Valve body without bypass fitted

S54 Valve body with bypass fitted

New reinforced lightweight and robust plastic guard for check valves

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Erling Freudendahl’s th 40 anniversary at AVK

40 years at avk

In 1970 Niels A. Kjær took over his father´s machine shop and started development and production of gate valves – the first one being our socket gate valve series 01 for PVC pipes. Back then the company had 12-15 employees and the production was carried out in a 1,000 m2 workshop at Smedeskovvej in Galten. Only a few years later – on 1st May 1973 – Niels A. Kjær employed Erling Freudendahl as the first office worker at Smedeskovvej and since then Erling has played an important role in the development of AVK´s extensive product program. Erling was employed as Development Engineer and his job was to design and start up new products. So while Niels A. Kjær was on the move making new business relations, Erling was in charge of development, design and startup of products. At the same time, Erling was also responsible for purchase and delivery

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to the customers Nordisk Wavin and Brødrene Dahl in Denmark. It was a productive period and soon AVK´s valve program consisted not only of socket gate valves but also flanged gate valves, service connection valves and the red fire hydrant which had been developed in close cooperation with the municipality and the fire department in Aarhus. AVK was developing rapidly and Erling employed people to handle purchase, production planning and quality assurance.

In 1975 AVK started exporting to Germany and Erling also played a significant role in this. The very first delivery of valves to Germany was brought by Erling in his own car to the Danish-German border where the valves were handed over to the German distributor who then transported them in his car to the customer. Erling has always had a strong interest in and focus on product development and, regardless of the significant growth in AVK, Erling has always been able to keep one step ahead when

it comes to development of new products and update of existing ones – first as Development Manager of AVK Maskinfabrik A/S and since 1992 as Development Manager of AVK Holding A/S with the responsibility of AVK´s global product program. The AVK product range continues to widen and Erling keeps on being a huge contributor due to his many creative suggestions - lately the new type of coupling, the SUPA MAXI™ which has been patented worldwide and sells well in many countries. His motto is “you must know your competitors and your markets to be a market leader with competitive quality products” and over the years, his inventions and ideas have certainly supported AVK in keeping a leading market position. The AVK Group benefits a great deal from Erling´s experience and knowledge, and in 2008 he was appointed Senior Technical Manager. In this position he is in contact with colleagues in AVK companies around the world to assist when new projects are launched and to coach younger colleagues how to develop products “the AVK way” to ensure the continuation of the high standards we set at AVK. We thank Erling for his hard work and dedicated efforts through his 40 years with AVK.

Some of Erling Freudendahl’s drawings showing the diversity of his work The celebration of Erling Freudendahl’s 40 years anniversary, 1st May 2013

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africa - a continent of opportunities

AVK IN africa

Recently, we have seen a lot of focus on Africa, a continent which is described by many as the new continent of opportunities. by Stein Shierenbeck, Area Sales Manager, AVK International A/S Africa is not merely a vast continent (it covers 20 % of the world surfaces), it also facilitates 13.2 % of the world population. This population is estimated to double by year 2050 to become approx. 2 billion. It is assumed that 80-85 % of this growth will take place in the urbanized areas. Africa is a poor continent when measured by economical standards – with 13.2 % of the world population it delivers only 4.7 % of the world GNP. In addition to this, Africa is a most complex continent. It encompasses 54 countries, from Algeria in the north to South Africa in the south, from Gambia in the west to Somalia in the east. In terms of demographics one can also say that Africa is most complex – with countries in the north mainly consisting of deserts, to the more semi temperate countries in the south. Africa is rich on natural resources, varying from oil and gas in the north and a number of West African countries, to a wide range of minerals in the more central parts of Africa. Africa is also complex within the world of AVK, as the continent is covered by several AVK companies. The countries below equator are covered by AVK South Africa, who has local representatives in some countries where other countries are covered directly from South Africa. North of equator, the continent is covered by AVK International A/S, though with some exceptions; Egypt is covered by AVK Gulf, and the French speaking countries in the north western part are covered by AVK Maghreb in Morocco. The total AVK sales in Africa is only a little more than 1 % of the total group sales. Given the parameters in the first section of this article, one can easily see that Africa is a huge potential for AVK and definitely a market worth focusing on. It should also be mentioned that the present total market potential in most of the African countries cannot be compared at all with those of the more mature markets in other parts of the world in relation to size and populations. Many African countries have a very low GNP, thus reflecting the overall economic activities in those countries.

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However - the combination of the estimated population growth and the urbanization of this together with the untapped opportunities and the need of infrastructural investments obviously gives an enormous market potential in the years to come and hence worth focusing on. For the time being, AVK is well covered in markets like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. Much of our sales to the African markets go through international contractors and as a consequence of this, it is sometimes difficult to define the actual sales to these markets. AVK South Africa has been present for several years in some of their markets, and they are covering them well. AVK International A/S has been active in some of the West African countries since 2008, and we now start seeing the result of our efforts. Egypt has been covered by AVK Gulf for several years, and the efforts in the north west of Africa just started a couple of years ago. It takes years to develop a market in this part of the world. Opportunities are very often combined with challenges and there are many challenges in Africa, but nothing that cannot be overcome. One just has to be aware of them and know how to cope with them. A global company like AVK has the ability to deal with these challenges. It would take too long to list all challenges, but a few of the more typical ones are mentioned here: Africa is a continent of tribes and hence consists of many different cultures. Each culture must be dealt with individually which again means that good knowledge of local culture and conditions in each market is mandatory. This can only be achieved by good local presence, either by own efforts or through local representatives.

Contractors. A major part of our sales go through contractors – international as well as local. As the customers in Africa mainly lack financial ability and hence to a high degree are depending on international funding, they often choose a contractor who provides project financing as well. In these situations, the contractors are often 50 % cheaper as they are free to decide what brand to deliver; and in 90 % of the cases they provide their own cheap local brands of inferior quality which make it impossible for AVK to compete on price. But price and quality are connected. In order to win such projects in future, we have to keep promoting our quality products because product quality really matters in Africa, partly due to the environmental conditions and partly due to the lack of maintenance. Local representation. It is often difficult to find the right local representation. Indeed; there are many representatives who claim that they can work for you and do great, but this does not mean that they have the capacity to do so. A good local representation is imperative because this person will know the local conditions and will have the capacity to manoeuvre within those conditions to put AVK in a position to get the business. The low market saturation combined with the high increase in population and urbanization will trigger huge infrastructural investments in the future, and it is imperative that AVK is an active player in this market. Despite the challenges mentioned above, I for my part can only say that it has been a pleasure working in the African markets. I have come across very professional people with only the best of intentions – people that I have come to respect and love for their battling of the conditions under which they work.

African time. Needless to say, the continent and its people has a different approach to this element than what we are used to in other and more economically developed parts of the world. This means that “things take time” in Africa …...

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united utilities visit to Glenfield valves

Glenfield Valves was the location for the most recent of AVK UK’s customer factory tours. United Utilities (UU) engineers recently made the trip north to Kilmarnock, Scotland to better understand the process of valve making. By Stuart Montgomery, Market Sector Manager, AVK UK UU, one of the larger water companies providing services to over seven million people in the north of England, is investing heavily in major schemes where large and specialist valving is required. The group of engineers was headed up by UU’s Dave Moston, Project Engineer. The group got the opportunity to get up close to some of AVK’s larger valves, manufactured at the Glenfield site. The picture (right) shows the team next to a DN1600 series 54 gate valve recently manufactured. Pictured alongside Dave Moston (fourth from right) was Dave Beckett; AVK UK’s Key Account Manager for the UU region. Dave said “It’s always great to show the factory to our customers, often engineers never see inside our valves so it’s a good opportunity to see not only how they are made but also the inside workings ”. Pictured far left is Jon Badrock, Glenfield’s Managing Director. Glenfield Valves have manufactured specialist valves at the same location since 1852 and so it was only right that the Kilmarnock site has been chosen to manufacture and launch the new Glenfield series 859 AUTOMATIC control valve. As seen in the small picture, Phil Rough, Product Manager is demonstrating the modular and interchangeable features of the new design to the group of UU engineers. The valve, available to all AVK group companies around the world, has been designed specifically by Glenfield and AVK engineers and includes a patented design unique to this valve.

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Construction of Extension of Al Khor Sewage Treatment Works

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In January 2013 AVK Syddal secured its largest single order to date for more than £90,000 of fittings for an Ashghal Public Works Authority project in the Gulf. AVK Gulf secured this order working with contractors Solid General Construction against stiff competition. By: Fran Brody, Managing Director, AVK Syddal, England This extension to an existing works was designed to address two main issues; to increase the capability to treat raw sewage and then to supply the treated effluent to new development areas for irrigation for landscaping. The scheme required the extension of the Al Khor Treated Sewage

Effluent (TSE) transmission pipeline from Al Khor Sewage Treatment Works up to Al Khor Public Gardens, with a further extension to connect the network with Doha North TSE pipeline at Al Khor Public Garden Intersection, with another approximate 1.7km of pipeline to supply Al Khor Southern Entrance Road. The project is due to be completed by October 2013.

A true demonstration of effective teamwork across AVK (especially the highly skilled fabrications team at AVK Syddal) ensured that the fittings were available as promised, to an enhanced specification and were shipped on the 1st March just 6 weeks after the order was received.

AVK Syddal Personnel and Fittings

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AVK News Exhibition in Luxembourg By Helle Timm, Key Account Manager, AVK Belgium, On 28th February 2013 the AVK distributor in Luxembourg organized a conference relevant for the water and gas segments. The conference was supported by Aluseau and Alugaz (the Luxembourgish organizations for water and gas). Our distributor invited his customers to attend the conference and his suppliers to display their products. Both AVK Belgium and AVK Mittelmann (underground hydrants and control valves) participated as exhibitors showing a selected range of products for the water and the gas segment. This type of exhibition is a very good way to get in direct contact with the end-users of our products and from the end-users´ perspective it is a good opportunity to have interesting discussions with the manufacturers, trying to find a good solution for their particular problem. It was a very well organized exhibition with many visitors both from the water and the gas segment. At our stand we had some good discussions with the visitors and many of them were very interested in getting to know more about our product range.

StocExpo 2013, Antwerp

By Helle Timm, Key Account Manager, AVK Belgium, The Storage Terminal Operators’ Conference & Exhibition (StocExpo) took place from the 19th – 21st March 2013 at Antwerp Expo, Belgium. This exhibition provides a platform for terminal operators, traders, regulators as well as equipment suppliers to come together to network and do business. The technologies and services on display include everything from tank design, construction and maintenance, through to innovations in metering and measuring, pumps and valves, automation and loading equipment and of course inspection and certification services, plus a lot more. We signed up as exhibitors for this exhibition to promote our range of UL/ FM products together with our strategic partner ABBA (Algemene Brand Beveiliging Antwerpen). For this particular application fire protection is a very important issue both on account of insurance but also safety of course. In most cases the installation of fire protection materials has to follow the NFPA standards, thus UL/FM approved products. This is indeed a very specialized segment. Before the exhibition we prepared a brochure dedicated to this product range only – this was a huge success. During the three days of the exhibition, we had many visitors at our stand where the special hydrant (beer hydrant, red.) was a very popular product.

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AVK News Extending Resilient Seated Gate Valve Innovation into the UK By: Graham Charnley, Market Sector Manager (Water), AVK UK, England

2013 will see 150 years of tradition in the UK broken with the launch of the Series 01/79 and Series 36/89 into the water sector. The ability of the AVK RS range of gate valves allows an easy adaption of the standard 01/70 and 36/80 to comply with the UK specifications and BS 5163 standards. AVK UK’s Graham Charnley has met with the main water utilities confirming their need for innovation to combat leakage in their networks. Field trials will commence in March 2013 with orders secured for an initial limited run on a non-water project. Moving towards AMP6 in the UK, the water industry has identified network leakage, cost of installation, quality of product and sustainability and increased efficiency as some of the drivers for improvements they are looking to achieve. With the new extended range of RS wedge gate valves, we are able to meet and exceed the industry requirements. Over the next 12 months the use of these two new products will deliver new working practices and update thinking on network planning and design.

PRODUCT NEWS - SERIES 36 By: Lars Sindal Jensen, Senior Product Manager, AVK International A/S AVK has launched two new dimensions of the gate valve series 36 for water and gas applications. The new dimensions are DN350 and DN400; both prepared with PE pipes in 355mm external diameter and Ø400mm pipe. The valves are designed according to the highest standards and secure an optimum connection between valve and PE-pipe where the connection is stronger than the PE-pipe itself. With the patented pipe connection, the unique AVK design is superior to competitors and in addition, the valves also have the following advantages: • Wedge with fixed nut to prevent corrosion due to vibrations in the pipeline. • A large drain hole in the wedge bottom to ventilate the spindle tunnel thus preventing stagnant water and bacterial growth. • Fully vulcanised wedge guide shoes to prevent damage on the rubber surface during multiple operations thus ensuring long valve life. • A spindle gasket system with large EPDM seal against the water and a double O-ring design separated with plastic bushings, topped off with a wiper ring to prevent pollution from the surroundings penetrating the valve. • Coating according to the highest standards – DIN30677 and GSK regulations - both internal and external. The new dimensions of series 36 for water and gas applications are ready for sale as of May 2013. For item numbers, price and delivery time, please contact AVK International A/S´ logistics department.

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Competition We are happy to announce that the winners of AVK interlink no. 40 are: • Flemming Bindslev, Krüger, Denmark • Anne Fuller, Bryan Donkin Valves, England • Devin Liu, AVK Valves (Anhui) Co.,Ltd, China Gifts are on their way. The correct answer is: An AVK Repair Clamp

New competition: Which product does this selected enlargement show? Send an e-mail with the correct answer and write down which gift you want to receive – if you win. E-mail to: [email protected]

Choose between:

Bowl from TripTrap, Ø32.

AVK Holding A/S Bizonvej 1 Skovby 8464 Galten Denmark

Picnic grill in a cooler bag

Tel.: +45 8754 2100 Fax.: +45 8754 2120 [email protected] www.avkvalves.com

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