The biggest Flowrox™ pinch valve ever providing reliability and control in a waste water plant

Production manager Tuomo Heiskanen (left) and technical product manager for valves Richardson Maurissaint in front of the 54” / DN1350 Flowrox pinch valve after it was assembled.

One of the largest electrically operated pinch valves in the world was purchased by the city of Miami, Florida Dade County Water & Sewer Dept. for their wastewater plant expansion.

The valve, which has the largest centerline dual pinch ever, was manufactured by Valmet Flow Control and is Valmet’s Flowrox brand acquired by Valmet in April of 2022. The 54”/ DN1350 pinch valve that meets the AIS standards (American Iron & Steel Act) will accurately control the influent to the plant up to 125 million gallons / 470 million liters each day and provide reliability and control to one of the largest waste water plants in the state of Florida and the USA. 

The valve incorporates two pinch devices that close the valve on the center line providing a flow regime that is concentrated in the center portion of the valve reducing wear and velocity through the valve.

Industry challenge: Finding reliable operations and easy maintenance services

The customer decided to improve its operations by upgrading their wastewater facilities to allow for an upwards of 20,000 new jobs over the next 10 years, improve the reliability and sustainability of the water and sewer system as well as increasing the service capacity for the community. While improving the reliability and sustainability of water and sewer systems throughout the county.

This program will address the aging water facilities across the water treatment plants and water distribution system. The new technologies will address and combat the emerging contaminants such as polyfluoroalkyl substances.

The biggest Flowrox pinch valve ever being installed in line in a waste water treatment plant in Florida, USA.

Close cooperation for best solutions

Valmet Flow Control is excited to be part of this large waste water project in Florida providing critical waste water infrastructure to secure the USA’s growing need for waste water management.

As Valmet’s flow control specialists, we aim to meet every customer’s needs and offer expert advice every step of the way. Already in the design stages, the consulting engineer worked alongside the local Flowrox products’ representative to ensure selection of the most advantageous Flowrox pinch valve. Considering all customer’s requirements, we recommended a custom Flowrox pinch valve that has a centerline dual pinch and is electrically operated.

Flowrox pinch valves allow adjustable shut off control

Flowrox™  — Industry leading products with new identity. In July 2023 Flowrox valves and pumps will start to ship in blue.

The installed Flowrox pinch valve has an enclosed body type and includes an SBRT valve sleeve to meet the requirements of various mediums in different process areas. All Flowrox PV, PVE and PVE/S heavy duty pinch valves are designed for shut off and control applications involving abrasive or corrosive slurries, powders or granular substances. In the open position, the valve is full bore with no flow restrictions. During closing, two pinch bars squeeze the valve sleeve shut on the center line. Which creates a bubble tight shut-off that is provided even if solids have built up on the sleeve wall.

The correct valve specifications ensure also the longest possible sleeve lifetime. As the valves are self-cleaning, even if any solids are accumulated in the sleeve wall, it breaks away when the valve is operated. This is due to the flexibility of the sleeve, making the valve lifetime longer than many other competing products on the market.

Expert knowledge paired with decades of experience

Valmet is a global leader in flow control solutions and services. Our valves, valve automation technologies and pumps are known for quality, reliability and highest safety. Our customers operate in various process industries.

In the wastewater industry there are over 18,000 Flowrox valves and pumps installed in over hundreds of municipal/industrial wastewater treatment plants across the globe. Each valve is designed to reduce clogging, ensure purity and increase reliability. We also provide end-to-end valve packages that resist corrosion and allow easy maintenance access.

For more information, contact Sean Gagnon: sean.gagnon@valmet.com

This article was originally published in Pumps & Systems magazine, June 2023 issue.