Snippets
This page will be updated from time to time with news, stop press or any other facts or stories that may be of interest.Auld Valves - trusted by the world's engineers
Auld have been supplying pressure control solutions for many years, and our name is recognised around the world. Our products provide reliable, cost effective performance in many different applications and we have gained a reputation of providing quality products with a proven track record.We have users of our products in the following countries...
... and of course all over the UK.
Wherever you travel, you are never far from an Auld valve!
Healthy cigarettes?
Last summer we were asked to supply a number of stainless steel Standfast Reducing Valves to control steam pressure in a tobacco processing plant. Because of the danger of contaminating the tobacco product we were unable to use seals made from PTFE or Viton so an alternative had to be found. The solution was to use PEEK material ( PolyEther-Ether-Ketone ), an inert material suitable for use in steam applications, so we had seals and piston rings specially made to our own designs. These were subsequently fitted to the Reducing Valves and they are now giving satisfactory performance. We have since had a repeat order. So now cigarettes are slightly less poisonous! We are always ready to look at new or special applications, using the wealth of many years′ knowledge and experience to provide innovative solutions to pressure control. We are small enough to care, and big enough to cope!Naval traditions
We have recently completed an order to supply 12 off 50mm Standfast Surplus Valves for fitting to the fresh water supply systems for the new Type 45 destroyers being built on the Clyde, the most advanced warships in the world. The valves are designed to ensure the water supplies are kept at a steady pressure despite variations in load, and perform an important task in an important system, ensuring fresh water for domestic services throughout the ship. Auld have a long history of supplying valves not only to the Royal Navy, but also to many of the world′s Navies.Used in front line vessels, as well as support ships and shore facilities, our valves are known for their long, reliable working lives and ease of maintenance. We are pleased to play a small but important part in helping to ensure the "Senior Service" is able to continue its proud tradition of protecting and ensuring the safety of not only our own country, but also that of many others around the world.
Nuclear valves
We have recently taken an order to supply two sets of combined 50mm Desuperheater and Reducing Valves to control the supply of high pressure superheated steam at Wylfa Nuclear Power Station. These units will replace the two current installations which have been in continuous service for the past 11 years. The new valves will feature full electronic control for more accurate regulation and enable them to be easily integrated into the Station control systems. Ancillary equipment also being supplied includes high pressure cooling water reducing control valves, also with full electronic controls.Auld have been supplying control and safety valves to the UK nuclear industry for many years, helping to ensure the country has a reliable, clean, and home based source of energy both now and for the future.
South Africa
We have recently completed an order to supply 28 off 8" x 10" Double Action Safety Valves to the South African electricity supply company Eskom for Camden Power Station, along with 7 off 3" x 4" Double Action Safety Valves and 14 off 80mm x 125mm SuperVigilant Safety Valves. Some of these valves were to replace those supplied over 40 years ago while others were for new installations. The valves were chosen for their proven reliability over many years′ operation, their ease of maintenance and the ready availability of spares.Eskom is committed to the upgrade of all their power stations to supply the growing demand for power in South Africa, and Auld Valves Ltd have a proven track record in supplying specialised valves to suit individual requirements all over the world.
Old but still going
Earlier this year we asked to refurbish one of our 4" Double Beat Reducing Valves originally supplied 45 years ago to regulate the water pressure in the fire mains of a number of 19 storey high rise flats.
While the valve still operated, it did require cleaning as the build up of dirt, scale and rust over the years caused the valve to lose some of the accuracy of control. After shotblasting, the main and pilot valve chests were re-machined and new seats and lids were specially manufactured and fitted. Many of the original parts only required refurbishing and cleaning which saved considerable time and expense. After rebuilding and testing, the valve was finally coated with red oxide primer and fitted back into position (not as easy as it sounds!).
It is now operating as well as it did when new. Indeed, it is now too good, as the original pipework remained untouched and cannot always cope with the flows now passed by the valve.
We are always pleased to see the return of our older products and will always try to return them to their former glory if at all practical. There are many of these classic valves still in use all round the world and we regularly have requests for spares, many of which we are able to supply at short notice. Our only problem is learning how to build and test them, as the old hands who did know have long since retired!
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