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New Clear Bore PE Service Isolation Valve From AVK UK

AVK UK are delighted to announce the launch of the new 100% clear bore PE Service Isolation Valve called the “Donkin Certus”. Manufactured to exceed GIS/V7 Part 2 and EN1555-4 standards, the Donkin Certus represents the future for PE Valves from AVK.

"The Donkin Certus ensures that we can meet the industry's demand for a comprehensive range of cost-effective PE valves that exceed standards worldwide," comments Mike Skeemer, Gas Product Manager.

The product is in the approval process with the BSI Kitemark scheme against GIS/V7 Part 2. In addition to the specification requirement, the valves have been subjected to additional rigorous type-testing to ensure that they are suitable for the gas distribution environment, anywhere in the world.

The Donkin Certus is manufactured from PE100 material which is weldable to both PE80 and PE100 pipe using electrofusion fittings, this gives maximum flexibility for both new and replacement service installations network wide.

One of the key features of the Donkin Certus are the double length spigots: “We have designed the Donkin Certus with double-length spigots that allow for two electrofusion joints, should the first joint fail there is still enough pipe on the valve to make a second. This means the valve is not wasted if the joint fails.” comments Mogens Oestergaard Nielsen, Project Manager at AVK Tech.

Another crucial design feature which is unique to the Donkin Certus is the AVK Safety Cap. In the event of extreme over-torquing by the operator the cap will spin, preventing any possibility of valve damage and a leak to atmosphere. The Safety Cap can then be easily replaced under live conditions. The Safety Cap is also bright yellow, ensuring that the Donkin Certus can be clearly identified as a gas valve.

Successful Valve design has been achieved using the core competencies present within the AVK Group worldwide. The AVK Technical Division designed the Donkin Certus valve system based on extensive customer feedback which has lead to the decision to make the valve 100% clear bore, thereby ensuring no pressure drop across the valve.

Quality is our highest priority in the AVK Group, the new Donkin Certus is fully traceable throughout manufacture; all components are linked to the valve’s unique serial number which is permanently stamped on the valve, and can be traced back to the raw polyethylene material.

The Donkin Certus is designed, manufactured, assembled and tested by companies within the AVK Group. All PE components are injection moulded in the custom built AVK facility and the rubber seals (which are crucial to effective leak-tightness) are produced at AVK Gummi in Denmark, one of the world leaders in rubber moulding technology.

“It is important to demonstrate the control we have over our production processes” said Richard Stone, Sales Director at AVK UK, “as it gives our customers added confidence in the product. As part of the AVK family of products the Donkin Certus joins a long line of high quality, standard exceeding products.”

Access to the installation is simple and repeatable thanks to the bespoke cost effective Valve Access System which is adaptable for 32 and 63mm sizes. The system comprises: a base unit which ensures that the valve is always fitted in the correct orientation; a downpipe which keeps access to the valve Safety Cap clear of debris and finally a surface box adapter which is compatible with all the recognised surface boxes available in the UK today.

“The Donkin Certus is an ‘A Class’ product, meaning that valves will be supplied from finished stock held at AVK UK in Chesterfield within a maximum of two weeks of ordering. This is our commitment to the market and represents a significant long term investment from the company.”

"At this first stage our objective is to satisfy our home market exclusively, and we are offering the Donkin Certus in three diameters – 32mm, 63mm and 90mm; but in due course we will add other sizes up to 315mm that will take us into global markets.” said Paul Jennings, Managing Director of AVK UK. “We are confident that the Donkin Certus will be a success – it is a quality product that will exceed customer’s expectations well into the future."