The water management association Aggerverband is responsible for several dams located in the German state of Nordrhein‑Westfalen. For the refurbishment of the base‑drainage installation at one of these dams, AVK supplied a DN1200/PN16 needle valve. This valve is installed as a bottom outlet, ensuring stable water‑level regulation even during periods of intense rainfall
Initial contact and project start-up
The project originated at the IFAT exhibition in Munich, where AVK’s showcased solutions drew the attention of the executing plant engineer. This meeting opened the possibility of collaboration, which was later formalised through discussions on the technical requirements for the needle valve, the upstream butterfly valve and the additional fittings needed for the drainage system.
Factory visit and technical review
To evaluate the proposed equipment, the plant engineer and the end customer visited AVK’s Italian company AC.MO. During this visit, they reviewed the manufacturing facilities, inspected a similar installation already in operation, and received computational documentation verifying the requested flow rates under predefined operating conditions.
Approval and manufacturing process
As part of the approval procedure, the needle valve equipped with an AUMA actuator underwent several technical tests, including assessments of mechanical strength, coating thickness and leakage performance, alongside dimensional checks. The DN1200/PN16 butterfly valve with AUMA actuator was produced and supplied by Wouter Witzel, AVK’s Dutch manufacturing company.
Installation and commissioning
Roughly one year after the AC.MO factory visit, the valves and related fittings were installed and put into operation. The commissioning was overseen by representatives from Aggerverband, the executing plant engineer, officials from the Cologne district government, and AVK Armaturen GmbH personnel. The installation’s correct functioning and achievement of the required flow conditions were verified and officially approved
This project has given us the opportunity to prove the performance and strength of AVK as a "glocal" company, and we are pleased with the successful completion of the project. Expect global leadership and local commitment!
AVK needle valve specifications
- Nominal diameter: DN1200
- Nominal pressure: PN16
- Inside pressure: max. 4.1 bar
- Outside pressure: free outlet
- Flow rate: max. 14 m³/s
- Coating: min. 500 µm epoxy
- Weight: 3,700 kg
- Actuator: AUMA electric actuator SAR 10.2 with AM 01.1 control, closing/opening time approx. 9 minutes
