Custom Extension Spindle and Gate Valve for Waste Treatment Facility

A wastewater treatment works within Yorkshire Water needed a solution for a gate valve posing a health and safety risk.

The Problem

A hand-operated gate valve at the facility was installed 3 metres beneath a grate, meaning confined space entry was unavoidable when operating the valve. The client approached T-T Flow for a custom solution that would allow for the valve to be operated safely and without the need for confined space entry.

However, the client wanted the valve kept in its original installation position and operating equipment manufactured in a way that would allow for future adaptation for automation.

The Solution

At T-T's in-house workshop, our qualified engineers used Computerised Numerical Control machine tools to manufacture bespoke metal seat wedge gate valves for the application. T-T Flow designed the valves for effective and long-term performance in a wastewater treatment facility, with lightweight ductile iron construction for corrosion resistance when handling waste materials.

The isolation valves were designed to meet client specifications and overcome site limitations - a two-piece galvanised carbon steel stem extension spindle allows the valve to be operated without the need for risky confined space entry, with couplings for optional on-site spindle adjustment to suit the operatives' needs. This arrangement was supplied with a manual handwheel operator, sized to suit the valve but also allowing for future adaptation to an electric actuator for automated operation.

To ensure effective pipeline isolation performance, each end of the gate valve's drive stem features keyed connections that provide a more secure and mechanically reliable torque transmission. This guarantees a higher-performing gate valve, reducing the risk of breakdown and therefore the need for hazardous confined space entry in order to carry out repairs.

The gate valve was supplied with a floor-mounted pedestal featuring wear-resistant nylon supports to maintain valve stability for optimal performance, as well as an ISO5210 F10 interface for easy system installation and integration with other equipment such as gearboxes and actuators in the future.

T-T Flow Bespoke Valve Solutions

Our valve experts, qualified engineers and in-house workshop produce accurately machined valves that are individually designed to meet your application's requirements.

T-T offers custom manufacturing of operating equipment in a range of materials, including carbon and stainless steel, along with complementary support brackets and extension stems with gaitered universal joins to overcome component misalignment.

For technical advice and support in choosing your own valves, call +44 (0)1630 647200, email [email protected] or complete our online enquiry form.