AVK gate valves are known worldwide for superior quality
AVK has been in the valve business for more than 50 years. When Niels Aage Kjaer took over his father’s smithy in 1970, he developed the first gate valve, a resilient seated socket ended gate valve with a lot of new technical features. He soon realized that the quality of the internal rubber components is of paramount importance for the valve performance, so back in 1975 he decided to take full control of this and acquired a neighbouring rubber factory. Today, AVK GUMMI A/S develops and manufactures rubber compounds to AVK and many other customers.
AVK's continuous focus on high quality and innovation has paved the way for a global reach, and the gate valve range has been widened substantially to meet local requirements around the world. Today, AVK offers gate valves according to global standards and with a wealth of end connections and material configurations.
Gate (sluice) valves for all types of applications
Gate valves are often used when minimum pressure loss and a free bore is needed and are suitable for both above-ground and underground installation. They are widely used for all types of applications and AVK offers a wide range of variants for water supply, irrigation, wastewater treatment, fire protection, biogas and gas distribution.
Read more about where gate valves are used.
Things to consider when choosing a gate (sluice) valve
Please refer to the pages what is a gate valve, a fully welded PE pipe system and accessories to find much more details. In our Insights section you will find general technical information about our products, highly relevant for choosing the right solution; our guide how to choose the right gate valve.
You also need to consider how enhancing your network efficiency by using digital monitoring. AVK offers VIDI Positioner, a battery-operated Smart Water device that detects in percentages how much a gate valve is open and wirelessly transmits data to the dedicated software platform or to any other preferred IT system. That way it is easy to detect if valves are rightfully opened or closed.
Reduce your Total Cost of Ownership with high-quality gate valves
Throughout their “youth”, all gate valves do well. But with time, wear and tear takes its toll, and the differences between good and bad quality become apparent. A quality valve will continue performing effortlessly, whilst the cheap valve will require more and more maintenance at a very high cost.
AVK products are renowned for superior quality thanks to our market leading expertise when it comes to rubber compounds. Due to own vulcanization and coating facilities and worldwide approvals we can ensure maximum safety and durability. Every single AVK valve is of course pressure tested according to EN 1074-1 and 2 / EN 12266 before leaving the factory.
Design features of AVK gate valves
- Fixed, integral wedge nut prevents corrosion, made of brass certified for use in contact with drinking water
- Wedge shoes fully vulcanized to the wedge core ensuring smooth operation and maximum corrosion protection
- AVK’s wedge rubber features an excellent bonding and ability to regain its shape, minimum formation of biofilm and high resistance to water treatment chemicals
- Large stem hole in the wedge prevents stagnant water
- Wedge stop protects seals and coating
- Rolled threads increase the stem’s durability
- Triple safety stem sealing
- Thrust collar provides fixation of the stem and low torques
- The bonnet gasket is fixed in a recess in the bonnet and encircles the bonnet bolts to prevent blow-out
- Countersunk bonnet bolts sealed with hot melt to protect against corrosion
- Full bore ensures low head loss and enables use of pipe cleaning devices
- Low operating torques ensure easy operation
- Epoxy coating in compliance with DIN 3476 part 1, EN 14901 and GSK, optionally internal enamel and external PUR coating
State-of-the-art rubber technology
AVK wedges are fully vulcanised with AVK’s own rubber. AVK GUMMI A/S develops and manufactures rubber compounds using highly advanced technologies. The wedge core is immersed in two different baths to provide ultimate bonding between core and rubber. Even if a sharp object penetrates the rubber during closing of the gate valve, the bonding is so strong that there is no risk of creeping corrosion.Rubber with excellent ability to regain original shape
AVK’s rubber compounds have an unrivalled compression set, meaning its ability to regain its original shape after having been compressed. Impurities will be absorbed in the large layer of rubber in the sealing area when the gate valve is in closed position ensuring a 100% tight sealing. They are flushed away when the valve is reopened, and the rubber will regain its shape.AVK gate valves do not contaminate the drinking water
The EPDM rubber recipes are composed with focus on minimizing the formation of biofilm. The rubber will therefore not provide breeding ground for bacteria. The drinking water approved EPDM compounds are resistant to ozone and water treatment chemicals and will remain flexible preventing cracks and damages. The compounds are of course taste, smell and color neutral.
Fixed wedge nut and wedge shoes ensure smooth operation of the gate valve
AVK’s wedge nut design with a fixed, integral wedge nut outperforms the traditional loose wedge nut design as it prevents vibration and thus also wear of the rubber surface and corrosion. It is made of brass certified for use in contact with drinking water according to the stringent EU standards.The fixed wedge nut and the guide rails fitted with vulcanized wedge shoes secure a smooth operation of the gate valve and low operating torques. The wedge shoes protect the rubber against the wear which otherwise would arise from friction during operation. The wedge shoe is made of drinking water approved polyamide and is fully vulcanized to the wedge core for maximum corrosion protection.
