Dakota Supply Group - Index

Dakota Supply Group - dakotasupplygroup - Index

machine in the threads, and that can actually
weaken the stem.”
In addition to its unique encapsulated wedge and
stem, all AVK valves come standard with an epoxy
coating. The epoxy is applied electrostatically in an
enclosed booth, where the powder melts and cures
on contact with the cleaned, preheated casting.
AVK has the only two machines in the world
that can do this with such an unprecedented
grade of precision, one of which is in their Minden,
Nevada facility. “By
keeping a precise
control on the
thickness of the
epoxy coating, its
adhesive strength
and its resistance
to impact,” says
Culbertson, “our
valves are extremely AVK opened its state-of-the-art
corrosion-resistant Minden, NV factory in 2007.
and last much
longer.”
Along with innovative gate valves, it’s well known
that AVK also produces the world’s best hydrants.
At the heart of every hydrant is a one-piece main
valve. AVK engineered the one-piece main valve
in 1994. Previously, valves had been complicated
and component-heavy, consisting of 13 individual
parts that made them harder to work on, more
expensive to service and much more susceptible
to damage. By providing hydrants with a one-piece
main valve, AVK has produced a hydrant that lasts
longer and is more cost-effective.
AVK’s one-piece main valves are more
dependable and less expensive to service.
AVK valves are built to last
- here are the test results to prove it.
If the heart of the AVK hydrant is its one-piece
main valve, then its bulletproof, stainless steel stem
is its spine. Just as AVK boasts a unique process for
its one-of-a-kind gate valve wedges, its fire hydrant
main valves and stems are built to last. “They are
virtually unbreakable,” says Culbertson.
No matter if it’s a stainless steel stem, a onepiece
main valve or an encapsulated wedge, high
quality comes standard with AVK, and that counts
for a lot at DSG. It’s a relationship that is shaping
up to be a win-win situation for both
companies, right now and in the future.
This partnership has only begun to tap
into its potential, and the future looks
promising for municipalities who work
with the quality combination of DSG
and AVK.
The complete lower section of a hydrant was assembled. The base (inlet) was plugged, and the lower barrel was
filled with water. The lower stem rod was pushed and pulled up and down by an air cylinder. After the main
valve had been opened and closed a various number of times, it was pressure tested in a complete hydrant.
Open & Closed Condition of One-piece Main Valve Pressure Test Results
500 times No damage to rubber 580 PSI No leaks
1,000 times No damage to rubber 580 PSI No leaks
1,500 times No damage to rubber 580 PSI No leaks
2,000 times Rubber slightly worn 580 PSI No leaks
8,350 times Rubber slightly worn 580 PSI No leaks
The Minden facility
is one of 32 facilities
worldwide for AVK.
WATERWORKS
Fall 2008 CONNECTIONS 31