PRESS RELEASE

Incledon reduces water losses with intelligent pressure management

Municipalities in South Africa can save substantial capital overhead costs when reducing
pipeline leakages by opting to install a technologically-advanced VAG intelligent pressure
management system, as opposed to investing in costly new infrastructure.
14 May, 2012: Leading fluid conveyance solutions supplier Incledon is able to
assist municipalities in addressing the increasing challenge of water leakages in
a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly manner, as the company plans to
introduce the advanced German-engineered VAG intelligent pressure
management system to the local market within the next two years.
Incledon national product manager for civils, Kelly Wilson, highlights the fact
that the majority of local authorities tend to increase investments in water
infrastructure in an attempt to raise production capacities, rather than
implementing programmes to reduce water losses.
Although investment in infrastructure increases production capacities, it does
not permanently increase water production. This means that the structure of the
pipeline system remains unchanged, placing enormous pressure on the valves
that regulate the flows and pressures to maintain a constant supply of potable
water, he explains. If those valves cannot be precisely controlled, high pressure
differences in the pipes can ultimately lead to a collapse of the entire distribution
system.
Wilson notes that the most cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solution is
to reduce water losses in the distribution systems, by implementing the VAG
intelligent pressure management system. The systematic reduction of pressure
in the main water supply system enables the water authorities to reduce water
loss to sustainable economic levels.
The VAG intelligent pressure management system is comprised of a plunger
valve, a pressure sensor and a flow meter, which are installed at the feed point
of the supply area. Wilson adds: A programmable logic controller (PLC) records,
processes and archives the measured sensor data needed to control the plunger
valve. Depending on the supply systems topography and consumption, the
valve is moved into the position that optimally reduces the supply pressure,
ultimately reducing the risk of new leaks occurring in the supply system.
Unlike butterfly or gate valves, which assume only shut-off functions in the
pipeline, VAG plunger valves are designed to fulfil special control functions in the
water supply systems. Due to the linear regulating characteristic, these valves
guarantee best cavitation behaviour with lowest friction-loss, and can be used for
the delivery of potable water at temperatures of up to 50C.
The VAG plunger valve precisely regulates pressure in a piping system, and
guarantees a constant supply of water at any time or condition in co-ordination
with both flow rate and network pressure. It is available in nominal widths from
DN 150 up to DN 1 600 and in pressures ranging from PN 10 to PN 40, Wilson
continues. Another essential advantage of the VAG plunger valve is its piston
guiding, which is made of welded bronze for added strength. The piston-drive is

connected by a stainless steel shaft to a gear box assembled to a connecting

flange on the outside of the body.

Wilson points out that the VAG intelligent pressure management system can be
operated via the following three approaches, depending on budgeting and
engineering requirements;
Time-based modulation
This method is achieved by using a controller with an internal timer to change
the set point of the fixed outlet control. Control is affected in time-bands in
accordance with the demand profiles. This mode is effective for areas with stable
demand profiles and head loss, and where cost is an issue.
Flow or demand-based modulation
More water can be saved when the pressure follows the demand cycle for a
specific period, such as a day, week, month or year. A flow meter in the main
supply pipeline recognises current demand for water in the network. This value is
sent to a computer, where an evaluated curve for this specific network is stored.
This method is best-suited for areas with varying conditions, head loss and fire
flow requirements. As demand is reduced primarily at night, pressures are
reduced accordingly and, when demands peak, higher pressures are applied.
Remote node-based modulation
With this mode, the pressure is measured directly in the network at a critical
point, via a signal that is sent wirelessly to the control valve. This type of control
is the most proactive, and is affected by connecting a remote pressure sensor to
the valve controller. A remote sensor is usually placed at a critical point in the
district, and the controller is set to change pressure at the valve to consistently
maintain the desired pressure in the network system. This mode also smoothes
system pressure at the weaker extremities; thereby, reducing the number of new
pipe breaks.
Despite its distinct advantages, Wilson does admit that it will be a challenge for
Incledon to promote the VAG intelligent pressure management system to the
local market, due to the fact that the initial capital outlay is high. We expect
water boards to be initially reluctant to convert to the VAG system, as a large
amount of capital and civil works is required during the installation process.
Following this initial cost; however, the long-term savings are substantial, due to
the fact that the need for continuous maintenance is significantly reduced.
Wilson points out that Incledon has been involved in high-profile talks with a
number of water authorities, and he is confident of the potential for the VAG
intelligent pressure management system in South Africa in the short-term future.
We are currently working on a number of technical proposals for water bodies
across South Africa, and we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback to
date. I am confident that the VAG intelligent pressure management system will
obtain strong market share in the years to come, as the need for saving our
countrys most precious resource becomes more urgent. With this in mind, I
anticipate that the first systems will be installed and fully-operational in South
Africa by 2013, he concludes.

Ends
Notes to the Editor
There are numerous photographs specific to this press release. Please visit
http://media.ngage.co.za and click the Incledon link.
About Incledon
Incledon stocks over 14 000 preferred products and provides a wide range of
approved and highly recognised brands of pipes, fittings, valves, flanges, rigid
pipe working tools & threading machines, HDPE, compression fittings, pumps,
electro-fusion fittings, windmills, sprinkler systems, water meters, residential,
commercial & golf irrigation systems, plumbing products and related products
used in the engineering, mining, municipal, civil, plumbing merchant and
irrigation markets. Incledon supplies products utilised in the conveyance of
water, gases and liquids.
Incledon Contact Details
Kelly Wilson
National Product Manager for Civils
Tel: (011) 323 0800
Email: kellyw@incledon.co.za
Web: www.incledon.co.za
Media Contact
Renay Tandy
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 323 0800
Fax: 086 512 3352
Cell: 082 562 5088
Email: renay@ngage.co.za
Web: www.ngage.co.za
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