MechChem Africa November-December 2022

Partnering with authorised agents for water treatment Lionel Maasdorp of Allmech highlights the value in partnering with an authorised agent for water treatment components such as softener, filter, ball valves and shut-off valves. T he advent of online purchasing has meant that consumers have access to a broader range of sales channels than ever before. However, accord

ing to Lionel Maasdorp MD at Allmech – a leading South African boiler manufacturer and supplier of water treatment components – there is still value in partnering with an au thorisedagent for certainpurchases, including technical equipment and spares. “Although valves are available through parallel importers and online retailers, if pur chased through those channels, customers miss out on any technical expertise or after sales support, most notably on-site support, which is part of the benefit of buying from an authorised supplier,” he says. Maasdorp cites an example of a customer who called Allmech to a site to assist with a filtration system that was not functioning correctly. It turnedout that thepipes hadbeen installed back-to-front. “These systems can be complex for those not dealingwith themevery day,” he says. “It’s easy to end up with the wrong size of valve or something that doesn’t meet the require ments of a particular application.” Allmech is the sole official agent in South Africa for Runxin water treatment systems, including softener and filter valves, and Maasdorp believes that the company’s rela tionship with the manufacturer yields value add for customers. “Allmech understands the Runxin ecosystem and technologies, stocks a comprehensive range of spares and is able to customise plants through special requests di rectly toRunxinwhen required. Furthermore, Allmech uses test benches where Runxin valves can be tested for faults, leaks or dam ageunder similar conditions to those foundon site. Valves can thenbe repairedmore cost ef fectivelywithout replacing the entire unit,” he says, adding that additional technical support is available via the Allmech WhatsApp group or through the Allmech website. “We’ve chosen to partner with Runxin for various reasons,” says Maasdorp. “We find their products reliable, user-friendly and cost effective, and they are continuously investing innewtechnologies and rangeextensions.We can pass all of that along to our customers.” A good example is Runxin’s patented ceramic ball valve, designed for applications ranging from sewage treatment plants to

Allmech uses test benches where Runxin valves can be tested for faults, leaks or damage under similar conditions to those found on site.

Allmech is the sole official agent in South Africa for Runxin water treatment systems, including softener and filter valves.

chemical plants, paper mills and irrigation systems. They are safe to use with gasoline, compressed air, gas and most alkaline liquids and acids. Allmech stocks the ceramic valvesbecause they are ideal for filtration and softener systems used in water treatment and are available in two-wire, three-wire and three way (L-shape) variants from DN 15 to DN 50 threaded or glued fitting options. They are easy to program and use, with simple and user-friendly displays. “We also choose Runxin because of the valves’ longer service life – some of our valves have run for more than 10 years with no maintenance required,” Maasdorp points out. “There are time-controlled ball valves available, as well as adjustable ones with a positional feedback function. The degree and

angle to which the ball can be opened can be determined by the PLC on these valves, and adjustments for flow, temperature and pres sure can also be incorporated.” One of the latest innovations in the Runxin rangeisashut-offvalvewitharemoteBluetooth unit,whichisdesignedfor installationonincom ing water lines in buildings. This valve can turn off thewaterwhena leak isdetectedor sendan alert when a geyser is at risk of bursting. “Wethinkthesearegreat for residential ap plications, aswell as for facilitiesmanagement,” says Maasdorp. “We’re excited to be bringing them to the local market and currently have a demo unit set up at our premises for testing. We’re always looking for ways to improve our offeringtocustomers,andwebelievethat’swhy we’ve built such long-term relationships with many of them.” q

10 ¦ MechChem Africa • November-December 2022