21.10.2011

Overground valve block - a success story

The Research & Development Department at TechnoAlpin has been in existence since the company was first set up and now has 14 people. Every year over one million euro is invested in the development of new products. This has spawned a whole host of innovations but the overground valve block is worthy of particular attention. It has been in use for three years now. The overground valve block was launched in 2008 as an alternative to the underground valve block which had been used until then. It has since been installed in all the different designs of lances - those with central compressed air supply and those with autonomous compressor, automatic and manual versions alike. It can be used with any length of lance tube and lance head. The overground valve block has been exceedingly well received on the market. To date some 2,350 units have been installed in systems all over the world. Their success is hardly surprising - seeing as they offer a whole host of advantages over other valve blocks.

The overground valve block is a compact, lightweight unit safely encased in a double PE cover. The weight has been reduced through the use of die-cast aluminum in the manufacturing process, and a further improvement is the even transfer of heat. The different sizes of the Camlock connections for water and air greatly facilitate initial installation. The overground valve block is connected to the electric cabinet with just one multipoint connector which also simplifies installation and removal. The main advantage, however, is the quick and easy maintenance. For example, the water filter insert, which is installed in the valve block, can be cleaned without having to climb down into the pit or without even having to clear the entrance hatch of snow. The filters and sensors are easily accessible. The generously proportioned, seamless, Wedge Wire-type, stainless steel filter insert and the automatic heated discharge prevent breakdowns. The cover has its opening on the underside which keeps the sensors dry and well ventilated. Given all these features, the overground valve block has set new standards in the last few years, both in terms of user-friendliness and operational reliability.