AMP8: Gate Valve Innovation
Hitting AMP8 targets with the innovative Series 36 PE Tailed Gate Valve 04-04-2025
The Series 36 PE Tailed Gate Valve is the latest innovation from AVK UK to help customers create a resilient water network, reduce leakage, improve installation times, and cut their environmental impact. During AMP8, water companies have been tasked with meeting targets on all the above. In the latest in our series on Ofwat’s PR24 final determinations, we look at how the Series 36 can help companies meet their obligations.
AMP8 will see the largest water and wastewater infrastructure investment programme of any five-year period since privatisation. Between 2025 to 2030, the industry’s investment programme will focus on four broad categories: improving the environment, protecting our water and wastewater system, fair bills for customers, and improving customer service.
The £104bn announced by Ofwat will see new storm overflow projects, reservoirs and water transfer projects, upgrades to water treatment works, and tripling the rate of replacing water mains. All while delivering 374 million extra litres of water supply per day and cutting leakage by a further 17% - to the lowest level since privatisation.
Series 36 PE Tailed Gate Valve
AVK UK is already working closely with water companies and contractors to repair, replace and upgrade aging infrastructure across the country, with high-quality products, stock levels, and a distribution network ready to meet requirements during AMP8 and beyond. One of those innovative products helping cut installation time, eliminate leakage pathways, and reduce environmental impact is our Series 36 PE Tailed Gate Valve.
Learn more about the AVK UK Series 36 PE Tailed Gate Valve.
Built with factory-fitted polyethylene-tails, the Series 36 is installed using electrofusion welding, creating a fully sealed, durable pipeline that will provide a significant reduction in non-revenue water (NRW). Equivalent flanged gate valves have potential leak paths due to their bolted mechanical joints, which require tightening to specific torque values and then later rechecked and retightened in line with guidance.
Not only does the electrofusion welded joint of the PE tailed valve ensure a fully sealed system, it also significantly reduces installation time. Timed trials have seen 40% faster install times, helping to boost daily productivity of installation teams by 50%. PE tailed gate valves require 57 minutes to install, versus 95 minutes for a flanged valve, allowing for up to six installs per working day compared to four equivalent flanged gate valves.
The benefits do not stop there, however. As the installation only requires two electrofusion couplers, there is a 63% reduction in components, including nuts, bolts, washers, gaskets, and flange adaptors of any kind. This ensures simpler procurement, leaner stockholdings, faster stock picking, and more efficient stock-to-site logistics.
This reduction in components also reduces plastic packaging – by a massive 71%. A typical flanged gate valve has up to seven plastic bags to protect components, but an AVK UK PE-Tailed Gate Valve only has two, which protect the electrofusion couplers. This reduces waste to landfill and helps meet Ofwat’s sustainability goals.
Read our case study on the use AVK UK’s PE-Tailed Gate Valve for a housing project near Manchester.
Innovative Product Development
Neil Hodgkinson, Head of Sales for Water Utilities and Distribution at AVK UK, said: “The Series 36 PE Tailed Gate Valve is one of our latest, innovative developments, which hits several Ofwat targets in terms of supporting customers in achieving their obligations under AMP8/PR24. The latest iteration of the Series 36 reduces potential leak pathways now and in future, as the polyethylene joint has a higher strength rating than the pipe it connects to. It also reduces installation time, which in turn reduces disruption to the end customer, and is more environmentally friendly.
“In addition, Smart Water tech can be installed with the Series 36 to provide a wide array of data. We also have AVK Assist, which allows customers to log when the product has been installed and its exact location, increasing efficiency of maintenance in future.
“AVK UK is constantly innovating to support the industry in meeting their obligations, with high-quality products and wide-ranging support services, including favourable warranty and servicing terms, access to product specialists and a variety of training opportunities – from Teams calls to in-person classroom training. Our mobile roadshow is also available to visit customers wherever they are in the country, bringing product demonstrations and installation training to their doorsteps.
“I would encourage anyone interested in learning more about the Series 36 to visit our dedicated product website or give me a call or email and I’d be happy to answer any questions.”
Contact Neil Hodgkinson, Head of Sales for Water Utilities and Distribution at AVK UK, via the details above to book a training opportunity for your team or learn more about AVK UK’s innovative product range.
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