Jan/Feb 2026

In valves, performance and reliability are only part of the equation. Increasingly, lead times, landed cost and project execution capability are becoming the true competitive differentiators - particularly for suppliers servicing the mining and industrial sectors across Africa and further afield. Pipes, Pumps & Valves Africa spoke to Pam du Plessis, Managing Director of Invincible Valves, about the current landscape for valve suppliers in 2026. Invincible Valves has spent the

The South African government is making a concerted effort to make clean drinking water available to everyone. In addition, as more people move to the big cities and industrial centres grow, there is pressure on engineers and managers to move water to high usage areas. Large scale pumping systems, often custom-engineered, are needed to deliver clean potable water, for new commercial developments and infrastructural projects. This article delves into key aspects of large capaci

For decades, SEEPEX has optimized the performance of its globally sought-after progressive cavity pumps by using razor-sharp macerators to reliably shred solids and fibrous materials into the smallest particles. This prevents pipeline blockages and ensures reliable protection of downstream system components. With a completely new generation of macerators, SEEPEX is now taking its shredding technology to the next level. The new Easy Maintenance Macerator stands for maximum ser

In the heart of a bustling manufacturing facility, amidst the whirring machines and precision processes, lie the silent workhorses powering the fluid dynamics crucial to production - diaphragm pumps. Often overshadowed by more conspicuous machinery, these unassuming devices play a pivotal role in countless manufacturing operations worldwide. Let’s delve deeper into their impact, the statistics that underscore their significance, and how they’ve become indispensable in modern

Lutz Pumpen presents a new CPVC pump tube for the safe handling of aggressive chemicals. The handling of aggressive chemicals leads to hundreds of deaths.Yet many workers are still filling hazardous substances such as sodium hypochlorite, acids, and alkalis manually, warns Markus Seitenberg, managing director of industrial pump specialist Lutz Pumps North America. To improve safety, a new pump tube made of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) aims to reduce the risk of spill

Across industry, buildings and water utilities, sustainability targets are no longer aspirational—they are operational. Energy intensity, carbon reporting and lifecycle efficiency now influence procurement decisions as much as performance and reliability. In this context, pump systems are among the most significant yet frequently overlooked opportunities for energy and emissions reduction. While many suppliers offer efficient pumps, motors, and variable-speed drives as separa

With more than 125 years of engineering expertise, SERO PumpSystems continues to set new standards in side channel pump technology. The latest pump generations – SHP220 and SLP Series – demonstrate the company’s commitment to providing safe, efficient, and reliable solutions for demanding applications in oil and gas, petrochemical, energy, and marine industries. SHP220 – Engineered for Ammonia and Critical Liquefied Media The SHP220 represents the next generation of SERO’s hi

In wastewater treatment, screening is one of the most fundamental steps in protecting downstream processes. When debris such as plastic and rags pass through untreated, they can damage pumps, clog valves, and interfere with biological processes. Effective screening not only prevents these issues, but also improves treatment efficiency, reduces maintenance, and supports overall plant reliability. The Role of Bar Screens in Treatment At the headworks of a treatment plant, bar s

SKF, global advanced bearing and rotating technology specialist, is dedicated to fighting friction, one of the leading causes of component damage, costly breakdowns and operational unreliability, by delivering solutions that improve asset reliability and advance plant sustainability for customers worldwide. Building on this commitment, SKF proudly introduces its latest advancement in lubrication technology with the unveiling of a new line of air‑operated grease pumps. This ne

A leading roof tile manufacturer in Sweden required a reliable pumping solution to improve the dosing of colour agents and additives in its concrete roof tile production process. Air-operated diaphragm pumps are commonly used in this application to transfer iron oxide mixed with water, which gives concrete tiles their characteristic red colour. In addition, carbon black is introduced into the mix to enhance both thermal conductivity and mechanical strength. The pumps previous

Today, Emerson released Fisher™ ValveLink™ Pro software, designed to streamline the configuration and diagnosis of Fisher™ FIELDVUE™ DVC7K Digital Valve Controllers. This innovative software, available as a free download, empowers instrument technicians, enhancing their ability to ensure optimal performance and reliably identify changes in valve performance over time, without the need for specialist expertise. ValveLink Pro’s intuitive, modern user interface simplifies the pr

Orion Valves has entered the Guinness World Record book for the largest wedge gate valve ever manufactured. A Guinness World Record adjudicator officially certified the achievement during a presentation event, recognizing the Trieste-based company’s successful completion of a valve with a 114-inch classification. During a recent ceremony, with the valve prominently displayed center stage as a tangible symbol of technical engineering excellence and the region’s manufacturing c

Engineers working in severe service fluid handling applications face some of the most demanding operating environments in industry. These applications involve fluids that operate under high pressure and high temperature or that are corrosive, abrasive or sometimes even hazardous. Under such conditions, reliable isolation is critical to protect equipment, ensure safety and maintain productivity. In harsh environments it is not uncommon to see traditional valve seat assemblies

The HAT/FP is a reliable and automatic freeze protection valve designed to protect water resupply lines from freezing. This thermostatic valve controls flow based on temperature variations to prevent frozen or bursting pipes which can lead to downtime and hefty repair expenses while minimizing water waste. Installed at the lowest point or dead leg branch, HAT/FP utilizes our thermostatic wax actuator technology to monitor ambient or water temperatures automatically and will b

Rotork introduced its new generation intelligent valve positioner, the RTP-4000, engineered for end users, OEMs and EPCs seeking faster commissioning, improved energy efficiency and embedded diagnostics that support predictive maintenance. Global Product Manager Juha Kivelä explained how the device takes Rotork’s pneumatic actuation and instrumentation capability into its next technological phase. When Rotork unveiled the RTP-4000, the company described it as the next major s

Magalies Water, together with the Glencore and Bakwena Ba Mogopa partnership, and the Rustenburg Local Municipality, launched Phase 1 of the Bethanie–Modikwe Bulk Water Pipeline Project. This critical initiative aims to improve access to reliable and potable water for communities near the Rhovan Operation. The 23,4-kilometre pipeline will transport water from the Kortbegrip reservoir to the communities of Bethanie, Modikwe, and Makolokwe, addressing long-standing water supply

South Africans respond to crises. Just a few years ago, electricity blackouts threatened the country’s economic and social fabric, yet today, there has been a marked turnaround in terms of public policy and private generation. Renewed focus on local transport and logistics challenges, particularly rail networks, is also showing promise for recovery. Water is next on the list. During 2025, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said that “Load shedding has been supplanted by

As water treatment is a critical aspect of industrial boiler management and potentially one of the greatest operational risk points, AES relies on close partnerships with third-party industrial water treatment specialists - which act as important safety nets. “We engage with companies that stand behind their treatment programmes, check these are continuously working and - if any adjustments are needed - provide detailed technical information. They are the ‘eyes and ears’ of b

When it comes to manufacturing and maintenance, delays are costly. That’s why tension bushings are engineered for quick and hassle-free installation. The straightforward installation process means less downtime and faster turnaround times—keeping your operations running smoothly without specialized tools or complicated procedures. Want to know more about how easy it is to install and maintain tension bushings? Let’s take a closer look at the advantages that this feature affor

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a passing trend; it is reshaping industrial operations at every level. Nowhere is this transformation more visible than in the maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) supply chain, where AI is driving efficiency, predictive insight, and smarter decision-making. Industrial organisations have long relied on data to guide decisions, but today’s AI goes far beyond traditional analytics. Advanced machine learning and generative AI c