The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR) recent intervention and collaboration with a local company, Paltechnologies (Pty) Ltd (Paltech), has resulted in the successful development of a standard 80 mm diameter butterfly valve installed on electrical power transformers. At a time when most of the country’s traditional electrical distribution network infrastructure is showing signs of wear and tear, the CSIR’s role in this first locally produced transformer valve is a cause for celebration.

The Paltech valve is an aluminium valve specifically designed to handle transformer cooling oil. A variable number of valves are required on a transformer, depending on the size and amount of oil required to cool it. Local transformer manufacturing company, Powertech (Pty) Ltd, as well as Eskom, the custodian of South Africa’s electrical distribution network, tested the valve to ensure that it meets stringent industry requirements.

Having committed itself to supporting local industries, the CSIR identified Paltech through its Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU), which selects SMMEs that are in need of scarce technical know-how, support and improvement in the quality and productivity of their manufacturing processes. Collaborators with the CSIR’s Materials Science and Manufacturing unit were provided with critical product development and engineering services that led to the successful manufacture, certification and qualification of the Paltech valve.

CSIR principal technologist, Filipe Pereira, explains that, “Most of the transformer valves installed on the local electrical distribution network are imported valves. The realisation of the butterfly valve means that we are now able to source locally manufactured valves, eliminating the need to import valves and exploring other opportunities. Looking towards the future, an ideal situation would be that the local industry is able to meet local and international demand. Early estimates indicate that the manufacture of this particular valve has the potential to create a minimum of 40 new and sustainable jobs”. To date, at least 260 aluminium valves have been manufactured and an order has been placed for 300 more.

ENDS

For more information, please contact Tendani Tsedu, CSIR Group Manager: Strategic Communications, on 012 841 3417 or email mtsedu@csir.co.za

About the CSIR

The CSIR is one of the leading R&D, technology and innovation institutions in Africa, with a track record spanning over 70 years. The CSIR undertakes scientific research and technological development in areas identified as national priorities.