KBL firefighting valves: Innovative firefighting solutions

Kirloskar FM/UL valves generally conform to IS 14846 standards for dimensions, materials of construction and constructional features, as per the need of the application. These sluice valves are metal-seated type with an option for non-rising spindle/rising spindle operation, different type of operators and accessories, and have a proven performance.

The products included in a fire protection system, such as valves and hydrants need to be highly reliable, as they are installed in systems that help protect human life against fire accidents. Obviously, such systems and instruments must be easy to maintain and long lasting. The system downtime for maintenance and replacement is cost to concern, risky and must be carried out at the least rate.

KBL offers a large range of valve products for both indoor and outdoor fire protection applications, such as NRS gate valves, OS&Y gate valves and post indicators. KBL offers a wide range and types of flanged gate valves, all of which are perfectly suited for various fire protection installations.

Kirloskar Brothers Limited (KBL), with over 10 decades of immense experience and unfailing customer satisfaction, has become the name to reckon with for the supplies of valves and complete pumping solutions in India and across the globe.

The products included in a fire protection system, such as valves and hydrants need to be highly reliable, as they are installed in systems that help protect human life against fire accidents. Obviously, such systems and instruments must be easy to maintain and long lasting. The system downtime for maintenance and replacement is cost to concern, risky and must be carried out at the least rate.

Kirloskar offer a wide range of products for both indoor and outdoor application including fire protection applications. KBL is the first valve manufacturing company in India accredited with ISO 9001 / ISO 1001 / ISO 50001 / OHSAH 18001 / CE marking / FM approved and UL-listed.

The valves are metal seated and soft seated type with rising or non-rising model. The standard product is made of ductile material with bronze seat and stainless steel spindle. The material used also differs depending on the needs of customers such as cast iron or ductile iron are also used. The valves are made at a full pledged plant at Kondhapuri which is 45 kms from Pune. KBL grabbed FM and UK certification and licence in Year 2011, on successful hydro testing and qualified by TPI in Year 2010-11. The products UL or FM approvals were made mandatory for all participating tenders two years ago. It ultimately benefited the brand approval or vendor approval in public departments and reputed organisations or sectors.

Gate valves are included in fire hydrant and also in multi-storey building. The valves are UL listed and FM approved. They are used extensively in the petrochemical, automotive, pharmaceutical industries and in defence establishments and Indoor fire protection is essential for all places with valuable assets or flammable material.

The first valve manufactured was non-rising type. The user or operator in this type of valve will not able to identify whether valve is open or close. He/she has to approach the valve and check physically. To overcome this issue rising spindle type valve developed. The spindle represents the position or travel of wedge in valve body. The spindle position itself acts as an indicator, no need of separate indication arrangement. The wedges angle and spindle thread form has an important role in improving valve performance. With regards to, the operating efforts and minimising friction in mating threads of spindle or spindle nuts.

There are a number of fire-related projects or installations used by the customers such as: Suchi Turnkey Projects Pvt Ltd, Balaji Industrial Corporation, Shanbhag Engineering Company, Bliss Enterprises, Offshore Infrastructure Ltd, etc.

There are few points that should keep in mind for such technology they are: the valve shall be operable even after a long gap of operation. It should be leak proof and most importantly the valve should be operated within a specific effort without causing it any permanent damage. The valves need periodic maintenance to check gland and gasket condition. It also requires a daily visual check for cleanliness and lubrication of spindle threads (rising type).