Contact: Allan Williams
Phone: (336) 373-2050

City of Greensboro Uses New Valve Insertion Technique

GREENSBORO, NC -- (July 2, 2008) – On Tuesday , July 1, the City of Greensboro successfully implemented a new technology to insert a new 12-inch valve into a water line over 50 years old while operating under pressure.

The technique allows replacement of aged, inoperable valves without interrupting service to customers. In this case, the new valve will allow subsequent replacement of a leaking valve at Greene Street and Friendly Avenue that has been leaking for several weeks. The shutdown for that replacement will be done on a Saturday with minimal outage rather than the normal large scale outage.

The new technology, from Advanced Valve Technologies LLC, of Blue Island, Illinois, is being considered for acquisition by the Water Resources Department of Greensboro. In addition to the personnel demonstrating the technology, representatives from several other area utilities witnessed the unique application and have expressed interest in partnering with Greensboro to use the technique.
 
The product allows a unique new valve to be clamped on the line. Next, a cutter is used to open a slot for the valve gate to then use the existing water line as part of the valve. Compared to the typical “cut and replace” techniques, installation takes far less time, which significantly reduces water loss and lowers customer inconvenience.

“It was exciting to witness implementation of something that will enable us to better address aging infrastructure issues and reduce customer impacts," said Allan Williams, director of the Department of Water Resources.

Photos of the installation are available upon request.

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The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to build an increased quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment where inclusion, diversity, and trust are valued. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2700 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City of Greensboro is governed by a council-manager form of government where a mayor and eight council members act as the legislative body. For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov.