At the Wadi Wurraya and Wadi Safad dams, two large metal seated gate valves were jammed due to a long period of standstill. After a quick refurbishment in the AVK workshop, they have now been reinstalled and are back in operation.
Located in the mountainous region of Fujairah, the Wadi Wurraya and Wadi Safad dams are key assets for regional water management. They capture seasonal floodwaters, support groundwater recharge, and sustain local communities and agriculture. Wadi Wurraya stores several million cubic meters of runoff, while Wadi Safad contributes approximately 0.26 million m³ of regulated water.
Each dam was equipped with a DN1000 metal seated gate valve, forming an essential part of the flow control system. However, after remaining unoperated for more than five years, both valves became fully seized in the closed position. This condition raised concerns regarding operability, asset integrity, and the reliability of the dams’ water management systems.
Recognising the importance of preserving these critical assets, the Ministry of Energy& Infrastructure (MOEI) turned to AVK Gulf, their trusted partner regarding critical water infrastructure and large-diameter gate valves, for expert evaluation. They required on-site assessment of the valves to determine their operability and the most suitable corrective action.
Upon visiting both sites, AVK engineers conducted detailed inspections and quickly identified the AVK gate valve as installed approximately 15-20 years ago. Through careful evaluation of system design and operating history, the engineers concluded that the valves were selected correctly and mechanically sound – the issue was solely due to long-term non-operation, a common phenomenon for large isolation valves that are not periodically exercised.
Each dam was equipped with a DN1000 metal seated gate valve, forming an essential part of the flow control system. However, after remaining unoperated for more than five years, both valves became fully seized in the closed position. This condition raised concerns regarding operability, asset integrity, and the reliability of the dams’ water management systems.
Recognising the importance of preserving these critical assets, the Ministry of Energy& Infrastructure (MOEI) turned to AVK Gulf, their trusted partner regarding critical water infrastructure and large-diameter gate valves, for expert evaluation. They required on-site assessment of the valves to determine their operability and the most suitable corrective action.
Upon visiting both sites, AVK engineers conducted detailed inspections and quickly identified the AVK gate valve as installed approximately 15-20 years ago. Through careful evaluation of system design and operating history, the engineers concluded that the valves were selected correctly and mechanically sound – the issue was solely due to long-term non-operation, a common phenomenon for large isolation valves that are not periodically exercised.
Workshop inspection and minor restoration
Rather than recommending costly replacements, AVK Gulf took ownership of the refurbishment. The valves were transferred to the workshop for dismantling, detailed inspection, and minimal maintenance. Upon dismantling, it was confirmed that the valve was mechanically secure and structurally robust. The internal condition was excellent considering its long service life and the environmental conditions at the site. The primary issue was prolonged inactivity, which had caused the valve to jam, a common occurrence for large isolation valves that are not periodically operated. Only minimal maintenance was carried out to restore the valve to full operational condition, clearly demonstrating the durability, robustness, and maintainability of AVK metal seated gate valves, even after two decades of service.Expect solutions, not just products
Once reinstalled, the valves returned to service seamlessly, safeguarding dam operations and restoring confidence in the reliability of MOEI’s water management infrastructure. AVK Gulf assisted with quick identification of the root cause of malfunctioning. By focusing on rehabilitation over replacement, the team delivered a cost-effective, minimally disruptive solution, reinforcing the long-term value of being an AVK partner.“This case demonstrates the robustness, durability, and maintainability of our metal seated gate valves, even after many years of service under harsh environmental conditions, ”says Ahmed Hosny, Regional Manager Technical Advisory, AVK Gulf.
Through this project, AVK Gulf reaffirmed its commitment to practical problem-solving, and 24/7 customer support, helping clients maximise asset life while ensuring operational reliability across critical water infrastructure.