![\"EPDM-lined](\"https:\/\/www.cwayexports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-11-30-at-7.40.06-PM.jpeg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/h2>\n<\/h2>\nA municipal contractor from Chile contacted C-Way Engineering Exports<\/a> after facing significant leakage and operational failures caused by aging valves in their municipal water distribution and wastewater network<\/a>. The existing valves-installed more than 15 years earlier-were leaking heavily, causing pressure drops, constant maintenance interruptions, and high levels of water loss. After a detailed engineering evaluation of pipeline conditions, operating pressures, fluid characteristics, and visual inspection through photos and video calls, the project engineer recommended replacing the deteriorated valves with modern EPDM-lined butterfly valves.<\/p>\n The chosen EPDM-lined butterfly valves<\/a> offered superior corrosion resistance, leak-tight performance, and long-term reliability under Chilean water conditions. Once installed, the municipal contractor reported complete leakage elimination, stable pressure management, and improved distribution efficiency across the water network. This case study demonstrates how advanced valve technology delivered a durable, cost-effective solution for a critical municipal application.<\/p>\n The client is a well-established municipal contractor responsible for maintaining water distribution pipelines, wastewater conveyance systems, and pumping stations serving several regions in Chile. Their responsibilities include pipeline repair, valve maintenance, water quality assurance, and ensuring uninterrupted flow for thousands of residential and industrial users. Due to aging infrastructure and increasing operational demands, the contractor faced recurring challenges with leaking valves, pressure fluctuations, and rising non-revenue water (NRW).<\/p>\n The contractor contacted C-Way Engineering Exports after repeated shutdowns and leak incidents involving outdated gate valves and butterfly valves that no longer sealed properly. Their engineering team needed a dependable, corrosion-resistant valve replacement that could withstand Chile\u2019s varying water chemistry, high cycling frequency, and municipal operating pressures. C-Way Engineering Exports was selected to provide a complete solution due to its global reputation as a reliable industrial valve manufacturer and butterfly valve exporter.<\/p>\n Chile\u2019s municipal water systems face several infrastructure challenges primarily driven by aging pipelines, fluctuating water quality, and the geographical diversity spanning coastal, mountainous, and desert regions. Many water distribution lines were installed decades ago and continue to operate with limited modernization. As a result, valve leakage, pipe corrosion, and pressure instability are common across municipalities.<\/p>\n One of the most pressing issues is Chile\u2019s increasing water scarcity, especially in central and northern regions. Non-revenue water caused by leaks, aging valves, and inefficient flow control leads to significant waste. In some areas, NRW levels can exceed 30%, putting additional pressure on municipal authorities to improve operational efficiency. Additionally, wastewater networks often handle variable fluid compositions, leading to corrosion and wear on internal valve components. This contractor\u2019s system was no exception, with several pipeline sections suffering from reduced pressure, water loss, sediment build-up, and continuous leakage at the valve points.<\/p>\n When the municipal contractor contacted C-Way Engineering, they reported that several valve installations had reached end-of-life conditions. The existing valves\u2014mainly older ductile iron butterfly valves and cast iron gate valves\u2014showed multiple issues:<\/p>\n \u2022 Severe leakage<\/strong> even in fully closed positions These conditions contributed to noticeable pressure drops and unplanned shutdowns during peak supply hours. Certain valves were no longer providing isolation when needed, disrupting repair work and delaying maintenance. Water loss due to leakage significantly increased operational costs, intensifying the urgency of replacing the aging valve installations.<\/p>\n The contractor needed a modern, reliable valve solution capable of providing leak-tight shutoff, long service life, and corrosion resistance under Chilean water and wastewater conditions.<\/p>\n C-Way Engineering\u2019s technical team conducted a thorough evaluation of the contractor\u2019s system through video call discussions, pipeline layout drawings, valve condition photographs, and operational pressure data. Our engineers analyzed the root cause of leakage, which was primarily due to worn seats, corroded metal components, and outdated material specifications that were not suitable for long-term municipal service.<\/p>\n We assessed several critical parameters:<\/p>\n \u2022 Operating pressure<\/strong> of PN10\u2013PN16 Based on this evaluation, we recommended modern EPDM-lined ductile iron butterfly valves<\/strong> as the most suitable replacement solution. These valves offer exceptional sealing performance, corrosion resistance, and easy operation\u2014ideal for municipal water and wastewater systems in Chile.<\/p>\n EPDM-lined butterfly valves were selected due to their superior performance under municipal operating conditions. Several technical advantages justified this choice:<\/p>\n EPDM rubber provides a flexible, durable sealing interface, ensuring zero leakage<\/strong> even under high cycling conditions.<\/p>\n The ductile iron body with fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE) coating combined with stainless-steel discs provides long-term protection against corrosion, meeting the requirements of Chile\u2019s diverse water chemistry.<\/p>\n EPDM-lined valves require significantly lower torque, reducing operator effort and improving safety.<\/p>\n \u2022 DI body for strength The valves comply with key global standards including: Suitable for potable water, wastewater, raw water, and treated water, making them ideal for multi-zone municipal application. C-Way Engineering supplied a complete batch of EPDM-lined ductile iron butterfly valves<\/strong>, configured specifically for the contractor\u2019s technical requirements:<\/p>\n \u2022 Type:<\/strong> Wafer and Lug Type Butterfly Valves These specifications ensured reliable sealing, corrosion resistance, and long service life.<\/p>\n After receiving the valves, the municipal contractor carried out installation and commissioning at multiple locations within the water network. Their team reported:<\/p>\n \u2022 Proper pipeline preparation and cleaning The installation team appreciated the quality of the valves, lightweight design and compact structure of the valves, which simplified retrofitting into existing pipelines. The EPDM seat enabled quick sealing without requiring high torque or external adjustments. Once operational, the valves immediately restored pressure stability and flow control across affected zones.<\/p>\n The new EPDM-lined butterfly valves delivered outstanding performance improvements:<\/p>\n \u2714 Zero Leakage<\/strong> “We are extremely satisfied with the butterfly valves supplied by C-Way Engineering Exports. The build quality, coating uniformity, and overall finishing were far superior to what we received from our previous supplier. In the past, we faced 2\u20133 valves arriving with damaged bodies or poor seat alignment, which caused immediate installation delays. With C-Way\u2019s valves, every unit arrived in perfect condition, properly tested, and ready for installation. The performance after commissioning has been exceptional, and we will continue sourcing from C-Way for future projects.”<\/em> “The EPDM-lined butterfly valves supplied by C-Way Engineering Exports solved our persistent leakage issues completely. The valves were easy to install, smooth to operate, and immediately restored pressure stability in our water network. We appreciate the technical support, fast response, and excellent product quality.”<\/em> If your water or wastewater network is experiencing aging valves, leakage, or pressure issues, contact C-Way Engineering Exports<\/strong><\/a> for reliable EPDM-lined butterfly valves<\/strong> and complete flow-control solutions designed for municipal applications. As a trusted industrial valve manufacturer and butterfly valve exporter, we deliver durable, leak-tight, and cost-effective valve solutions worldwide.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A municipal contractor from Chile contacted C-Way Engineering Exports after facing significant leakage and operational failures caused by aging valves in their municipal water distribution and wastewater network. The existing valves-installed more than 15 years earlier-were leaking heavily, causing pressure drops, constant maintenance interruptions, and high levels of water loss. …<\/p>\nAbout the Client \u2013 Chilean Municipal Contractor<\/h2>\n
Water Network Challenges in Chile<\/h3>\n
The Problem \u2013 Aged & Leaking Valves<\/h3>\n
\n\u2022 Worn-out rubber seats<\/strong> causing internal bypass
\n\u2022 Corroded valve discs and bodies<\/strong> due to long-term water exposure
\n\u2022 High operating torque<\/strong>, making manual operation difficult
\n\u2022 Sediment accumulation<\/strong>, which damaged the closure mechanism
\n\u2022 Frequent maintenance<\/strong>, increasing operational cost
\n\u2022 Inconsistent pressure<\/strong> across water distribution zones<\/p>\nEngineering Assessment<\/h3>\n
\n\u2022 Water chemistry and presence of chlorination<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Sediment load in wastewater lines<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Pipeline connection standards<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Space constraints<\/strong> for installation
\n\u2022 Required torque and operability<\/strong><\/p>\nWhy EPDM-Lined Butterfly Valves Were Chosen<\/h3>\n
1. Leak-Tight Shutoff<\/h4>\n
2. Corrosion Resistance<\/h4>\n
3. Easy Operation<\/h4>\n
4. Durable Material Selection<\/h4>\n
\n\u2022 CF8\/CF8M stainless-steel disc
\n\u2022 High-performance EPDM seat
\nThese materials ensure longevity and minimize maintenance.<\/p>\n5. Standards Compliance<\/h4>\n
\n\u2022 EN 593
\n\u2022 ISO 5752
\n\u2022 API 609
\n\u2022 AWWA C504
\nThis ensured seamless integration with the contractor\u2019s existing water infrastructure.<\/p>\n6. Versatility<\/h4>\n
\nGiven these advantages, the EPDM-lined butterfly valve emerged as the most effective solution for aging valve replacement in the municipal water network in Chile.<\/p>\nProduct Specifications Supplied<\/h3>\n
\n\u2022 Sizes:<\/strong> DN100 to DN600
\n\u2022 Body Material:<\/strong> Ductile Iron (DI)
\n\u2022 Disc Material:<\/strong> SS304 \/ SS316
\n\u2022 Seat:<\/strong> High-grade EPDM rubber
\n\u2022 Pressure Class:<\/strong> PN10 and PN16
\n\u2022 Coating:<\/strong> Fusion Bonded Epoxy (minimum 250 microns)
\n\u2022 Standards:<\/strong> EN 593, ISO 5752, AWWA C504, API 609
\n\u2022 Testing:<\/strong> Hydrostatic test, seat leakage test, coating thickness test, torque test<\/p>\n![\"Installation](\"https:\/\/www.cwayexports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/30nove.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\nInstallation & Commissioning by Municipal Contractor<\/h3>\n
\n\u2022 Accurate flange alignment
\n\u2022 Bolt tightening per recommended torque values
\n\u2022 Smooth operation during opening and closing cycle tests
\n\u2022 No visible misalignment or seat deformation
\n\u2022 Zero leakage<\/strong> during hydrostatic commissioning<\/p>\nResults Achieved<\/h3>\n
\nAll leakage issues caused by the old valves were completely eliminated.
\n\u2714 Improved Pressure Management<\/strong>
\nStable distribution pressure was restored across the network, even during peak consumption.
\n\u2714 Reduced Maintenance Costs<\/strong>
\nThanks to corrosion-resistant materials and a robust EPDM seat, maintenance frequency dropped significantly.
\n\u2714 Extended Valve Life<\/strong>
\nExpected lifespan increased by over 10\u201315 years compared to the older valves.
\n\u2714 Reduced Water Loss (NRW)<\/strong>
\nThe contractor observed a measurable reduction in water loss due to the tight shutoff.
\n\u2714 Enhanced Network Reliability<\/strong>
\nUnplanned shutdowns and emergency repairs were reduced, improving service continuity for the community.<\/p>\nOur Client\u2019s Testimonial<\/h3>\n
\n\u2014 Carlos Mu\u00f1oz, Operations Manager, Municipal Water & Wastewater Division (Chile)<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\u2014 Javier Rojas, Maintenance Supervisor, Water Distribution Network<\/strong><\/p>\n