Red Valve Type A Valves Deliver Pump Protection and Slash Maintenance Costs at Dead Sea Operations

A major resource extraction company operating at the Dead Sea faced serious maintenance and operational challenges due to the highly mineralized seawater used in its processes. Their high-capacity pumps—capable of moving up to 100,000 gallons per minute—required regular shutdowns for maintenance and freshwater flushing. However, when the pumps were stopped, backflow caused by water surging through the pipelines led to repeated damage.

To isolate the pumps during shutdowns, the company initially used metal valves. While functional, these valves became a major issue. Mineral buildup on the metal surfaces required extensive freshwater flushing—millions of gallons annually. Moreover, the corrosive nature of the seawater severely degraded the valves over time, leading to frequent repairs and rising costs.

To address these issues, the company transitioned to Red Valve’s Type A Air-Actuated Megaflex Pinch Valves. These valves offered a game-changing alternative. Featuring am all-elastomer pinch sleeve, the Type A Valve eliminates contact between the seawater and the valve body. This prevents mineral accumulation and entirely removes the need for freshwater flushing. The elastomer construction also provides superior resistance to the corrosive effects of Dead Sea brine—ensuring long-term durability and reliable performance.

Speed was critical—the valves needed to open completely within five seconds to match the demanding pump operation schedules. Red Valve custom-engineered the Type A Valves with triple integral ball valves to rapidly release air, allowing the sleeves to open in under five seconds. Their simple, compact design also simplified installation and significantly reduced maintenance time and costs.

The initial installation involved two 48-inch Type A Valves—one on each of two primary pipelines. The impact was immediate. The company saved approximately $700,000 per year by eliminating freshwater flushing. Maintenance demands also dropped dramatically, thanks to the valve’s robust and corrosion-resistant design. Encouraged by the success, the company expanded their use of Red Valve products. Over the following two years, they added six 48-inch and five 66-inch Type A Valves to other critical pipelines, replicating the same level of protection, efficiency, and cost savings across their operation.

Red Valve’s Type A Pinch Valves have proven to be a reliable, cost-effective solution for one of the world’s most demanding environments. By eliminating corrosion, reducing water usage, and minimizing maintenance, these valves have helped the company enhance equipment longevity and ensure uninterrupted operations at their Dead Sea site.

Click here to see the Type A Air-Actuated Pinch Valve in Action.