A well-established company providing plant, machinery, and tool hire and sales throughout the UK are partnered with AKO UK. With a strong reputation for reliability and quality, the company operates a large and varied fleet of equipment serving the construction and materials industries.
The company use AKO UK Pinch Valves as part of their cement handling system. Each of the company’s tanker trucks is equipped with a pinch valve installed within the discharge pipe. The valves are designed to control the flow of cement during the emptying process.
Material handled: Cement (ambient temperature)
Operating pressure: 1.5 BAR
Operation frequency: Twice per week
Number of valves in use: 12 (one per tanker)
Valve position: Normally closed (opens during discharge)
In bulk powder applications such as cement discharge, valve reliability is essential. Valves must provide a tight seal to prevent leakage and be durable enough to withstand abrasive materials like cement powder. Downtime caused by valve failure or excessive maintenance can quickly disrupt operations and add unnecessary costs.
VF model, air operated, aluminium body, aluminium flanges PN10/16 with mild steel bushing contact parts, natural rubber sleeve. The company have painted the Pinch Valves red to match their fleet of road tankers.
The company’s trailers came pre-fitted with AKO UK Pinch Valves, and the company has continued to use them ever since — a partnership that has now lasted for over 16 years.
Each valve performs a simple but critical role: stopping and releasing the flow of cement from the tanks during unloading. The valves are pneumatically operated and open only during discharge, ensuring consistent performance and minimal wear.
Over more than a decade and a half of continuous use, the company have experienced no issues or failures with their AKO Pinch Valves. The valves have proven to be:
Highly reliable – Zero operational failures in 16+ years.
Low maintenance – No need for frequent servicing or part replacement.
Durable and cost-effective – Even when sleeves eventually wear, the company simply replaces the complete valve every few years for convenience.
Ideal for bulk powder handling – Smooth operation, excellent sealing, and minimal risk of blockages or material buildup.
“The pinch valves have been in place since we bought the trailers over 16 years ago, and we’ve never had a single issue. They work perfectly for our cement discharge application. We continue to use AKO valves because they do exactly what we need – reliably and without fuss.”
The companies’ long-term experience demonstrates the robustness and reliability of AKO UK Pinch Valves in demanding cement handling environments. With over 16 years of uninterrupted service, these valves continue to deliver consistent performance, minimal maintenance, and dependable control — making them the trusted choice for bulk material applications.
