Introduction
Di Nicola plunger valves and needle regulation valves represent the state-of-the-art engineering solution for high-precision flow adjustment and fluid control, efficiently balancing available water reserves with increasing distribution network demands. The technical operating principle relies on the horizontal axial sliding of an internal obturator shutter, mechanically driven by a robust connecting rod-and-crank assembly that guarantees smooth handling even under heavy hydrostatic head loads or extreme pressure differentials. Featuring an integrated internal balanced chamber, these hydrovalves eliminate all forms of vibrations or anomalous oleodynamic stresses, while the specific hydrodynamic shape of the pressure-containing shell prevents cavitation and minimizes continuous network head losses.
Key Features
The primary sealing ring on the shutter is molded in premium EPDM or Neoprene rubber to provide absolute bubble-tight sealing performance, and its dynamic layout shielded from the direct main flow ensures an extended service life without standard maintenance routines. The advanced design of the sealing retaining ring allows for quick downstream removal and seal replacement without disconnecting the valve shell from the line, provided that an entry maintenance manhole is integrated into the nearby piping layout. The drive shaft is smoothly sustained by self-lubricating bushings that reduce mechanical friction, maximizing total operational safety under massive hydrostatic loads. To actively suppress cavitation and customize flow capacity coefficients, the main shutter can adopt multiple fully interchangeable configurations, including bare flat cylinders for basic throttling services, V-PORT trims for medium pressure regulation, or perforated cylinders, slotted cylinders, and vaned rings to manage extreme pressure drops under varying downstream counter-pressure values.
Technical Data Table
Applications and Benefits
- High-pressure water networks: reliable isolation for high-velocity lines, anti-water-hammer control loops, and pressure regulating circuits;
- Dam and reservoir management: secure operation for dam bottom outlets and automated reservoir water level retention systems;
- Modern irrigation grids: seamless integration into computerized automation loops utilizing flow meters for variable time-dependent supply metrics;
- Safety and operating systems: versatile actuation through manual gears, pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic pistons, or gravity-assisted counterweight lever systems;
Why Choose Our Products
Di Nicola manufactures free discharge valves type Plunger in ductil iron EN GJS 400 and EN GJS 500, in malleable cast iron GJL 250, in high-nickel NI resist, in carbon steel ASTM 216 WCB / GP 240GH + N, in construction of steel EN S275J0 and stainless steel 1.4404 and 1.4462 for over forty years with sizes between 100 and 1600 mm and nominal pressures from 2.5 bar to 40 bar and ANSI Class 125 to Class 300 .The collaboration with Eng. Onelio Sala, chief designer Riva Calzoni spa, since the 70s, has led to the development of a valve with performance in reducing cavitation phenomenon unique in the world because in 90% of cases the cavitation phenomenon is neutralized by the special shape inside the valve body, drastically reducing the use of external accessories anti cavitation and resulting in higher flow capacity in cubic meters / second compared to valves manufactured by the competition. Control valves type Plunger Di Nicola respond to major international standards such as EN 593, EN ISO 1074-1, EN ISO 1074-5, DIN 3202. With marked according to EN ISO 19 and flanges according to EN 1092-2, ISO 2531, BS4504, ANSI B16.10, test according to EN 12266-1. Plunger valves Di Nicola come with a range of accessories such operating headstocks, mechanical position indicators, electrical and hydraulic actuators, anti cavitation holed rings , anti cavitation vaned cylinders and others.
The precise construction outlines, complete Kv flow factor curves, and definitive Sigma cavitation charts are fully accessible for analysis inside the catalogue below. Contact our technical sales experts today to get dedicated hydraulic sizing support or to specify the exact custom accessories needed for your process grid.
