Pump Station Valve Selection
Selecting the appropriate valves for your pump station is crucial for ensuring efficient operation and longevity of the system. Below, we outline key valve types and considerations to guide your selection process.
Check Valves
Check valves permit fluid to flow in one direction, preventing backflow that could damage equipment or disrupt operations. In lift stations, for example, installing a check valve immediately after the pumps prevents water from returning to the wet well when pumps are off.
Common types include:
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Swing Check Valves: Feature a hinged flapper that swings open with forward flow and closes against reverse flow. They must be installed horizontally to function correctly, as improper installation can lead to malfunction.
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Ball Check Valves: Utilize a ball that moves away from the seat during forward flow and returns to seal against backflow. These valves are versatile, suitable for both horizontal and vertical installations, with gravity assisting closure in vertical setups.
Isolation Valves
Isolation valves allow maintenance personnel to stop fluid flow to specific sections of the system without affecting overall operations. Positioning these valves before and after critical components, like pumps or check valves, facilitates safe maintenance and repairs.
Common types include:
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Gate Valves: Employ a sliding gate to obstruct flow. They are best suited for low-pressure applications and should be fully open or closed during operation to prevent damage.
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Plug Valves: Contain a cylindrical or conical plug that rotates to control flow. They handle higher pressures than gate valves and offer reliable isolation.
When selecting plug valves, consider the actuation method:
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Manual Actuation: A 2-inch operating nut can be turned using a T-handle or wrench. This cost-effective option suits applications with manageable pressures and flow rates.
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Mechanical Actuation: Gear mechanisms provide mechanical advantage, easing operation in high-pressure scenarios.
- Electric Actuation: Electric motors automate valve operation, offering precision and convenience, especially beneficial in complex or remote systems.
Air/Vacuum Release Valves
These valves manage air within pressurized pipelines:pumpsandsystems.com
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Air Release: Expel trapped air that can form pockets, reducing flow efficiency and increasing energy consumption.
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Vacuum Release: Allow air into the system during draining or negative pressure events, preventing pipe collapse and mitigating surge effects.
Proper placement of air/vacuum release valves at system high points ensures optimal performance and protection.
Additional Considerations
When designing your pump station, also evaluate:
- Surge Relief Valves: Protect against pressure surges (water hammer) that can cause pipeline damage.
- Pressure Reducing Valves: Maintain desired downstream pressure levels, safeguarding equipment and ensuring consistent operation.
Selecting valves tailored to your system’s specific requirements enhances reliability, efficiency, and safety. Consulting with experienced engineers and manufacturers can provide valuable insights into the best valve choices for your application
Recommended Manufacturer
Val-Matic® Valve & Mfg. Corp. is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of check valves, quarter turn shut-off valves, air valves and foot valves for water/wastewater, industrial and building markets. Valve types include Tilted Disc®, Dual Disc®, Swing-Flex®, Surgebuster® and Silent Check Valves; Plug Valves, Butterfly Valves, nine types of Air Valves, Sure Seal Foot Valves, VaultSafe family of products and the Ener-G® AWWA Rubber Seated Ball Valve
