The Importance of Selecting the Right Check Valve Adapted from Information by Flomatic ® Corporation Although check valves are designed to protect a water flow system and pump, they are often one of the most overlooked and misunderstood components. Simply stated, check valves are designed to allow flow in just one direction, preventing backflow. Improper sizing or selecting the wrong type of valve, can pose serious hydrodynamic issues on the pumping system, and lead to possible failure. According to Jim Tucci, national sales manager for Flomatic ® Valves, “It’s all too often that people order the wrong valve because they aren’t assessing the system as a whole when choosing the valve size or type.” The hydraulic conditions of each system are different, so it is important to use a system approach when selecting the size and type of valve. Knowing the flow rate and pipe size is helpful as these parameters are used to calculate the flow velocity and some check valves have certain optimal velocity ranges. If they aren’t sized properly, it could lead to maintenance issues. “With increased flow velocity, you have increased surge potential if a pump were to fail. You will have the possibility for greater slamming potential, or water hammer, if something goes wrong,” Tucci explained. If the velocity is too low, you may experience chattering, causing the spring or closing mechanism inside the valve to wear away faster. The valve may barely open under low-flow conditions which will eat away the seating components and lead to a shorter life span. “Check valves want that sweet spot,” Tucci said. “If you’re too low or too high, you have the potential to wear the valve out. To establish the proper size and type of check valve, consider the following factors: SFlow rate or anticipated flow rates of the system and pipeline diameter. SPressure, under both static and pumping conditions. SMedium (potable water, wastewater, slurries etc.) and the size of any solids the system may have to deal with. SPotential chemicals to be used in the system. SIf it is a multiple pump, or header system. SWhere and how far the discharge pipe is going. SIf it will have an open or closed discharge line. Taking the time to establish the needs of a project using this approach, will help ensure you are selecting the proper size and style of check valve for trouble-free system operation. To learn more, click on this article in our online issue at worldwidedrillingresource.com 42 OCTOBER 2020 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® WTR Swing style check valves like Flomatic’s model 745 AIS are common across the spectrum of water systems and ideal for systems where flow is constant, to minimize pressure drop. Upcoming December Issue Deadlines: Annual Buyers Meet Sellers - October 10, 2020 Editorial Submission - October 15, 2020 Space Reservation - October 25, 2020 Display and Classified Ad Copy: November 1 Call 850-547-0102
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