TOTAL VALVE SOLUTIONS
WaterBiz magazine published a case study I wrote on preventing pressure transients with the combination of bladder surge tanks and air valves. I though you might find it useful. —Starts— Surge tanks are one of the oldest surge alleviation methods. In the past they were seen as the only reliable way to deal with surge…
DetailsIn 2016 I participated in a panel discussion titled “Ageing water and sanitation infrastructure” arranged by Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMIESA). I was reminded of this when the subject of our ageing water supply infrastructure was raised during the 2019 State of the Nation Address in February. My comments were later published…
DetailsMost engineers know that pockets of air in pipelines create problems such as Accelerated corrosion. Magnified pressure spikes from water hammer events. Unsteady pipeline operation. Reduced capacity. Reduced capacity is often the most urgent of these. Renewing or replacing pipelines to meet increased demand is both expensive and disruptive. Much work has already been done…
DetailsA break pressure tank or reservoir is often used when the topography causes pipeline pressure to be too high. It’s a good and safe solution, but it has some disadvantages: They’re expensive and bulky. The level and flow control mechanisms are vulnerable to tampering and damage. Pressure is reduced all the way down to atmospheric…
DetailsNetworks leak. Reducing pressure during periods of low demand has long been a strategy to reduce water loss. Pilot operated PRVs (POPRVs) with electronic controllers that set working pressure by time of day are a quick solution. They have reduced unaccounted for water losses significantly. But these so-called Smart PRVs suffer several problems: They’re expensive…
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