PRV valve with integral back-up delivers unrivalled reliability to water distribution network

Many water distribution networks are expanding to cope with the pressures of growing populations and larger towns and cities. This often means the demands placed on a water distribution network become more varied and challenging to control.

Pressure reducing valves are used to control the flow of water downstream by regulating pressure. For example, flow is reduced during period of low-pressure such as through the night, when the majority of the recipients of a water distribution network are not demanding water.

But what happens if during a period of low pressure, there is suddenly a large demand for water and flow rapidly needs to be increased…but the pressure reducing valve fails? If the sudden demand of water was to fight a fire, the results could be catastrophic.

Not only are Singer Valve experts in controlling pressure and flow in water applications, they also have expertise in developing reliable solutions offering dual functionality. The PR-SM pressure reducing valve has an in-built yet independent secondary pilot which acts as a back-up if the primary pilot or main valve should fail.

Therefore, the pressure reducing valve with integral back-up offers that essential reliability to any water distribution network.

How does the back up pilot work?

The pressure reducing valves have a second and independent operating system superimposed upon the standard primary pilot valve.

Under normal conditions, the pilot in the pressure reducing valve reacts to small changes to pressure to control the valve position by modulating the pressure above the diaphragm in the lower operating chamber. The downstream pressure is virtually steady at the pilot set-point, which is adjustable.

However, should the primary pilot system or main valve fail, the independent back-up pilot system will begin to operate and control downstream pressure. The secondary pilot controls the pressure above the diaphragm in a second operating chamber. The back-up pilot is set slightly higher than the primary pilot and the forces operating in the top chamber assume control over the inner valve assembly and maintain pressure reducing control.

The secondary pilot continually senses the downstream pressure and responds quickly to any changes downstream pressure, thus complementing the primary pressure reduce controls and providing a fast response.

In summary, the innovative pressure reducing valve provides the following application benefits:

• Automated back-up if pressure reducing valve fails, thus preventing potentially catastrophic circumstances
• Provides downstream surge protection
• Reduces unnecessary maintenance costs and downtime of having to service 2 independent valves.
• Allows providers to deliver an effective and reliable water supply for expanding water distribution networks

Have Singer found a reliable solution to problematic valve failures in critical applications? Please leave your comments below!