SurgeBuster Check Valve Application in Pumping Station
The City of Fresno Water Department were experiencing water-slam at their well stations. In order to overcome the problem of water-slam, the water department decided to opt for the Val-Matic SurgeBuster check valve. Water-slam occurs after pump stoppage, when flow reverses back towards the pump before the check valve is fully closed.
Overcoming Water-Slam with swing check valves
The Problem
The City of Fresno Water Department were experiencing water-slam at their well stations. Water-slam occurs after pump stoppage, when flow reverses back towards the pump before the check valve is fully closed. The closing of the valve results in a sudden stoppage in the column of water which causes a water hammer which potentially causes serious damage to the whole pumping system. The water department attempted to solve this problem using globe control valves and actuated plug valves, but both solutions were unsuccessful. Both the globe valves and the plug valves allowed flow reversal before the valve was fully closed allowing water slam to occur. Also, pump impeller reversal occurred in the vertical turbine pumps which can lead to more potential for critical damage.
The Solution
After installation of the Val-Matic Surgebuster Check Valve (which closes quickly to eliminate slam) at the pumping station, water-slam was eliminated completely. The Val-Matic Surgebuster Check Valve works by achieving rapid closure through a short disc stroke and 100% full flow area. It is equipped with a stainless steel precision formed disc accelerator that works to rapidly close the valve and minimise flow reversal and therefore the resulting water hammer!
The department has since placed additional orders to replace its pumping system valves with the Surgebuster at the city’s most demanding well stations.
See the following articles for more examples of where the SurgeBuster has been used as an application solution:
- Surgebuster in Waste Water treatment plant
- Innovative check valves for overcoming water-slam
- Swing check valves overcome slamming and water hammer at offshore wind farm
What are your experiences with the SurgeBuster check valve? Please leave your comments below.
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