Water Valves
Water valves are used in potable water networks, irrigation systems, pump stations, storage tanks, industrial water circuits, fire protection lines, and water treatment installations. Selection should be based on DN, PN or ANSI Class, required flow rate, flow velocity, available differential pressure, water quality, solids content, network hydraulic profile, and the required function: isolation, regulation, non-return, air release, or surge protection.
Automatic control valves for water service include pressure reducing valves, pressure sustaining valves, pressure relief valves, flow control valves, level control valves, solenoid-controlled valves, and pump control valves. For pressure reducing duty, key selection parameters include upstream/downstream pressure ratio (p₁/p₂), set-point range, Kvs/Cv, stability under variable demand, pressure loss, and cavitation risk. Available constructions typically cover PN10, PN16, PN25, PN40, and PN64, with BSP, NPT, or flanged connections, in cast iron, ductile iron, and stainless steel.
Drain and air release valves are used to discharge air during pipeline filling, normal operation, and draining, and to limit vacuum formation during transient events. In large water networks, the correct placement of air valves at high points, pump stations, and long rising mains directly affects flow loss, noise, corrosion, and water hammer behaviour.
Backflow prevention devices are installed where reverse flow toward the supply side or toward a cleaner section of the network must be prevented. Selection depends on contamination risk, installation point, operating pressure, and whether periodic testing and maintenance access are required.
Surge control valves and specialised air valves are applied to limit rapid pressure changes during pump start/stop, sudden flow variation, or fast valve closure. Available executions include DIN and ANSI patterns, pressure classes PN10 to PN40 and Class 150, with materials such as ductile iron, duplex stainless steel, and super duplex stainless steel for industrial water and seawater service.