Overcoming challenging wastewater applications with Albion Valves
Company recommends ball check valves for industrial pumping, drainage and sewage applications
ALBION Valves (UK) Ltd are advising specifiers sourcing valves for waste water and storm water applications to consider ball check valves as an alternative to conventional disk-sprung valves.
The company says the simple mechanical operation of the ball check valve is proving more effective across a wide range of dirty water applications including: sewage; drainage; storm water; and industrial pumping.
The basic purpose of any check valve is to permit flow in one direction and prevent flow in the opposite direction, and to perform this function automatically with minimum maintenance. The ball check valve’s simple design, which comprises only one moving part, means that, mechanically, there is less to go wrong.
In water applications, when fluid flows through the valve the ball slides away from the flow and along guide rails, leaving the inlet completely clear for the fluid to pass, preventing clogging and pockets for sediment to collect in. When the fluid pressure drops, the ball slides back into the valve, completely sealing off the opening and preventing any backflow which could result in damage to pumps.
In addition to the ‘non-clog’ operation, the ball check valve operates with much less friction than a conventional disk-sprung valve, resulting in reduced wear and, ultimately, minimal maintenance.
The simple design allows the ball to rotate freely, so that with each motion the ball sits on a different portion of its surface. This leads to even wear across the ball’s whole exterior, preventing excessive deterioration in one specific place and, therefore, promoting a longer life without costly maintenance and downtime.
According to Albion Valves, in most water installations the ball is slightly heavier than water or other media that passes through it. The energy needed to move the ball to fully open the valve is very slight compared to lifting a disk or lever weight in other check valves, which means there is less chance of any pressure drop.
Les Littlewood, sales director for Albion Valves, said: ‘Specifiers will find huge operational benefits using ball check valves for these more challenging waste water applications. Our range works at pressures of up to 16 bar and in temperatures of up to 80°C. They offer a dependable and trouble-free service, and, with no external parts, can easily be installed underwater.
