Choosing the Right Valves for Efficient Water Supply Systems

December 05, 2024
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Valves, as one of the essential components of a water supply system, play a crucial role in regulating, controlling, and isolating functions, ensuring the efficient operation of water treatment processes. The complex and heavy tasks within the water supply system rely heavily on the precise application of valves.

Different types of valves serve various functions in the system, making the selection of suitable valves critical for ensuring the stability of the water supply system.

Common Types of Valves in Water Supply Systems

Ball Valves

The ball valve's opening and closing element is a spherical body with a circular hole, which rotates with the stem to achieve the open and close function. Typically made of metal and equipped with a lever handle, it features a simple design and quick operation, requiring only a 1/4 turn of the handle for full open or close.

Applications: Frequently found at main shutoff points in water supply systems, especially useful during pipeline repairs or emergencies to quickly stop the water flow and prevent leakage or further damage.

Gate Valves

Gate valves use a gate (valve plate) driven by the stem to move up and down along the valve seat. By rotating the handle, the metal gate rises or lowers to connect or cut off the water flow.

Applications: Primarily used for on-off control of main pipelines or important branch pipelines in water supply systems. They are ideal for situations requiring a complete cutoff of water flow and are among the most commonly used shutoff valves.

Image source: iStock

Globe Valves

Globe valves use a downward-sealing design, where the valve disc moves up and down along the valve seat's axis via the stem. This internal design allows precise flow control by adjusting the handle to partially or fully close the water flow.

Applications: Used in scenarios requiring precise control of water flow rates, ensuring the water supply system delivers the appropriate amount of water based on demand.

Check Valves

Check valves automatically prevent fluid backflow. When the pressure on the inlet side is lower than the outlet side, the valve disc automatically closes due to pressure differences or gravity.

Applications: Widely installed at pump outlets or other critical positions to provide one-way flow protection, essential for preventing backflow contamination and safeguarding equipment.

Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves are controlled by a handle rotating a circular disc in the center of the valve body. When fully open, the disc's thickness is the only resistance to the medium flowing through, offering excellent flow control characteristics.

Applications: Due to their simple operation, compact size, and lightweight design, butterfly valves are ideal for limited spaces and large-diameter pipelines.

Image source: iStock

Pressure-Reducing Valves

Pressure-reducing valves automatically adjust and reduce fluid pressure, ensuring the water supply system's pressure remains within safe ranges. They regulate and release excess pressure when fluid pressure is too high.

Applications: Commonly placed at system inlets or critical points to maintain stable water pressure using internal springs and diaphragms.

Strainer

Strainer remove suspended solids, particles, sediments, impurities, and harmful substances from water, ensuring clean and safe water quality, protecting pipeline equipment, and safeguarding end users' health.

Applications: Increasingly indispensable in modern water supply systems, particularly in areas with poor water quality or requiring advanced purification.

The Importance of Valves in Water Supply Systems

Controlling Water Flow: Valves regulate water flow by adjusting the degree of opening. Narrower openings slow the flow and reduce pipeline pressure.
Maintaining Pressure Balance: Valves adjust regional water pressure to meet varying demands, avoiding leaks due to high pressure and ensuring adequate supply elsewhere.
Preventing Overpressure: In specific areas of the network where terrain or flow changes cause high pressure, valves help regulate it, reducing leakage risks.
Emergency Response: Quickly shutting valves during pipeline breaks or other emergencies minimizes pressure at the incident site, reducing water loss and providing a safer repair environment.
Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction: Precise valve adjustment optimizes system performance, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and pressure loss, saving energy, and cutting emissions.

Image source: iStock

Certifications and Quality Requirements for Valves

The quality and safety of valves directly impact the normal operation of water supply systems, water safety, and equipment protection. Ensuring valves meet relevant standards is critical.

Material Certification: Valve materials must meet standards for corrosion resistance, aging resistance, and high strength to prevent negative impacts on water quality. Common certifications include WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) from the UK for drinking water safety.
Environmental and Health Certifications: Valves in contact with drinking water must meet environmental standards. Certifications like ACS (Attestation of Conformity to Sanitary Standards) and DVGW (Deutsche Vereinigung des Gas- und Wasserfaches) ensure valves are free of harmful substances and do not pollute water sources.
International Standards: CE certification indicates compliance with EU health, safety, and environmental standards, while Kiwa certification signifies adherence to Dutch and European market standards.
Quality Management Systems: ISO 9001 certification ensures manufacturers follow international quality management standards, guaranteeing consistent valve quality.

Image source: Union Valve

Certified valves ensure safe, stable, and efficient system operation, enhancing reliability and durability. If you're concerned about choosing certified valves among numerous manufacturers, Union Valve might be your ideal choice. Our valves meet WRAS, ACS, CE, and ISO 9001:2008 certifications, aligning with water safety standards to safeguard your water supply system.If you have any other questions, please contact us.