FLOW CONTROL

What is flow control?

Flow control in water systems is a process that helps to regulate the rate of water flow to

ensure that the maximum amount of water is delivered to the desired destination. This is

typically done by controlling the pressure of the water, the amount of water in the system, and

various other factors. Flow control is important for both residential and commercial

applications as it helps to ensure efficient water delivery and can help to reduce water wastage.

What Does Flow Control Mean?

Flow control is defined as a method by which the flow of water or waste in a sewer or drain

pipe is halted, slowed, or diverted in order to facilitate repairs or block supply lines. Flow

control systems are used In trenchless technology when repairing sewer and storm water

drainage pipes.

Flow control in water systems refers to the ability to adjust the rate at which water is delivered

to a given location. This can be done by using valves, pumps, or other mechanisms to control

the water pressure in the system. Flow control helps regulate the amount of water used in a

given area and can help conserve water resources.

Flow control is an essential element of underground work. Valves or gates are needed to

control the flow of water to facilitate repair work when water cannot be bypassed, such as in

open systems. Flow control systems can be used to repair large diameter pipes, which carry a

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large amount of waste water at great depths and long distances. The Michigan Interceptor

project is a great example of using flow control to carry out the repair and rehabilitation of a

system that involved a pipe of 13 feet diameter, up to 110 feet below the surface, and almost 7

miles long. The control of flow was achieved by installing new gate structures, retrofitting

existing control gates, a new pump station, and upgrading an existing pump station. While the

crew worked during day, the upstream portion was used as a storage area. At night, the gates

were opened and sewage was allowed to flow. This flow control system enabled crews to seal

leaking pipes and fill voids on the exterior of the pipe.

Types of flow control in water

1. Pressure Regulating Valves: Pressure regulating valves are used to maintain a consistent

pressure in a water system, regardless of fluctuations in demand or system performance. These

valves can be manually operated or automated, and are commonly used in residential and

commercial water supply systems. A diagram of a pressure regulator is shown in Fig. 1

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 Fig. 1

2. Pressure Reducing Valves: Pressure reducing valves are used to reduce the pressure of water

entering a system from a higher pressure source. This is commonly used to reduce the

possibility of water hammer and damage to pipes and fixtures. A diagram of a pressure

reducing valve is shown in Fig. 2

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 Fig. 2

3. Check Valves: Check valves are used to prevent backflow in a water system, and are

commonly used in irrigation systems and other water supply systems. They only allow water to

flow in one direction, and can be manual or automated. A diagram of a check valve is shown in

Fig. 3

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 Fig. 3

4. Gate Valves: Gate valves are used to regulate the flow of water in a system, and are typically

used in large-scale water supply systems. They are most commonly used to control the flow of

water from a reservoir to a treatment plant, or in water distribution. A diagram of a gate valve

is shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 4

5. Automatic Control Valves: Automatic control valves in water systems are valves that are

used to regulate the flow of water within a system. These valves are typically used to maintain

desired levels of pressure, temperature, and flow. They are typically operated by an electric

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motor, solenoid, or pneumatic actuator and can be set to open and close at certain levels.

Automatic control valves are used in a variety of water systems, such as irrigation, fire

protection, and water distribution systems. A diagram of and automatic control valve is shown

in Fig. 5

Fig. 5

6. Flow Control Valves: Flow control valves are used to regulate the rate of flow in a water

system, and are commonly used in irrigation systems. They are typically manually operated, and

can be used to check to flow of water in a system.

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 Fig. 6

Flow Control Valves

Flow Control valves maintain a fixed, pre-set, constant flow rate regardless of pressure. This

means a constant flow rate, irrespective of fluctuating pressures upstream or downstream of

the valve. Flow Control valves are simple with no external actuation. They are self-regulating,

self-cleaning, tamper-proof, long-life (15+ years) and reliable. They are available in a wide range

of connection types, sizes and materials.

How do the valves work ?

The Flow Control valves utilize a flexible Maric rubber control ring, with an orifice diameter

that responds instantly to fluctuations in water pressure. As pressure increases, the orifice

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diameter reduces to maintain the pre-set flow rate. Correspondingly, as pressure reduces, the

orifice opens up to maintain the pre-set flow rate.

These valves are particularly suitable for use in hard water areas and for unprocessed water. As

the flow controlling element is a rubber material which flexes under normal operation it

minimises the risk of blockage and reduces the build-up of scale.

Importance Flow Control?

For Industry

1. To limit flow rates through process equipment

2. To control the flow through delicate filters or analysing instruments

3. To ensure adequate flow to all outlets in systems that require fluid at the same time

4. For pump protection to prevent cavitation damage

5. For fire fighting to ensure correct mixing ratios for foam additives

6. For irrigation systems to reduce over spraying or under spraying

7. To ensure uniform output when distributing over rising elevations

Water Authorities

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1. To balance the flow in the distribution network, to ensure every user gets their fair share of

water.

2. To extend the life of water meters by keeping maximum flow within the design parameters

of the meter

3. To limit the flow during times of water shortage or drought

Water Efficiency

1. To balance the flow in the system by controlling the flow rate

2. To ensures each outlet in the building gets its fair share of water

Pump Protection

1. A Flow Control valve is set to a maximum flow rate for the application

2.This will ensure that the pump operates within the design specifications and thus avoiding

potential cavitation zones.

Advantages of flow control in water systems

1. Increased Efficiency: Flow control helps to reduce water wastage and conserve resources by

ensuring that water is delivered in the correct quantities and to the correct points. This helps to

optimise the efficiency of the water system and reduce operational costs.

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2. Improved Water Quality: Flow control also helps to maintain a consistent water quality, as

fluctuations in pressure and flow can affect the quality of the water.

3. Reliable Pressure: By controlling the flow of water, flow control can help to maintain a

consistent and reliable pressure throughout the water system. This is essential for providing an

adequate supply of water to all the users.

4. Reduced Risk of Damage: Flow control also helps to reduce the risk of damage to the pipes,

fittings, and other components of the water system. By controlling the flow of water, it helps to

ensure that the pressure within the system is not too high and that the pipes and other

components are not subjected to too much stress.

References

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https://trenchelesspedia/flowcontrol

https://Akroval/flow-control

https://beta.openai.com

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