Applications
Water Distribution Networks
Isolation, pressure control and flow management for potable water networks.
Water distribution networks place demanding and varied requirements on valve equipment. From trunk main isolation to pressure zone management and air release at high points, every fitting in the system must perform reliably under cyclic operating loads and deliver decades of service in buried or chamber-mounted service.
Overview
A distribution network is not a static system. Pressures vary with demand and pumping cycles, flow directions can reverse on interconnected networks, and maintenance operations require reliable isolation at short notice. Valves specified for these conditions must be robust enough to operate infrequently without seizing, and precise enough to control pressure to within close tolerances when the network is under stress.
Isolation Valves
Resilient seated gate valves are the standard isolation fitting for buried potable water mains across Europe. The rubber-encapsulated gate provides a reliable seat without the over-tightening problems that make wedge gate valves difficult to maintain over time. For larger mains and above-ground installations, double-flanged concentric butterfly valves offer low-headloss isolation with compact face-to-face dimensions that reduce chamber size and installation cost. Both types are available with fusion-bonded epoxy coating and WRAS approval for drinking water contact.
Pressure Management
Pressure reducing valves are the primary tool for managing pressure zones in distribution networks. A correctly sized pilot-operated globe control valve will maintain a set downstream pressure regardless of upstream variation, protecting downstream infrastructure from overpressure and reducing leakage rates across the zone. Where demand varies significantly between day and night, a time-modulating pilot circuit can reduce downstream pressure during low-demand periods, further reducing leakage and the risk of main failures.
Air Release and Vacuum Protection
Air pockets at high points in distribution mains cause flow restriction, accelerate corrosion and create the conditions for column separation under surge events. Combination air release valves at high points allow air to vent during filling and release entrained air during operation, while preventing reverse ingress under vacuum. Anti-shock models include an adjustable needle mechanism to limit the pressure rise when the valve closes against a water front.
Backflow Prevention
Cross-connection control is a regulatory requirement on all potable distribution systems. Backflow preventers at service connections, fire suppression hook-ups and any point where a non-potable supply could cross-connect must meet the relevant standard for the hazard level present. Reduced-pressure zone assemblies provide the highest level of protection and are typically specified where a significant contamination risk exists, such as industrial premises or irrigation connections.
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