In the water supply industry, valves are used to control and regulate the flow and pressure of water within water supply systems, ensuring efficient operation and reliability. Water supply systems encompass the entire process from water extraction from sources such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater, to purification, distribution, storage, and delivery to end users. Due to the complexity and critical nature of water supply systems, valves must possess high reliability, corrosion resistance, pressure resistance, and excellent sealing performance. Below are specific applications and special requirements of valves in the water supply industry:
Application Scenarios
1. Water Extraction Projects:
- Control the flow of water extracted from sources like rivers, lakes, or groundwater.
- Use valves resistant to corrosion and wear.
2. Water Treatment:
- Control the entry of raw water and the transport of purified water.
- Use valves with high sealing and corrosion resistance.
3. Water Transmission Projects:
- Control the transportation of purified water, often over long distances.
- Use valves resistant to pressure and corrosion.
4. Distribution Systems:
- Control the distribution of water within cities or communities to ensure uniform supply to all users.
- Use valves with flexible operation and excellent sealing performance.
5. Storage Systems:
- Control water levels and flow in reservoirs and tanks.
- Use valves with high reliability and sealing performance.
6. Fire Protection Water Supply:
- Control water flow in fire protection systems to ensure rapid water supply during fires.
- Use valves with quick opening/closing capability and high-pressure resistance.
Special Requirements
1. Corrosion Resistance:
- Water in water supply systems varies chemically; valves must withstand corrosion.
- Common materials include stainless steel, bronze, and rubber-lined materials.
2. High Sealing Performance:
- Ensure no leakage in the system to prevent water waste and pressure drops.
- Use high-quality sealing materials such as EPDM or PTFE.
3. Pressure Resistance:
- Water transmission pipelines in water supply systems often operate under significant pressure; valves must withstand high pressure.
- Use high-strength materials such as ductile iron or carbon steel.
4. Flexible Operation:
- Valves should have the ability to quickly open/close and regulate flow to ensure convenient operation.
- Design should accommodate manual, electric, or pneumatic operation flexibility.
5. Wear Resistance:
- Particularly during water extraction and transmission, particles in water can cause valve wear.
- Use wear-resistant materials such as hard alloys or special coatings.
Typical Valve Types
1. Gate Valves:
- Suitable for fluid shut-off and flow control.
- Strong structure, suitable for water transmission and distribution systems.
2. Ball Valves:
- Suitable for quick opening/closing and tight shut-off applications.
- Full-bore design reduces fluid resistance, suitable for water treatment and distribution systems.
3. Butterfly Valves:
- Suitable for large-diameter pipeline flow control.
- Simple structure, lightweight, quick operation, suitable for distribution and storage systems.
4. Globe Valves:
- Suitable for applications requiring precise flow control.
- Simple structure, superior regulation performance, suitable for water treatment and distribution systems.
5. Check Valves:
- Prevent reverse flow to protect equipment safety.
- Suitable for water extraction, transmission, and distribution systems.
6. Pressure Reducing Valves:
- Used in water supply systems to ensure constant outlet pressure and protect water equipment.
- High-precision adjustment, rapid response, suitable for distribution systems.
7. Air Release Valves:
- Release air from pipelines to prevent airlocks and water hammer.
- Suitable for water transmission and distribution systems.
Maintenance and Operation Considerations
1. Regular Inspection and Maintenance:
- Regularly inspect valve sealing and operational performance, promptly replace worn or damaged parts.
- Clean valves internally and externally to prevent fouling and corrosion.
2. Lubrication:
- Regularly apply suitable lubricants to valves requiring lubrication to ensure smooth operation.
- Use lubricants suitable for water supply environments to prevent lubricant failure.
3. Fastening Component Inspection:
- Regularly check fastening components of valve connections to ensure tightness and prevent leaks.
4. Operating Procedures:
- Operators must strictly adhere to operating procedures to avoid excessive force or rapid operation.
- Provide operational training to ensure operators understand valve performance and operating methods.
5. Emergency Response:
- Develop and familiarize personnel with emergency response plans to promptly address emergencies such as valve leaks or failures.
Typical Cases
1. Gate Valves for Urban Water Supply Systems:
- Gate valves used in urban water supply systems require high sealing and corrosion resistance; valve bodies and gates are typically made of ductile iron or bronze.
2. Ball Valves for Water Treatment Systems:
- Ball valves used in water treatment systems require high sealing and corrosion resistance; valve bodies and balls are made of stainless steel or PVC materials.
3. Butterfly Valves for Water Transmission Pipeline Systems:
- Butterfly valves used in water transmission pipeline systems require high-pressure and wear-resistant performance; valve bodies and discs are made of ductile iron or aluminum bronze materials.
4. Pressure Reducing Valves for Distribution Systems:
- Pressure reducing valves used in distribution systems require high-precision adjustment and corrosion resistance; valve bodies and cores are made of stainless steel or bronze materials.
5. Gate Valves for Fire Protection Water Supply Systems:
- Gate valves used in fire protection water supply systems require quick opening/closing and high-pressure resistance; valve bodies and seats are made of high-strength alloy steel or cast iron materials.
By selecting appropriate valve types and materials, and conducting regular maintenance and inspections, water supply industry valves can operate stably in various complex environments, thereby improving efficiency and safety of water supply systems.