Solving Wastewater Applications with the Valmatic Swing Flex Check Valve
There was a problem at Mount Horeb wastewater treatment plant in Wisconsin USA which happens to be on the edge of a residential area.
One of their eight stations was causing the problem. This particular lift station was in the worst position to have a clog as it was preceding 10,000ft of pipe leading to the plant, which was threatening for raw sewage to spill in to the local’s homes.
The problem – a cushion swing check valve at a lift station kept slamming and clogging. The particular check valves were allowing sewage to build up on top of the disc restricting the effectiveness of the valve causing it to slam. Sewage would build up on the disc pushing the disc further down in to the flow creating headloss, clogging and constant slamming. The cushion swing check valves used had a non metallic insert for the seal. Every time a piece of plastic, wood or any other solid would tap or chip the cork the seal would begin to weep. The wastewater treatment plant processes 600.00gpd and they could not afford to have the valves out of commission.
The proposed solution?
The manufacturer of the cushion swing check valves suggested that the valve should be removed from the line and shipped back to them to be repaired then shipped back to the customer to be reinstalled. This could have lead to downtime of over a month as the station would have been left with only one pump at the lift station and no back up cover if pump failure is encountered. Instead of waiting the plant staff repaired the valves on their own to attempt to decrease downtime. This involved completely removing the valve from the line, removing the shaft, repairing it then reassembling taking four hours.
The Valmatic Solution:
The staff decided it was time for a change. They found out about the Valmatic Swing Flex Check Valve which was specifically designed to combat the problem they were facing with their cushion swing check valves.
Valmatics Swing Flex Check Valves
The contour of the Swing Flex’s body allows 100% flow area to minimise headloss.
The Swing Flex’s innovative disc design and domed access port allows the flow of sewage to self flush any potential clogs before they form.
As the disc is the only moving part there are no internal components to get in the way.
Valmatics Swing Flex Check Valve is easy to install.
The valve is designed with an angled seat causing a 35˚ disc stroke, less than half of a traditional weight and lever check valve.
The valve has short disc stroke and memory flex action to reduce closing time of the valve and minimise the flow reversal to prevent any water hammer.
The staff at the plant stated that once the valve was closed from the force main they could not hear a sound from the valve, not even when it is shutting.
Introduction of Valmatic to the Wastewater Treatment Plant
After the success of the Valmatic Swing Flex Check Valve on one of the two pump lines in the lift station the plant decided to replace the remaining cushion swing check valve with the Valmatic Swing Flex Check Valve. It took less than 1 hour to remove the previous valve, install the Valmatic Swing Flex Check Valve and test it for flange tightness.
If you can relate to the problems discussed in this article, our fully trained of technical experts will be happy to discuss and specify a Valmatic solution for your application problem.