An automatic valve is usually also referred to as an ARC. It is a kind of valve which provides the function of making sure the volume of any liquid which passes through the centrifugal pump at any given time is predetermined. The ARC also is known as the automatic recirculating valve is one that helps prevent pumps from overheating which could lead to permanent damage. It is a common occurrence when a pump goes dry.
How Are The Pumps Protected By Valves
A centrifugal pulp makes use of centrifugal force. This let’s it’s transform mechanical energy into pressure energy. How is the energy created? Simple. It comes from the rotation of the impeller action. This is done on the fluid inside the pump.
It is very important that the centrifugal pump has any minimum liquid flowing through it. This is done to control or prevent overheating. There are certain volumes that aren’t supposed to be present in this valve or it could lead to pump damage.
How Does The Valve Work In Pump Protection
There are various ways this happens. Here are a few;
No return scenario
In the no return scenario, the pump doesn’t posses any form of back-flow prevention therefore causing the fluid to flow back once the pump stops. This is where a non return valve comes in. It should be placed just after the pumps outlet. There is also the presence of a reservoir that collects the fluid when it isn’t needed.
Continuous flow scenario
In the continuous flow scenario, it could be a manual bypass or a leakage path which would be added in order to allow the required fluid flow right back into the pump’s inlet. It is a very simple but also very effective method. However it isn’t the best when going for an energy efficient option because it is constantly in operation.
Control valve scenario
This is a highly effective system. In this option, the flow meter is carefully connected to the valve and this lets the main flow be metered properly. This way, when the volume of the flow goes down, the control valve would open up on offer to allow the right volume go through. You should have it in mind that it is quite expensive because if it’s need for capital intensive solutions.
How Does Automatic Recirculation Valve Operates?
A check valve disk acts as the heart of this valve. It is used in determining and sensing the flow rate of fluids. The valve disk present isn’t pressure sensitive however it is flow sensitive. It is used to control the flow in order to ensure a parishioner fluid volume makes it’s way through. This in turn leads to a more consistent flow no matter the range of pressure.
The bypass closes when the valve disk is at full capacity and the pressure decreases. When there is an increase flow of fluid, the disk lifts and this causes the element of the bypass to close and limit the recirculation. All this is carefully done and engineered to prevent damage.
