Tag: frequently asked questions
Introduction The interface between a valve and its control mechanism remains one of the most frequent points of failure in modern water and wastewater treatment plants. A surprising industry statistic suggests that nearly 60% of “valve failures” are actually actuation or interface failures—issues with sizing, mounting, signal loss, or power delivery—rather than a failure of […]
Introduction In municipal water distribution and wastewater treatment, the isolation valve is the most critical yet frequently overlooked asset. Industry data suggests that up to 20% of installed gate valves in North America are inoperable or pass water when isolation is attempted during an emergency. For the consulting engineer or utility director, the choice of […]
Introduction The operational resilience of a wastewater treatment plant or lift station is often determined not by its pumps, but by the equipment protecting them. With the rise of “flushable” wipes and non-dispersible textiles entering municipal collection systems, the phenomenon of ragging has transitioned from a nuisance to a critical operational failure mode. Industry data […]
Introduction In the municipal wastewater sector, a single incorrect valve specification can lead to catastrophic ragging, seized actuation, and thousands of dollars in unscheduled maintenance. Engineers often default to “tried and true” manufacturers, but nuances in product lines and specification details can obscure the best choice for specific hydraulic conditions. A frequent point of discussion […]
Introduction In the design of municipal wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations, the eccentric plug valve serves as the workhorse for isolation and throttling of sludge, slurry, and raw sewage. However, a persistent challenge for consulting engineers is navigating the specific mechanical nuances between major manufacturers. Often, specifications are copied from previous projects without a […]
Introduction The substitution request is a familiar scenario for municipal consulting engineers and plant superintendents: a specification calls for a domestic standard, yet a contractor submits an international alternative to reduce capital costs. This creates a critical decision point regarding Crispin Valve vs DHC International for Butterfly Valves: Pros/Cons & Best-Fit Applications. While approximately 70% […]
Introduction In the municipal water and wastewater sector, the butterfly valve is the workhorse of isolation and flow control for large-diameter piping. However, a pervasive issue continues to plague capital improvement projects: the “specification inertia” where engineers copy-paste valve specifications without re-evaluating the current manufacturing landscape. This often leads to suboptimal lifecycle performance, particularly regarding […]
Introduction to Pressure Relief in Hydraulic Systems In municipal and industrial fluid handling, the difference between a reliable system and a catastrophic failure often rests on a single component: the pressure relief valve. Engineers frequently design pumping stations and transmission mains focusing heavily on pump curves and pipe schedules, yet they often treat surge protection […]
Introduction One of the most persistent vulnerabilities in municipal wastewater infrastructure is the susceptibility of dry well lift stations to flooding. Traditional configurations utilizing standard TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled) motors coupled to pumps via long drive shafts offer excellent maintenance access but catastrophic failure modes during flood events. When a dry well floods due […]
Introduction In municipal and industrial fluid handling, the “miscellaneous” valve category often contains the most critical components for system stability and surge protection. While gate and butterfly valves handle standard isolation duties, specialized equipment—such as air release valves (ARV), check valves, pilot-operated control valves, and pinch valves—dictates the hydraulic integrity of the network. Engineers frequently […]