Introduction to Water Supply Valves
Drinking water is the most essential requirement for everyone – it cannot be replaced by anything else.
That is why all water supply valves used in networks across the UK should be of the highest quality.
Our Mankenberg pressure and level control valves are designed consistently to be practical in terms of installation/maintenance and have long operational life spans for the highest reliability.
Our valves are manufactured from corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel and also can be supplied in stainless steel epoxy-coated versions.
Mankenberg stands tall with more than 100 years of experience in the extraction, treatment and distribution of water and waste water. Using only high-quality materials and application-oriented designs, some of them are in service for more than half a century.
Specifically, our EB1.12 automatic air valves are manufactured in accordance with DVGW, Drinking Water Ordinance, DIN2000 and UBA guidelines.
Solutions for Water Treatment Plants
In some cases where lower-quality valves are used from alternative manufacturers, we have been alerted to extreme cases where animal faeces containing cryptosporidium parasites have leeched into water supply lines.
With our standard valve solutions, we can guarantee:
- The highest quality construction from deep-drawn 316L (1.4404) stainless steel body material with elastomer materials to suit the media (typically EPDM for air, but FKM, FFKM, Metallic and others are available).
- Quick release body clamp rings for easy access to internals for cleaning and maintenance.
- Lightweight for installing on any existing pipework structures and compact design for tight space claims.
- Time-tested design offers the longest possible operation life span (50+ years observed under proper maintenance) and therefore low cost of ownership.
UK Water Network Project
Boiswood supported a key water network with mechanical design efforts to provide a viable and bespoke solution to a problem involving traces of tar being found in the water supply lines. This problem was causing massive issues to operations on-site.
We worked closely with engineers on-site to adjust the seal materials on the specified/existing KA2 condensate traps and other related pipeline valves to be able to withstand the harsh conditions of the applications media.
KA2 condensate traps are operating in reverse to the automatic air valves, draining liquid condensate from the bottom of a tank/system rather than expelling air from the top.
Seal materials where adjusted to various combinations of FFKM and Graphite to cope with the solid particulate of tar and other particularly nasty build-ups of biogas/effluent.
THP (Thermal Hydrolysis Plant) and AER (Advanced Energy Recovery) are forward thinking, advanced technologies that will help towards a green and energy efficient economy. Boiswood is pleased to have been a part of this project and as a result, our KA2 condensate traps have been successfully specified and are continuing to operate trouble-free with fantastic reviews from site operations managers and maintenance coordinators.
Our valves are time-tested and have been used/approved by:
- Thames Water
- MWH
- South West Water
- Severn Trent Water
- Wessex Water
- Anglian Water
- Skanska
Standard Air Valve Models
Our standard valve solutions often utilised in water/wastewater treatment systems include:
- Automatic Air Valves - that are usually continuously bleeding and venting air from a system, tank, vessel or pipeline. These are also available as combination air valves to perform dual function during startup of systems as well. If you're not sure which one you need, our help to guide on bleeding and venting valves is available here.
- Autodrains - that are used to drain condensate from the bottom of a tank.
- Pressure Reducers - used to reduce down air or water pressure from a high (frequently fluctuation) P1 to a lower (controlled steady) P2.
- Air Vacuum Valves - used to protect tanks and vessels from vacuum damage, also known as vacuum breakers, vacuum release valves or anti surge valves.
Custom Designs and Solutions
We can also help with customised air release valve solutions to help with individual application challenges. Some of these could include:
- Floats made of special materials (such as PA coating) to help combat against aggressive media.
- Vacuum resistant designs to prevent any damage of the float or restriction of media flow.
- O-Zone resistant designs with special coatings.
- ATEX approved designs for Biogas or Hydrogen standards.
- Non-Return/Check valves on the outlet side to prevent any backflow inside the valves.
- Liquid repellent mesh on the outlet side to prevent leakage when installed in different orientations (ref. figure right).
- Filters on the inlet side to prevent large particulate from entering inside the unit causing blockages.
- Special body construction materials from Duplex, Super Duplex, Hastelloy, Titanium and more (eg. Seawater resistant).
Industry Applications and Case Studies
We have a wealth of applications and case studies specifically for the water/waste water treatment industries, including:
- RP115 pressure reducing unit and DM555 pressure reducers for drinking water suppliers.
- EB1.12 air release valve for bleeding and venting of O-Zone reactors.
- VV34 vacuum breakers for absorbtion in the activated charcoal filter and rapid filtration of raw water.
- RP116 back pressure regulator for preventing pressure peaks downstream of water pumps.
- EB3.51 air vent valve for treatment of river water in waterworks facility and overflow protection in artesian wells.
For more specific information on these installations, please contact us.
Epoxy Coated Valves
We can also offer self-acting valves outside of our normal stainless steel models, nicknamed the “Blue Line” due to their epoxy-coated cast steel bodies.
Either pilot or directly operated depending on the application, these valves allow for an enormous spectrum of control ranges and flow rates. The internal parts of stainless steel, high-quality epoxy coating as well as elastomers are according to KTW and DVGW worksheet W270.
Many other additional/optional features are available to prevent pressure surges or cavitation.
Why Trust Us?
At Boiswood, we are an official and trusted partner of Mankenberg Industrial Valves, working together with them for over 15 years.
For a more detailed breakdown on the specific features and benefits these valve solutions can offer, check out our self-regulating pressure control valve guide here.
Still need some guidance? Contact our experienced technical team here for application support and advice on components for your system.