Does your automatic minimum flow valve need recognition?

Nothing lasts forever, and a timely review can prevent more than one unpleasant surprise. The automatic recirculation valve typically operates in critical applications. If the valve were to become blocked, our pump would be left unprotected, and the problem could become considerable. If there is a constant leak in the bypass, the pump is still protected, but energy is being wasted. In most cases, it does not usually pose any problems; the consequence is that its existence is often overlooked. That’s why we believe it deserves recognition.

In principle, all parts are interchangeable and susceptible to wear over time. Here are the most common parts:

For the Schroedahl TDM valve, the bypass insert complete is usually requested (See TDM Bypass M detail)  which includes bypass parts and the gasket assembly from Pos. 10 to Pos. 36. Additionally, Pos. 30, cover gasket, can be requested. Also, the housing can be requested (See TDM Housing detail)

For the Schroedahl TDL valve, the bypass insert complete is usually requested (See TDL Bypass L detail) including bypass parts and the gasket assembly from Pos. 11 to Pos. 38. Additionally, Pos. 30, cover gasket, can be requested. Also, the housing can be requested. (See TDL Housing detail)

For the Shcroeder SSV18/20 valve, is usually requested the following spare parts sets (See SSV18/20 detail): Bypass Valve Head (pos. 12, 13, 14, 94.1 y 94.2), Non Return Valve in Bypass (pos. 16, 17, 78.2 y 95.3), O-ring (pos. 78.1) y Coil Spring (pos. 95.1)

For the Schroeder SIP valve, the complete insert bypass (See SIP detail) is required, which includes the bypass parts and the gasket assembly (parts 11, 15- 21, 26, 78.3, 78.4, 78.5, 79.1, 79.2, 79.3, 91.4, and 93.1).

Additionally, cover gasket (part 78.1) and spring assembly (parts 95.1 and 95.2) are needed. The lifespan of the internals depends on the valve’s operating conditions, ranging from just a few months to decades in some cases. It is recommended to perform a visual inspection every year to ckeck the condition.

Wear can occur due to cavitation, typically generated by two causes:

· When the back pressure in the bypass is close to the fluid’s vapor pressure. In this case, a back pressure regulator could be included in the bypass pipeline to ensure higher back pressure at that point and prevent cavitation.

· The process flow of the pump operates typically at points close to the pump’s minimum flow, forcing the valve to operate with the bypass partially open. In this case, we recommend changing the valve to a model more suitable for these operating conditions. Another common reason is the presence of dirt in the fluid that obstructs the valve internals. In this case, we recommend using a filter before the valve with a filtration grade of 300 microns or less.

At Minflowvalve, we are fond of minimum flow valves. We have professionals who have dedicated many hours to the operational maintenance of these devices. Additionally, we have marketed spare parts and new valves at different stages. Therefore, we are dedicated to ensuring the optimal performance of ARV valves through various specialized services. These
include:

· Maintenance services
· Supply of spare parts
· Complete valve replacement
· Technical support

Minflowvalve supplies a wide range of models from the leading ARV valve manufacturers in the market. Depending on the application, size, rating, and maintenance philosophy, we recommend certain brands. When a recurring problem is detected with a brand model, we recommend a model change or even a change of brand. It should be noted that the mentioned brands and models are for informational purposes only and do not imply any commercial relationship or representation rights.