The Automatic Recirculation Valve (ARC) is designed to protect centrifugal pumps during low flow conditions. The pump is protected from overheating by the recirculation of a minimum flow.
Pump manufacturers will dictate the minimum flow requirements. They may differ from one pump to the next. The valve is designed for flow at normal capacities via the main valve. The bypass is also well-sized to allow for minimum flow when necessary. A flow sensing element, which is often a disc-shaped device that looks like a disc, acts as a check valve to prevent reverse flow from the pump.
How it works and its application
The minimum flow valve, which is an automatic circulation valve, provides protection during the low load operation. The minimum flow valve opens to allow for bypass flow. This allows the pump load to drop below the minimum flow. This valve protects pumps that are exposed to the hot boiler water. This valve is used when there is partial or complete evaporation of water that could cause the pump’s failure. This valve ensures that minimum flow is maintained even when boilers are closed completely.
This valve can also be used to protect high-performance pumps during the startup phase. This allows for parallel use of several pumps with one pump on standby. The recirculation valve allows for smooth swapping between pumps without causing damage. These valves are used in the chemical, refining, maritime, paper, pulp, and power industries to provide this type of pump protection.
How to choose an ARC valve
There are many recirculation valves on the market, just as there are various pump brands. You need to make sure you get the right recirculation valve from the beginning to provide you with the functionality you desire. When buying or selecting a valve, you should consider the design, which will determine its smooth operation, bypass and check feature combination, protection level offers, and availability of high-pressure variants. These are just a few of the factors that can help you choose the right valve for your needs.
There are many sizes of automatic recirculation valves. You can choose the right size depending on your application. There are sizes from 1 inch to 24 inches. You can have larger sizes made especially for you to give you the efficiency you need.
An ARC valve can also be made from different materials. The most popular are cast steel, stainless steel, and nickel-based alloys. Valves can also be made from titanium and zirconium, among other materials. Choose the right material for your application.