Zero Velocity Valves for Water Hammer Prevention

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https://whatispiping.com/zero-velocity-valves/

Zero Velocity Valve consists of a Power-assisted Spring-loaded closing disc

that prevents the reverse flow when pump trips. These valves protect the
system from harmful water hammers or surge problems. The design
principle of Zero velocity valves is to arrest the quick-moving water column
at zero velocity. So it eliminates the establishment of any return velocity
which subsequently eliminates pressure peaks.

The zero-velocity valve constitutes an outer shell and an inner fixed dome.
In the center, the valve closing disc is mounted. One or more conical
compressed springs held this disc in a close position in situations when
there is no water flow. A bypass connects the upstream and downstream of
the disc. The springs produce such forces that the disc will be in a fully
open position when the water velocity is 25% of the maximum design
velocity. Again, when the velocity becomes less than 25% of the maximum
velocity, the disc starts closing and fully closed at zero velocity. At this stage,
the upstream water column is prevented from creating pressure surge
waves.

Fig. 1: Typical Zero Velocity Valve

Zero velocity valves are made of barrel or flanged ends as per

requirements. To keep the valve free from corrosion, a high-quality epoxy
coating finish is provided.

Advantages of Zero Velocity Valves

As the zero velocity valves are self-actuating, they can be installed at

remote locations. The major advantages of Zero-velocity valves are:

Controlled closing characteristics and

Low head loss due to the streamlined design

Other benefits of a zero-velocity valve include

Long life

Low maintenance
Trouble-free, smooth operation

Robust construction provides heavy-duty operation.

High-quality leak-proof sealing
Cost-effective solution

Easy installation
Silent operation.

Working Principle of Zero Velocity Valves

The working principle behind the design of zero velocity valves is to arrest
the forward-moving water column at zero momentum. When the velocity is
zero, no return velocity is established.

When a pump suddenly trips, the forward velocity of the water column
decreases due to gravity and friction. When the forward velocity becomes
less than 25%, the flaps of the zero-velocity valve close at the same rate as
the water velocity. The flap comes to the fully closed position when the
forward velocity approaches zero magnitudes. Thus the water column on
the upstream side of the valve is prevented from getting a reverse velocity
to create a pressure surge. The bypass valve maintains balanced pressures
on the disc. It also avoids the vacuum creation on the downstream side of
the valve if that column experiences a certain reversal.

Installation of Zero Velocity Valves

The following steps are usually performed while installing zero-velocity

valves in piping/pipeline systems:

Clean the pipeline thoroughly by flushing to remove any material that

may damage the valve.
 may damage the valve.

Clean the valve from inside and outside to remove any foreign particles.
Zero velocity valves are usually installed in horizontal or inclined
pipelines.
During installation ensure proper alignment of the valve flange and
pipe flange.

Adequately support the upstream and downstream piping

Zero velocity valves are usually manufactured of carbon steel, cast iron,
S.G. Iron, cast steel, and fabricated steel material. However, depending on
the requirement, other materials can be used. The common size range for
the zero velocity valves is 80 mm to 3000 mm.