Pressure relief valves eases inspection of surge vessels for Dwr Cymru Welsh Water in UK

Water service provider Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has initiated a programme to install pressure relief valves (PRV) in surge vessels across South and Mid Wales in the UK.

Designed by Quantum Engineering Developments (QED), the PRVs enable in-service inspections without causing any disruption to the system.

The technology has been helping the water firm to manage its surge vessels in a better way since over 50% of the company’s vessels in South Wales have been fitted with QED’s Duplex PRVs.

Besides allowing for inspection when the system is operational, the PRVs can also quicken the process, thus reducing the time spent for it.

Welsh Water statutory maintenance engineer Greg Sullivan said: "A lot of these vessels were built in the ‘seventies without really having best maintenance practice in mind.

"Previously it would take two or three people two or three days to do this job – now one person can do it in half a day. This represents a benefit for the company."

Surge vessels are standpipes or storage reservoirs which are installed across water and sewerage network to balance sudden pressure drops or surges in pipelines. If not controlled, such surges can result in burst pipes and wastage of water which can cause utilities a lot of money.

QED operations manager Tim Harper said: "Well-maintained surge vessels are essential for protecting water mains.

"It is a legal requirement for any kind of pressurised vessel to follow strict statutory inspections by insurance company inspectors, but releasing assets for inspection in itself risks disruption of supply and statutory non-compliance.

"The design of the Duplex Pressure Relief Valve means inspectors can switch between one control valve and another – ensuring both are working correctly without the need to isolate the pressure vessel and disrupt the system."

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Image: QED’s Duplex PRV backplate mounted on the floor at the base of a surge vessel. Photo: courtesy of Quantum Engineering Developments.