Why Automatic Controls of Virginia Is the Mid-Atlantic's Leading Municipal Water System Valve Distributor

When a municipal water utility in Virginia, West Virginia, or Washington, D.C. needs a valve specified, automated, repaired, or replaced in the middle of the night, there is one name that comes up again and again: Automatic Controls of Virginia. Known throughout the region simply as ACVA, the company has spent more than five decades earning a reputation that is hard to overstate. From its 30,000 square foot headquarters at 310 Hill Carter Parkway in Ashland, Virginia, ACVA has quietly become the most trusted municipal water valve distributor in the Mid-Atlantic — and the reasons are practical, not promotional.

More Than Fifty Years of Specialized Municipal Water Experience

ACVA opened its doors in 1973 and has been serving the region's water and wastewater utilities ever since. That kind of longevity matters in municipal water work because the systems themselves last for decades. Plant operators routinely deal with valves that were installed before they were born, alongside brand new SCADA-integrated automated assemblies. ACVA's engineers have lived through every generation of that infrastructure. They know which resilient seated butterfly valves perform best in raw water service, which plug valves hold up in sludge applications, and which air release valves keep a distribution main from cavitating. That institutional memory cannot be replicated by a national catalog supplier or a recently formed distributor.

The Hoitt family's continued leadership of the company adds another layer of continuity. Customers who called ACVA twenty years ago often find themselves working with the same people, or the next generation trained by them. In an industry where turnover at large distributors is constant, that stability translates directly into better recommendations and fewer mistakes.

A True In-House Valve Automation Center

Most valve distributors sell a product and hand the customer off to someone else when automation, modification, or assembly is needed. ACVA built its business around a different model. Its Valve Automation Center handles design, fabrication, machining, assembly, and testing of automated valve packages entirely under one roof. That includes quarter-turn and multi-turn actuated valves of virtually any size — from small pneumatic ball valves used in chemical feed systems to large butterfly and gate valves that control flow through municipal pipelines.

The practical impact for water utilities is significant. When a treatment plant needs a complete, tested, calibrated, and documented valve-actuator assembly, ACVA ships it ready to install. There are fewer handoffs, tighter quality control, and meaningfully faster turnaround than a typical regional distributor can offer. In-house machining capability also means custom brackets, mounting kits, and modifications do not require a third party, which keeps project schedules predictable.

Deep Bench of Premier Manufacturer Partners

A distributor is only as strong as the lines it represents, and ACVA represents many of the most respected names in the municipal water industry. The company's portfolio includes Val-Matic, OCV Fluid Solutions, Emerson Bettis actuators, Crane Centerline butterfly and Duo-Chek check valves, Saunders diaphragm valves, ASCO solenoid valves, Apollo, XOMOX, EIM, EL-O-MATIC, Westlock, Fairchild, Dwyer, AMETEK, Tel-Tru, and Valmet Flowrox, among others. For a municipal engineer or public works director specifying a project, this matters because the right valve for a given application is rarely the only valve a vendor happens to stock. ACVA's breadth allows genuine consultative recommendations rather than steering customers toward whatever is on the shelf.

Engineering, Training, and 24/7 Emergency Service

Selling components is the easy part. Supporting them is where most distributors fall short and where ACVA distinguishes itself. The company employs factory-trained service technicians who handle field service, commissioning, and troubleshooting throughout the region. Training programs help operators and maintenance teams get more life out of their installed base, and engineering support is available during design, procurement, and after installation.

Water treatment never stops, and neither do failures. ACVA backs its installed base with genuine 24/7 emergency service — not a call center logging tickets, but actual technicians who know the equipment and often know the facility. For a plant manager facing a stuck inlet valve at 2 a.m. on a Sunday, that responsiveness is the entire point of using a regional specialist instead of an online catalog.

Regional Knowledge That Generic Suppliers Cannot Match

ACVA understands the Mid-Atlantic's specific operating realities: the regulatory environment in D.C., the climatic swings between the Shenandoah Valley and Tidewater, the procurement processes used by Virginia public utilities, and the budget constraints that shape every project. That local knowledge consistently produces better outcomes for municipalities than national vendors who treat every job as interchangeable.

The Bottom Line for Municipal Water Customers

For engineers, utility directors, and public works departments across Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C., the case for Automatic Controls of Virginia comes down to four words: experience, capability, partnership, and accountability. A half century of municipal water specialization, a true in-house Valve Automation Center, the region's strongest manufacturer lineup, factory-trained service technicians, and around-the-clock emergency support combine to make ACVA the leading and most respected municipal water valve distributor in the region — and the obvious first call when the work has to be done right.

To learn more or discuss a project, contact ACVA at (804) 752-1000 or visit acva.com.

Achieving Reliable Flow Control: Swing Check Valve Innovations for Municipal Water Systems

Municipal water systems rely on swing check valves to maintain smooth, reliable operation, especially in challenging environments involving high head pressures, multiple pumps, and surge tank installations. These valves allow water to flow in one direction and prevent backflow by swinging a disc or clapper into a closed position when the flow reverses. In doing so, they protect pumps and pipelines from damaging pressure surges and mechanical stress, which can lead to costly downtime and repairs.

Engineers often select swing check valves for their straightforward design and dependable functionality. A properly sized and installed check valve operates unobtrusively by remaining open during forward flow and closing quickly once the pump shuts down or when flow reverses. This fast closing action eliminates backflow, lowers the risk of water hammer, and safeguards equipment from sudden changes in pressure. In high head scenarios, where water exerts significant force on system components, a robust check valve ensures the system continues running efficiently while minimizing undue strain on pumps and pipes.

Multiple pump and surge tank systems also benefit from swing check valves that respond rapidly to changes in flow and pressure. When multiple pumps operate in parallel, any imbalance in flow can cause sudden reversals that threaten the entire network. Swing check valves with carefully designed discs and springs maintain consistent directional flow despite dynamic conditions, which helps prevent damage to pumps and pipelines. These valves also serve as crucial safeguards in surge tank installations by managing the abrupt fluctuations that surge tanks sometimes experience. If flow reverses suddenly, the valve closes almost instantly and stops large volumes of water from flowing backward into the system.

Among the swing check valves available for municipal water applications, Val-Matic’s Surgebuster® check valve has earned a strong reputation for its reliability and advanced design features. The Surgebuster® addresses the typical weaknesses of conventional check valves by employing innovative technology that prevents slamming and reduces pressure surges. It includes a disc that closes with a controlled, non-slam motion, which diminishes water hammer and prolongs the life of system components. Its streamlined body also ensures minimal head loss, so utilities see improved efficiency and fewer energy costs over the long term.

Val-Matic has gained the trust of engineers and operators who need a dependable check valve for demanding municipal projects. The Surgebuster® has emerged as the preferred solution because it meets the critical performance standards that utilities demand in modern water systems. It operates consistently through fluctuating pressures and flow rates, which allows water departments to minimize service interruptions and maintain better overall water quality for their communities. The valve’s robust construction also stands up to corrosive elements and repeated opening and closing cycles, so water system managers see fewer replacements and less system downtime.

In addition to excelling under high head pressures and in multiple pump configurations, the Surgebuster® offers the versatility needed for surge tank applications. By combining rapid response times with non-slam operation, it shields infrastructure from damaging surges and erratic flow reversals. Utilities value this level of protection because it extends the service life of pumps, pipes, and other key infrastructure elements, all while reducing the chance of sudden, expensive emergencies.

Swing check valves continue to play a crucial role in ensuring municipal water systems run smoothly, and Val-Matic’s Surgebuster® stands out as the go-to choice for municipalities seeking a reliable, efficient, and long-lasting option. Its proven track record in high head, multiple pump, and surge tank installations underscores its importance as a cornerstone of well-designed water distribution networks.

Automatic Controls of Virginia
https://acva.com
(804) 752-1000

Ensuring Water System Integrity with the Val-Matic Resilite Combination Air Valve

AWWA Standard C512 is a technical standard published by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). Titled "Air Release, Air/Vacuum, and Combination Air Valves for Waterworks Service,"  it provides specifications and guidelines for the design, construction, testing, and operation of air release valves, air/vacuum valves, and combination air valves used in waterworks service. These valves are crucial in water distribution systems to manage air pockets and vacuum conditions, ensuring efficient and safe operation. They help prevent damage from water hammers, maintain pipeline integrity, and provide clean water delivery to consumers.

The Val-Matic Resilite Combination Air Valve exemplifies superior engineering in managing air and vacuum conditions within water distribution systems. This valve, designed for municipal waterworks, combines advanced functionality with robust construction, ensuring reliable performance and long-term durability. The Resilite Combination Air Valve effectively releases air during system filling and admits air during drainage or vacuum. This dual functionality prevents airlock, mitigates potential water hammer effects, and maintains optimal hydraulic conditions within pipelines, safeguarding infrastructure and reducing maintenance costs.

The valve's construction emphasizes resilience and corrosion resistance, utilizing durable polymers and reinforced components. These high-quality materials ensure longevity under various environmental conditions, from harsh climates to corrosive water chemistry. The robust design enhances operational reliability and minimizes downtime and maintenance interruptions, which are crucial for ensuring an uninterrupted water supply to communities.

Innovative features within the valve enhance its usability and performance. Precision-engineered mechanisms allow for efficient air release and intake without compromising system pressure or flow dynamics. Rigorous testing protocols validate the valve's performance under simulated operational conditions, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. These features highlight Val-Matic's commitment to delivering solutions that meet and exceed the expectations of waterworks professionals worldwide.

The valve's design is not just about performance, but also about practicality. Considerations for ease of installation and maintenance are built into the design. User-friendly features simplify assembly and servicing procedures, reducing labor costs and optimizing operational efficiency for water utilities and engineering firms alike. This focus on practical usability underscores Val-Matic's dedication to providing high-quality, reliable solutions for the waterworks industry, making the valve a cost-effective choice for professionals.

The Val-Matic Resilite Combination Air Valve is a testament to engineering excellence in water distribution technology. By integrating cutting-edge design with robust construction and user-centric features, this valve sets a benchmark for reliability, efficiency, and longevity in managing air and vacuum conditions within municipal water systems. Communities relying on resilient infrastructure for clean and reliable water supply can trust the Val-Matic Resilite Combination Air Valve to ensure the integrity and efficiency of their water distribution networks. This valve remains a preferred choice for waterworks professionals seeking to maintain optimal system performance and safeguard against potential damage. The Val-Matic Resilite Combination Air Valve is a symbol of the blend of innovative engineering and practical design that defines high-quality water distribution solutions, instilling confidence in its performance.

Automatic Controls of Virginia
https://acva.com
(804) 752-1000

Why You Should Choose Double Offset Butterfly Valves Over Single Offset

Isolation valves are a critical part of any piping system, but they're not given much thought until it's time to operate them.

They can remain open for weeks or even years, but they must provide a reliable seal when you close them.

Single offset butterfly valves seal with 360 degrees of contact between the resilient seat and the seating surface. However, when open, the seat and mating surface remain in contact at two points. Over time this continuous contact can cause the seat to become compressed and distorted, resulting in two potential points of leakage when the valve is closed, wasting water and compromising your piping system.

Thankfully, Val-Matic has the double offset butterfly valve, a version of our time-tested American butterfly valve that provides reliable isolation service without needing maintenance.

Here's how it works.

In addition to the offset from the body, the center line of the valve shaft has a slight second offset from the pipe center line. This allows the resilient rubber seat to completely lift off the metal mating surface when the valve is fully opened, eliminating rubber seat compression and two potential leakage points.

Add a precision nickel welded seat, and you have the peace of mind of a valve that seals reliably every time.

Contact Automatic Controls of Virginia for more information about the Val-Matic double offset butterfly valve. Call 804-752-1000 or visit https://www.acva.com.

The Val-Matic American-BFV® Butterfly Valve

The Val-Matic American-BFV® Butterfly Valves are the butterfly valve of choice for shut-off service in water systems. The American-BFV® Butterfly Valve line is designed to provide long life, low headloss and trouble-free performance.

The valve is available in 3 inch to 144 inch Flanged connections, Mechanical joint end connections from 4 inch to 48 inches, and 4 inch to 12 inch Wafer design.

If maintenance becomes necessary, the valve is also designed for easy field service. Adjustment of the resilient seat is easily performed with a torque wrench, as compared to epoxy filled seats that require special equipment and materials or bonded seats that cannot be replaced or adjusted in the field. 

Automatic Controls of Virginia
https://acva.com
(804) 752-1000 

Valves for Hydropower

One way of producing electricity is through hydropower, which is installing dams on rivers that have a large drop in elevation—the dam stores lots of water behind it in a reservoir. Near the bottom of the dam wall, there is a water intake. Gravity causes it to fall through a penstock inside the dam. At the end of the penstock, a turbine propellor turns by the moving water. The shaft from the turbine goes up into the generator, which produces the power. Power lines connect the generator to the electric distribution system.

Electricity demand is not constant. Requirements go up and down during the day. Overnight there is less need for electricity in homes, businesses, and other facilities. Hydroelectric plants are more efficient at providing peak power demands during short periods than fossil-fuel and nuclear power plants. One way of doing that is by using "pumped storage", which reuses the same water more than once.

Pumped storage is a method of keeping water in reserve for peak period power demands by pumping water that has already flowed through the turbines back up a reservoir above the power plant when customer demand for energy is low, such as during the middle of the night. The water is then allowed to flow back through the turbine-generators when demand is high and the system is under heavy load.

The reservoir acts much like a battery, storing power in the water when demands are low and producing maximum power during daily and seasonal peak periods. An advantage of pumped storage is that hydroelectric generating units can start up quickly and make rapid output adjustments.

The Hydro/Dam Industry demands can take a toll on valves not up to the job of using the power of moving waters to generate electricity. Val-Matic has several Quarter-Turn and Check Valves that can meet these demands. Quarter-Turn valves such as QuadroSphere® Ball Valves, Ener•G® Ball Valves, and American-BFV® Butterfly Valves are available in a wide range of sizes and pressure classes. The QuadroSphere® has additional flow paths and a seat that is contact minimized for reduced wear and operating torques. Val-Matic's Surgebuster® Check Valve, Tilted Disc® Check Valve, and Swing Check Valve have features and designs to prevent slamming, reduce headloss and provide significant pumping cost savings.

Automatic Controls of Virginia
https://acva.com
(804) 752-1000 

White Paper: Theory, Application, and Sizing of Air Valves in Water and Wastewater System Pipelines

One of the most misunderstood aspects of the water and wastewater industry is the presence of air in a pipeline and its impact on operations. Many operational problems, especially at the time of initial start-up, including damaged equipment, as well as faulty instrumentation readings, are blamed on inadequate thrust blocking, improper pipeline bedding, etc. But in reality, many of these problems are not caused by improper installation of the line, but by failure to de-aerate the line. Properly de-aerating the pipeline with the use of automatic air valves will safeguard it from air-related problems.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Introduction
• Three Basic Types of Air Valves
• Air Release Valves
• Air/Vacuum Valves
• Combination Air Valves
• Air Valve Locations Along a Pipeline
• Air/Vacuum Valve Sizing
• Air Release Valve Sizing
• Summary
• References

DOWNLOAD THE SIZING AIR VALVES WHITE PAPER FROM THIS ACVA WEB PAGE

For more information about Val-Matic products, contact Automatic Controls of Virginia. Call them at 804-752-1000 or visit their website at https://acva.com.

Cavitation in Valves

Cavitation can occur in valves when used in throttling or modulating service. Cavitation is the
sudden vaporization and violent condensation of a liquid downstream of the valve due to localized low pressure zones. When flow passes through a throttled valve, a localized low pressure zone forms immediately downstream of the valve. If the localized pressure falls below the vapor pressure of the fluid, the liquid vaporizes (boils) and forms a vapor pocket. As the vapor bubbles flow downstream, the pressure recovers, and the bubbles violently implode causing a popping or rumbling sound similar to tumbling rocks in a pipe. The sound of cavitation in a pipeline is unmistakable. The condensation of the bubbles not only produces a ringing sound, but also creates localized stresses in the pipe walls and valve body that can cause severe pitting.

Read this white paper, courtesy of Val-Matic, to fully understand what happens when cavitation occurs in valves.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Cavitation Analysis
• Cavitation Data
• Valve Coefficient Data
• Example Application
• Conclusion & Recommendations
• References

For question about the proper applications of valves, contact Automatic Controls of Virginia. Call them at (804) 752-1000 or visit their web site at https://acva.com.

The Val-Matic Quadrosphere Forged Ball Valve Ring Master Seating

The Val-Matic Quadrosphere forged ball valve is a proven unique trunnion mounted ball valve design for long life in numerous industrial applications where fluids with sediment tends to clog and damage traditional ball valves. The ball is not spherical, as in a typical ball valve. Surfaces of the ball are contoured with recessed surfaces on four sides of the ball. The contoured recess surfaces provide for extra flow paths and also provide lift edges that wipe the body seat clean during opening and closing. The hard chrome plated stainless steel ball provides low friction and abrasion resistance. The recessed surfaces provide multiple flow paths for particulates to be flushed from the body during every operation, thereby providing a self-cleaning valve.

The valve is equipped with a seat on both ends to provide bi-directional seating. The seating is available in double block and bleed (DBB) or double isolation and bleed (DIB) depending on the application. As with all trunnion mounted ball valves, when line pressure is applied to the valve, fluid flows behind the seat ring and presses the seat ring and resilient seal insert against the ball to make a tight seal. The ball is directly anchored to the body by rigid trunnions. The ball will rotate 90 degrees during opening and closing but the trunnions prevent any axial motion of the ball during pressurization. The valve stem is equipped with a shoulder to prevent blowout during process operations. The stem is sealed with o-rings and graphite packing for low fugitive emissions and fire safe applications. An emergency injection fitting is provided for emergency sealing until maintenance can be performed. 

For applications like geothermal fluid where scale and sediment are present in high concentrations, the optional ring master seat is used. The ring master uses an external pressure source such as grease or gas to press the seat to insert against the ball. Since the injection pressure is greater than the line pressure, the seat ring pocket is always isolated from the process fluid and cannot collect sediment over time. One method of applying external pressure to the seat is with a pressurized accumulator assembly. Grease or other compatible fluid is injected into the valve and the assembly until the seating pressures slightly higher than the process pressure is achieved. The pre-charged accumulator maintains the proper seating pressure over time. 

The Quadrosphere is available in sizes 2 to 24 inches and ansi pressure classes to 2500. The valves are manufactured in accordance with industry ball valve standards API 6d and 608. The valves have also been certified to fire safe and fugitive emissions standards. 

For more information, contact Automatic Controls of Virginia. Call them at (804) 752-1000 of visit their web site at https://acva.com.

Understanding the Effects of Air in Pipelines

Download White Paper Here

White Paper Courtesy of Val-Matic

The presence of air in a pipeline and its impact on operations is probably one of the most misunderstood phenomena in our industry today. Many operational problems are blamed on inadequate thrust blocking, improper pipeline bedding, etc. These problems include broken pumps, valves and pipe, as well as faulty instrumentation readings. In reality, many of these problems are not caused by improper installation of the equipment but by failure to de-aerate the pipeline. It has been said that if a pipeline is properly de-aerated, you can't guarantee against a line break. However, if you don't properly de-aerate a pipeline, you should be prepared for one.

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DOWNLOAD THE "AIR IN PIPELINES" WHITE PAPER COURTESY OF VAL-MATIC FROM THIS LINK

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For more information, contact Automatic Controls of Virginia. Visit https://acva.com or call (804) 752-1000.

American Water Works Association Valve Standards and Descriptions

The American Water Works Association (AWWA), the leading non-profit, scientific and educational association dedicated to water management and treatment. AWWA members include water utilities, treatment plant operators and managers, and manufacturers. The AWWA maintains and regulates the design and performance standards of valves and actuators used in municipal water treatment and distribution systems.  The following are the standards with links for additional information:

AWWA C500-09 Metal-Seated Gate Valves for Water Supply Service

This standard describes iron-body, brass-mounted, non-rising stem (NRS) gate valves, including tapping gate valves, 3-in. (75-mm) NPS through 48-in. (1,200-mm) NPS, and outside screw and yoke (OS&Y) rising-stem gate valves, 3-in. (75-mm) NPS through 24-in. (600-mm) NPS, with either double-disc gates having parallel or inclined seats, or solid-wedge gates. These valves are suitable for use in approximately level settings in water systems. These valves are intended for applications where fluid velocities do not exceed 16 ft/sec (4.9 m/sec) when the valve is in the fully open position. The major revisions in this edition of ANSI/AWWA C500 include the following: editorial changes to conform to current AWWA form and content; permitting the use of stainless-steel stems and reduced-thickness ductile-iron flanges; addition of stainless steel as a stem material; addition of a "non-integral thrust collar" for stems in NRS valves; addition of aluminum-bronze and silicon-bronze copper alloys; provision for reduced flange thickness for end flanges of ductile-iron flanged valves; addition of 14-in. and 18-in. valve sizes; and, addition of metric fasteners and socket head fasteners.

AWWA C510-07 Double Check Valve Backflow Prevention Assembly

This standard describes the double check valve back flow prevention assembly. The assembly shall be for operation on hot or cold water lines and capable of withstanding a working water pressure of at least 150 psi (1,034 kPa) without damage to working parts or impairment of function. This standard describes hot- and cold-water double check valve back flow prevention assemblies. Assemblies shall be designed to operate at a minimum temperature range of 33ºF to 140ºF (1ºC to 60ºC). Hot water assemblies shall be designed to operate, at a minimum, in water at a temperature range of 33ºF to 180ºF (1ºC to 82ºC). A complete assembly consists of two internally loaded, independently operating check valves, located between two tightly closing resilient-seated shutoff valves, with four properly placed resilient-seated test cocks (see Sec. 4.3.1.3). Major revisions made to the standard in this revision include the following: AWWA standard materials statement has been added (Sec. III.A.2 and Sec. 4.1); synthetic coating of ferrous bodies has been removed (Sec. 4.1.2); the material callouts have been updated (Sec. 4.1.3); the identification of nominal size of the assembly has been revised (4.2.1.1); the requirements for structural capability and operational capability have been revised (Sec. 4.2.2.1 and Sec. 4.2.2.2); the sections on area of waterways, clearance of moving parts, facing rings for poppet-type valves, facing rings for swing-type valves, and bushings have been removed (former Sec. 4.3.1.2 through Sec. 4.3.1.6); the requirements for shutoff valves have been updated (Sec. 4.3.1.6); requirements for operational cycle testing have been added (Sec. 4.3.2.3); and, requirements for replacement parts have been added (Sec. 4.3.4).

AWWA C507-11 Ball Valves, 6 in. through 60 in. (150 mm through 1,500 mm) 

This standard covers gray-iron, ductile-iron, and cast-steel, flanged-end, low-leakage, shaft- or trunnion-mounted, full-port, double- and single-seated ball valves for pressures up to 150 psi (1,050 kPa) in sizes 6-in. through 60-in. (150-mm through 1,500-mm) diameter and pressures up to 300 psi (2,100 kPa) in sizes from 6-in. through 48-in. (150-mm through 1,200-mm) diameter for use in water, wastewater, and reclaimed water systems having water with a pH greater than 6 and less than 12 and with temperatures greater than 32ºF (0ºC) and less than 125ºF (52ºC). Design fluid velocity - the valve assembly shall be structurally suitable for a port fluid velocity of 35 ft/sec (10.7 m/sec) at design pressure and shall be within the allowable stresses noted in Sec. 4.3.1. Pressure class and rated/design pressure - the classes of valves discussed in this standard shall be designed for the maximum rated pressure. Rated pressure is defined as the design pressure at 100ºF (38ºC). The major changes made in this revision of the standard include the following: added sizes 54 in. and 60 in. (1,350 mm and 1,500 mm); added paragraph 25 in Section III regarding the consideration of requiring pulls less than 80 lb (356 N) for hand-wheels and chainwheels; added paragraphs 1.4 on Valve Construction and 1.5 on Description of Operation to Sec. 1, General; revised Table 1 in Sec. 4.3, Port diameter and minimum body shell thickness, to require that the wall thicknesses of ductile-iron construction be the same wall thicknesses as cast steel construction; added paragraph 4.3.9.4 on design methodology for the valve shafts; revised the metal-seat leakage requirements in Sec. 5.1.2.3; revised coating requirements in Sec. 4.4.3; added actuator pressure rating and actuator flow rating to nameplate requirements; and, added Appendix A on Installation, Operation, and Maintenance of Ball Valves.

AWWA C509-09 Resilient-Seated Gate Valves for Water Supply Service

This standard describes iron-body, resilient-seated gate valves with non-rising stems (NRS) and outside screw-and-yoke (OS&Y) rising stems, including tapping gate valves, for water supply service having a temperature range of 33º-125ºF (0.6º- 52ºC). These valves are intended for applications where fluid velocity does not exceed 16 ft/sec when the valve is in full open position. Major revisions made to the standard in this edition include the following: editorial changes to conform to current AWWA form and content; addition of reduced-thickness ductile-iron flanges; addition of stainless-steel alloys for use as a stem material; permitting the use of non-integral thrust collars for stems in NRS valves; addition of aluminum-bronze and silicon-bronze copper alloys; addition of 14-, 18-, and 36-in. valve sizes; addition of socket head and metric fasteners; requirement to use an anti-seize compound with stainless-steel bolts and nuts; and, removal of maximum phosphorus content.

AWWA C515-09 Reduced-Wall, Resilient-Seated Gate Valves for Water Supply Service

This standard describes reduced-wall, resilient-seated gate valves with non-rising stems (NRS) and outside screw-and-yoke (OS&Y) rising stems, including tapping gate valves, for water supply service having a temperature range of 33º to 125ºF (0.6º to 52ºC). These valves are intended for applications where fluid velocity does not exceed 16 ft/sec (4.9 m/sec) when the valve is in the fully open position. Major revisions made to the standard in this edition include the following: revised to cover 42-in. NPS and 48-in. NPS sizes; revised to include integral and non-integral thrust collar stem designs; revised to include reduced flange thickness for flanged-end valves; revised to include socket head and metric fasteners; added additional copper alloys to Table 5; and, revised to include the use of stainless-steel components (Sec. 4.2.3.5).

AWWA C504-10 Rubber-Seated Butterfly Valves, 3 In. (75 mm) through 72 In. (1,800 mm)

This standard establishes minimum requirements for rubber-seated butterfly valves, 3 in. (75 mm) through 72 in. (1,800 mm) in diameter, with various body and end types, for fresh water having a pH range from 6-12 and a temperature range from 33º-125ºF (0.6º-52ºC). This standard covers rubber-seated butterfly valves suitable for a maximum steady-state fluid working pressure of 250 psig (1,723 kPa), a maximum steady-state differential pressure of 250 psi (1,723 kPa), and a maximum fully open fluid velocity of 16 ft/sec (4.9 m/sec) based on nominal valve size. The major revisions made to the standard in this edition include the following: permeation language was moved to the Foreword under Special Issues, Sec. II.C; and, new requirements were provided for mechanical-joint-end valves.

AWWA C542-09 Electric Motor Actuators for Valves and Slide Gates

This standard describes electric motor actuators for valves and slide gates in water, wastewater, and reclaimed water utility systems. Electric motor actuators are designed to produce a multi-turn rotary motion output to actuate a multi-turn valve or gate, or to actuate an external gear head for quarter-turn valves. Electric motor actuators not requiring external gear heads for quarter-turn valves are defined in Sec. 4.4.1.2. This is the first edition of this standard, and therefore, there are no revisions.

AWWA C508-09 Swing-Check Valves for Waterworks Service, 2-In. through 24-In. (50-mm through 600-mm) NPS

This standard describes only iron body, non-assisted, swing-check valves, 2-in. through 24-in. (50-mm through 600-mm) NPS, with mechanical-joint or flanged ends that are installed in approximately level settings in water systems. The manufacturer should be consulted for special conditions. Check valve sizes described in this standard are 2-, 2 1/2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, 14-, 16-, 18-, 20-, and 24-in. (50-, 65-, 75-, 100-, 150-, 200-, 250-, 300-, 350-, 400-, 450-, 500-, and 600-mm) NPS. Sizes refer to the nominal diameter of the waterway through the inlet and outlet connections and the seat ring. Major revisions made to the standard in this edition include the following: the pressure ratings were revised in Sec. 1.1.4; standard end-to-end dimensions were moved from the appendix to the body of the standard in Sec. 4.4.2 and Table 2; new ductile-iron flange thicknesses were added to Sec. 4.4.7.1 and Table 3; and, a new appendix titled "Installation, Operation, and Maintenance of Swing- Check Valves for Waterworks Service" was added.

AWWA C512-07 Air-Release, Air/Vacuum, and Combination Air Valves for Waterworks Service 

This standard describes 1/2 in. (13-mm) through 6 in. (150-mm) air-release valves and 1/2 in. (13-mm) through 20-in. (500-mm) air/vacuum and combination air valves having gray cast-iron or ductile-iron bodies and covers. The valves are designed for use in water systems with maximum working pressures of 300 psig (2,070 kPa [gauge]) and water temperatures ranging from above freezing to a maximum of 125ºF (52ºC). Major changes made to the standard in this revision include the following: added requirements for throttling devices in Sec. 4.3.3; and, added requirements for slow-closing devices in Sec. 4.3.4.

AWWA C517-09 Resilient-Seated Cast-Iron Eccentric Plug Valves

This standard describes resilient-seated cast-iron eccentric plug valves, 3 in. (75 mm) through 72 in. (1,800 mm) in diameter, with flanged, grooved, or mechanical-joint ends, for water, wastewater, and reclaimed water systems having a pH range from 6 to 12 and a temperature range from 33ºF to 125ºF (0.6ºC to 52ºC). The minimum design pressure shall be 175 psig (1,208 kPa) for 3 in. through 12 in. (75 mm through 300 mm) sizes and 150 psig (1,034 kPa) for 14 in. through 72 in. (350 mm through 1,800 mm) sizes. Major changes made to the standard in this revision include the following: expanded Scope and Purpose to include wastewater and reclaimed water service; added references to ANSI/AWWA Standards C541 and C542 for power actuator requirements; and, removed contractual language from the body of the standard.

AWWA C541-08 Hydraulic and Pneumatic Cylinder and Vane-Type Actuators for Valves and Slide Gates

This standard describes hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder and vane-type actuators for operation of valve and slide gates in utility systems. This is the first edition of this standard, and therefore, there are no revisions.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Swing Check Valves and Resulting Mechanical Shock Caused by Reverse Flow

Swing check valve mechanical shock (slam) is caused by the sudden build-up of reverse flow after a pump has stopped, being followed by the sudden stoppage of that reverse flow by the check valve. The faster the check valve closes the less reverse flow, and hence the smaller slam. This video (courtesy of Val-Matic) demonstrates this phenomenon  under real operating conditions.

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