Surge Anticipation Valves

The function of a surge anticipating valve is to eliminate hazardous pressure surges typical of water hammer conditions. A water hammer is caused by an abrupt shutoff of a pump or rapid closure of a main valve, causing fast propagation of a low pressure front, followed by an extremely high pressure back-wave.

A series of pressure waves, each one composed of alternating low and high pressure, is created within a few minutes. The valve has two pilots, for high and low pressure. Under normal conditions the valve is closed.

It opens when the line pressure drops below a preset pressure, in anticipation to the following high pressure surge and remains open until the anticipation to the following high pressure surge and remains open until the fluctuations subsided. The valve reacts as a quick relief valve in case of a high pressure surge only.

Typical Applications

A surge anticipating valve is typically installed in water systems subject to potential water hammer to protect the water delivery network. It gives extra protection compared to a quick relief valve. It is normally installed in high pressure pump-fed large systems with upward topography.

Plumbing Diagrams

See our Downloads for some typical control valve configurations. Other configurations are available on request.