RIKO® Plunger Valves installed at the Escondido Pipeline Station |
However, these plug valves used at the terminal station had difficulty withstanding the excessive cavitation and vibration caused by extreme pressure differences. Local residents complained about unbearable cavitation noise and vibration that not only badly damaged the valves but nearby homes as well. As a result of the damage, the valves had to be replaced every three to five years.
The SDCWA needed to find a solution to this problem, so it started looking for valves that were more resistant to cavitation and vibration. As such, the Water Authority chose the RIKO® Plunger Valve based on its ability to control the flow of water under high pressure while minimizing cavitation and vibration. A custom-control outlet was added to the valve to meet the specific flow and pressure requirements for cavitation-free operating conditions.
The valves had to be delivered and installed in a seven-day window in order to minimize the impact of the system shutdown. This meant that construction, coatings, custom actuation, production, documentation, and delivery had to be carried out on time in order to meet the needs of the SDCWA.
Accordingly, just two days before the plunger valves were scheduled to be installed, they reached their final destination -- the Escondido Terminal Station. Staff from actuator manufacturer Auma was ready and waiting to connect the actuators and put them into operation. The assembly and installation of the two 36-inch plunger valves ran like clockwork -- everything went according to plan. Then came the moment of truth: putting the valves into operation.