Why foot valve is used in centrifugal pump?

Why foot valve is used in centrifugal pump?

Foot valves are used to prime up a centrifugal pump; they are known for their efficacy and affordability. Foot valves are a type of check valve and are placed at the pump’s wet well. Unlike other valves, a foot valve is created with a larger flow area than the actual pipe size to make sure that there is less head loss.

What is the difference between a foot valve and a check valve?

Check valves and foot valves are designed to stop water from going backwards when the pump shuts off. Check valves are normally on the discharge side of pumps, and foot valves are on the intake of pumps.

Why is a foot valve needed?

Why Are Foot Valves Needed? Foot valves are beneficial because they prevent damage to water pumps that can occur due to dry runs, as well as stopping wastage of energy. These valves are a necessary part of all water pumping systems.

How deep is a foot valve?

Cit. Excerpt: Foot Valve installations are sometimes overlooked and misunderstood. Most important, the foot valve shall be installed a maximum of 25 feet vertical distance below the suction pipe of the pump inlet.

Why it is called foot valve?

Overview: A foot valve is a type of check valve that is typically installed at a pump or at the bottom of a pipe line (hence the name). Foot valves act like ball check valves, but have an open end with a shield or screen over it to block debris from entering the line.

How many types of foot valves are there?

Based on the construction of foot valves, there are two types of foot valves, Membrane foot valve, and ball foot valve. Membrane foot valve: In a membrane foot valve, a cylindrical rubber membrane is fitted inside a steel strainer.

What is a foot valve made of?

Foot Valve Alderdice Foot Valves are made of Gunmetal Bronze. They have a nitrile faced valve giving a positive non-return seal. The barrel shaped body allows an easy flow around the valve.

How much pressure should you apply to the foot valve?

A good rule of thumb is for every foot per second of velocity, 54 PSI of back pressure is created. For example, in a 1″ pipe, a flow of only 10 GPM could potentially create a back pressure of up to 370 PSI when the pump stops. Keep in mind, this does not consider the weight of the water column in the well.

Does a foot valve size matter?

It is important that the foot valve is sized for the proper flow conditions and not the pipe size.

Why is it called a foot valve?

  • August 31, 2022