An Altitude Valve is a mechanically operated control that relies on a differential of pressure between inlet and outlet to assume a level of water, and control its flow when the supply pressure becomes much higher than the head developed by the full reservoir or storage tank. Read on to learn more.
Freezing Temperatures
In many climates low temperatures can be an issue when a mechanical valve is used. While in the past a layer of ice on the water surface could render a float valve inoperative and make a remote altitude type valve seem a good choice, today an electronic sensor can include temperature monitoring and reporting/alarm status when the potential for freezing arises.
Costs
Even smaller water suppliers who used to be concerned with costs of upgrading find that between the lower costs of electronic controls, the lack of maintenance issues or failures, along with remote activity reporting and monitoring, modern electronic sensor level control systems are helping relegate altitude valves to situations where conservation, reliability and supervision are not required.
Complications
Obviously, directly measuring the level of water with a sensor is many times more accurate than a pressure differential assessment. Consideration must also be given to the inlet pressure, to ensure it is always greater than the water level head pressure. Too low a pressure will cause the system to equalize the inlet and outlet pressure, and without a differential pressure, the valve will be stuck, trying to fill but never reaching the max level. With no differential pressure the system fails, with no water flowing in or out of the tank.
Water Level Controls Offers Float Switches
Do you need replacement sump pump float switches? Water Level Controls can help! We also provide replacement water level controls, float switches, liquid level controls and more. Give us a call today at 1-866-243-2505 for custom orders.
