Fast valve response keeps Fowey dry

Fowey is a picture-postcard harbour town in South Cornwall. Over the past few years, the residents had been experiencing several internal and external sewer flooding events centred around the Whitford Yard and Lostwithiel Street areas. 

To protect residents from future flooding and enhance public health, South West Water designed a new sewer installation project that would transform the 70 metre-long sewer between Whitford Yard and the Town Quay pumping station into a modern service residents could rely upon not to flood.

Completed in February and March of 2021, the project South West Water undertook was not without its challenges: The narrow streets of Fowey and the need to close main thoroughfares had to be managed to minimise disruption, which included when components could be delivered to site.

South West Water's planning for the Fowey sewer upgrade was detailed and included state-of-the-art valves that would be integral to deliver a reliable defence against any future flooding. Once the project's specifications were complete, South West Water required a company with the valve technology needed and which could supply this time-sensitive project with ease.

Gareth Reece, internal sales engineer, T-T Flow, explains how being able to supply the required valves from stock was critical for the Fowey sewer project: “T-T Pumps was clearly the ideal supplier as these valves are ready to go from stock. The time constraints and circumstances involved in this project due to low tide, access to the public areas, harbour master accommodating the installation and a trailer full of safety equipment already set up, meant that we had to react quickly and efficiently to hit these tight deadlines. Due to our flexible approach and constant customer communication, we were able to arrange dedicated transport to ensure they arrived on-time.”

Efficient valve supply

The DN150 recoil non-slam check valve features weld deposit bronze seats, unlike some competitor valves that tend to offer push-fit seats, which risk detachment under higher velocities. 

In addition, the T-T Flow recoil check valves special design ensures rapid closure where extreme flow exists. Its robust design incorporates an angled seat, and its high eccentricity design reduces the risk of water hammer and valve slam.

Also, mechanical assistance is gained by reducing inertia coupled with the optimal suspension of the moving components. A suitable check valve for reducing water hammer in supply systems, often caused by sudden changes in pump state, benefitting from reduced door travel to minimise the potentially damaging effects of water hammer.

As a result, the DN150 was deemed a perfect choice for the demanding environment of the new Fowey sewer.

Managing director, Bob Nash, comments on how T-T Pumps has continued to innovate with its value technology: “T-T Flow has invested heavily in our UK in-house research and development team. Utilising the latest design software, we are constantly able to re-evaluate our products which gives us the flexibility to meet our customer’s ever-changing needs.”

South West Water knew they had to partner with multiple contractors to deliver the Fowey sewer upgrade on time and with the minimum level of disruption to residents, and ensure all works were completed before Fowey welcomed its annual visitors.

Ultimately, the Fowey project was successful due to detailed advanced planning, which included using a supplier that consistently meets the high demands of companies across the water industry.

For more information, visit: www.ttpumps.com