Valve for wastewater to balance head and flow

[foregiven]

I am working on a wastewater system that is currently in place that we are proposing modifications to assist with the disposal beds being unequally dosed. The system is set to dose a different bed each day, but some of the beds are "paired" beds such that they are smaller than the normal bed but together equal the size of the larger single bed. both paired beds should both be dosed equally. Unfortunately one of the beds has a lower head then the other and received more of the flow while the other bed gets little to no flow. We would like to fix this. The current idea is to install a gate valve on the bed with the lower head to help adjust the head. Any additional thoughts would be helpful. Thank you.

 

[bimr]

The only reliable dosing method is to automate the process. Install an automated shutoff valve on each bed and use a timed dosing schedule (different for each bed) that will allow you to time the pumping to each bed. If you want to get fancy, install a mag meter to meter the flow.

 

[foregiven]

thank you for your reply. Actually the system is already automated through auto control valves and a pump station that time doses the beds; however the paired beds are dosed together off of one valve and the above (first post) occurs. the valve chamber is small and to install another automated valve would require control upgrades and valving and pipe work inside the chamber that has no room. Our thoughts were the gate valve on the line as the paired beds split after the valve chamber.

 

[bimr]

If that is what you are doing, it should function satisfactorily. I would rather see a plug valve instead of gate valve.

 

[foregiven]

Thank you, What were you r thoughts on using a plug valve as opposed to a gate valve?

 

[bimr]

Plug valves are usually used in wastewater and when open are full ported. With the full-area port there is no diminished or constricted flow with the valve is open. It should be easier to clean out if it gets plugged

Gate valves usually require more maintenance.

Not really a major issue. If you have a used valve sitting there, go and use it.