How Water Efficiency Valves Work and How They Can Benefit Businesses
Whether in a manufacturing plant, office building, retail space, or healthcare facility, water valves play a crucial role in daily operations, especially considering that their primary purpose is to control the flow and pressure of water. The main objective of a water valve is to ensure that operations run smoothly, safely, and efficiently, without excessive waste, which can be significant considering the large quantity of water used by commercial or industrial companies.
There are plenty of reasons to invest in water valves in the industrial segment beyond saving on water bills, from improving the workers’ and customers’ safety to boosting manufacturing results, as we describe below.
In Canada, businesses represent a big chunk of the country’s water use:
- In 2021, over 34,410 million cubic metres (m3) of water were sourced in Canada.
- 78.3% of those 34,410 million cubic metres (m3) came from two sectors: thermal power generation and manufacturing.
- In 2019, industrial water use in Canada totalled 91.7% of the total.
It is a simple rule: Large businesses use large amounts of water. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for savings regardless of the size of your operations. The amount will depend on the company’s size and segment, of course, but there are strategies that can make industrial water costs more predictable and even lower. In the case of water valves, for example, leaking pipes could significantly increase water usage over time. This issue could also cause higher pressure on pipes and potentially higher maintenance costs.
But before explaining the purpose and importance of water valves, we must shed light on assurance. How to make sure the water bill is proportional to the water used, since valves bring flow control, but do not necessarily have the technology to audit that? The good news is that there are options out there that can help you not only measure but also control water usage.
According to MGI Controls, a properly installed pressure regulating valve can save up to 30% off a household’s water costs. The impact of such savings for a large business in terms of both water usage and wastewater work could be incredibly large. The Meter Efficiency Valve (MEV), for example, is considered a third-generation water-saving technology and can decrease costs by up to 40%. From large to small businesses, it can make a considerable difference in monthly savings.
There is also the Smart Water Valve, a device integrated with automation systems (smartphones, Alexa, Google Home, for example), allowing the company to monitor unusual water usage and potential leaks everywhere. High-tech, these valves can make decisions, such as stopping the water flow based on the data they receive, reducing water bills by 15 to 35%.
Metter Efficiency Valve (MEV) Companies in Canada
Smart Valve Companies in Canada
- National Support – Canadian Water Savings, AARTech Canada
- ON – Festo
- AB – Central Alberta Security, Alberta Smart Home
Water Valve Companies in Canada
- ON – Elite Valve
- BC – ICONIX Waterworks Canada
Types of Water Valves for Businesses in Canada
Flow Control and Regulation
Water valves allow businesses to manage when, where, and how water is distributed. A control that is essential for process efficiency, water preservation, and consequently to reduce energy consumption and operational costs on a large scale, as the fluid will be well planned and monitored before being used.
Besides preventing failures while allowing for the most efficient output process, water control is also important to avoid damages or even potential accidents, as without valves (and water flow control), the fluid could be forced through a pipeline, overloading beyond what it can handle. As a positive effect, flow control also reduces long-term repair costs.
Emergency Response: Shut-off valves
In case of a leaking, bursting pipe, or maintenance requirement, not so uncommon in small, medium, or large-sized companies, shut-off valves aim to isolate sections of the pipeline for repair or emergency shutdowns, avoiding major damage to the business site and manufacturing. This possibility helps to minimize downtime that impacts performance across operations.
Water-saving valves
Water valves can not only control flow to reduce maintenance costs and avoid accidents, but also help businesses save on water bills.
According to Active Business Services, the ABS Meter Efficiency Valve (MEV), for example, is a patented solution designed to reduce water bills by compressing air pockets in water lines, ensuring you only pay for the water you use. The water solution improves meter accuracy and prevents overbilling, making it a game-changer for water-intensive organizations seeking cost-effective solutions.
Safety & The Plumbing Code
Most commercial plumbing systems must adhere to local and national safety codes. The right valves ensure compliance with these standards, including those related to backflow prevention, water quality, and fire protection.
The main focus of these metrics is to improve safety in many ways, such as decreasing the chances of accidents, contamination, and health issues, and ensuring everyone’s integrity. Therefore, local state and county regulations must be followed since they supersede all others. For more information, check below the guidelines for your province, as well as on a federal level:
Water Valves and Maintenance
Modern valves are designed to operate with minimal maintenance and can last for years under demanding conditions, ensuring the reliability and longevity of the system. Durable and high-quality ones don’t need replacements as often as traditional ones, as in industries, fluids on a large scale can be very abrasive, and can consequently cause extreme wear over time.
A feature to be highlighted is that valves allow operators to control the flow of fluids into different parts or devices within a system, saving them from maintaining individual components or replacing the valves if they are worn out or damaged, without worrying about fixing or replacing extensive pipelines. It makes the maintenance more effective and practical, and improves the industry’s operations as well.
Preventing Contamination
While the fluid is being introduced into a device, valves can help in preventing contamination, overfilling, or underfilling because of their ability to have different types of flow rates. There are many water valves on the market for large-scale industry companies that can meet these needs, depending on the manufactured fluid used.
Safety for Workers
As controlling the flow of fluids through a pipeline is often done manually, mistakes can happen. However, water valves can improve the safety of workers in various ways, such as controlling the right water levels, pressure, and flow. With an industrial water valve in place, there are fewer risks of overloading and, consequently, fewer chances of accidents.
Water Valve Possibilities
Globe valve, ball valve, check valve, diaphragm valve, solenoid valve… There are a few different types of water valves, and valves in general, depending on the company’s needs. This makes it possible for businesses to have more control of not only their water costs but also of their environmental footprint and water usage.
