A stormwater outfall located on the Hampton River in Virginia was constantly affected by tidal water, blocking the pipeline with mud and silt. The existing metal flapgate valve would not operate properly, getting stuck in the closed position from the mud and silt blocking it.
To protect the stormwater outfall from backflow and flooding, officials at Hampton University (where the outfall was located), consulted the water and wastewater experts at Flomec, sales representatives for Red Valve Company, a world leader in backflow prevention technologies. A 30” CheckMate® UltraFlex® In-Line Check Valve was selected to remedy the situation, due to its proven track record of backflow prevention and its ability to freely drain and clear itself of mud and silt. The CheckMate UltraFlex Valve also boasts extremely low headloss, allowing for near 100 percent flow capacity.
The installation crew coordinated the installation to occur during low tide and installed the patented CheckMate UlltraFlex In-line Check Valve quickly and easily. Installing the unit prior to high tide eliminated the need for dewatering, as well as the difficult challenge of blocking tidal water. Typically no modification to the pipe or structure is required to install the CheckMate UlltraFlex.
“The CheckMate Valve was simply inserted into position inside the outfall and clamped into place,” Flomec’s Ron Evins said. “The installation went flawlessly, and the CheckMate fit in the outfall like a glove.”
