Pressure Relief Valves
Pressure challenges in PFAS treatment systems
Managing water pressure in PFAS treatment systems presents unique challenges that utilities need to navigate. The integration of new treatment technologies with existing infrastructure can create compatibility issues, as many municipal water systems weren’ t originally designed to accommodate the pressure requirements of modern PFAS treatment equipment. Retrofitting existing plants introduces potential pressure imbalances, increases leak risks, and can complicate system operations. For this reason, many PFAS stations are located downstream of treatment plants, just before the water enters the distribution network. In some cases, portable units can be installed in the same position in the distribution network. The energy demands of maintaining necessary water pressures also impact operational costs. This creates a challenging balance between effective treatment and financial sustainability, especially when considering the long-term nature of PFAS contamination. PFAS treatment vessels are typically equipped with“ burst plates”— safety devices designed to rupture when pressure exceeds safe limits. While burst plates are considered a relatively cheap option to prevent vessel damage, a burst plate failure requires immediate system shutdown and staff mobilisation to the treatment site. For utilities serving thousands of customers, even brief treatment interruptions can have consequences.
The solution: intelligent pressure relief
The answer to effective pressure management lies in automated pressure relief systems that respond intelligently to changing conditions. Rather than relying on one-time-use burst plates, PFAS treatment systems benefit from sophisticated pressure relief valves that continuously monitor and adjust to maintain optimal operating conditions. The Cla-Val 50-01 pressure relief valve is a hydraulically operated, pilot-controlled valve that maintains constant upstream pressure within precise limits, automatically modulating open during high-pressure events to exhaust water and relieve dangerous pressure buildup. It closes automatically once the pressure event passes, resuming normal operation without manual intervention. The valve’ s modulating action provides smooth, precise control, maintaining continuous operation during pressure
The Cla-Val 50-01 PRV is a hydraulically operated, pilot-controlled valve ideal for PFAS treatment plants
fluctuations, eliminating costly shutdowns and emergency repairs. Most importantly, it protects expensive treatment equipment while ensuring consistent water quality for consumers.
Sizing, standards and smart controls
Modern PFAS treatment installations typically incorporate one 3” or 4” pressure relief valve per treatment vessel, with larger electronic flow control applications requiring 6” to 16” valves for more complex systems. The sizing depends on system capacity, treatment technology, and specific site requirements. For utilities using federal funding for PFAS treatment projects, compliance with American Iron and Steel( AIS) and Build America, Buy America( BABA) can present additional challenges. Finding a domestic production with reliable lead times
( 4-6 weeks) can factor in when facing regulatory deadlines. The versatility of advanced pressure relief systems extends beyond basic pressure management. Depending on system design, filter manufacturers may incorporate air release valves, combination air valves, pressure reducing valves and automatic flow control valves. Some installations feature highly customised stations that filter organics, inorganics and PFAS in integrated systems, requiring sophisticated control panels for two-way communication between valves and operators. As PFAS treatment becomes standard practice across American water utilities, the lessons learned from early installations will guide future system design. The importance of proper pressure management cannot be overstated; it’ s often the difference between a treatment system that operates reliably for years and one that fails within months. www. valve-world. net Valve World February 2026
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