ACV AUTOMATIC CONTROL VALVES

ACV
AUTOMATIC CONTROL VALVES
ACV
AUTOMATIC CONTROL VALVES
Sierra automatic control valves ACV SCOPE OF SUPPLY
are hydraulically operated pilot
NOMINAL DIAMETER: DN50 - DN1000
actuated globe valves that are
PRESSURE RATINGS: PN10, PN16, PN25
used to control pressure, flow
TEMPERATURE RANGE: +1°C to +65°C
or level in water and irrigation
DESIGN: EN1074-5
networks
FLANGE DIMENSIONS: EN1092-2, ISO7005-2
Sierra ACVs consist of the
TIGHTNESS CHECK: EN12266, ISO5208
main valve (Globe valve) and
a hydraulically operated pilot
(actuator) that functions using ACV FIELDS OF APPLICATIONS
the hydraulic energy of the fluid
PRESSURE, FLOW, LEVEL, AND PUMP CONTROL
thus ensuring independence
IN THE FOLLOWING FIELDS:
and reliability of the equipment
We encourage you to consult
• Water pipelines and distribution networks
Sierra representatives when
• Irrigation pipelines and networks
you have any questions. Our
• Ground reservoirs and elevated tanks
experienced engineers will help
• Pumping Stations
you identify the right solution for
• Water hammer systems
your application.
• Water treatment plants

ACV PRODUCT OFFERINGS

Main Function Model Main Function Model

Network Pressure Reducing 1100 Network Relief 1200R
Control Sustaining valve 1200 protection Surge Anticipating 1200R-11
Valves (Flow & Differential pressure 1200DP Valves Pipe Bursting 1300PB
Pressure control) Flow Limiting 1300 Check valves 1800
Level Control Modulating Float 1400 Electric Valves Single Solenoid 2100
ON/OFF Float 1500 Pump Control 2100PC
Altitude 1600 Dual Solenoid 2200
Motorized Pilot 2300

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OPERATING PRINCIPALS
FOR AUTOMATIC CONTROL VALVES
IN ORDER TO EXPLAIN HOW AN ACV WORKS THE FIRST STEP
IS TO SHOW AN ACV OPERATING AS AN ON/OFF VALVE.
THEN THE OPERATING PRINCIPAL OF THE MODULATING FUNCTION IS EXPLAINED.

ACV OPERATIONS
A) Operating principle ON/OFF function

1) Valve closing
When the isolation valve at the inlet of the pilot
system is open it will allow flow from the upstream to
fill the valve bonnet. When the isolation valve at the
downstream is closed flow will be trapped inside the
bonnet and the main valve disc will be forced to close
(inlet valve open / outlet valve closed).

2) Valve opening
When the isolation valve at the inlet of the pilot
system is closed it will prevent flow from the upstream
to fill the valve bonnet. When the isolation valve at
the downstream is open the trapped water inside the
bonnet will be released allowing the main valve disc
to open.

B) Operating principle modulating function

A modulating ACV will take a certain intermediate position between the fully open and fully closed in
order to control a certain function (pressure, flow or level). This is achieved by adding different types
of pilots to suit different functions. In the following paragraph we describe the operating principle of a
downstream pressure controller (PRV). The valve has the ability to act as an ON/OFF valve, as shown in
the first 2 figures or as a modulating valve as shown in figure number 3.

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1) Single Function Operation

• Valve closed
When the pilot closes water is trapped inside the
bonnet and the main valve disc will be forced to close.

• Valve Opened
When the pilot opens water is released from the
bonnet allowing the main vave disc to open.

• Valve Modulating
The main valve will mimic the small pilot valve. When
the latter partailly closes the main valve does the same
and vice versa.

The pilot valve reacts to a change in external signal

received from the system. This signal might cause the
pilot valve disc to partially close (hence closing closing
the main valve) or to partially open.

 
2) Multifunction Function operation

Sierra ACV’s can perform two or even three functions

at a time. For example a single valve that be used to
control downstream (PRV) and upstream pressure
(sustaining) at the same time. In certain situations a
thrid function might be required as well (float control,
electric solenoid, or non return). These are but a few of
the many possibilities offered by our valves.
Multiple functions are achieved by varying the
control/piping arrangement. This saves a lot of cost for
the user and ensures system safety.

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ACV
AUTOMATIC CONTROL VALVES
MAIN VALVE COMPONENTS AND DIMENSIONS
25 2
24 22
21 26
20 10
7 15
19 14
16 23
18 4
17 3
12 11
5 6
8 13
1 9

DESCRIPTION MATERIAL STANDARDS

Main Body Standard Option
1 Body Ductile Iron EN-GJS-400/12 EN-GJS-500/7 EN1563
2 Cover Ductile Iron EN-GJS-400/12 EN-GJS-500/7 EN1563
3 Disc Ductile Iron EN-GJS-400/12 EN-GJS-500/7 EN1563
4 Diaphragm retainer Ductile Iron EN-GJS-400/12 EN-GJS-500/7 EN1563
5 Gasket Retainer Ductile Iron EN-GJS-400/12 EN-GJS-500/7 EN1563
6 Body Seat SS316 Ductile iron Integral Seat EN10088
7 Upper Guide Bronze LG2 EN 1982
8 Lower Guide Bronze LG2 EN1982
9 Valve Stem SS304 SS316 EN10088
10 Spring SS304 SS316 EN10088
11 Gasket EPDM NBR
12 Diaphragm BUNA N reinforced nylon
13 O-Ring NBR
14 Stem Nut Bronze EN1982
15,16,17 SS304 SS316 EN10088
Nut, Washer and Stud

DESCRIPTION MATERIAL STANDARDS

Pilot System Standard Option
18 Ball Valve (Inlet) Nickel Plated Copper-Alloy SS316
19 Y-Strainer Bronze + SS SS316
20 Fixed Restriction SS304 SS316 EN10088
21 Needle Valve SS316 Cu + SS EN10088
22 Pilot Bronze SS316 EN1982
23 Ball Valve (Outlet) Nickel Plated Copper-Alloy
24 Position Indicator Cu + SS
25 Air Vent Bronze
26 Plug SS304 SS316

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SIERRA MAIN BODY AND PILOT SYSTEM
Sierra’s main valve consists of 3 parts; body, Cover
and mobile unit assembly (disc, diaphragm, retainers,
and stem) which are all made in ductile cast iron to
guaranty an improved strength to weight ratio, greater
ductility, toughness, and wear resistance. All parts
are epoxy powder coated with minimum thickness of
250microns to protect the valve from corrosion.

The mobile assembly is the only moving part and is

guided by two bearings one in the cover and one
in the seat. The bearings guide the stem assembly
for precise alignment with the seat. This alignment
assures low friction during opening/ closing or
throttling operation as well as positive closure.

MOBILE UNIT

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A) Optional DesiGN Features for Body

1- Special disc design

To accommodate for low flow requirements.

2- Low flow bypass

To be installed on the main valve for low flow
requirements.

3- Anti Cavitation Trim

It’s designed to accommodate high pressure
differences at small openings to avoid cavitation.
(AVAILABLE TILL DN200 ONLY)

4- Spring Lift devise

To be used in case there is not enough upstream
pressure to open the main valve.
(AVAILABLE UP TO DN300)

5- Non return feature in main valve body

This feature is very useful when used in combination
with pump control, inlet reservoir valves.

B) Optional Design features for Pilot system:

1- Automatic Air Valve on valve cover

This is particularly useful when the system operation is
not continous.

2- Self cleaning filter

For easier cleaning and better protection of piping
system against clogging.

3- Limit switches
The main valve can be equipped with two limit
switches giving a remote signal showing if the valve is
either open or closed.

4- Feed back Position

The main valve can be equipped with a feedback
position transmitter wich gives a remote analogue
signal 4-20 mA.

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DIMENSIONS OF AUTOMATIC CONTROL VALVES

Dp
H1
H2

PN10 FLANGES PN 16 FLANGES

DN L H1 H2 Dp D K L2 N BOLTS D K L2 N BOLTS
50 230 195 82.5 240 165 125 19 4 M16 165 125 19 4 M16
80 310 260 100 380 200 160 19 8 M16 200 160 19 8 M16
100 350 335 110 400 220 180 19 8 M16 220 180 19 8 M16
150 480 405 143 420 285 240 23 8 M20 285 240 23 8 M20
200 635 510 170 550 340 295 23 8 M20 340 295 23 12 M20
250 622 590 210 600 400 350 23 12 M20 400 355 28 12 M24
300 699 655 230 730 455 400 23 12 M20 455 410 28 12 M24
400 914 750 290 800 565 515 28 16 M24 580 525 31 16 M27
500 1143 1040 360 1000 670 620 28 20 M24 715 650 34 20 M30
600 1295 1120 400 1000 780 725 31 20 M27 840 770 37 20 M33
700 1607 1240 500 1300 895 840 31 24 M27 910 840 37 24 M33
800 1776 1345 550 1500 1015 950 34 24 M30 1025 950 40 24 M36
900 1800 1600 568 1700 1115 1050 34 28 M30 1125 1050 40 28 M36
1000 1800 1600 633 1700 1230 1160 37 28 M33 1255 1170 43 28 M39
ALL DIMENSIONS IN mm

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ACV
AUTOMATIC CONTROL VALVES
ENGINEERING DATA
FLOW CHARACTERISTICS
The flow characteristic of a valve is the relationship 100
between the position of the disc and the rate of 90
flow through the valve. Each valve has its own flow
80
coefficient (also known as Kv value).

OPENING PERCENTAGE %
70
For best performance Control Valves should 60
be operating at 15% - 75% of stem valve travel
50
(shown on the Y-axis between the 2 dotted lines),
which is approximately 5% - 80% of Kv values. 40

30
At a degree of opening less than 15% the valve
is probably oversized and is subjected to severe 20

operating conditions. When the disc is so close to the 10

seat there is a risk of wear, cavitation, and haunting.
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
CV PERCENTAGE %

VELOCITY LIMITS
The maximum allowable continuous velocity through an ACV varies depending on the required func-
tion and the available head loss. For more details on this topic please refer to the data sheet section of
the required function.

The maximum allowable continuous velocity should not exceed 4m/sec at the valve flange.
The minimum allowable continuous velocity should not be less than 0.4m/sec at the valve flange.

HEAD LOSS CHARACTERISTICS (INCLUDING K AND KV TABLES)

The head loss characteristics show how much pressure (Head) is lost through a fully open valve. Each
valve has its own head loss factor which is used to calculate the total pressure drop at a given size and
flow rate.

Under free opening condition the head loss caused by the valve is around 5meters. Once the velocity
reaches 2m/sec (under free opening condition) the valve is fully open and acts as an orifice, hence the
head loss is calculated using the following equation:
 
ΔH= K*(V²/2G)
ΔH =HEAD LOSS (M)
V=AVERAGE VELOCITY (M/SEC)
K =RESISTANCE COEFFICIENT

DN 50 80 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 500 600 700 800 1000
KV 49 62 130 203 458 683 1272 1430 1831 3256 3256 5087 5502 9400
K 9 19.8 11.3 15.2 12.3 16.4 11.5 12.2 12.8 10.8 20 18.3 13.7 19.6

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CONTROL VALVES SIZING & CAVITATION
Control valves are not sized to the pipeline diameter but in accordance with the application and the
maximum and minimum flow conditions. Maximum and Minimum Flow rates as well as downstream
and upstream pressures are required to determine the correct valve size.

Valve Cracking Pressure

A minimum differential pressure of 0.5 bars is necessary to ensure proper performance of automatic
control valves up to DN700.
All larger valves require a minimum differential pressure of 1 bar to operate.

Cavitation
Cavitation can occur in valves when used in modulating service. Cavitation is the sudden vaporization
and condensation of a liquid downstream of the valve due to localized low pressure zones. When flow
passes through a throttled valve, a localized low pressure zone forms immediately downstream of
the valve. If the localized pressure falls below the vapor pressure of the fluid, the liquid vaporizes and
forms a vapor pocket. As the vapor bubbles flow downstream, the pressure recovers, and the bubbles
violently implode causing a popping or rumbling sound similar to tumbling rocks in a pipe. The
sound of cavitation in a pipeline is unmistakable. The condensation of the bubbles not only produces
a ringing sound, but also creates localized stresses in the pipe walls and valve body that can cause
severe pitting.

Cavitation Chart:
Use the cavitation charts in the table below to determine whether the valve subjected to cavitation
ALWAYS TRY TO BE IN THE CAVITATION SAVE ZONE (NORMAL WORKING CONDITION)

26

24
Danger of
22
Cavitation
20
Normal Working Condition
18

16
INLET PRESSURE (bar)

14

12

10
Not Applicable
8

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
OUTLET PRESSURE (bar)

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ACV
AUTOMATIC CONTROL VALVES
CONTROL VALVES APPLICATIONS
A) NETWORK CONTROL VALVES
1- PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE
• Sustaining
• Flow limiting
• Check
• Solenoid
• Low flow by pass
2- PRESSURE SUSTAINING VALVE
• Flow limiting
• Check
• Solenoid
3- PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL
4- FLOW LIMITING VALVE
• Check
• Solenoid

B) LEVEL CONTROL VALVES

1- MODULATING FLOAT
2- ON/OFF FLOAT
• Sustaining
• Flow Limiting
3- ALTITUDE VALVE

C) NETWORK PROTECTION VALVES

1- PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
2- SURGE ANTICIPATING
3- PIPE BURSTING VALVE
4- CHECK VALVE

D) ELECTRONIC CONTROL VALVES

1- SOLENOID CONTROL VALVE
2- PUMP CONTROL VALVE
• Sustaining
• Check
3- MOTORIZED PILOT
• Reducing
• Sustaining
• Flow limiting

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A) NETWORK CONTROL VALVES
(FLOW AND PRESSURE CONTROL)

1- DOWNSTREAM PRESSURE CONTROL

(REDUCING VALVE)
(SIERRA MODEL 1100 VALVE)
This valve maintains a constant downstream pressure
regardless of fluctuation in upstream pressure or
downstream demand.

2- UPSTREAM PRESSURE CONTROL

(SUSTAINING VALVE)
(SIERRA MODEL 1200)
When installed in-line this valve sustains minimum
backpressure thus prioritizing pressure zones and
preventing line emptying.

They are also used to protect pumps from overload.

3- PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL VALVE

( SIERRA MODEL 1200DP)
This valve is used to maintain a constant pressure
difference between pump inlet and outlet pressure
in order to operate the pump efficiently and to avoid
possible cavitation.

4- FLOW LIMITING VALVE

(SIERRA MODEL 1300)
This valve prevents excessive flow by limiting it to a
preselected maximum rate; they are used at the inlet
and outlet of reservoirs and in networks to prevent
some users from excessive usage.

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B) LEVEL CONTROL VALVES

1- MODULATING FLOAT VALVE

(SIERRA MODEL 1400)
Maintains a constant level of water in ground
reservoirs.

2- ON/OFF FLOAT VALVE

(SIERRA MODEL 1500)

Maintains water level between two points

(Hi and Low) in ground reservoirs.

Additional functions that can be added to this valve

include the following:
- Pressure sustaining pilot
- Flow limiting pilot

3- ALTITUDE VALVE
(SIERRA MODEL 1600)
Maintains a constant level of water in elevated tanks.
It is different from float valves in that it senses
changes in pressure through a sensing line
connected to the tanks drainage pipe.

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C) NETWORK PROTECTION VALVES
1- PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
(SIERRA MODEL 1200R)
Protects the pipeline from damages that can be
caused by high pressure peaks by relieving excess
pressure out of the system.

2- SURGE ANTICIPATING
(1200R-11)
Limits water hammer effects due to sudden pump
shutdown or power failure.

3- PIPE BURSTING VALVE

(SIERRA MODEL 1300PB)
Prevents flooding that may occur when pipeline
breaks by shutting off the pipeline shortly after the
damage.

4- HYDRAULIC CHECK VALVE

(SIERRA MODEL 1800)
This valve prevents backflow without causing slam or
water hammer by opening and closing in a controlled
manner.

5- PUMP CONTROL AND PRESSURE SUSTAINING VALVE

WITH CHECK FEATURE
(SIERRA MODEL 1900)
The model 1900 pump control valve is an electrically
operated - hydraulically actuated control valve used to
control surges caused by pump starting and stopping
and provide adjustable back pressure on pump while
it is running. A check feature is added to automatically
close the valve on electric power failure.

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D) ELECTRIC VALVES

1- SINGLE SOLENOID CONTROL

(VALVE MODEL 2100)
The valve is actuated by a (NO/NC) solenoid valve
instead of the hydraulic pilot. It can be used to
perform many functions such as level control valve by
connecting the solenoid with an electronic float.

2- DUAL SOLENOID CONTROL

(VALVE SIERRA MODEL 2200)
This valve can be used to control flow based on a
signal from a flow meter. It is typically used when
remote and frequent adjustment of the set point is
required.

3- MOTORIZED PILOT
(SIERRA MODEL 2300)
The model 2300 is a series of motorized pilots that
can be used with all network control valves; pressure
reducing, sustaining and flow limiting valves. The
motorized pilot is basically a conventional hydraulic
pilot that is driven by a motor for remote set point
adjustment.
A typical application of PRV electric control pilot is the
pressure management application.

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 Sierra Automatic Control Valves
are hydraulically operated pilot
actuated globe valves that are
used to control pressure, flow
or level in water and irrigation
networks.

Sierra Engineering & Manufacturing

12A Hassan Sabry st,

Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt.
T +2 02 27 36 99 09
F +2 02 27 36 99 91
i n fo @ s i e r r a - e g. c o m
sierra- eg.com

ACV AUTOMATIC CONTROL VALVES